Document Document Title
US08154321B2 Method and apparatus for time-differential comparison of an analog signal
A time-differential analog comparator is disclosed. An example apparatus according to aspects of the present invention includes a source of a variable frequency signal having a frequency responsive to an analog input. A counting circuit is coupled to count cycles of the variable frequency signal. The counting circuit is coupled to count in a first direction for a first time interval and is coupled to count in a second direction opposite to the first direction for a second time interval that occurs after an end of the first time interval. An evaluation circuit is coupled to the counting circuit. The evaluation circuit is responsive to the count of the cycles of the variable frequency signal after an end of the second time interval.
US08154320B1 Voltage level shifter
A level shifting circuit includes a string of diodes and an active load across which the control voltage is applied. A resistor is coupled across the lowermost diode to develop a switch control voltage. At low control voltage, the diode string allows no current to be developed across the resistor. At higher control voltage, the diodes conduct and the active load takes up the difference between the control voltage and the diode string voltage. A switch responds to the resistor voltage, for switching a load On and OFF. A second active load takes up excess load supply voltage.
US08154319B2 Three-dimensional architecture for integration of CMOS circuits and nano-material in hybrid digital circuits
A hybrid CMOL stack enables more efficient design of CMOS logical circuits. The hybrid CMOL structure includes a first substrate having a CMOS device layer on the substrate, a first interconnect layer with interface pins over the CMOS device layer of the first substrate, a first array of nanowires connected to the interface pins of the first interconnect layer, a layer of nanowire junction material over the first array of nanowires, a second array of nanowires over the nanowire junction material, a second interconnect layer having interface pins disposed over the second array of nanowires, the interface pins being connected to the second array of nanowires, and a second substrate, the second substrate including a second CMOS device layer disposed over the second interconnect layer.
US08154316B2 Method and apparatus for indexing an adjustable test probe tip
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to adjustable test probe tips that are indexable. In one embodiment a mechanism is coupled to a probe tip so that the mechanism may be used to index the probe tip to a plurality of particular positions. A label portion may be provided to communicate to a user that the length of the exposed probe tip is less than a particular length, such as the maximum length an exposed probe tip may be for a particular application.
US08154311B2 Method and device for characterizing the linear properties of an electrical component
A method and device for determining the linear response of an electrical multi-port component has an “estimation procedure” in which an estimated admittance matrix is determined by applying voltages to the ports of the component and measuring the response of the component. The estimation procedure can e.g. consist of a conventional measurement of the admittance matrix. The method further has a “measurement procedure” in which several voltage patterns are applied to the port. The voltage patterns correspond to the eigenvectors of the estimated admittance matrix. For each applied voltage pattern, the response of the component is measured. This allows to measure the linear response of the component accurately even if the eigenvalues of the admittance matrix differ by several orders of magnitude.
US08154310B1 Capacitance sensor with sensor capacitance compensation
A capacitance sensing circuit may include a capacitive sensor configured to conduct a sensor current, a current source for supplying a compensation current to the capacitive sensor, and a current mirror that generates a mirror current based on a compensated sensor current, where the compensated sensor current represents a difference between the compensation current and the sensor current. A measurement circuit generates an output signal corresponding to the capacitance of the capacitive sensor.
US08154305B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus for connection fault self-monitoring with DC bias current
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing connection fault self-monitoring with DC bias current. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for obtaining measurements and detecting connectivity faults associated with a voltage mode sensor. The method can include coupling a DC bias current into a circuit. The circuit includes a voltage mode sensor, and the voltage mode sensor can output a time varying signal. The method can also include setting a nominal level of the DC bias current, monitoring a voltage associated with the DC bias current, and determining circuit connectivity status based at least in part on monitoring the voltage.
US08154300B2 Voltage measuring device and voltage measuring system
In a voltage measuring device, according to a setting of input terminals for setting the number of unit cells to be measured SEL1, SEL2, SEL3, a logic circuit turns on switches in a switching circuit connected to the unit cells to measure a voltage across each unit cell.
US08154299B2 Deterioration determination circuit, power supply apparatus, and deterioration determination method of secondary battery
Provided is a deterioration determination circuit configured by including: an SOC detection unit for detecting an SOC of a secondary battery; an internal resistance detection unit for detecting an internal resistance value of the secondary battery; a first determination unit for determining the status of deterioration of the secondary battery based on the internal resistance value detected by the internal resistance detection unit when the SOC detected by the SOC detection unit is within a range of a pre-set first range; a second determination unit for determining the status of deterioration of the secondary battery based on the internal resistance value detected by the internal resistance detection unit when the SOC detected by the SOC detection unit is within a range of a pre-set second range as a range of an SOC, in which a variation of the internal resistance of the second battery in relation to a variation of the SOC of the secondary battery is different from the first range; and a final determination unit for ultimately determining that the secondary battery is deteriorated when the first determination unit determines that the secondary battery is of the deteriorated status and the second determination unit additionally determines that the secondary battery is of the deteriorated status.
US08154297B2 System and method for predictive maintenance of a battery assembly using temporal signal processing
A technique of monitoring a battery assembly may include monitoring a parameter associated with the battery assembly to obtain a number of monitored parameter samples. A temporal sequence of monotonically increasing values may be generated from the monitored parameter samples. The temporal sequence may be analyzed for an indication of a trend in the monitored parameter toward one of an upper operational boundary or a lower operational boundary to predict a fault condition of the battery assembly.
US08154295B2 Method for determining electric field response to an electromagnetic field induced in the Earth's subsurface
A method for determining a component of electric field response to a time varying electromagnetic field induced in the Earth's subsurface involves measuring magnetic field gradient in at least two orthogonal directions in response to the induced electromagnetic field and determining an electric field response in a direction normal to the magnetic field gradient measurements.
US08154290B2 NMR solenoidal coil and NMR probe having specialized static magnetic field compensating arrangements
Solenoid coil arrangements for sending a high-frequency wave, receiving or sending and receiving in a measurement of an NMR signal, wherein the solenoid coil has at least two leader lines for connections to a resonance circuit. A static magnetic field compensating member is arranged outside of the leader lines and is at least one of: (a) arranged to extend a main solenoid coil in an axial direction, and not to generate a high-frequency magnetic field in a direction to cancel a high-frequency magnetic field generated by the main solenoid coil; (b) constituted by an insulant having a magnetic susceptibility of the same sign as a material of a main solenoid coil and is in an outer side in an axial direction of the main solenoid to contact with the main solenoid coil; and (c) constituted by ring-shaped members divided into a plurality of sections in a circumferential direction.
US08154286B2 Apparatus and method for decreasing bio-effects of magnetic fields
A magnetic field generator includes a power source and a coil connected to the power source to generate a time-varying magnetic field. Energy is applied to the coil so that the coil generates a time-varying magnetic field gradient with a magnitude of at least 1 milliTesla per meter and a rise-time of less than 10 microseconds. One or more of a capacitor, a multi-stage high-voltage switch, and/or a pulse-forming network may assist with the generation of the magnetic field gradient.
US08154283B2 Method and apparatus for automatically analyzing the characteristics of an elastomeric material included in a tire
A method and an apparatus for analyzing at least one material characteristic of a tire wherein nuclear magnetic resonance measuring is applied to a tread block of the tire by means of a nuclear magnetic resonance measuring system including a nuclear magnetic resonance sensor. The apparatus includes a magazine for storing at least one tire, a nuclear magnetic resonance measuring system including a nuclear magnetic resonance sensor, positioning means for moving the nuclear magnetic resonance sensor in at least one direction with respect to the tire, a driving means for driving the tire with respect to its rotational axis, a control unit for controlling the positioning means and the driving means, and a computer connected with the control unit and the nuclear magnetic resonance measuring system. It is possible to automatically analyze the material characteristics of a plurality of tires within a short time.
US08154281B2 Sensor system wherein spinning phases of the spinning current hall sensor are lengthened in residual offset adjustment
A system including a spinning current Hall sensor and a chopping circuit. The spinning current Hall sensor is configured to provide input signals and the chopping circuit is configured to receive the input signals. Spinning phases of the spinning current Hall sensor are lengthened in residual offset adjustment phases to obtain signals that correspond to the residual offset voltages of the spinning phases.
US08154280B2 Thin film lamination, thin film magnetic sensor using the thin film lamination and method for manufacturing the thin film lamination
Relating to a thin film lamination and a thin film magnetic sensor using the thin film lamination and a method for manufacturing the thin film lamination that realizes a thin film conducting layer having high electron mobility and sheet resistance as an InAsSb operating layer. A thin film lamination is provided which is characterized by having an AlxIn1−xSb mixed crystal layer formed on a substrate, and an InAsxSb1−x (0
US08154277B2 Method and apparatus for measuring the thickness of a metal layer provided on a metal object
A method and an apparatus for measuring the thickness of a metal layer. The metal layer has a resistivity (ρ1) that differs from the resistivity (ρ2) of the metal object. The apparatus includes a first device arranged to generate a magnetic field in close vicinity of the metal layer, and to generate a variation of the magnetic field so that a current is induced in the surface of the metal layer, a second device arranged to measure the changes of the magnetic field outside the metal layer due to the induced current during a time period that is longer than the time it takes for the current to propagate through the metal layer, and a computing unit to determine the thickness of the layer based on a mathematical relation between the thickness of the layer and the measured values of the changes of the magnetic field.
US08154274B2 Safety interlock
A safety interlock for use in a medical device having a control system for controlling operation of the medical device includes a central tubular portion defining a fluid passage for passing fluid through the safety interlock. An outer ring portion is adapted for mounting the safety interlock in the medical device. A spoked connector portion connects the central tubular portion to the outer ring portion so that the outer ring portion is spaced radially outwardly from the central tubular portion in opposed relation with at least a portion of the central tubular portion. The safety interlock is adapted for mounting in the medical device in a path of electromagnetic radiation from a source of electromagnetic radiation such that the central tubular portion reflects the electromagnetic radiation to a electromagnetic radiation detector when properly loaded on the medical device.
US08154273B2 Detecting and handling coincidence in particle analysis
Methods and systems substantially eliminate data representative of coincident events from particle analyzer data. A fluid sample containing particles for analysis is prepared. Using an electrical or optical measurement device, signals are sensed. Each signal corresponds to events detected in a sub-sample of the fluid sample flowing through a measurement region in the particle analyzer. The existence of coincidence in the events is determined based on measuring a peak and first and second points of each of the signals. The first and second points have a signal value corresponding to a predetermined portion of the peak. Results data based upon the coincident events and non-coincident events is generated. The results data is then analyzed. In various examples, the method is applicable to a variety of particle types, and may be implemented on different types of particle analyzers including hematology analyzer and flow cytometers.
US08154271B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device
The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes load circuits and internal voltage generators for generating internal source voltages for driving the load circuits. Each of the internal voltage generators includes a reference voltage generating circuit for generating reference voltages, and regulator circuits for generating the internal source voltages with reference to the reference voltages. The regulator circuit is formed over an SOI substrate and includes a preamplifier circuit for detecting and amplifying a difference between each of the internal source voltages and each of the reference voltages, a main amplifier circuit for amplifying the output of the preamplifier circuit and generating a control signal, and a driver circuit for generating the internal source voltage in response to the control signal. An input stage of the main amplifier circuit is configured by MOS transistors coupling the gates and bodies of the MOS transistors.
US08154265B2 Enhanced efficiency low-dropout linear regulator and corresponding method
A low-dropout linear regulator includes an error amplifier which includes a cascaded arrangement of a differential amplifier and a gain stage. The gain stage includes a transistor driven by the differential amplifier to produce at a drive signal for an output stage of the regulator. The transistor is interposed over its source-drain line between a first resistive load included in a RC network creating a zero in the open loop gain of the regulator, and a second resistive load to produce a drive signal for the output stage of the regulator. The second resistive load is a non-linear compensation element to render current consumption linearly proportional to the load current to the regulator. The first resistive load is a non-linear element causing the frequency of said zero created by the RC network to decrease as the load current of the regulator decreases.
US08154264B2 Method and systems for conduction mode control
Methods for selecting between the two modes (states) of operation, continuous conduction and discontinuous conduction, are disclosed. Systems that are capable of selecting the operating mode and operating in the continuous conduction mode or the discontinuous conduction mode are also disclosed.
US08154262B2 Control system provided with power supply unit operating based on operation modes including standby mode
A power supply unit for supplying electric current of a supply voltage to a control unit in an electronic control system has switching regulator dropping an input voltage to an intermediate voltage, a first series regulator producing electric current of the supply voltage from the intermediate voltage, and a second series regulator producing electric current of the supply voltage lower than electric current produced in the first series regulator. During the standby mode of the control unit, an FET of the switching regulator is locked to the on state to accumulate electric charge in a capacitor of a smoothing circuit, while an output transistor of the first series regulator is locked to the off state. When a wake-up condition is satisfied in the control unit, the FET starts the switching operation, and the output transistor immediately starts the driving operation while using the charge supplied from the capacitor.
US08154261B2 Power converter with power switch operable in controlled current mode
A power converter and method of controlling a power switch therein to improve power conversion efficiency at low output current. In one embodiment, the power converter includes a first power switch coupled to a source of electrical power and a second power switch coupled to the first power switch and to an output terminal of the power converter. The power converter also includes a controller configured to alternately enable conduction of the first and the second power switches with a duty cycle in response to an output characteristic of the power converter. The controller is configured to control a level of current in the first power switch when the second power switch is substantially disabled to conduct.
US08154258B2 Backup energy storage module with voltage leveling
An energy storage module for providing backup power to electronic systems includes one or more capacitor banks, each including one or more capacitors for storing energy. The energy storage module also includes a first voltage regulator that may, during a normal mode of operation, provide a regulated direct current (DC) voltage to charge the one or more capacitors of each capacitor bank. In addition, each of the capacitor banks may include a voltage leveling circuit that may maintain a specific voltage on the capacitors. Further, the energy storage module includes an output circuit that may, during a backup mode of operation, provide an output voltage derived from an output of each of the one or more capacitor banks. The output circuit includes a control unit configured to regulate and combine the output of each of the one or more capacitor banks.
US08154257B2 Storage system including a plurality of battery modules
In a storage system provided with a plurality of storage modules, the rated power consumption can be reduced. The storage system is provided with a charge control unit. The charge control unit stops, when detecting that a predetermined number of a plurality of battery modules are during battery charging, the battery charging in the remaining battery modules.
US08154256B2 Battery thermal event detection system using an electrical conductor with a thermally interruptible insulator
A method and apparatus is provided for determining when a battery, or one or more batteries within a battery pack, undergoes an undesired thermal event such as thermal runaway. The system uses an insulated conductive member mounted in close proximity to, or in contact with, an external surface of the battery or batteries to be monitored. A voltage measuring system is coupled to the conductive core of the insulated conductive member, the voltage measuring system outputting a first signal when the temperature corresponding to the battery or batteries is within a prescribed temperature range and a second signal when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature that falls outside of the prescribed temperature range.
US08154250B2 Battery charging controller and battery module using the same
The present invention discloses a battery charging controller for achieving a balanced battery charge. The battery charging controller includes a voltage divider, a switch module and a balance circuit. A reference voltage generated by the voltage divide is used to determine which battery unit in a battery module has an insufficient voltage lower than the others, so that the balance circuit controls the switch module to allow a larger current to charge a lower-voltage battery than a higher-voltage battery, so as to result in substantially the same voltage for each fully charged battery of the battery module.
US08154249B2 Battery pack
An electrical combination including a driver drill capable of producing an average current draw of approximately 20-amps, a circular saw capable of producing an average current draw of approximately 20-amps, and a power tool battery pack operable to supply power to the driver drill and to the circular saw, the battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells each having a lithium-based chemistry.
US08154247B2 Portable telecommunications device
A portable telecommunications device comprises a charging interface for connection to an external power supply, a voltage and current ratio converter configured to convert an input voltage at the charging interface into an output voltage for charging a battery; and a controller configured to control the converter.
US08154245B2 Systems and methods for charging a chargeable USB device
Systems and methods are provided for charging a USB device. A USB connector may be used to couple the system to a USB port on the USB device, the USB connector including a bus voltage (Vbus) connector, a positive data (D+) connector, and a negative data (D−) connector. Charger circuitry may be used to receive a source voltage and convert the source voltage into the bus voltage (Vbus), wherein the bus voltage (Vbus) is used to charge the USB device. Presence detect circuitry may be used to compare a first voltage present on the D+ connector with a second voltage present on the D− connector in order to detect when the USB connector is coupled to the USB port of the USB device.
US08154243B2 Fuel cell potential measuring apparatus and manufacturing method therefor
A fuel cell potential measuring apparatus includes a first sheet member which is arranged on an anode side, and a second sheet member which is arranged on a cathode side. On the first sheet member, an anode potential-applying electrode and an anode potential-measuring electrode are disposed on an end portion thereof, whereas on the second sheet member, a cathode potential-applying electrode and a cathode potential-measuring electrode are disposed on an end portion thereof. Another end portion of the first sheet member and another end portion of the second sheet member are joined together mutually.
US08154242B2 Method of fully charging an electrical energy storage device using a lower voltage fuel cell system
A fuel cell system that includes a fuel cell stack and an EESD electrically coupled to a common high voltage bus line. The EESD has a higher voltage output than the fuel cell stack, and thus the stack is unable to fully charge the EESD, for example, at system shut-down. In order to allow the fuel cell stack to fully charge the EESD, the EESD is separated into a plurality of separate electrical storage banks having lower voltage potentials. A series of contactors are provided to electrically couple the storage banks in series during normal system operation, and separately charge the storage banks using the fuel cell stack so that they are fully charged. The series of contactors can also be configured so that the storage banks can be electrically coupled in series during normal operation of the system and be electrically coupled in parallel during charging at system shut-down.
US08154237B2 Sealed electric compressor
A sealed electric compressor having a normally-off type pressure switch and a fuse element. The pressure switch is placed in a sealed housing, connected parallel to a main winding of an electric motor, and, when the pressure of refrigerant in the sealed housing is abnormally high, activates to short-circuit the main winding. The fuse element is connected in series to the main winding and an auxiliary winding of the electric motor and interrupts conduction of electricity to the electric motor when an excess current that is produced when the pressure switch short-circuits the main winding flows.
US08154233B2 Sensorless method and related device for starting a three-phase brushless direct-current motor
A sensorless method for starting a three-phase brushless direct-current motor includes generating a start-up control signal, a start mode selection signal, and a control signal commutation period; switching to a start mode according to the start mode selection signal; implementing a position aligning procedure according to the start-up control signal and the control signal commutation period; detecting a zero crossing point of back electromotive forces during each control signal commutation period; outputting a sensorless mode selection signal while detecting the zero crossing points of the back electromotive forces during consecutive control signal commutation periods; switching to a sensorless mode according to the sensorless mode selection signal; and detecting a zero crossing point of back electromotive forces in the sensorless mode to determine a starting result of the three-phase brushless direct-current motor.
US08154226B2 Operating apparatus
An operating apparatus including a main body, a movable member, a drive unit having a drive source, and a control unit controlling the drive source to control the position of the movable member relative to the main body. The control unit including a position control system and an acceleration control system. The position control system including a position command portion, a first feedforward compensator outputting a first operation command to the drive source, a second feedforward compensator, a positional-information acquiring device obtaining information related to the position of the movable member, and a first feedback compensator outputting a second operation command to the drive source. The acceleration control system including an acceleration-information acquiring device obtaining information related to an acceleration of the main body, a third feedforward compensator, a second feedback compensator outputting a third operation command to the drive source.
US08154219B2 Method of scanning backlight driving lamps for an LCD
A control signal is provided for turning on and turning off a lamp of a backlight source. For a first duration when the liquid crystal is rotating, adjust a frequency of the control signal to turn on and turn off the lamp of the backlight source consecutively or adjust a duty cycle of the control signal to turn off and then turn on the lamp of the backlight source. Thus, the backlight source has a luminance value for the first duration, and the control signal turns on the lamp of the backlight source for a second duration when the liquid crystal is in the steady state.
US08154217B2 Driver circuit, method for operating and use of a current mirror of a driver circuit
A driver circuit, operating method, and use of a current mirror of a driver circuit is provided that includes at least one output transistor, a reference network with at least one reference transistor, a switching device, which is connected to the control input of the output transistor and to the control input of the reference transistor to form a switchable current mirror, a current source for providing a reference current for a reference current path, whereby the current source and the reference transistor are arranged in the reference current path, a load terminal, whereby the load terminal and the output transistor are arranged in a load current path, and at least one damping network, which is connected to or connectable to the reference current path. Wherein a connection of components of the at least one damping network and a connection of components of the reference network are substantially the same.
US08154214B2 Switching power supply for an illumination device with precision current control
A system and method for powering a light-emitting element in an illumination device includes a DC power supply with the light-emitting element coupled across a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal of the DC power supply. A switching element is coupled between the light-emitting element and the negative output terminal. An average current value across the light-emitting element is measured each time the switching element is turned on. A control circuit generates a PWM signal having a pulse width determined based on the calculated average current value and a predetermined target value, and applies the PWM signal to drive the switching element on and off in accordance with the determined pulse width, and a current is generated across the light-emitting element.
US08154212B2 Circuit for driving light sources and related method
A circuit for supplying a light source (L) such as a high flux (HF) LED with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dimming capability includes: a rectifier (10) for receiving an input bipolar PWM modulated signal (v) representative of a desired dimming level for the light source (L) and produce therefrom a rectified signal; a current regulator (14) to receive the rectified signal and produce therefrom a supply current for the light source (L); and a control module (16) sensitive to the input bipolar PWM modulated signal (v) to control the current regulator (14) to produce a PWM modulated supply current for the light source (L); and a capacitor (18) arranged between the rectifier (10) and the current regulator (14) to stabilize the rectified signal. The circuit typically includes ancillary circuitry (12), such as a microcontroller, connected to the capacitor to be supplied with the rectified signal as stabilized by the capacitor (18). The ancillary circuitry (12) is thus supplied irrespective of the dimming level associated with the input bipolar PWM modulated signal.
US08154210B2 Ion implantation ion source, system and method
An ion source is disclosed incorporating various aspects of the invention including i) a vaporizer, ii) a vaporizer valve, iii) a gas feed, iv) an ionization chamber, v) an electron gun, vi) a cooled mounting frame, and vii) an ion exit aperture. The ion source includes means for introducing gaseous feed material into the ionization chamber, means for vaporizing solid feed materials and introducing their vapors into the ionization chamber, means for ionizing the introduced gaseous feed materials within the ionization chamber, and means for extracting the ions thus produced from an ion exit aperture adjacent to the ionization region. In addition, means for accelerating and focusing the exiting ions are provided. The vaporizer, vaporizer valve, gas feed, ionization chamber, electron gun, cooled mounting frame, and ion exit aperture are all integrated into a single assembly in preferred embodiments of the novel ion source.
US08154209B2 Modulated multi-frequency processing method
A method is provided for operating a processing system having a space therein arranged to receive a gas and an electromagnetic field generating portion operable to generate an electromagnetic field within the space. The method includes providing a gas into the space, and operating the electromagnetic field generating portion with a driving potential to generate an electromagnetic field within the space to transform at least a portion of the gas into plasma. The driving potential as a function of time is based on a first potential function portion and a second potential function portion. The first potential function portion comprises a first continuous periodic portion having a first amplitude and a first frequency. The second potential function portion comprises a second periodic portion having an maximum amplitude portion, and minimum amplitude portion and a duty cycle. The maximum amplitude portion is a higher amplitude than the minimum amplitude portion. The duty cycle is the ratio of a duration of the maximum amplitude portion to the sum of the duration of the maximum amplitude portion and the duration of the minimum amplitude portion. The second periodic portion additionally has a second frequency during the maximum amplitude portion. An amplitude modulation of the second periodic portion is phase locked to the first continuous periodic portion.
US08154208B2 Method of supplying power to an automobile headlight lamp and headlight using that method
A method and headlight adapted to supply power to a dual-mode automobile headlight light source able to provide either main beam mode lighting or dipped beam mode lighting, wherein the light source is supplied with electrical power at a first voltage when it is in main beam mode and at a second voltage when it is in dipped beam mode, the second voltage being lower than the first voltage.
US08154207B2 Light apparatus control system for vehicle
A control unit determines whether a vehicle has entered an area under a covering object that covers the upper side of the vehicle. In the case where the control unit determines that the vehicle has entered the area under the covering object, the control unit turns on light apparatus when both of a measurement of an upper light intensity, which is measured with an upper light intensity sensor, and a measurement of a front light intensity, which is measured with a front light intensity sensor, require turning on of the light apparatus.
US08154205B2 Energy-saving LED street lamp and method for saving energy with the same
The present invention provides an energy-saving LED street lamp and a method of saving energy with said LED street lamp. A energy-saving LED street lamp comprises lamp body, power supply adapters, constant current actuating device, and LED lamps. said constant current actuating device is connected in series with the output end of the Power supply adapter, supplying power to said LED lamps. Said energy-saving lamp also comprises auto light-dimmer energy-saving controller; the signal output end of said auto light-dimmer energy-saving controller being connected with constant current actuating device. Said LED lamps compose a plurality of working module; each of the said working module is connected with an independent Power supply adapter. Said auto light-dimmer energy-saving controller has a plurality of routes of output signal, and each of the route of signal output end is connected with a constant current actuating device, and sequentially control the lighten and extinguish time of a working module. A method of saving energy with said LED street lamp is published, too. The working time each day of LED street lamp is divided into a plurality of working time period on the basis of the measure of light used, and then different quantities of working modules are turned on in different time period controlled by the auto light-dimmer energy-saving controller on the basis of the measure of light used.
US08154203B2 Plasma display rear panel and its manufacturing method
A plasma display member does not cause an erroneous discharge in a display region end portion and includes: a substrate (1); a substantially stripe-shaped address electrode (2) arranged on the substrate (1); a dielectric layer (3) covering the address electrode (2) and a grid-shaped partition arranged on the dielectric layer (3) and having main walls (4) substantially parallel to the address electrode (2) and auxiliary walls (5) intersecting the main partitions (4). The auxiliary wall (5) intersecting the main wall (4) located at the outermost position among the main walls (4) located at non-display regions (7) at the right and left of a display region (6) has a bottom width identical to the bottom width (L1) of the main wall (4) located at the outermost position among the main walls (4) located at the non-display regions (7) at the right and left of the display region (6) which is multiplied by 0.3 to 1.0.
US08154200B2 Encapsulation of organic devices
Presented an organic light-emitting device (OLED) that includes at least one active region, at least one organic layer, a first glass plate on which the at least one active region is applied, and a second glass plate. The active region is disposed between the first and the second glass plates. The first and second glass plates are at least partially transparent in the near infrared spectral range. The OLED further includes a bonding material that includes a solder glass and is disposed between the first and second glass plates. The bonding material forms at least one frame that surrounds the active region and mechanically connects the first glass plate with the second glass plate and seals the active region. The bonding material absorbs near infrared radiation. The OLED further includes spacer particles that have a mean diameter that maintains a height between the first and second glass plates.
US08154198B2 Organic light emitting diode display and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to an OLED display and a manufacturing method thereof, and the OLED display according to the present invention includes a display substrate including an OLED, a sealing member disposed opposite to the display substrate and covering the OLED, and a sealant interposed between the display substrate and the sealing member and that seals them to each other, and the sealant has a curved inner surface and an angular outer surface in at least one of corner areas of the display substrate and the sealing member.
US08154193B2 Organic electroluminescent device
An organic electroluminescence device of the present invention adapts a new concept in its configuration to improve its efficiency in addition to obtain a high reliability and good yielding. The organic electroluminescent device having an electroluminescent film containing an organic material capable of causing an electroluminescence and being arranged between a first electrode and a second electrode, includes: a carrier generation layer, which is a floating electrode, is embodied in the electroluminescent film; an insulting film between the first electrode and the electroluminescent film, and an insulating film between the second electrode and the electroluminescent film, wherein the organic electroluminescent device is driven by an alternating current bias.
US08154188B2 Electron emitting device and image displaying apparatus using the same
An electron beam apparatus is provided having an electron emitting device which has a simple configuration, exhibits high electron emission efficiency, operates stably, and in which emitted electrons are effectively converged. The electron beam apparatus includes: an insulator having a notch on its surface; a gate positioned on the surface of the insulator; at least one cathode having a protruding portion protruding from an edge of the notch toward the gate, and positioned on the surface of the insulator so that the protruding portion is opposed to the gate; and an anode arranged to be opposed to the protruding portion via the gate, wherein the gate is formed on the surface of the insulator so that at least a part of a region opposed to the cathode is projected outward and recessed portions are provided in which ends of the gate are recessed and interpose the projected region.
US08154184B2 Electron beam apparatus and image display apparatus using the same
The present invention provides an electron beam apparatus provided with an electron-emitting device which has a simple structure, shows high electron-emitting efficiency and stably works. This electron beam apparatus has an insulating member and a gate formed on a substrate, a recess portion formed in the insulating member, a protruding portion that protrudes from an edge of the recess portion toward the gate and is provided on an end part of a cathode opposing to the gate, which is arranged on the side face of the insulating member; and makes an electric field converge on an end part in the width direction of the protruding portion to make an electron emitted therefrom.
US08154182B2 Light source device
A light source apparatus is capable of reliably enhancing the starting performance of a high pressure discharge lamp even during hot state just after extinguishing the high pressure discharge lamp by radiating a necessary and sufficient amount of a UV-light into a discharge bulb of the lamp using an UV-enhancer of a simple constitution without increasing the manufacturing cost is provided. An UV-enhancer for radiating a UV-light to a discharge bulb for enhancing the starting performance of a high pressure discharge lamp upon starting lighting includes a discharge tube connected in parallel to a lighting circuit of the lamp, and an external electrode of the discharge tube is formed as a metal holder that holds the outer periphery of the discharge tube so as to oppose the end face of an electrode seal portion of the lamp inserted through a bottom hole in a concave reflector and secures the electrode seal portion to an electrode lead protruding from the end face thereof.
US08154180B1 Light-emitting diode lamp
An LED lamp having a heat-dissipating mechanism has a top casing, a heat-conducting tube and a bottom casing. The top casing has a foundation board, a lamp holder and multiple fins. The foundation board has a first tube guide formed around and protruding downwardly from a perimeter of the foundation board and is made of a metal material. The lamp holder is hollow and centrally mounted through the top casing, and has a second tube guide formed on a bottom thereof. The fins are radially formed on a top of the foundation board and around the lamp holder. The heat-conducting tube is mounted against one side of the first tube guide and within the second tube guide. The bottom casing is securely combined with the top casing. Besides the fins, the heat-conducting tube enlarges the contact area with the top casing, thereby enhancing the heat-dissipating efficiency.
US08154176B2 System and method for resonance frequency tuning of resonant devices
Tunable vibration energy scavengers and methods of operating the same are disclosed. The disclosed energy scavengers comprise a beam with a main body, wherein the beam comprises at least one flap and means for changing a shape of the at least one flap, wherein the at least one flap is physically attached to the main body along a longitudinal side of the main body. The disclosed methods comprise tuning the shape of the at least one flap, thereby tuning the stiffness of the structure.
US08154175B2 Sensing device
A sensing device is disclosed that includes a bistable snap mechanism having a snap element operatively connected to an input element and an output element. The snap element has two discrete positions that provide the output element in one of first and second positions. A resistive sensing element includes a flexible member operatively connected to the output element and is configured to deflect in response to movement of the output element between the first and second positions. A resistor is mounted on the flexible member and is configured to provide a variable resistance based upon deflection of the flexible member.
US08154173B2 Mechanically amplified piezoelectric transducer
A piezoelectric transducer having a component therein for amplifying the deformation of the piezoelectric element so as to increase the available transducer stroke. This amplification of the piezoelectric element may be provided by a mechanical amplifier coupled to the piezoelectric element. The mechanical amplifier is configured to exert a preloading force on the piezoelectric element.
US08154172B2 Electronic circuit for highly efficient driving of piezoelectric loads
The invention relates to a circuit for highly efficient driving of piezoelectric loads, comprising a linear driving circuit portion connected to the load through an inductive-resistive connection whereto a voltage waveform is applied. Advantageously, the circuit comprises further respective circuit portions, structurally independent, connected in turn to the inductive-resistive connection through respective inductors to supply a considerable fraction of the overall current required by the load in the transient and steady state respectively.
US08154165B2 General purpose engine with axial gap type motor/generator
The present invention achieves an improvement in the power generation capacity of a general purpose engine provided for a power generation application while realizing reductions in the weight and size thereof. An optional external apparatus can be attached to one shaft part of a rotary shaft, and an axial gap type motor/generator constituted by power generating rotors (inner and outer rotors) and a stator is attached integrally to another shaft part of the rotary shaft.
US08154162B2 Motor and disk drive apparatus provided with a circuit board with wirings
A motor for holding a disk with a mounting opening in place includes a rotor unit including a rotor magnet rotatable about a central axis and a stator unit including a stator arranged opposite to the rotor magnet and a circuit board electrically connected to the stator. Wiring lines of the circuit board include output-side land portions electrically connected to first ends of coils of the stator, a connection-side land portion electrically connected to second ends of the coils forming a neutral point, a connection portion electrically connected to an external power source, output-side wiring portions arranged to electrically interconnect the output-side land portions and the connection portion, and a connection-side wiring portion arranged to electrically interconnect the connection-side land portion and the connection portion. Each of the output-side wiring portions has a width greater than a width of the connection-side wiring portion.
