Document Document Title
US08164592B2 Systems and methods for graphical rendering
A computer readable medium is configured to determine the integral of the product of a plurality of functions. The computer readable medium includes logic configured to project each function of the plurality of functions into the wavelet domain, logic configured to encode basis coefficients of each function in a wavelet tree, each function being encoded in at least one wavelet tree such that the plurality of functions are represented in the wavelet domain by a plurality of wavelet trees, and logic configured to traverse direct paths through the plurality of wavelet trees to determine the integral of the product of the functions represented by the wavelet trees, along which direct paths an integral coefficient may be nonzero.
US08164588B2 System and method for MEMS array actuation including a charge integration circuit to modulate the charge on a variable gap capacitor during an actuation cycle
An actuator and method for MEMS array actuation is disclosed. In one embodiment, the actuator having a pixel coupled to a charge integration circuit, the pixel comprising a voltage bias, a variable gap capacitor, and a switch, all in series, the charge integration circuit configured to modulate charge on the variable gap capacitor during an actuation cycle. In one embodiment, the MEMS actuator having a unit cell with parasitic capacitance and coupled to a negative feedback sampling circuit, the unit cell comprising a variable gap capacitor, a voltage bias, a modulated current source, and a voltage-to-current converter, the negative feedback sampling circuit configured to receive an output current from the unit cell, convert the output current from the unit cell to a low voltage signal, sample the low voltage signal, and provide a feedback signal to the modulated current source to compensate for the parasitic capacitance in the unit cell.
US08164583B2 Display device
The display device has an LCD panel, a light source, and a digitizer disposed on the back surface of the LCD panel. The display device further contains a U-shaped first heat-dissipation plate made of a non-magnetic material. The first heat-dissipation plate is disposed on at least one end of the periphery of the LCD panel in a way that the opening of the U-shape faces toward the LCD panel. The light source is mounted on the first heat-dissipation plate, and an end section of the digitizer is covered with the opening of the plate.
US08164581B2 Optical touch module
An optical touch panel includes a frame, a first and a second image capture units, a first and second light sources, a first reflective element and a block element. The first and second image capture units are disposed on the frame and respectively disposed adjacent to the first and second light sources. The line between the first and second light sources defines a first connecting line. The reflective element disposed on a first side of the frame has a top point. The line between the top point and the second image capture unit defines a second connecting line. The block element blocks the first connecting line, but does not block the second connecting line.
US08164580B2 Input apparatus and method using optical masking
An input apparatus and method using optical masking which enable a user to intuitively manipulate a menu by mapping light sources of an optical masking sensing unit and icons displayed on a display panel to corresponding positions. The input apparatus includes a display panel displaying a plurality of icons and functions of the icons, and an optical masking sensing unit including a plurality of optical devices as light sources, turning on optical devices located at positions corresponding to positions of the displayed icons.
US08164579B2 Sensing structure and displayer comprising the same
A sensing structure and a displayer comprising the same are provided. The displayer further comprises a substrate and a panel disposed opposite to the substrate. The sensing structure comprises a plurality of sensing elements, a conductive assembly, and a process module. Each of the sensing elements has a position data corresponding to the panel. Every several adjacent ones of the sensing elements form a plurality of sensing areas. The process module is electrically connected to the sensing elements via the conductive assembly. Each of the sensing elements generates a touch voltage in response to a touch on the sensing areas. The process module receives the touch voltages, and calculates a touch position of the one touch corresponding to the panel according to the position data and the touch voltages.
US08164575B2 Method for identifying a single tap, double taps and a drag and a controller for a touch device employing the method
A method for identifying a single tap with a controller employing the method comprises following steps: (a) detecting the first hit-movement being conducted by the object touching the touch device; (b) starting a time-counting if a detected result of step (a) is “YES”; (c) detecting if the object leaves the touch device within the first reference time interval; (d) generating an operation signal to represent a start of the hit-movement at the time of the first reference time interval ending if a detected result of step (c) is “YES”; (e) detecting if the second hit-movement is conducted by the object touching the touch device within a second reference time interval after the first reference time interval; (f) maintaining the operation signal to represent the second hit-movement being conducted if a detected result of step (e) is “YES”; and (g) terminating said operation signal at the time of the second reference time interval ending to represent a cease of the second hit-movement if a detected result of said step (e) is “NO” for completing the single tap.
US08164573B2 Systems and methods for adaptive interpretation of input from a touch-sensitive input device
Systems and methods for adaptively interpreting a user's intent based on parameters supplied by a touch-sensitive input device are described. In one of the methods described, a processor receives a pressure signal indicating a pressure from an input device, such as a touchpad, compares the pseudo pressure signal to a pressure threshold value, and outputs a signal if the pseudo pressure signal is greater than the pressure threshold value. In another embodiment, the processor also calculates the speed of movement of a conductor, for instance a user's finger, across the input device, and compares the speed to a threshold. If the speed is greater than the threshold, the processor determines that although the pressure may be great enough to signal a press, no press is intended. The various parameters supplied by the input device may be digitally filtered to increase the accuracy of the determination of user intent.
US08164571B2 Slideable keyboard for an electronic equipment
An electronic equipment (1) comprising a casing (10) having a front surface (11); a display (20); a mechanical keypad (30); and a set (40) of navigation and function/control keys, said display (20) and keypad (30) being arranged adjacent to one another on the front surface (11), the set (40) of navigation and function/control keys, being arranged to be slideably displaced by a user of the electronic equipment (1) to different positions on said front surface (11), including a first position where a section of the display is visible, the entire keypad is visible, and the set and the key pad complement each other; and a second position where the entire display is visible and the set (40) covers the keypad.
US08164570B2 Condensed keyboard for electronic devices
Apparatuses and systems for generating characters for electronic devices using condensed keyboards are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a keyboard that monitors two sets of keys, one for each hand, for manipulation and desired character generation. The keyboard generally has four or more keys for each hand, and the keyboard may be located on the back and/or sides of a portable electronic device. One or several of the keys may generate multiple characters, depending on how the user manipulates the key while depressing it. A further embodiment may display cues of help information on a display screen of the system, assisting users in typing with the keys since the users may be unable to easily observe their fingers. That is to say, some embodiments may provide support for people with no touch-typing skills and accommodate key configurations on the back of devices with an embodiment keyboard.
US08164569B2 Offset illumination aperture for optical navigation input device
An optical navigation input device with an offset imaging aperture. The optical navigation input device includes a light source, an illumination aperture structure, and an image sensor. The light source directs a light beam toward a substantially specular illumination surface. Scattered light reflects off of a surface reflection feature along a scattered light path which is offset from a specular reflection path. The illumination aperture structure at least partially defines an illumination aperture interposed between the light source and the illumination surface. The illumination aperture produces a diffraction pattern that includes a diffraction discontinuity which is substantially free from diffracted light within a sector area outside of the light beam. The image sensor is disposed within the scattered light path at a location corresponding to the diffraction discontinuity. The image sensor receives the scattered light from the surface reflection feature and generates a navigation image of the surface reflection feature.
US08164567B1 Motion-sensitive game controller with optional display screen
A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console.
US08164565B2 Display apparatus and driving method for display panel
A display apparatus and the driving method thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes a display panel and a gate driver electrically connected to the display panel. The display panel has N scan units. Here, N is a positive integer, and each of the scan units has a first scan line and a second scan line. The gate driver provides N gate control signals to the scan units. The i-th gate control signal corresponds to the i-th scan unit, and i is less than N. When the i-th gate control signal and the (i+1)-th gate control signal are simultaneously enabled, the pixel elements corresponding to the first scan line and the second scan line of the i-th scan unit are simultaneously scanned. When the i-th gate control signal is enabled, the pixel elements corresponding to the first scan line of the i-th scan unit are scanned.
US08164555B2 Display device including driver circuit and monitor circuit
To provide a display device which can ensure high reliability of a driver circuit even when a threshold voltage of a TFT shifts. The display device includes a power supply control circuit which can apply a forward bias voltage or a reverse bias voltage to a gate of a transistor included in an output circuit, a monitor transistor which is formed to monitor the amount of change of a threshold voltage of the transistor included in the output circuit, and a threshold control circuit which controls the power supply control circuit so as to apply the reverse bias voltage to the gate of the transistor in order to compensate the threshold voltage of the transistor included in the output circuit.
US08164554B2 Liquid crystal display
A data converter divides input data into first subframe data and latter subframe data, and the latter subframe data is given to a data serial-parallel converter and serial-parallel converted. The first subframe data is given to a line memory group, and given to an overdrive operation circuit after a given delay. The latter subframe data converted into parallel data is given to a line memory group, and given to a data parallel-serial converter after a given delay, where it is parallel-serial converted, and then it becomes output data after the first subframe data outputted from the overdrive operation circuit.
US08164551B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device included in a compact portable device reduces burden imposed on a driver circuit for driving counter electrodes and produces images having preferable quality. The liquid crystal display device includes liquid display element and liquid crystal driving circuit. The liquid crystal driving circuit drives two counter electrode signal lines during one scanning period for driving one scanning signal line. Counter signals having different polarities are supplied to the two counter signal lines. Since the number of pixels operated by one counter electrode signal line is decreased to half, burden imposed during drive of counter electrodes is reduced.
US08164548B2 Signal line driver circuit and light emitting device and driving method therefor
The variation of characteristics of transistors occurs. The present invention is a signal line drive circuit having a plurality of current source circuit corresponding to a plurality of wirings, a first and a second shift registers, a latch circuit, the foregoing plurality of current source circuits have capacity means and supplying means, respectively, characterized in that the foregoing capacity means converts a supplied current into a voltage according to a sampling pulse supplied from the foregoing first shift register, the foregoing supplying means supplies a current corresponding to the foregoing converted voltage according to a video signal, and the foregoing latch circuit operates according to a sampling pulse supplied from the foregoing second shift register.
US08164547B2 Semiconductor device, display device, and electronic device
A pixel includes a load, a transistor which controls a current supplied to the load, a storage capacitor, and first to fourth switches. By inputting a potential in accordance with a video signal into the pixel after the threshold voltage of the transistor is held in the storage capacitor, and holding a voltage of the sum of the threshold voltage and the potential, variations of a current value caused by variations of threshold voltage of a transistor can be suppressed. Consequently, a predetermined current can be supplied to the load such as a light-emitting element. Further, by changing the potential of a power supply line, a display device with a high duty ratio can be provided.
US08164544B2 Pixel array layout
A pixel array layout includes a substrate, a plurality of scan lines disposed on the substrate, a plurality of data lines disposed on the substrate, a plurality of pixel units disposed on the substrate, and a pre-discharge conductive layer. Each of the pixel units is electrically connected to at least one of the scan lines and one of the data lines correspondingly, and each of the pixel units has a driving circuit and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the driving circuit. The pre-discharge conductive layer is electrically connected to the driving circuit and extends to an area between two adjacent pixel electrodes from an edge of the substrate, and the pre-discharge conductive layer and the pixel electrodes do not overlap.
US08164541B2 Array antenna comprising means to suppress the coupling effect in the dielectric gaps between its radiator elements without establishing galvanic contacts
A plurality of three-dimensional radiator elements, each radiator element transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves by a radiating top side. The radiator elements are arranged so that their radiating top sides are substantially parallel and so that at least one pair of adjacent radiator elements are separated by a dielectric gap between sidewalls, the gap behaving like a waveguide which couples electromagnetic interferences with the electromagnetic waves. The adjacent radiator elements further comprise a structure to suppress the coupling effect without establishing a galvanic contact with its adjacent radiator element.
US08164538B2 Multimode antenna structure
One or more embodiments are directed to a multimode antenna structure for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals in a communications device. The communications device includes circuitry for processing signals communicated to and from the antenna structure. The antenna structure is configured for optimal operation in a given frequency range. The antenna structure includes a plurality of antenna ports operatively coupled to the circuitry, and a plurality of antenna elements, each operatively coupled to a different one of the antenna ports. Each of the plurality of antenna elements is configured to have an electrical length selected to provide optimal operation within the given frequency range. The antenna structure also includes one or more connecting elements electrically connecting the antenna elements such that electrical currents on one antenna element flow to a connected neighboring antenna element and generally bypass the antenna port coupled to the neighboring antenna element. The electrical currents flowing through the one antenna element and the neighboring antenna element are generally equal in magnitude, such that an antenna mode excited by one antenna port is generally electrically isolated from a mode excited by another antenna port at a given desired signal frequency range without the use of a decoupling network connected to the antenna ports, and the antenna structure generates diverse antenna patterns.
US08164537B2 Multiband folded dipole transmission line antenna
A multiband folded dipole transmission line antenna (300, 400, 500) including a plurality of concentric-like loops (210, 214, 508) where each loop comprises at least one transmission line element (204, 206) and at least a pair of folded dipole antenna elements (302, 304), a first connection point and a second connection point shared among the plurality of concentric-like loops, and a first inverted L antenna element (216) coupled to the first connection point and a second inverted L antenna element (218) coupled to the second connection point. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US08164536B2 Directed dual beam antenna
A dual polarized variable beam tilt antenna having a superior Sector Power Ratio (SPR). The antenna may have slant 45 degree dipole radiating elements including directors, and may be disposed on a plurality of tilted element trays to orient an antenna boresight downtilt. The directors may be disposed above or about the respective dipole radiating elements. The antenna has a beam front-to-side ratio exceeding 20 dB, a horizontal beam front-to-back ratio exceeding 40 dB, a high-roll off, and is operable over an expanded frequency range.
US08164530B2 Antenna formed of multiple resonant loops
A magnetic and/or magneto-electric antenna that has a plurality of conducting loops where each individual loop can be resonated at a frequency that is offset from the frequency of the other loops to provide a composite band-pass response that is broader than that of the individual loops. A receiving circuit acts to sum the signals from each of the antennas to provide a combined frequency response that is broader in bandwidth than any of the individual loops. Similarly a combination of multiple transmitter loops where a transmit circuit drives a common transmit waveform to each of the combined antennas to provide a combined transmitter frequency response that is broader in bandwidth than any of the individual loops.
US08164529B2 Loop antenna including impedance tuning gap and associated methods
A loop antenna may include first and second electrical conductors arranged to define a circular shape with first and second spaced apart gaps therein. Opposing portions of the first and second electrical conductors at the first gap may define a signal feedpoint, and opposing portions of the first and second electrical conductors at the second gap may define an impedance tuning feature. The second gap may be circumferentially spaced from the first gap less than ninety degrees, and the second gap may be greater than the first gap to provide a predetermined impedance. A coaxial transmission line may form a feed inset into the loop conductor. The loop antenna may be planar and have a reduced size for ease of manufacture and use, and it may provide an isotropic radiating pattern at a predetermined operating frequency, which may avoid the need for antenna aiming.
US08164527B2 Antenna apparatus and method for reducing background noise and increasing reception sensitivity
An antenna apparatus includes an electrically conductive section having peripheral edges, an antenna element coupled to the electrically conductive section, which transmits or receives electromagnetic signals, and an electromagnetic absorbing carbon material component. The carbon material component is generally disposed adjacent to the electrically conductive section, and includes a border region extending beyond the peripheral edges of the electrically conductive section by a given distance based on λ, where λ corresponds to the maximum wavelength of the one or more electromagnetic signals capable of being transmitted or received using the antenna element. Also, a distance between a surface of the carbon material component and the electrically conductive section is less than or equal to a value determined by λ. The carbon material component is constructed and arranged to increase the effective signal to noise ratio of the antenna apparatus and enhances antenna performance without increasing the baseline power consumption level.
US08164526B1 Single wire internal antenna with integral contact force spring
Some embodiments of the present invention are internal antennae for mobile devices. For example, an internal antenna for a mobile device that is a continuous length of wire formed into a collection of antenna features. Other embodiments relate to methods of manufacturing internal antennae for mobile devices; for example, manufacturing an internal antenna for a mobile device from a continuous length of wire. Still other embodiments relate to an iterative antenna production and re-design cycle. Preferably, antennae consistent with some embodiments of the invention include multiple radiator portions, a contact region, and integral configured to form a torsion spring of the contact region and parts of the radiator portions that reacts against displacement of the contact region toward those parts of the radiator portions.
US08164524B2 Built-in straight mobile antenna type dual band antenna assembly with improved HAC performance
A built-in straight mobile antenna type dual band antenna assembly includes a circuit board, a first radiator transversely arranged on one end of the circuit board and having a first resonance frequency, and a second radiator longitudinally arranged on one lateral side of the circuit board. The first radiator and the second radiator constitute an L-shaped structure for signal input through a feed end, and are connected to a ground plane on the circuit board through a common grounding lug.
US08164521B2 Pseudo-omni-directional beamforming with multiple narrow-band beams
In a technique for communication with a station on a wireless network, the technique includes forming a plurality of narrow-band beams, each having a different angular direction from an antenna of a base station and collectively distributed over a beamspace to form a pseudo-omni-directional beam pattern. That beamspace may span an entire spherical region or a portion thereof, for example, when the narrow-band beams are broadcast over a sector of an entire spherical region. The technique may assign each of the plurality of narrow-band beams to a different frequency band (such as a different channel band or sub-channel) on the wireless network. The technique may simultaneously broadcast the plurality of narrow-band beams in a time-varying manner such that the angular direction of each of the plurality of narrow-band beams varies with time, where that variation may be random or ordered.
US08164519B1 Fast acquisition engine
A method of fast acquisition of a location of a device is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) repeatedly powering up automatically (i) a radio receiver and (ii) a given subset of a plurality of correlators in some of a plurality of search engines in the device, (B) buffering first data of a plurality of position signals received through the radio receiver over a first period, each of the position signals comprising a respective one of a plurality of code sequences, (C) searching through the first data with the correlators to find at least one of the code sequences, each of the correlators using a search window comprising a fraction of a code length of the code sequences and (D) generating an output signal carrying a location of the device based on the position signals corresponding to the code sequences that were found.
US08164516B2 GPS-based positioning system for mobile GPS terminals
The present invention discloses a GPS system that uses call-processor intelligence to determine the mode of operation of a GPS receiver located in a GPS terminal. The modes are selected based on the availability of network facilities, the GPS information that can be acquired, or user input requirements.
US08164510B2 Quantity smoother
In an embodiment, a quantity smoother includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage is operable to receive a sequence of raw samples of a quantity and to generate from the raw samples intermediate samples of the quantity, the intermediate samples having a reduced level of fluctuation relative to the sequence of raw samples. The second stage is coupled to the first stage and is operable to generate from the intermediate samples resulting samples of the quantity, the resulting samples having a reduced level of fluctuation relative to the sequence of intermediate samples. For example, such a quantity smoother may be part of a target-ranging system on board a fighter jet, and may smooth an error in an estimated target range so that the fighter pilot may more quickly and confidently determine in his head a range window within which the target lies.
US08164509B1 System and method for radiating RF waveforms using discontinues associated with a utility transmission line
A method for processing radio frequency reflections is provided. The method applies an RF waveform to a transmission line that is a conductor used for providing a utility service. The method uses a RF waveform generator to transmit UltraWideband (UWB) RF waveforms through the conductors of a building. The RF waveforms are emitted at emission points that can be impedance discontinuities along the transmission line or impulse radios. The emitted RF waveforms reflect off of objects in the building and are received at reception points that can be impedance discontinuities or impulse radios. These reflections are processed to determine movement of objects within or near the building. Based on the reflections of the RF waveforms, the position of the objects within or near the building can be determined.
US08164506B2 Electromagnetic absorber using resistive material
An electromagnetic absorber using resistive material includes a ground plane of a conductive material; a dielectric layer formed on the ground plane; and a pattern layer in which specific unit cell patterns made of a resistive material are periodically arranged on the dielectric layer. The electromagnetic absorber is applied to an electronic toll collection system, a transportation device, a building structure, an electronic device and an anechoic chamber.
US08164504B2 Successive approximation register analog-digital converter and method for operating the same
A successive approximation resistor analog digital converter (SAR ADC) includes a first conversion unit including a correction capacitor array and a bit capacitor array 2V-1 less than the number of a bit, a second conversion unit configured to differentially operate with the first conversion unit, a comparator configured to output a voltage of a high level or a low level of each capacitor according to output voltages of the first and second conversion units, a successive approximation register (SAR) logic unit configured to receive an output voltage of the comparator to convert the received output voltage into a digital signal, and a correction logic unit configured to receive the digital signal converted by the SAR logic unit and to correct a digital signal of the bit capacitor array using a correction digital signal of the correction capacitor array of the received digital signal.
US08164502B2 Data look ahead to reduce power consumption
Portions of a digital signal are buffered prior to being provided to a sub-system (e.g., a segmented DAC of a LDD) that is responsive to the digital signal. While being buffered, there is a determination, based on the buffered portions of the digital signal, of when one or more portions of the sub-system and/or another sub-system can be switched from a first state to a second state, where the second state results in less power dissipation than the first state. Additionally, or alternatively, while the portions of the digital signal are being buffered, there can be a determination, based on the buffered portions of the digital signal, of when one or more system related parameters can be adjusted to temporarily reduce power dissipation. Based on results of the determination(s), the state of one or more portions of the sub-system and/or another sub-system is/are selectively switched from the first state to the second state, or vice versa. Eventually, the portions of the digital signal are provided to the sub-system so that the sub-system can respond to the portions of the digital signal.
US08164497B2 Pipeline analog-to-digital converter
Provided is a pipeline analog-to-digital converter (ADC) without a front-end sample-and-hold amplifier (SHA). To minimize a sampling error occurring between a flash ADC and a multiplying digital-to-analog converter (MDAC) of a first sub-ranging ADC due to removal of a front-end SHA, a delay time of a preamplifier included in the flash ADC is calculated, and the flash ADC samples an analog input signal later by the delay time than the MDAC. Accordingly, the pipeline ADC can minimize a sampling error without using a front-end SHA, and its chip area and power consumption can be reduced.
US08164488B2 Apparatus and method for generating a message based on traffic flow
A method includes determining a first flow characteristic of a flow, the flow comprising at least one targeted user. The method also includes generating for display a first message based on the first flow characteristic of the flow.
US08164476B2 Wellbore telemetry system and method
A hybrid telemetry system for passing signals between a surface control unit and a downhole tool is provided. The downhole tool is deployed via a drill string into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The hybrid telemetry system includes an uphole connector, a downhole connector, and a cable operatively connecting the uphole and downhole connectors. The uphole connector is operatively connectable to a drill string telemetry system for communication therewith. The downhole connector is operatively connectable to the downhole tool for communication therewith.
US08164473B2 Mine roof monitoring apparatus
A mine roof monitoring apparatus has at least two contact members. At least one contact member maintains contact with the roof of a mine shaft. At least one contact member maintains contact with a floor of the same mine shaft. A motion monitoring apparatus monitors the relative motion between the two contact members, and a flag on the motion monitoring apparatus changes position, when a predetermined amount of motion occurs between the two contact members. This indicates that the roof of the mine shaft has subsided enough to move the respective contact member.
US08164469B2 System and method for controlling battery cool-down
A method for cooling a battery after a charging phase including the steps of providing a user display, identifying a starting point at which the charging phase of the battery transitions to a cooling phase, when the starting point is identified, instructing the user display to provide a first indication for a first predetermined amount of time, and after the first predetermined amount of time has elapsed, instructing the user display to provide a second indication.
US08164468B2 Rapid charging and power management of a battery-powered fluid analyte meter
A system and method is described for rapid charging and power management of a battery for a meter. A charger component is operably associated with the meter and is capable of executing a rapid charge algorithm for a rechargeable battery. The algorithm includes monitoring for a connection to an external power source and implementing a charging routine of a battery at a first charge rate and then at a second charge rate. The second charge rate is lower than the first charge rate. A temperature rise in the rechargeable battery due to the first charge rate has a negligible heat transfer effect on the fluid sample. The meter can also include a power switch for controlling current flow to a battery fuel gauge. The power switch is open when the meter enters into a sleep mode. The state of battery charge is determined after the meter exits the sleep mode.
US08164467B2 Power saving mode for remote controller
A method, system and apparatus provide for enhanced power savings of a remote controller. Power savings are achieved by automatically entering a power saving mode of the remote controller, based upon user usage of the remote controller. A usage condition associated with use of the remote controller is detected; the usage condition has associated with it a predetermined period of time. Upon detection of the occurrence of the usage condition, the remote controller automatically enters a power saving mode from its normal operational mode after the predetermined period of time of the usage condition.
US08164466B2 Apparatus and method for detecting a communication abnormality in a multi-type air conditioner
An apparatus and method for detecting a communication abnormality in a multi-type air conditioner is disclosed. The apparatus, which performs data communication with peripheral devices having an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, a repeater and a wired remote controller, includes a level converter for serving as an interface to allow multiplex communication between the apparatus and the peripheral devices; and an abnormality detector connectable with the peripheral devices from a remote site through the level converter, the abnormality detector detecting a communication abnormality in the peripheral devices by automatically changing an operation mode thereof into a slave or master mode depending on whether an operation mode of each of the peripheral devices connected thereto is the master or slave mode. Thus, when the communication abnormality occurs, the communication abnormality can be detected in a convenient way by using the apparatus.
US08164463B2 Driver management apparatus and travel management system
In a driver management apparatus for managing the driver of a vehicle, a state estimating means estimates a state of the driver based on the sensing information from a sensing means Based on an estimation result, an extracting means extracts, as a capture region, part of the sensing information. The capture information storing means extracts the sensing information associated with the extracted capture region and stores the extracted sensing information as capture information. The determining means determines whether the estimation result satisfies a reporting condition. When it is determined that the estimation result satisfies the reporting condition, the controlling means retrieves the capture information associated with the estimation result and causes the retrieved capture information to be transmitted with the estimation result to the external center.
US08164460B2 Method and apparatus for coupling multiple microradios to an RFID tag antenna
Whether or not one utilizes direct DC coupling of the microradios to the antenna feed points or couples the RF energy from the dipoles associated with the spaced-apart contact pads on the microradio, in the subject invention one selects only those microradios that are within a certain variance of a preferred direction and then makes sure that the polarization direction of all of these radios is in the preferred direction are identical, in one embodiment by utilizing digital coding, which both activates the microradio and is used to sense the polarity associated with the connection from the signal source to the contact pads.
US08164457B2 Application of radio frequency identification
A method for making a container including a radio frequency identification label is provide. In an embodiment the method includes placing a radio frequency identification (RFID) label into a mold; positioning the RFID label so that an outer portion of the label is substantially flush with the mold surface; and molding a container such that the outer portion of the RFID label is substantially flush with the outer surface of the side wall of the container. An article, which may be formed using the foregoing method, is also disclosed.
US08164452B2 Post office box electronic notification system
A system for and method of generating a notification regarding post office box contents. The system comprises at least one indicator transmitter arranged to generate and transmit a notification signal regarding contents of the post office box responsive to an operator actuation, and at least one receiver/network interface communicatively coupled with the at least one indicator transmitter and arranged to transmit a first signal responsive to receipt of the notification signal from the at least one indicator transmitter. The method comprises generating a notification signal responsive to an operator actuation responsive to a change of the contents of a post office box, and transmitting the generated notification signal to a client device.
US08164450B2 Initiative warning system
An initiative warning system comprises a protective area for accommodating objects and defining an area network, a plurality of sensors respectively installed on the objects, a detecting mainframe connected with the area network, and a terminal communicated with the detecting mainframe through the area network. Wherein, the arrangement of the area network promotes the connection between the detecting main frame and substitutes the conventional wiring allocation, so as to streamline installations of the detecting mainframe and the sensors. Additionally, the sensors can regularly transmit oscillating signals to the detecting mainframe for a further recognition and comparison. Thus, a controlling signal would be timely sent to trigger a warning command showing on the terminal through the area network when the compatible signals between the sensors and the detecting mainframe are not detected by the detecting mainframe, thereby preferably attaining an active warning effect.
US08164446B2 Method and device for detecting fake skin prints
The method aims at identifying a fake element (F1) reproducing a fake skin print positioned on the detection surface (13) of an optical device for detecting skin prints such as fingerprints. The method provides for sending (14) towards the abovementioned detection surface (13) an illumination beam (14) to be back-scattered and propagate through the fake element (F1) bearing the fake print. The beam in question is a shielded beam including an illuminated region (22) and a shielded region (23). A sensor (16) captures the shielded illumination beam after the back-scattering, generating a signal indicating the dimension (x0, x0′) of the transition region (24) between the illuminated region (22) and the shielded region (23) present in the shielded beam after the back-scattering. The possible presence of a fake element (F1) reproducing a fake skin print is identified when the abovementioned transition region (24) has a dimension larger than a given reference value (x0).
US08164445B2 Cableless operation of a medical device
A method for cableless transmission of operating signals from a mobile remote control unit to a medical device is provided. The method includes recording a transmission quality measurement, and blocking the transmission of the operating signals if the transmission quality measurement or a distance measurement between the remote control unit and a receiver unit of the device fulfills a predetermined trigger criteria. A step detection process is carried out by the remote control unit, and a change in the transmission quality measurement is taken into account if a step movement is determined in the step detection process.
US08164444B2 Position detection
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices, and systems for position detections of an individual. One method to detect a position of an individual includes creating a zone map by mapping locations of a number of fixed sensors in a zone and signal strengths of a number of communications between the fixed sensors and at least two wireless access points. The method also includes determining signal strength values of a number of communications between the wireless access points and a mobile sensor and comparing the signal strength values of the number of communications between at least two wireless access points and the mobile sensor with the zone map to determine the mobile sensor's position in relation to the zone.
US08164441B2 Geographically agnostic wireless data communication system having wireless devices
A wireless data communication system suitable for use as a radio frequency (RF) locationing or presence detection system includes at least one wireless access device and at least one active RF tag corresponding to an item or asset of interest. The wireless access device is configured to transmit a locale message that conveys location-specific data corresponding to a geographic operating region of the wireless access device. The active RF tag receives the locale message, processes the location-specific data conveyed in the locale message, and configures itself in accordance with the location-specific data to support operation using a selected wireless data communication scheme. The selected scheme is compliant with the operating requirements of the geographic operating region in which the active RF tag resides.
US08164440B2 Methods for emergency communication within a fire safety system
An emergency device or emergency system is configured for operation within a fire safety system, or a fire safety portion of a building automation system (BAS). For example, wireless devices, emergency devices and/or automation components within the fire safety system or the fire safety portion of the BAS may be configured to automatically provide or otherwise communicate emergency information to an emergency device or system. The emergency information may, in turn, be utilized by emergency personnel or first responders to determine location information regarding the structure and/or relative positions within the structure or communicate with a remote emergency system.
US08164439B2 Ultrasonic compliance zone system
A system is provided for establishing a compliance zone and monitoring interactions therewith. The system includes a compliance zone designator and a wearable device. The compliance zone designator transmits an ultrasound signal to establish the compliance zone. The ultrasound signal may be encoded with information on the compliance zone. The compliance zone designator is configured for placement at a location in which the compliance zone is desired. The wearable device is separate from the compliance zone designator. The wearable device includes a compliance zone recognition component configured to recognize the compliance zone and identify one or more pre-defined interaction criteria for the compliance zone. When the wearable device is within the compliance zone, the compliance zone recognition component recognizes the compliance zone and identifies the interaction criteria of the compliance zone. Based on the interaction criteria the wearable device determines and records compliance with the interaction criteria. The recorded data is optionally used to set off real-time alerts. The recorded data is also optionally used in subsequent analysis and documentation of compliance with protocols.
US08164436B2 Power over data cable system and method
A power over data cable system has a power controller. The power controller receives alarm signals from alarm systems such as fire alarms and security alarms. The power controller is connected to power over Ethernet switches or injectors (PoE). The PoE Ethernet switches or injectors are coupled network devices, such as door locks, security cameras, etc. When an alarm occurs, the power controller can turn off the power to the network devices by sending a disable signal to an associated PoE Ethernet switch or injector. A user interface, allows a user to easily define which PoE Ethernet switches or injectors are to be opened for a given alarm. Using this system the user can easily setup a system to selectively disable power to certain devices and not others whenever an alarm is activated.
US08164433B2 Detecting faults in a wiring harness
Cell voltages within a battery pack and a voltage delivered to a load or drive system, along with a current delivered to the system, are monitored and used to detect a possible abnormal condition of a wiring harness.
US08164426B1 System and method for producing and distributing digital images including data identifying subjects being photographed
A system and method is provided for taking digital photographs of subjects and for distributing digital images from the photographs according to subject identifiers transmitted from RFID tags held with the subjects. With a first embodiment, data from photographs taken of a number of groups of individuals, such as passengers on a cruise ship, are distributed only to individuals within the groups. With a second embodiment, the RFID tags are placed within or on objects likely to be stolen, so that the objects can be tracked by digital photographs automatically taken as the objects are moved past a camera unit.
US08164425B2 Interrogator used in RFID system
In RFID system having a plurality of reader/writers, the interface between the reader/writers can be reduced without any degradation of communication throughput. The plurality of reader/writers transmit/receive radio signals to/from RF tags. The reader/writers inform their operation modes to each other, whereby they can recognize the usage statuses of channels for communication with the RF tags. If a channel selected by a particular reader/writer is occupied by another reader/writer for a long time, the particular reader/writer selects another channel immediately. If a channel selected by a particular reader/writer is temporarily occupied by another reader/writer, the particular reader/writer waits for a release of that channel.
US08164424B2 System and method of integrated processing of electronic tag
A system of electronic tag has developed for integrated processing by utilizing RFID technology, which comprises a reader for collecting information, processor for processing success failure, unsure state of instruction, and a terminal for submitting transaction and receiving the result of transaction to identify. The method for integrated processing of an electronic tag comprising steps of: (A) storing information on the requested transaction and starting the transaction; (B) determining the electronic tag identifying a subject for the transaction with the stored electronic tag and requesting the transaction corresponding to the identified electronic tag to the reader; (C) storing the corresponding electronic tag in an electronic tag list and defining the electronic tag as an unsure state if the unsure state is identified from the requested electronic tag; and (D) reporting on user's terminal if the user requests to terminate the transaction of the electronic tag list corresponding to the defined unsure state.
US08164423B1 MOS electronic article surveillance, RF and/or RF identification tag/device, and methods for making and using the same
A RF MOS- or nonlinear device-based surveillance and/or identification tag, and methods for its manufacture and use. The tag generally includes (a) an inductor, (b) a first capacitor plate coupled to the inductor, (c) a dielectric film on the first capacitor plate, (d) a semiconductor component on the dielectric film, and (e) a conductor that provides electrical communication between the semiconductor component and the inductor. The method of manufacture generally includes (1) depositing a semiconductor material (or precursor) on a dielectric film; (2) forming a semiconductor component from the semiconductor material/precursor; (3) forming a conductive structure at least partly on the semiconductor component; and (4) etching the electrically functional substrate to form (i) an inductor and/or (ii) a second capacitor plate. The method of use generally includes (i) causing/inducing a current in the present tag sufficient for it to generate detectable electromagnetic radiation; (ii) detecting the radiation; and optionally, (iii) selectively deactivating the tag. The present invention advantageously provides a low cost EAS/RFID tag capable of operating at MHz frequencies and in frequency division and/or frequency multiplication modes.
US08164421B2 Adaptive remote verification of vehicular functions
Methods and apparatus are provided for generating a confirmation signal indicating that a vehicle function has been activated. The apparatus comprises an annunciator for generating the confirmation signal. A processor is coupled to the annunciator and is configured to store an annunciation profile that characterizes the confirmation signal as a function of at least one condition, and command the annunciator to generate the confirmation signal in accordance with the profile.
US08164419B2 Electronic lock box with time-related data encryption based on user-selected pin
An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing keys to a structure. A linear actuator moves in one direction opening the door to the secure compartment, and moves in the opposite direction releasing a shackle that holds the lock box to the structure. A lock box system uses an encryption algorithm to diversify user PIN data at a central computer, and stores that diversified information on a memory card for later use when the user attempts to access a lock box. The central computer and electronic lock box both keep track of system “epoch time,” and the memory card must be presented to the electronic lock box within a correct epoch time window for the diversified PIN data to be successfully decrypted and compared to the user's PIN data that is entered on a keypad of the electronic lock box.
US08164416B2 Programmable selective wake-up for radio frequency transponder
A remote keyless entry (RKE) transponder has a programmable selective wake-up filter for determining whether the RKE transponder should wake-up to process a received signal. The wake-up filter correlates the timing of an input signal's carrier amplitude on and off time periods to a predefined programmable time period profile for a desired signal which has a certain carrier on time (time period on) and a certain carrier off time (time period off) arranged into a coded “header.” When a received signal matches the predefined time period profile, then the RKE transponder will wake-up to process the incoming signal data. The predefined time period profile may be programmable and may be stored in a header configuration register. Each RKE transponder has unique predefined time period on and time period off profiles.
US08164414B2 Polymer PTC element
There is provided a polymer PTC device which has a further improved performance.Such PTC device comprises (A) a polymer PTC element containing (a1) an electrically conductive filler and (a2) a polymer material, and (B) at least one metal electrode disposed on at least one surface of the polymer PTC element, and the electrically conductive filler is an Ni alloy filler which has oxidation resistance under a high temperature and dry atmosphere, and the polymer material is a thermoplastic crystalline polymer.
US08164413B2 Electric insulation arrangement
An electric insulation arrangement including a field grading material including a matrix including a dielectric material. A plurality of micro varistor particles is distributed in the matrix. A plurality of bridge particles include an electrically conducting material and form electrically conducting bridges between individual micro varistor particles. The bridge particles form a percolating network together with the micro particles but do not form a percolating network by interconnection between themselves.
US08164407B2 Power supply circuit and illumination system
[Problems to be Solved] To solve a problem that introducing electric appliances such as a transmitter for transmitting micro radio waves such as Bluetooth and RFID, a transmitter for transmitting infrared rays, and a camera for capturing an image into an in-house requires a high cost.[Means to Solve the Problems] Energy is acquired from a magnetic field that is generated by a current for turning on a fluorescent lamp of a lighting equipment so as to drive the electric appliances such as a transmitter for transmitting micro radio waves such as Bluetooth and RFID, a transmitter for transmitting infrared rays, and a camera for capturing an image.
US08164406B2 Transformer
A transformer is provided. The transformer includes a first electrical conductor, a second electrical conductor, a circuit board and a core set. The first electrical conductor has a through hole and the second electrical conductor is electromagnetically coupled with the first electrical conductor and includes a plurality of spiral coils formed by winding a single conductive wire, each spiral coil having a through hole. The circuit board has a through hole. The core set penetrates the through hole of the first electrical conductor, the through hole of the circuit board, and the through holes of the plurality of spiral coils of the second electrical conductor, and covers at least one portion of the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.
US08164402B2 Current transformer, protection device including such transformer and related circuit breaker
A current transformer adapted for use in an electrical circuit. The current transformer includes a toroidal core and at least one electrical conductor having a portion passing within the toroidal core. The current transformer includes a cooling device having a body made of thermal conducting material and configured so that it has a first portion connected to the electrical conductor at a position upstream from the toroidal core and suitable for absorbing heat from the electrical conductor, and a second portion, spaced apart from the first portion, which is connected to the electrical conductor at a position downstream from the toroidal core and is suitable for transmitting heat to the electrical conductor. The thermal conducting body comprises at least one portion made of an electrically insulating material capable of preventing the current flow through the cooling device itself.
US08164394B2 Modulation apparatus and test apparatus
Provided is a modulation apparatus that outputs an output signal having a designated amplitude and a designated phase, comprising a first variable delay section that outputs a first delayed signal obtained by delaying a periodic signal by a set delay time; a second variable delay section that outputs a second delayed signal obtained by delaying the periodic signal by a set delay time; an adding section that adds together the first delayed signal and the second delayed signal, and outputs the result as the output signal; and a setting section that sets the delay times for the first variable delay section and the second variable delay section according to the designated amplitude and the designated phase.
US08164393B2 Vibrating reed, vibrator, oscillator, and electronic device
A vibrating reed includes: a base; and a vibrating arm which is extended from one end portion of the base, the vibrating arm having an arm portion which is disposed on the base side, a weight portion which is disposed on a tip side of the arm portion and has a larger width than the arm portion, main surfaces which are respectively disposed on front and back sides of the vibrating arm, side surfaces each of which extends in a longitudinal direction of the vibrating arm to connect the main surfaces on the front and back sides and which are formed so as to face each other, a first groove portion which is a bottomed groove formed at least one of the main surfaces along the longitudinal direction of the vibrating arm, a first excitation electrode which is formed on groove side surfaces each connecting a bottom of the first groove portion with the one main surface, a second excitation electrode which is formed on the both side surfaces, and a projection-in-groove which is disposed on the tip side of a bisector bisecting the vibrating arm in the longitudinal direction and is formed so as to be along the groove side surface with a part of the first groove portion interposed between the projection-in-groove and the groove side surface.
US08164392B2 Error-free startup of low phase noise oscillators
An isolation switch is used to isolate the output of an oscillator, during startup of the oscillator, from the circuitry that uses the periodic signal generated by the oscillator. In one implementation, a device may include an oscillator to generate a periodic signal and a switch connected to receive an output of the oscillator. The switch may include a control input that controls whether the switch is in an open or closed state. Switch control circuit may control the switch so that the switch is in an open state during startup of the oscillator and the switch is in a closed state thereafter.
US08164388B2 Amplifying apparatus
An amplifying apparatus amplifies an input signal supplied to an input terminal and outputs an output signal from an output terminal. The apparatus includes a high-potential power supply line through which a high voltage is supplied; a low-potential power supply line through which a low voltage is supplied; a control unit; and a power supply in which one of the high and low voltages is a fixed voltage, and which generates, as the other of the high and low voltages, one of a first voltage in which a polarity of the fixed voltage is inverted, and a second voltage which is closer to the ground potential than the first voltage is. The control unit controls the power supply to cause the other of the high and low voltages to be switched between the first voltage and the second voltage in accordance with a signal level of the output signal.
US08164387B1 Simultaneous harmonic termination in a push-pull power amplifier
Embodiments of circuits and systems for a harmonic tuning network coupled with a radio frequency (RF) push-pull power amplifier to terminate both second- and third-harmonic energies are disclosed. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed.
US08164386B2 Methods and apparatus to control rail-to-rail class AB amplifiers
In one example, an amplifier for providing stable output quiescent current comprising includes a number of supply rails, an output device configured for providing an output voltage, the output device coupled to the plurality of supply rails, and an output quiescent current controller coupled to the plurality of supply rails and the output device, the output quiescent current controller to regulate the voltage in the output device to provide a consistent quiescent current in the output device.
US08164382B2 Concept, method and apparatus of improved distortion switched-mode amplifier
Systems and methods for switched-mode amplifiers having improved harmonic distortion are disclosed. High order in-band filtering is enabled without undue trade-off of distortion due to intermodulation/aliasing. A pre-modulation block is introduced, deployed between a loop filter block and a pulse-width modulation block, performing uniform pulse-width modulation. The pre-modulation block attenuates/removes amplitude dependent high frequency ripples before pulse-width modulation. The pre-modulation block in conjunction with the pulse-width modulation block performs double sampling of the input signals.
US08164379B2 Voltage generator capable of preventing latch-up and method thereof
A voltage generator capable of preventing latch-up is disclosed. The voltage generator includes a positive charge pump unit, a negative charge pump unit, a second stage charge pump unit, and a control unit. The positive charge pump unit is utilized for generating a positive charge pump voltage according to a first enable signal. The negative charge pump is utilized for generating a negative charge pump voltage according to a second enable signal. The second stage charge pump unit is utilized for generating a gate-on voltage and a gate-off voltage according to a third enable signal and a fourth enable signal. The control unit is utilized for generating the first enable signal, the second enable signal, the third enable signal, and the fourth enable signal and make the second stage charge pump unit generate the gate-on voltage (or the gate-off voltage) in a successively-increasing (or decreasing) manner.
US08164376B2 Clock frequency diffusing device
A clock frequency diffusing device including a multiphase clock signal generator, a random number generator, signal selectors, and a clock signal generator. The multiphase clock signal generator receives an input clock signal and produces a plurality of delayed clock signals that are delayed relative to the input clock signal by various amounts of time. The clock signal selector randomly chooses one of the delayed signals based upon random numbers generated by the random number generator and produces a selector output signal based on its chosen delayed clock signal. A clock signal generator receives the selector output signal and produces an output clock signal.
US08164374B2 Clock gating circuit having a selector that selects one of a control signal and a scan signal
Provided is a clock gating circuit which receives a first clock signal and controls an output of a second clock signal corresponding to the first clock signal in response to a control signal. The clock gating circuit includes: a first latch that latches a signal value of the control signal in synchronization with the first clock signal; an AND that receives the first clock signal and controls an output of the second clock signal in response to an output signal of the first latch; and a second latch that latches a signal value of the output signal of the first latch in synchronization with the first clock signal, and outputs a latched value. This enables execution of a scan test with a simple circuit configuration.
US08164370B2 Clock control circuit and semiconductor device including the same
A clock control circuit includes a phase determination circuit that generates a first phase determination signal based on a phase of an external clock signal, a counter circuit that updates a count value based on a second phase determination signal for each sampling period, a delay line that generates an internal clock signal by delaying the external clock signal based on the count value, and an invalidation circuit that generates the second phase determination signal which is obtained by invalidating a change of the first phase determination signal within a same sampling period in response to a fact that the first phase determination circuit indicates a predetermined logical level.
US08164369B2 Techniques for minimizing control voltage noise due to charge pump leakage in phase locked loop circuits
Techniques for adaptively control of a loop filter sampling interval to mitigate the effects of charge pump output noise in an apparatus including a phase lock loop circuit are provided. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), a phase frequency detector (PFD) providing a phase comparison operation, a loop filter providing a control voltage to lock the VCO to a desired operating frequency, and a charge pump configured to provide an output signal to the loop filter in response to at least one of an UP pulse and a DOWN pulse. The apparatus further includes a sampling switch, coupled between an input of the loop filter, an output of the charge pump, and characterized by a sampling interval. A sampling switch controller is configured to adaptively control the width of the sampling interval in order to mitigate the effects of output noise from the charge pump by closing the sampling switch in advance of the phase comparison operation and opening the sampling switch when the phase comparison operation is completed.
US08164361B2 Low power complementary logic latch and RF divider
A quadrature output high-frequency RF divide-by-two circuit includes a pair of differential complementary logic latches. The latches are interconnected to form a toggle flip-flop. Each latch includes a tracking cell and a locking cell. In a first embodiment, the locking cell includes two complementary logic inverters and two transmission gates. When the locking cell is locked, the two gates are enabled such that the locked (i.e., latched) signal passes through both transmission gates and both inverters. In one advantageous aspect, the tracking cell only involves two transmission gates. Due to the circuit topology, the first embodiment is operable from a low supply voltage at a high operating frequency while consuming a low amount of supply current. In a second and third embodiment, the tracking cell involves a pair of inverters. The sources of the transistors of the inverters are, however, coupled together thereby resulting in performance advantages over conventional circuits.
US08164358B2 Transceiver for single ended communication with low EMI
A cable driver (301) for driving a single ended transmission medium such as a coaxial cable (115) comprising a core (120) and a shield (121) comprises a differential driver (104, 377) comprising a first output (151) for putting a first signal to the core (120) of the single ended transmission medium (115), a second output (152) for putting a second signal to the shield (121) of the single ended transmission medium (115) through a termination resistor (118) having an impedance close to the characteristic impedance (Z0) of the single ended transmission medium (115), and a third output (153) for putting a transmit ground supply signal (GNDT), local to the differential driver, to the shield (121) of the single ended transmission medium (115) through a first high frequency low impedance path (112). In use, the current through the third output (153) will be substantially the inverse of the common mode current through the first and second outputs (151, 152). Hence both the common mode current and its inverse are provided to the single ended transmission medium (115). They cancel each other out and thus advantageously low EMI emissions occur.
US08164357B2 Digital noise protection circuit and method
A method of protection from noise of a digital signal generated by a comparator, including the steps of generating an output signal that switches from a first logic state to a second logic state at a first switching of logic state of the digital signal; detecting a change from the first logic state to the second logic state of the output signal; and inhibiting further switchings of the output signal for a first time interval after the change from the first logic state to the second logic state.