US08154158B2 Cooling an electrical machine
An electrical machine includes a stator and a rotor disposed in a housing of the electrical machine. The stator includes windings having a first set of end turns at a first end of the stator and having a second set of end turns at a second, opposing end of the stator. The stator has a substantially tubular shape and an interior lateral surface. The rotor extends through the interior of the stator. A flow inlet into a volume in the housing about the first end turns is located radially outside of the interior lateral surface of the stator. A flow outlet from the volume in the housing about the first end turns is located radially outside of the interior lateral surface. The inlet and the outlet are cooperatively arranged to communicate a flow of fluid substantially transverse across the first end of the stator.
US08154154B2 Automatic switch configuration
A system including an input and a controller. The input is configured to receive a switch signal from multiple different types of switches. The controller coupled to the input and can determine the type of the switch by an analysis of the switch signals received from the switch through the input.
US08154152B2 Method of controlling DC/DC converter, fuel cell vehicle for carrying out such method
A triangular-wave current flows through a reactor of a DC/DC converter for converting voltages between increased and reduced levels. Surges are reduced, which are developed in an output voltage serving as a control voltage when the triangular-wave current changes across a zero value at which the current direction is changed. When a primary current flowing through the reactor changes across 0 [A] (zero value) at which the direction is changed, within an adjustment range, a feedback coefficient by which to multiply the error between the control voltage and a target voltage is multiplied by k (k>1) so as to increase a feedback amount. Surges developed in the control voltage due to a dead time when the primary current changes across 0 [A] are reduced.
US08154151B2 Apparatus, method, and system for conveying electrical energy
An apparatus, system, and method, the apparatus includes an intelligent energy transfer system including a configurable switching system electrically coupleable to a vehicle. The vehicle includes one of an electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The configurable switching system is configured to convey a first direct current (DC) energy from a first energy source to an energy storage system of the vehicle, receive a first alternating current (AC) energy conveyed to the vehicle, convey a second DC energy from the vehicle to a first DC powered load, and convey a second AC energy from the vehicle to a first AC powered load. Each of the first energy source, the first AC powered load, and the first DC powered load are located remotely from the vehicle.
US08154148B2 Device and method for emergency electricity supply on board an aircraft
A device and a method for emergency electricity supply on board an aircraft, able to supply a part of the aircraft's electrical power circuit. The device includes a synchronous machine with separate excitation, associated with a flywheel, and an auxiliary device to set the flywheel in rotation and to maintain rotation of the flywheel.
US08154147B2 System and method for controlling a power budget at a power source equipment using a PHY
A system and method for controlling the delivery of power to a powered device in a Power over Ethernet Broad Reach (PoE-BR) application. Cabling power loss in a PoE-BR application is related to the resistance of the cable itself. A PHY can be designed to measure electrical characteristics (e.g., insertion loss, cross talk, length, etc.) of the Ethernet cable to enable determination of the cable resistance. The determined resistance in a broad reach cable can be used in increasing a power budget allocated to a power source equipment port.
US08154146B2 Generator, nacelle, and mounting method of a nacelle of a wind energy converter
An apparatus for wind energy conversion includes a nacelle having a main frame, the main frame having a lower part and an upper part joined to the lower part, the upper part having a first strap extending across the lower part; a stator disposed within the nacelle; a rotor disposed within the nacelle; a mounting surface attached to the main frame and defining a rotor space, the mounting surface having a first side-face that exposes the rotor space; and a flange rotatably supported on the main frame and including a first end connected to the rotor. The rotor is cantilevered from the flange into the rotor space from the first side face.
US08154143B2 Wind energy converter comprising a superposition gear
A wind energy converter configured for transmitting power to an electric grid includes a variable ratio gear system mechanically coupled between a rotor and a generator. A control system is configured to mechanically control a rotational speed of the generator so that, during a low voltage event, the wind energy converter can continue to operate and supply power to the grid.
US08154142B2 Communicating energy storages with different functions
An integrated system of communicating energy storage devices for supplying an alternate power source to operating systems for a wind turbine connected to an electrical grid, is provided. The integrated system includes at least one wind turbine with a rotor, the wind turbine being connected to an electrical grid. At least one operating system of the at least one wind turbine requires an alternate power source during a wind turbine operating condition. Further included are a plurality of energy storage devices capable of supplying the alternate power source. Communication of energy storage between at least two of energy storage devices is provided.
US08154141B2 Wind power installation and method of modifying the blade pitch in a wind power installation
The wind power installation comprises a rotor with at least one rotor blade, a generator, and a pitch control system for controlling the pitch of the rotor blades, said pitch control system comprising at least one AC motor (100) arranged to be fed by a converter (101). The pitch control system further comprises means (102) for bypassing said converter (101) so as to connect the AC motor (100) to receive power from an emergency AC power supply source.
US08154138B2 Municipal wastewater electrical power generation assembly and a method for generating electrical power
An electrical generating assembly 10 which may be selectively used in combination with and/or as part of a municipal wastewater treatment facility 12 and which allows the wastewater treatment facility 12 to generate electrical energy 48, 62, 13 as received wastewater 14 is cleaned according to a plurality of diverse energy generating strategies.
US08154137B1 Portable power source having detachably mounted accessory
A generator has a receiver adapted to receive an electrical accessory in a manner that allows the electrical accessory to be quickly removed when desired by a user. The receiver allows an electrical accessory, such as a parallel connection kit, transfer switch, or work light, to be securely mounted to the generator, but removed when desired without the need for any tools.
US08154133B2 Semiconductor device having low dielectric constant film and manufacturing method thereof
A low dielectric constant film/wiring line stack structure made up of a stack of low dielectric constant films and wiring lines is provided in a region on the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate except for the peripheral part of this surface. The peripheral side surface of the low dielectric constant film/wiring line stack structure is covered with a sealing film. This provides a structure in which the low dielectric constant films do not easily come off. In this case, a lower protective film is provided on the lower surface of a silicon substrate to protect this lower surface against cracks.
US08154132B2 Semiconductor device comprising internal and external wiring
A semiconductor device of the invention include a rectangular semiconductor element mounted on a substrate formed with an external input terminal, an external output terminal, and a plurality of wiring patterns connected to each of the external input terminal and the external output terminal. The semiconductor element comprises, a plurality of first electrodes formed along a first edge of a surface thereof, a plurality of second electrodes formed along an edge opposite to the first edge of the surface, a plurality of third electrodes formed in the neighborhood of a functional block, and an internal wiring for connecting the first electrodes and the third electrodes. The substrate comprises, a first wiring pattern for connecting the external input terminal and the first electrodes, a second wiring pattern for connecting the external output terminal and the second electrodes, and a third wiring pattern for connecting the first electrodes and the third electrodes.
US08154126B2 Methods for wafer-level packaging of microelectronic devices and microelectronic devices formed by such methods
Methods for packaging microelectronic devices, microelectronic workpieces having packaged dies, and microelectronic devices re disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a microelectronic workpiece comprising a substrate having a device side and a backside. In one embodiment, the microelectronic workpiece further includes a plurality of dies formed on the device side of the substrate, a dielectric layer over the dies, and a plurality of bond-pads on the dielectric layer. The dies have integrated circuitry and a plurality of bond-pads electrically coupled to the integrated circuitry. The ball-pads are arranged in ball-pad arrays over corresponding dies on the substrate. The microelectronic workpiece of this embodiment further includes a protective layer over the backside of the substrate. The protective layer is formed on the backside of the substrate from a material that is in a flowable state and is then cured to a non-flowable state.
US08154122B2 Semiconductor package and methods of manufacturing the semiconductor package
A semiconductor package and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor package are provided. A semiconductor package according to the present general inventive concept may include a base substrate having one surface on which a connection terminal is formed and a first package substrate having a molding layer covering the base substrate. The molding layer faces a circumference of the connection terminal and includes a side surface having first and second surfaces having a circumference of a different size, respectively.
US08154117B2 High power integrated circuit device having bump pads
An integrated circuit (IC) includes a substrate having a semiconducting surface, a first array of devices on and in the semiconducting surface including first and second coacting current conducting nodes, a plurality of layers disposed on the substrate and including at a electrically conductive layers and dielectric layer, and a plurality of bump pads on or in the top surface of the dielectric layers. In the IC, the electrically conductive layers define electrical traces, where a first portion of the electrical traces contact a first portion of the bump pads exclusively to a portion of the first coacting current conducting nodes, where a second portion of the electrical traces contact a second portion of the bump pads exclusively to a portion of the second coacting current conducting nodes, and where the electrical traces are electrically isolated from one another by the dielectric layers.
US08154113B2 Interconnect and test assembly including an interconnect
An interconnect includes an elastic body, an electric conductor and a spacer. The elastic body has a first surface, a second surface, a first hole extending from the first surface to the second surface, and a second hole extending from the first surface to the second surface. The electric conductor is disposed in the first hole of the insulating body for contacting one of a plurality of balls of the first integrated circuit package and one of a plurality of conductor pads of the second integrated circuit package. The electric conductor includes an elastic body and electric conductor particles disbursed in the elastic body. The spacer is disposed in the second hole.
US08154112B2 Semiconductor memory apparatus
The semiconductor memory apparatus related to an embodiment of the present invention includes a wiring substrate arranged with a device mounting part and connection pads aligned along one exterior side of the wiring substrate, a plurality of semiconductor memory devices including electrode pads which are arranged along one external side of the wiring substrate, a semiconductor memory device group in which the plurality of semiconductor memory devices are stacked on the device mounting part of the wiring substrate so that pad arrangement sides all face in the same direction, and a controller device including the electrode pads arranged along at least one external side of the wiring substrate, wherein the electrode pads of the plurality of semiconductor memory devices and the electrode pads of the controller device are arranged parallel to an arrangement position of the connection pads of the wiring substrate.
US08154110B2 Double-faced electrode package and its manufacturing method
A dual-face package has an LSI chip sealed with a mold resin, and electrodes for external connections on both of the front face and the back face. The LSI chip is bonded onto the die pad of a leadframe whose outer lead portions are exposed as back-face electrodes at least the back face. The LSI chip and a plurality of inner lead portions of the leadframe are connected by wiring. At least some of the plurality of inner lead portions have front-face electrodes integrally formed by working a portion of the leadframe. Head faces of the front-face electrodes, or bump electrodes connected to the respective head faces of the front-face electrodes serve as electrodes for external connections to another substrate, element, or the like.
US08154104B2 Semiconductor device having a resistor and methods of forming the same
In a semiconductor device and a method of making the same, the semiconductor device comprises a substrate including a first region and a second region. At least one first gate structure is on the substrate in the first region, the at least one first gate structure including a first gate insulating layer and a first gate electrode layer on the first gate insulating layer. At least one isolating structure is in the substrate in the second region, a top surface of the isolating structure being lower in height than a top surface of the substrate. At least one resistor pattern is on the at least one isolating structure.
US08154098B2 Reverse image sensor module and method for manufacturing the same
A reverse image sensor module includes first and second semiconductor chips, and first and second insulation layers. The first semiconductor chip includes a first semiconductor chip body having a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface, photodiodes disposed on the first surface, and a wiring layer disposed on the second surface and having wiring lines electrically connected to the photodiodes and bonding pads electrically connected to the wiring lines. The second semiconductor chip includes a second semiconductor chip body having a third surface facing the wiring layer, and through-electrodes electrically connected to the bonding pads and passing through the second semiconductor chip body. The first insulation layer is disposed on the wiring layer, and the second insulation layer is disposed on the third surface of the second semiconductor chip body facing the first insulation layer and is joined to the first insulation layer.
US08154094B2 Micromechanical component having a cap having a closure
A micromechanical component having a substrate, having a cavity and having a cap that bounds the cavity. The cap has an access opening to the cavity. The cap has a diaphragm for closing the access opening.
US08154091B2 Integrated electronic circuit including a thin film portion based on hafnium oxide
An integrated electronic circuit has a thin layer portion based on hafnium oxide. This portion additionally contains magnesium atoms, so that the portion is in the form of a hafnium-and-magnesium mixed oxide. Such a portion has a high dielectric constant and a very low leakage current. It is particularly suitable for forming a part of a gate insulation layer of a MOS transistor or a part of a MIM capacitor dielectric.
US08154085B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory has resistors including electrode layer formed on low resistance layer adjacent to mask film
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory includes memory cell transistors and resistors. Each memory cell transistor has source/drain diffusion layers provided in a semiconductor substrate, a first gate insulating film located between the source/drain diffusion layers, a floating gate electrode layer located on the first gate insulating film, a first inter-gate insulating film located on the floating gate electrode layer, a control gate electrode layer located on the first inter-gate insulating layer, and a first low-resistance layer located on the control gate electrode layer. Each resistor has a second gate insulating film located on the semiconductor substrate, a first electrode layer located on the second gate insulating film, a second inter-gate insulating film located on the first electrode layer, a second electrode layer located on the second inter-gate insulating film, a second low-resistance layer located on the second electrode layer, and a contact plug connected to the second low-resistance layer.
US08154079B2 Semiconductor device and fabrication method of the semiconductor device
A semiconductor device, which can prevent an element breakdown by alleviating of electric field concentrations, and can also prevent reduction of gain, includes: a source electrode formed on a semiconductor layer; a drain electrode formed on the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode formed between the source electrode and the drain electrode; an insulating film formed on the semiconductor layer and the gate electrode; a field plate electrode formed on the insulating film; and a resistor for connecting the field plate electrode and the source electrode.
US08154077B2 Semiconductor device
According to an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a gate electrode formed on a semiconductor substrate via an insulating layer; a source region including an extension region, a drain region including an extension region, a first diffusion restraining layer configured to prevent a diffusion of the conductive impurity in the source region and including an impurity other than the conductive impurity, and a second diffusion restraining layer configured to prevent a diffusion of the impurity in the drain region and including the impurity other than the conductive impurity.
US08154075B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing the same
A split gate type nonvolatile semiconductor memory device having a FinFET structure includes a semiconductor substrate, parallel trenches on a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and select and memory gate electrodes perpendicular to the trenches. While either the select or the memory gate electrodes are formed prior to the other gate electrodes, each remaining gate electrode is formed adjacent to a side wall of each of the gate electrodes. The semiconductor memory device includes source/drain regions each formed between each pair of the select gate electrodes and between each pair of the memory gate electrodes in protruding portions between each pair of the trenches. A difference between heights of the select gate electrodes and the memory gate electrodes is equal to or greater than a difference between heights of insulation layers formed on the bottom of each of the trenches and the source/drain regions.
US08154066B2 Titanium aluminum oxide films
A dielectric layer containing an insulating metal oxide film having multiple metal components and a method of fabricating such a dielectric layer produce a reliable dielectric layer for use in a variety of electronic devices. Embodiments include a titanium aluminum oxide film structured as one or more monolayers. Embodiments also include structures for capacitors, transistors, memory devices, and electronic systems with dielectric layers containing a titanium aluminum oxide film.
US08154065B2 Semiconductor memory devices including a vertical channel transistor having a buried bit line
Semiconductor memory devices include a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of semiconductor material pillars in a spaced relationship on the semiconductor substrate. Respective surrounding gate electrodes surround ones of the pillars. A first source/drain region is in the semiconductor substrate between adjacent ones of the pillars and a second source/drain region is in an upper portion of at least one of the adjacent pillars. A buried bit line is in the first source/drain region and electrically coupled to the first source/drain region and a storage node electrode is on the upper portion of the at least one of the adjacent pillars and electrically contacting with the second source/drain region.
US08154064B2 Semiconductor constructions
The invention includes semiconductor constructions, and also includes methods of forming pluralities of capacitor devices. An exemplary method of the invention includes forming conductive storage node material within openings in an insulative material to form conductive containers. A retaining structure lattice is formed in physical contact with at least some of the containers, and subsequently the insulative material is removed to expose outer surfaces of the containers. The retaining structure can alleviate toppling or other loss of structural integrity of the container structures. The electrically conductive containers correspond to first capacitor electrodes. After the outer sidewalls of the containers are exposed, dielectric material is formed within the containers and along the exposed outer sidewalls. Subsequently, a second capacitor electrode is formed over the dielectric material. The first and second capacitor electrodes, together with the dielectric material, form a plurality of capacitor devices.
US08154061B2 Bottom gate thin film transistor and active array substrate
A bottom gate thin film transistor and an active array substrate are provided. The bottom gate thin film transistor includes a gate, a gate insulation layer, a semiconductor layer, a plurality of sources and a plurality of drains. The gate insulation layer is disposed on the gate. The semiconductor layer is disposed on the gate insulation layer and located above the gate. An area ratio of the semiconductor layer and the gate is about 0.001 to 0.9. The sources are electrically connected with each other, and the drains are electrically connected with each other.
US08154060B2 Image sensor and sensor unit
This image sensor is so formed as to control at least either the potential of a portion of a transfer channel corresponding to a third electrode or the potential of another portion of the transfer channel corresponding to a fourth electrode to be lower than the potentials of portions of the transfer channel corresponding to a first electrode and a second electrode respectively in a signal charge transferring operation and a signal charge increasing operation.
US08154058B2 Bio-sensor and method of manufacturing the same
A bio-sensor includes a gate dielectric formed on a silicon semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode of a conductive diamond film formed on the gate dielectric, probe molecules bonded on the gate electrode for detecting biomolecules, and source/drain regions formed on the semiconductor substrate at the sides of the gate electrode. The gate electrode is a comb shape or a lattice shape.
US08154054B2 Semiconductor chip
In a semiconductor chip in which external connection pads are arranged in three or more rows in a staggered configuration at the peripheral portion thereof, a first pad which is arranged in the outermost row is used as a power supply pad or a ground pad for an internal core circuit. To the first pad, a second pad which is arranged in the second outermost row is connected with a metal in the same layer as a pad metal. The resistance of a power supply line to the internal core circuit has a value of the parallel resistance of a resistance from the first pad and a resistance from the second pad, which is by far lower than the resistance from the first pad. Therefore, it is possible to prevent circuit misoperation resulting from an IR drop in the power supply of the internal core circuit.
US08154052B2 Light emitting device grown on wavelength converting substrate
In some embodiments of the invention, a device includes a substrate and a semiconductor structure. The substrate includes a wavelength converting element comprising a wavelength converting material disposed in a transparent material, a seed layer comprising a material on which III-nitride material will nucleate, and a bonding layer disposed between the wavelength converting element and the seed layer. The semiconductor structure includes a III-nitride light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region, and is grown on the seed layer.
US08154049B2 ESD protection apparatus and electrical circuit including same
An ESD protection apparatus includes a substrate, a transistor structure arranged in the substrate, and a diode structure arranged in the substrate, a high-resistance electrical connection being provided between the transistor structure and the diode structure in the substrate.
US08154048B2 Diode with shortened reverse recovery time without reducing impurity concentration
In a pn junction diode having a conductivity modulating element provided on a first principal surface of a semiconductor substrate, when an impurity concentration of a p type impurity region is lowered to shorten a reverse recovery time, hole injection is suppressed, thereby causing a problem that a forward voltage value is increased at a certain current point. Moreover, introduction of a life time killer to shorten the reverse recovery time leads to a problem of increased leak current. On an n− type semiconductor layer that is a single crystal silicon layer, a p type polycrystalline silicon layer (p type polysilicon layer) is provided. Since the polysilicon layer has more grain boundaries than the single crystal silicon layer, an amount of holes injected into the n− type semiconductor layer from the p type polysilicon layer in forward voltage application can be suppressed. Moreover, a natural oxide film formed between the n− type semiconductor layer and the p type polysilicon layer in formation of the p type polysilicon layer can also reduce the amount of holes injected into the n− type semiconductor layer. Thus, a time to extract the holes in reverse voltage application, that is, a reverse recovery time can be shortened without using a life time killer.
US08154046B2 Semiconductor light emitting device including bonding layer and semiconductor light emitting device package
A light emitting device is provided. The light emitting device comprises: a conductive support substrate; a bonding layer on the conductive support substrate; a reflective layer on the bonding layer; and a light emitting structure layer on the reflective layer. The bonding layer comprises a solder bonding layer on the conductive support substrate and at least one of a diffusion barrier layer and an adhesion layer on the solder bonding layer, the solder bonding layer, the diffusion barrier layer, and the adhesion layer being formed of a metal or an alloy of which the Young's Modulus is 9 GPa to 200 GPa.
US08154045B2 Semiconductor light-emitting device
A semiconductor light-emitting device includes a lead frame, a semiconductor light-emitting element mounted on the top surface of the bonding region, and a case covering part of the lead frame. The bottom surface of the bonding region is exposed to the outside of the case. The lead frame includes a thin extension extending from the bonding region and having a top surface which is flush with the top surface of the bonding region. The thin extension has a bottom surface which is offset from the bottom surface of the bonding region toward the top surface of the bonding region.
US08154042B2 Light emitting device with trenches and a top contact
A device includes a semiconductor structure comprising a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. A bottom contact disposed on a bottom surface of the semiconductor structure is electrically connected to one of the n-type region and the p-type region. A top contact disposed on a top surface of the semiconductor structure is electrically connected to the other of the n-type region and the p-type region. A mirror is aligned with the top contact. The mirror includes a trench formed in the semiconductor structure and a reflective material disposed in the trench, wherein the trench extends through the light emitting layer.
US08154032B2 Electrooptical device, electronic apparatus, and method for producing electrooptical device
An electrooptical device having a plurality of light-emitting regions includes a substrate, a bank disposed in a region other than the light-emitting regions on the substrate so as to surround the light-emitting regions, and a functional layer disposed in openings surrounded by the bank. The bank includes an upper bank segment and a plurality of lower bank segments having a higher wettability than the upper bank segment. The number of the lower bank segments exposed is smaller in second regions of the openings than in first regions of the openings.
US08154025B2 Schottky barrier CMOS device and method
A CMOS device and method of fabrication are disclosed. The present invention utilizes Schottky barrier contacts for source and/or drain contact fabrication within the context of a CMOS device and CMOS integrated circuits, to eliminate the requirement for halo/pocket implants, shallow source/drain extensions to control short channel effects, well implant steps, and complex device isolation steps. Additionally, the present invention eliminates the parasitic bipolar gain associated with CMOS device operation, reduces manufacturing costs, tightens control of device performance parameters, and provides for superior device characteristics as compared to the prior art. The present invention, in one embodiment, uses a silicide exclusion mask process to form the dual silicide Schottky barrier source and/or drain contact for the complimentary PMOS and NMOS devices forming the CMOS device.
US08154023B2 Low temperature polysilicon thin film transistor
A low temperature polysilicon thin film transistor and method of manufacturing the same is provided. The low temperature polysilicon thin film transistor comprises a channel region. Among others, one feature of the method according to the present invention is the performance of a plasma treatment to adjust the threshold voltage of the low temperature polysilicon thin film transistor. Because the threshold voltage of the low temperature polysilicon thin film transistor can be adjusted through a plasma treatment, the manufacturing process is more flexible.
US08154019B2 Semiconductor apparatus and calibration method thereof
A semiconductor apparatus includes a reference voltage generation unit, a comparison voltage generation unit, and a calibration unit. The reference voltage generation unit is disposed in a reference die and configured to generate a reference voltage. The comparison voltage generation unit is disposed in a die stacked on the reference die and configured to generate a comparison voltage in response to a calibration control signal. The calibration unit is configured to compare a level of the reference voltage with a level of the comparison voltage and generate the calibration control signal.
US08154018B2 Semiconductor device, its manufacture method and template substrate
A semiconductor device includes a ZnO-containing substrate containing Li, a zinc silicate layer formed above the ZnO-containing substrate, and a semiconductor layer epitaxially grown relative to the ZnO-containing substrate via the zinc silicate layer.
US08154013B2 Organic thin-film transistors
A thin-film transistor comprises a semiconducting layer comprising a semiconducting material selected from Formula (I) or (II): wherein X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 a, b, and n are as described herein. Semiconducting compositions of Formula (I) or (II) are also described.
US08154009B1 Light emitting structure including high-al content MQWH
A GaN/AlN superlattice is formed over a GaN/sapphire template structure, serving in part as a strain relief layer for growth of subsequent layers (e.g., deep UV light emitting diodes). The GaN/AlN superlattice mitigates the strain between a GaN/sapphire template and a multiple quantum well heterostructure active region, allowing the use of high Al mole fraction in the active region, and therefore emission in the deep UV wavelengths.
US08154007B2 Silicon-quantum-dot semiconductor near-infrared photodetector
A mesoporous silica having adjustable pores is obtained to form a template and thus a three-terminal metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) photodetector is obtained. A gate dielectric of a nano-structural silicon-base membrane is used as infrared light absorber in it. Thus, a semiconductor photodetector made of pure silicon having a quantum-dot structure is obtained with excellent near-infrared optoelectronic response.
US08154005B2 Non-volatile memory arrays comprising rail stacks with a shared diode component portion for diodes of electrically isolated pillars
An integrated circuit including vertically oriented diode structures between conductors and methods of fabricating the same are provided. Two-terminal devices such as passive element memory cells can include a diode steering element in series with an antifuse and/or other state change element. The devices are formed using pillar structures at the intersections of upper and lower sets of conductors. The height of the pillar structures are reduced by forming part of the diode for each pillar in a rail stack with one of the conductors. A diode in one embodiment can include a first diode component of a first conductivity type and a second diode component of a second conductivity type. A portion of one of the diode components is divided into first and second portions with one on the portions being formed in the rail stack where it is shared with other diodes formed using pillars at the rail stack.
US08154004B2 Hybrid MRAM array structure and operation
This invention relates to MRAM technology and new variations on MRAM array architecture to incorporate certain advantages from both cross-point and 1T-1MTJ architectures. The fast read-time and higher signal-to-noise ratio of the 1T-1MTJ architecture and the higher packing density of the cross-point architecture are both exploited by combining certain characteristics of these layouts. A single access transistor 16 is used to read the multiple MRAM cells in a segment of a column, which can be stacked vertically above one another in a plurality of MRAM array layers arranged in a “Z” axis direction.
US08154000B2 Arrangement for the continuous generation of liquid tin as emitter material in EUV radiation sources
The invention is directed to an arrangement for generating EUV radiation based on a hot plasma using liquid emitter material. The object of the invention is to find a novel possibility for generating EUV radiation which allows a continuous supply of liquid, particularly metal, emitter material (2) under a defined high pressure without having to interrupt the continuous supply of emitter material (2) when consumed emitter material (2) must be replenished. According to the invention, this object is met in that the emitter material supply unit (4) has at least a first pressure vessel (44) and a second pressure vessel (44′) between the reservoir vessel (41) and the injection device (5) for generating a high emitter material pressure for the injection unit (5), the pressure vessels (44, 44′) are acted upon by a high-pressure gas system (73) with a gas pressure (74) in the megapascal range, and the emitter material supply unit (4) has means for switching the high-pressure gas system (73) from one pressure vessel (44, 44′) to the other pressure vessel (44, 44′) and for correspondingly alternately switching the injection unit (5) to the constant emitter material pressure of the respective pressure vessel (44, 44′) being pressurized, wherein at least one of the pressure vessels (44, 44′) can be refilled during the continuous operation of droplet generation and plasma generation.
US08153997B2 Isotope production system and cyclotron
A cyclotron that includes a magnet yoke having a yoke body that surrounds an acceleration chamber. The cyclotron also includes a magnet assembly to produce magnetic fields to direct charged particles along a desired path. The magnet assembly is located in the acceleration chamber. The magnetic fields propagate through the acceleration chamber and within the magnet yoke, wherein a portion of the magnetic fields escapes outside of the magnet yoke as stray fields. The cyclotron also includes a vacuum pump that is coupled to the yoke body. The vacuum pump is configured to introduce a vacuum into the acceleration chamber. The magnet yoke is dimensioned such that the vacuum pump does not experience magnetic fields in excess of 75 Gauss.
US08153996B2 Pattern forming apparatus and pattern forming method
A pattern forming apparatus using lithography technique includes a stage configured to allow a target object to be placed thereon; a plurality of columns configured to form patterns on the target object by using a charged particle beam while moving relatively to the stage; a pattern forming rule setting unit configured to set a pattern forming rule depending on a position of broken one of the plurality of columns; a region setting unit configured to set regions so that unbroken ones of the plurality of columns respectively form a pattern in one of the regions; a plurality of control circuits each configured to control any one of the plurality of columns different from others of the plurality of columns controlled by others of the plurality of control circuits; and a pattern forming data processing unit configured to perform a converting process on pattern forming data for the regions set to output a corresponding data generated by the converting process to the control circuit of a corresponding one of the unbroken ones of the plurality of columns respectively.
US08153984B2 Security system with different size emissive particles
A security marker material comprising emissive particles selected from at least two groups with different size distributions and the size distributions satisfy the formula: [(x−z)2/(Sx2 +Sz2)]1/2 >1 wherein x and z are the volume-weighted mean equivalent-spherical diameters of the two particle distributions and Sx and Sz are the standard deviations of the same two distributions. The emissive materials are placed in or on an item. The emissive materials are excited with electromagnetic radiation in one or more specified spectral bands. The electromagnetic radiation is detected in one or more spectral bands from the emissive materials in an image-wise fashion. The attributes of the image are analyzed and characterized and are compared to authentication criteria to determine the authenticity of the marked item.
US08153983B1 Gadolinium halide scintillators
The present invention concerns scintillator compositions comprising gadolinium halide and a dopant. The gadolinium halide and dopant material (e.g., GdI3:Ce) has surprisingly good characteristics including high light output, high gamma-ray stopping efficiency, fast response, low cost, good proportionality, and minimal afterglow, thereby making the material useful for various applications including, for example, gamma-ray spectroscopy, medical imaging, nuclear and high energy physics research, diffraction, non-destructive testing, nuclear treaty verification and safeguards, and geological exploration. The timing resolution of the scintillators of the present invention also provides compositions suitable for use in imaging applications, such as positron emission tomography (e.g., time-of-flight PET) and CT imaging.
US08153981B2 Radiation detector assembly
A radiation detector assembly comprises a radiation scintillator detector for generating a light signal as a function of radiation detected. A light detector is operatively connectable with the radiation scintillator detector for receiving a light signal from the radiation scintillation detector and generating an electrical signal as a function of the light signal received. A housing for the light detector is electrically connectable with the light detector. At least one of the housing and the light detector is electrically connectable with a pole of a power supply whereby the housing and the light detector are at substantially the same electrical potential when electrically connected.
US08153975B2 Interfacing devices and systems
A system combining the output of a thermal detection and imaging device with a capture and display device, such as a cordless or portable telephone/camera, is used to manage thermal information and displays.
US08153973B2 Method for analyzing, labeling and certifying low radiocarbon food products
Methods, particularly computer-implemented methods, are provided for analyzing, labeling, reporting, and certifying the radiocarbon abundance levels of low radiocarbon food products, including relevant chemical components of final products as well as components of lots used in manufacturing, so that manufacturers, consumers or other users of these products can have high confidence in their stated radiocarbon content and a better understanding of their potential effectiveness in reducing genetic damage. Other embodiments employ an algorithm to calculate an overall value or grade or range indicative of the product's known or estimated ability to either reduce the radiocarbon level of, or to reduce genetic damage occurring in, newly formed chromosomal material in consumers of such products, the chromosomal material comprising DNA and histone proteins and remote access by consumers to the computer-implemented methods, for example, via the Internet.
US08153971B2 Camera with two visual imaging subsystems for determining parallax and for focusing an IR imaging subsystem
A camera has an infrared (“IR”) imaging subsystem that includes an IR detector. The camera also has a first and second visual imaging subsystem for generating a first visual image and a second visual image of an object in a scene. The first visual image and the second visual image have a parallax that is dependent on the distance to the object and based on a known parallax function. The camera also has a processor for determining the parallax between the first visual image and second visual images. The IR imaging subsystem may also include an IR optical element for focusing IR radiation on the IR detector. The IR optical element may be operable to focus the IR radiation on the IR detector based on the parallax between the first visual image and the second visual image.
US08153968B2 Laser atom probe methods
A laser atom probe situates a counter electrode between a specimen mount and a detector, and provides a laser having its beam aligned to illuminate the specimen through the aperture of the counter electrode. The detector, specimen mount, and/or the counter electrode may be charged to some boost voltage and then be pulsed to bring the specimen to ionization. The timing of the laser pulses may be used to determine ion departure and arrival times allowing determination of the mass-to-charge ratios of the ions, thus their identities. Automated alignment methods are described wherein the laser is automatically directed to areas of interest.
US08153964B2 Ultrasound ionization mass spectrometer
Methods and systems for ultrasound ionization mass spectrometry are provided. Analytes in a sample are ionized by subjecting them to ultrasound, facilitating their analysis by mass spectrometry. With these methods and systems, soft ionization of large analytes, including biological macromolecules and nanoparticles, can be achieved. Ionization efficiency can be improved by addition of chemicals such as, for example, organic solvents or acids to the sample.
US08153963B2 Mass spectrometer
This invention relates to mass spectrometers comprising a reaction cell and where mass spectra are collected both from unreacted ions and also from reaction product ions. In particular, although not exclusively, this invention finds use in tandem mass spectrometry where mass spectra are collected from precursor and fragment ions. The present invention provides an arrangement where ions may be sent to a reaction cell for fragmentation or other processing before onward transport to a mass analyser. Alternatively, ions may be passed directly to a mass analyser along a bypass path.
US08153960B2 Mass spectrometer
An ion guide or ion trap (1) is disclosed having an entrance electrode (2) and an exit electrode (3). The potential of the exit electrode (3) is periodically dropped for a relatively short period of time allowing some ions to escape from the ion guide or ion trap (1) via an aperture in the exit electrode (3). The period of time that the potential of the exit electrode (3) is dropped for is progressively increased and ions emerge from the ion guide or ion trap (1) in a mass to charge ratio dependent manner. The ion guide or ion trap (1) may be operated as a mass separator or low resolution mass analyser.
US08153955B2 Electric field sensor and method for fabricating the same
An electric field sensor is obtained by directly forming an electrooptical film of Fabry-Perot resonator structure on a polished surface at a tip of an optical fiber by an aerosol deposition method.
US08153954B2 Photoelectric conversion device and electronic device having the same
To output a digital signal corresponding to illuminance without being adversely affected by circuit delay. A photoelectric conversion device includes a photoelectric conversion element; a ramp-wave output circuit; a first comparator for comparing the ramp-wave signal and a first potential; a second comparator for comparing the ramp-wave signal and a second potential; a flip-flop circuit for generating a clock signal whose frequency is changed in accordance with the amount of photocurrent; a circuit for calculating a negative OR of the output signal of the first comparator and the output signal of the second comparator; a counter circuit for counting the pulse number of the clock signal; and a pulse output circuit for generating a period during which the pulse number is counted in the counter circuit. The pulse output circuit includes a switch for stopping the generation of the period during which the pulse number is counted.
US08153953B2 Light receiving circuit
A light receiving circuit includes: a transimpedance amplifier circuit which is connected to a light receiving element; a differential amplifier which operates by a predetermined current supplied by a current source to output a current corresponding to a differential signal between a signal outputted from the transimpedance amplifier circuit and a predetermined reference signal; a current mirror unit which outputs a current corresponding to the current outputted from the differential amplifier; and a conversion unit which converts the current outputted from the current mirror unit into voltage.
US08153952B2 Flame scanning device and method for its operation
A flame scanning device is provided for monitoring a flame. The device includes a radiation collection and transmission element for collecting flame radiation and transmitting it to detection elements, a flame sensor element for the detection of radiation and conversion of the detected radiation into electrical signals, and an evaluation unit for the conversion of the electrical signals into flame parameters. The flame sensor element can include at least two individual detectors each with an individual central detection wavelength and a width of observation window, respectively. The individual central detection wavelength and the width of observation window are not overlapping and are covering individual regions of interest of the spectrum of radiation.
US08153950B2 Obtaining sensing results and/or data in response to object detection
An encoder/sensor can obtain sensing results from objects in an encoding/sensing region; a trigger detector can respond to objects in a trigger detection region, providing respective trigger signals; and a relative motion component can cause relative motion of objects into the trigger detection region, from it into the encoding/sensing region, and within the encoding/sensing region. In response to an object's trigger signal, control circuitry can cause the encoder/sensor and/or the relative motion component to operate so that the encoder/sensor obtains sensing results indicating a time-varying waveform and processing circuitry can obtain data from the sensing results indicating a time-varying waveform. The time-varying waveform can include information resulting from the relative motion within the encoding/sensing region. The encoder/sensor and trigger detector can be implemented, for example, with discrete components or as sets of cells in a photosensing array on an integrated circuit.
US08153948B1 Systems for image acquisition
Image acquisition systems utilizing a pixilated transducer.
US08153941B2 Method of heating superposed components and heating apparatus therefor
A first plate material is set on a work stage. The first plate material includes first components commonly connected to a first connection member. A second plate material is subsequently set on the work stage. The second plate material includes second components commonly connected to a second connection member. The second components are superposed on the corresponding first components. The first components as well as the second components can be handled as a one-piece component. It leads to an improved productivity. Heat surfaces of a heat block contact the second components. The connection members are prevented from thermal expansion. The constant intervals are reliably maintained between the adjacent first components and the adjacent second components.
US08153929B2 Method for the laser welding of a composite material to a component, and laser-weldable composite material for such a method
The invention relates to a method for the laser welding of a composite material (V) to a component (11) in particular for the production of a solar collector element (E), wherein the composite material (V) comprises a strip-shaped substrate (1) composed of a metal having high reflectivity to laser radiation, said substrate having a first side (A) and a second side (B), wherein a dielectric coating (7) is situated at least on the first side (A), and wherein, in order to produce a weld seam, a laser beam (L) is projected at an acute orientation angle (μ) at least onto the first side (A) of the substrate (1) provided with the dielectric coating (7). In order to improve the energy efficiency of the laser radiation used, it is proposed that the dielectric coating (7) has a thickness (DB) in the range of 140 nm to 210 nm and the laser beam (L) is radiated in at an orientation angle (μ), in particular in focused fashion, in such a way that the radiated-in energy of the laser beam (L) is absorbed to the extent of at least 15 percent.
US08153927B2 High visibility plasma arc torch
An improved torch providing high visibility of the work zone to the operator, an increased viewing angle, and a reduced obstruction angle. The high visibility torch includes consumables adapted to maintain torch and consumables performance while reducing visual obstruction to the user, by coordinating, balancing, and optimizing design requirements and stack up tolerances. The invention also includes a related low-profile safety switch that promotes workpiece visibility and minimizes view obstruction.
US08153923B2 Method for producing a hole
There are a multiplicity of methods of making through-holes. In particular in the production of a multiplicity of film-cooling holes, as in gas turbine blades or combustion chamber elements, small time advantages are also important when making a hole. The method according to the invention, to make the hole close to the final contour in each case in sections in a top and a bottom region in order to then produce the final contour with other laser parameters, achieves time advantages.
US08153921B2 Method and system for real-time non-destructive testing of projection welds utilizing force sensor
A method for manufacturing a projection weld connection between at least two parts of a workpiece, where the workpiece remains blemish free, comprising automated real-time verification of the quality of the individual weld, without use of destructive testing by analysis of data from a force sensor is disclosed. Measurements of the quality of each weld can be calculated, and real-time measurements and calculations can be used to verification of the structural integrity of the projection in the workpiece before the welding current is applied in order to avoid further damage to the workpiece. The method may be implemented in a system comprising, among other features, a displacement sensor.
US08153919B2 Dome sheet unit and membrane switch having the same
A membrane switch can attach an elastically deformable dome to a board in a reliable manner such that the dome is not detached even if a fixing sheet is made thinner and smaller and therefore has a smaller footprint. This switch has: a dome (110) that is formed projecting toward the surface and that is dented opposite toward the back surface by elastic deformation; and a flexible fixing sheet (120) that has a back surface of an adhesive face pasted to the entire face of the surface of the dome (110). The fixing sheet (120) fixes the dome (110) in a predetermined position of a board (4) by means of a stretching part (122) which stretches radially outer to the dome (110), from an outer rim (112) of the dome (110), in a direction virtually orthogonal to a direction in which the dome (110) projects. A plurality of slits (130) formed in the fixing sheet (120) at predetermined intervals along the outer rim (112) of the dome (110), prevent a stretching part (122) of the fixing sheet (120), from joining with a dome covering part (121) which is a portion above the dome (110) that continues in the radial direction of the dome (110).
US08153907B2 Electromagnetic bandgap structure and printed circuit board
An electromagnetic bandgap structure and a printed circuit board that solve a mixed signal problem are disclosed. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the electromagnetic bandgap structure includes a first metal layer; a first dielectric layer, stacked in the first metal layer; a second metal layer, stacked in the first dielectric layer, and having a holed formed at a position of the second dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer, stacked in the second metal layer; a metal plate, stacked in the second dielectric layer; a first via, penetrating the hole formed in the second metal layer and connecting the first metal layer and the metal plate; a third dielectric layer, stacked in the metal plate and the second dielectric layer; a third metal layer, stacked in the third dielectric layer; and a second via, connecting the second metal layer to the third metal layer.
US08153906B2 Interconnection structure for improving signal integrity
The embodiment of the invention is about a novel interconnection structure which can be incorporated into a variety of connectors, as well as other types of interconnections in order to reduce crosstalk, to improve signal integrity and to achieve EM emission compliance. A 4-via (2 signal vias, 1 power via, and 1 ground via) interconnection structure was used for demonstrating the effect of the novel interconnection structure. The same concept can be applied to any multi-via and multi-layer interconnection structure such as PCB, IC packaging circuit, or die circuit. Vias that have an electrical property can be added adjacent to the basic 4-via interconnection structure to achieve a multi-via interconnection structure. For 1-via (1 signal via or 1 power via), 2-via (1 signal via and 1 ground via or 1 signal via and 1 power via) and 3-via (1 signal via, 1 ground via, and 1 power via) interconnection structure, the proposed interconnection structure based upon the same concept can be applied as well.
US08153901B2 Method for fabricating multilayer circuit board, circuit plate, and method for fabricating the circuit plate
A multilayer circuit board is fabricated by: preparing a film comprising a first protective film and a first interlayer adhesive; preparing a first circuit board having a first base and a conductive post protruding therefrom; stacking the first interlayer adhesive and the conductive post together; peeling off the first protective film; preparing a second circuit board including a conductive pad receiving the conductive post; and bonding the first circuit board and the second circuit board through the first interlayer adhesive so that the conductive post and the conductive pad face each other, wherein the first interlayer adhesive 104 at the top portion of the conductive post is selectively removed while peeling off the first protective film.
US08153900B2 Wiring substrate with lead pin and lead pin
A wiring substrate with a lead pin is formed by bonding lead pins to electrode pads formed on a wiring substrate through conductive materials. In the lead pin, a conic protrusion part whose side surface is formed in a concave surface is formed in the end face side opposed to the electrode pad of a head part formed in one end of a shaft part. The lead pin is bonded to the electrode pad in a state in which the conductive material extends to the back surface side of a head part beyond a flange part of the head part and reaches the shaft part of the lead pin.
US08153896B2 Electrical-wire support apparatus
An electrical-wire support structure (30) is disposed at a rotary connection portion of a device and connects first and second portions (11, 12) of the device. The second portion being rotatable about at least two rotational axes. The electrical-wire support structure includes frame members having a through-hole (36, 43) through which an electrical wire (51) may pass, and the through-hole (36, 43) is positioned on one of the rotational axes. An electrical wire (51) has first and second opposite ends. The first end is configured to be disposed on the first portion (11) and the second end is configured to be disposed on the second portion (12). The electrical wire is supported by such electrical-wire support structure such that the wire passes through the through-hole and at least one first bent portion (53) of approximately 180 degrees is formed on the electrical wire (51), and at least one second bent portion (54) of approximately 90 degrees is formed on the electrical wire (51) between the first bent portion (53) and each of the first and second opposite ends of the electrical wire (51).
US08153891B2 Solar cell and solar cell module
A solar cell according to the present invention includes: a photoelectric conversion part having a photoelectric converting function; and a collector electrode provided at a side of a light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion part in a way that parts of the light-receiving surface are exposed. Interconnection tabs are connected at a side of a light-receiving surface of the collector electrode with an adhesive being interposed in between. The collector electrode contains a thermosetting first resin, an conductive material and a second resin for forming a sea-island structure between the second resin and the first resin. The collector electrode includes an internal region in the inside, a concentration ratio of the second resin to the first resin being higher in the internal region than in the surface region at the side of either the adhesive or the photoelectric conversion part.
US08153890B2 Low area screen printed metal contact structure and method
A solar cell comprises adjacent regions of oppositely doped semiconductor material forming a pn junction substantially parallel to front and rear surfaces of the solar cell. A surface of the semiconductor material has a plurality of depressions, with semiconductor material regions forming internal wall surface regions of the depressions being doped to the polarity of one of the semiconductor regions, with which they are in electrical communication. The wall surface regions of the depressions are isolated from the other oppositely doped semiconductor region and form contact points for a contact structure contacting the surface in which the depressions are formed. A dielectric layer is formed over the surface, the dielectric layer being thinner or non-existent in at least a portion of each depression, such that a screen printed metal contact structure formed over the dielectric layer and extending into the depressions makes contact with the semiconductor material in the depressions after sintering.
US08153884B2 Solar cell module
A solar cell module is provided that comprises: a solar cell; a connection electrode provided on each of a light-receiving surface and back surface of the solar cell; a conductive resin adhesive arranged on an upper surface of the connection electrode; and a wiring material electrically connected to the solar cell and connected with the connection electrode and the conductive resin adhesive, wherein the conductive resin adhesive changes color upon curing, and the conductive resin adhesive on the upper surface of the connection electrode provided on the light-receiving surface of the solar cell is arranged within a region corresponding to at least one of the connection electrode and the wiring material, on a projection plane parallel with the light-receiving surface and exposed on a light-receiving surface side.
US08153882B2 Time compression/expansion of selected audio segments in an audio file
A computer implemented method allows a user to adjust tracks in a musical arrangement. The method involves a user selecting a musical position of an audio track, which the user desires to adjust in time, either by compressing it or expanding it, by indicating with a pointing device, such as a mouse, the position in the time line of the audio track that the user wishes to alter. A first marker is then displayed at the selected musical position in the audio track. Boundary markers defining transients in the audio signal surrounding the selected musical position are then automatically generated by analysis of the audio signal, and are displayed on the audio track. The two boundary markers define an audio segment that is to be adjusted in tempo by the user moving the first marker along the time line.
US08153881B2 Disc jockey video game and controller
A disc jockey music-based video game with a controller for the same. The disc jockey music-based video game presents instructive cues for manipulation of the controller and evaluates game player's performance based on the player's compliance with the instructive cues. A display with visual indicators of instructive cues and visual indicators representing player performance may be provided. Additionally, other forms of game player feedback may be provided, for example music, simulated crowd response other forms of generally auditory cues.
US08153877B2 Locking mechanism for percussion musical instrument
A high hat cymbal has a magnetic clutch that engages the top cymbal and allows it to be controlled by a standard high hat foot pedal. When the drummer's foot is removed from the high hat foot pedal, the magnetic clutch strikes a mechanical arm, which causes the magnetic clutch to disengage without any action, required on the part of the drummer. The top cymbal can be re-engaged by the magnetic clutch so that the high hat foot pedal can now be operated again, simply by depressing the high hat foot pedal. A trip bar may be provided to provide for automatic disengagement of the clutch mechanism.
US08153874B2 Stringed musical instrument convertible between fretted and fretless playing configurations
A stringed musical instrument that is convertible between fretted and fretless playing configurations includes a body, a neck connected to the body at one of its ends, a fingerboard disposed on the neck, a plurality of movable frets spaced apart at positions along the fingerboard, a plurality of strings disposed above the frets, and, according to one aspect of the invention, at least one rod that extends through the frets, wherein the at least one rod is configured to function both as a spring and as a device for retaining the frets in the fingerboard. According to another aspect of the invention, at least one strip of material separates a metallic component of a fret adjustment device from another component of the instrument that is formed from metal, wherein the at least one strip of material is configured to provide permanent dry lubrication for the metallic component of the fret adjustment device. According to still another aspect of the invention, the fret adjustment device includes a plate member disposed in the body of the instrument and at least one cam rod extending beneath the plurality of frets, the plate member having at least one aperture disposed therein, wherein the at least one aperture of the plate member forms a passive connection with one end of the at least one cam rod.
US08153873B2 Intonated nut with locking mechanism for musical instruments and methods of use
The present invention provides in combination, an intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism for a musical string instrument with a fingerboard where the combination intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism includes a string-nut fulcrum and a string-locking means, where each string-nut fulcrum may have a varying linear position in relation to each individual string in order to provide the optimum compensation amount for improving the consistency and production of in-tune musical notes during play for musical string instruments with fingerboards. Also disclosed are methods of use of various embodiments for the intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism.
US08153871B1 Device for mounting a sensor on a musical instrument for amplification
A device for mounting a sensor on a musical instrument comprises at least a first sensor held by a first arm so that a user can place the first sensor at a desired first distance measured normal to the first string and can place the first sensor at a desired first position anywhere in a first range along the first string, the first range being at least seventy percent of a least distance between termination of a fingerboard and a bridge, where the user can change the first distance during normal playing and can also change the first position during normal playing, and where the first sensor stays at the first distance during normal playing unless changed by the user and the first sensor stays at the first position during normal playing unless changed by the user.
US08153870B2 Rice hybrid XL745
A rice hybrid designated XL745 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of rice hybrid XL745, to the plants of rice hybrid XL745 and to methods for producing a rice plant produced by crossing the hybrid XL745 with itself or another rice plant. The invention further relates to hybrid rice seeds and plants produced by crossing the hybrid XL745 with another rice plant. This invention further relates to growing and producing blends of rice seeds comprised of seeds of rice hybrid XL745 with rice seed of one, two, three, four or more of another rice hybrid, rice variety or rice inbred.
US08153867B1 Maize variety inbred PH13CH
A novel maize variety designated PH13CH and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH13CH with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH13CH through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH13CH or a locus conversion of PH13CH with another maize variety.
US08153858B2 Sale of fluorescent transgenic ornamental fish
Four zebrafish gene promoters, which are skin specific, muscle specific, skeletal muscle specific and ubiquitously expressed respectively, were isolated and ligated to the 5′ end of the EGFP gene. When the resulting chimeric gene constructs were introduced into zebrafish, the transgenic zebrafish emit green fluorescence under a blue light or ultraviolet light according to the specificity of the promoters used. Thus, new varieties of ornamental fish of different fluorescence patterns, e.g., skin fluorescence, muscle fluorescence, skeletal muscle-specific and/or ubiquitous fluorescence, are developed.
US08153857B2 Breathable absorbent articles and composites comprising a vapor permeable, liquid barrier layer with thickening capabilities
The present invention relates to absorbent articles and composites that provide improved protection and comfort by use of a vapor permeable, liquid barrier layer and an exudates thickener. In particular, the barrier layer results from deposition of barrier coating on one or more regions of the barrier layer such that select regions of the overall article exhibit a barrier to liquid while the article in general is still deemed breathable.
US08153848B2 Homoallyl alcohols useful as fragrances
Branched, highly-substituted C9-C13 homoallyl alcohols of formula I, in which R1 and R2 are selected from H or Me and R3 is selected from H, Me and Et. The compounds are useful in fragrance applications in which a floral note is desired.
US08153841B2 Compounds and their salts specific to the PPAR receptors and the EGF receptors and their use in the medical field
The present invention relates to compounds comprising the general formula (I), in which R1 and R2, which may be identical or different, are selected from the group comprising —H or a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or together form an aromatic or aliphatic ring with 5 or 6 atoms; Y and Z, which may be identical or different, are selected from the group comprising —H, —OH, —COOH, —OR3, —CH(OR3)COOH, in which R3 is selected from H, phenyl, benzyl, —CF3 or —CF2CF3, vinyl, allyl and a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms.
US08153835B2 Fullerene derivatives
The present invention provides a fullerene derivative represented by the following formula (1):wherein in formula (1), R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted organic group or a hydrogen atom, and wherein in formulae (2) and (3): W is a single bond, C1-C11, alkylene, C2-C12 alkenylene, or C2-C12 alkynylene, wherein any —CH2— in the alkylene, alkenylene or alkynylene can be substituted with —O—, —S—, —COO—, or —OCO—; Z is an element belonging to group IVB; and R21 to R23 are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C15 alkenyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C15 alkynyl group.
US08153834B2 Surface modified inorganic particles
The present invention relates to particles, i.e., oxides of Si, Ti, Zn, Zr, Mn, Al and combinations thereof, where at least one particle has a surface covalently bonded to at least one fluorosilane group. The particle is first bonded to a divalent organic linking group which in turn is bonded to a perfluoroalkyl group. It has been discovered that incorporation of the aforementioned divalent organic linking group can improve the ability of the resulting hydrophobized inorganic particles to impart hydrophobic and oleophobic properties.
US08153833B2 Composition and method for low temperature deposition of silicon-containing films such as films including silicon, silicon nitride, silicon dioxide and/or silicon-oxynitride
Silicon precursors for forming silicon-containing films in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, such as low dielectric constant (k) thin films, high k gate silicates, low temperature silicon epitaxial films, and films containing silicon nitride (Si3N4), siliconoxynitride (SiOxNy) and/or silicon dioxide (SiO2). The precursors of the invention are amenable to use in low temperature (e.g., <500° C.) chemical vapor deposition processes, for fabrication of ULSI devices and device structures.
US08153832B2 Pentakis(dimethylamino) disilane precursor comprising compound and method for the preparation thereof
Pentakis(dimethylamino) disilane with general formula (1): Si2(NMe2)5Y, where Y is selected from the group comprising H, Cl or an amino group its preparation method and its use to manufacture gate dielectric films or etch-stop dielectric films of SiN or SiON.
US08153831B2 Organometallic compounds, processes for the preparation thereof and methods of use thereof
This invention relates to organometallic compounds represented by the formula (L1)yM(L2)z-y wherein M is a Group 5 metal or a Group 6 metal, L1 is a substituted or unsubstituted anionic 6 electron donor ligand, L2 is the same or different and is (i) a substituted or unsubstituted anionic 2 electron donor ligand, (ii) a substituted or unsubstituted cationic 2 electron donor ligand, or (iii) a substituted or unsubstituted neutral 2 electron donor ligand; y is an integer of 1, and z is the valence of M; and wherein the sum of the oxidation number of M and the electric charges of L1 and L2 is equal to 0; a process for producing the organometallic compounds; and a method for depositing a metal and/or metal carbide/nitride layer, e.g., a tungsten, tungsten nitride, tungsten carbide, or tungsten carbonitride layer, on a substrate by the thermal or plasma enhanced dissociation of the organometallic precursor compounds, e.g., by CVD or ALD techniques. The metal and/or metal carbide layer is useful as a liner or barrier layer for conducting metals and high dielectric constant materials in integrated circuit manufacturing.
US08153829B2 Methods for the preparation of hexahydrofuro[2,3-B]furan-3-ol
Methods for the preparation of hexahydrofuro[2,3-b]furan-3-ol and especially its enantiomer (3R,3aS,6aR) hexahydrofuro[2,3-b]furan-3-ol, as well as certain novel intermediates for use in such methods are disclosed.
US08153823B2 2-alkenyl-3-aminothiophene derivative and process for producing thereof
Disclosed is a method for commercially producing 2-alkenyl-3-aminothiophene derivatives, which are useful as intermediates for agricultural chemicals, at low cost. Specifically disclosed is a method for introducing alkenyl groups into the 2-position of 3-aminothiophene derivatives by reacting 3-aminothiophene derivatives represented by the general formula (2) below or salts thereof with a ketone represented by the general formula (1) below without using a protecting group. Also specifically disclosed are 2-alkenyl-3-aminothiophene derivatives (3a) to (3d) which are useful as intermediates for agricultural chemicals,
US08153818B2 Triazolyl phenyl benzenesulfonamides
Compounds are provided that act as potent antagonists of the CCR2 or CCR9 receptor. Animal testing demonstrates that these compounds are useful for treating inflammation, a hallmark disease for CCR2 and CCR9. The compounds are generally aryl sulfonamide derivatives and are useful in pharmaceutical compositions, methods for the treatment of CCR2-mediated diseases, CCR9-mediated diseases, as controls in assays for the identification of CCR2 antagonists and as controls in assays for the identification of CCR9 antagonists.
US08153817B2 Synthesis of methyl nonactate derivatives
Methyl nonactate is converted into a variety of different triazoloamide antibacterial agents by a reaction scheme involving (1) inversion of the secondary alcohol of the methyl nonactate to produce the corresponding azidoester, (2) converting the azido ester to the corresponding azidoamide, and (3) converting the azido group of the azidoamide to a triazole to produce the corresponding triazoloamide.
US08153807B2 Inhibitors of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1
The present invention discloses novel compounds of Formula I: (I) having 11-HSD type 1 antagonist activity, as well as methods for preparing such compounds. In another embodiment, the invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formula I, as well as methods of using the compounds and compositions to treat diabetes, hyperglycemia, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and other conditions associated with 11-HSD type 1 activity.
US08153806B2 Synthesis of 4-amino-thalidomide enantiomers
The invention provides new and useful analogs of 4-amino-thalidomide. These analogs include S(−)-4-amino-thalidomide and R(+)-4-amino-thalidomide. The invention also provides processes for making these analogs. Further, the invention provides methods for inhibiting angiogenesis and treating angiogenesis-associated diseases, including cancer and macular degeneration, by administering these compounds.
US08153805B2 Biaryl derivatives
The invention is concerned with novel biaryl derivatives of formula (I), wherein m, R1, R2, R3, X1, X2 and X3 are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds are antagonists of CCR-2 receptor, CCR-5 receptor and/or CCR-3 receptor and can be used as medicaments.
US08153804B2 Aryl pyridines and methods of their use
Aryl pyridines, compositions comprising them, and methods of their use for the treatment, prevention and management of a variety of diseases and disorders are disclosed.
US08153803B2 Compositions and methods for modulating sirtuin activity
The present invention is based, in part, on our discovery of compounds that inhibit an activity of a sirtuin (e.g., compounds that inhibit or preferentially inhibit an activity of SIRT2) and are therefore believed useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases associated with sirtuin activity. These diseases include, but are not limited to, neurological disorders such as Parkinson's Disease (PD).
US08153801B2 Process and intermediates for preparing integrase inhibitors
The invention provides synthetic processes and synthetic intermediates that can be used to prepare 4-oxoquinolone compounds having useful integrase inhibiting properties.
US08153789B2 Imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines, processes, uses, intermediates and compositions
The invention provides novel imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, polymorphs, hydrates, tautomers, solvates and stereoisomers thereof.Compounds of formula (I) are useful for treating or preventing diseases associated with GABAA receptors modulation, anxiety, epilepsy, sleep disorders including insomnia, and for inducing sedation-hypnosis, anesthesia, sleep and muscle relaxation.The invention also provides synthetic procedures for preparing said compounds and certain intermediates, as well as intermediates themselves.
US08153787B2 Azacytosine derivatives useful as antiviral agents
The present invention provides 5-azacytosine derivatives with antiviral activity, specifically having viral replication inhibiting properties, more particularly in DNA viruses such as pox-, papilloma- and herpes viruses in humans. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such 5-azacytosine derivatives as active ingredients in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, which are useful for the treatment of subjects suffering from viral infections.
US08153784B2 Imaging of enzyme activity
This invention relates to biochemistry and magnetic resonance imaging.
US08153783B2 Polysaccharide based network and method for the production thereof
The production of polysaccharide networks, especially starch networks, having a high network density, high solidity, a low swelling degree, and exhibiting reduced water absorption and to the uses thereof, especially, in the filed of biodegradable plastics.
US08153779B2 Nucleotide with an alpha-phosphate mimetic
Described are modified mononucleotides and processes for their production. The nucleotides have a structure in which B is a purine or pyrimidine, S is a sugar unit, Y is an OH, a monophosphate, or a diphosphate, and Acc is an electron acceptor selected from the group consisting of (a) —CN and (b) —SO2—R′ in which R′ contains one amino-substituted alkyl or one optionally substituted aryl.
US08153773B2 Synthesis and use of anti-reverse phosphorothioate analogs of the messenger RNA cap
New RNA cap analogs are disclosed containing one or more phosphorothioates groups. The analogs also contain modifications at the 2′-O position of 7-methylguanosine that prevent them from being incorporated in the reverse orientation during in vitro synthesis of mRNA and that hence are “anti-reverse cap analogs” (ARCAs). The ARCA modification ensures that the S atom is precisely positioned within the active sites of cap-binding proteins in both the translational and decapping machinery. The new S-ARCA analogs are resistant to in vivo decapping enzymes. Some S-ARCAs have a higher affinity for eIF4E than the corresponding analogs not containing a phosphorothioate group. When mRNAs containing the various S-ARCAs are introduced into cultured cells, some are translated as much as five-fold more efficiently than mRNAs synthesized with the conventional analog m7GpppG.
US08153768B2 Calicheamicin derivative-carrier conjugates
Methods for preparing monomeric cytotoxic drug/carrier conjugates with a drug loading significantly higher than in previously reported procedures and with decreased aggregation and low conjugate fraction (LCF) are described. Cytotoxic drug derivative/antibody conjugates, compositions comprising the conjugates and uses of the conjugates are also described. Monomeric calicheamicin derivative/anti-CD22 antibody conjugates, compositions comprising the conjugates and uses of the conjugates are also described.
US08153767B2 Antibody against aflatoxins, support using the antibody, method of immunologically detecting aflatoxins and method of concentrating and purifying aflatoxins
It is intended to detect, concentrate and purify aflatoxins of all types which are possibly contained in a sample such as a food. It is also intended to detect the total amount or the individual amounts thereof at a high sensitivity. By using aflatoxin B2 or its derivative as a hapten compound, an antibody, which shows the same reactivity to individual aflatoxin analogs and is highly tolerant to organic solvents, is obtained. Then, a detection/concentration/purification means and an immunological detection means with the use of the above antibody are constructed. The detection means thus constructed achieves a high sensitivity and excellent quantification properties.
US08153762B2 Composition for palladium-mediated cleavage of peptides containing CXC, CXH or CHM sequences
The invention provides a process for amidating a desired peptide comprising cleaving a substrate polypeptide at a X1-cysteine sequence, wherein X1 is the amino acid at the peptide carboxyl-terminus and cysteine is the first amino acid of a palladium cleavage site comprising the sequence cysteine-X2-X3, wherein X2 is any amino acid, X3 is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of cysteine, histidine, or methionine, and wherein the carboxyl-terminus of the peptide is amidated upon cleavage at the X1-cysteine sequence.
US08153761B2 Microwave-assisted peptide synthesis
An instrument and associated method are disclosed for the accelerated synthesis of peptides by the solid phase method. The instrument includes a microwave cavity, a microwave source in communication with the cavity, a column in the cavity formed of a material that is transparent to microwave radiation, a solid phase peptide support resin in the column, respective filters for maintaining the solid phase support resin in the column, a first passageway for adding starting compositions to the column, a second passageway for removing compositions from the column, and a third passageway for circulating compositions from the column into the third passageway and back to the column.
US08153760B2 Rhinovirus vaccines
The present invention relates generally to peptide vaccines. More specifically, the present invention relates to vaccines against rhinoviruses and other related and non-related pathogenic animal viruses. In addition, the present invention relates generally to methods of designing and producing vaccines against viruses and, in certain embodiments, against rhinoviruses and other pathogenic viruses.
US08153758B2 Compositions containing, methods involving, and uses of non-natural amino acids and polypeptides
Disclosed herein are non-natural amino acids and polypeptides that include at least one non-natural amino acid, and methods for making such non-natural amino acids and polypeptides. The non-natural amino acids, by themselves or as a part of a polypeptide, can include a wide range of possible functionalities, but typical have at least one aromatic amine group. Also disclosed herein are non-natural amino acid polypeptides that are further modified post-translationally, methods for effecting such modifications, and methods for purifying such polypeptides. Typically, the modified non-natural amino acid polypeptides include at least one alkylated amine group. Further disclosed are methods for using such non-natural amino acid polypeptides and modified non-natural amino acid polypeptides, including therapeutic, diagnostic, and other biotechnology uses.
US08153751B2 Multifunction urethane monomer, method of manufacturing the monomer and photosensitive resin composition including the monomer
Disclosed is a multifunctional urethane monomer prepared by reacting (a) an epoxy compound having two or more epoxy groups, (b) a diol compound having an acidic group and (c) a compound having an ethylenically unsaturated group and an isocyanate group with one another. The photosensitive resin composition comprising the multifunctional urethane monomer has low viscosity, superior sensitivity, excellent chemical resistance and heat-resistance and high development margin.
US08153749B2 Absorbent and a method of production thereof
Synthesis is for an organosilicic adsorbent, which can be used in different economic sectors (chemical and pharmaceutical industries, health service). The adsorbent represents the non-linear reaction product of polycondensation, a polyhydrate of 1,1,3,3-tetrahydroxy-1,3-dimethyldisiloxane having from 88 to 89 moles of water per one mole of 1,1,3,3-tetrahydroxy-1,3-dimethyldisiloxane.The adsorbent is produced by means of mixing 19-20 parts of alkaline solution of sodium dioximethylsiliconate (DOMS) with a density of 1.16-1.19 g/cm3 with 6 parts of sulfuric acid with a density of 1.195-1.205 g/cm3 at a temperature of between 0-5° C. followed by aging of the mixture, followed by addition of water, followed by mixing, followed by breaking up of the solid product resulting in a suspension, followed by the addition of more water to the suspension, then allowing the suspension to settle, followed by removal of the supernatant via decantation, followed by repetition of the settling and decanting steps until the DOMS is removed completely, whereupon the final product is washed with a solution of sulphuric acid until water wash has a pH of 4.0, then the final product is washed with purified water until water wash has a pH of 5.0-7.0 followed by drying.
US08153740B2 Ampholytic copolymer and use thereof
The present invention relates to an ampholytic copolymer, to polyelectrolyte complexes which comprise such an ampholytic copolymer, and to cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions which comprise at least one ampholytic copolymer or one polyelectrolyte complex.
US08153739B2 Antimicrobial polymers
The invention generally relates to novel polymers (SMAMPs) and their syntheses and use. The polymers exhibit promising properties of AMPs. In particularly, for example, a ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) platform was developed that allows syntheses of SMAMPs that employ a minimum number of norbornene-based building blocks and/or enable easy and independent variation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups in the monomer units and/or along the polymeric backbone to finetune and select desirable properties of the polymers.
US08153738B2 Fluoropolymer produced by aqueous polymerization using dispersed particulate of fluorinated ionomer
A process for making an aqueous dispersion of fluoropolymer particles by providing dispersed particulate of fluorinated ionomer in an aqueous polymerization medium and polymerizing at least one fluorinated monomer in the aqueous polymerization medium in the presence of the dispersed particulate of fluorinated ionomer and initiator to form the aqueous dispersion of particles of fluoropolymer.
US08153735B2 Continuous polymerization process
The invention provides a process for preparing polymers based on vinyl ester, ethylene and optionally further comonomers in the form of aqueous polymer dispersions thereof or of water-redispersible polymer powders by means of free-radically initiated continuous emulsion polymerization and optionally drying of the resulting polymer dispersions, characterized in that the emulsion polymerization is carried out in a cascade comprising at least one upstream heat exchanger and at least two downstream pressurized stirred tank reactors connected in series, such that the conversion on leaving the heat exchanger is at least 10% of the overall polymerization conversion.