US08164356B2 Testing apparatus and method for testing a semiconductor devices array
A testing apparatus and a method for testing a semiconductor devices array, which includes a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, are provided. The testing apparatus includes a first testing circuit and a second testing circuit. The first testing circuit connects and transmits a clock signal, an input command signal and a data signal to at least one of the rows of the semiconductor devices array. The second testing circuit connects and transmits a selecting signal to at least one of the columns of the semiconductor devices array. Between two devices in a row, a difference in arrival times of the clock signal, a difference in arrival times of the input command signal, and a difference in arrival times of the data signal are equal.
US08164352B2 Capacitance detecting apparatus
A capacitance detecting apparatus which can detect the change in minute capacitance of a measuring object with high sensitivity comprises a signal generator, a differential amplifying circuit, and a detecting unit. The signal generator generates a probe signal w(t) to be applied to one end of the measuring object. The differential amplifying circuit amplifies differentially a response signal v1(t) developed at the other end of the measuring object in response to the application of the probe signal w(t) and the probe signal w(t). The detecting unit detects capacitance change of the measuring object based on the amplified signal v(t) from the differential amplifying circuit.
US08164351B2 Test apparatus
Provided is a test apparatus that tests a device under test, including a power supply that generates supply power supplied to the device under test, a transmission path that transmits the supply power generated by the power supply to the device under test, an intermediate capacitor that is provided between the transmission path and a ground potential, a power supply current measuring section that measures a current flowing through the transmission path at a position closer to the power supply than the intermediate capacitor, a charge and discharge current measuring section that measures a charge and discharge current of the intermediate capacitor, and a load current calculating section that calculates a load current flowing through the device under test based on a sum of the current measured by the power supply current measuring section and the current measured by the charge and discharge current measuring section.
US08164348B1 Method and apparatus for tuning delay
Aspects of the disclosure can provide an integrated circuit (IC) chip. The IC chip may adjust delays at its interface to compensate for outside transmission line delays. The interface of the IC chip can include a plurality of input/output (IO) modules coupled to a plurality of outside transmission lines, respectively. Each of the IO module can further include at least one variable delay element configured to delay transmission over the corresponding outside transmission line based on an actually measured transmission delay of the outside transmission line, in order to align signals transmitted by the plurality of outside transmission lines in a desired manner.
US08164347B2 Continuous series arc generator
An arc fault demonstrator device for testing the efficacy of an arc fault interrupter (AFI) circuit breaker. The device includes a motor that moves a movable electrode relative to a stationary electrode under microprocessor control. A relay switches the electrodes connection between an arc voltage measurement circuit and an electrode close circuit. When current is applied to the electrodes, the measurement circuit provides voltage measurements to the microprocessor, which instructs the motor to move the electrodes closer or apart. When the arc voltage is below a low threshold, the electrodes are moved apart until the arc voltage exceeds a medium threshold. When the arc voltage exceeds a high threshold, the electrodes are moved closer until the arc voltage falls below the medium threshold. A switch switches between the AFI circuit breaker or a conventional circuit breaker to confirm that the AFI breaker will trip upon detection of the arc whereas the conventional breaker will not.
US08164344B2 Electric vehicle with ground fault detecting system
An electric vehicle incorporates a ground fault detecting system for preventing a ground fault detector from detecting a ground fault in error. First and second ground fault detectors are associated respectively with first and second ungrounded power supplies which generate respective different voltages. Since the first and second ground fault detectors are activated in different periods, the ground fault detecting system prevents a ground fault from being detected in error.
US08164341B2 System and method to measure series-connected cell voltages and verify measurement accuracy
A system and method for measuring voltage of individual cells connected in series includes a single flying capacitor. The capacitor stores the charge of one of the cells such that a primary analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the capacitor may process a representation of the voltage of the cell being measured. A secondary ADC is connected directly to the cell being measured. The measurements of the primary and secondary ADCs are then compared to verify the accuracy of the flying capacitor.
US08164336B1 Transmission line probe for NMR
A probe for an NMR device is disclosed in which a saddle coil is disposed on one side of a flexible insulating material, and an additional conductor is disposed on the opposite side. The additional conductor and the conductors of the saddle coil create a capacitance across the insulating material. This capacitance acts with the inductance of the saddle coil such that the probe itself forms a transmission line. The probe is thus inherently broadband and requires no tuning. It also presents a constant impedance, thus facilitating impedance matching to an NMR spectrometer. In a preferred embodiment, a chip resistor is disposed on the flexible insulating material, terminating the transmission line.
US08164330B2 Magnetic sensor and magnetic field strength measurement method saturating magnetization of magnetization-free layer
The magnetic sensor according to the present invention includes: a magneto-resistive effect element which has a stacked body in which a magnetization-free layer, a nonmagnetic layer, and a magnetization fixed layer are stacked in this order, and the longitudinal direction of which is a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction; and a current path layer which is provided on the magneto-resistive effect element via an insulation layer so as to be spaced apart from the magneto-resistive effect element in the stacking direction, and which generates a magnetic field by being supplied with a current. The current path layer extends in a direction which forms an angle between 0 and 45 degrees to the longitudinal direction of the magneto-resistive effect element when viewed from the stacking direction.
US08164329B2 Wire rope flaw detector
A wire rope flaw detector comprises a back yoke and excitation permanent magnets, which form a main magnetic path in a predetermined section of a wire rope in the axial direction; a magnetic path member arranged in the predetermined section to be magnetically insulated from the back yoke and the permanent magnets and making the leakage flux generated from a damaged part of wire rope detour to the outside of the wire rope; and a detection coil wound around the magnetic path member for detecting leakage flux. The amount of leakage flux can be increased by providing the magnetic path member and since the windable area of the detection coil is increased, the number of turns of detection coil can be increased.
US08164317B2 Power system with temperature compensation control
The present invention discloses a power system with temperature compensation control, for selectively supplying power from an external power source or a battery to a load, or charging the battery from the external power source, the power system comprising a buck converter electrically connected between the external power source and the load, and a temperature compensation control circuit for adjusting an output voltage of the buck converter according to a sensed temperature.
US08164314B2 Distributed capacitor bank controllers and methods thereof
A distributed capacitor bank controller for power factor correction of a power system may include a first distributed meter, a second distributed meter, a programmable logic controller and a communications pathway. The first and second meters may be operable to provide a power factor value, a current value, a voltage value, and a load value. The first and second meters may be coupled to the programmable logic controller via the communications pathway. The programmable logic controller may be operable to receive the power factor value, the current value, the voltage value and the load value from the first and second distributed meters, determine an average power factor value and a current unbalance value, and automatically add or remove a capacitor step of a capacitor bank to the power system based at least in part on the average power factor value, the current unbalance value, the voltage value and the load value.
US08164309B2 Battery charging system with trickle charging/discharging control
A circuit for charging and/or discharging a battery includes a switch coupled to a battery in series, and a driving transistor coupled to the switch and operable for sensing a voltage of the battery. The driving transistor is turned on if the voltage of the battery is less than a predetermined threshold. A driving current flowing through the driving transistor determines an on-resistance of the switch.
US08164305B2 Battery management system with energy balance among multiple battery cells
The present invention provides a battery circuit including a first battery cell with a first parameter having a first value and a second battery cell with a second parameter having a second value. The second battery cell is coupled to the first battery cell in series. The battery circuit further includes a magnetic device operable for storing energy transferred from the first battery cell via a first winding coupled to the first battery cell and for releasing the stored energy to the second battery cell via a second winding coupled to the second battery cell if the first value of the first parameter is greater than the second value of the second parameter.
US08164302B2 System for replenishing energy sources onboard different types of automatic vehicles
A service station facility for replenishing various motivational energy sources onboard different types of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the service station facility includes a rack, replaceable fuel tanks, a service module, and an electronic computer control system. The replaceable fuel tanks are stocked on the rack and substantially filled with various fluids, such as hydrogen, which are utile as motivational energy sources within fuel-operated automotive vehicles. The service module is mounted on the rack, and the electronic computer control system is connected in electrical communication with the service module. In this configuration, the service module is controllably operable to receive a depleted replaceable fuel tank from a fuel-operated automotive vehicle and also selectively deliver one of the filled replaceable fuel tanks onboard the automotive vehicle. In another embodiment, the service station facility may also stock replaceable batteries for selective delivery onboard battery-operated automotive vehicles.
US08164300B2 Battery exchange station
At a battery exchange station a discharged battery is removed and a charged battery is inserted into an electric vehicle. The battery exchange station has various mechanisms to make this exchange. In some embodiments, the batteries are stored in a warehouse, where they are given an appropriate amount of charge. The charged batteries are moved from the warehouse by an automated robotic mechanism. The automated robotic system provides the charged battery to a battery exchange system which inserts the charged battery into the vehicle after it removes the discharged battery from the vehicle. The insertion and removal of the battery is done vertically, i.e., into and out of the bottom of the vehicle. The battery exchange system is located in a service bay under the vehicle. A sliding door system creates an opening above the service bay. The opening is of variable size depending on the size of the vehicle.
US08164299B2 Maximum power point tracking charge controller with coupled inductor multi-phase converter
A maximum power point tracking charge controller for photovoltaic systems tracks the maximum power point voltage of a PV array, and employs a coupled inductor multi-phase buck converter for converting the maximum power voltage to the voltage required to charge one or more batteries. The phase configurations are phase shifted from one another. One of the phase configurations is intentionally temporarily shut down when the output power is low. A first switch or a second switch of the phase configuration that is shut down is turned on to conduct electrical current when predetermined conditions are satisfied. A method of controlling battery charging in a photovoltaic system involves operating a coupled inductor multi-phase buck converter so that one of the phase configurations is intentionally temporarily shut down when the power output is below a predetermined value.
US08164298B2 System and method for detecting loss of isolation while an AC motor is operating
Methods and systems are provided for detecting loss of isolation of a motor, connections, or phase cables while an AC motor is operating. The system includes a power supply that is substantially isolated from the ground or chassis having a power supply voltage, and a power inverter electrically coupled to the power supply. The power inverter is configured to provide AC current from the power supply in an AC phase at an AC terminal, with the phase having current at a fundamental frequency that controls the motor speed. An electric motor is electrically coupled to the AC terminal of the power inverter and has a chassis that is substantially electrically isolated from the AC terminal of the power inverter under normal operating conditions. A processor is configured to control the AC current provided by the power inverter. The processor is configured to receive a first voltage signal related to current flowing through a motor chassis. The first voltage signal includes a first component related to the fundamental frequency of the phases, and a second component related to the power supply voltage. The processor is further configured to filter the first voltage signal to attenuate the second component, to measure an amplitude of the first component, and to determine if an AC loss of isolation condition exists by comparing the amplitude of the first component to a fault value.
US08164293B2 Method of controlling a motor
Embodiments of the invention provide methods of controlling a motor, such as a servo motor. One method can include monitoring a current temperature of the motor and a power stage of the motor substantially continuously and substantially in real-time. This method can include determining optimum settings for a first time interval to remove power and the second time interval to provide power in order to deliver maximum output while remaining below the maximum rated temperature of the motor. One method can include pulsing power to the motor for a second time interval after a first time interval has elapsed and tailoring pulse shapes of the power provided to the motor for the second time interval. One method can include calculating a maximum phase current based on the rotor shaft torque for each real-time speed of the motor that correlates to the maximum allowable current draw from the power supply.
US08164292B2 Motor controller of air conditioner
The present invention relates to a motor controller, including a converter for converting commercial AC power into DC power, an inverter including a plurality of switching elements, the inverter receiving the DC power, converting the DC power into AC power of a specific frequency through switching operations, and supplying the AC power to a three-phase motor, and a noise filter unit connected between the commercial AC power and the converter in order to remove a high frequency current and including normal mode inductors and common mode inductor. Accordingly, the motor control can control the power factor, limit a high frequency current, and eliminate noise components, that is, ripple components of an input current.
US08164290B2 Fan and motor control device
A fan includes a motor control device which is electrically connected with a motor and an alternating current power source. The motor control device includes a converting circuit, a power factor correction circuit and a motor controlling circuit. The voltage of the alternating current power source is converted to be direct current voltage by the converting circuit and the power factor correction circuit, and then the direct current voltage is outputted to the motor control circuit. The motor controlling circuit generates a driving signal in accordance with the direct current voltage for driving the motor to operate.
US08164283B2 System and method for energy capture and distribution
Systems and methods are provided for capturing and using power generated by the application of an external force or by an inertial force on a vehicle control device that back-drive or forward-drive an actuator coupled to the control device. An actuator is coupled to a control device configured to apply a force related to operation of a vehicle. A bus is configured to conduct power to the actuator. An actuator control system is configured to receive power from a power source via an electrical bus and direct the power to the actuator. The actuator control system is also configured to monitor an actuator power level to determine when the actuator power level does not meet an anticipated power level. When the actuator power level exceeds the anticipated power level, the excess power generated is directed to an energy storage device. When the actuator power level is less than the anticipated power level, supplemental power is distributed from the energy storage device to the bus.
US08164282B2 Motive power output apparatus and vehicle with the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a motive power output apparatus including a motor with a permanent magnet and a motor without a permanent magnet. A boost device (10) is connected to a power storage device (B). A first drive device (30) is connected to the boost device (10). A first rotating electric machine (35) with a permanent magnet is connected to the first drive device (30). A second drive device (40) is connected to the power storage device (B). A second rotating electric machine (45) without a permanent magnet is connected to the second drive device (40). A third drive device (20) is connected in parallel to the first drive device (30). A third rotating electric machine (25) with a permanent magnet is connected to the third drive device (20). The second rotating electric machine (45) is formed of a reluctance motor or an induction motor. The first rotating electric machine (35) and the second rotating electric machine (45) of the present invention may be linked to wheels of a vehicle.
US08164280B2 Electronic ballast
Provided is an electronic ballast including: a rectifier which rectifies alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power; a power factor compensator which improves a power face of the DC power; an inverter which inverts the DC current into high frequency square wave power; and a resonant circuit which receives the high frequency square wave power from the inverter, adjusts impedance, transforms the high frequency square wave power into high frequency sine wave power, and outputs the high frequency sine wave power.
US08164278B2 Output buffer and source driver using the same
An output buffer and a source driver using the same are provided. The output buffer includes an input stage module, a first output stage module, a second output stage module, and a first control module. The input stage module generates a first bias signal via a first connection terminal according to a driving signal and a output signal. The first output stage module generates the output signal in response to the first bias signal via an output terminal of the output buffer. The second output stage module generates a second bias signal in response to the first bias signal via a second connection terminal, and controls a first switch in the second output stage module. The first control module selectively connects a first current source to the output terminal of the output buffer or to the second connection terminal of the second output stage module according to an indication signal.
US08164273B1 Light emitting diode circuits for general lighting
Improved electric circuits that minimize, or eliminate, energy losses in the supply of energy to and control of LEDs. Addition of diodes and a capacitor to a circuit reduces or eliminates LED blinking, creates smooth and continuous infinitely variable dimming. The components are added to supply power to each LED during the half of the AC cycle where it would normally be turned off. A first added diode allows an added capacitor to charge during the half cycle that the original diode is turned on, but does not allow the other half cycle to discharge the added capacitor. When the added capacitor is charged enough to turn on the original diode, it stays on throughout the AC cycle. The same relationship exists between the second added diode, the added capacitor and the second original diode. Zener diodes protect the LEDs from voltage surge's/spikes by shunting current around LEDs when the voltage exceeds the Zener diode's breakdown voltage. Micro processor controller with MOS FETs is ultra efficient and has next to zero power dissipation.
US08164271B2 Uni-directional light emitting diode drive circuit in bi-directional power series resonance
The present invention uses series connected capacitive impedance and inductive impedance, whereof the inherent series resonance and the frequency of the bi-directional power can produce series resonance, thereby the bi-directional divided power being generated at the two ends of the capacitive impedance and inductive impedance is rectified to output DC power to drive the uni-directional light emitting diode.
US08164259B2 Plasma display panel
A first aim of the present invention is to provide a PDP capable of stably delivering favorable image display performance and being driven with low power, by improving the surface layer to improve secondary electron emission characteristics and charge retention characteristics. A second aim of the present invention is to provide a PDP, in addition to having the above-mentioned effects, capable of reducing an aging time. In order to achieve these aims, a crystalline film of a film thickness of approximately 1 μm is disposed as a surface layer (protective film) 8 on a surface of the dielectric layer 7 that faces a discharge space. The surface layer 8 is made by adding Sr to CeO2, and a concentration of Sr in the surface layer 8 is in a range of 11.8 mol % to 49.4 mol % inclusive. With this structure, an attempt is made to improve the secondary electron emission characteristics and aging characteristics in the surface layer 8.
US08164257B2 Organic light emitting display and method of fabricating the same
Disclosed are an organic light emitting display and a method of fabricating the same that are capable of preventing deterioration of adhesive strength of a glass frit for sealing a substrate. An organic light emitting device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first substrate including a pixel region and a non-pixel region, an array of organic light emitting pixels formed over the pixel region of the first substrate, and a second substrate placed over the first substrate, the array being interposed between the first and second substrates. The organic light emitting device of this embodiment further includes an electrically conductive line formed over the non-pixel region of the first substrate, and a frit seal interposed between the first and second substrates and surrounding the array such that the array is encapsulated by the first substrate, the second substrate and the frit seal, wherein the electrically conductive line comprises a portion overlapping the frit seal in a segment of the device such that the portion of the electrically conductive line substantially eclipses the frit seal when viewed from the first substrate.
US08164254B2 Light-emitting device and manufacturing method thereof
A light-emitting device of the present invention includes: a light-emitting element; and a phosphor layer containing phosphors that absorb light from the light-emitting element and wavelength-convert the absorbed light to emit light. The phosphor layer has a structure in which the phosphors are disposed on an applied adhesive with a thickness equal to or less than an average particle size of the phosphors. A thickness of the phosphor layer is equal to or less than five times the average particle size of the phosphors, and an occupancy ratio of the phosphors in the phosphor layer is 50% or more. Further, the phosphors disposed on the adhesive has an adjusted particle size.
US08164253B2 Optically-functional film and method of manufacturing the same, display and method of manufacturing the same
There are provided an optically-functional film allowed to prevent peeling due to adhesion failure or deterioration due to moisture diffusion and a method of manufacturing the same, and a display allowed to prevent a decline in luminance and a color change depending on a viewing angle and a method of manufacturing the same. The optically-functional film includes: an intermediate layer, made of an insulating material including silicon, and having silicon-containing particles therein or on a top surface thereof; and an outermost layer made of the same material as that of the intermediate layer, whereas having a density higher than that of the intermediate layer, and having a bottom surface in contact with a top surface of the intermediate layer and a top surface with asperities.
US08164247B2 Electron emitting element, electron emitting device, light emitting device, image display device, air blowing device, cooling device, charging device, image forming apparatus, and electron-beam curing device
The present invention provides an electron emitting element which has good energy efficiency and which is capable of controlling a value of current flowing in an electron acceleration layer and an amount of emitted electrons by adjusting a resistance value of the electron acceleration layer and an amount of generated ballistic electrons. An electron emitting element 1 includes an electron acceleration layer 4 including a fine particle layer containing insulating fine particles. In the electron emitting element 1, Ie=α·R−0.67 where Ie [A/cm2] is electron emission current per unit area during the voltage application and R is element resistance [Ω·cm2] per unit area, the element resistance being obtained by dividing (a) a voltage applied between the electrode substrate 2 and the thin-film electrode 3 during the voltage application by (b) current in element per unit area which current flows between the electrode substrate 2 and the thin-film electrode 3 during the voltage application, and where α is not less than 2.0×10−6, and the electron emission current Ie is not less than 1.0×10−9.
US08164246B2 Light emission device and display device using the same as light source
A light emission device for simplifying a structure of an electron emission unit and a manufacturing process thereof is provided. A display device using the light emission device as a light source is also provided. The light emission device includes a vacuum panel having a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other. A sealing member is between the first and second substrates. Recess portions each have a depth into a side of the first substrate facing the second substrate. Cathode electrodes are in corresponding recesses. Electron emission regions are on corresponding cathode electrodes. A gate electrode is fixed at one side of the first substrate at a distance from the electron emission regions. A light emission unit is at one side of the second substrate. The gate electrode includes a mesh unit having openings for passing through an electron beam and a supporting member surrounding the mesh unit.
US08164244B2 Light emitting device
According to one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a light emitting element, a molded body, a first sealing layer, and a converging lens. The light emitting element has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, with an optical axis of emission light being perpendicular to the second surface. The molded body includes a recess. The first surface side of the light emitting element is disposed in the recess. The first sealing layer covers the light emitting element in the recess and includes a first transparent resin and phosphor particles. The converging lens is provided on an upper surface of the first sealing layer and has a refractive index increasing with increase of distance from the optical axis. The refractive index at a position in contact with an outer edge of the upper surface of the first sealing layer is higher than a refractive index of the first transparent resin.
US08164240B2 Anti-dazzle device with a filament
The invention relates to a dipping cap comprising a filament for a dual-filament lamp. The dimension between an outlet of an outgoing section of the filament, on the side of the base, and the point on the outgoing section of the filament, arranged opposite the outgoing section of the filament on the side of the base and welded to the dipping cap, measures more than approximately 5.2 mm and less than 9.7 mm, and the dimension between the outlet of the outgoing section of the filament, on the side of the base, and the front surface of the dipping cap, which is adjacent to the outgoing section of the filament, welded to the dipping cap, measures more than approximately 5.9 mm and less than 11.9 mm.
US08164237B2 LED lamp with flow guide function
An LED lamp with a flow guide structure guides external air to dissipate heat from the LED lamp includes a lamp base, a heat dissipating body, a heat dissipating plate and an LED module installed in the lamp base, and heat dissipating holes formed on the lamp base. The heat dissipating body includes heat dissipating fins, and a heat dissipating passage defined between any two fins and disposed corresponding to the heat dissipating hole. The LED module is in a thermal contact with the heat dissipating plate. The heat dissipating plate is attached onto the heat dissipating fins and includes openings. A flow guide plate is formed at a lateral edge of each opening and extended from the heat dissipating plate for guiding external air into the heat dissipating passage and out from the heat dissipating hole to expedite a natural convection in the lamp and prevent a thermal aggregation.
US08164236B2 Lamp assembly
A lamp assembly is provided, including a light source, a thermal module, a connecting member, and an adapter electrically connected to the light source. The thermal module includes a first thermal member and a second thermal member which are formed by a die casting process, wherein the light source is disposed on the second thermal member. The first and second thermal members respectively have a plurality of first and second fins which are arranged in a staggered manner. The connecting member is formed by a metal extrusion process and extends through the first thermal member to connect the second thermal member with the adapter.
US08164235B2 Piezoelectric resonator
A piezoelectric resonator includes a pair of driving electrodes and a pair of lead electrodes that are formed facing each other on the frontside and backside of a piezoelectric plate that operates in a thickness-shear vibration mode. The front and back driving electrodes are formed such that they each have one or more pairs of parallel sides and have the same shape, and their centers face each other. The parallel sides of one of the front and back driving electrodes are formed parallel with either the X-axis or the Z′-axis of the piezoelectric plate, but the parallel sides of the other driving electrodes are formed without being parallel with the X-axis and Z′-axis thereof.
US08164234B2 Sputtered piezoelectric material
Piezoelectric actuators having a composition of Pb1.00+x(Zr0.52Ti0.48)1.00−yO3Nby, where x>−0.02 and y>0 are described. The piezoelectric material can have a Perovskite, which can enable good bending action when a bias is applied across the actuator.
US08164230B2 Stator
A stator includes a core holder and a stator core configured by split cores arranged so as to form the annular shape, and press-fitted into the core holder. Each of the split cores is configured so that a plurality of metal plates is layered and fixed to each other by dowel-fastening. Each of the split cores includes an outer circumference groove portion and a dowel-fastening portion, the outer circumference groove portion being formed at a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the split core radially outer than the dowel-fastening portion so as to be recessed in a radially inward direction of the stator core to include a predetermined depth.
US08164228B1 Systems, methods, and apparatus for a homopolar generator charger with integral rechargeable battery
Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a homopolar generator charger with an integral rechargeable battery. A method is provided for converting rotational kinetic energy to electrical energy for charging one or more battery cells. The method can include rotating, by a shaft, a rotor in a magnetic flux field to generate current, wherein the rotor comprises an electrically conductive portion having an inner diameter conductive connection surface and an outer diameter conductive connection surface, and wherein a voltage potential is induced between the inner and outer diameter connection surfaces upon rotation in the magnetic flux field. The method can also include selectively coupling the generated current from the rotating rotor to terminals of the one or more battery cells.