US08153731B2 Comb (block) copolymers
The present invention relates to comb (block) copolymers obtainable by reacting I at least one (block) copolymer comprising polymerized, optionally substituted styrene and maleic anhydride units, which copolymer has been obtained by living, free-radical polymerization, with II at least one polyalkylene oxide monoamine comprising a primary amino end group at a reaction temperature of ≧150° C. and by subsequent salification of at least 25 mol % of the free carboxyl groups of the reaction product at a reaction temperature of <100° C. and optionally after addition of H2O and to the use of these comb copolymers as wetting agents and dispersants.
US08153729B2 Highly efficient agents for dispersion of nanoparticles in matrix materials
Dendritic macroinitiator compositions are provided comprising a compound of the general formula, Fx-[G-n]-I, where F is the chain end functional group of the dendrimer, x is the number of chain end functional groups, G is the dendrimer, n is the generation number of the dendrimer, and I is the initiating group. Hybrid dendritic-linear copolymers made from these macroinitators can act as highly efficient dispersing agents for a range of nanoparticles in matrix materials.
US08153724B2 Organosiloxane compositions
A moisture curable composition is capable of cure to an elastomeric body. The composition includes an extended polymer, a suitable cross-linking agent, a suitable condensation catalyst, an organic plasticizer, and one or more fillers. The extended polymer includes an organosiloxane containing polymer of a specific formula and an organic extender selected from linear or branched mono unsaturated hydrocarbons, wherein the organopolysiloxane polymer comprises from 5 to 20% by weight of the composition. The cross-linking agent includes at least two hydroxyl and/or hydrolysable groups reactive with the organopolysiloxane polymer. The organic plasticizer is selected from one or more of the group of natural drying oils, fatty acid(s), fatty acid esters, polyols, and organic phosphates.
US08153723B2 Process for producing conjugated diene polymer, conjugated diene polymer, and rubber composition
A process for simply and inexpensively producing a conjugated diene polymer with a narrow molecular weight distribution and a high cis-bond content at a low cost is provided. The process comprises a polymerization step, wherein a conjugated diene polymer having a cis-1,4-bond content of 98.5 mass % or more and a ratio (Mw/Mn) of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) measured by gel permeation chromatography of 2.5 or less is obtained by carrying out a polymerization reaction in conjugated diene compounds using a catalyst composition containing a rare earth element-containing compound or a reaction product of the rare earth element-containing compound with a Lewis base, an aluminoxane and/or organoaluminum compound, and an iodine-containing compound.
US08153722B2 Curable polymer concrete mixture
A curable polymer mixture comprising 1.) at least one at least oligomeric addition product a) of at least one amino silane and/or thiosilane having at least one hydrolysable silane group to at least one compound having at least two terminal, ethylenically unsaturated double bonds, and/or at least one at least oligomeric addition product b) of at least one isocyanate silane and/or epoxy silane having at least one hydrolysable silane group to at least one oligomeric compound having at least three recurring units and at least one terminal hydroxyl group or terminal amino group and at least one terminal ethylenically unsaturated double bond as coupling additive, 2.) a system which can be cured by radical polymerization, comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated polymer and/or a (meth)acrylic resin, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, at least one radical initiator and optionally at least one cross-linking agent as binder 3.), at least 20% by weight, preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the components 1.) to 4.) of the polymer mixture, of inorganic, preferably multiparticulate, fillers as aggregates, and 4.) optionally conventional auxiliaries.
US08153721B2 Process for the preparation of an aqueous polymer dispersion
Process for the preparation of finely divided aqueous polymer dispersions having a narrow particle size distribution.
US08153720B2 Resin composition
It is intended to provide a polymer alloy including a polyphenylene sulfide resin, a polyphenylene ether resin, and a talc, which is excellent in a balance between tenacity (impact strength) and rigidity and in die wear resistance. The present invention provides a resin composition including 45 to 99 parts by weight of a polyphenylene sulfide resin (a), 55 to 1 part(s) by weight of a polyphenylene ether resin (b), 1 to 20 part(s) by weight of a compatibilizer (c) with respect to 100 parts by weight in total of the components (a) and (b), and 20 to 200 parts by weight of a talc (d) having an average particle size of 25 to 100 μm or 20 to 200 parts by weight in total of a talc (d) having an average particle size of 25 to 100 μm and a fibrous filler (e) with respect to 100 parts by weight in total of the components (a) and (b).
US08153718B2 Heat-vulcanizable polyorganosiloxane compositions and electric wires/cables produced therefrom
Polyorganosiloxane compositions heat-vulcanizable into silicone elastomers are useful in the field of electric wire or cable production via vulcanization employing salt baths.
US08153709B2 Halogen-free prepreg and resin for preparing the same
A composition for preparing a halogen-free resin is provided, the composition including a halogen-free phosphorated epoxy, a urethane-modified copolyester, a curing agent, a filler, a surfactant, and a solvent. A halogen-free prepreg is also provided, including a glass fabric cloth and a halogen-free resin layer on the glass fabric. The halogen-free resin layer is made from the foregoing halogen-free resin.
US08153706B2 Polymeric colorants having pigment and dye components and corresponding ink compositions
a polymeric colorant includes a pigment having a polymer covalently attached thereto, a dye covalently attached to the polymer, and a dispersant covalently attached to at least one of the pigment, the polymer, and the dye, wherein the dye covalently attached to the polymer includes a reactant coupled to the dye and to the polymer.
US08153701B2 Extrusion of a foamable fluoropolymer
A process for making an extruded foamable composition is disclosed where the foamable composition includes a partially-crystalline melt processible perfluoropolymer and a foam nucleating package. The process makes a foamed product having uniform foam cell size at high speeds without loss of product quality.
US08153695B2 Methods for inhibiting post-surgical adhesions
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method is provided in which post-surgical adhesions at a surgical site in a patient are inhibited. The method includes topically applying a liquid composition comprising a hydrophobic species, which has a melting point above normal body temperature, to tissue at the surgical site in an amount effective to inhibit the formation of adhesions during healing.
US08153690B2 Cycloalkyl-hydroxyl compounds and compositions for cholesterol management
The present invention relates to novel cycloalkyl-hydroxyl compounds, compositions comprising hydroxyl compounds, and methods useful for treating and preventing a variety of diseases and conditions such as, but not limited to aging, Alzheimer's Disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, a disorder of glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, dyslipoproteinemia, hypertension, impotence, inflammation, insulin resistance, lipid elimination in bile, obesity, oxysterol elimination in bile, pancreatitis, Parkinson's disease, a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-associated disorder, phospholipid elimination in bile, renal disease, septicemia, Syndrome X, thrombotic disorder. Compounds and methods of the invention can also be used to modulate C reactive protein or enhance bile production in a patient. In certain embodiments, the compounds, compositions, and methods of the invention are useful in combination therapy with other therapeutics, such as hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic agents.
US08153689B2 Pleuromutilin derivatives for the treatment of diseases mediated by microbes
Disclosed are pleuromutilin derivatives of formula (I) and their use in the treatment of diseases mediated by microbes.
US08153688B2 Esters of 2-phenylalkanenitriles and antifungal compositions containing them
Esters of 2-phenylalkanenitriles, such as 3-acetoxy-2-(2-chloro-5-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl)propanenitrile and 3-acetoxy-2-(4-chlorophenyl)propanenitrile, and compositions containing such esters, are useful as fungicides at very low concentrations.
US08153684B2 Use of equol for treating androgen mediated diseases
Equol (7-hydroxy-3(4′hydroxyphenyl)-chroman), the major metabolite of the phytoestrogen daidzein, specifically binds and blocks the hormonal action of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in vitro and in vivo. Equol can bind circulating free DHT and sequester it from the androgen receptor, thus altering growth and physiological hormone responses that are regulated by androgens. These data suggest a novel model to explain equol's biological properties. The significance of equol's ability to specifically bind and sequester DHT from the androgen receptor have important ramifications in health and disease and may indicate a broad and important usage for equol in the treatment and prevention of androgen-mediated pathologies. Thus, equol can specifically bind DHT and prevent DHT's biological actions in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
US08153683B2 Methods of treatment using a prodrug of an excitatory amino acid
This invention relates to synthetic excitatory amino acid prodrugs and processes for their preparation. The invention further relates to methods of using, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising, the compounds for the treatment of neurological disorders and psychiatric disorders.
US08153671B2 Heterotetracyclic compounds as TPO mimetics
The invention provides a novel class of compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with abnormal or deregulated TPO activity, particularly diseases or disorders that involve thrombocytopenia.
US08153667B2 Tricyclic aromatic and bis-phenyl sulfinyl derivatives
The present invention provides compounds of the structure: wherein the constituent members are defined herein, including pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of treating diseases therewith.
US08153666B2 Compounds having analgesic and/or immunostimulant activity
The compounds shown by their structural formulas in the specification have analgesic and or immunostimulant activity in mammals.
US08153664B2 Bicyclic and tricyclic derivatives as thrombin receptor antagonists
Heterocyclic-substituted tricyclics of the formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound, isomer or racemic mixture wherein represents an optional double bond, the dotted line is optionally a bond or no bond, resulting in a double bond or a single bond, as permitted by the valency requirement and wherein E, A, G M, Het, B, X, R3, R10, R11, R32 and R33 are herein defined and the remaining substituents are as defined in the specification, are disclosed, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing them and a method of treating diseases associated with thrombosis, atherosclerosis, restenosis, hypertension, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, heart failure, and cancer by administering said compounds. Combination therapy with other cardiovascular agents is also claimed.
US08153663B2 3-amino-indazole or 3-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-indazole derivatives
This invention relates to novel indazole derivatives of formula I: wherein R1 to R7 are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds are FXR modulators and can be used as medicaments.
US08153658B2 Piperidine derivative or salt thereof
To provide a compound which can be used for treating diseases in which a calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) participates, particularly hyperparathyroidism. It was found that a novel piperidine derivative which is characterized in that one of a 3-position and a 4-position is substituted with an aminomethyl group substituted with an arylalkyl group or the like and the other position is substituted with aryl, heteroaryl or the like, or a salt thereof, has an excellent CaSR agonistic regulatory action, and also has excellent selectivity with a CYP2D6 inhibitory action having a possibility of causing drug interaction. Based on the above, this novel piperidine derivative is useful as a therapeutic agent for diseases in which CaSR participates (hyperparathyroidism, renal osteodystrophy, hypercalcemia, and the like).
US08153656B2 Beta- and gamma-amino-isoquinoline amide compounds and substituted benzamide compounds
Disclosed are beta and gamma-amino isoquinoline amide compounds and substituted benzamide compounds. In particular, the invention provides compounds that affect the function of kinases in a cell and that are useful as therapeutic agents or with therapeutic agents. The compounds of the invention are useful in the treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions including eye diseases such as glaucoma, cardiovascular diseases, and diseases characterized by abnormal growth, such as cancers. The invention further provides compositions containing the beta or gamma-amino isoquinoline amide compounds or substituted benzamide compounds.
US08153653B2 Amido-tropane derivatives
The present invention relates to a compound of formula I wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independently hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, cycloalkyl, lower alkyl substituted by halogen or S-lower alkyl; or to a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt, racemic mixture, or corresponding enantiomer and/or optical isomer thereof. The compounds of formula I are good inhibitors of the glycine transporter 1 (GlyT-1), and have a good selectivity to glycine transporter 2 (GlyT-2) inhibitors. The compounds can be used in the treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
US08153646B2 Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors for cognitive and motor rehabilitation
The present invention provides methods of improving cognitive and motor deficits associated with central nervous system (CNS) disorder or condition in an animal. The methods comprise a general administration of phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors and optionally training the animal under conditions sufficient to produce an improvement in performance.
US08153638B2 Metabotropic glutamate-receptor-potentiating isoindolones
Compounds of formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and n are as defined in the description, processes for the preparing the compounds, new intermediates employed in the preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and uses of the compounds in therapy.
US08153630B2 Kinase inhibitors
Disclosed are protein kinase inhibitors of Formula Ia and Ib, compositions comprising such inhibitors, and methods of use, thereof. More particularly, these compounds and compositions are inhibitors of Aurora-A (Aurora-2) and Aurora-B (Aurora-1) protein kinase. Also disclosed are methods of using these compounds and compositions to prevent and treat diseases associated with protein kinases, especially diseases associated with Aurora-A or Aurora-B, such as cancer.
US08153628B2 Pyrazolyl substituted xanthines
The present invention provides compounds and pharmaceutical compositions that are substituted xanthines of formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein: Z is selected from the group consisting of oxazoyl, isoxazoyl, thiazolyl, and isothiazoyl; and Z1 is a 5-14 member substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl ring; which are selective antagonists of A2B adenosine receptors (ARs). These compounds and compositions are useful as pharmaceutical agents.
US08153626B2 Substituted diazepine sulfonamides as bombesin receptor subtype-3 modulators
Certain novel substituted diazepine sulfonamides are ligands of the human bombesin receptor and, in particular, are selective ligands of the human bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3). They are therefore useful for the treatment, control, or prevention of diseases and disorders responsive to the modulation of BRS-3, such as obesity, and diabetes.
US08153623B2 Compounds
Compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for treatment using the same.
US08153622B2 8-substituted benzoazepines as toll-like receptor modulators
Provided are compositions and methods useful for modulation of signaling through the Toll-like receptors TLR7 and/or TLR8. The compositions and methods have use in the treatment of autoimmunity, inflammation allergy, asthma, graft rejection, graft versus host disease, infection, sepsis, cancer and immunodeficiency.
US08153618B2 Bridged polycyclic compound based compositions for topical applications for pets
A pharmaceutically active agent, a pharmaceutically active agent carrier and method of use thereof are described. In some embodiments, a system may include a composition. The composition may include one or more bridged polycyclic compounds. At least one of the bridged polycyclic compounds may include at least two cyclic groups, and at least two pharmaceutically active agents may be associated with the bridged polycyclic compound. In some embodiments, one or more bridged polycyclic compounds may be applied to an topical surface and/or an otic surface of an animal (e.g., canine, feline) such that an topical malady and/or otic malady may be inhibited and/or ameliorated.
US08153611B2 Use of sulfated oligosaccharides as slimming cosmetic ingredients
This invention relates to the use of a preparation comprising sulfated oligosaccharides which trap spermine or spermidine or both, as an active slimming ingredient in a cosmetic, pharmaceutical and/or nutraceutical composition. One of the objectives of the invention is to supply a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition with a slimming effect.
US08153609B2 Purine nucleotide derivatives
This invention provides novel 8-carbyl substituted cAMPS and a novel procedures for the preparation of 8-Br-cAMP, a key starting material.
US08153605B2 Modulation of toll-like receptor 3 expression by antisense oligonucleotides
Antisense oligonucleotide compounds, compositions and methods are provided for down regulating the expression of TLR3. The compositions comprise antisense oligonucleotides targeted to nucleic acids encoding TLR3. The compositions may also comprise antisense oligonucleotides targeted to nucleic acids encoding TLR3 in combination with other therapeutic and/or prophylactic compounds and/or compositions. Methods of using these compounds and compositions for down-regulating TLR3 expression and for prevention or treatment of diseases wherein modulation of TLR3 expression would be beneficial are provided.
US08153599B1 Compounds with the biological activity of vasoactive intestinal peptide for the treatment of pulmonary and arteriolar hypertension
The present invention relates to peptides which are highly biologically and pharmacologically active as therapeutic drug for the treatment of diseases related to hypertension, especially in medical interventions involving dilatation and remodeling of arterial blood vessels, either in the pulmonary or in the systemic circulation. The peptides which can be used according to the invention for the treatment of said diseases comprise at least one specific highly conservative amino acid residue sequence which seem to play an important role in connection with pulmonary and arteriolar hypertension events. It could be shown that the known naturally occurring peptides “vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)” and “pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)”, having these specific sequences are potent drugs which can be successfully used for treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), secondary pulmonary hypertension (SPH), and hypertension of the systemic circulation. Furthermore, the present invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions useful for treatment of PPH, SPH, and hypertension of the systemic circulation within said methods.
US08153590B2 Antidotes for factor Xa inhibitors and methods of using the same
The present invention relates antidotes to anticoagulants targeting factor Xa. The antidotes are factor Xa protein derivatives that bind to the factor Xa inhibitors thereby substantially neutralizing them but do not assemble into the prothrombinase complex. The derivatives describe herein lack or have reduced intrinsic coagulant activity. Disclosed herein are methods of stopping or preventing bleeding in a patient that is currently undergoing anticoagulant therapy with a factor Xa inhibitor.
US08153589B2 JNK3 as a target for the treatment of angiogenesis-related diseases
Provided herein are methods for treating a subject having or at risk for an angiogenesis-related disorder. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that inhibits JNK3 expression, or a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that inhibits JNK3 activity. Disorders that can be treated by these methods include cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, vascular diseases, and other disorders resulting from excessive angiogenesis. The therapeutic agent may be a compound, small molecule, peptide, antibody, antisense nucleic acid, ribozyme, or the like. Methods of identifying a candidate agent that modulates JNK3 expression are also provided.
US08153586B2 FGF homologs compositions and uses thereof
The present invention relates to methods of using zFGF5 compositions to proliferate chondrocytes and their progenitors, and to induce deposition of cartilage. zFGF5 compositions are disclosed for treating disorders associated with chondrocytes, such as cartilage injuries and defects. In addition, methods for treating neurological disorders, such as stroke, are disclosed, and methods for using zFGF5 compositions to stimulate growth of cells associated with neurological injury and disease are disclosed.
US08153582B2 Personal-care articles having self-assembling peptides
A personal-care article, for receiving body exudates, having a self-assembling peptide is provided.
US08153581B2 Process for producing an injectable medicament preparation
The invention relates to a method for producing injectable medicament preparations containing a therapeutically and/or diagnostically effective substance which is comprised of an active agent, of a spacer molecule and of at least one protein-binding molecule. After being brought into contact with the body, said therapeutically and/or diagnostically effective substance covalently bonds to the body fluid constituents or tissue constituents via the protein-binding molecule, thus providing a form of transport of the active agent that an be hydrolytically or enzymatically cleaved, according to pH, in the body while releasing the active agent.
US08153576B2 Coated sodium percarbonate particles
Sodium percarbonate particles with a coating layer which comprises from 70 to 99.8% by weight of anhydrous sodium sulfate and from 0.2 to 20% by weight of a sodium borate, and whose proportion by weight is from 1 to 10% based on the mass of the sodium percarbonate particle, exhibit a high storage stability in detergent and cleaning composition formulations through a synergistic effect of sodium sulfate and sodium borate on the storage stability, and at the same time only have a small content of boron.
US08153575B1 Immobilized enzyme compositions for densified carbon dioxide dry cleaning
The present technology relates to compositions and processes for improved dry cleaning using densified carbon dioxide. The methods utilize a composition comprising densified carbon dioxide and a plurality of magnetic particles comprising a lipase wherein the lipase is immobilized on the surface of one or more of the plurality of magnetic particles.
US08153571B2 Composition for permanent or semipermanent tinting of keratin fibers with oil-in-glycol lamellar gel
The present invention has for object an oil-in-glycol lamellar gel, which comprises (a) at least one glycol, (b) at least one fatty alcohol, (c) at least one cationic surfactant, (d) at least one non-ionic surfactant and (e) at least one amino acid, for application as an addictive for permanent or semi-permanent keratin fiber color products, being the said lamellar gel able to improve dispersion of colorant agents in the color composition and the distribution, diffusion, interaction and maintenance of the colorant agents in the keratin fibers, which results in greater color vitality and retardation of the discoloring process.
US08153569B2 Lubricant base oil
Disclosed is lubricant base oil that is excellent in lubricity, sludge solubility, low viscosity, and low temperature characteristics and capable of realizing low volatility. The lubricant base oil contains as its main component a diester or triester synthesized from a divalent or trivalent carboxylic acid of 9 or less carbon atoms and a monovalent glycol ether such as an alkylene glycol monoalkyl ether of 3 to 25 carbon atoms and is useful as base oil for lubricating oil and grease. Di(hexyloxyethyl) adipate may be cited as an appropriate example of the diester.
US08153567B2 Mineral oils which comprise detergent additives and have improved cold flowability
The invention provides for the use of at least one oil-soluble polyoxyalkylene compound,this polyoxyalkylene compound being an oil-soluble ester, ether or ether/ester of alkoxylated polyols having at least three repeat alkoxy units derived from alkylene oxides having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms per OH group of the polyol which bears at least two aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 12 to 30 carbon atoms for improving the response behavior of mineral oil cold flow improvers in middle distillates which comprise at least one ashless, nitrogen-containing detergent additive which is an oil-soluble amphiphilic compound which comprises at least one alkyl or alkenyl radical which is bonded to a polar group, the alkyl or alkenyl radical comprising from 10 to 500 carbon atoms and the polar group comprising 2 or more nitrogen atoms.
US08153565B2 Lubricant composition for a final drive axle
A lubricant composition for a final drive axle oil comprising an oil of lubricating viscosity, one or more dispersants and one or more phosphorus compounds wherein the kinematic viscosity of the lubricant composition at 100° C. is greater than 10 mm2/s and wherein the amount by weight of the dispersant is greater than the amount by weight of the phosphorus compounds and any sulfur compounds which may optionally be present.
US08153564B2 Zirconium-based cross-linking composition for use with high pH polymer solutions
A cross-linking composition comprising (a) an aqueous liquid; (b) a pH buffer; (c) a cross-linkable organic polymer; and (d) a solution of a zirconium cross-linking agent comprising the product of contacting a zirconium complex with an alkanolamine and ethylene glycol wherein the mole ratio of alkanolamine to zirconium is 2:1 to 4:1 and the mole ratio of ethylene glycol to zirconium is 1:1 to 10:1. Optionally, water, hydroxyalkylated ethylenediamine, or both are added to the zirconium complex. The cross-linking composition of this invention is useful in oil field applications, for example, for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation and for plugging permeable zones or leaks in a subterranean formation.
US08153561B2 Limonene-containing herbicide compositions, herbicide concentrate formulations and methods for making and using same for organic production
Provided are methods, kits and compositions suitable for use in organic production for killing, controlling or suppressing a plant by administering to surfaces of the plant a herbicide composition comprising a herbicidally effective limonene component and an emulsifying agent in an aqueous emulsion, wherein the composition has a pH greater than 5. Also provided are methods, kits and compositions for killing, controlling or suppressing a plant, comprising administering to surfaces of the plant a herbicide composition comprising a herbicidally effective limonene component and an emulsifying agent in an aqueous emulsion, wherein the composition includes a wetting agent and an optional oil. Also provided are methods, kits and compositions for killing, controlling or suppressing a plant, comprising administering to surfaces of the plant a herbicide composition comprising a herbicidally effective limonene component, an emulsifying agent and optionally an added oil component in an aqueous emulsion, wherein the composition has a pH greater than 5 and includes a wetting agent. All components of the compositions suitable for use in organic production contain components which are either natural products obtained by non-chemical means and/or are included on the Environmental Protection Agency's List of Inert Ingredients (List 4A and 4B).
US08153559B2 Certain plant growth regulators (PGRs) as safener to Glyphosate for application to Glyphosate-tolerant crops
When the Glyphosate-tolerant crops, known as Round-Up Ready crops, are sprayed with Glyphosate in the field, the crops may exhibit some extent of phototoxicity, although the weeds are killed, as intended. Use of safener additive in present invention as plant growth regulator (PGR), along with Glyphosate, will result in reduced phototoxicity to the crops and thus better crops growth, while the herbicidal activities of Glyphosate are not affected.
US08153555B2 Thermal transfer sheet
It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal transfer sheet provided with a heat resistant slipping layer which reduces dye retransfer, has excellent heat resistance and slip properties, and prevents the defects of printed image from being generated due to wrinkles and the like during printing.A thermal transfer sheet comprising a base film, a color material layer on one surface of the base film, and a heat resistant slipping layer on the other surface of the base film, wherein the heat resistant slipping layer comprises a binder resin containing a cellulose acetate butyrate resin (A1) having a butyryl group content of 50% or more and a lubricant (B), the amount of the binder resin is 65 to 99% by weight of the total solid content of the heat resistant slipping layer, the amount of the cellulose acetate butyrate resin (A1) is 50 to 100% by weight of the binder resin, and the amount of the lubricant (B) is 1 to 30% by weight of the binder resin.
US08153551B2 Optical isomer separating filler
An optical isomer separating filler wherein a polysaccharide derivative is chemically bonded onto a support. This optical isomer separating filler is characterized in that the halogen content in the filler is 3.0 to 5.0%.
US08153544B2 Method for preparing non-metallocene catalysts
A method of preparing supported catalysts useful for olefin polymerization is described. The catalysts comprise a Group 4 metal complex that incorporates a tridentate dianionic ligand. An activator mixture is first made from a boron compound having Lewis acidity and an excess of an alumoxane. The activator mixture is then combined with a support and the Group 4 metal complex to give a supported catalyst. The method provides an active, supported catalyst capable of making high-molecular-weight polyolefins.
US08153543B2 Method for preparing composites of zeolite-fiber substrate
A method for preparing a composite of zeolite-fiber substrate includes the steps of reacting a fiber substrate or a zeolite with a linking compound to form an intermediate of linking compound-fiber substrate or zeolite-linking compound, and preparing the composite of zeolite-linking compound-fiber substrate by linking the intermediate of linking compound-fiber substrate to the fiber substrate or linking the intermediate of zeolite-linking compound to the zeolite, in which the linking is induced by sonication.
US08153542B2 Method for treating flue gas catalysts
A method for treating a catalyst base that comprises a contact area of porous material. A fluid, such as a flue gas stream, can be conducted along the contact area. A catalytically relevant substance is introduced into pores of the catalyst base using a transport fluid and remains on pore wall areas after removal of the transport fluid. The introduction is carried out such that an amount of the catalytically relevant substance relative to the surface remains on the pore wall areas as a function of location within the pore and decreases within the pore after exceeding a specific pore depth. A blocking fluid can first be introduced into pore regions beyond the specific pore depth, thus blocking these regions when transport fluid containing the catalytically relevant substance is introduced.
US08153541B2 Ceramic article
A ceramic article comprises ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 3:1 and ceramic particles. The ceramic fibers are substantially randomly oriented in three dimensions in the ceramic article. A method of forming the ceramic article includes the step of providing a composition including ceramic fibers having an aspect ratio of greater than 3:1 and ceramic particles. The composition is extruded through a multi-screw extruder having at least three intermeshing screws to form an extrudate. The extrudate is heated to form the ceramic article.
US08153539B2 Reinforcing fiber texture with multiple-satin weaving for a composite material part
A reinforcing fiber texture for a composite material part is made by multi-layer three-dimensional weaving with a satin type weave or a multiple satin type weave. The texture comprises at least three layers of weft yarns T interlaced by warp yarns C, each warp yarn taking hold in alternation of one weft yarn in n from a first layer of weft yarns and of one weft yarn in n of a second layer of weft yarns adjacent to the first, the number n being an integer not less than 3. The paths of the warp yarns are similar and they are offset in the warp direction.
US08153537B1 Method for fabricating semiconductor devices using stress engineering
There is provided a method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprising the formation of a first device in the first device region, the first device comprising first diffusion regions. A stressor layer covering the substrate in the first device region and the first device is subsequently formed, the stressor layer having a first stress value. A laser anneal to memorize at least a portion of the first stress value in the first device is carried out followed by an activation anneal after the laser anneal to activate dopants in the first diffusion regions.
US08153533B2 Methods and systems for preventing feature collapse during microelectronic topography fabrication
Methods for preventing feature collapse subsequent to etching a layer encasing the features include adding a non-aqueous liquid to a microelectronic topography having remnants of an aqueous liquid arranged upon its surface and subsequently exposing the topography to a pressurized chamber including a fluid at or greater than its saturated vapor pressure or critical pressure. The methods include flushing from the pressurized chamber liquid arranged upon the topography and, thereafter, venting the chamber in a manner sufficient to prevent liquid formation therein. The topography features may be submerged in a liquid while pressurizing the chamber. A process chamber used to prevent feature collapse includes a substrate holder for supporting a microelectronic topography, a vessel configured to contain the substrate holder, and a sealable region surrounding the substrate holder and the vessel. The chamber is configured to sequester wet chemistry supplied to the vessel from metallic surfaces of the sealable region.
US08153532B1 Bilayer dielectric interconnection process
The present invention improves the yield of integrated circuit manufacture by making the circuit more tolerant of varying thicknesses of the InterLayer Dielectric prior to metallization and interconnection. The sensitivity to the thickness of the ILD is reduced by first coating the devices with an etch stop layer, exposing the areas of the devices where interconnections will be made, selectively etching away the etch stop layer over the interconnection areas, adding the Interlayer Dielectric and then finally etching away the ILD to expose the contacts and continuing the processing through interconnection of the devices.
US08153526B2 High planarizing method for use in a gate last process
A method for performing a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) is provided. The method includes processing a semiconductor substrate to form a dummy gate structure on the substrate, to form a hard mask on the dummy gate structure, and to form a contact etch stop layer (CESL) and an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer on the hard mask, performing a first CMP process with a first slurry to modify a non-planar topography of the ILD layer, performing a second CMP process with a second slurry to remove the hard mask, and performing a third CMP process with a third slurry to remove an interfacial layer that forms between the dummy gate and hard mask during semiconductor processing.
US08153520B1 Thinning tungsten layer after through silicon via filling
Methods of processing partially manufactured semiconductor substrates with one or more through silicon vias to partially remove a tungsten layer formed on the field region during filling the through silicon vias are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods produce substrates with reduced bowing than the bowing present after through silicon vias filling. Substrates with reduced bowing are easier to handle and may expedite subsequent processes.
US08153519B1 Method for fabricating semiconductor device using spacer patterning
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes depositing and stacking a hard mask layer and a sacrificial layer over an etch target layer forming a mask pattern with holes defined therein over the sacrificial layer, forming first pillars filling the holes; removing the mask pattern, forming second pillars by using the first pillars as an etch barrier and etching the sacrificial layer, forming spacers surrounding sidewalls of each second pillar, removing the second pillars, etching the hard mask layer by using the spacers as etch barriers to form a hard mask pattern, and forming a hole pattern by using the hard mask pattern as an etch barrier and etching the etch target layer.
US08153518B2 Method for fabricating metal interconnection of semiconductor device
In a method for fabricating a metal interconnection of a semiconductor device, a lower interconnection and a lower insulation layer are formed over a semiconductor substrate. An etch stop layer is formed over the lower insulation layer. An upper insulation layer is formed over the etch stop layer. A first via hole is formed to expose the etch stop layer corresponding to the lower interconnection. A second via hole exposing the lower interconnection is formed by a primary etching process that selectively removes the etch stop layer exposed by the first via hole. A chemical cleaning process is performed on the second via hole, wherein polymer is formed over the surface of the lower interconnection during the chemical cleaning process. The polymer is removed from the second via hole by a secondary etching process using vaporized gas.
US08153515B2 Methods of fabricating strain balanced nitride heterojunction transistors
A nitride based heterojunction transistor includes a substrate and a first Group III nitride layer, such as an AlGaN based layer, on the substrate. The first Group III-nitride based layer has an associated first strain. A second Group III-nitride based layer, such as a GaN based layer, is on the first Group III-nitride based layer. The second Group III-nitride based layer has a bandgap that is less than a bandgap of the first Group III-nitride based layer and has an associated second strain. The second strain has a magnitude that is greater than a magnitude of the first strain. A third Group III-nitride based layer, such as an AlGaN or AlN layer, is on the GaN layer. The third Group III-nitride based layer has a bandgap that is greater than the bandgap of the second Group III-nitride based layer and has an associated third strain. The third strain is of opposite strain type to the second strain. A source contact, a drain contact and a gate contact may be provided on the third Group III-nitride based layer. Nitride based heterojunction transistors having an AlGaN based bottom confinement layer, a GaN based channel layer on the bottom confinement layer and an AlGaN based barrier layer on the channel layer, the barrier layer having a higher concentration of aluminum than the bottom confinement layer, are also provided. Methods of fabricating such transistor are also provided.
US08153513B2 Method and system for continuous large-area scanning implantation process
A method for manufacturing doped substrates using a continuous large area scanning implantation process is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a movable track member. The movable track member is provided in a chamber. The chamber includes an inlet and an outlet. In a specific embodiment, the movable track member can include one or more rollers, air bearings, belt member, and/or movable beam member to provide one or more substrates for a scanning process. The method may also include providing a first substrate. The first substrate includes a first plurality of tiles. The method maintains the first substrate including the first plurality of tiles in a vacuum. The method includes transferring the first substrate including the first plurality of tiles from the inlet port onto the movable track member. The first plurality of tiles are subjected to a scanning implant process. The method also includes maintaining a second substrate including a second plurality of tiles in the vacuum. The method includes transferring the second substrate including a second plurality of tiles from the inlet port onto the movable track member. The method includes subjecting the second plurality of tiles to an implant process using the scanning implant process.
US08153509B2 Method of fabricating light emitting diode using laser lift-off technique and laser lift-off apparatus having heater
Disclosed is a method of fabricating a light emitting diode using a laser lift-off apparatus. The method includes growing an epitaxial layer including a first conductive-type compound semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductive-type compound semiconductor layer on a first substrate, bonding a second substrate, having a different thermal expansion coefficient from that of the first substrate, to the epitaxial layers at a first temperature of the first substrate higher than a room temperature, and separating the first substrate from the epitaxial layer by irradiating a laser beam through the first substrate at a second temperature of the first substrate higher than the room temperature but not more than the first temperature. Thus, during a laser lift-off process, focusing of the laser beam can be easily achieved and the epitaxial layers are prevented from cracking or fracture. The laser lift-off process is performed by a laser lift-off apparatus including a heater.
US08153508B2 Method for fabricating image sensor
A method for fabricating an image sensor is provided. In the image sensor fabrication method, an interconnection and a dielectric interlayer are formed on a semiconductor substrate including a readout circuit. An image sensing unit is formed on a carrier substrate of one side of a dielectric layer. The carrier substrate and the dielectric interlayer are bonded to each other. The dielectric layer and the carrier substrate are removed to leave the image sensing unit on the dielectric interlayer.
US08153505B2 Method for low temperature bonding and bonded structure
A method for bonding at low or room temperature includes steps of surface cleaning and activation by cleaning or etching. The method may also include removing by-products of interface polymerization to prevent a reverse polymerization reaction to allow room temperature chemical bonding of materials such as silicon, silicon nitride and SiO2. The surfaces to be bonded are polished to a high degree of smoothness and planarity. VSE may use reactive ion etching or wet etching to slightly etch the surfaces being bonded. The surface roughness and planarity are not degraded and may be enhanced by the VSE process. The etched surfaces may be rinsed in solutions such as ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride to promote the formation of desired bonding species on the surfaces.
US08153499B2 Method for fabrication of a semiconductor device and structure
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor wafer, the method including: providing a base wafer including a semiconductor substrate, metal layers and first alignment marks; transferring a monocrystalline layer on top of the metal layers, wherein the monocrystalline layer includes second alignment marks; and performing a lithography using at least one of the first alignment marks and at least one of the second alignment marks.
US08153495B2 Semiconductor device and LTPS-TFT within and method of making the same
A thin film transistor (TFT) formed on a substrate includes a polycrystalline film, a gate insulator, a hydrogen-supplying film and a gate electrode. The polycrystalline film is formed on the substrate. Two sides of the polycrystalline film serve as the source and the drain of the semiconductor device, and the central region of the polycrystalline layer serves as the channel. The gate insulator is formed on the polycrystalline film, then the polycrystalline film is ions implanted, and the hydrogen-supplying film is formed on the gate insulator. The gate electrode is formed on the hydrogen-supplying film above the channel. The hydrogen-supplying film supplies hydrogen to the polycrystalline film, especially to the channel, so as to transform the unsaturated bonds into hydrogen bonds in the channel for avoiding the unsaturated bonds to degrade the charge carrier efficiency of the channel.
US08153492B2 Self-aligned V-channel MOSFET
Forming a high-κ/metal gate field effect transistor using a gate last process in which the channel region has a curved profile thus increasing the effective channel length improves the short channel effect. During the high-κ/metal gate process, after the sacrificial materials between the sidewall spacers are removed, the exposed semiconductor substrate surface at the bottom of the gate trench cavity is etched to form a curved recess. Subsequent deposition of high-κ gate dielectric layer and gate electrode metal into the gate trench cavity completes the high-κ/metal gate field effect transistor having a curved channel region that has a longer effective channel length.
US08153491B2 Non-volatile memory semiconductor device having an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) top dielectric layer
A non-volatile memory (NVM) cell includes a silicon substrate having a main surface, a source region in a portion of the silicon substrate, a drain region in a portion of the silicon substrate, and a well region disposed in a portion of the silicon substrate between the source and drain regions. The cell includes a bottom oxide layer formed on the main surface of the substrate. The bottom oxide layer is disposed on a portion of the main surface proximate the well region. The cell includes a charge storage layer disposed above the bottom oxide layer, a dielectric tunneling layer disposed above the charge storage layer and a control gate formed above the dielectric tunneling layer. The dielectric tunneling layer includes a first oxide layer, a nitride layer and a second oxide layer. Erasing the NVM cell includes applying a positive gate voltage to inject holes from the gate.
US08153489B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor device with buried gates
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device, including forming a trench by etching a semiconductor substrate, forming a gate insulation layer over a surface of the trench, forming a gate conductive layer over the gate insulation layer, performing a first recess process by etching the gate conductive layer, forming a protection pattern over the gate insulation layer, and performing a second recess process by etching the gate conductive layer.
US08153487B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film provided on the semiconductor substrate, a charge storage layer provided on the first insulating film, a second insulating film comprising a plurality of insulating films provided on the charge storage layer and comprising a nitride film as an uppermost layer, and a single-layer control gate electrode provided on the second insulating film and comprising metal silicide.
US08153486B2 Method for fabricating capacitor
A method for fabricating a capacitor includes forming an etch stop layer, a first isolating insulation layer, and a floating layer over a substrate including storage node contact plugs to form a resulting substrate structure; etching the floating layer, the first isolating insulation layer, and the etch stop layer to form a plurality of open regions; forming a conductive layer over the substrate structure; forming a second isolating insulation layer over the conductive layer, the second isolating insulation layer filling upper portions of the open regions; etching portions of the remaining floating layer to form a floating pattern; performing a storage node isolation process in a manner that the floating pattern is exposed to form a plurality of storage nodes having sidewalls supported by the floating pattern; and removing the etched first isolating insulation layer.
US08153481B2 Semiconductor power device with passivation layers
A semiconductor power device comprises a semiconductor substrate. The substrate includes an N-type silicon region and N+ silicon region. An oxide layer overlies the N− type silicon region, the oxide layer formed using a Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor deposition (PECVD) method. First and second electrodes are coupled to the N− type silicon region and the N+ type silicon region, respectively. The oxide layer has a thickness 0.5 to 3 microns. The power device also includes a polymide layer having a thickness of 3 to 20 microns; a first field plate overlying the oxide layer; and second field plate overlying the polymide layer and the first field plate, wherein the second field plate overlaps the first field plate by 2 to 15 microns.
US08153479B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor package
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package comprises: preparing a photosensitive insulating material having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; bonding a semiconductor chip to the first surface of the photosensitive insulating material with a connecting terminal of the semiconductor chip facing the first surface of the photosensitive insulating material; exposing the second surface of the photosensitive insulating material after the bonding the semi-conductor to the first surface of the photosensitive material; encapsulating the first surface of the photosensitive insulating material, and the semiconductor chip bonded to the first surface, with a resin to form a resin encapsulated portion after exposing the second surface of the photosensitive insulating material; and developing the photosensitive insulating material, thereby forming a through-hole communicating with the connecting terminal of the semiconductor chip in the photosensitive insulating material after the exposing the second surface of the photosensitive insulating material.
US08153475B1 Back-end processes for substrates re-use
A method for fabricating optical devices on a reusable handle substrate. The method includes providing a handle substrate having a surface region. The method also includes forming a plurality of optical device using at least an epitaxial growth process overlying the surface region and then releasing the handle substrate from the plurality of optical devices. The method reuses the handle substrate for another fabrication process.
US08153474B2 Modular low stress package technology
A method of manufacturing a protected package assembly: providing a protective modular package cover in accordance with a modular design; selectively applying an adhesive to the cross member of each subassembly receiving section of the protective modular package cover that will receive a subassembly to form an adhesive layer of the protective modular package cover; encapsulating the one or more subassemblies in the subassembly receiving sections on the selectively applied adhesive layer to generate a protected package assembly; and controlling application of a distributed downward clamping force applied to the top surfaces of the subassemblies received by the protective modular package cover and useful for mounting the protected package assembly to a core through activation of fastener elements and cross members of the subassembly receiving sections.
US08153473B2 Module having a stacked passive element and method of forming the same
A module having a discrete passive element and a semiconductor device, and method of forming the same. In one embodiment, the module includes a patterned leadframe, a discrete passive element mounted on an upper surface of the leadframe, and a thermally conductive, electrically insulating material formed on an upper surface of the discrete passive element. The module also includes a semiconductor device bonded to an upper surface of the thermally conductive, electrically insulating material.
US08153468B2 Light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
A light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The light emitting device comprises a substrate, a gate electrode positioned on the substrate, a first insulating layer positioned on the substrate comprising the gate electrode, an amorphous silicon layer positioned on the first insulating layer so that a predetermined area thereof corresponds to the gate electrode, ohmic layers that positioned on a predetermined area of the amorphous silicon layer, the ohmic layers defining a source area and a drain area, a source electrode or a drain electrode electrically connected to any one of the ohmic layers and a cathode that is electrically connected to the other one of the ohmic layers, a second insulating layer positioned on the substrate comprising the source electrode or the drain electrode and the cathode, the second insulating layer comprising an opening exposing a portion of the cathode, an emitting layer positioned within the opening, and an anode positioned on the substrate comprising the emitting layer.
US08153466B2 Mask applied to a workpiece
A method of fabricating a workpiece is disclosed. A material defining apertures is applied to a workpiece. A species is introduced to the workpiece through the apertures and the material is removed. For example, the material may be evaporated, may form a volatile product with a gas, or may dissolve when exposed to a solvent. The species may be introduced using, for example, ion implantation or gaseous diffusion.
US08153463B2 Method of manufacturing thin film transistor substrate
A method of manufacturing a thin film transistor substrate includes a first process in which a gate line pattern including a gate line and a gate electrode is formed with a first conductive material on a substrate using a first mask, a second process in which a first insulating layer is formed on the substrate and a data line pattern including a data line, a source electrode, and a drain electrode is formed with a second conductive material using a second mask, and a third process in which a second insulating layer is formed on the substrate and a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode is formed on the second insulating layer with a third conductive material.
US08153462B2 Method of manufacturing liquid crystal display device
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device is provided which includes ashing first and second photoresist patterns, whereby a copper oxide film is formed at portions of a data line and a source-drain pattern exposed between the ashed first and second photoresist patterns and between the ashed first and second portions of the first photoresist pattern; deoxidizing or removing the copper oxide film; performing a plasma treatment to change the exposed portions of the data line and the source-drain pattern into a copper compound; removing the copper compound using a copper compound removing solution to form source and drain electrodes below the ashed first and second portions, respectively, wherein the copper compound removing solution substantially has no reaction with the copper group material; dry-etching a portion of an ohmic contact layer between the source and drain electrodes using the source and drain electrodes as an etching mask, the ohmic contact layer formed by patterning the impurity-doped amorphous silicon layer.
US08153455B2 Method for enhancing light extraction efficiency of light emitting diodes
A method for enhancing light extraction efficiency of a light emitting diode is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a light emitting diode including in sequence a substrate, a first layer of a first conduction type, an active layer, and a second layer of a second conduction type opposite to the first conduction type; growing a number of protrusions on at least one layer selected from the first layer, the active layer, and the second layer of the light emitting diode to form a patterned oxide layer for protecting the light emitting diode from etch; controlling height of the protrusions to achieve a predetermined etching depth of the light emitting diode; dry etching through a portion of the light emitting diode which is not protected by the patterned oxide layer to form a plurality of depressions on the light emitting diode; and removing the oxide layer from the selected layer. The light emitting diode is patterned so that more light beams can be emitted. Therefore, light extraction efficiency is enhanced.
US08153448B2 Manufacturing method of a semiconductor device
There are provided a capacitor lower electrode formed on an adhesive layer, whose surface roughness is 0.79 nm or less, and having a (111) orientation that is inclined from a perpendicular direction to an upper surface of a substrate by 2.3° or less, a ferroelectric layer having a structure the (111) orientation of which is inclined from the perpendicular direction to the upper surface of the substrate by 3.5° or less, and a capacitor upper electrode.
US08153443B2 Characterization of the CBir1 antigenic response for diagnosis and treatment of Crohn's disease
This invention provides methods of diagnosing or predicting susceptibility to Crohn's Disease by determining the presence or absence of genetic variants. In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods to diagnose and/or predict susceptibility to Crohn's Disease in an individual by determining the presence or absence of anti-Cbir1 reactivity and the presence or absence of TLR5 risk variants. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods to diagnose Crohn's Disease by determining the presence or absence of NFKB1 haplotype H3 and/or ASCA expression. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of diagnosing Crohn's Disease by determining the presence or absence of Cbir1 specific peripheral blood T cell proliferation.
US08153441B2 Method for analyzing structure and purity of serotonin transporter imaging agent [123 I] ADAM and precursor SnADAM
An analytical technique for determining the structures of serotonin transporter (SERT) imaging agent [123I] ADAM and its precursor, SnADAM by using a high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) is provided. An analytical technique for determining the purity of SnADAM by using a high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) is also provided.
US08153438B2 Sequencing nucleic acid polymers with electron microscopy
This invention relates to using an electron microscope to sequence by direct inspection of labeled, stretched DNA. This method will have higher accuracy, lower cost, and longer read length than current DNA sequencing methods.
US08153437B2 DNA-based molecular switches and uses thereof
Disclosed are nucleic acid-based molecular switches that respond to changes in pH. The switches may be used in DNA nanodevices. The switches may also act as sensors for measuring the pH of a sample, including cells, regions thereof, and whole organisms. The switch includes an A-motif that forms at acidic pH. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for measuring the pH of cells or regions thereof, such as vesicles, the nucleus, mitochondrial matrix, or the Golgi lumen.
US08153436B2 Assays for disease-associated crystals in biological samples
Methods of assaying for disease-associated crystal species in biological samples are described. Such methods involve contacting a patient sample with an excess of a detectable crystal-tagging compound reactive with a plurality of crystal species under conditions that allow the detectable crystal-tagging compound to react with a plurality of crystal species, if present, to form tagged crystal species complexes. Substantially all unreacted tagging compound is then removed. If desired, chemical, enzymatic, or physical treatment can be used to selectively degrade some, but not, of the tagged crystal species. Assessment of soluble versus crystal-associated label is then performed.
US08153435B1 Methods and articles for identifying objects using encapsulated perfluorocarbon tracers
A system and method for tagging, tracking, locating and identifying people and vehicles transporting people using Perfluorocarbon tracers. An on-going problem faced by military as well as law enforcement personnel is that of friendly fire incidents. To prevent possible friendly-fire incidents, troops would separate the two layers of the uniform patch, thereby releasing a controlled release of the Perfluorocarbon vapors. Other “friendly” troops, equipped with sensors tuned to the specific perfluorocarbon characteristics would thus be able to literally view a plume around the tagged person or object. The system may conversely be used to tag enemies. Formulations of mixed perfluorocarbons may be used to provide coding of emissions.
US08153432B2 Multiplex automated genome engineering
The present invention relates to automated methods of introducing multiple nucleic acid sequences into one or more target cells.
US08153430B2 Methods related to surgery
The invention is directed to methods related to surgery, for example gastrointestinal surgery. In particular, the invention is methods of treating fistulae, promoting accelerated healing of anastomoses and preventing failure of anastomoses. Such methods utilize novel compositions, including but not limited to extraembryonic cytokine secreting cells (herein referred to as ECS cells), including, but not limited to, amnion-derived multipotent progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells), conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as amnion-derived cellular cytokine solution or ACCS), cell lysates derived therefrom, and cell products derived therefrom, each alone or in combination.
US08153428B2 Use of TGF beta superfamily antagonists and neurotrophins to make neurons from embryonic stem cells
This invention provides a system for efficiently producing differentiated cells from pluripotent cells, such as human embryonic stem cells. Rather than permitting the cells to form embryoid bodies according to established techniques, differentiation is effected directly in monolayer culture on a suitable solid surface. The cells are either plated directly onto a differentiation-promoting surface, or grown initially on the solid surface in the absence of feeder cells and then exchanged into a medium that assists in the differentiation process. The solid surface and the culture medium can be chosen to direct differentiation down a particular pathway, generating a cell population that is remarkably uniform. The methodology is well adapted to bulk production of committed precursor and terminally differentiated cells for use in drug screening or regenerative medicine.
US08153424B2 Method of in vitro differentiation of neural stem cells, motor neurons and dopamine neurons from primate embryonic stem cells
A method of differentiating embryonic stem cells into ventral spinal progenitor cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention comprises culturing a population of cells comprising a majority of cells that are characterized by an early rosette morphology and are Sox1−/Pax6+ in the presence of retinoic acid, wherein the cells express Hoxb4, but not Otx2 or Bf1.
US08153419B2 Dual purpose intermodal and bioconversion container
An Intermodal container, also known as an ISO Ocean Freight Container is suitable for the dual purposes of bio-containment and also Intermodal shipping. Provision is made for the introduction of water, oxygen or other liquids or gasses to be treated into the container, for exit of liquids or gasses generated or converted in the container, and for the monitoring of biological processes occurring within the container, all in a liquid impervious container. Improved air ducts and flow paths are provided, while the effects of shrinkage and channeling are reduced, through a strategically placed and relative percentage of openings through the floor. Further improvements in air distribution are achieved by an elimination or substantial reduction in percentage of opening through the floor in areas immediately adjacent to the container side walls. The flooring incorporates a self-cleaning hole design which increases in diameter with increasing distance from the container contents. The increases in diameter may be achieved either through smooth and continuous increases, or through discontinuous increments, though the objective regardless of the approach is to ensure that the holes do not clog either when the container is filled with matter, or when vibrated and jolted during handling and transport.
US08153415B2 Reduced by-product accumulation for improved production of isobutanol
The present invention relates to recombinant microorganisms comprising biosynthetic pathways and methods of using said recombinant microorganisms to produce various beneficial metabolites. In various aspects of the invention, the recombinant microorganisms may further comprise one or more modifications resulting in the reduction or elimination of 3 keto-acid (e.g., acetolactate and 2-aceto-2-hydroxybutyrate) and/or aldehyde-derived by-products. In various embodiments described herein, the recombinant microorganisms may be microorganisms of the Saccharomyces clade, Crabtree-negative yeast microorganisms, Crabtree-positive yeast microorganisms, post-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, pre-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, and non-fermenting yeast microorganisms.
US08153414B2 Microbial delivery system
The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating or preventing allergic responses, particularly anaphylactic allergic responses, in subjects who are allergic to allergens or susceptible to allergies. Methods of the present invention utilize administration of microorganisms to subjects, where the microorganisms produce allergens and protect the subjects from exposure to the allergens until phagocytosed by antigen-presenting cells. Particularly preferred microorganisms are gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. Particularly preferred allergens are proteins found in foods, venoms, drugs and latex that elicit allergic reactions and anaphylactic allergic reactions in individuals who are allergic to the proteins or are susceptible to allergies to the proteins. The proteins may also be modified to reduce the ability of the proteins to bind and crosslink IgE antibodies and thereby reduce the risk of eliciting anaphylaxis without affecting T-cell mediated Th1-type immunity.
US08153413B2 High alkaline protease and use thereof
The invention aims to provide a novel alkaline protease having peculiar properties such as high alkali activity, resistance to surfactants and calcium-dependent thermostability and exhibiting excellent performance in highly alkaline detergents, and a gene coding for the amino acid sequence thereof. There is provided an alkaline protease with such properties that an active pH range is from 5 to 13, an optimum pH is approximately 12.6, an optimum temperature is 70° C., no activity drop by heating is observed up to 65° C. at pH 10 and the optimum temperature and the thermostability are not affected by Ca2+ ions. Specifically, there is provided, for example, an alkaline protease having an amino acid sequence constituting a mature enzyme as represented by SEQ ID NO: 3 or an amino acid sequence resulting from deletion, substitution, situs inversus arrangement, addition or insertion of a part of amino acids thereof, or derived from Alkaliphillus transvaalensis. The protease cleaves 26 peptide bonds among 29 peptide bonds of acidic insulin B-chain.
US08153410B2 Alternate morpheein forms of allosteric proteins as a target for the development of bioactive molecules
A composition having an agent adapted to affect a multimeric protein by binding to a binding site of the multimeric protein and thereby affecting an equilibrium of units, wherein the multimeric protein has an assembly having a plurality of said units, wherein each of the units has a first complementary surface and a second complementary surface and wherein the first complementary surface of one unit is associated with the second complementary surface of another unit, provided that the assembly is at least one of different quaternary isoforms on a condition that in the multimeric protein (1) a structure of each of the units determines a structure of the different quaternary isoforms, (2) the units are in the equilibrium and (3) the structure of the different quaternary isoforms influences a function of the multimeric protein.
US08153408B2 Biocatalytic racemisation of alpha-hydroxyketones
A process for the racemization of an optically active alpha-hydroxyketone by incubating said alpha-hydroxyketone in the presence of an acetoin racemase of Lactobacillus.
US08153405B2 Products and methods for in vivo secretion of monatin
Products and methods for the in vivo production of monatin sweetener are provided. The products include microorganisms that are genetically modified to secrete or to improve secretion of monatin; microorganisms that are genetically modified to produce monatin; and microorganisms that are genetically modified to both secrete or improve secretion of monatin and produce monatin. The methods include producing monatin in such genetically engineered microorganisms.
US08153402B2 Emulsion compositions
An emulsion is useful in allowing a wide variety of gene products to be expressed via eukaryotic in vitro expression. The emulsion comprises a silicone based surfactant, a hydrophobic phase and a hydrophilic phase; wherein the hydrophilic phase comprises a plurality of compartments containing a functional in vitro eukaryotic expression system.
US08153396B2 Method for producing a casein hydrolysate
The present invention relates to a method for producing a casein hydrolysate using a microbial endopeptidase.
US08153393B2 Spirolactam targeting compounds and related compounds
Spirolactam targeting compounds, related compounds, uses of such compounds, and methods of making such compounds are disclosed.
US08153382B2 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrate depleted of anti-A and anti-B antibodies and of polyreactive IgGs
The present invention relates to an immunoglobulin G concentrate for therapeutic use, in which the respective contents of anti-A and anti-B antibodies are in accordance with a negative result in the in vitro indirect Coombs test. This IgG concentrate also has a polyreactive IgG content of between 0.01% and 0.1%, in particular between 0.07% and 0.1%, relative to the total content of IgG.
US08153378B2 Gene expression markers for colorectal cancer prognosis
A method of predicting clinical outcome in a subject diagnosed with colorectal cancer comprising determining evidence of the expression of one or more predictive RNA transcripts or their expression products in a biological sample of cancer cells obtained from the subject.
US08153376B2 Means and methods for diagnosing and/or treating a subject at risk of developing heart failure
The present invention relates to a method for identifying a subject at risk of developing heart failure, comprising: (a) determining the level of one or more biological markers in a biological sample of said subject; (b) comparing the level of said biological marker to a standard level of the same biological marker; and (C) determining whether the level of the marker is indicative of a risk for developing heart failure, wherein the biological marker is Krüppel Like Factor 15 (KLF-15) and/or lysosomal integral membrane protein-2 (LIMP-2) and/or fragments and/or variants thereof, and/or wherein the biological marker is a gene coding for KLF15 and/or LIMP-2, and/or fragments and/or variants thereof. The invention further relates to use of the KLF15 and/or LIMP-2 protein, and/or the gene coding for KLF15 and/or LIMP2, and/or fragments, and/or variants of said genes and/or proteins, for the preparation of a medicament for a prophylactic and/or a therapeutic medicament for prevention and/or treatment of heart failure.
US08153371B2 Probe, probe set, probe carrier, and testing method
A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 4 and mutated sequences thereof.
US08153370B2 RNA from cytology samples to diagnose disease
The invention relates to methods and kits for detecting the likelihood that a subject has cancer, e.g., squamous cell carcinoma, by assaying the expression levels of tumor associated genes. More specifically, the expression levels of nucleic acids or proteins can be assayed in the tumor associated genes, e.g., beta-2 microgobulin (B2M) and cytochrome p450 1B1 (CYP1B1). The expression levels compared to standards can be indicative of the likelihood a subject has squamous cell carcinoma. For example, over-expression of B2M and under-expression of CYP1B1 can be indicative of the likelihood a subject has squamous cell carcinoma. Also, over-expression of B2M and over-expression of CYP1B1 can be indicative of the likelihood a subject has a precancerous squamous cell disorder. The expression levels of B2M and CYP1B1 can also be repeatedly assayed to monitor the progression of a squamous cell neoplasia.
US08153369B2 Assessment of risk for colorectal cancer
Disclosed is a method for identifying an individual who has an altered risk for developing colorectal cancer comprising detecting a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).
US08153368B2 Four-jointed box (FJX1) in cancer diagnosis and treatment
The present invention relates to a new tumor suppressor, designated FJX1. Also described are diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic uses of the FJX1 protein and the FJX1 gene, alone or in combination with traditional cancer therapies.
US08153367B2 Amplified array analysis system
The present invention concerns an array-based analytical system and method having an enhanced sensitivity which allows for simple and rapid analysis of relative unmodified samples which comprises an analytical system of the type having a plurality of different first members of a specific binding pair affixed in an array thereupon, a mixture including at least one second member of a specific binding pair capable of binding to one of the first members so as to form a specific binding pair which is affixed to the support member, and a reporter system that produces a detectable signal indicative of the presence of the specific binding pair on the support member and wherein the reporter system includes an amplified reporter system that is independent of layering.
US08153366B2 Methods and compositions for predicting drug responses
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for predicting drug responses. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for determining individualized Warfarin dosages based on genotype of DNA polymorphisms and haplotypes derived from them in the VKORC1 gene.
US08153361B1 Dynamic and combinatorial synthesis of polymerase primers
This invention relates to the field of nucleic acid chemistry, more specifically to compositions of matter that are nucleic acid analogs, and processes that use them. Still more specifically, these compositions comprise two fragments of DNA-like molecules, each having one or more ends modified to carry a reactive group, where the reactive group on one fragment can form a transient covalent bond with the reactive group on the other under conditions of dynamic equilibrium to form a composite, where the composite can then bind to a target oligonucleotide, such as a DNA or RNA molecule. Most specifically, once the transient covalent bond forms, the composite serves as a primer for a template-directed polymerization using a DNA polymerase, an RNA polymerase, or a reverse transcriptase. Once incorporated, the epimerization causes the base pair to be destabilized, the duplex containing the epimerized nucleoside to likewise be destabilized, and the double strand to then disassociate. This leaves the template available to template the synthesis of another complementary oligonucleotide containing the epimerizing base.
US08153354B2 Sealed cell structure
A method for forming a sealed cell structure is disclosed. The sealed cell structure comprises first (10) and second (12) substrates that are spaced apart by a plurality of partition walls (14). The partition walls define a plurality of cells (18, 19) between the first and second substrates. At least one of the substrates and the partition walls have a layer (16, 22, 30) of photo-embossing material on them. A latent image is written (112) onto the photo-embossing material, and then the image is developed, thereby causing expansion of the photo-embossing material in the areas (114) according to the pattern of the latent image. The expansion of the photo-embossing material causes the cells to be sealed apart from one another.
US08153353B2 Ultra dark polymer
A method and a material for creating an antireflective coating on an integrated circuit. A preferred embodiment comprises applying a dark polymer material on a reflective surface, curing the dark polymer material, and roughening a top surface of the dark polymer material. The roughening can be achieved by ashing the dark polymer material in an ash chamber. The dark polymer material, preferably a black matrix resin or a polyimide black matrix resin, when ashed in an oxygen rich atmosphere for a short period of time, forms a surface that is capable of absorbing light as well as randomly refracting light it does not absorb. A protective cap layer may be formed on top of the ashed dark polymer material to provide protection for the dark polymer material.
US08153351B2 Methods for performing photolithography using BARCs having graded optical properties
Photolithography methods using BARCs having graded optical properties are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a photolithography method comprises the steps of depositing a BARC overlying a material to be patterned, the BARC having a refractive index and an absorbance. The BARC is modified such that, after the step of modifying, values of the refractive index and the absorbance are graded from first values at a first surface of the BARC to second values at a second surface of the BARC. The step of modifying is performed after the step of depositing.
US08153344B2 Methods for producing photosensitive microparticles, aqueous compositions thereof and articles prepared therewith
Described are aqueous compositions of an effective amount of at least one photosensitive material and at least one polymerizable component that are adapted to at least partially form photosensitive microparticles or at least partially crosslinked photosensitive polymeric microparticles. The photosensitive polymeric microparticles are made of integral surface and interior domains wherein at least one of the surface and/or interior domains is photosensitive. Also described are aqueous dispersions of such microparticles, ways of producing such microparticles and photosensitive articles such as optical elements that incorporate the photosensitive polymeric microparticles.
US08153341B2 Phosphate containing photoconductors
A photoconductor that includes, for example, a supporting substrate, an undercoat layer thereover wherein the undercoat layer contains a metal oxide, a phenolic resin, and a phosphate; a photogenerating layer; and at least one charge transport layer.
US08153340B2 Photosensitive composition, partition walls and black matrix
To provide a photosensitive composition with which it is possible to form partition walls (black matrix) having excellent light shielding properties and liquid repellency.A photosensitive composition, which comprises a polymer (A) having a side chain containing a fluorine atom-containing group or a silicon atom-containing group and a side chain containing an ethylenic double bond in one molecule, a black colorant (B), a photopolymerization initiator (C) which is an O-acyloxime compound, and a photosensitive resin (D) containing an acidic group and an ethylenic double bond in one molecule, wherein the proportion of the black colorant (B) in the total solid content of the composition is from 15 to 60 mass %.
US08153339B2 Mask and manufacturing method of a semiconductor device and a thin film transistor array panel using the mask
An exposure mask is provided, which includes: a light blocking opaque area blocking incident light; a translucent area; and a transparent area passing the most of incident light, wherein the translucent area generates the phase differences in the range of about −70° to about +70°.
US08153338B2 Apparatus and method for repairing photo mask
An apparatus for repairing a photo mask, including a repairing atomic force microscope configured to repair a defective portion of the photo mask in a photo mask repair process, an electron microscope configured to navigate the repairing atomic electron microscope to the defective portion of the photo mask and to observe the photo mask repair process, and an imaging atomic microscope configured to image in-situ a shape of a repaired photo mask.
US08153335B2 Lithography masks, systems, and manufacturing methods
Lithography masks, lithography systems, methods of manufacturing lithography masks, methods of altering material layers of semiconductor devices, and methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lithography mask includes a first pattern for at least one material layer of at least one die, the first pattern being oriented in a first position. The lithography mask includes a second pattern for at least one material layer of the at least one die, the second pattern being oriented in a second position. The second position is different than the first position.
US08153334B2 Method for stripping pellicle and stripping apparatus used therein
A method for stripping a pellicle from an exposure master plate is provided, the pellicle being a lithographic pellicle that includes a pellicle frame, a pellicle film stretched over one end face of the pellicle frame via a pellicle film adhesive, and an exposure master plate pressure-sensitive adhesion layer provided on the other end face, the method including a step of irradiating the pressure-sensitive adhesion layer with UV light. There is also provided a stripping apparatus used in the stripping method, the apparatus including a light source for irradiating the exposure master plate pressure-sensitive adhesion layer with UV light and means for heating the exposure master plate and/or the pellicle frame with which the pressure-sensitive adhesion layer is in contact.
US08153333B2 Fuel cell with protruded gas diffusion layer
An assembling operation of a fuel cell is effectively simplified. With the simple and economical structure, the desired sealing function is achieved. The fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and first and second metal separators sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. Connection channels are provided on the first metal separator. The connection channels connect the oxygen-containing gas supply passage and the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage to the oxygen-containing gas flow field. The membrane electrode assembly has first overlapping portions overlapped on the connection channels for sealing the connection channels. The first overlapping portions comprise, in effect, a gas diffusion layer.
US08153331B2 Fabrication method of anode and electrolyte in solid oxide fuel cell
The present invention relates to a fabrication method of a solid oxide fuel cell. The fabrication method of a fuel electrode and electrolyte of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) in which a sheet cell including a fuel electrode sheet and an electrolyte sheet is positioned at an upper side of a surface of a fuel electrode pellet, comprising steps of (a) molding and heat-treating powder, in which a fuel electrode material is mixed with a pore forming agent, so as to prepare a fuel electrode pellet; (b) stacking the fuel electrode sheet containing the fuel electrode material and the electrolyte sheet containing an electrolyte material so as to prepare the sheet cell; and (c) coating an adhesive slurry containing the fuel electrode material on the sheet cell or the pellet and adhering the fuel electrode sheet of the sheet cell and the pellet and then heat-treating it.
US08153329B2 Proton conducting electrolyte membrane and production method thereof and solid polymer fuel cell using the same
A proton-conducting electrolyte membrane containing a porous inorganic substrate, a porous portion of the porous inorganic substrate being filled with a proton-conducting polymer, wherein the proton-conducting polymer is a co-polymer of: (i) a monomer compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond and a sulphonic acid group in the molecule; and (ii) a silyl compound represented by Formula (1): (R1O)n—Si—R2m  Formula (1) wherein R1 is an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R2 is an organic group capable of co-polymerizing; m and n each are an integer of 1 to 3, with the proviso that m plus n equals 4; and R2 may be the same or different when m is 2 or 3.
US08153323B2 Method for using a fuel cell comprising a regeneration step by lowering the temperature
A fuel cell supplies power to a load under nominal conditions. A method for using the fuel cell comprises at least one regeneration step of the performances of the fuel cell by temporarily lowering its temperature below the nominal operating temperature. The regeneration step, performed during a preset time, can be triggered periodically or when the voltage at the terminals of the fuel cell or the fuel cell temperature is lower than a threshold. The performances of the fuel cell, in particular its voltage, can thereby be maintained substantially constant during long periods of use.
US08153321B2 Fuel cell system having switching fuel flow
A fuel cell system (100) includes two supply passages (30, 32) for supplying the hydrogen to the anode (14). Valves (22, 23) which control flow amounts of the hydrogen passing through the two supply passages (30, 32) are provided. An exhaust passage (34) which outputs exhaust gas from the anode (14) is provided on the supply passage, and a valve (24) is also provided. When the valve (24) on the exhaust passage (34) is closed, the flow amount ratios of the hydrogen passing through the two supply passages (30, 32) are varied in time. Therefore, impurities such as nitrogen can be diffused. Thereby, a hydrogen purge amount can be reduced.