US08164227B2 End shield
A cast end shield for an electrical machine, said end shield supporting a bearing that supports the rotor, and said end shield having an opening in the middle. In the radial direction from the centre of the shield, there is an inner rim limited by the opening, an intermediate rim connected to the inner rim and an outer rim connected to the intermediate rim. The intermediate rim has at least one substantially waved reinforcement structure, and within the reinforcement structure, the valleys of the waves are substantially in the radial direction.
US08164223B2 Linear motor mounting structure
The present invention provides a magnetic attractive force-offsetting linear motor which prevents motor thrust from varying due to changes in the position on a stator, thus enabling improvement of the motor thrust and of the accuracy of the machine tool and the quality of a processed surface. A magnetic attractive force offsetting linear motor has a base 72 that fix stators 52a and 52b by contacting stator bottom surfaces 74, two stator mounting members each provided on a side of a corresponding one of the stators 52a and 52b and each extending from the base 72 to a height substantially equal to that of a stator top surface 73, and two plate-like support members 81 fixedly connected to the stator top surfaces of the respective two stators 52a and 52b and to a base top surface 84.
US08164221B2 Controlled series compensator and method
A control apparatus for a controlled series compensator including a plurality of reactance elements each having a rapid switch for connecting and disconnecting the reactance in series with an electric power transmission line. The apparatus also includes a steady state power flow controller. A damping controller is provides on the presence of an oscillation on the transmission line a first reactance insertion on the transmission line having a first duration of time trigged by a time instant that coincides with a peak in the power oscillation.
US08164219B2 Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a main body and a power supply module. The main body includes a main circuit, a power input port, and a housing. The housing defines a receiving space at a side surface thereof. The main circuit is disposed in the housing; the power input port is located on a wall surface of the receiving space and is connected to the main circuit. The power supply module includes a shell, a power output port formed on the shell, and a battery, a power modulating circuit and a switch received in the shell. The shell is capable of being detachably received in the receiving space of the housing, and when the shell is received in the receiving space the power output port is connected to the power input port on the wall surface of the receiving space. The power modulating circuit modulates alternating current to direct current suitable for the main circuit. The switch selectively connects the power output port to the battery or the power modulating circuit.
US08164216B2 Modular electrical system and method for its operation
A modular electrical system including a first current-emitting source module and a first current-consuming sink module which is connected to the first current-emitting source module is provided. The first sink module has a first sink identification means to identify maximum power requirement of the first sink module. The object of providing power balancing between a first source module and a first sink module is achieved in that the first source module has a first source identification means for identifying the power capacity of the first source module, wherein in order to calculate a power ratio of the system the first sink identification means and the first source identification means are connected to a two-wire line for the purpose of generating a differential voltage.
US08164205B1 Power generation for a cellular tower
Generating electrical power for a cellular tower using solar troughs. Unlike typical long, straight solar troughs, the solar troughs are formed into circular or other shapes such that they at least surround the cellular tower and may be attached to it at different heights. One or more tubes are positioned within each of the solar troughs such that a heat-transfer fluid flowing through the tubes is heated by sunlight reflected from the solar troughs. One or more energy-conversion devices receive the heat-transfer fluid or a byproduct of the heat-transfer fluid to generate electrical power. One or more power-storage devices store and deliver the electrical power.
US08164202B2 Optical semiconductor device encapsulated with silicone resin
An optical semiconductor device encapsulated with a silicone resin that suffers no discoloration of the lead and exhibits excellent thermal shock resistance. The optical semiconductor device includes an optical semiconductor element and a cured product of a silicone resin composition that encapsulates the optical semiconductor element, wherein the amount of (ΦSiO3/2) units (wherein Φ represents a phenyl group) within the cured product, determined by solid 29Si-DD/MAS analysis, is within a range from 0.13 mol/100 g to 0.37 mol/100 g.
US08164199B2 Multi-die package
A multi-die package has a plurality of leads and first and second semiconductor dies in superimposition and bonded together defining a die stack. The die stack has opposed first and second sides, with each of the first and second semiconductor dies having gate, drain and source regions, and gate, drain and source contacts. The first opposed side has the drain contact of the second semiconductor die, which is in electrical communication with a first set of the plurality of leads. The gate, drain and source contacts of the first semiconductor die and the gate and source contacts of the second semiconductor die are disposed on the second of said opposed sides and in electrical communication with a second set of the plurality of leads. The lead for the source of the first semiconductor die may be the same as the lead for the drain of the second semiconductor die.
US08164197B2 Semiconductor device having multilayer interconnection structure
A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: a first interlayer dielectric film; a lower wire formed on the first interlayer dielectric film; a second interlayer dielectric film formed on the first interlayer dielectric film and the lower wire; and an upper wire formed on the second interlayer dielectric film to intersect with a prescribed portion of the lower wire in plan view. The first interlayer dielectric film is provided with a groove dug from the upper surface thereof in a region including the prescribed portion in plan view. The prescribed portion enters the groove. At least a portion of the second interlayer dielectric film formed on the lower wire has a planar upper surface.
US08164193B2 Metal wiring of semiconductor device and forming method thereof
The present invention relates to a metal wiring of a semiconductor device and a method for the same, and is directed to disclose a technique forming an additional conductive layer within the metal line, which acts as an etching barrier to increase the etching margin and to improve the RC characteristics between the metal lines, which can prevent the Cu migration.
US08164187B2 Flip chip device and manufacturing method thereof
A flip chip device made using LCD-COG (liquid crystal display-chip on glass) technique. The flip chip device comprises a substrate, at least one chip having active area with a plurality of compliant bumps thereon. The compliant bumps are centrally disposed in the center of the chip for electrically connecting the chip and the substrate. An adhesive is daubed on a joint area of the substrate and the chips for jointing the substrate and the chips. By limiting the position of the compliant bumps so that they are centrally disposed on the chips, the thermal warpage of the substrate is reduced.
US08164186B2 BGA semiconductor device having a dummy bump
A BGA semiconductor device includes a semiconductor package and a mounting board mounting thereon the semiconductor package, wherein an array of signal electrodes of the semiconductor package and an array of signal electrodes of the mounting board are coupled together via signal bumps. The BGA semiconductor device also includes a dummy bump, which reinforces the bending strength of the BGA semiconductor device and is broken by a shearing force caused by thermal expansion to alleviate the stress for the signal bumps.
US08164185B2 Semiconductor device, reticle used in fabricating method for the same and fabrication method thereof
A semiconductor device may include a substrate and a dielectric layer may be formed on the substrate. A multi-layered interconnection structure may be embedded in the dielectric layer. A plurality of bonding pads, which may be connected to an uppermost interconnection layer of the multi-layered interconnection structure, may be spaced apart in a first direction. A passivation layer may have a plurality of bonding pad openings that may be defined by a plurality of slits and respectively expose the bonding pads. The slits may overlap isolations of the bonding pads. Each of the slits may have an edge width that may be larger than a center width thereof.
US08164184B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming conductive pillars in recessed region of peripheral area around the device for electrical interconnection to other devices
A semiconductor wafer contains a plurality of semiconductor die each having a peripheral area around the die. A first insulating layer is formed over the die. A recessed region with angled sidewall is formed in the peripheral area. A first conductive layer is formed over the first insulating layer outside the recessed region and further into the recessed region. A conductive pillar is formed over the first conductive layer within the recessed region. A second insulating layer is formed over the first insulating layer, conductive pillar, and first conductive layer such that the conductive pillar is exposed from the second insulating layer. A dicing channel partially through the peripheral area. The semiconductor wafer undergoes backgrinding to the dicing channel to singulate the semiconductor wafer and separate the semiconductor die. The semiconductor die can be disposed in a semiconductor package with other components and electrically interconnected through the conductive pillar.
US08164183B2 Integrated circuit cooling device
A pump having: a cavity formed inside an insulating substrate, the upper part of the substrate being situated near the cavity having an edge; a conductive layer covering the inside of the cavity up to the edge and optionally covering the edge itself; a flexible membrane made of a conductive material placed above the cavity and resting against the edge; a dielectric layer covering the conductive layer or the membrane whereby insulating the portions of the conductive layer and of the membrane that are near one another; at least one aeration line formed in the insulating substrate that opens into the cavity via an opening in the conductive layer, and; terminals for applying a voltage between the conductive layer and the membrane.
US08164174B2 Microstructure component
A microstructure component, in particular an encapsulated micromechanical sensor element, including at least one microstructure patterned out from a silicon layer being encapsulated by a glass element. At least the region of the glass element covering the microstructure is furnished with an electrically conductive coating on its side facing the microstructure.
US08164165B2 Wafer-to-wafer stack with supporting pedestal
A novel three dimensional wafer stack and the manufacturing method therefor are provided. The three dimensional wafer stack includes a first wafer having a first substrate and a first device layer having thereon at least one chip, a second wafer disposed above the first wafer and having a second substrate, and at least one pedestal arranged between and extending from the first substrate to the second substrate. The pedestal arranged in the device layer is used for preventing the low-k materials existing in the device layer from being damaged by the stresses.
US08164164B2 Semiconductor wafer, and semiconductor device formed therefrom
A semiconductor wafer has a substrate, and a plurality of active areas formed on the substrate. Integrated circuits are formed in the active areas. The semiconductor wafer also has dicing areas formed between the adjacent active areas. A seal ring is formed along the edge (periphery) of each active area. The semiconductor wafer also has interconnects formed closely to the inside of the seal ring. A protective layer covers the active areas. A protective film is formed on the protective layer at the locations of the active areas. The semiconductor wafer also has other interconnects formed on the protective film for electrical connection to the integrated circuits. Preferably, when the aspect ratio of a groove formed in the protective layer between the seal ring and the interconnect is 0.5 or more, this groove is covered with the protective film.
US08164162B2 Power semiconductor devices integrated with clamp diodes sharing same gate metal pad
A structure of power semiconductor device integrated with clamp diodes sharing same gate metal pad is disclosed. This improved structure can prevent the degradation of breakdown voltage due to electric field in termination region blocked by polysilicon.
US08164157B2 Signal absorption induction circuit
This patent pertains to a new technique of increasing the amount of energy absorbed by an antenna. It accomplishes this by broadcasting a spike that attracts the signal when the fields of its oscillating charge are at their strongest.
US08164155B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an N-well and a P-well formed in a semiconductor substrate. An isolation layer may be formed in the semiconductor substrate. At least one dummy active pattern may be formed in a boundary area between the N-well and the P-well. A salicide blocking layer may be over the upper surface of the at least one dummy active pattern. A non-salicide region may be formed over the upper surface of the at least one dummy active pattern by carrying out a salicide process over the semiconductor substrate provided with the salicide blocking layer.
US08164153B2 Thin semiconductor device having embedded die support and methods of making the same
Ultra-thin semiconductor devices, including piezoresistive sensing elements can be formed in a wafer stack that facilitates handling many thin device dice at a wafer level. Three embodiments are provided to form the thin dice in a wafer stack using three different fabrication techniques that include anodic bonding, adhesive bonding and fusion bonding. A trench is etched around each thin die to separate the thin die from others in the wafer stack. A tether layer, also known as a tether, is used to hold thin dice or dice in a wafer stack. Such as wafer stack holds many thin dice together at a wafer level for handling and enables easier die picking in packaging processes.
US08164152B2 Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The liquid crystal display includes an insulating substrate, a gate electrode formed on the insulating substrate, an oxide semiconductor layer formed on the gate electrode, an etch stopper formed on the oxide semiconductor layer in a channel area, a common electrode formed on the insulating substrate, source and drain electrodes separated from each other on the etch stopper and extending to an upper portion of the oxide semiconductor layer, a passivation layer formed on the etch stopper, the common electrode, the source and drain electrodes, and a pixel electrode formed on the passivation layer and connected to the drain electrode.
US08164151B2 Thin active layer fishbone photodiode and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention is directed toward a detector structure, detector arrays, and a method of detecting incident radiation. The present invention comprises a photodiode array and method of manufacturing a photodiode array that provides for reduced radiation damage susceptibility, decreased affects of crosstalk, reduced dark current (current leakage) and increased flexibility in application.
US08164149B2 Vertical hall sensor
A vertical Hall sensor which is integrated in a semiconductor chip has at least 6 electric contacts which are arranged along a straight line on the surface of the semiconductor chip. The electric contacts are wired according to a predetermined rule, namely such that when the contacts are numbered through continuously and repeatedly with the numerals 1, 2, 3 and 4 starting from one of the two outermost contacts, the contacts to which the same numeral is assigned are electrically connected with each other.
US08164148B2 Method of generating strong spin waves and spin devices for ultra-high speed information processing using spin waves
Provided are a method of generating strong spin waves, a method of simultaneously generating spin waves and electromagnetic waves, a logic operation device using spin waves, a variety of spin wave devices employing the same, and a method of controlling phases of spin waves. In the method of generating spin waves, strong spin waves are generated by supplying various shapes of energies to a magnetic material in which a magnetic vortex and magnetic antivortex spin structures exist separately or together. In the logic operation device, wave factors of frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and phase of a spin wave generated by the method of generating spin waves are controlled and wave characteristics such as reflection, refraction, transmission, tunneling, superposition, interference, and diffraction are used.
US08164145B2 Three-dimensional transistor with double channel configuration
A three-dimensional double channel transistor configuration is provided in which a second channel region may be embedded into the body region of the transistor, thereby providing a three-state behavior, which may therefore increase functionality of conventional three-dimensional transistor architectures. The double channel three-dimensional transistors may be used for forming a static RAM cell with a reduced number of transistors, while also providing scalability by taking advantage of the enhanced controllability of FinFETS and nano pipe transistor architectures.
US08164140B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor memory device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises forming a first spacer layer at sidewalls of one or more gate electrodes, forming a trench by etching an isolation insulating layer exposed between the gate electrodes, forming a second spacer layer on sidewalls of the gate electrodes and an inner surface of the trench and forming an interlayer insulating layer between the gate electrodes.
US08164135B2 Non-diffusion junction split-gate nonvolatile memory cells and arrays, methods of programming, erasing, and reading thereof, and methods of manufacture
Nonvolatile flash memory systems and methods are disclosed having a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, including non-diffused channel regions through which electron flow is induced by application of voltage to associated gate elements. A plurality of floating gates are spaced apart from one another and each insulated from the channel region. A plurality of control gates are spaced apart from one another and insulated from the channel region, with each control gate being located between a first floating gate and a second floating gate and capacitively coupled thereto to form a subcell. A plurality of spaced-apart assist gates are insulated from the channel region, with each assist gate being located between and insulated from adjacent subcells. The channel is formed of three regions, two beneath adjacent control gate elements as well as a third region between the first two and beneath an associated assist gate.
US08164134B2 Semiconductor device
Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same. At least one mold structure defining at least one first opening is formed on a substrate, wherein the mold structure comprises first mold patterns and second mold patterns that are sequentially and alternatingly stacked. Thereafter, side surfaces of the first mold patterns are selectively etched to form undercut regions between the second mold patterns. Then, a semiconductor layer is formed to cover a surface of the mold structure where the undercut regions are formed, and gate patterns are formed, which fill respective undercut regions where the semiconductor layer is formed.
US08164124B2 Photodiode with multi-epi films for image sensor
The present disclosure provides an image sensor semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate; a first epitaxy semiconductor layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate and having a first type of dopant and a first doping concentration; a second epitaxy semiconductor layer disposed over the first epitaxy semiconductor layer and having the first type of dopant and a second doping concentration less than the first doping concentration; and an image sensor on the second epitaxy semiconductor layer.
US08164117B2 Nitride semiconductor device
A nitride semiconductor device includes: a main semiconductor region comprising a first nitride semiconductor layer having a first band gap, and a second nitride semiconductor layer having a second band gap larger than the first band gap, a heterojunction being formed between the first nitride semiconductor layer and the second nitride semiconductor layer such that a two-dimensional electron gas layer can be caused inside the first nitride semiconductor layer based on the heterojunction; a source electrode; a drain electrode; a third nitride semiconductor layer formed on the first nitride semiconductor layer and between the source electrode and the drain electrode; a fourth nitride semiconductor layer formed on the third nitride semiconductor layer and having p-type conductivity; and a gate electrode formed on the fourth nitride semiconductor layer. The third nitride semiconductor layer has a third band gap smaller than the first band gap.
US08164111B2 High voltage semiconductor device including a free wheel diode
A high voltage semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a p type base region in a first main surface, an n+ type emitter region in the p type base region, an n+ type cathode region adjacent to an end surface of the semiconductor substrate and not penetrating the semiconductor substrate, a p+ type collector region in a second main surface, a first main electrode, a second main electrode, a third main electrode, and a connection portion connecting the second main electrode and the third main electrode. A resistance between the p type base region and the n+ type cathode region is greater than a resistance between the p type base region and the p+ type collector region. In the high voltage semiconductor device in which an IGBT and a free wheel diode are formed in a single semiconductor substrate, occurrence of a snap-back phenomenon is suppressed.
US08164110B1 Integrated lateral high-voltage diode and thyristor
The present invention relates to integration of lateral high-voltage devices, such as a lateral high-voltage diode (LHVD) or a lateral high-voltage thyristor, with other circuitry on a semiconductor wafer, which may be fabricated using low-voltage foundry technology, such as a low-voltage complementary metal oxide semiconductor (LV-CMOS) process. The other circuitry may include low-voltage devices, such as switching transistors used in logic circuits, computer circuitry, or the like, or other high-voltage devices, such as a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch. The reverse breakdown voltage capability of the LHVD may be increased by using an intrinsic material between the anode and the cathode. Similarly, in a lateral high-voltage thyristor, such as a lateral high-voltage Silicon-controlled rectifier (LHV-SCR), the withstand voltage capability of the LHV-SCR may be increased by using an intrinsic material between the anode and the cathode.
US08164105B2 Light emitting device and method for fabricating the same
Disclosed is a light emitting device. The light emitting device comprises a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer on the first conductive semiconductor layer, a second conductive semiconductor layer on the active layer, the second conductive semiconductor layer comprising a first area and a second area, a third conductive semiconductor layer on the second area of the second conductive semiconductor layer, a first electrode layer electrically connecting the first conductive semiconductor layer with the second conductive semiconductor layer of the second area, and a second electrode layer electrically connecting the second conductive semiconductor layer with the third conductive semiconductor layer.
US08164104B2 Light emitting element array and image forming apparatus
A light emitting element array including an active layer commonly used for light emitting element regions, carrier injection layers which are electrically isolated from each other and which are provided in the respective light emitting element regions, and a resistive layer which has a resistance higher than that of the carrier injection layers and which is provided between the active layer and the carrier injection layers.
US08164103B2 Multiple circuit power supply interface for light-emitting-diode color mixing
The present invention discloses an light emitting diode (LED) light source and an interface for providing power to the LED. The LED light source includes an LED unit and a second coupling unit. The LED unit includes a base, one or more LED, and a first coupling unit. The LED are attached to the base. The joining of the first and second coupling units provides a mechanical support and electricity to the LED. The LED, are connected with independent circuit loops and controlled by controller to change the brightness of the LED. This structure allows the second coupling unit to be applied to any luminaries or replacement of a traditional light source, thus making the LED unit a universal LED light source for mass production and cost reduction. With the use of various types of LED and electric current control, modulation of brightness, color, and color temperature may be achieved.
US08164094B2 Pixel structure and fabricating method thereof
In a fabricating method of a pixel structure, a scan line and a gate electrode are formed in each pixel area of a substrate. A gate insulation layer is formed to cover the scan line and gate electrode. A semiconductor layer is formed on the gate insulation layer above the gate electrode. A data line, source and drain are formed in each pixel area. A first passivation layer covers the data line, source and drain. A common line is formed on the first passivation layer and overlaps with at least a portion of the data line. A common electrode is formed on and electrically connected with the common line. A second passivation layer covers the common electrode and common line. A contact window is formed in the second passivation layer above the drain to expose the drain. A pixel electrode is electrically connected with the drain through the contact window.
US08164093B2 Display device
An object of the present invention is to increase the speed of the level shifting operation in a display device having a level shift circuit formed of polysilicon thin film transistors. The present invention provides a display device having a level shift circuit wherein the above described level shift circuit has: a thin film transistor having a semiconductor layer formed of a polysilicon layer; a load resistance element connected between a second electrode of the above described thin film transistor and a reference power supply; and a waveform rectifying circuit connected to the second electrode of the above described thin film transistor, and a diode element of which the anode region is connected to the first electrode of the above described thin film transistor and of which the cathode region is connected to the second electrode of the above described thin film transistor.
US08164090B2 Field effect transistor and process for production thereof
A field effect transistor has a gate electrode, gate-insulating layer, a channel and a source and drain electrodes connected electrically to the channel, the channel comprising an oxide semiconductor, the source electrode or the drain electrode comprising an oxynitride.
US08164089B2 Electronic device
Electronic devices, such as organic thin film transistors, with improved mobility are disclosed. The semiconducting layer comprises layers or striations of an organic semiconductor and graphene, including alternating layers/striations of such materials. The organic semiconductor and graphene layers interact well together because both materials form lamellar sheets. The presence of graphene enhances mobility by correcting molecular packing defects in the organic semiconductor layers, and the conductivity of graphene can be controlled. Finally, both materials are flexible, allowing for flexible semiconductor layers and transistors.
US08164087B2 Organic semiconductor compositions with nanoparticles
A composition, comprising a medium of organic molecules, a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed in the medium, and a coating chemically bonded to a surface of the nanoparticles, wherein the composition is a semiconducting solid.
US08164081B2 Memory devices and formation methods
A method includes forming an electrical insulator material over an integrated circuit having a metal-containing conductive interconnect and activating a dopant in a semiconductor material of a substrate to provide a doped region. The doped region provides a junction of opposite conductivity types. After activating the dopant, the substrate is bonded to the insulator material and at least some of the substrate is removed where bonded to the insulator material. After the removing, a memory cell is formed having a word line, an access diode, a state-changeable memory element containing chalcogenide phase change material, and a bit line all electrically connected in series, the access diode containing the junction as a p-n junction. A memory device includes an adhesion material over the insulator material and bonding the word line to the insulator material.
US08164075B2 Treatment apparatuses and methods using proton
A treatment apparatus using proton includes a proton generation unit and a magnet. The proton generation unit projects proton into a tumor site of a patient, and the magnet forms a magnetic field around the patient. The proton conducts a spiral motion due to collision with atom of the tumor site and Lorenz force generated by the magnetic field.
US08164072B2 Device and method for preparing specimens
A method and a device for preparing specimens for a cryo-electron microscope are described. A carrier is fixed to a holder, sample liquid is applied to the carrier, and a blotting device for removing excess sample liquid from the carrier by means of the absorbing medium is applied. The absorbing medium is illuminated with light and a change in the optical properties of the absorbing medium is detected by means of an optical sensor device. A control moves the blotting away from the carrier depending on a change in the detected optical properties.
US08164071B2 Electron beam source and method of manufacturing the same
A tip of an electron beam source includes a core carrying a coating. The coating is formed from a material having a greater electrical conductivity than a material forming the surface of the core.
US08164069B2 Luminous body, electron beam detector using the same, scanning electron microscope, and mass analysis device
A light-emitting body of rapid speed of response and high light emission intensity, and an electron beam detector, scanning electron microscope and mass spectroscope using this are provided. In the light-emitting body 10 according to the present invention, when fluorescence is emitted by a nitride semiconductor layer 14 formed on one face 12a of a substrate 12 in response to incidence of electrons, at least some of this fluorescence is transmitted through this substrate 12, whereby that fluorescence is emitted from the other face 12b of the substrate. The response speed of this fluorescence is not more than μsec order. Also, the intensity of emission of this fluorescence is almost identical to that of a conventional P47 phosphor. Specifically, with this light-emitting body 10, a response speed and light emission intensity are obtained that are fully satisfactory for application to a scanning electron microscope or mass spectroscope. In addition, a cap layer 16 contributes to improvement in the persistence rate of light emission in the nitride semiconductor layer 14, so, with this light-emitting body 10, not only high-speed response and high light emission intensity are obtained, but also an excellent persistence rate.