US08153320B2 Pressure regulating valve, fuel cell system using same, and hydrogen generating facility
A pressure regulating valve comprises a first pressure deformation portion which receives a pressure on a fuel demand side, a second pressure deformation portion opposed to the first pressure deformation portion and which receives a predetermined pressure, first and second flow passages, and a communication passage for allowing the first and second flow passages to communicate with each other. The first and second flow passages and the communication passage are provided in a space between the first and second pressure deformation portions. A valve member has a connecting portion which extends through the communication passage and connects the first and second pressure deformation portions together, and has a valve element which is provided at the connecting portion and closes the communication passage when moved toward the second pressure deformation portion. When the pressure on the fuel demand side is lower than a predetermined value, the valve element does not close the communication passage, but when the pressure on the fuel demand side is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the valve element closes the communication passage.
US08153317B2 Preheating heat exchanger for a fuel cell
The invention relates to a heat exchanger for a hot fuel cell. The heat exchanger includes a first flow circuit for receiving a cool air stream and a second flow circuit for receiving a hot fluid coming from the cell, the first and second flow circuits having common surfaces for heat exchange. In accordance with the present invention, each of the first and second flow circuits comprises a plurality of concentric annular ducts that are interconnected. The two walls of each duct are mechanically decoupled from each other, thereby enabling them to expand independently of one another and avoiding mechanical stresses within the heat exchanger.
US08153316B2 Unitized fuel cell assembly and cooling apparatus
A stackable unitized fuel cell system includes a cooling capability. A unitized fuel cell system includes a unitized fuel cell assembly having a first flow field plate, a second flow field plate, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) provided between the first and second flow field plates. In one configuration, a cooling structure is separable with respect to the unitized fuel cell assembly. In another configuration, the cooling structure is integral to the unitized fuel cell assembly. A retention arrangement is provided on one or both of the unitized fuel cell assembly and cooling structure. The retention arrangement is configured to facilitate mating engagement between the unitized fuel cell assembly, the cooling structure, and adjacent unitized fuel cell systems of a fuel cell stack.
US08153315B2 Fuel cell system having output voltage corrector
A system voltage indicated by an intersection of a graph of an FC maximum output characteristic of the output voltage/output power characteristic of a fuel cell and a graph of a load device maximum output characteristic is output so as to obtain optimal output power, thereby matching an output current-output voltage characteristic of a fuel cell and a maximum output characteristic of a load. Thus, a fuel cell system which has high operating efficiency and which is free of physical failures is provided.
US08153313B2 Hybrid voltage supply apparatus, method of controlling the same, and electronic system employing the same as power supply
A hybrid voltage supply apparatus, a method of controlling the same, and an electronic system employing the hybrid voltage supply apparatus as a power supply are provided. The hybrid voltage supply apparatus includes a hybrid voltage supply apparatus including a main power supply, an auxiliary power supply, and a first voltage adjustment unit which operates in any one of a feed-forward driving mode and a feed-back driving mode according to at least one operating parameter of the main power supply, and adjusts an output voltage of the main power supply to a first predetermined DC voltage.
US08153309B2 Apparatus and method using hydrogen pressure in fuel cell electric vehicle
A hydrogen fuel cell system (100) for charging a battery (116) of an electric vehicle, includes at least one tank (102) for storing hydrogen under pressure. A combined heat exchanger and air engine (104) expands the pressurized hydrogen and converts the expanding hydrogen into mechanical energy. A plurality of fuel cells (106) receive the expanded hydrogen for supplying heat to the heat exchanger and air engine (104) and supplying a first current for charging the battery (116). A generator (108) generates a multi-phase voltage in response to the mechanical energy. A electrical power converter (110) responsive to the multi-phase voltage provides a second current for charging the battery (116).
US08153307B1 Battery including electrolyte with mixed solvent
A battery is disclosed. The battery includes an electrolyte activating one or more anodes and one or more cathodes. The electrolyte includes one or more salts dissolved in a solvent. The solvent includes one or more first siloxanes and/or one or more first silanes. Each of the first siloxanes and/or first silanes have one or more first substituents that each include a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety. The solvent also includes one or more second siloxanes and/or one or more second silanes. Each of the second siloxanes and/or second silanes have one or more second substituents that each include a carbonate moiety.
US08153305B2 Electrolytic organic glass, its manufacturing process and device comprising it
The invention relates to a solid electrolyte, to a process for its manufacture and also to devices comprising it.The electrolyte of the invention is an amorphous solid of formula SivOwCxHyLiz, in which v, w, x, y and z are atomic percentages with 0≦v≦40, 5≦w≦50, x>12, 10≦y≦40, 1≦z≦70, and 95%≦v+w+x+y+z≦100%.The electrolyte of the invention finds application in the field of electronics and microbatteries in particular.
US08153300B2 Rechargeable alkaline manganese cell with cathode consistency compensation
In an improved rechargeable alkaline manganese cell that has a manganese dioxide cathode comprising pellets formed by pressing a cathode powder blend comprising a hygroscopic additive for increasing cumulative capacity, the sticky consistency of the pellets, which is un-desirable for continuous automated production is compensated for by the addition of up to 0.5% of a hydrophobic binder. This small amount leaves the cell performance substantially unimpaired, but provides the desired consistency for large-scale production. Further disclosed is an improved charge methodology for a rechargeable alkaline manganese cell wherein the charge current is pulsed at a voltage in excess of 1.65 V and the no-load cell voltage response is monitored at predetermined intervals. No charge current pulse is permitted to pass through the cell if the no-load voltage exceeds a threshold value. This results in increased utilization of the capacity of the cell while reducing the likelihood of damage to the cell due to overcharging.
US08153297B2 Positive electrode active material and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery containing the same
In a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising: a negative electrode containing, as a negative electrode active material, at least a material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ions or metal lithium; a positive electrode; and an electrolyte, an oxide containing nickel and manganese elements, the material comprising primary particles of the oxide having a twining portion and a superlattice arrangement of a [√{square root over (3)}×√{square root over (3)}] R30° when assigned as R3-m is used as a positive electrode active material.
US08153296B2 Lithium cell with cathode containing metal doped iron sulfide
A primary cell having an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising a metal doped iron sulfide and carbon particles. A cathode slurry is prepared comprising the metal doped iron sulfide powder, carbon, binder, and a liquid solvent. The mixture is coated onto a conductive substrate and solvent evaporated leaving a dry cathode coating on the substrate. The anode and cathode can be spirally wound with separator therebetween and inserted into the cell casing with electrolyte then added.
US08153295B2 Positive electrode active material and its manufacturing method, positive electrode for lithium secondary cell using same, and lithium secondary cell
A positive active material is provided which can inhibit side reactions between the positive electrode and an electrolyte even at a high potential and which, when applied to a battery, can improve charge/discharge cycle performance without impairing battery performances even in storage in a charged state. Also provided are: a process for producing the active material; a positive electrode for lithium secondary batteries which employs the active material; and a lithium secondary battery which has improved charge/discharge cycle performance while retaining intact battery performances even after storage in a charged state and which can exhibit excellent charge/discharge cycle performance even when used at a high upper-limit voltage. The positive active material comprises: base particles able to dope and release lithium ions; and an element in Group 3 of the periodic table present on at least part of that part of the base particles which is able to come into contact with an electrolyte. It is produced by, e.g., a process which comprises: producing base particles containing lithium and able to dope and release lithium ions; and then imparting an element in Group 3 of the periodic table to the base particles so that the element can be present on at least part of that part of the base particles which is able to come into contact with an electrolyte.
US08153290B2 Heat dissipation for large battery packs
One embodiment includes an electrical cell that includes a flat housing, at least one electrode and an electrically and heat conductive tab coupled to the electrode and extending through the housing for electrically and thermally coupling to a collector panel, the tab being capable of conducting both current and a substantial amount of heat out of the housing to a temperature control system. The cells may be stacked to form a battery having a temperature panel interfaced to the temperature control system by a thermal interface. The battery may propel an electrically-powered vehicle or the like.
US08153289B2 Secondary battery
A secondary battery has a safety vent formed on a can accommodating an electrode assembly. The safety vent is formed in a groove shape and the depth of the groove varies. The fracture site of the safety vent is controlled by adjusting the depth of the safety vent. The safety vent is prevented from damaging the electrode assembly when the electrode assembly is inserted in the can, and contacts the safety vent.
US08153288B2 Fuel cell and fuel cell stack
A fuel cell is formed by stacking a membrane electrode assembly and separators alternately. Each of the separators includes first and second metal plates. A coolant flow field is formed between the first metal plate of the fuel cell and the second metal plate of the adjacent fuel cell. A folded section is provided around a coolant supply passage by folding the second metal plate. The folded section forms an inlet which enlarges the sectional area of an opening as a fluid passage between the coolant supply passage and the coolant flow field.
US08153284B2 Method for fabricating a glass substrate, method for fabricating a magnetic disk, and magnetic disk
A method for manufacturing a glass substrate which has a uniform and minute pattern of stripes formed on the surface thereof by ultraprecision polishing, and which allows the recording capacity of a magnetic disk to be increased, includes an inspecting step before the glass substrate is subjected to ultraprecision polishing, whether the Young's modulus Es in topmost part as determined by the nanoindentation method and the Young's modulus Eg as determined by ultrasonic resonance fulfill the inequality 0.8 Eg
US08153283B2 Magnetic recording medium, method of modifying surface of magnetic powder and magnetic coating material
An aspect of the present invention relates to a magnetic recording medium comprising a magnetic layer comprising a ferromagnetic powder and a binder on a nonmagnetic support, wherein the magnetic layer comprises a compound denoted by general formula (1): wherein, in general formula (1), X denotes a divalent linking group, each of R1 and R2 independently denotes an alkyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkoxyalkyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, or an aryloxyalkyl group having 7 to 20 carbon atoms, and M denotes a hydrogen atom or a cation.
US08153278B2 Organic electroluminescence device
An organic electroluminescence device, includes: a pair of electrodes; and at least one organic layer including a light emitting layer, the light emitting layer being provided between the pair of electrodes, wherein at least one layer of the at least one organic layer contains a compound represented by formula (I) as defined in the specification.
US08153268B1 Polymer to metal bonding and compounds and compositions useful therefor
A compound comprising at least one alkoxy silane moiety; and at least one moiety selected from a nitrosobenzene or a nitrosobenzene precursor and combinations thereof are provided and used in polymer to metal in particular rubber to metal bonding. The nitrosobenzene precursor may be at least one of a quinone dioxime or a quinone oxime.
US08153266B2 Heat treatable coated article with zinc doped zirconium based layer(s) in coating
In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes a Zn-doped zirconium based layer before heat treatment (HT). The coated article is heat treated sufficiently to cause the Zn-doped zirconium based layer to transform into a Zn-doped zirconium oxide based layer that is scratch resistant and/or chemically durable. The doping of the layer with Zn has been found to improve scratch resistance and/or corrosion resistance.
US08153256B2 Soft magnetic material comprising an insulating layer containing aluminum, silicon, phosphorous and oxygen; dust magnetic core; process for producing soft magnetic material; and process for producing dust magnetic core
The soft magnetic material includes a plurality of composite magnetic particles having a metal magnetic particle and an insulating film surrounding the surface of the metal magnetic particle. The metal magnetic particle contains iron as the main component. The insulating film contains aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, and oxygen. The insulating film satisfies the relationship 0.4≦MAl/(MAl+MSi)≦0.9 and the relationship of 0.25≦(MAl+MSi)/MP≦1.0 in the case that molar amount of aluminum contained in the insulating film is represented by MAl, the sum of the molar amount of aluminum contained in the insulating film and the molar amount of silicon contained in the insulating film is represented by (MAl+MSi), and the molar amount of phosphorus contained in the insulating film is represented by MP.
US08153254B2 Methods for modifying the surfaces of a solid and microstructured surfaces with increased adherence produced with said methods
Described are methods for surface modification of an object (10) in order to increase the adhesive power of the object, wherein the surface (11) is subjected to structuring so that a multitude of projections (12) are formed, each comprising a foot part and a head part, wherein the head part comprises a front surface (13) which faces away from the surface, wherein each projection (12) is made in a size such that all front surfaces (13) project to the same vertical height above the surface (11), and form an adherent contact surface (14) which is interrupted by mutual spacing between the front surfaces (13).
US08153253B2 Conjugate fiber-containing yarn
A conjugate fiber-containing yarn containing side-by-side or eccentric core-in-sheath conjugate fibers each composed of a polyester component and a polyamide component, that can be crimped by heating, and that has properties of increasing its crimp ratio when it absorbs moisture or water and is excellent in windbreaking and warmth-retaining properties, has a wool-like soft and bulky hand, and is capable of forming a fabric in which a see-through property is not increased even when wetted with water.
US08153249B2 Article treated with silica particles and method for treating a surface of the article
An article including a substrate, and a base layer formed on a surface of the substrate, and methods for treating the surface of the substrate are provided.
US08153248B2 Plastic lens and method of producing plastic lens
A primer layer is formed on a plastic lens substrate, a hard coat layer is formed on the primer layer using a coating composition comprising metal oxide fine particles, an organosilicon compound represented by the general formula R1SiX13, and a compound having a biphenyl sulfide compound, and an organic antireflective layer.In the plastic lens comprising a plastic lens substrate as obtained above, a plastic lens having excellent durability, impact resistance and mar resistance, and a method of producing the plastic lens are provided.
US08153241B2 Wide-angle highly reflective mirrors at 193NM
The invention is directed to highly reflective optical elements having an amorphous MgAl2O4−SiO2 coating with fluoride enhancements inserted and sealed by dense smooth SiO2 layers, and to a method for preparing such elements using energetic deposition techniques and the spinel crystalline form of MgAl2O4 as the source of the amorphous MgAl2O4 coating, The coating and the method described herein can be used to make highly reflective mirrors, and can also be applied to beamsplitters, prisms, lenses, output couplers and similar elements used in <200 nm laser systems.
US08153240B2 Carbon nanostructures and methods of making and using the same
Carbon nanoflakes, methods of making the nanoflakes, and applications of the carbon nanoflakes are provided. In some embodiments, the carbon nanoflakes are carbon nanosheets, which are less than 2 nm thick. The carbon nanoflakes may be made using RF-PECVD. Carbon nanoflakes may be useful as field emitters, for hydrogen storage applications, for sensors, and as catalyst supports.
US08153239B2 Polycarbonate resin composition and heat ray shielding molded product
Polycarbonate resin compositions containing 100 parts by weight of aromatic polycarbonate resin having a concentration of end hydroxyl group of 100 to 1800 ppm and 0.0001 to 5 parts by weight of fine particles of a boride of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Y, Sm, Eu, Re, Tm, Yb, Lu, Sr or Ca. Heat ray shielding molded products molded from this polycarbonate resin composition have low haze, excellent transparency, low solar transmittance and sufficient heat ray shielding properties, especially for visible light and selective shielding for infrared rays, and are excellent in mechanical strength and thermal stability at melting. These molded products may be used for windows for buildings or vehicles or as optical materials such as infrared ray cut filters or films for agricultural use.
US08153237B2 Laminated glass pane having an integrated retaining element
A laminated glazing with at least one rigid pane and an adhesive layer assembled to the rigid plane by surface bonding, via which a protective and/or functional sheet is applied to the rigid pane. The protective sheet is set back relative to an outer edge of the rigid pane, at least in certain parts. At least one retaining element is placed on the edge of the rigid pane in the region of the set-back of the protective sheet. The retaining element has a thickness approximately corresponding, or corresponding, to the maximum thickness of the adhesive layer at the edge of the protective sheet and is partially covered by the protective sheet at least in defined parts.
US08153235B2 Molded thermoplastic articles
An injection molded foam article including a structure and a projection projecting from the structure. The thickness of the projection is greater than 40% of the thickness of the structure and the front surface of the structure opposite the projection is free of sink marks.
US08153231B2 Thin web
Embodiments of a thin web comprising a plurality of channels extending through the film are disclosed. The channels are in a substantially closed position but are capable of being in an open position to allow flow from the female side through the film to the male side. In certain applications, a greater pressure on the female side than the male side is capable of opening the channels. Embodiments may also include a thin web comprising a plurality of three dimensional apertures extending through the plastic film. The apertures may form a substantially closed channel defined by a sidewall and the channels being disposed at an angle greater than 70° with respect to a female side of the film. The thin web may be a plastic film or a thermoplastic film comprising a polyolefin, for example, or any other suitable material. The polyolefin may comprise at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, low density polyethylene, or high density polyethylene, for example.
US08153230B2 Multilayer paper tape
A multilayer paper tape including two or more paper sheets which are bonded by adhesive layers is described. Each of the top layer and the bottom layer of this stack of paper sheets and adhesive layers is an adhesive layer, around which, as a casing, is formed a folded paper sheet enclosing the stack of paper sheets and adhesive layers. This folded paper sheet is completely surrounded by an adhesive layer. A process for producing the same is also described.
US08153222B2 Self-laminating jewelry tag
A self-laminating jewelry tag has a clear flap which folds over a printable side of a label so that the clear flap and adhesive on the clear flap substantially cover and adhere to the label printable side, thereby laminating the printable side so as to protect printing on the printable side from wear, cleaning or other processes that tend to render the printing illegible.
US08153218B2 Hose assembly having varied reinforcing layers
A hydraulic brake hose assembly has a core hose layer, a first reinforcing layer over the core hose layer, an intermediate hose layer, a second reinforcing layer over the intermediate hose layer, and an outer hose layer over the second reinforcing layer. The first reinforcing layer has a braid pattern formed in a 4-over, 4-under pattern, and the second reinforcing layer has a braid pattern formed in a 3-over, 3-under pattern.
US08153216B2 Packaging with passage regions and sealing tool for production thereof
A packaging (1) for a material that can be heated, especially microwave-heated, in the packaged state, which packaging has at least one sealing region (5) which becomes locally permeable when a predetermined internal pressure is exceeded. The or each sealing region of such a kind has at least one intended passage region (7, 9), which comprises a choke (9) for the contents of the packaging and an apex (7) pointing towards the interior of the packaging. As the choke there is used a channel-like, triangular or star-shaped interrupt ion or cut-out.
US08153215B1 Multilayer structure based on polyamides and tube or conduit with multilayer structure
The invention concerns a multilayer structure based on polyamides, particularly suitable for making tubes or conduits for transporting liquid fluids such as alcohol's, liquid fuels, fuel containing oxygen-containing compounds such as, for example alcohol's or refrigerating fluids. The multilayer structure comprises two superposed layers: at least one internal layer and at least one external layer. The invention is characterized in that at least the internal layer is based a composition comprising at least one thermoplastic polyamide and at least one agent modifying resistance to shocks in a weight proportion between 10 and 50% of said composition, and at least the external layer is based on a composition containing as polymeric matrix a polyamide composition selected among the group comprising: (i) a thermoplastic copolymer obtained by copolymerization of ε-caprolactam with at least one of the monomers selected among the group comprising: an aminoacid containing at least 9 carbon atoms, or the corresponding lactam, a mixture of hexamethylenediamine with a diacid comprising at least 9 carbon atoms, the weight ratio between the ε-caprolactam and the total hexamethylenediamine and diacid and/or aminoacid ranging between 4 and 9, or (ii) a mixture of at least said thermoplastic copolymer and at least a second thermoplastic polyamide or copolyamide obtained by polymerization of monomers containing less than 9 carbon atoms. The weight content of the second polymer or copolymer in the polymeric matrix is between 0 and 80 wt. %, preferably between 0 and 40 wt. %. The multilayer structure has high barrier properties against fuel vapor and good mechanical properties such as good resistance to cracking.
US08153213B2 Polyimide polysiloxane intermediate transfer members
An intermediate transfer media, such as a belt of a polyimide/polyetherimide/polysiloxane, a polyimide polysiloxane, a mixture of a polyimide/polyetherimide/polysiloxane and a polyimide polysiloxane, and copolymers and block copolymers thereof.
US08153211B2 Ink-jet-printable decorative paper
Decorative paper for decorative coating materials comprising a base paper and an ink receiving layer dyed in such a way that the decorative paper has after impregnation with impregnating resins and pressing as laminate the same coloring as the coloring of a laminate of a decorative paper that does not comprise an ink receiving layer.
US08153207B2 Fine particle-containing body, fine particle-containing body manufacturing method, storage element, semiconductor device and electronic equipment
A silicon oxide of a film thickness of about 50 nm is formed on a surface of a silicon substrate by thermal oxidation. Silver is implanted into the silicon oxide with implantation energy of about 30 keV by a negative ion implantation method. By subjecting the silicon oxide, into which the silver has been implanted, to heat treatment at a temperature of not lower than 200° C. and lower than the melting point of silver, silver particles are formed. By oxidizing the surface portions of the fine particles by heat treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere, silver oxide is formed as a coating layer.
US08153204B2 Imparting functional characteristics to engine portions
A method of imparting one or more of a variety of functional characteristic to a portion of an engine (e.g., a turbine or diesel engine) by depositing particles from different particle feedstocks so as to form a high temperature resistant coating on a surface of the engine portion, where the particle feedstocks are varied in-situ while the particle are being deposited and at least one functional characteristic corresponds to, or results from, using different particle feedstocks.
US08153200B2 Method for treating reinforcing fibre and method for producing a reinforced composite article from the treated fibre
The present invention relates to a reinforced composite material and a method for its production. The composite material comprises at least one cured resin having a reinforcing material. Preferably the reinforcing material is a plurality of glass fibres which are treated such that the properties of the interphase substantially surrounding each fibre are substantially equivalent to those of the bulk cured resin. The fibre treatment may be selected from the group consisting of a polymeric coating, a hydrophilic surface coating, a surface coating of a free radical inhibitor, or a reduction in the total surface area of the fibres. The reinforced composite material of the invention provides improved long-term mechanical properties compared to traditional glass fibre reinforced materials.
US08153190B2 Patterned magnetic recording medium and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a patterned magnetic recording medium which has an extremely planarized surface and a method of manufacturing the same. The medium includes a patterned magnetic layer including a plurality of magnetic columns that are arranged with a predetermined pitch therebetween; a substrate that supports the patterned magnetic layer; and a boundary layer, which is filled in gaps between the magnetic columns of the patterned magnetic layer. Thus, an air bearing due to stable airflow is created over the magnetic layer, and magnetic recording/reproduction are easily achieved at ultrahigh density.
US08153189B2 Structure and process for production thereof
A novel structure is provided in which an ordered alloy material is filled in pores of the structure. A process for producing the structure is also provided. The process comprises a first step for forming an alloy in pores of a porous layer, a second step for forming a film composed of a second material on the porous layer, and a third step for heat-treating the porous layer having the film. Further a process is provided for producing a structure containing fine L10-crystal grains with a low-temperature heat treatment. This process comprises a process for producing a structure containing a magnetic substance dispersed in a nonmagnetic material, comprising: forming a first layer containing a magnetic substance A dispersed in a nonmagnetic material, forming a second layer containing a magnetic substance B on the first layer, and heating the first layer and the second layer during or after formation of the second layer to connect the magnetic substance A and the magnetic substance B to form an ordered alloy.
US08153185B2 Method of forming spacer
It is an object to enable sharp-cornered concave/convex portions to be easily formed when forming a spacer 7 for an electron-beam light-emitting display panel. A composition containing a second resin solution using a solvent in which a first resin cannot be dissolved and a spacer material is applied onto a first intermediate layer 9 constructed by the spacer material and the first resin and dried, thereby forming a second intermediate layer 11 constructed by the spacer material and the second resin. After an obtained laminated layer was patterned into a first plane shape, the first intermediate layer 9 is patterned into a second plane shape thinner than the first plane shape by using a solvent in which the first resin can be dissolved and the second resin cannot be dissolved and is baked, thereby forming the spacer.
US08153179B2 Process for the simultaneous surface treatment, portioning and shaping as well as perservation of foodstuffs such as meat and sausage products, sausage meat or the like
Process for the simultaneous surface treatment, apportioning and shaping, as well as conservation of foodstuffs such as meat and sausage products, sausage meat or the like, even without the use of skins or case-shaped or bag-shaped foils. The product is first compacted between two shaping, at least partially structured plates. At the end of the compacting process, the product is separated into shaping sections by being mechanically brought into contact with corresponding zones of the shaping plates. A natural skin having a reduced aw value, shape-stabilizing and sterilizing properties is formed on the product surface by appropriately and controllably heating the product, preferably by means of the shaping plates.
US08153178B2 Method for dispersion of a second phase into a non-Newtonian fluid base product
A method and apparatus for producing a non-Newtonian fluid product including a non-Newtonian fluid base product including at least one second phase is shown. A second phase dispersion apparatus is shown which receives the at least one second phase and the non-Newtonian fluid base product and disperses the at least one second phase within the non-Newtonian fluid base product to produce the non-Newtonian fluid product.
US08153177B2 Ice cream cone holder
An improved ice cream cone holder includes a conical portion with an open end and a closed end and at least one de-nesting formation about the open end to inhibit vacuum formation in stacks of the holders. Additionally, embodiments comprise at least one drainage formation at the open end to allow melt to enter the conical portion rather than to overflow a rim of a disc portion formed about the open end. Embodiments contemplate varying a distribution pattern of the drainage formations, the de-nesting formations, or both from holder to holder.
US08153164B2 Method for attenuating free radical formation resulting from a bodily insult
A method is provided for attenuating free radical formation resulting from a bodily insult. The method includes administering bicarbonate to the body of a subject at a dosage ranging from 1.5 mEq/kg of body weight to 5.0 mEq/kg of body weight within a 24-hour period.
US08153163B2 Pearlescent pigment
The present invention relates to a pearl pigment obtained by coating the surface of a flaky powder with a colored metal or a colored metal oxide and further coating the surface of the above colored metal- or colored metal oxide-coated flaky powder with a colorless metal or a colorless metal oxide, wherein when the pearl pigment is applied onto the surface of black artificial leather in an average amount of 0.05 mg/cm2 and the intensity of light reflected from the pearl pigment is measured using illuminant C at a 2° viewing angle with a spectrophotometric colorimeter which is provided with a sheet polarizer S on the light incident side and a sheet polarizer P on the light receiving side, the powder reflection light which is incident to the pearl pigment as a measurement sample at an angle of 45° to the direction normal to the surface of the sample and is received in the direction normal to the surface of the sample has absolute values a* and b* of 10 or less, and make-up cosmetics containing the pearl pigment.
US08153160B2 Pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising an active ingredient combination of nifedipine and/or nisoldipine and an angiotensin II antagonist
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical dosage form comprising an active ingredient combination of nifedipine and/or nisoldipine and at least one angiotensin II antagonist, characterized in that the active ingredient combination undergoes controlled (modified) release in the body, and to processes for the production thereof, to the use thereof as pharmaceuticals, to the use thereof for the prophylaxis, secondary prophylaxis and/or treatment of disorders, and to the use thereof for manufacturing a pharmaceutical for the prophylaxis, secondary prophylaxis and/or treatment of disorders.
US08153156B2 Hydrogel nanocompsites for ophthalmic applications
The present invention relates to reversible hydrogel systems. Particularly, the hydrogel of the present invention is made up of copolymers that can be a hydrogel when in an oxidize state and can be a solution when in a reduced state. A solution of the copolymer can be oxidized to form a hydrogel; and the hydrogel can be reduced to form a solution of the copolymer. Reversible nanogels can also be formed from a dilute solution of the copolymers. The hydrogel is formed with nanoparticles embedded therein to form a nanocomposite whose refractive index and modulus can be controlled by varying the amounts of nanoparticles and the polymer concentration of the hydrogel, respectively.
US08153154B2 Arginine-conjugated bioreducible poly(disulfide amine) polymers for gene delivery systems
An arginine-grafted bioreducible poly(disulfide amine) (“ABP”) as a reagent for efficient and nontoxic gene delivery is described. ABP forms positively charged nano-particles of less than 200 nm with plasmid DNA. ABP is biodegraded under reducing conditions, such as the cytoplasm. ABP exhibits much higher transfection efficiency than polyethyleneimine in mammalian cells and exhibits no cytotoxicity.
US08153147B2 Heparin coating of biological tissue
The present invention discloses an in vitro method to provide biological tissue with a heparin coating comprising the following steps; linking a biotin reagent to biological tissue, linking an avidin reagent to the biotinylated biological tissue, and linking a heparin reagent to the formed layer of avidin on the biological tissue thus forming a heparin coating. The invention further discloses a heparin coating on biological tissue, the use of a heparin coating, and the biological tissue coated with a heparin layer according to the method.
US08153144B2 Stable multiphase composition comprising alkylamphoacetate
The multiphase personal care composition of the present invention comprises a first phase and a second phase. The first phase is comprised of structured surfactant phase that comprises at least about 0.5% of alkylamphoacetate. The alkylamphoacetate comprises a Percentage Diacetate of less than about 15%.
US08153143B2 Acidic compositon for external use and agent for accelerating infiltration of cosmetic preparation, hair-growing agent, and preparation for external use each containing the composition into skin or the like
An acidic composition for external use which contains an acidic polysaccharide and water as essential ingredients, and an agent for accelerating the penetration into skin or the like of a cosmetic preparation, hair-growing agent or preparation for external use, each containing the composition. The composition is easy to manufacture, and shows a stronger cosmetic or therapeutic effects than conventional compositions.
US08153140B2 Chimeric MSP-based malaria vaccine
The invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising MSP-8 linked to an antigen. Methods of using the composition to induce an immune response in an animal are also provided.
US08153137B2 Methods of and systems for isolating carotenoids and omega-3 rich oil products from algae
A method of isolating nutraceuticals products from algae is provided. A method of isolating carotenoids and omega-3 rich oil from algae includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass and adding a first ethanol fraction to the algal biomass. The method also includes separating a first substantially solid biomass fraction from a first substantially liquid fraction comprising proteins and combining the first substantially solid biomass fraction with a second ethanol fraction. The method further includes separating a second substantially solid biomass fraction from a second substantially liquid fraction comprising polar lipids and combining the second substantially solid biomass fraction with a third ethanol solvent fraction. The method also includes separating a third substantially solid biomass fraction from a third substantially liquid fraction comprising neutral lipids, wherein the third substantially solid biomass fraction comprises carbohydrates and separating the neutral lipids into carotenoids and omega-3 rich oil.
US08153131B2 High affinity antibodies against HMGB1 and methods of use thereof
Compositions and methods are disclosed for inhibiting the release of a proinflammatory cytokine from a vertebrate cell, and for inhibiting an inflammatory cytokine cascade in a patient. The compositions comprise, for example, high affinity antibodies that specifically bind HMG1 and antigenic fragments thereof. The high affinity antibodies of the present invention and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same are useful for many purposes, for example, as therapeutics against a wide range of inflammatory diseases and disorders such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, peritonitis, Crohn's disease, reperfusion injury, septicemia, endotoxic shock, cystic fibrosis, endocarditis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, arthritis, anaphylactic shock, organ ischemia, reperfusion injury, and allograft rejection. In addition, the high affinity antibodies of the present inventions are useful as diagnostic antibodies.
US08153130B2 Graft-versus-host disease predicting marker and use thereof
A test method that provides data useful in predicting the probability of onset of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is described along with a kit for performing the method, and a pharmaceutical preparation and a molecular targeted therapy for treating or preventing GVHD. The test method includes measuring the blood DNAM-1 concentration of a patient of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from bone marrow or the like over a period after the transplantation to provide data concerning the transition of the concentration to an abnormally high level deviating from the normal range, whereby the probability of the development of acute graft-versus-host disease is predicted, the risk of the development is estimated, or therapeutic effects after the development are evaluated. Concerning the molecular targeted therapy and pharmaceutical preparation used therefor wherein blood DNAM-1 of a GVHD patient or a graft recipient that is a possible patient is used as a target molecule, GVHD is treated or prevented by administering an anti-DNAM-1 antibody that is a neutralizing antibody.
US08153122B2 Pharmaceutical composition for treating cholangiocarcinoma, a method for inhibiting growth or invasion of cholangiocarcinoma and a method for treating cholangiocarcinoma
Disclosed herein are a pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting the growth or metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma, comprising a L1CAM activity inhibitor or expression suppressor and a treatment method using the composition. This is based on the finding that L1CAM is overexpressed on cholangiocarcinoma and plays an important role in the growth and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma and the mortality of cholangiocarcinoma patients increases as the expression rate of L1CAM increases. Also, antibodies inhibitory of the activity of L1CAM, or siRNAs suppressing the expression of L1CAM, are found to reduce the growth and invasion of cholangiocarcinoma cells. Mouse monoclonal antibodies, recognizing the L1CAM protein on the cholangiocarcinoma cell surface and binding specifically to cholangiocarcinoma tissues, or siRNAs, antisense oligonucleotides or shRNAs, may be useful in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma by inhibiting the growth, invasion and migration of cholangiocarcinoma cell.
US08153121B2 Diagnosis and therapy of antibody-mediated inflammatory autoimmune disorders
The invention provides a method of reducing the severity of an autoimmune condition associated with T-lymphocyte infiltration. The invention also provides a method of diagnosing or predicting the susceptibility to an autoimmune disease associated with fibroblast mediated T-lymphocyte infiltration. Methods of identifying a substance capable of modulating T-lymphocyte recruitment associated with an autoimmune condition also are provided.
US08153114B2 Hyperglycosylated mammalian IL-7 IgG conjugate composition
The present invention relates to new and improved interleukin-7 polypeptides, as well as compositions comprising the same, their preparation and uses. The invention more particularly relates to hyperglycosylated IL-7 polypeptides having improved properties, as well as their manufacture and therapeutic uses. The invention also discloses novel IL-7 polypeptides having modified amino acid sequences containing artificially created glycosylation site(s), as well as corresponding nucleic acid molecules, vectors and recombinant host cells. The invention also relates to the use of such polypeptides, cells or nucleic acids for curative or preventive treatment of mammalian subjects, including human subjects.
US08153103B2 Conjugates of photo-activatable dyes
A new class of photoactivatable dyes provides the ability to study cell-cell communication in live animals non-invasively with high spatiotemporal resolution. The compositions are made up of a macromolecule, a caging group, and a coumarin dye. Upon photolysis, the coumarin dye is released from the macromolecule caging group complex and is freely diffusible in cells and between cells. The compositions are retained in cells very well, having no observable side effects, no susceptibility to metabolism, and the ability to generate bright fluorescence signals after photolysis. Because of their high loading capacity and long cellular retention, they can be selectively uncaged in specific cells.
US08153100B2 Methods and compositions for F-18 labeling of proteins, peptides and other molecules
The present application discloses compositions and methods of synthesis and use of 18F or 19F labeled molecules of use in PET or MRI imaging. The labeled molecules may be peptides or proteins, although other types of molecules may be labeled. Preferably, the 18F or 19F is conjugated to a targeting molecule by formation of a metal complex and binding of the 18F- or 19F-metal complex to a chelating moiety. Alternatively, the metal may first be conjugated to the chelating group and subsequently the 18F or 19F bound to the metal. In other embodiments, the 18F or 19F labeled moiety may comprise a targetable construct used in combination with a bispecific antibody to target a disease-associated antigen. The 18F or 19F labeled targetable construct peptides are stable in serum at 37° C. for a sufficient time to perform PET or MRI imaging.
US08153096B2 Hydrogen fluoride compositions
The present technology provides compositions that are intimate mixtures of hydrogen fluoride and a polyacrylate-polyacrylamide cross-linked copolymer, as well as methods and preparing and using such compositions. The compositions are less hazardous and, therefore, more conveniently stored, transported, and handled in comparison to pure hydrogen fluoride. Further, the hydrogen fluoride may be readily recovered from the compositions of the invention for use.
US08153095B2 Method for producing highly pure solutions using gaseous hydrogen fluoride
Methods for producing highly pure solutions containing hydrogen fluoride, one or more salts thereof or a mixture of two or more thereof, by adding hydrogen fluoride to at least one anhydrous solvent, wherein the hydrogen fluoride is added to the anhydrous solvent or solvents in the form of a gas or as a liquified gas or as a mixture of gas and liquefied gas. High purity hydrogen fluoride and ammonium fluoride solutions produced by the inventive method are also disclosed.
US08153094B2 Process for remediation of plastic waste
A single step process for degrading plastic waste by converting the plastic waste into carbonaceous products via thermal decomposition of the plastic waste by placing the plastic waste into a reactor, heating the plastic waste under an inert or air atmosphere until the temperature of 700° C. is achieved, allowing the reactor to cool down, and recovering the resulting decomposition products therefrom. The decomposition products that this process yields are carbonaceous materials, and more specifically egg-shaped and spherical-shaped solid carbons. Additionally, in the presence of a transition metal compound, this thermal decomposition process produces multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
US08153087B2 Method for the purification of radium from different sources
The present application is directed to a method for the purification of Radium, in particular 226Ra, for target preparation for an essentially pure 225Ac production from available radioactive sources, using an extraction chromatography in order to separate chemically similar elements such as Ba, Sr, and Pb from the desired Ra; wherein said extraction chromatography has an extractant system on the basis of a crown ether. The invention is further related to a method for recycling of 226Ra, for target preparation for 225Ac production from radium sources irradiated with accelerated protons (p,2n), after separation of the produced 225AC. In this method a combination of the above extraction chromatography and a cation exchange chromatography is used. The obtained 226Ra is essentially free of the following chemical contaminants consisting of Ag, Al, As, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn, and Ba.
US08153086B2 Liquid container with variable extraction chimney
A liquid container having a top opening, a base, and an extraction chimney which extends into the container and which is in alignment with the top opening is presented. The extraction chimney is intended for the withdrawal of liquid by a liquid-withdrawal element that is introduced into the liquid container through the extraction chimney. The extraction chimney has a liquid-permeable zone in its bottom region, adjacent to the liquid container base. The liquid permeability of the liquid-permeable zone of the extraction chimney can be adjusted between a setting for minimal liquid permeability and a setting for greater liquid permeability. The extraction chimney can be adjusted while the extraction chimney remains in the liquid container.
US08153085B2 Microfluidic chip and method of fabricating the same
Provided are a microfluidic chip and a method of fabricating the same. The microfluidic chip includes: a lower substrate; an upper substrate formed of a silicone resin, wherein the lower substrate and the upper substrate, bonded together, provide a channel through which a fluid can flow and a chamber to receive the fluid; and an organic thin film formed on the upper surface of the lower substrate except for portions on which the lower substrate and the upper substrate are attached to each other.
US08153084B2 Reduction in eddy current losses in electrically conducting sample materials with the assistance of special NMR sample tubes
A sample tube for an NMR probe head, which extends along a z axis and has an internal cavity that extends in an axial direction of the z axis, is open to the outside at the axially upper end, is closed at the axially lower end and contains a liquid NMR sample substance during operation, wherein the cross-sectional surface of this cavity extending perpendicularly to the z axis and parallel to the xy coordinate plane has an elongated shape in the direction of the x axis with maximum dimensions a in the y direction and b in the x direction, wherein a
US08153082B2 Sheet configured with a tessellated zipper pattern of identically shaped sensor elements and method of manufacture
A sheet of sensors and a method of manufacturing such sheet of sensors. The sheet is configured with (A) a tessellated zipper pattern of identically shaped elements defining (i) a right longitudinal column consisting of a base portion of a right set of elements, (ii) a left longitudinal column consisting of a base portion of a left set of elements, and (iii) an intermediate longitudinal column consisting of alternating tab portions of the right and left elements, and (B) a continuous longitudinal strip of functional material positioned only within the intermediate column.
US08153073B2 Honeycomb filter, exhaust gas purifying apparatus and method for manufacturing honeycomb filter
A honeycomb filter includes a ceramic block which includes a plurality of honeycomb fired bodies, an adhesive layer, and irregularities on a peripheral face of the ceramic block. Each honeycomb fired body has a longitudinal direction and cell walls extending along the longitudinal direction to define cells each sealed at either one of both ends of each of the cells. The honeycomb fired bodies include at least one of silicon carbide and silicon-containing silicon carbide. The adhesive layer is provided between the honeycomb fired bodies to connect the honeycomb fired bodies. The irregularities on the peripheral face include a projected portion formed by apart of the cell walls. A sealing material layer is provided on the peripheral face of the ceramic block in accordance with the irregularities on the peripheral face so that an outer peripheral surface of the honeycomb filter has surface irregularities thereon.
US08153062B2 Analyte detection via electrochemically transported and generated reagent
Electrochemical devices, methods, and systems for detecting and quantifying analytes are disclosed. A chemical detection reagent is locally generated in a test solution by electrochemical reaction of a precursor compound caused to migrate into the test solution from a precursor solution separated from the test solution by a cell separator. This approach provides precise metering of the reagent, via the charge passed, and avoids the need to store a reagent solution that may be chemically unstable. In one embodiment, the starch concentration in a colloidal solution can be measured via spectroscopic detection of a blue complex formed by the interaction of starch with iodine produced, on demand, by electrochemical oxidation of iodide ion. The approach may also be used to characterize certain types of analytes. The invention is amenable to automation and is particularly useful for on-line monitoring of production processes, including the inclusion of feed back loop mechanisms for process control.
US08153059B2 Chip-holder for a micro-fluidic chip
A chip-holder for holding a micro-fluidic chip has a fixer for detachably fixing the micro-fluidic chip in the chip-holder and at least one process control device configured to support control or monitoring of a chemical process in the micro-fluidic chip, wherein the chip-holder is configured such that the process control device and the micro-fluidic chip are directly and detachably coupled when the micro-fluidic chip is fixed in the chip-holder. Such a chip-holder brings along the advantage that the micro-fluidic chip can easily be removed and exchanged while the process control device can be reused. This reduces running costs of a chemical microreactor system drastically and allows for a very flexible usage of a chemical microreactor system.
US08153057B2 Method and device for preventing corrosion in hot water systems
Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed one or more active chemical species into the hot water system.
US08153056B2 Hardened martensitic steel, method for producing a component from this steel and component obtained in this manner
The invention relates to steel which is characterized by the following composition as expressed in percentages by weight:—C=0.18 0.30%, —Co=5-7%, —Cr=2-5%, —Al=1-2%, —Mo+W/2=1-4%, —V=trace 0.3%, —Nb=trace 0.1%, —B=trace−50 ppm, —Ni=10.5-15% with Ni≧7+3.5 Al, —Si=trace 0.4%, —Mn=trace 0.4%, —Ca=trace−500 ppm, —Rare earths=trace−500 ppm, —Ti=trace−500 ppm, —O=trace−200 ppm if the steel is obtained by means of powder metallurgy or trace−50 ppm if the steel is produced in air or under a vacuum from molten metal, —N=trace−100 ppm, —S=trace−50 ppm, —Cu=trace−1%, and —P=trace−200 ppm, the remainder comprising iron and the inevitable impurities resulting from production. The invention also relates to a method of producing a part from said steel and to the part thus obtained.
US08153054B2 High-temperature alloy
An iron-based high-temperature alloy is disclosed which contains the following chemical composition: 20% by weight Cr; 5 to 6% by weight Al; 4% by weight Ta; 4% by weight Mo; 3 to 4% by weight Re; 0.2% by weight Zr; 0.05% by weight B; 0.1% by weight Y; 0.1% by weight Hf; 0 to 0.05% by weight C; and remainder Fe and unavoidable impurities. The alloy can be produced at low cost and can possess outstanding oxidation resistance and good mechanical properties at temperatures up to 1200° C.
US08153053B2 Method for forming compact from powder and sintered product
A method for forming a compact from a powder wherein a forming portion 1A in a mold body 2 is filled with a raw powder and upper and lower punches 3,4 are fitted into the forming portion 1A to form the compact. Prior to filling the forming portion 1A with the raw powder M, a solution L with a lubricant being uniformly dissolved in a solvent is applied to a peripheral portion of the forming portion 1A, and then the solution is evaporated, thus forming a crystallized layer B thereon. Thus, the reduction of a force for ejecting the compact is realized, while improving the density of the compact, realizing the stable and successive production of the compact.
US08153051B2 Method and apparatus for heating steel components in a continuous furnace
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for heating steel components in a continuous furnace, wherein a first transport device having an external drive receives the components in a precise position and transports them through the furnace in order to heat them, and a second transport device receives the parts, after the heating, from the first transport device at a predetermined transfer point or transfer region and conveys them out of the furnace at an increased speed and places them in a precise position at a further receiving point ready for further processing. The components are mounted on a support having engagement means for the different transport devices.
US08153043B2 HDPE resins for use in pressure pipe and related applications
The present invention provides bimodal polyethylene resins in which the high molecular weight ethylene copolymer component typically has a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution, with short chain branching content being substantially constant across its molecular weight distribution. The resins of this invention are typically characterized by improved toughness and resistance to slow crack propagation properties making them useful for pressure pipe applications.
US08153040B2 Method and apparatus for pressing particle mats
The invention relates to a method of pressing pressing-material mats during the production of wood-material panels in a continuous press, wherein the continuous press has upper and lower heating plates, upper and lower entry plates, which project on the entry side and form an entry mouth, and, in the upper and lower parts of the press, endlessly circulating steel pressing belts which, with the interposition of rolling bars, are supported on the entry plates and the heating plates, wherein the height h0 of the entry gap and, possibly, the entry contour of the entry mouth are set, and wherein a pressing-material mat, which is produced, and possibly pretreated, in a spreading station arranged upstream of the press, is introduced into the continuous press and pressed therein. This method is characterized in that the entry-gap height is checked, set and/or regulated in dependence on the density and/or the weight per unit area of the pressing-material mat.
US08153037B2 Method and apparatus for the preparation of capsules
An apparatus for a continuous encapsulation process is provided. The apparatus is a vibrating tubing used alone, in series, or in combination with an encapsulation apparatus, which is used alone or in series. The vibrating tubing is a flat coil, a standing spiral, or a flume. The encapsulation apparatus includes a winding having coils disposed in an aqueous gelling solution. The winding is rotatable about its longitudinal center axis. The winding has adjacently spaced coils forming a plurality of chambers. Objects to be encapsulated are added to the apparatus such that when the winding is rotated, the chambers transport a volume of objects through the length winding in the aqueous gelling solution in a predetermined time.
US08153030B2 Method of manufacturing conductive particle, anisotropic conductive adhesive having the same, and method of manufacturing display apparatus using the same
In an anisotropic conductive adhesive containing a conductive particle, the conductive particle includes a resin particle that is provided with a cavity formed therein and a conductive layer surrounding a surface of the resin particle. The cavity is formed by mixing the resin particle with a reactant and partially removing the reactant from the resin particle. Thus, the conductive particle may readily absorb an external pressure, thereby providing an improved malleability to the conductive particle.
US08153029B2 Laser (230NM) ablatable compositions of electrically conducting polymers made with a perfluoropolymeric acid applications thereof
An aqueous composition including (a) a dispersion of at least one electrically conductive polymer doped with at least one highly-fluorinated acid polymer and (b) a second material which can be a second polymeric acid, an acid salt of the second polymeric acid, or a combination thereof.
US08153025B2 Red emitting luminescent materials
The invention relates to an improved red light emitting material of the formula M1−yA1+xSi4−xN7−x−2yOx+2y:RE whereby M is selected out of the group comprising Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg or mixtures thereof, A is selected out of the group comprising Al, Ga, B or mixtures thereof, RE is selected out of the group comprising rare earth metals, Y, La, Sc or mixtures thereof and x is ≧0 and ≦1 and y is ≧0 and ≦0.2. This material is believed to crystallize in a novel structure type that comprises two individual lattice sites for rare 10 earth metal incorporation, which leads to an improved lighting behavior.
US08153024B2 Warm-white light-emitting diode and its orange phosphor powder
The present invention discloses an orange phosphor powder having a rare-earth aluminate have garnet structure, which is characterized by that its chemical composition is added with compounds of the IV and V groups elements and the stoichiometry formula of the orange phosphor powder is (ΣLn)3-xMeIVxAl5-ySiyO12-(x+y)N(x+y). Furthermore, the present invention also discloses a warm-white Light-emitting diode employing the orange phosphor powder.
US08153021B2 Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
Disclosed are: a liquid crystal composition which satisfies at least one property selected from a high upper limit temperature in a nematic phase, a low lower limit temperature in a nematic phase, a low viscosity, high optical anisotropy, high dielectric anisotropy, a high specific resistance, high stability against ultraviolet ray, high stability against heat and the like or has a proper balance between at least two properties selected from the above-mentioned properties; and an AM element having a short response time, a high voltage holding ratio, a high contrast ratio, a long service life and the like. Specifically disclosed are: a liquid crystal composition which comprises a specific pentacyclic compound having high optical anisotropy and high dielectric anisotropy as the first component, a specific compound having a low viscosity as the second component, and a specific tetracyclic compound having a high upper limit temperature as the third component, and which shows a nematic phase; and a liquid crystal display element comprising the composition.
US08153018B2 Methods for making 3-chloro-1,1,1,6,6,6-hexafluoro-2,4-hexadiene
Disclosed are compositions and systems having utility in numerous situations, including in particular solvent cleaning systems, as well as refrigerant lubricants and/or compatibilizing agents, and to methods which utilize such compositions and systems. More particularly, the present invention in preferred aspects is directed to solvents, blowing agents, heat transfer fluids and compatibilizing agents comprising the compound 3-chloro-1,1,1,6,6,6-hexafluoro-2,4-hexadiene. In particular, this invention provides a method for the production of the compound of Formula I, 3-chloro-1,1,1,6,6,6- hexafluoro-2,4-hexadiene,comprising reacting 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane with hydrogen fluoride in the presence of a catalyst, in a reactor.
US08153017B2 Substrate treating method
A substrate treating apparatus for heating a treating solution formed of a chemical and a diluent, and immersing substrates in the treating solution for treatment. The apparatus includes a treating tank for storing the treating solution, a heater for heating the treating solution, a temperature detector for detecting temperature of the treating solution, a temperature controller for controlling the heater so that a detected temperature of the treating solution reaches a set temperature, a supplementing device for supplement the treating tank with the diluent, a concentration detector for detecting concentration of the treating solution, and a concentration controller, operable only when the temperature detector detects the treating solution being in a temperature range close to the set temperature, for controlling the supplementing device to adjust an amount of the diluent supplemented so that the concentration of the treating solution detected by the concentration detector becomes slightly higher than a boiling-point concentration corresponding to the set temperature of the treating solution.
US08153013B2 Fluid processing apparatus
The present invention relates to fluid processing apparatus for use in an elongate passage (10), the apparatus comprising a plurality of means for applying ultrasonic energy (12) to fluid within the passage positioned axially along the elongate passage, wherein axially adjacent means for applying ultrasonic energy are radially non-parallel and radially non-opposing.
US08153003B2 Belt filter apparatus
The invention concerns a belt filter apparatus including a first belt filter section on which a mixture of fine material and a liquid can be placed hydraulically to create partially dry fine material and a second belt filter section on which the partially dry fine material can be placed in order to undergo a second drying cycle. The belt filter apparatus also includes an arrangement for mechanically placing the partially dry fine material from the first belt filter section onto the second belt filter section as well as a liquid collection arrangement for providing fluid communication between the first and second belt filter sections and a vacuum for drying the fine material. The belt filter apparatus includes an agitator formation for increasing the permeability of the fine material to enhance the ability of the liquid to be released from the fine material and be collected by the liquid collection arrangement.
US08153001B2 Liquid vacuuming and filtering device and method
A liquid vacuuming and filtering device may include a container having an interior sealed from the ambient, a vacuum pump in communication with the interior, a two-way valve connected to the container interior, a flexible hose connected to the valve, a filter positioned within the container interior and connected to the valve and a standpipe positioned within the interior and connected to the valve. The vacuum pump may be adjusted to a filling configuration in which the pump evacuates the container interior to a pressure below ambient, which causes fluid to be drawn through the hose, valve and through the filter, which may collect particulates that contaminate the fluid. Filtered fluid then collects within the container. The vacuum pump also may be adjustable to a discharge configuration in which the pump pressurizes the interior to a pressure above ambient, wherein the valve is adjusted to allow filtered fluid within the container to flow through the standpipe, valve and be discharged from the container through the hose. The device may be suitable for reclaiming contaminated fluid used in machining operations, oil or coolant reservoirs, cooking oil and the like.
US08153000B2 Fluid filter seal
A filter assembly including first and second mating parts and a seal received in a groove of the first mating part. The seal includes a main body and a resiliently flexible, sloping skirt that extends from one side of the main body to a distal end spaced from the main body. The seal is sized so that the resiliently flexible skirt normally extends out of the groove of the first mating part when the skirt is not biased towards the main body. When the first mating part is slid against the second mating part, the second mating part causes the distal end of skirt of the seal to be biased into the groove and towards the main body of the seal.
US08152995B2 Arrangements to reduce hardness of water in a hot water system
Hot water pipes, in areas with hard water, tend to fill with scale until they no longer pass enough water. De-scaling water pipes with acid is dangerous, expensive and damages the pipes. Ion exchange and reverse osmosis water softeners eliminate scale buildup in pipes, but are expensive. Embodiments of this invention provide a means of keeping an amount of the scale precipitate, created when water is heated, inside a housing by passing the hot water through a removal medium where the scale sticks to the surface. The removal medium can be placed inside the water heater or in a separate housing connected to the water heater; both configurations remove the precipitate from hot water; both save hot water pipes from scale accumulation.
US08152991B2 Ammonia nanosensors, and environmental control system
Embodiments of nanoelectronic sensors are described, including sensors for detecting analytes such ammonia. An environmental control system employing nanoelectronic sensors is described. A personnel safety system configured as a disposable badge employing nanoelectronic sensors is described. A method of dynamic sampling and exposure of a sensor providing a number of operational advantages is described.
US08152990B2 Water purification using conveyor sweep
Process and apparatus to remove colloids and nitrogen compounds from contaminated water by coagulating the colloids and separating them from the water. The solids are floated by sparging and then the floating solids are swept from the surface of the water into an exit port using a conveyor from which downwardly depending flaps skim or near the surface, thus sweeping the floating floc into the exit port.
US08152980B2 Electronically conducting ceramic electron conductor material and the process for producing an air-tight seal in an oxygen sensor with an internal reference
A method and an article of an electrically conductive ceramic interconnect bonded to a compatible ceramic housing for an oxygen partial pressure sensor system. The interconnect includes a LaxSryAlzMn1−zO3 (LSAM) having a stoichiometry enabling good electrical conductivity at high temperatures and the LSAM also bonded to a yttria stabilized zirconia forming a stable and durable seal.
US08152979B2 Ammonia gas sensor
An ammonia gas sensor including a reference electrode (320) is formed on the back surface of a solid electrolyte member (310), and a detection electrode (335) is formed on the front surface of the solid electrolyte member (310). A detection lead (350) is provided on the front surface of the solid electrolyte member (310) such that the detection lead (350) is connected to the detection electrode (335). An insulating layer (340), (380) is provided between the detection lead (350) and the solid electrolyte member (310), or on the detection lead (350).
US08152976B2 AG-based alloy sputtering target
The invention relates to an Ag-based alloy sputtering target including at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, W, Nb, Zr, Ta, Cr, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, and Si in a total amount of 1 to 15% by weight, in which the Ag-based alloy sputtering target has an arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of 2 μm or more and a maximum height (Rz) of 20 μm or more at a sputtering surface thereof.
US08152975B2 Deposition system with improved material utilization
A target assembly for material deposition includes a first target piece having a first sputtering surface and comprising a first target material that is to be sputtered off the first sputtering surface and to deposit on a substrate. The target assembly also includes a second target piece juxtaposed to the first target piece. The second target piece comprises a second sputtering surface and a second target material that can be sputtered off the second sputtering surface and to deposit on the substrate. The first target piece and the second target piece are configured to be switched in positions and/or orientations after a period of sputtering operations.
US08152966B2 Doctor apparatus and a method for a web forming machine for doctoring a moving surface as well as a blade holder
A doctor apparatus for a web forming machine for doctoring a moving surface with the doctor apparatus (10) has a blade (16), a blade holder (14) to which the blade (16) is adapted, a frame component (12) to which the blade holder (14) is adapted, and a loading element (23) arranged between the frame component (12) and the blade holder (14) for loading the blade holder (14) and further the blade (16). The loading element (23) is tied to both the frame component (12) and the blade holder (14). The invention also relates to a blade holder (14) and a method for a web forming machine for doctoring a moving surface (26).
US08152956B2 Use of chemical pulp mill steam stripper off gases condensate as reducing agent in chlorine dioxide production
Steam stripper off gas from chemical pulp mills, for example kraft or sulphite pulp mills is rich in methanol and totally reduced sulphur (TRS) compounds. This gaseous stream is usually burned to avoid further handling of this TRS-rich, odorous stream. We found that once this gaseous stream is condensed, it can be used as a reducing agent in the chlorine dioxide generator, in place of purchased methanol. Surprisingly, we found that, in addition to the methanol component, the TRS components act as reducing agents during the production of chlorine dioxide or, at the very least, do not consume chlorine dioxide. The use of this stream in the ClO2 generator will allow pulp mills to reduce or eliminate the consumption of purchased methanol while providing a new approach to deal with TRS compounds in the chlorine dioxide generator rather than employing a dedicated TRS incinerator or any other combustion device.
US08152953B2 Method of making printed wiring board and method of making printed circuit board unit
The first support body is pressed against the second support body in response to the softening of the adhesive sheet. The fillers are allowed to reliably contact with one another between the first electrically-conductive land and the second electrically-conductive land. The fillers melt after the adhesive sheet has been softened. The intermetallic compounds are formed between the fillers and the electrically-conductive lands and between the fillers. Electrical connection is in this manner established between the first electrically-conductive land and the second electrically-conductive land. The matrix material and the adhesive sheet are then cured. The first support body and the second support body are firmly bonded to each other.
US08152952B2 Device and method for repairing structural components
A device for repairing a structural component (305) having a first member (401) adapted for bonding to a structural component (305).
US08152950B2 Multi-layer circuit board and method of making the same
A method of making a multi-layer circuit board that has a first film and at least two more films, second and third films, each being made of a thermoplastic polymer capable of forming an optically anisotropic melt phase, the first film having a low melting point, the second and third films having respective melting points higher than the melting point of the first film and at least one of the second and the third films having a circuit pattern thereon, and the first to third films are thermo compressed together with the first film interposed between the second and third films. This method entails causing at least one of the circuit patterns on one of the second and third films to contact an opposing surface of the other of the second and third films through the first film during the thermo compression bonding of the first to third films.
US08152947B2 Method for producing display device
A method for producing a display device includes: (a) coating a resin composition on at least one of a display part and a protective part, (b) closely adhering the display and protective parts via a resin composition interposed therebetween, and (c) arranging the cured resin layer between the display and protective parts by curing the resin composition by irradiating UV rays on an external side of the protective part. If a defect is detected, the method includes: (d) separating the display and protective parts by applying a wire to a side face of the cured resin layer where the protective and display parts are bonded and moving the wire through the cured resin layer, (e) peeling off and removing the cured resin adhered to the separated display and protective parts by a removing solution which contains an organic solvent, and (f) repeating steps (a) to (c).
US08152944B2 Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes for bonding printing plates
Composition for preparing a crosslinked pressure-sensitive adhesive, comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising a polymer component based on one or more monomers having at least one ethylenically unsaturated bond and for which the glass transition temperatures Tg of the corresponding homopolymers are at least 0° C., some of the monomers having at least one ethylenically unsaturated bond also having at least one carboxyl group, acrylic esters and/or methacrylic esters which are each selected such that the glass transition temperatures Tg of the corresponding homopolymers are not more than −20° C., at least one resin component having a softening point of at least 100° C., and at least one difunctional or polyfunctional crosslinker.
US08152942B2 Method of hardening surface of metallic part, piston, cylinder head, and cylinder block each produced using the surface-hardening method, and process for producing the same
With regard to a surface hardening method wherein a surface of an engine member is coated with an alloy layer having high abrasive resistance so as to improve the life of the member and a production method of a piston or the like wherein abrasive resistance of the member is improved by the hardening method, a surface of a metal base material is coated uniformly with a mixture including metal powder, a binder and a solvent so as to form a coat, and the coat is dried and applied thereon with a laser or electron beam so as to be sintered and dispersed for forming an alloy layer on a surface of the metal base material and for bonding the alloy layer to the metal base material.
US08152941B2 Ni-Ti semi-finished products and related methods
Semi-finished products for the production of devices containing thermoelastic materials with improved reliability and reproducibility are described. The semi-finished products are based on an alloy of Ni—Ti plus elements X and/or Y. The nickel amount is comprised between 40 and 52 atom %, X is comprised between 0.1 and 1 atom %, Y is comprised between 1 and 10 atom % and the balance is titanium. The one or more additional elements X are chosen from Al, Ta, Hf, Si, Ca, Ce, La, Re, Nb, V, W, Y, Zr, Mo, and B. The one or more additional elements Y are chosen from Al, Ag, Au, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Nb, Pd, Pt, Ta and W.
US08152939B2 Non-heat treated connecting rod and method of manufacturing the same
A non-heat treated connecting rod which comprises, by mass %, C: 0.25-0.35%, Si: 0.50-0.70%, Mn: 0.60-0.90%, P: 0.040-0.070%, S: 0.040-0.130%, Cr: 0.10-0.20%, V: 0.15-0.20%, Ti: 0.15-0.20% and N: 0.002-0.020%, and the balance Fe and impurities, with chemical compositions being less than 0.80 in the value of C+(Si/10)+(Mn/5)+(5Cr/22)+1.65 V−(5S/7) using the symbol of the element as its content, the microstructure of the Big end of the said connecting rod being ferrite-pearlite, all-region hardness of the said big end being 255 to 320 in Vickers hardness, the ferrite-region hardness in the said ferrite-pearlite of the Big end being 250 or more in Vickers hardness and the ratio of the said ferrite-region hardness to the said all-region hardness of the said Big end being 0.80 or more, is excellent in machinability, fracture splitting ability, and fatigue resistance, although no Pb at all is added. Therefore, this non-heat treated connecting rod can be utilized as a low cost type connecting rod in automobile engines or the like.
US08152937B2 Ferritic stainless steel sheet having superior sulfuric acid corrosion resistance and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a ferritic stainless steel sheet which has excellent corrosion resistance against sulfuric acid in the high-temperature environment and shows less surface roughness at a bent part which is bent at 90° or more. Specifically disclosed is a ferritic stainless steel sheet which has the following chemical composition: C: 0.02 mass % or less, Si: 0.05 to 0.8 mass %, Mn: 0.5 mass % or less, P: 0.04 mass % or less, S: 0.010 mass % or less, Al: 0.10 mass % or less, Cr: 20 to 24 mass % Cu: 0.3 to 0.8 mass %, Ni: 0.5 mass % or less, Nb: 0.20 to 0.55 mass %, and N: 0.02 mass % or less, with the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities; and which has such a structure that the maximum particle diameter of an S-containing precipitate is 5 μm or smaller.
US08152932B2 Method for removing scum in a drum washing machine, and drum washing machine suitable for this purpose
A method for removing scum in a tub of an electronically controlled drum washing machine. The method includes alternately rotating a drum following a main washing cycle and pumping liquid out of the drum, pumping a liquid out of the drum for between 30 seconds to 15 minutes following a main washing cycle and pumping liquid out of the drum, regulating a level of water following a main washing cycle and pumping liquid out of the drum by: introducing a quantity of water into the drum which is sufficient to cover all water channels, and rinsing over a short period of time t2. The method further including pumping liquid out of the drum while the drum is moved at a low rotational speed following a main washing cycle and pumping liquid out of the drum.
US08152931B2 Dishwasher detergent with excellent rinsing power
The present invention relates to a phosphate-containing machine dishwasher detergent comprising 0.01-20% by weight of at least one alcohol alkoxylate, 0.01-10% by weight of at least one alcohol ethoxylate, 0-15% by weight of at least one sulfonate-containing polymer, 0-15% by weight of at least one hydrophilically modified polycarboxylate, 0-8% by weight of at least one polycarboxylate, 1-70% by weight of at least one phosphate and 0.1-60% by weight of at least one further additive, where the sum of components (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F) and (G) is 100% by weight, to a process for rinsing surfaces of articles by treating these surfaces with the composition, and to the use of the composition for increasing the rinsing performance in the machine washing of articles.
US08152927B2 CVD coating device
The invention relates to a method for depositing especially crystalline layers on one or more, especially crystalline substrates in a process chamber by means of reaction gases that are introduced into the process chamber and that undergo especially pyrolitic reactions. The device comprises a support plate, heated from one side, on which at least one compensation plate rests while forming a horizontal gap. In order to be better able to influence the surface temperature, the gap height of the horizontal gap can be varied or is locally variable in order to influence the local surface temperature of the compensation plate.
US08152926B2 Vacuum processing apparatus
Disclosed herein is a vacuum processing apparatus for performing a desired process for a substrate after establishing a vacuum atmosphere therein. More particularly, the vacuum processing apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, which is divided into a chamber body and an upper cover. The upper cover is configured to be easily opened away from and closed to the chamber body.
US08152920B2 Crucible for the crystallization of silicon
A crucible and method for the crystallization of silicon utilize release coatings. The crucible is used in the handling of molten materials that are solidified in the crucible and then removed as ingots. The crucible does not require the preparation of a very thick coating at the end user facilities, is faster and cheaper to produce, presents an improved release effect and allows the production of silicon ingot without cracks. The crucible includes a base body, a substrate layer containing silicon nitride, an intermediate layer containing silica, and a surface layer containing silicon nitride, silicon dioxide and silicon.
US08152915B2 Process for preparation of a novel pigmented composition for use in gravure inks
The invention pertains to a novel, simpler dry-milling method for comminuting crude pigments (especially crude phthalocyanines) for use in publication gravure and packaging inks, wherein the crude pigment is dry-milled at relatively low temperature in combination with a resin and a pigment derivative, preferably further together with an extender and optionally an antioxidant. The invention also pertains to the thus obtained, new compositions, which are extraordinarily easily dispersible in aromatic solvents, and their use for the preparation of publication gravure or packaging inks or ink concentrates. Pigment dispersions obtained from the preferred compositions are also claimed.
US08152912B2 Method for determining the charge state of a particle filter installed in the exhaust gas line of an internal combustion engine and device for reducing the particle emissions of an internal combustion engine
A method for determining the charge state of a particle filter installed in the exhaust gas line of an internal combustion engine comprises the following steps: determining the exhaust gas volumetric flow in the flow direction of the exhaust gas downstream of the particle filter (2), detecting the pressure present in the exhaust gas line (1) in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas prior to the particle filter (2), comparing the exhaust gas volumetric flow determined hinter the particle filter (2) with the detected pressure present upstream of the particle filter (2) and evaluating the results of the comparison with consideration to the exhaust gas back pressure of the uncharged particle filter (2) and the exhaust gas back pressure caused by the particle filter charge, said pressure being higher than the uncharged filter. Further described is a corresponding device for reducing the particle emissions of an internal combustion engine.
US08152911B1 Ventless tank system
A tank system for capturing fluids from an oil or gas well. The system comprises a trailer, a tank body supported on the trailer, a separator supported on the trailer, and a sand trap supported on the trailer. The tank includes a gas buster line and a flare line. The tank body has a main inlet port at a top of the tank body and a vent port on a top of the tank body. The gas buster line is disposed in the tank body and is connected to the main inlet port. The gas buster line has multiple lengths of pipe sections, each pipe section increasing in length and diameter. The last section of the gas buster is characterized by a plurality of slots cut in a circumference of the pipe section to allow fluids in the gas buster line to disperse into the tank. The flare line is operatively connected to the vent port and includes an igniter to burn gases before they are vented to the atmosphere. The sand trap and the separator can be used as conditions require to treat fluids from a well before the fluids enter the tank.