US08164067B2 Arrangement and method for the contrast improvement in a charged particle beam device for inspecting a specimen
It is provided a charged particle beam device for inspecting a specimen, comprising a charged particle beam source adapted to generate a primary charged particle beam; an objective lens device adapted to direct the primary charged particle beam onto the specimen; and a detector device comprising one or more charged particle detectors adapted to detect a secondary charged particle beam generated by the primary charged particle beam at the specimen and passing through the objective lens device, the secondary charged particle beam comprising a first group of secondary charged particles starting from the specimen with high starting angles and a second group of secondary charged particles starting from the specimen with low starting angles; wherein at least one of the charged particle detectors is adapted to detect depending on the starting angles one group of the first and the second groups of secondary charged particles.
US08164066B2 Magnetic lens, method for focusing charged particles and charged particle energy analyzer
The invention provides a magnetic lens for generating a magnetic imaging field to focus charged particles emitted from a sample, the lens comprising a central pole piece and an outer pole piece disposed about the central pole piece, wherein the lens comprises a magnetic moveable element for movement relative to at least one of the pole pieces, whereby a focal length of the lens is variable by said movement of the magnetic moveable element, thereby enabling a zoom facility for changing the magnification of an image. The movement of the moveable element preferably changes the magnetic circuit between the pole pieces. Also provided is a method of focusing charged particles emitted from a sample and a charged particle energy analyzer, such as an imaging photoelectron spectroscopy system.
US08164065B2 Radiation detecting apparatus, and radiation image pickup system
In a radiation detecting apparatus of the invention, plural pixels are arranged, and the pixel has a conversion element converting a radiation into an electric signal and a switching element connected to the conversion element. The conversion element includes a first electrode disposed on a first surface of an insulating substrate, a second electrode disposed on the first electrode, and a semiconductor layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode is made of a light-transmitting conductive material which transmits light emitted from a light source, and the first electrode is formed form a light transmitting electroconductive material transmitting light emitted form a light source disposed on a second surface of the insulating substrate opposite to the first surface. The switching element has a light shielding member which prevents incidence of the light from the light source to the switching element.
US08164056B2 Method for operating three-dimensional RF ion traps with high ion capture efficiency
In a three-dimensional Paul RF ion trap the ring electrode and end cap electrodes are formed from pairs of pole rods. This multipole rod system is then operated as a linear ion trap with a constant field distribution along the multipole rod system. While the system is operating as a linear ion trap, analyte ions are introduced and stored within the linear ion trap. After the ions have been stored, a single-phase RF voltage is supplied to all rods of a middle segment thus forming a three-dimensional ion trap, thereby collecting the ions in a spherical cloud within this middle segment. The collected analyte ions can then be reacted in the three-dimensional ion trap and the product ions resulting from the reactions can be ejected for mass analysis.
US08164052B2 Mass spectrometer
A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an Electron Transfer Dissociation cell (1). Positive analyte ions are fragmented into fragment ions upon colliding with singly charged negative reagent ions with the cell (1). The cell comprises a plurality of ring electrodes (1) which form a spherical trapping volume. Ions experience negligible RF heating over the majority, of the trapping volume which enables the kinetic energy of the analyte and reagent ions to be reduced to just above thermal temperatures. An Electron Transfer Dissociation cell (1) having an enhanced sensitivity is thereby provided. Fragment ions created within the cell (1) may be cooled and may be transmitted onwardly to an orthogonal acceleration Time of Flight mass analyser enabling a significant improvement in the resolution of the mass analyser to be obtained.
US08164050B2 Multi-channel source assembly for downhole spectroscopy
A multi-channel source assembly for downhole spectroscopy has individual sources that generate optical signals across a spectral range of wavelengths. A combining assembly optically combines the generated signals into a combined signal and a routing assembly that splits the combined signal into a reference channel and a measurement channel. Control circuitry electrically coupled to the sources modulates each of the sources at unique or independent frequencies during operation.
US08164047B2 Illuminance device having an opening at a rear part of a gas discharge lamp and exposes the burner and projection system
An illuminance device including a gas discharge lamp, an airflow generator, and a distributing duct is provided. The lamp has a reflector, a base connected to the reflector, a burner installed in the reflector, and the base, a first opening located at the reflector and a front part of the lamp, and a second opening located at a rear part of the lamp and exposing the burner. The distributing duct has an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, and an opening area of the first outlet is larger than that of the second outlet. A cooling airflow provided by the airflow generator enters the distributing duct via the inlet, the distributing duct guides a part of the cooling airflow to the first opening via the first outlet, and the distributing duct guides another part of the cooling airflow to the second opening via the second outlet.
US08164044B2 Watertight connection system for combined electrical and fiber optic cables
A connector apparatus for use with combined electrical and fiber optic cables in wet or undersea conditions. The connector apparatus includes an outer threaded male connector portion connected to a first cable and a compatible female connector portion having a rotating internally threaded collar for engaging the outer male connector portion. The female connector portion includes conductor pins and a fiber-optic terminal pin and a fiber optic sensor ring.
US08164043B2 Optical module with fiber holding ferrule
An optical module is configured such that it is not susceptible to fine particulate matter when an optical fiber is inserted into a fiber insertion hole thereof. The optical module is also configured to prevent any reduction in the optical coupling efficiency and degradation of anti-noise properties with the optical fiber. The optical module includes: a ferrule, having the fiber insertion hole formed on an end surface on which an electrical circuit is formed; a photoelectric conversion element, connected to the electrical circuit and facing the fiber insertion hole; and an optical fiber, optically coupled directly with the photoelectric conversion element. The optical fiber has a glass fiber and a protective coating, and is aligned with the insertion hole with the protective coating interposed therebetween. The optical fiber is retained in the insertion hole with the glass fiber not in contact with the insertion hole.
US08164035B2 Heating device having dual-core heating cable
The heating device mainly contains a dual-core heat cable and a control circuit. The dual-core heating cable mainly contains a core, a heating wire winding spirally around the core, a NTC (negative-temperature-coefficient) layer wrapping around the core and the heating wire, a PTC heating wire winding spirally around the NTC layer, and an insulating layer wrapping around the NTC layer and the PTC heating wire. The control circuit monitors the PTC heating wire's current for constant temperature control, and the leakage current through The NTC layer as a second over-temperature protection. As such, the heating device has a superior constant temperature effect and avoids the problem of burning down the heating cable. The heating device therefore has a longer operational life span.
US08164031B2 Electric trace tube bundle with internal branch circuit
An electric trace tube bundle characterized by an internal branched circuit or circuits wherein power to the branched circuit or circuits is supplied via leads contained within a tubular jacket surrounding an insulation layer and an inner core containing one or more process tubes and the heater circuits. Such an arrangement allows the power connection to the heater circuits to be made at a proximal end of the bundle, thereby eliminating the need to cut through the jacket to make branched circuit power connections at a location remote from the proximal end of the bundle.
US08164026B2 Laser drilling components
A method of drilling through a wall of a hollow component in which a high energy beam is directed at an outer surface of the wall and emerges into a cavity from an inner surface of the wall, comprising the step of providing in the cavity a medium comprising a ceramic dispersed within a silica sol.
US08164024B2 Composition of amorphous alloy and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a composition of Zr-rich bulk amorphous alloy includes providing a weld member and a base, both made of Zr-rich bulk amorphous alloy, and welding the weld portion of the weld member to the base by a pulsed laser in a protective gas environment. A maximum power of the pulsed laser exceeds or equals 3.5 kW, and a welding rate exceeds 2 mm/sec.
US08164018B2 Circuit breaker arc chambers and methods for operating same
Embodiments provide arc chambers, and methods adapted to rapidly extinguish arcs in circuit breakers. In one aspect, a circuit breaker is provided having first and second electrical contacts, wherein at least one of the contacts is movable and has a maximum contact face transverse dimension (d), and an arc chamber including first and second sidewalls spaced by a transverse spacing (Ts). The sidewalls are provided in close proximity to each other providing a transverse arc compression ratio (TACR) less than or equal to about 2.0, wherein TACR=Ts/d. According to another aspect, an arc chamber including one or more recesses formed into a transverse sidewall is provided, as are other aspects.
US08164015B2 Movable contact unit and switch using the same
A movable contact unit includes a light-guide sheet, a cover sheet, a movable contact, and a light-transmissive light-guide portion. The light-guide sheet includes a film-shaped substrate, and a convex and concave luminescent portion provided on the substrate. The cover sheet faces the substrate. A dome-shaped resilient movable contact made of a thin metal sheet is attached to the cover sheet at a position corresponding to the luminescent portion. The light-guide portion is provided on the cover sheet at a position other than an area where the movable contact is disposed or on the light-guide sheet at a position other than an area where the light-guide portion is disposed. If the light-guide portion is provided on the light-guide sheet, the movable contact may be attached to the light-guide sheet without using the cover sheet.
US08164013B2 Contact device for a high resistive power contactor
A contactor comprises, for each phase, a pair of contact devices which comprise a connection strip and at least two conductors provided with a stationary contact, and a movable contact bridge able to close the two stationary contacts or not. According to the invention, the contact device is formed from superposition of a number of pieces equal to the number of conductors, each piece comprising one of the conductors and a connection part corresponding to the connection strip but of smaller thickness. Each of the pieces can be made from folded metal. The connection parts are coupled to one another to form the connection strip by means of holes at the same time as the sets of bars are secured thereto.
US08164011B1 Medical device manual transducer switch
Systems and methods are disclosed which allow for mechanically switching the electrical connections to a device to which multiple transducers are permanently physically connected. In one embodiment, two transducers are connected to the device on a semi-permanent basis and contacts within the mechanical switch are moved physically by the user to adjust the electrical connection to the desired active transducer. In the embodiment, the mechanical switch moves the entire electrical contact housing from one transducer to another.
US08164010B2 Cable assembly with switch device
A cable assembly (100) comprises a cover (2) having a plurality of retaining slots (216, 226) arranged in a row along a transversal direction; a number of connectors (12, 13, 14, 15) mounted to the retaining slots, respectively; and a switch device (4) mounted to the cover, the switch including a base portion (41), a pushing portion (42) and an operating portion (43) assembled together in serial manner.
US08164007B2 Conductive elastomeric seal and method of fabricating the same
Method for fabricating a conductive elastomeric seal, which includes a set of springs plated with an electrically conductive material. Initially, the set of springs can be held in a z-axis position in a mold cavity shaped like a seal. A liquid elastomer can be injected into the mold cavity in such a manner that the elastomer can be over molded around and through coils of each spring. Finally, the elastomer seal with the springs can be removed from the mold cavity, when the elastomer is cured. Ends of each spring can be kept free from the elastomer during over-molding such that the elastomeric seal can provide an electrical contact with a pressure sensor die and electrical leads molded into a sensor housing. Such a conductive elastomeric seal can prevent a die-edge shorting with the sense die in order to achieve long-term sensor reliability and performance.
US08164006B2 Electromagnetic bandgap structure and printed circuit board
According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electromagnetic bandgap structure can include: at least three conductive plates; a first stitching via, configured to electrically connect any one of the conductive plates to another conductive plate; and a second stitching via, configured to electrically connect the one conductive plate to yet another conductive plate. In the electromagnetic bandgap structure of the present invention, the first stitching via can electrically connect the one conductive plate to another conductive plate by allowing a part of the first stitching via to be connected through a planar surface above the one conductive plate, and the second stitching via can electrically connect the one conductive plate to yet another conductive plate by allowing a part of the second stitching via to be connected through a planar surface below the one conductive plate.
US08164005B2 Multilayer high-frequency circuit board
A multilayer high-frequency circuit board includes a signal line, ground layers, and an interlayer circuit. A signal line where a high-frequency signal flows is formed in the signal line layer. The ground layers are laminated on both sides of the signal line layer, each of which is grounded. The interlayer circuit is provided in the signal line layer and includes a ground connecting portion connected to the ground layers and a signal line connecting portion connected to the signal line. One of the signal line connecting portion and the ground connecting portion surrounds an outer periphery of the other of the signal line connecting portion and the ground connecting portion concentrically with the one being separated from the outer periphery of the other along the signal line layer. An inner periphery of the one and the outer periphery of the other have a similar shape excluding a complete circle.
US08164004B2 Embedded circuit structure and fabricating process of the same
A fabricating process for an embedded circuit structure is provided. A through hole is formed in a core panel and penetrates the core panel. Two indent patterns are respectively formed on two opposite surfaces of the core panel. A conductive material is electroplated into the through hole and the indent patterns, so as to form a conductive channel in the through hole and two circuit patterns in the indent patterns respectively. Portions of the circuit patterns, which exceed the indent patterns respectively, are removed for planarizing the circuit patterns to be level with the two surfaces of the core panel respectively.
US08164003B2 Circuit board surface structure and fabrication method thereof
A circuit board surface structure and a fabrication method thereof are proposed. The circuit board surface structure includes: a circuit board having a plurality of electrically connecting pads formed on at least one surface thereof; a first and a second insulating protective layers formed on the surface of the circuit board in sequence; first and a second openings respectively formed in the first and second insulating protective layers to expose the electrically connecting pads on the surface of the circuit board, wherein the first and second openings have narrow top and wide bottom and the diameter of the first openings is bigger than that of the second openings; and conductive elements formed in the first and second openings on surfaces of the electrically connecting pads. The present structure facilitates to strengthen the bonding between the conductive elements and the corresponding electrically connecting pads.
US08164002B2 Wired circuit board and producing method thereof
A wired circuit board includes a metal supporting board, an insulating base layer formed on the metal supporting board, a conductive pattern formed on the insulating base layer, a first semiconductive layer formed on a surface of the insulating base layer exposed from the conductive pattern, an insulating cover layer formed on the conductive pattern and the first semiconductive layer and a second semiconductive layer formed on a surface of the insulating cover layer. The first semiconductive layer is electrically connected to the conductive pattern and the metal supporting board, and the second semiconductive layer is electrically connected to the metal supporting board.
US08164000B2 Flexible printed circuit boards including carbon nanotube bundles
A flexible printed circuit board base film for flexible printed circuit boards includes a sheet of flexible polymer matrix and a number of carbon nanotube bundles embedded in the polymer matrix. Each of the nanotubes bundles are spaced apart from each other. The flexible polymer matrix includes a first surface and a second surface. Due to the high thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes, heat can be efficiently conducted from the first surface to the second surface of the flexible printed circuit board base film. The present invention also provides a flexible laminate made from the flexible printed circuit board base film and a flexible printed circuit boards made from the flexible laminate.
US08163999B2 Insulation-coated wire
An insulation-coated wire has a conductor, and a semiconductive layer provided at an outer periphery of the conductor. The semiconductive layer has a resin coating including metal fine particles dispersed in a base resin, in which an average particle diameter of the metal fine particles is not greater than 1 μm.
US08163994B2 Fixing structure for electrical junction box and cassette
A fixing structure for an electrical junction box and a cassette, the fixing structure being adapted to fix the cassette on a side wall outer surface of the electrical junction box. A locking portion is provided on an outer surface of the cassette. A rib plate that extends in a vertical direction and projects downward adjacent to the locking portion to come into contact with the side wall outer surface. A counterpart locking portion to be locked on the locking portion is provided on the side wall outer surface. An engaging stepped-portion receives a lower end of the rib plate. When the locking portion and the counterpart locking portion are coupled to and locked on one another, the rib plate comes into contact with the side wall outer surface, and a lower end of the rib plate comes into contact with the engaging stepped-portion to restrict rotation of the cassette.
US08163990B2 Methods, programs, storage media and systems for recording and compiling a music section
This disclosure relates to a method for recording and compiling a music section, wherein multiple takes of the music section are recorded; and wherein the method uses a take folder to store the multiple takes. The take folder may belong to a single track. Sections of one or more takes can be selected to be part of a resulting compilation which is composed of the selected sections. In one embodiment, a method automatically ensures that selected sections do not overlap in time and that there are no breaks between adjacent selections. In addition, the present invention relates to programs, a storage media and data processing systems having the above features as well as to a storage medium containing the music produced thereby.
US08163987B1 Vibrato string retainer bracket
The present invention provides a bracket, which can be easily installed to a vibrato device having a string bar with projecting string pins. The bracket facilitates re-stringing the strings through slots which are conveniently placed and readily accessible to the installer.
US08163986B1 Maize variety inbred PHWNS
A novel maize variety designated PHWNS and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHWNS with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHWNS 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 PHWNS or a locus conversion of PHWNS with another maize variety.
US08163983B2 Soybean variety A1016008
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016008. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016008. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016008 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016008 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08163982B2 Soybean variety A1016496
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016496. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016496. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016496 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016496 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08163978B2 Generation of plants with altered protein, fiber, or oil content
The present invention is directed to plants that display an improved oil quantity phenotype or an improved meal quality phenotype due to altered expression of an IMQ nucleic acid. The invention is further directed to methods of generating plants with an improved oil quantity phenotype or improved meal quality phenotype.
US08163975B2 Nucleic acid molecules and their use in plant sterility
The present invention provides a method for disrupting pollen development in a plant, the method comprising inhibiting the expression of an endogenous nucleic acid molecule which is, under normal conditions, detectably expressed in anther tissue of a plant during pollen formation, and which codes for a protein belonging to the MYB class of DNA binding transcription factors. Particularly, the nucleic acid molecule whose expression is blocked encodes MYB 32 or MYB 103. The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules for use in the method, use of the method in producing male sterile plants and transgenic plants produced in accordance with the method.
US08163973B2 Integrated wound dressing system
An integrated wound dressing system and method including a bandage and a self-contained receptacle that stores treatment material for the care and treatment of wounds. The treatment material is easily accessible and can be removed from the receptacle through an exit. The treatment material can then be used to control bleeding and/or clean the wound before dressing. The bandage may include a layer of plastic that acts as an occlusion barrier to reduce heat loss and maintain moisture levels at the wound site. The occlusion barrier also acts to prevent the passage of air into or out of the wound site. The bandage also includes fasteners that act to prevent unintentional unraveling and to secure the bandage during final packaging. These fasteners help facilitate the wrapping of amputations, stumps, and extremities. The integrated wound dressing system provides an all-in-one system for treating and dressing wounds and reduces the time required to do so.
US08163971B2 Method of providing heat for chemical conversion and a process and system employing the method for the production of olefin
A method and system for providing heat to a chemical conversion process is advantageously employed in the production of olefin by the catalytic dehydrogenation of a corresponding hydrocarbon. The catalytic dehydrogenation process employs diluent steam operating at a steam to oil ratio which can be 1.0 or below and relatively low steam superheater furnace temperature. The process and system are advantageously employed for the production of styrene by the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene.
US08163967B2 Oxygenate conversion to olefins with enhanced carbonyl recovery
Improved processing of an oxygenate-containing feedstock involving increased or enhanced removal or recovery of carbonyls, particularly, acetaldehyde via either or both application of a more stringent stripping regime or addition of a sulfite-containing material.
US08163965B2 Continuous crystallisation process of iodinated phenyl derivatives
The invention describes a process for the purification of iodinated aryl compounds where the purification is performed by continuous crystallization of a crude product in a solvent with removal of at least a fraction of the solvent. The continuous crystallization process is performed in one or more crystallizers at the boiling point of the content of the crystallizer.
US08163963B2 Process for continuous hydrogenation or hydrogenating amination
A process is described for continuously hydrogenating unsaturated compounds, in which particles of a first hydrogenation catalyst are suspended in a liquid phase in which an unsaturated compound is dissolved, the liquid phase, in the presence of a hydrogenous gas at a first partial hydrogen pressure and at a first temperature, is conducted through a packed bubble column reactor in cocurrent counter to the direction of gravity, the effluent from the bubble column reactor is sent to a gas-liquid separation, the liquid phase is sent to a crossfiltration to obtain a retentate and a filtrate, the retentate is recycled into the bubble column reactor and the filtrate, in the presence of a hydrogenous gas at a second partial hydrogen pressure and at a second temperature, is passed over a bed of a second hydrogenation catalyst, wherein the second partial hydrogen pressure is at least 10 bar higher than the first partial hydrogen pressure.
US08163962B2 Method for producing alkoxyindanone derivative
[Problems to be Solved]The present invention aims to provide a method for efficiently producing a high-purity alkoxyindanone derivative while maintaining an industrially superior volumetric efficiency.[Solution]Provided is a method for producing an alkoxyindanone derivative represented by a general formula in FIG. 2 (wherein R represents an alkoxy group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms and n represents an integer of 1 to 4), comprising reacting an alkoxyphenylpropionic acid derivative represented by a general formula in FIG. 1 (wherein R and n are as defined above) with a condensing agent, adding an organic solvent to the resulting reaction mixture, and subsequently decomposing the condensing agent with an aqueous alkaline solution.
US08163961B2 Process for the preparation of monomers for polybenzimidazole materials
Complexes of 2,3,5,6-tetraaminotoluene with an aromatic diacid are prepared by reaction with a divalent salt of the aromatic diacid while maintaining the pH of the reaction solution between 3 and 10. The resulting complexes are suitable for making high molecular weight polybenzimidazole polymers for high-performance fibers.
US08163960B2 Process for preparing and drying solid rasagiline base
Disclosed is crystalline R(+)-N-propargyl-1-aminoindan containing water at an amount of less than 0.5% by weight and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, and the process for the manufacture and the validation thereof. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of solid rasagiline base.
US08163957B2 Compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of amyloid diseases and synucleinopathies such as alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes and parkinson's disease
Bis- and tris-dihydroxyaryl compounds and their methylenedioxy analogs and pharmaceutically acceptable esters, their synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in the treatment of amyloid diseases, especially Aβ amyloidosis, such as observed in Alzheimer's disease, IAPP amyloidosis, such as observed in type 2 diabetes, and synucleinopathies, such as observed in Parkinson's disease, and the manufacture of medicaments for such treatment.
US08163950B2 Processes for the production of tri-organo-monoalkoxysilanes and process for the production of tri-organo-monochlorosilanes
A silane containing a bulky hydrocarbon group or groups R therein and having the formula (III) R3−(x+y)(R1)x(R2)ySi(OR3) can be produced by reacting a silane of the formula (I) (R1)x(R2)ySiCl3−(x+y)(OR3) with a Grignard reagent of the formula (II) RMgX Further, a tri-organo-chlorosilane of the formula (XIIa) (R1)(R2)(R3)SiCl can be produced by reacting a tri-organo-silane of the formula (XIa) (R1)(R2)(R3)SiZ1 with hydrochloric acid. Furthermore, a tri-organo-monoalkoxysilane of the formula (XXIII) R3−(x+y)(R1)x(R2)ySi(OR3) can be produced when a silane of the formula (XXI) (R1)x(R2)ySiCl4−(x+y) is reacted with a Grignard reagent of the formula (XXII) RMgX with addition of and reaction with an alcohol or an epoxy compound during the reaction.
US08163944B2 Allylic oxidations catalyzed by dirhodium catalysts under aqueous conditions
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for achieving the efficient allylic oxidation of organic molecules, especially olefins and steroids, under aqueous conditions. The invention concerns the use of dirhodium (II,II) “paddlewheel complexes, and in particular, dirhodium carboximate and tert-butyl hydroperoxide as catalysts for the reaction. The use of aqueous conditions is particularly advantageous in the allylic oxidation of 7-keto steroids, which could not be effectively oxidized using anhydrous methods, and in extending allylic oxidation to enamides and enol ethers.
US08163943B2 Epoxycarboxamide compound, azide compound, and amino alcohol compound, and process for preparing α-keto amide compound using them
The present invention is to provide manufacturing intermediates which can be led to useful α-ketoamide compounds having protease-inhibiting activity extremely economically and stereoselectively, and to provide epoxycarboxamide compounds, azide compounds and amino alcohol compounds represented by the following formulae: wherein R1 and R2 each represents alkyl group, alkenyl group, aromatic hydrocarbon group or heterocyclic group; R3 represents alkyl group, alkenyl group, aromatic hydrocarbon group, heterocyclic group, R6—O— or R7—N(R8)—; where R6 represents alkyl group, alkenyl group, aromatic hydrocarbon group or heterocyclic group; R7 and R8 each represents hydrogen atom, alkyl group, alkenyl group, aromatic hydrocarbon group or heterocyclic group, and, R4 and R5 represent the same groups as R7 and R8, respectively, and R4 and R5 optionally form a ring together; and X represents —O— or —N(R9)—, where R9 represents hydrogen atom or alkyl group, and X optionally forms a ring together with R4 or R5, and processes for preparing α-keto amide compound using the same.