US08152910B2 Modular gas-separating adsorbers
In a modular gas-separating adsorber assembly, a pair of cylindric vessels, filled-in by a given amount of an adsorbing material (either a mainly adsorbing or a mainly adsorbing material) are always operatively assembled with a top plate and a bottom plate, the top and bottom plates being mutually coupled by tie rods, engaged in the plate corners, the bottom plates and top plates forming plate chambers and being operatively connected with the chamber formed by adjoining cylindric vessel, the plates having projecting fittings to be assembled with the plate chambers included in adjoining vessels.
US08152909B2 Gas chromatography check valve and system
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a gas chromatography (GC) system with a check valve. The check valve is situated downstream from the electronic flow control module and upstream of the injector. When a sample is volatized in the injector, the check valve closes into a checked position and prevents solvent and sample from backing into the gas delivery line. In certain embodiments, the check valve has a conical plug that fits into a seat that has an aperture. When the conical plug is depressed, the conical plug engages the sides of the aperture and seals the check valve, preventing solvent and sample from backing through the check valve. In certain embodiments, the change in pressure caused by over-pressurization in the injector, combined with the force applied by a spring on the conical plug, depresses the plug such that it seals the aperture.
US08152899B2 Method and apparatus for purging unwanted substances from air
An air filter for purging unwanted substances from air, the air filter comprising: an acid-purging stage, wherein the acid-purging stage comprises an air-permeable skeleton which has an acid-neutralizing substance mounted thereto, wherein the air-permeable skeleton comprises fiberglass fibers and the acid-neutralizing substance comprises sodium bicarbonate, and further wherein the sodium bicarbonate is secured to the fiberglass fibers using an adhesive; and a solvent-purging stage, wherein the solvent-purging stage comprises solvent-purging granules captured between two air-permeable screens, and further wherein the solvent-purging granules comprise activated carbon granules.
US08152898B2 Helium recovery process
Helium is recovered from gas streams containing high concentrations of hydrogen gas and low concentrations of helium gas, such as from the recycle stream from the production of ammonia. The inventive process provides for an integrated process for the recovery of both an enriched helium gas stream product and a high purity hydrogen gas stream product.
US08152894B2 Methods of using tires and scrap rubber in the manufacture and melting of steel and other metals
A method of using scrap rubber and other scrap materials, such as tires or parts or pieces of tires, to manufacture or melt steel and other metals in a furnace is disclosed. The scrap rubber may be used as a carbon source for the manufacture of steel and other metals, and may be used as an energy source to melt the scrap metal used to make the steel and other metals. The net benefit of this method includes reducing the amount of scrap rubber, such as tires, to be sent to a waste disposal facility or landfill, thereby improving the environment. In addition, by increasing the use of scrap rubber as a source of energy for steel or metal production, less energy is required from other sources.
US08152893B2 One dimension nano magnetic wires and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method of one dimension nano magnetic wires is provided. In the method, the one dimension nano magnetic wires having high magnetization and low coercive force are synthesized from a liquid by means of reduction with an applied magnetic field under normal atmospheric temperature and pressure. The one dimension nano magnetic wire is selected from the groups consisting of iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and composites and an alloy thereof.
US08152891B2 Method for the combined production of a sulfur oxide containing product and a fertilizer
The invention provides a method for the combined production of (I) a sulfur oxide containing product and (II) a fertilizer selected from a group consisting of ammonium nitrate, ammonium phosphates and a combination thereof, through an indirect neutralization of ammonia with an acid selected from the group consisting of nitric acid, phosphoric acid and a combination thereof, the method comprising: a. contacting a precipitate containing calcium sulfite with a solution of nitric acid and a solution of ammonia in two separate steps, to form the fertilizer, the sulfur oxide containing product and a precipitate containing calcium hydroxide; and b. separating at least portion of the fertilizer, the sulfur oxide and the calcium hydroxide into three separated streams.
US08152885B2 Air passage device having improved accessibility of the filter mat
An air passage device, in particular a filter fan or outlet filter for installation in a mounting opening in a wall or in a housing of a switch cabinet, which is essentially formed by a ventilation grating and a main housing, and a filter mat is insertable between the ventilation grating and the main housing, the ventilation grating being situated on the main housing using an articulated connection, the ventilation grating having joint pins to form the articulated connection, which may each be guided in joint pin guide structures introduced into the main housing, the joint pin guide structures each connecting at least one closure position, one folded-out catch position, and one removal position to one another. An air passage device is thus provided which, based on a simple construction, allows high flexibility in regard to the operation of the ventilation grating and the filter mat.
US08152884B1 Inertial gas-liquid impactor separator with flow director
An inertial gas-liquid impactor separator includes flow director guidance structure directing and guiding flow through the housing from the inlet to the outlet along a flow path from upstream to downstream. The flow director guidance structure may include a flow controller controlling and directing flow.
US08152882B2 Dust-catcher for blast furnace gas
A conventional dust-catcher for blast furnace gas comprises a pressure vessel, with a gas inlet and outlet dome (14), a separation chamber (16) and a lower dust hopper (18), and a diffuser pipe (26) extending axially through the gas inlet and outlet dome (14) into the separation chamber (16). To increase the separation efficiency of such a dust hopper (18), it is proposed to centrally arrange a flow deflecting chamber (50, 50′), having a smaller cross-section than the separation chamber (16), in the separation chamber (16), so that there remains an annular settlement chamber (52) between the inner wall of the separation chamber (16). The diffuser pipe (26) is connected to this flow deflecting chamber (50, 50′) so as to axially discharge a downward gas flow into the top end of the flow deflecting chamber (50, 50′), wherein this downward gas flow is deflected upward. An annular swirling device (58) with guide vanes (60) is arranged in the top end of the flow deflecting chamber (50, 50′) around the lower end of the diffuser pipe (26) and acts as outlet opening for the gas flow into the into the pressure vessel of the dust-catcher. The guide vanes (60) form a vortex gas flow rising around the diffuser pipe (26) upward into the gas inlet and outlet dome (14).
US08152878B2 Cyclonic separating apparatus
Cyclonic separating apparatus for a cleaning appliance such as a vacuum cleaner has a longitudinal axis, an upstream cyclonic separator and a downstream cyclone assembly. The downstream cyclone assembly comprises a plurality of cyclones arranged in parallel with one another. The downstream cyclones are arranged in a first set in which each cyclone has a longitudinal axis inclined at a first angle (α) to the longitudinal axis of the cyclonic separating apparatus and a second set, in which each cyclone has a longitudinal axis inclined at a second angle (β) to the longitudinal axis of the cyclonic separating apparatus. The second angle (β) is greater than the first angle (α). The invention allows the downstream cyclone assembly to be compactly packaged.
US08152876B2 Filter element having V-seal
The invention relates to a filter element, consisting of a filter medium (10) that is pleated in a zigzag manner and has a concentric form, and an end disk (11) disposed on a front, and a second end disk (12) disposed on the opposite front, wherein the end disk (12) has a concentric opening (13) and extends substantially annularly across the pleats of the filter medium. The end disk (12) has a ring collar (14) extending radially toward the outside. The ring collar (14) has a seal (15) that surrounds the ring collar at least partially, wherein the seal has an axially extending region, which carries radially peripheral sealing lips (17), and said radially peripherals sealing lips are supported in a groove (18) or in a housing wall (19) of a housing receiving the filter element.
US08152873B2 System for generating hydrogen from a chemical hydride
A system is disclosed to generate hydrogen. The system includes a fuel cartridge, a cartridge interface, and a fuel cartridge receiver. The fuel cartridge includes a liquid permeable material with one or more cavities that encloses a solid anhydrous chemical hydride. The fuel cartridge also includes a housing that is heat and pressure resistant that houses the liquid permeable material, and a liquid. The fuel cartridge also includes one or more liquid sources that introduce the liquid into the housing such that the liquid contacts at least a portion of the liquid permeable material.
US08152871B2 Fuel source for electrochemical cell
Embodiments of the invention relate to a fuel source including a chemical hydride and at least one reactive metal source selected from the group consisting of a reactive metal, a reactive metalloid and a combination thereof.
US08152868B2 Fuel compositions
Middle distillate fuel composition is provided containing (a) a middle distillate base fuel comprising at least in part a biodiesel fuel component, and (b) a Fischer-Tropsch derived paraffinic base oil component with a viscosity of at least 8 mm2/s at 100° C.
US08152863B2 Pigment dispersion composition, red colored composition, colored curable composition, color filter for a solid state imaging device and method for producing the same, and solid state imaging device
Provided is a pigment dispersion composition suitable for a colored curable composition which enables retaining adhesion capability of a colored pattern and inhibiting the generation of residues, even when a relatively severe development condition is employed. Furthermore, a red colored composition capable of forming a red colored thin film with excellent spectral characteristics. The pigment composition contains an azo pigment represented by the following Formula (1); at least one of acidic functional group-containing organic pigment derivative, anthraquinone derivative, and triazine derivative; and a dispersant. The red colored composition contains a red pigment; a yellow pigment; and a dispersant, in which specific spectral characteristics are satisfied when a colored transmitting film having a thickness of 0.6 μm is formed using the red colored composition.
US08152861B2 Dark coloured azo dyes
The present invention relates to a) a non-oxidative coloring agent for keratin fibers, in particular human hair, comprising at least one dye according to formula (I) or (II), b) an oxidative coloring agent for keratin fibers, in particular human hair, which comprises at least one oxidizing agent (e.g. hydrogen peroxide), at least one oxidative dye precursor and at least one dye according to formula (I) or (II), and c) a lightening agent for keratin fibers, in particular human hair, which comprises at least one oxidizing agent (e.g. hydrogen peroxide) and at least one dye according to formula (I) or (II), with R4 being a cationic group.
US08152856B2 Layer arranged on implant for bone or tissue structure, such an implant, and a method for application of the layer
A layer is arranged on an implant for bone or tissue structure. The layer constitutes a boundary or barrier between the actual or unoxidized body of the implant and the structure for the purpose of increasing retention and has, in this context, a substantial thickness. The layer is designed with a channel network which gives the layer a substantial porosity. The channel network is designed with mouths which face towards the structure and whose respective cross-sectional diameters, at the surface of the layer facing towards the structure, are substantially less than the respective extents of the channels in and down into the layer as seen from the said surface.
US08152854B2 Resurfacing implant for the wrist and method of implantation thereof
A modular resurfacing implant for a radioscaphoid joint of a wrist includes a stem and an articular component coupled to the stem. The stem includes a threaded body for implantation into a distal radius and a connection member positioned at a second end of the stem. The articular component includes a body member configured to resurface a scaphoid fossa of the distal radius. The body member includes a concave top surface matching a curvature of the scaphoid fossa and a bottom surface having a post extending therefrom that is configured to mate with the connection member of the stem. The articular component is configured to resurface the scaphoid fossa while leaving a lunate fossa of the distal radius intact.
US08152853B2 Knee prosthesis with rotatable post
A knee joint prosthesis for implantation to replace a portion of a knee joint. The knee joint prosthesis includes a tibial tray and a bearing member that engages the tibial tray. The prosthesis also includes an insert with a base that is fixed to the bearing member and an extension portion that extends away from the bearing member and the tibial tray. The extension portion has an axis, and the extension portion includes a threaded portion. The prosthesis further includes a post that is rotatably coupled to the extension portion, and the post is rotatable about the axis of the extension portion relative to the insert. Furthermore, the prosthesis includes a retention member that threadably couples to the threaded portion of the insert to limit movement of the post along the axis away from the bearing member and the tibial tray.
US08152843B2 Polymeric endoprosthesis and method of manufacture
Improved polymeric endoprostheses having reinforcement elements and methods of making the endoprostheses are disclosed. The devices disclosed exhibit improved overall compliance, selective regional compliance, and selective radial strength without varying the geometries of selected regions. Numerous other physical characteristics of the endoprostheses described may be selectively varied during manufacture. Some embodiments may include an erodible polymer and magnesium. Some embodiments may have one or more therapeutics incorporated into the endoprosthesis via a solvent in a supercritical state.
US08152839B2 Embolic coils
Coils, such as embolic coils, and related methods, devices, and compositions, are disclosed.
US08152838B2 Orthopedic plate system and method for using the same
An orthopedic bone fixation device for stabilizing a plurality of bone segments includes a bone plate and a screw assembly. The bone plate includes a body defining at least one thru-bore, wherein the thru-bore is defined to include a central cavity, the central cavity having a middle diameter, an entry diameter, and an exit diameter, the middle diameter being larger than both the entry diameter and the exit diameter. Further, the screw assembly is configured to be coupled to the bone plate, wherein the screw assembly includes a bone screw having a head section, a thread section, and a central bore, an expandable ring coupled to the head section, and a pin at least partially disposed in the central bore, wherein the pin includes a varying outer profile that engages the expandable ring to vary an outer diameter of the expandable ring to lock the screw assembly in the thru-bore.
US08152836B2 Visceral staples for purse-string closure of perforations
Medical devices and related methods for closing a perforation in a bodily wall The medical device generally includes a suture having opposing first and second ends and a set of visceral staples. Each visceral staple includes a base and two tines connected to the base, the tines spaced apart two define a slot therebetween. The slot slidably receives the suture therein. Each visceral staple is attached to the bodily wall adjacent the periphery of the perforation. The ends of the suture are tensioned to reduce the distance between the visceral staples and compress the bodily wall around the perforation. The ends of the suture are secured to maintain the compression of the bodily wall and close the perforation.
US08152835B2 Methods for the placement of sutures in tissue
A method for the placement of sutures in tissue prior to forming an opening in the tissue, the sutures for use in closing the opening, the method includes the steps of passing a first length of suture through a first portion of a tissue in a first direction relative to a target area to be incised, passing the first length of suture through a second portion of the tissue in the first direction, passing a second length of suture through a third portion of the tissue in a second direction relative to the target area to be incised, passing the second length of suture through a fourth portion of the tissue in the second direction, performing a surgical procedure including forming the opening in the tissue, and applying tension to the first length of suture and the second length of suture to close the opening in the tissue.
US08152828B2 Blunt tip obturator
A surgical obturator is disclosed comprising an elongate shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The bladeless tip has a conical surface forming proximally into an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point and having a pair of side sections. The side sections extend from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis. The conical surface facilitates insertion of the obturator with a reduced penetration force and minimizes tenting of the body wall. The conical surface further facilitates separation of different layers of the body wall and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers.
US08152827B2 Systems and methods for harvesting, storing, and implanting hair grafts
A system and method for harvesting, storing, and implanting biological unit delivery tools, particularly useful to facilitate robotic hair transplant procedures. A storage device includes a lower module having a plurality of receptacles for containing delivery tools, for example small tubular follicular unit implant needles. The receptacles may contain liquid for maintaining hydration of the biological unit. The lower module may be manipulated by an automated system which includes a pick and placed collet that handles the delivery tools one at a time in an implant procedure. An upper module registers with the lower module and provides guide bores leading to the delivery tools in the receptacles. A biological unit removal tool, such as a follicular unit harvesting needle, can be carried by the collet and used to deposit biological units through the guide bores and into each delivery tool. Each receptacle may include means for retaining the delivery tool therein to help the collet cleanly insert and release the tool.
US08152823B2 Devices for organ restriction
Implantable devices for providing tissue and/or organ restriction. Embodiments of an implantable magnetic device are described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. In at least one embodiment, the device comprises first and second bars that are biased to magnetically attract each other and engage a portion of tissue therebetween. In at least one embodiment, the device may comprise at least one strap and one or more pins, the pins configured to provide an amount of space between the first and second bars so that the tissue disposed therebetween is not overly compressed.
US08152821B2 Endoscopic tissue apposition device with multiple suction ports
The present invention relates to an improved endoscopic tissue apposition device having multiple suction ports. The invention permits multiple folds of tissue to be captured in the suction ports with a single positioning of the device and attached together by a tissue securement mechanism such as a suture, staple or other form of tissue bonding. The improvement reduces the number of intubations required during an endoscopic procedure to suture tissue or join areas of tissue together. The suction ports may be arranged in a variety of configurations on the apposition device to best suit the desired resulting tissue orientation. The inventive tissue apposition device may also incorporate tissue abrasion means to activate the healing process on surfaces of tissue areas that are to be joined by operation of the device to promote a more secure attachment by permanent tissue bonding.
US08152819B2 Catheter support for stent delivery
An angioplasty and stent delivery system to facilitate introduction and placement of a stent, including a catheter having an expandable distal portion constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of the catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state: a stent positioned around the distal portion of the catheter having a contracted condition and being expandable to an expanded condition, and being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, the expandable distal portion of the catheter including a balloon within which or over which there is included on a catheter shaft at least one axially movable or enlargeable body of a diameter larger than the catheter shaft to which the stent and balloon are fitted, as by crimping, for holding the stent in place until it is released therefrom by expansion of the balloon.
US08152817B2 Intraocular lens insertion tool
An intraocular lens insertion tool with a tool body for accommodating an intraocular lens and adapted to insert into an eye the intraocular lens through displacement of the lens in an axial forward direction by a plunging member, and to push out the lens through an insertion tube section disposed at an axial distal end of the tool body. A base plate of a resting portion that houses the lens is provided with side plates that respectively project from two widthwise edges of the base plate to both sides in a thickness direction of the base plate thereby imparting to the resting portion a generally “H” shaped cross section. The tool body inclusive of the resting portion and the insertion tube section is integrally formed from light-transmissive synthetic resin material whereby the lens housed within the resting portion is viewable from an outside through the base plate.
US08152814B2 Separator tool for a modular prosthesis
A tool for separating components of a modular prosthesis includes an upper and lower body, each defining opposing bills at one end that are sized to fit in juxtaposed relation within an initial gap between the components. The upper body is provided with a handle so that the tool may be manually held by the surgeon with the opposing bills in position in the prosthesis. The tool includes a jack assembly disposed between the upper and lower bodies of the tool that is configured to be driven into an extended position, gradually separating the upper and lower bodies, and consequently exerting a separation force on the prosthesis components through the bills of the tool. The jack assembly is driven by a threaded actuator rod that bears against one element of the jack assembly as the actuator rod is rotated within a threaded bore in one of the bodies of the tool.
US08152813B2 Methods for treating fractured and/or diseased bone by introduction of different bone filling materials
A percutaneous path is established into a selected bone, e.g., a vertebral body, having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by cancellous bone. A first bone filling material is conveyed through the percutaneous path into a region of the cancellous bone. A second bone filling material is conveyed through the percutaneous path into the region. The second bone filling material is different than the first bone filling material.
US08152812B2 Middle ear reconstruction process and apparatus for performing the process
Erosion of elements of the ossicular chain in the middle ear, resulting in hearing loss, is corrected by creating a bridge between the eroded elements, employing a bone cement formed as a paste of a self-hardening material, which is molded into an elongated bridge, secured at its two ends to the elements to be bridged, and supported in its desired position until the material hardens to fuse the two elements, at which time the support may be removed. The material is preferably hydroxyapatite cement, bone source, or similar material, such as ionomeric bone cement. These materials strongly bond to the contacting bone and may stimulate bone in-growth, resulting in osseointegration. The apparatus for forming the bridge consists of a reservoir of the bridge material in liquid or paste form connected to a bridge supporting tube. The tube is preferably placed in contact with the two elements to be bridged and the bone source material is injected into the tube using a manually actuated plunger until the tube is full. The tube is then supported, manually or otherwise, until the material hardens and the supporting tube is removed.
US08152811B2 Positioning device for a prosthesis device and system therefore
A positioning device for placing a prosthesis device in a spinal column of a living mammal, the device including at least one holding means for cooperation with the prosthesis device and for guiding thereof during positioning. The positioning device may also include fixing means for fixation with respect to at least one vertebra, where the fixing means includes locking means, which in a first, free state, allows adjustable movement of the holding device and thereby of the prosthesis device, and in a second, locked state, fixes the holding means and thereby the prosthesis device in a selected position. Embodiments of the disclosure also include Embodiments of the invention also include a system.
US08152801B2 Tissue ablation using pulse modulated radio frequency energy
Tissue ablation systems and methods are provided. Ablation energy (e.g., radio frequency energy) is delivered to the tissue and a physiological parameter (e.g., impedance and/or temperature) indicative of a change in moisture concentration of the tissue is sensed. The ablation energy is alternately pulsed on and off to generate an energy pulse train, with the ablation energy being pulsed on if the sensed physiological parameter crosses a threshold value indicative of an increase in the moisture concentration, and being pulsed off if the sensed physiological parameter crosses a threshold value indicative of a decrease in the moisture concentration.
US08152800B2 Electrosurgical systems and printed circuit boards for use therewith
An electrosurgical system for treating tissue is disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator, a printed circuit board, a generator ground and a patient ground. The printed circuit board is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the electrosurgical generator and includes a plurality of conductive layers. The generator ground includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is electro-mechanically connected to a conductive layer of the printed circuit board and the second portion is electro-mechanically connected to another conductive layer of the printed circuit board. The patient ground includes a portion that is at least partially interposed between the first portion of the generator ground and the second portion of the generator ground.
US08152798B2 Surgical variable-angle illuminator
A variable-angle, wide-angle illuminator is disclosed, one embodiment being a small-gauge, variable-angle illumination surgical system comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable; an optical fiber, operably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical cable to receive and transmit the light beam; an optical assembly, optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and providing the light beam to illuminate a surgical field; and a cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece and optical assembly, for housing and directing the optical assembly to illuminate selected area. The optical assembly can comprise a fiber/polymer-dispersed-liquid-crystal (“PDLC”) diffuser optically coupled to an optical needle or a nested compound parabolic concentrator (“CPC”) cone.
US08152797B2 Electromagnetic energy output system
An apparatus having an excitation source that includes at least one laser diode and also having a handpiece with a disposable, bendable tip cannula is disclosed.
US08152795B2 Method and device for cardiac tissue ablation
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for forming annular lesions in tissue. The methods include introduction of an optical apparatus proximate to a tissue site, via, for example, a catheter. The optical apparatus includes a pattern-forming optical wave guide in communication with a light transmitting optical fiber. Energy is transmitted through the optical fiber, such that radiation is propagated through the optical fiber and the wave guide projects an annular light pattern, e.g., a circle or a halo.
US08152791B2 Catheter locking mechanism
A locking mechanism for maintaining a position of a catheter on a beaded connector tube of an implantable device. A first lock member has a plurality of slots formed along its outer surface. A second lock member is dimensioned such that at least a slotted portion of the first member is receivable in an axial passageway of the second member. The second member has a plurality of tabs extending into the axial passageway wherein a tab is receivable in a respective slot to form a locking connection between the lock members. The lock members are aligned upon formation of the locking connection wherein the connector tube and catheter are receivable along the respective axial passageways, and the beaded connector tube portion is disposed on an opposite side of the tabs from the implantable device.
US08152789B2 System and method for providing closed loop infusion formulation delivery
A system and method for providing closed loop infusion formulation delivery which accurately calculates a delivery amount based on a sensed biological state by adjusting an algorithm's programmable control parameters. The algorithm calculates a delivery amount having proportional, derivative, and basal rate components. The control parameters may be adjusted in real time to compensate for changes in a sensed biological state that may result from daily events. Safety limits on the delivery amount may be included in the algorithm. The algorithm may be executed by a computing element within a process controller for controlling closed loop infusion formulation delivery. The biological state is sensed by a sensing device which provides a signal to the controller. The controller calculates an infusion formulation delivery amount based on the signal and sends commands to an infusion formulation delivery device which delivers an amount of infusion formulation determined by the commands.
US08152787B2 Personal wear absorbent article with disposal tab
An absorbent article has front and back waist regions that define transversely opposite sides each extending a length Lp from a waist opening to a leg opening of the article. A disposal tab has an attachment region attached to one side of the article and extending a greatest length La along at least a portion of the length Lp of the side. A tab region of the tab extends transversely outward from the attachment region a greatest distance Dt and is attachable to the article in at least a disposal configuration of the article. The greatest length La of the attachment region is substantially greater than the greatest distance Dt that the tab region extends transversely outward from the attachment region. The greatest length La of the attachment region is in the range of about 35 percent to 100 percent of the length Lp of the side of the article.
US08152785B2 Vacuum port for vacuum wound therapy
The present disclosure describes a dressing for use in a vacuum wound therapy procedure to promote healing of a wound. The dressing includes a cover layer for positioning over a wound to define a reservoir in which a reduced pressure may be maintained over the wound. A portal member is mounted relative to the cover layer and defines a fluid passage for fluid coupling with a reduced pressure supply conduit for creating the reduced pressure within the reservoir. A filter screen is mounted relative to the fluid passage and is dimensioned to minimize passage of tissue particles of predetermined dimension through the fluid passage of the portal member.
US08152778B2 Device for interfacing with standard luer lock syringes
An interface device is described which includes a body defining one or more cylindrical bores which are dimensioned to receive a standard luer lock syringe. Each bore includes a plunger movably positioned therein from a retracted position to an advanced position. The plunger and the distal end of the bore defines a first fluid reservoir and the standard syringe assembly defines a second fluid reservoir. The interface device and the syringe assembly are operable to sequentially deliver multiple fluids from the interface device to a catheter assembly.
US08152777B2 Spray for fluent materials
Certain embodiments relate to a sprayer or other medical apparatus for applying a biocompatible coating in situ. Such an apparatus may have a first conduit connected to a first exit opening and a second conduit connected to a second exit opening to deliver a first composition through the first conduit and a second composition through the second conduit to mix the first composition and the second composition outside both the first conduit and the second conduit. The first composition may be, e.g., a precursor to a material formed after the mixing of the first composition and the second composition. The first exit opening and the second exit opening may be approximately adjacent to each other and define an angle that is less than about 140 degrees.
US08152774B2 Valve assembly
A valve assembly for the sealed reception of an elongated object is provided. The assembly includes a valve body defining at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated object and defining a central longitudinal axis, and an elongated seal member having a resilient sealing structure and defining an aperture in general alignment with the opening of the valve body whereby the aperture is configured and dimensioned such that upon insertion of the object into the aperture, the resilient sealing structure resiliently engages the outer surface of the object in a tight manner. The sealing structure includes a plurality of elongated bristle members attached to the seal member. The bristle members are positioned to engage the elongated object upon at least partial insertion of the elongated object into the valve body. Each bristle member is adapted to be displaced relative to the longitudinal axis to facilitate expansion of the aperture of the seal member upon entry of the elongated object therein.
US08152771B2 Injector device for placing a subcutaneous infusion set
An injector device for transcutaneously placing a hollow cannula of a subcutaneous infusion set is disclosed. The injector device includes a plunger slidably received within the device housing for movement between an advanced position and a retracted position, the plunger having an insertion needle secured thereto by a stable connection preventing loss of the insertion needle during use of the device. The insertion needle receives and supports the cannula of the subcutaneous infusion set in a position with the cannula oriented for transcutaneous placement upon movement of the plunger from the retracted position to the retracted position.
US08152769B2 Infusion hub assembly and fluid line disconnect system
An infusion set comprising a base and a cap. The base can comprise a portion to be placed against skin, a first cannula extending downwardly below the portion to be placed against skin, and a septum. The cap can comprise a tube and a second cannula. The cap can be configured for removable attachment to the base such that the cap is rotatable with respect to the base while the first cannula, the second cannula, and the tube are in fluid communication.
US08152763B2 Disposable carpule for hypodermic syringe
A standard dental syringe is made up of an outer cylinder with a plunger at one end, and a carpule which contains liquid medication to be injected into a patient is replaceably positioned within the barrel and includes a needle slidably mounted at one end of the carpule in communication with the fluid medication which is contained in a fluid chamber sealed off at each end by a plug so that when the plunger is advanced into engagement with a first plug at one end of the carpule the liquid medication is delivered through the needle and upon completion of the plunger stroke, a barbed extension of the slidable first plug member will move into engagement with the needle-retaining second plug member so that upon retraction of the plunger the needle-retaining plug member will be retracted along with the slidable first plug member. The needle is guided through a funnel-shaped sleeve assembly at the end of the barrel so that following the injection procedure the needle can be retracted and the portion of the guide can be removed so that the entire exposed end of the needle can be cut off following which both of the plug members and remainder of the needle can be once again retracted into the carpule assembly and removed from the barrel and replaced by a new carpule assembly.
US08152758B2 Needle catheter
An apparatus including an expandable body; at least one delivery cannula coupled to an exterior portion of the expandable body; a needle having a protuberance thereon disposed in a lumen of the at least one delivery cannula; a stop disposed in the lumen of the at least one delivery cannula at a position distal to the protuberance on the needle. A method including positioning a catheter assembly including at least one needle delivery device disposed in an at least one delivery cannula, the at least one delivery cannula having an exit end; modifying the shape of the catheter assembly to modify the orientation of the exit end of the at least one delivery cannula at a region of interest; and advancing the at least one needle delivery device beyond the exit end of the at least one delivery cannula according to a controlled orientation.
US08152756B2 Active cannula for bio-sensing and surgical intervention
Disclosed is a surgical needle, or active cannula, that is capable of following a complex path through cavities and tissue within a patient's anatomy. The needle has a plurality of overlapping flexible tubes, each of which has a pre-formed curvature and a pre-determined flexibility. Each of the plurality of flexible tubes is selected based on their respective preformed curvature and flexibility so that a given overlap configuration causes the combination of overlapping flexible tubes to form a predetermined shape that substantially matches a desired path through the anatomy. By individually controlling the translation and angular orientation of each of the flexible tubes, the surgical needle may be guided through the anatomy according to the desired path.
US08152746B2 Powered massager with coaxial actuators
A powered massager having coaxially mounted first and second massage actuators that are positioned along the main axis of the powered massager is disclosed. The powered massager further includes a hand-held unit including a control panel for controlling the operation of the massager and a power source that is operatively associated with an electric motor that drives a rotatable output shaft through a gear arrangement. In one embodiment, the first massage actuator is a squirming massage actuator having a plurality of frames interposed between rolling members that are operable when the output shaft is driven by the electric motor, while the second massage actuator is a vibratory massage actuator that is operatively associated with the power source through a conductive pathway established between the power source and the vibratory massage actuator.
US08152745B2 Activity monitoring
Sensors and methods for automatically detecting and recording physical activities of an individual are described. An event is detected, in which data representative of at least one physical activity of an individual is received from an activity monitor associated with the individual. The data is combined into at least two intermediate calculations. A score is generated from the at least two intermediate calculations. The score is compared to a predefined threshold to decide whether or not an event has occurred. Data representative of the event is recorded.
US08152737B2 Tissue specimen encapsulation device and method thereof
A device for encapsulating tissue specimens includes a wand assembly, a sheath, and a guide assembly. The guide assembly pulls, draws, or otherwise moves the sheath about the tissue specimen. The wand assembly is disposed proximate to the tissue specimen, typically either adjacent or through the specimen. In an aspect of the encapsulating device, the guide assembly has sheath deployment members that are disposed about the tissue specimen. The sheath, which is attached to ends of the sheath deployment members and the wand assembly, is drawn over the tissue specimen as the sheath deployment members are pushed or pulled. The guide assembly is an arm or a housing that rotates about the tissue specimen. The sheath, which is secured at one end to the guide assembly and at another end to the wand assembly, is drawn over the tissue specimen as the guide assembly rotates.
US08152736B2 Device for contact molecular sampling
A device (6) to sample molecules of biological interest is described. The device (6) includes capture zones (10) whose developed surface area is much greater than the surface so that sampling by contact allows a sufficient quantity of molecules to be obtained to achieve reliable analysis, whilst being sized so that the device (6) is neither invasive nor aggressive.In particular, the device comprises tiered capture zones (10) located on a support (12) fabricated using microtechnology techniques; the capture zones (10) may advantageously be functionalised.
US08152735B2 Diagnosis of fertility status
A vaginal probe for acquiring and correlating vaginal measurement data with folliculogenesis in a female for prediction of fertility.
US08152734B2 System and method for diagnosis of bovine diseases using auscultation analysis
A system and method are provided for diagnosis of bovine respiratory diseases using auscultation techniques. Acoustic characteristics of a recorded spectrogram are compared with existing data enabling a diagnosis to be made for a diseased animal. Lung sounds are obtained by use of an electronic stethoscope, and the sounds are stored as digital data. Signal conditioning is used to place the data in a desired format and to remove undesirable noise associated with the recorded sounds. An algorithm is applied to data, and lung scores are calculated. The lung scores are then categorized into various levels of perceived pathology based upon baseline data that categorizes the lung scores. From the lung scores, a caregiver can associate a diagnosis, prognosis, and a recommended treatment. Analysis software generates the lung scores from the recorded sounds, and may also provide a visual display of presumptive diagnoses as well as recommended treatments.
US08152728B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
A probe includes a transducer unit including a plurality of transducers which are arrayed in the first direction, transmit ultrasonic waves and receive echo signals, and a moving mechanism for continuously moving the transducer unit in the second direction crossing the first direction. A movement control unit controls the moving mechanism to continuously move the transducer unit in the second direction. A transmission unit causes the transducer unit to generate ultrasonic waves. A scan line signal generation unit generates a plurality of actual measurement scan line signals by delaying and adding a plurality of echo signals from the transducer unit. A scan line signal calculation unit calculates a plurality of mathematical scan line signals constituting a plurality of mathematical electronic scan planes from the plurality of actual measurement scan line signals. An image generation unit generates multislice tomograms on the basis of the plurality of calculated mathematical scan line signals.