US08163939B2 Ascorbic acid derivative or salt thereof, production method thereof, and cosmetic
Disclosed is an ascorbic acid derivative or a salt thereof wherein at least one of hydrogen atoms in hydroxy groups at the 2-position and the 3-position of ascorbic acid is substituted by R—O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—, R—O—CH2—CH(CH2OH)—, R—CH(CH2OH)—, R—CH(OH)—CH2— (wherein R represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group or a phenyl group), or a hydroxycyclohexyl group. Also disclosed is a method for producing an ascorbic acid derivative or a salt thereof, which is characterized by reacting ascorbic acid with an epoxy compound such as an alkyl glycidyl ether, an epoxy alkane or an alicyclic epoxy.
US08163935B2 Fused heterocyclic compounds
There is provided a CRF receptor antagonist comprising a compound of the formula (I): wherein R1 is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, an optionally substituted C-linked heterocyclic group, an optionally substituted N-linked heteroaryl group, a cyano or an acyl; R2 is an optionally substituted cyclic hydrocarbyl or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group; X is oxygen, sulfur or —NR3— (wherein R3 is a hydrogen, an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or an acyl); Y1, Y2 and Y3 are each an optionally substituted carbon or a nitrogen, provided that one or less of Y1, Y2 and Y3 is nitrogen; and Z is a bond, —CO—, oxygen, sulfur, —SO—, —SO2—, —NR4—, —NR4-alk-, —CONR4— or —NR4CO— (wherein alk is an optionally substituted C1-4 alkylene and R4 is a hydrogen, an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or an acyl); or a salt thereof or a prodrug thereof.
US08163934B2 Ultraviolet light absorbing ketones of 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl) benzotriazole
The invention relates to ultraviolet light absorbing compounds, their preparation and uses as protective agents and stabilizers in coatings, plastics and topically applied products. The compounds are ketone derivatives of 2-(2-hydroxyphenol)benzotriazole of formula I, where R1 is hydrogen atom, or a halogen atom, or a straight-chain or branched lower alkyl or lower alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R2 is an unsubtituted or substituted aryl group or an unsubstituted or substituted straight-chain or branched alkyl having 1 to 18 carbon atoms or a cycloaliphatic group having 5 to 6 carbon atoms; and R3 is a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkylaryl group or alkoxyl or phenyl or phenyl substituted with alkyl, cycloalkyl, carboalkoxy, chlorine or arylalkyl groups.
US08163929B2 Dihydropyridone amides as P2X7 modulators
Compounds of the formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein m, n, p, q, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of making the compounds and using the compounds for treatment of diseases associated with the P2X7 purinergic receptor.
US08163926B2 Process for the synthesis of piperidinyl sulphonate esters
The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a compound of the Formula IIa: wherein R is a suitable sulphonate ester; from a (C1-C6)alkyl-4-piperidinecarboxylate compound of the Formula III:
US08163924B2 Process for preparing a leukotriene antagonist and an intermediate thereof
Dicyclohexylamine salt of formula (IIa) or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof, including a hydrate, and its process for preparation are provided. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of montelukast of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate thereof, including a hydrate, based on the conversion of a salt of formula (IIa) into its form of free acid, followed by reaction with a compound of formula (III) CH3MgX, wherein X is halogen, in a suitable solvent, optionally in the presence of a Lewis acid.
US08163921B2 Hepatitis C virus inhibitors
Hepatitis C virus inhibitors having the general formula are disclosed. Compositions comprising the compounds and methods for using the compounds to inhibit HCV are also disclosed.
US08163920B2 Quinolinone-carboxamide compounds as 5-HT4 receptor agonists
The invention provides novel quinolinone-carboxamide 5-HT4 receptor agonist compounds. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat diseases associated with 5-HT4 receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US08163914B2 Acetamide and carboxamide derivatives of azaadamantane and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to compounds that are acetamide and carboxamide derivatives of azaadamantane, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds and compositions.
US08163911B2 Arylsulfonylaminomethylphosphonic acid derivatives, the preparation thereof and the use thereof as pharmaceutical compositions
The invention relates to substituted arylsulphonylaminomethylphosphonic acid derivatives of general formula (I) wherein the groups Ra to Rf, A and Z are defined as mentioned in the specification and claims, which are suitable for preparing a medicament for the treatment of metabolic disorders, particularly type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus.
US08163909B2 Substituted hydroxyethyl amine compounds as beta-secretase modulators and methods of use
The present invention comprises a new class of compounds useful for the modulation of Beta-secretase enzyme activity and for the treatment of Beta-secretase mediated diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related conditions. In one embodiment, the compounds have a general Formula I or Formula II wherein R1a, R1b, R1c, B, R3, R4, R5 and W of Formula I, and R1a, R1b, R1c, R2, R2a, R3, R4, R5, A1, A2, A3, A4, W, X, Z, m and n of Formula II are defined herein. The invention also provides compounds of Formula III, sub-Formulas II-A-II-D, sub-Formulas III-A-III-D and Formula IV. The invention further includes use of these compounds in pharmaceutical compositions for treatment, prophylactic or therapeutic, of disorders and conditions related to the activity of beta-secretase protein. Such disorders include, for example, AD, cognitive deficits and impairment, schizophrenia and other similar central nervous system conditions. The invention also comprises further embodiments of Formulas I, II, III, IV and sub-formulas thereof, intermediates and processes useful for the preparation of compounds of Formulas I, II, III, IV and sub-formulas thereof.
US08163901B2 Amide derivatives as ion-channel ligands and pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using the same
Compounds are disclosed that have a formula represented by the following: The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions in mammals including humans, including by way of non-limiting example, pain, inflammation, traumatic injury, and others.
US08163900B2 Seven-membered heterocyclic carbenes and their metal complexes
Disclosed are carbenes of the general formula: and including salts thereof, and metal complexes thereof. The carbenes are useful in any reaction where carbenes and carbene-metal complexes are used. The carbenes disclosed herein are particularly useful in asymmetric catalysis.
US08163899B2 Process for producing laurolactam
Disclosed is a method for producing laurolactam from cyclododecanone and hydroxylamine in a simple process and with high efficiency. The method comprises the following steps (a) to (e): (a) reacting cyclododecanone with hydroxylamine in an aqueous solution in the presence of an excess amount of cyclododecanone or a solvent to produce cyclododecanone oxime; (b) separating the reaction mixture obtained after the oxime-forming step into an oil and an aqueous phases and collecting a solution of cyclododecanone oxime of the oil phase as; (c) removing dissolved water from the solution of cyclododecanone oxime which is collected as an oily phase in the oil/aqueous phase separation step; (d) producing laurolactam from cyclododecanone oxime by rearrangement reaction using an aromatic-ring containing compound as a rearrangement catalyst; and (e) separating the produced laurolactam from the reaction mixture after the rearrangement step and purifying the laurolactam.
US08163898B2 4-sulfonylpiperidine derivatives
[PROBLEMS]To provide compounds useful as preventives or remedies for circulatory diseases, nervous diseases, metabolic diseases, reproductive system diseases, and digestive diseases.[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS]Compounds represented by the general formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: wherein R1 is C1-6 alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, or the like; R2 is phenyl, heteroaryl, or the like; Q is N or CH; and M1, M2, M3 and M4 are each independently hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl, or alternatively M1 together with M2 or M3 forms —CH2-CH2- or the like, or M4 together with M2 or M3 forms —CH2-CH2- or the like, with the proviso that M1, M2, M3, and M4 are such that one —CH2- or —CH2-CH2- group is formed thereamong.
US08163897B2 5-bromo-2′-deoxy-uridine labeled nucleotide triphosphates and nucleic acid probes and methods of making and using the same
5-bromo-2′-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) labeled nucleotide triphosphates and nucleic acid probes are described herein. The BrdU labeled nucleotide triphosphates include a linker between the nucleotide triphosphate and the BrdU moiety. The linker can be cleavable or non-cleavable. The nucleotide triphosphates can be a ribonucleotide triphosphates, 2′-deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates or 2′,3′-dideoxyribonucleotide triphosphates. The nucleic acid probes can be used for in situ hybridization.
US08163894B2 DNA for eukaryotic expression of CymR
The invention relates to a new “gene-switch” (cumate-inducible switch) for mammalian cells, having a mammalian promoter which has a TATA element and is linked to the coding sequence of CymR. This switch is as useful in the development of expression systems and cell-based assays for functional genomics as in the generation of viral vectors for gene therapy.
US08163892B2 Oncolytic virus replicating selectively in tumor cells
By using a virus having a gene sequence comprising a telomerase promoter and an E1 gene (preferably a sequence comprising E1A gene, IRES sequence and E1B gene) or by using an anticancer agent comprising the virus, the virus replicates in cancer cells to thereby produce an efficient anticancer effect.
US08163889B2 Physiologically active polypeptide conjugate having prolonged in vivo half-life
A protein conjugate having a prolonged in vivo half-life of a physiological activity, comprising i) a physiologically active polypeptide, ii) a non-peptidic polymer, and iii) an immunoglobulin, is useful for the development of a polypeptide drug due to the enhanced in vivo stability and prolonged half-life in blood, while reducing the possibility of inducing an immune response.
US08163886B2 Purification of proteins
The present invention relates to a selectively soluble polymer capable of binding to one or more constituents in a mixture containing various biological materials and the methods of using such a polymer to purify a biomolecule from such a mixture. The polymer is soluble in the mixture under a certain set of process conditions such as pH or temperature and is rendered insoluble and precipitates out of solution upon a change in the process conditions. While in its solubilized state, the polymer is capable of binding to a selected entity within the stream such as impurities (DNA, RNA, host cell protein, endotoxins, etc) in a cell broth and remains capable of binding to that entity even after the polymer is precipitated out of solution. The precipitate can then be filtered out from the remainder of the stream and the desired biomolecule is recovered and further processed.
US08163877B2 Ligand gated ion channels from Dermacentor variabilis
The present invention relates in part to isolated nucleic acid molecules (polynucleotides) which encode Dermacentor variabilis ligand gated ion channel proteins. The present invention also relates to recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which contain a DNA fragment encoding D. variabilis LGIC/GluCl channels, substantially purified forms of associated D. variabilis channel proteins and recombinant membrane fractions comprising these proteins, associated mutant proteins, and methods associated with identifying compounds which modulate associated Dermacentor variabilis LGIC/GluCl, which will be useful as insecticides and acaricides.
US08163874B2 Beta helical peptide structures stable in aqueous and non-aqueous media and methods for preparing same
Disclosed is a method of making peptide structures that are stable in aqueous and non-aqueous media where a first linear peptide chain comprising alternating D,L- or L,D-amino acids having an N and C termini is joined by at least one turn region to a second linear peptide chain comprising alternating D,L- or L,D-amino acids having an N and C termini. The peptide chains can be joined at the C terminus of one of the linear peptide chains with an N terminus of the other linear peptide chain, a C terminus of one of the linear peptide chains with a C terminus of the other linear peptide chain, or an N terminus of one of the linear peptide chains with an N terminus of the other linear peptide chain.
US08163872B2 Purification of glycopeptides
A novel and improved method for purification of glycopeptides, especially glycopeptide antibiotics. The method comprises contacting a solution of the glycopeptide to an ion exchange chromatography material. The product of this method has a surprisingly high purity.
US08163869B1 Purification method of carboxyl group-containing polyoxyethylene derivative
An object of the present invention is to provide a purification method of separating impurities from a carboxyl group-containing polyoxyethylene derivative having a molecular weight of 2,000 to 100,000.The purification method according to the invention includes the following steps.The polyoxyethylene derivative is dissolved to form a solution using toluene, xylene, benzene, ethyl acetate, or butyl acetate in an amount 5 times by mass or more the amount of the polyoxyethylene derivative. A slurry is formed by adding to the solution an inorganic adsorbent containing at least one of an oxide and a hydroxide of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of magnesium, silicon, and aluminum in an amount 0.5 to 10 times by mass the amount of the polyoxyethylene derivative. The slurry is stirred at a temperature of 25° C. or higher. Toluene, xylene, benzene, ethyl acetate, or butyl acetate is added to a filtration cake obtained by filtration of the slurry, and further filtration is performed. Methanol, ethanol, or 2-propanol is added to the filtration cake in an amount 5 times by mass or more the amount of the polyoxyethylene derivative, filtration is performed, and the polyoxyethylene derivative is recovered from the resulting filtrate.
US08163863B2 Polysilane and polysilane-containing resin composition
A polysilane having excellent functionalities (e.g., solubility in a solvent and reactivity) is obtained by introducing a structural unit of the following formula (1) to a polysilane through a reaction of a dihalosilane having a Si—H bond and adding a hydrosilylatable compound (e.g., a compound having a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond) to the Si—H bond, wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an organic group, or a silyl group; and “n” denotes an integer of not less than 1.
US08163854B2 Preparation of supported silyl-capped silica-bound anion activators and associated catalysts
A method for the preparation of olefin polymerization catalysts that are the reaction products of the catalytic reaction of surface hydroxyls of a support with a trialkyl silane to afford hydrogen and the corresponding surface bound alkyl silyl ether and at the same time with a strong Lewis acid which support is converted to a silica bound anion that in a second step is fully converted by reaction with QM2 to the desired catalyst. Catalyst compositions are disclosed herein. Processes disclosed herein include processes for the polymerization of olefinically unsaturated monomers comprising contacting a plurality of one or more of the monomers with the catalyst.
US08163853B2 Metallocene-substituted pyridyl amines, their metal complexes, and processes for production and use thereof
This invention relates to new transition metal complexes for use in olefin polymerization and oligomerization. The active complex is a pyridine amide having a metallocenyl substituent as part of the ligand structure. The invention also relates to novel precursors for the ligand systems of such complexes obtained from metallocenyl-substituted pyridine compounds through sequences involving addition-condensation or lithium-halogen exchange (with subsequent metathesis) reactions.
US08163850B2 Thermosetting polyester coating compositions containing tetramethyl cyclobutanediol
Disclosed are polyester resins and solvent borne thermosetting coating compositions that include these resins in combination with at least one crosslinker. The polyester resins contain 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol and exhibit a combination of good solubility in organic solvents and high hardness with good flexibility in a coating composition.
US08163846B2 Chlorinated ethylene-based polymers and compositions and articles prepared therefrom
The invention provides a chlorinated ethylene-based polymer, process for preparing the same, and compositions and articles prepared from the same. The chlorinated ethylene-based polymer has a low residual crystallinity, for example, less than 8 percent, a relatively high crystallization temperature, Tc, for example greater than, or equal to, 25° C., and a medium weight average molecular weight, Mw, for example, less than, or equal to, 325,000 g/mole.
US08163840B2 Polyester resin for toner, toner composition and resin particle
Disclosed is a heat-fusible electrostatic image developing toner which has an excellent balance between fixability at low temperatures and grindability and is excellent in glossiness after fixing. Also disclosed is a resin for toners. A polyester resin for toners which is obtained by polycondensing a polyol component and a polycarboxylic acid component is characterized by containing 20-100 weight % of one or more polyester resins (A1) having a storage elastic modulus from 2.5×103 Pa to 5×106 Pa at 150° C. wherein the molar average cohesive energy of the polyol component is between 7.0×104 and 1.4×105 J.
US08163838B2 Process for the preparation of an artificial latex
A process of producing an artificial latex, comprising the steps: (a) cement formation, wherein a rubber is dissolved in a suitable hydrocarbon solvent; (b) emulsification of the cement formed in step (a), together with an aqueous soap solution, thus forming an oil-in-water emulsion; (c) hydrocarbon solvent removal, resulting in a latex of the rubber having particles of a median particle size in the range of from about 0.5 to 2.0 μm, and optionally (d) latex concentration, forming an artificial latex with a higher solids content, characterized in that in step (b) a premix is formed first, which is subsequently homogenized into an oil-in-water emulsion, and wherein the premix is formed by mixing the cement with the aqueous soap solution at a volume ratio of 1:1.5 to 1:3 using at least one homogenizer comprising a stator and a rotor, that is operated at a tip speed of the outer ring of the rotor in the range of from 8 to 16 m/s, and wherein the premix is subsequently homogenized in a rotor/stator homogenizer operated at a tip speed of the outer ring of the rotor in the range of from 16 to 35 m/s.
US08163835B2 Anisotropic conductive adhesive composition, anisotropic conductive film comprising the same, and associated methods
An anisotropic conductive adhesive composition includes an acrylic rubber binder having a weight average molecular weight of about 100,000 to about 1,000,000, a first component including at least one of a mono(meth)acrylate compound and a di(meth)acrylate compound, a second component including at least one of a tri(meth)acrylate compound and a compound having more than three (meth)acrylate groups, an organic peroxisde, and conductive particles. The second component is present in an amount of about 1 to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the acrylic rubber, the first component, the second component, the organic peroxide, and the conductive particles.
US08163831B2 Thermosets containing carbon nanotubes by extrusion
Methods of preparing conductive thermoset precursors containing carbon nanotubes is provided. Also provided is a method of preparing conductive thermosets containing carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes may in individual form or in the form of aggregates having a macromorpology resembling the shape of a cotton candy, bird nest, combed yarn or open net. Preferred multiwalled carbon nanotubes have diameters no greater than 1 micron and preferred single walled carbon nanotubes have diameters less than 5 nm. Carbon nanotubes may be adequately dispersed in a thermoset precursor by using a extrusion process generally reserved for thermoplastics. The thermoset precursor may be a precursor for epoxy, phenolic, polyimide, urethane, polyester, vinyl ester or silicone. A preferred thermoset precursor is a bisphenol A derivative.
US08163828B2 Additive for polymers and process for preparation thereof
The invention concerns a process for preparing an additive for polymers, the additive itself and the use of the additive for improving the surface properties of polymers.
US08163824B2 High styrene SBS hot melt adhesive
Multipurpose hot melt adhesive compositions which are suitable for use as both a construction and elastic attachment adhesive for disposable soft goods, such as disposable diapers, feminine sanitary napkins, surgical drapes, hospital pads, and adult incontinent products. The multipurpose hot melt adhesive compositions have a high level of creep resistance, high bond strength, and relatively low viscosity, and are composed of endblock resin in combination with a linear styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer wherein the copolymer has a styrene content greater than about 35% by weight, and preferably about 38% to about 50% by weight.
US08163818B2 Coloured aqueous polymer dispersions, and production and use of same
The invention relates to a colored polymer dispersion containing, as main ingredients: (a) a colored polymer produced by polymerization of monomer A with monomer B, monomer A being a pigment B which is coated with a polymerizable wax D wherein the polymerizable function is an ethylenically unsaturated group, monomer B being a ethylenically unsaturated compound; (b) at least one non-ionic surface-active additive E based on polyethers and/or polyglycerines; (c) at least one anionic surface-active additive F based on sulfonates, sulfates, phosphonates, phosphates or carboxylates; and (d) water.
US08163805B2 Small molecule antagonists of Bcl-2 family proteins
The present invention relates to naturally occurring and chemically synthesized small molecule antagonists of Bcl-2 family proteins. In particular, the present invention provides gossypol compounds (e.g., isomers, enantiomers, racemic compounds, metabolites, derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, in combination with acids or bases, and the like) and methods of using these compounds as antagonists of the anti-apoptotic effects of Bcl-2 family member proteins (e.g., Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, and the like). The present invention also provides compositions comprising gossypol compounds and optionally one or more additional therapeutic agents (e.g., anticancer/chemotherapeutic agents). The present invention also provides methods for treating diseases and pathologies (e.g., neoplastic diseases) comprising administering a composition comprising gossypol compounds and optionally one or more additional therapeutic agents (e.g., anticancer/chemotherapeutic agents) and/or techniques (e.g., radiation therapies, surgical interventions, and the like) to a subject or in vitro cells, tissues, and organs.
US08163802B2 Electrostatically charged multi-acting nasal application, product, and method
A product to reduce and method of reducing the risk of inhalation of harmful substances by applying a formulation composition to a substrate or the skin in close proximity of one or more nostrils. This formulation, when applied creates an electrostatic field having a charge. The electrostatic field attracts airborne particulates of opposite charge to the substrate that are in close proximity to the substrate close to the skin and a biocidic agent renders microorganisms coming in contact the substrate or skin less harmful.
US08163800B2 PKC-activating compounds for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
The present invention relates to methods of activate an isoform of protein kinase C (PKC) for the treatment of neurological diseases including Alzheimer's disease and stroke using cyclopropanated or epoxidized derivatives of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The present invention also relates to methods of reducing neurodegeneration using cyclopropanated or epoxidized derivatives of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
US08163795B2 Chroman derivatives, medicaments and use in therapy
Novel chroman derivatives and intermediate compounds, compositions containing same, methods for their preparation and uses thereof as therapeutic agents particularly as anti-cancer and chemotherapeutic selective agents are described.
US08163792B2 IAP BIR domain binding compounds
Disclosed herein is an isomer, enantiomer, diastereoisomer or tautomer of a compound represented by Formula I: or a prodrug, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or labeled with a detectable label or an affinity tag thereof; wherein R1, R1a, R100, R100a, R2, R200, W, B, and W1 are defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of using compounds of Formula I to treat proliferative disorders such as cancer.
US08163791B2 Imidazole derivatives that induce apoptosis and their therapeutic uses
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising compound for induction of apoptosis, a method for inducing cancer cell apoptosis, a method to suppress lymphocyte activation, a method to improve intracellular trafficking of misfolded mutants and a screening method to identify additional compounds useful for inducing apoptosis, and more specifically, it relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising imidazole derivatives as active gradients for induction of apoptosis to treat various diseases including cancers and immune-related diseases, the method of inducing apoptosis by treating cancer cells with the pharmaceutical composition, the method of inactivating human lymphocytes by treating lymphocytes with the pharmaceutical composition, the method of improving intracellular trafficking of misfolded mutants by treating cells containing the mutants with the pharmaceutical composition, and the screening method for identifying additional compound useful for inducing apoptosis, wherein cells are incubated with the said pharmaceutical composition and detected.
US08163784B2 Biocidal compositions
The present invention relates to biocidal compositions comprising at least one biocidal active substance and at least one solvent from the group of polyglycol monobutyl ethers, and to their use as preservatives and disinfectants. More specifically, the invention provides compositions comprising a) at least one biocidal active substance b) at least one solvent according to the formula I R—(O—CH2—CH2)x—O—H  (I) in which R is a linear or branched butyl group and x is a number from 3 to 10.
US08163776B2 Method of immunomodulation using thione-forming disulfides
The invention provides for the methods of modulating an immune response in an individual by administration of a thione-forming disulfide (TFD). Immunomodulatory responses include, but are not limited to, increased natural killer cell activity, expansion of NK cell population, decreased B cell population, decreased antibody production, and increased mitogenic potential. Methods of modulating such immune responses and the uses of immunomodulation are provided herein.
US08163773B2 Organic compounds
The invention relates to 3,5-substituted piperidine compounds, these compounds for use in the diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of a warm-blooded animal, especially for the treatment of a disease (=disorder) that depends on activity of renin; the use of a compound of that class for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation for the treatment of a disease that depends on activity of renin; the use of a compound of that class in the treatment of a disease that depends on activity of renin; pharmaceutical formulations comprising a 3,5-substituted piperidine compound, and/or a method of treatment comprising administering a 3,5-substituted piperidine compound, a method for the manufacture of a 3,5-substituted piperidine compound, and novel intermediates and partial steps for its synthesis. The preferred compounds (which can also be present as salts) have the formula I wherein R1, R2, T, R3 and R4 are as defined in the specification.
US08163772B2 Solid forms of N-[2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-hydroxypheny1]-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide
Solid forms of N-[2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-hydroxyphenyl]-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide are described herein, including crystalline forms thereof.
US08163771B2 11 β-HSD1 modulators
A compound according to Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R11, L1 and X are as defined in the specification, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof.
US08163770B2 Benzoxathiin derivative
Disclosed is a compound represented by the formula (I) below and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. This compound is useful for treatment of obesity, diabetes and the like. [In the formula (I), Ar represents a benzene ring or the like; X1 represents a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom or the like; R1 represents an aryl group or the like; X2 represents a group represented by the following formula (II): (wherein R4 and R5 respectively represent a lower alkyl group or the like, and m represents a number of 2-4) or the like; one of X and Y represents an oxygen atom and the other represents a sulfanyl group or the like; and X3-X6 respectively represent —CH—, a nitrogen atom or the like.
US08163768B2 1,4-dihydropyridine-fused heterocycles, process for preparing the same, use and compositions containing them
This invention relates to compounds of formula (I) to processes for the preparation of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and to methods of treatment comprising administering of such compounds.
US08163763B2 Pyrimidine compounds, compositions and methods of use
Disclosed are compounds of Formula I, including stereoisomers, geometric isomers, tautomers, solvates, metabolites and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that are useful in modulating PIKK related kinase signaling, e.g., mTOR, and for the treatment of diseases (e.g., cancer) that are mediated at least in part by the dysregulation of the PIKK signaling pathway (e.g., mTOR).
US08163762B2 Purine derivatives having, in particular, anti-proliferative properties, and their biological uses
This invention provides 2-, 6, and 9-substituted purine derivatives, particularly 2(1-R hydroxymethylpropylamino)-6-benzylamino-9-isopropyl purine, having, in particular, antiproliferative properties, and suitable for use as pharmaceutical compositions and herbicidal compositions. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and herbicidal compositions comprising the 2-, 6, and 9-substituted purine derivatives, and methods of treatment using the 2-, 6, and 9-substituted purine derivatives.
US08163760B2 Use of pyridopyrimidine compounds in the treatment of gliomas
The present invention relates generally to therapeutic agents, formulations comprising them and their use in the treatment, amelioration and/or prophylaxis of glioma brain tumors and related conditions. The therapeutic agent comprises two fused 6-membered rings with at least a nitrogen at position 1 and a hydroxyl at position 8.
US08163759B2 Pyrazolo[1,5-A] pyrimidine compounds as CB1 receptor antagonist
The present invention provides a pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine compound, having CB1 receptor-antagonizing activity, of the following formula [I]: in which R1 and R2 are the same or different and each an optionally substituted aryl group etc, R0 is hydrogen atom, an alkyl group etc, E is a group of the formula: —C(═O)— or —SO2—, R is a group of the following formula [i], [ii]or [iii] etc: Ring A is (a) a C3-8 cycloalkyl group optionally fused to a benzene ring or (b) a benzene ring, Q is a single bond or a methylene group, Ring B is a 4- to 7-membered aliphatic heterocyclic group, said cyclic group binding via its ring-carbon atom to the adjacent nitrogen atom, X is sulfur atom etc, R3 is an alkyl group optionally substituted by an alkylthio group, R4 is hydrogen atom, an alkyl group etc, one of RA and RB is an alkyl group etc, and the other is hydrogen atom, an alkyl group etc, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08163757B2 Immuno inhibitory pyrazolone compounds
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (IA) or (IB) or pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable salt thereof:
US08163756B2 Enzyme modulators and treatments
Novel compounds and methods of using those compounds for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, hyperproliferative diseases, cancer, and diseases characterized by hyper-vascularization are provided. In a preferred embodiment, modulation of the activation state of p38 kinase protein, abl kinase protein, ber-abl kinase protein, braf kinase protein, VEGFR kinase protein, or PDGFR kinase protein comprises the step of contacting said kinase protein with the novel compounds.
US08163752B2 Tricyclic anilide heterocyclic CGRP receptor antagonists
Compounds of formula I: wherein variables A1, A2, B, m, n, J, R4, G1, G2, G3 and Y are as described herein, which are antagonists of CGRP receptors and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the CGRP is involved, such as migraine. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which CGRP is involved.
US08163747B2 Acid addition salts, hydrates and polymorphs of 5-(2,4-dihydroxy-5-isopropyl-phenyl)-4-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-isoxazole-3-carboxylic acid ethylamide and formulations comprising these forms
The present invention relates to new salt forms of 5-(2,4-dihydroxy-5-isopropyl-phenyl)-4-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-isoxazole-3-carboxylic acid ethylamide, in particular the mesylate, hydrochloride, tartrate, phosphate and hemi fumarate salt thereof; to crystalline forms of such salts; to polymorphs of 5-(2,4-dihydroxy-5-isopropyl-phenyl)-4-(4-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-isoxazole-3-carboxylic acid ethylamide; to hydrates and polymorphs of the new salt forms mentioned above; to the use of the new salt forms mentioned above for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a disorder mediated by Hsp90; to a method for treating a disorder mediated by Hsp90 using the new salt forms; to formulations comprising such salt forms, in particular aqueous solutions suitable for intravenous administration; and to amber glass containers being filled with such formulations.
US08163746B2 Azolecarboxamide derivative
Provided is an agent for treating or preventing urinary frequency, urinary urgency and urinary, incontinence which are associated with overactive bladder, a lower urinary tract disease such as interstitial cystitis and chronic prostatitis accompanied by lower urinary tract pain, and various diseases accompanied by pain. A novel azolecarboxamide derivative in which an azole ring such as thioazole or oxazole is bonded to a benzene ring, pyridine ring or pyrimidine ring through carboxamide was confirmed to have a potent trkA receptor-inhibitory activity and found to be an agent for treating or preventing lower urinary tract disease and various diseases accompanied by pain, which is excellent in efficacy and safety, and thus the present invention was accomplished.
US08163742B2 Di-amino-substituted heterocyclic compounds and methods of use
The present invention comprises a new class of compounds capable of modulating the c-kit receptor and, accordingly, useful for treatment of c-kit mediated diseases, including various fibrotic and mast cell related diseases such as mastocytosis. The compounds have a general Formula I wherein R1-6, X and Y are defined herein. The invention further comprises pharmaceutical compositions, methods for treatment of c-kit mediated diseases, and intermediates and processes useful for the preparation of compounds of the invention.
US08163740B2 6-substituted benzoxazines
The present invention is concerned with 6-substituted benzoxazine derivatives of formula (I) wherein X, Y, R1 and R2 are as described herein, their manufacture, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The active compounds of the present invention are 5-HT5A receptor antagonists, useful in the prevention and/or treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, panic disorders, agoraphobia, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, pain, memory disorders, dementia, disorders of eating behaviors, sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders, abuse of drugs, motor disorders, Parkinson's disease, psychiatric disorders or gastrointestinal disorders.
US08163738B2 Aminodiazepines as toll-like receptor modulators
Provided are compositions and methods useful for modulation signaling through the Toll-like receptor 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.
US08163737B2 CGRP receptor antagonists
The present invention relates to CGRP receptor antagonists, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods therewith for treating CGRP receptor-mediated diseases and conditions.
US08163734B2 Use of a mast cell activation or degranulation blocking agent in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a patient subjected to thrombolyses
The invention concerns the use of a mast cell activation- or degranulation-blocking agent in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing and treating cerebral complications caused by thrombolytic treatment. The invention also relates to treatment of patients suffering from cerebral complications associated with thrombolysis. Further, the invention provides thrombolytic compositions comprising a mast cell degranulation-blocking and/or mast cell activation-blocking agent present in a therapeutically effective amount to prevent or reduce any cerebral complications caused by the active thrombolytic component.
US08163731B2 Method and dosage regimens for eliminating a chemical substance in blood
A method of reducing the concentration of a chemical or drug substance in the blood plasma that targets the same or similar receptors as the normal neurotransmitters in the central or peripheral nervous system includes titrating an initial peak concentration of the chemical or drug substance in the blood for a predefined dosing period, titrating a lowest concentration level of the chemical or drug substance in the blood immediately before the end of the dosing period, and providing a plurality of subsequent dosing periods where each subsequent dosing period requires administration of a dosing amount of the chemical or drug substance and titrating of the peak concentration and the lowest concentration level to ensure that the lowest concentration level of the chemical or drug substance in the blood plasma for the subsequent dosing period is decreased by not more than five percent of the lowest concentration level of the previous dosing period and where the plurality of dosing periods added together extends the method for seventy days or more.
US08163729B2 Modulators of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and therapeutic uses thereof
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I) and compositions thereof, methods of making them, and methods of using them to modulate alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and/or to treat any of a variety of disorders, diseases, and conditions. Provided compounds can affect, among other things, neurological, psychiatric and/or inflammatory system.
US08163722B2 Pharmaceutical formulation for contraception and hormone-replacement therapy
The present invention provides slow release estradiol-progesterone formulations that can be used in either contraception or hormone replacement therapies. The formulations comprise shaped particles of estradiol that is in a hemicrystalline form that exhibits especially low dissolution rates. The shaped particles comprise estradiol compounded in a 1:1 molar ratio with cholesterol, and are administered in combination with progesterone. The slow release formulations of the present invention afford the dual advantages of a low dose estradiol formulation with a low frequency administration regimen. The formulations can be parenterally administered once a month or less often.
US08163713B2 Trehalose compound and pharmaceutical comprising the compound
The object of the present invention is to provide a novel trehalose compound having a high affinity for an adenosine A3 receptor. The trehalose compound of the present invention is represented by General Formula (1): wherein X and X′ represent a hydrogen atom, and the like; Y and Y′ independently represent an oxygen atom, and the like; R1 and R2 independently represent a C1-C6 alkyl group; and R3 and R4 independently represent a C3-C6 alkyl group. The trehalose compound of the present invention has a remarkably high affinity for an adenosine A3 receptor.
US08163712B2 Hepatitis C virus codon optimized non-structural NS3/4A fusion gene
Aspects of the present invention relate to the discovery of a novel hepatitis C virus (HCV) isolate. Embodiments include HCV peptides, nucleic acids encoding said HCV peptides, antibodies directed to said peptides, compositions containing said nucleic acids and peptides, as well as methods of making and using the aforementioned compositions including, but not limited to, diagnostics and medicaments for the treatment and prevention of HCV infection.
US08163707B2 4′-allene-substituted nucleoside derivatives
The present invention discloses compounds of formula (I), or its β-L enantiomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, stereoisomer, tautomer, solvate, prodrug, or combination thereof: which inhibit, preventing or treating abnormal cellular proliferation and/or a viral infection, particularly by HIV, HCV or HBV. Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the replication cycle of a virus and are also useful as antiviral agents, or interfere with host cellular biochemical process and are also useful as antiproliferative agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from viral infection and/or cell proliferation. The invention also relates to methods of treating a viral infection and/or cell proliferation in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention. The present invention relates to novel antiviral/anti-proliferative compounds represented herein above, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of viral infection in a subject in need of such therapy with said compounds.
US08163706B2 Method for preparing a centella asiatica extract rich in madecassoside and in terminoloside
The invention concerns an extract of Centella asiatica comprising more than 75 wt. % of a mixture of madecassoside, terminoloside and asiaticoside, relative to the extract total weight, an extract of Centella asiatica comprising more than 95 wt. % of a mixture of madecassoside and terminoloside relative to the extract total weight and their use for regulating inflammatory mechanisms.
US08163705B2 Glycolipid and use thereof
The present invention provide a compound represented by the following formula (1) wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof. The compound of the present invention and a salt thereof can preferentially induce production of IL-4, which is one kind of cytokines that control action of immunocytes. Therefore, it is useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and the like, and prophylaxis or treatment of diseases caused by functional promotion of Th1 cells.
US08163703B2 Hepatitis C therapies
The invention provides methods for treating hepatitis C viral infections and related viral infections, as well as compounds and compositions that are useful for treating such infections.
US08163702B2 Treatment of melanoma
An immunomodulatory compound is administered to treat, prevent, inhibit, or reduce melanoma in a subject.
US08163699B2 Method for the treatment of valvular disease
A method for treating valvular stenosis. The method involves the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a reverse lipid (in particular cholesterol) transport agonist to a mammal. Most preferred is an Apolipoprotein A-1 mimetic peptide/phospholipid complex, the peptide of which is defined by the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 1.
US08163698B2 Dolastatin 15 derivatives
Compounds of the present invention include cell growth inhibitors which are peptides of Formula I, A-B-D-E-F-(G)r-(K)s-L  (I), and acid salts thereof, wherein A, B, D, E, F, G and K are α-amino acid residues, and s and r are each, independently, 0 or 1. L is a monovalent radical, such as, for example, an amino group, an N-substituted amino group, a β-hydroxylamino group, a hydrazido group, an alkoxy group, a thioalkoxy group, an aminoxy group, or an oximato group. The present invention also includes a method for treating cancer in a mammal, such as a human, comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a compound of Formula I in a pharmaceutically acceptable composition.
US08163692B2 Protection against and treatment of ionizing radiation
Methods of preparing a proteoliposome comprise the step of contacting a liposome with an effective portion of RalBP1 to create a proteoliposome. RalBP1 is effective for the protection and treatment of mammals and the environment against the accumulation of toxic compounds, and prevents accumulation of one or more toxic compounds, reduces the concentration of toxic compounds, and protects against further contamination with one or more toxic compounds. In addition, RalBP1 is effective for the protection and treatment of mammals against the effects of ionizing radiation.
US08163691B2 Compositions and methods for identifying agents which modulate PTEN function and PI-3 kinase pathways
Methods are provided for the identification, biochemical characterization and therapeutic use of agents which impact PTEN, p53, PI-kinase and AKT mediated cellular signaling.
US08163690B2 Liquid laundry treatment composition comprising a mono-hydrocarbyl amido quaternary ammonium compound
A laundry treatment composition comprising from about 1 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of a mono-hydrocarbyl amido quaternary ammonium compound comprising the structure: wherein R1 comprises a C12 to C22 hydrocarbyl amido chain, preferably an alkenyl chain, R2, R3 and R4 are individually selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 hydrocarbyl, C1-C4 hydroxy hydrocarbyl, benzyl, —(C2H4O)xH where x has a value from about 1 to about 10, and mixtures thereof, and wherein X− is a anion; and from about 1 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of an anionic surfactant, wherein the laundry treatment composition provides sufficient softness and anti-static benefits without minimized formation of non-soluble flocs.
US08163684B2 Antimicrobials having polyquaternary ammoniums and alcohol-bearing amidoamines and methods for their use
Antimicrobial or preservative compositions with high user comfort and/or low ocular irritation. The compositions comprise a polyquaternary ammonium compound and an amidoamine having an alcohol group and exhibit synergistic antimicrobial activity. The compositions may be used as stand-alone antimicrobials/preservatives or may be incorporated into other ocular compositions such as those for ocular lens care or the treatment of ocular conditions.
US08163681B2 Lubricant for hydrogen-fueled engines
A lubricant composition of a synthetic oil of lubricating viscosity, 3 to 6 percent by weight of a nitrogen-containing dispersant, 1 to 2.5 weight percent of an overbased magnesium detergent, 1 to 5 weight percent of an antioxidant; and 0.25 to 1.5 weight percent of a friction modifier is useful for lubricating a hydrogen-fueled engine. The composition will typically contain less than 0.01 weight percent Ca, less than 0.01 weight percent Zn, less than 0.06 weight percent P, and will have a sulfated ash level of less than 1.2%.
US08163680B2 Method of demulsing a natural gas dehydrator
Provided is a method of inhibiting the formation of emulsions in a natural gas dehydrator by lubricating the upstream compressors and natural gas engines with a lubricating oil comprising an effective amount of one or more demulsifiers. Provided is also a method of lubricating the upstream compressors and natural gas engines with the same oil compositions.
US08163676B2 Emulsifier blend
An oil-in-water emulsion that includes a brine continuous phase; and an oleaginous discontinuous phase stabilized by an emulsifier blend, the emulsifier blend comprising: an emulsifier having an HLB greater than 11; and an amphoteric chemotrope is disclosed. Emulsifier blends comprising an emulsifier having an HLB greater than 11 and an amphoteric chemotrope and methods of using emulsifier blends are also disclosed.
US08163674B2 Agricultural chemical composition in granular form
The present invention provides a granulated pesticidal composition comprising a pesticidal active ingredient, a lignosulfonate surfactant with a degree of sulfonation of at least 2.0, and a sulfate or phosphate salt of a polyoxyalkylene arylphenyl ether. The composition is highly dispersible in water and allows stable long-term maintenance of its properties observed immediately after preparation.
US08163673B2 Non-foaming organic surfactants as additives for tank mixture preparations in crop protection
Use of special non-foaming alkoxylated alcohols alone or their mixture with polysiloxanes as tank mixture additive for crop protection composition formulations.
US08163672B2 Multiple effect plant growth promoting composition mixture
A multiple effect plant growth promoting mixture is provided that includes a first plurality of fertilizer granules, each containing a quantity of a bioavailable source of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. A second plurality of granules, each containing an active agent effective in inhibiting an organism interfering with plant growth are intermixed with the fertilizer granules. The fertilizer granules are substantially devoid of the active agent adhering to the fertilizer granule and the active agent granules are substantially devoid of fertilizer. The potential for cross contamination being associated with granule breakage associated with intermixing and transport.
US08163671B2 Dye receiving layer compositions for thermal transfer image-receiving sheets
The present invention relates to a dye receiving layer composition for thermal transfer image-receiving sheets which includes a resin containing a polyester produced by using an alcohol component containing 50 mol % or more of an alkyleneoxide adduct of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane and an oxazoline group-containing compound. There are provided a composition for a dye receiving layer of a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet which is excellent in not only dyeability upon thermal transfer but also releasability from a transfer sheet, and a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet having a dye receiving layer obtained from the above composition which is capable of obtaining transferred images having excellent properties.
US08163666B2 Taphole mix
It is intended to provide a taphole mix capable of forming SiC bonds with minimum of an excess and a deficiency in components thereof, and excellent in drillability. A fine particle fraction having a particle diameter of 75 μm or less is comprised of three components consisting of a silicon nitride-based material, a carbon-based material, and roseki, or comprised of the three component, and one or more selected from the group consisting of an alumina-based material, a silicon carbide-based material, a rare-earth element oxide-based material, clay, a high-purity silica-based material containing SiO2 in an amount of 80 mass % or more, a boron compound-based material in an amount of less than 0.3 mass % with respect to 100 mass % of the silicon nitride-based material, and a metal powder in an amount of less than 10 mass % with respect to 100 mass % of the carbon-based material. Further, a total amount of 100 mass % of the three components in the fine particle range consists of 51 to 74 mass % of the silicon nitride-based material, 15 to 35 mass % of the carbon-based material, and 10 to 30 mass % of the roseki.
US08163662B2 Lightweight, durable enclosures and laminates for making the same
A lightweight enclosure is described that has an exterior film surface. The lightweight enclosure comprises a laminate having a porous outer film. The laminate is moisture vapor transmissive and flame resistance (passing CPAI-84), and abrasion resistance on the outer film surface thereby remaining durably liquidproof. The lightweight enclosure may be a single wall tent and is formed from a laminate having sufficient oxygen permeability to sustain life while enclosure openings are closed.
US08163661B2 Luminescence measurement system
Disclosed is a luminescence measuring method which can produce a luminous intensity depending on the amount of a substance to be measured even when the substance occurs in a biological sample in an amount equal to or more than a given amount, and which can achieve quantitative measurement. The method is characterized by includes preparing a biological sample containing a luminescence-associated protein which is can react with a substance occurring in the biological sample in amount equal to or more than a given amount and which has a Km value equal to or higher than a predetermined value so that the luminous intensity can be quantified depending on the amount of the substance, measuring the luminescence intensity emitted from the biological sample, and outputting a result of the measurement on a regions and/or part of the biological sample.
US08163660B2 SONOS type stacks for nonvolatile change trap memory devices and methods to form the same
A method for fabricating a nonvolatile charge trap memory device is described. The method includes forming a first oxide layer on a surface of a substrate. The first oxide layer is exposed to a first decoupled plasma nitridation process having a first bias. Subsequently, a charge-trapping layer is formed on the first oxide layer. The charge-trapping layer is exposed to an oxidation process and then to a second decoupled plasma nitridation process having a second, different, bias.
US08163659B2 Method for oxide film formation and apparatus for the method
In method and apparatus for oxide film formation, light in an ultraviolet light range is irradiated on a substrate, a starting gas of an organosilicon and an ozone gas are supplied to the substrate to form an oxide film on a surface of the substrate, and the ozone gas is mixed with the starting gas at room temperature and a mixture quantity of the ozone gas with the starting gas is set to be equal to a chemical equivalent or more necessary for totally oxidizing the starting gas.
US08163658B2 Multiple patterning using improved patternable low-k dielectric materials
A method of double patterning a semiconductor structure with a single material which after patterning becomes a permanent part of the semiconductor structure. More specifically, a method to form a patterned semiconductor structure with small features is provided which are difficult to obtain using conventional exposure lithographic processes. The method of the present invention includes the use of patternable low-k materials which after patterning remain as a low-k dielectric material within the semiconductor structure. The method is useful in forming semiconductor interconnect structures in which the patternable low-k materials after patterning and curing become a permanent element, e.g., a patterned interlayer low-k material, of the interconnect structure.
US08163655B2 Method for forming a sacrificial sandwich structure
The present disclosure provides a method for making a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a first material layer on a substrate; forming a second material layer on the first material layer; forming a sacrificial layer on the second material layer; forming a patterned resist layer on the sacrificial layer; applying a first wet etching process using a first etch solution to the substrate to pattern the sacrificial layer using the patterned resist layer as a mask, resulting in a patterned sacrificial layer; applying an ammonia hydroxide-hydrogen peroxide-water mixture (APM) solution to the substrate to pattern the second material layer, resulting in a patterned second material layer; applying a second wet etching process using a second etch solution to the substrate to pattern the first material layer; and applying a third wet etching process using a third etch solution to remove the patterned sacrificial layer.
US08163654B2 Method for fabricating fine pattern in semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a fine pattern in a semiconductor device includes forming a first photoresist over a substrate where an etch target layer is formed, doping at least one impurity selected from group III elements and group V elements, of the periodic table, into the first photoresist, forming a photoresist pattern over the first photoresist, performing a dry etching process using the photoresist pattern to expose the first photoresist, etching the first photoresist by an oxygen-based dry etching to form a first photoresist pattern where a doped region is oxidized, and etching the etch target layer using the first photoresist pattern as an etch barrier.
US08163649B2 Copper interconnection structure, semiconductor device, and method for forming copper interconnection structure
A copper interconnection structure includes an insulating layer, an interconnection and a barrier layer. The insulating layer includes silicon (element symbol: Si), carbon (element symbol: C), hydrogen (element symbol: H) and oxygen (element symbol: O). The interconnection is located on the insulating layer, and the interconnection includes copper (element symbol: Cu). The barrier layer is located between the insulating layer and the interconnection. The barrier layer includes an additional element, carbon (element symbol: C) and hydrogen (element symbol: H). The barrier layer has atomic concentrations of carbon (element symbol: C) and hydrogen (element symbol: H) maximized in a region of a thickness of the barrier layer where the atomic concentration of the additional element is maximized.
US08163648B2 Atomic layer deposition methods
An atomic layer deposition method includes providing a semiconductor substrate within a deposition chamber. A first metal halide-comprising precursor gas is flowed to the substrate within the chamber effective to form a first monolayer on the substrate. The first monolayer comprises metal and halogen of the metal halide. While flowing the first metal halide-comprising precursor gas to the substrate, H2 is flowed to the substrate within the chamber. A second precursor gas is flowed to the first monolayer effective to react with the first monolayer and form a second monolayer on the substrate. The second monolayer comprises the metal. At least some of the flowing of the first metal halide-comprising precursor gas, at least some of the flowing of the H2, and at least some of the flowing of the second precursor gas are repeated effective to form a layer of material comprising the metal on the substrate.
US08163647B2 Method for growing carbon nanotubes, and electronic device having structure of ohmic connection to carbon element cylindrical structure body and production method thereof
An electronic device having a structure of an ohmic connection to a carbon element cylindrical structure body, wherein a metal material is positioned inside the junction part of a carbon element cylindrical structure body joined to a connection objective and the carbon element cylindrical structure body and the connection objective are connected by an ohmic contact. Methods for producing such an electronic device are also disclosed. Further, a method for growing a carbon nanotube is disclosed.
US08163641B2 System for modifying small structures
A charge transfer mechanism is used to locally deposit or remove material for a small structure. A local electrochemical cell is created without having to immerse the entire work piece in a bath. The charge transfer mechanism can be used together with a charged particle beam or laser system to modify small structures, such as integrated circuits or micro-electromechanical system. The charge transfer process can be performed in air or, in some embodiments, in a vacuum chamber.
US08163639B2 Photo diode and method for manufacturing the same
A method of fabricating a photo diode includes sequentially forming a buried layer of a first conductivity type, a first epitaxial layer of the first conductivity type, and a second epitaxial layer of a second conductivity type on a semiconductor substrate; forming a doped oxide film, including impurities of the second conductivity type, on the second epitaxial layer; forming a silicon nitride film on the oxide film; and patterning the oxide film and the silicon nitride film to sequentially form an oxide film pattern of the second conductivity type and a silicon nitride film pattern, respectively. The second conductivity type impurities are diffused from the oxide film pattern into the second epitaxial layer using a heat diffusion process to form a doped shallow junction layer of the second conductivity type, which converts the oxide film pattern into a non-conductive oxide film pattern.
US08163638B2 Back side contact solar cell structures and fabrication processes
In one embodiment, active diffusion junctions of a solar cell are formed by diffusing dopants from dopant sources selectively deposited on the back side of a wafer. The dopant sources may be selectively deposited using a printing method, for example. Multiple dopant sources may be employed to form active diffusion regions of varying doping levels. For example, three or four active diffusion regions may be fabricated to optimize the silicon/dielectric, silicon/metal, or both interfaces of a solar cell. The front side of the wafer may be textured prior to forming the dopant sources using a texturing process that minimizes removal of wafer material. Openings to allow metal gridlines to be connected to the active diffusion junctions may be formed using a self-aligned contact opening etch process to minimize the effects of misalignments.
US08163636B2 Method of preparing P-type doped ZnO or ZnMgO
Method of preparing p-type doped ZnO or p-type doped ZnMgO, in which the following successive steps are carried out: a) implantation of O+ oxygen ions in an n-type doped ZnO or an n-type doped ZnMgO; b) first annealing at a temperature less than or equal to 1200° C. under oxygen for a time greater than or equal to 5 minutes; c) implantation of at least one ion of an element chosen among the elements of group I or the elements of group V of the periodic table; d) second annealing. The p-type doped ZnO or ZnMgO obtained by this method may be used in an optoelectronic device such as a light emitting diode.
US08163635B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device includes preparing a semiconductor substrate which is a base substrate of the semiconductor device and which is formed with a concavity and convexity part on the surface of the semiconductor substrate. The method further comprises depositing on the surface of the semiconductor substrate an impurity thin film including an impurity atom which becomes a donor or an acceptor in the semiconductor substrate and performing an ion implantation from a diagonal upper direction to the impurity thin film deposited on the concavity and convexity part of the semiconductor substrate. The method still further comprises recoiling the impurity atom from the inside of the impurity thin film to the inside of the concavity and convexity part by performing the ion implantation.
US08163632B2 Irradiation with high energy ions for surface structuring and treatment of surface proximal sections of optical elements
A method for processing the surface of a component, or the processing of an optical element through an ion beam, directed onto the surface to be processed, so that the surface is lowered and/or removed at least partially, wherein the ions have a kinetic energy of 100 keV or more, as well as optical elements processed by the method.
US08163630B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device by thinning a substrate by grinding, and performing ion implantation. In a diode in which a P anode layer and an anode electrode are formed at a side of a right face of an N− drift layer, and an N+ cathode layer and a cathode electrode are formed at a side of a back face of the N− drift layer, an N cathode buffer layer is formed thick compared with the N+-type cathode layer between the N−-type drift layer and the N+ cathode layer, the buffer layer being high in concentration compared with the N− drift layer, and low compared with the N+ cathode layer. When a reverse bias voltage is applied, a depletion layer is stopped in the middle of the N cathode buffer layer, and thus prevented from reaching the N+ cathode layer, so that the leakage current is suppressed.
US08163628B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor substrate
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate is provided, which includes a step of forming a buffer layer over a first semiconductor substrate, a step of forming a damaged region in the first semiconductor substrate by irradiating the first semiconductor substrate with ions, a step of bonding the first semiconductor substrate and a second semiconductor substrate with the buffer layer interposed between, a step of separating the first semiconductor substrate with a single crystal semiconductor layer left over the second semiconductor substrate by heating the first semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate, and a step of irradiating the single crystal semiconductor layer with a laser beam and heating the single crystal semiconductor layer.
US08163626B2 Enhancing NAND flash floating gate performance
Embodiments described herein generally relate to flash memory devices and methods for manufacturing flash memory devices. In one embodiment, a method for selective removal of nitrogen from the nitrided areas of a substrate is provided. The method comprises positioning a substrate comprising a material layer disposed adjacent to an oxide containing layer in a processing chamber, exposing the substrate to a nitridation process to incorporate nitrogen onto the material layer and the exposed areas of the oxide containing layer, and exposing the nitrided material layer and the nitrided areas of the oxide containing layer to a gas mixture comprising a quantity of a hydrogen containing gas and a quantity of an oxygen containing gas to selectively remove nitrogen from the nitrided areas of the oxide containing layer relative to the nitrided material layer using a radical oxidation process.
US08163624B2 Discrete semiconductor device and method of forming sealed trench junction termination
A discrete semiconductor device has a substrate with a first conductivity type of semiconductor material. A first semiconductor layer is formed over the substrate. The first semiconductor layer having the first conductivity type of semiconductor material. A second semiconductor layer over the first semiconductor layer. The second semiconductor layer has a second conductivity type of semiconductor material. A trench is formed through the second semiconductor layer and extends into the second semiconductor layer. The trench has a rounded or polygonal shape and vertical sidewalls. The trench is lined with an insulating layer and filled with an insulating material. A boundary between the first and second semiconductor layers forms a p-n junction. The trench surrounds the p-n junction to terminate the electric field of a voltage imposed on the second semiconductor layer. The discrete semiconductor device can also be a transistor, thyristor, triac, or transient voltage suppressor.
US08163619B2 Fabrication of semiconductor structure having asymmetric field-effect transistor with tailored pocket portion along source/drain zone
An asymmetric insulated-gate field effect transistor (100U or 102U) is provided along an upper surface of a semiconductor body so as to have first and second source/drain zones (240 and 242 or 280 and 282) laterally separated by a channel zone (244 or 284) of the transistor's body material. A gate electrode (262 or 302) overlies a gate dielectric layer (260 or 300) above the channel zone. A pocket portion (250 or 290) of the body material more heavily doped than laterally adjacent material of the body material extends along largely only the first of the S/D zones and into the channel zone. The vertical dopant profile of the pocket portion is tailored to reach a plurality of local maxima at respective locations (PH-1-PH-3-NH-3) spaced apart from one another. This typically enables the transistor to have reduced current leakage.
US08163614B2 Method for forming NAND typed memory device
A method for fabricating a NAND type flash memory device includes defining a select transistor region and a memory cell region in a semiconductor substrate, forming a tunnel insulating layer, a floating gate conductive layer, and a dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate, etching the dielectric layer, thereby forming an opening exposing the floating gate conductive layer, forming a low resistance layer in the opening, forming a control gate conductive layer over the semiconductor substrate, and etching the control gate conductive layer, the dielectric layer, the floating gate conductive layer, and the tunnel insulating layer to form gate stacks of memory cells and source/drain select transistors.
US08163604B2 Integrated circuit package system using etched leadframe
An integrated circuit package system includes a conductive substrate. A heat sink and a plurality of leads are etched in the substrate to define a conductive film connecting the heat sink and the plurality of leads to maintain their spatial relationship. A die is attached to the heat sink and wire bonded to the plurality of leads. An encapsulant is formed over the die, the heat sink, and the plurality of leads. The conductive film is etched away to expose the encapsulant and the bottom surfaces of the heat sink and the plurality of leads. Wave soldering is used to form solder on at least the plurality of leads. Multiple heat sinks and hanging leads are provided.
US08163603B2 Method of making a semiconductor chip assembly with a post/base heat spreader and a substrate using grinding
A method of making a semiconductor chip assembly includes providing a post and a base, mounting an adhesive on the base including inserting the post through an opening in the adhesive, mounting a substrate on the adhesive including inserting the post into an aperture in the substrate, then flowing the adhesive between the post and the substrate in the aperture, solidifying the adhesive, then grinding the post and the adhesive, then mounting a semiconductor device on a heat spreader that includes the post and the base, electrically connecting the semiconductor device to the substrate and thermally connecting the semiconductor device to the heat spreader.
US08163596B2 Stackable electronic package and method of making same
An apparatus comprises a first chip layer comprising a first component coupled to a first side of a first flex layer, the first component comprising a plurality of electrical pads. The first chip layer also comprises a first plurality of feed-thru pads coupled to the first side of the first flex layer and a first encapsulant encapsulating the first component, the first encapsulant having a portion thereof removed to form a first plurality of cavities in the first encapsulant and to expose the first plurality of feed-thru pads by way of the first plurality of cavities.
US08163595B2 Formulations for voltage switchable dielectric materials having a stepped voltage response and methods for making the same
Formulations for voltage switchable dielectric materials include two or more different types of semiconductive materials uniformly dispersed within a dielectric matrix material. The semiconductive materials are selected to have different bandgap energies in order to provide the voltage switchable dielectric material with a stepped voltage response. The semiconductive materials may comprise inorganic particles, organic particles, or an organic material that is soluble in, or miscible with, the dielectric matrix material. Formulations optionally can also include electrically conductive materials. At least one of the conductive or semiconductive materials in a formulation can comprise particles characterized by an aspect ratio of at least 3 or greater.
US08163594B2 Semiconductor device comprising a carbon-based material for through hole vias
In a semiconductor device, a through hole via extending through the substrate of the device may be formed on the basis of a carbon-containing material, thereby providing excellent compatibility with high temperature processes, while also providing superior electrical performance compared to doped semiconductor materials and the like. Thus, in some illustrative embodiments, the through hole vias may be formed prior to any process steps used for forming critical circuit elements, thereby substantially avoiding any interference of the through hole via structure with a device level of the corresponding semiconductor device. Consequently, highly efficient three-dimensional integration schemes may be realized.
US08163588B2 Manufacturing method of a photoelectric conversion device
A manufacturing method of a photoelectric conversion device included a first step of forming a gate electrode, a second step of forming a semiconductor region of a first conductivity type, a third step of forming an insulation film, and a fourth step of forming a protection region of a second conductivity type, which is the opposite conductivity type to the first conductivity type, by implanting ions in the semiconductor region using the gate electrode of the transfer transistor and a portion covering a side face of the gate electrode of the transfer transistor of the insulation film as a mask in a state in which the semiconductor substrate and the gate electrode of the transfer transistor are covered by the insulation film, and causing a portion of the semiconductor region of the first conductivity type from which the protection region is removed to be the charge accumulation region.
US08163586B2 Method of producing a suspended membrane device
A method for producing a device with at least one suspended membrane, including the following steps: Producing a trench through a first sacrificial layer and a second layer deposited on the first sacrificial layer, the trench completely surrounding at least a portion of the first sacrificial layer and at least a portion of the second layer, filling all or a portion of the trench with at least one material capable of resisting at least one etching agent, and etching the portion of the first sacrificial layer with the etching agent through at least one opening made in the second layer, the portion of the second layer forming at least one portion of the suspended membrane.
US08163582B2 Method for fabricating a light emitting diode chip including etching by a laser beam
A method for fabricating substrate-free LED chips has a multilayer semiconductor structure at least 10 microns thick provided on a growth substrate. One or more arrays of parallel streets are etched into the multilayer semiconductor structure using a first pulsed laser beam. By scanning a second pulsed laser beam through the growth substrate to the multilayer semiconductor structure, the LED chips are detached from the growth substrate while simultaneously forming surface features on the chips.
US08163577B2 Methods of forming light emitting devices having current reducing structures
A light emitting device includes a p-type semiconductor layer, an n-type semiconductor layer, and an active region between the n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer. A non-transparent feature, such as a wire bond pad, is on the p-type semiconductor layer or on the n-type semiconductor layer opposite the p-type semiconductor layer, and a reduced conductivity region is in the p-type semiconductor layer or the n-type semiconductor layer and is aligned with the non-transparent feature. The reduced conductivity region may extend from a surface of the p-type semiconductor layer opposite the n-type semiconductor layer towards the active region and/or from a surface of the n-type semiconductor layer opposite the p-type semiconductor layer towards the active region.
US08163575B2 Grown photonic crystals in semiconductor light emitting devices
A photonic crystal is grown within a semiconductor structure, such as a III-nitride structure, which includes a light emitting region disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. The photonic crystal may be multiple regions of semiconductor material separated by a material having a different refractive index than the semiconductor material. For example, the photonic crystal may be posts of semiconductor material grown in the structure and separated by air gaps or regions of masking material. Growing the photonic crystal, rather than etching a photonic crystal into an already-grown semiconductor layer, avoids damage caused by etching which may reduce efficiency, and provides uninterrupted, planar surfaces on which to form electric contacts.
US08163572B2 Method for evaluating impurity distribution under gate electrode without damaging silicon substrate
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device forms the semiconductor device in a device region of a semiconductor substrate simultaneously with forming a monitor semiconductor device that includes a gate electrode made of silicon containing material arranged on a gate insulating film in a monitor region of the semiconductor substrate, a source electrode and a drain electrode formed on the semiconductor substrate on corresponding sides of the gate electrode. The gate electrode is removed without removing a gate insulating film by applying pyrolysis hydrogen generated by pyrolysis on the monitor semiconductor device in the monitor region, and the gate insulating film is removed by a wet process. Impurities distribution of a silicon active region appearing after the gate electrode is removed is measured and fed back to a semiconductor manufacturing process.
US08163570B2 Method of initiating molecular bonding
A method of initiating molecular bonding, comprising bringing one face of a first wafer to face one face of a second wafer and initiating a point of contact between the two facing faces. The point of contact is initiated by application to one of the two wafers, for example, using a bearing element of a tool, of a mechanical pressure in the range from 0.1 MPa to 33.3 MPa.
US08163568B2 Recording assay device
A method for assaying a sample involves an assessment device having an assay part and a detachable recording part, which are disposed on separable portions of a substrate. The sample to be assayed is received in a sample application well on the assay element, where it contacts a measuring element, generally after being mixed with an assay reagent. Assay information relating to the sample is transferred from the measuring element to data recording element on the recording part. After the information transfer, the assay part and the recording are separated, so that the assay part can no longer transfer information to the data recording element.
US08163566B2 Microporous materials, methods of making, using, and articles thereof
Described herein are methods for separating one or more analytes present in a fluid sample. The methods involve passing the fluid through or into a microporous material, wherein the analytes are localized near the surface of the microporous material. Additional processing steps such as hybridization and amplification can be performed once the analyte is localized. In one method, once the analyte is localized, the analyte can be detected, counted, and correlated in order to determine the concentration of the analyte in the sample. In another method, the localized analyte is destabilized to make the localized analyte more accessible for chemical manipulation. Modified microporous materials and composite materials are also disclosed that can be used in any of the methods and articles described herein. The composite is composed of a microporous material and a pigment, wherein the pigment is incorporated in the microporous material. The pigments alter the optical properties of the microporous material, which enhances the detection of analyte once it is localized. Methods for making pigmented composites are also disclosed. In a further aspect, various kits and articles such as filtration devices containing any of the microporous materials described herein are provided.
US08163560B2 Coated test elements
The invention concerns coated test elements and in particular test elements comprising a capillary gap which have a hydrophobic structured coating at least in the area surrounding the capillary gap.
US08163559B2 White blood cell differentiation reagent and method
A reagent for four-part differentiation of white blood cells is provided. In one embodiment the reagent has an osmolality below 50 mOsm/kg H2O. A method for differentiating white blood cells using the reagent is also provided. The disclosure provides for a rapid lysis of red blood cells and four-part differentiation of white blood cells. The reagent may be simple in components and a surfactant is not necessary, but optional. A wide range of pH values may be suitable for the reagent.
US08163557B2 Chimaeric human papillomavirus 16 L1 virus-like particles and a method for preparing the particles
A method for producing a chimaeric human papillomavirus (HPV) L1 polypeptide containing a heterologous peptide, and in particular, a HPV L2 peptide comprising the steps of introducing a DNA sequence coding for the heterologous peptide into a DNA sequence coding for the L1 polypeptide; introducing the DNA sequence including the sequences for the L1 polypeptide and heterologous peptide into a host cell in which the DNA sequence can be expressed; causing expression of the DNA sequence; and recovering the resulting chimaeric L1 polypeptide which includes the heterologous peptide. The invention also describes a vector for use in the method, a host cell containing the vector, and a vaccine including the chimaeric HPV L1 polypeptide produced according to the method.
US08163533B2 Methods and compositions for combinatorial-based production of multivalent recombinant antigens
The present invention provides methods and compositions for rapidly producing multivalent recombinant vaccines using filamentous fungal heterokaryons. The present invention relies on the use of filamentous fungal heterokaryons that are generated from combinations of two or more parent strains into which recombinant DNA molecules encoding variants of antigens derived from pathogenic organisms have been introduced. The resulting vaccines are multivalent.
US08163532B2 Microorganisms with a reactivation system for cob(I)alamin-dependent methionine synthase
The present invention relates to microorganisms and methods for producing methionine by reactivation of the MetH enzyme.
US08163528B2 Nucleic acid molecules encoding thymidine kinase fusion proteins
The present invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a Herpesviridae thymidine kinase enzyme comprising one or more mutations, at least one of the mutations encoding an amino acid substitution located toward the N-terminus from a DRH nucleoside binding site which increases a biological activity of the thymidine kinase, as compared to unmutated thymidine kinase. Such mutations include amino acid substitutions within a Q substrate binding domain which increases a biological activity of the thymidine kinase, as compared to unmutated thymidine kinase. Within a further aspect, fusion proteins are provided which have both guanylate kinase and thymidine kinase biological properties. Also provided are vectors suitable for expressing such DNA molecules, as well as methods for utilizing such vectors.
US08163526B2 Ethanol production
A method for increasing production of ethanol in an ethanologenic cell using an autoinducer molecule, for example, AI-2.
US08163524B2 Comparative analysis of extracellular RNA species
The invention provides methods for detecting tumor-associated RNA in plasma, serum, and other bodily fluids. In particular, the invention provides methods for detecting translocated gene RNA, including fusion gene RNA, in plasma or serum or other bodily fluids.
US08163523B2 Cell-based systems for producing influenza vaccines
The present invention relates to a cell-based method for producing influenza virus vaccines by enriching the population of surface-bound α2,6-sialic acid receptors on a cell surface, such as on a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell surface. The host cell therefore presents numerous binding sites to which an influenza virus can bind via its hemagglutinin spike protein and infect the host cell. In contrast to wild-type CHO cells, the surface of the mutated CHO cells of the present invention contains an enriched population of α2,6-sialic acid receptors which makes the inventive CHO cells highly susceptible to viral infection, and therefore safe, effective, and highly efficient cells for rapidly producing influenza vaccines.
US08163514B2 Methods of cleaving DNA with rationally-designed meganucleases
Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research.
US08163508B2 Methods for predicting pregnancy outcome in a subject by hCG assay
The present invention provides a method of predicting pregnancy outcome in a subject by determining the amount of an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of hCG in a sample. The present invention further provides a method for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated molecular isoforms of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a sample. The present invention also provides a diagnostic kit for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated hCG in a sample. The present invention additionally provides an antibody which specifically binds to an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of human chorionic gonadotropin. Finally, the present invention provides methods for detecting trophoblast or non-trophoblast malignancy in a sample.
US08163507B2 Process for the determination of inflammatory processes and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment thereof
A method for analyzing extracellular body fluids as to the presence of the Y-box protein YB-1 and fragments thereof, which are secreted by the cell, in order to determine inflammatory processes and malignant diseases in mammals. Also, it relates to the use of YB-1 as a marker and a kit for detecting YB-1, polypeptide fragments of YB-1, and combinations thereof. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition which is used for treating inflammatory processes and malignant diseases and which contains the YB-1 protein, fragments of protein YB-1, and antibodies against the YB-1 protein and/or fragments of protein YB-1.
US08163506B2 Use of toll-like receptor-expressing cells
Swine Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)-expressing cells are prepared by cloning a TLR9 gene from swine intestinal Peyer's patches. Functional analysis on CpG DNAs using the above cells revealed that swine TLR9 shows a higher recognition ability for a human CpG DNA motif (CpG2006) than for a mouse-specific CpG DNA motif (CpG1826). When the mRNA expression levels in various tissues are compared by the real-time PCR method, it is found out that the mRNA is expressed in Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes, which play important roles in the intestinal tract immune system, at a level thrice as much as in spleen or more. Thus, the cells expressing an intestinal tract tissue-expressed TLR (for example, TLR9) can be used to identify samples capable of activating the intestinal tract immune system.
US08163505B2 Methods using PBK1 for identifying agents that treat metabolic disorders
The invention relates to compositions comprising, and methods utilizing PBK1 protein and DNA, including a method of detecting type 1 diabetes; a mammalian pancreas-derived cell comprising a recombinant nucleic acid encoding a PBK1 protein; a method of identifying a PBK1 modulator; a pharmaceutical composition for treatment of type 2 diabetes in a subject; a method of screening for an agent that treats a metabolic disease; delivery of PBK-1 DNA to a subject to stimulate pancreatic beta cell differentiation and/or regeneration; a method for stimulating cell differentiation and/or regeneration in a pancreatic beta cell; usage of transgenic mice with targeted deletion or overexpression of the PBK-1 gene to test efficacy and specificity of PBK-1 modulator compounds.
US08163504B2 Combination of sPLA2 activity and OxPL/apoB cardiovascular risk factors for the diagnosis/prognosis of a cardiovascular disease/event
A method of identifying a subject having or at risk of having or developing a cardiovascular disease and/or a cardiovascular event, includes: measuring, in a sample obtained from the subject, at least two cardiovascular risk factors: a) sPLA2 activity and b) oxidized phospholipids on apolipoprotein B-100 particles (OxPL/apoB), combining the measurements, the combined value of sPLA2 activity and OxPL/apoB being indicative of having or a risk of having or developing a cardiovascular disease and/or cardiovascular event.
US08163497B2 Anti-extended type I glycosphingolipid antibody, derivatives thereof and use
Human antibodies and antigen-binding portions of those antibodies that specifically bind extended Type I chain glycosphingolipids are provided.
US08163495B2 Method for isolating and/or identifying mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)
The present invention concerns antibodies produced from hybridoma cell lines chosen from the group comprising W8B2, W1C3, W7C6, W5C4, 24D2, 28D4, HEK-3D6, W4A5, W3D5, W5C5, 9A3G9, 58B1, F9-3C2F1, 39D5, for isolating and/or identifying homogenous mesenchymal stem cells. Furthermore a method is presented with which mesenchymal stem cells from adult primary tissue, for example bone marrow, can be identified and isolated with a high level of purity.
US08163494B2 Method for assessing metastatic properties of breast cancer
Methods and compositions suitable for modulating angiogenesis in a mammalian tissue are provided. Further provided are methods suitable for inhibiting metastasis and fibrosis in a mammalian tissue and for assessing the malignancy of colon cancer tumors.
US08163491B2 Selective 5′ ligation tagging of RNA
The present invention provides novel compositions, kits and methods employing RNA 5′ polyphosphatases, RNA 5′ monophosphatases, capping enzymes, decapping enzymes, nucleic acid pyrophosphatases and RNA ligases, as well as other enzymes, for selective 5′ ligation tagging of desired classes of RNA molecules that differ with respect to particular chemical moieties on their 5′ ends. The 5′tagged RNA molecules can be used for synthesis of tagged first-stand cDNA, double-stranded cDNA, and sense or antisense RNA for a variety of uses.
US08163488B2 Methods and nucleic acids for analysis of colon proliferative disorders
The invention provides methods, nucleic acids and kits for detecting colon cell proliferative disorders. The invention discloses genomic sequences the methylation patterns of which have utility for the improved detection of and differentiation between said class of disorders, thereby enabling the improved diagnosis and treatment of patients.
US08163486B2 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 3 and mutated sequences thereof.
US08163481B2 Method of extracting chromatin fractions from intact cells
Methods are provided for isolation of chromatin fractions of nucleoproteins containing histone H1, H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 proteins and/or histone H1, H2A, H2B, H3 and/or H4 proteins, from intact cells. The methods preserve original patterns of covalent modifications of the histone proteins.
US08163479B2 Specific substrates for O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase
The invention relates to substrates for O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferases (AGT) of formula R1-A-X—CH2—R3—R4-L1, wherein A is a group recognized by AGT as a substrate, X is oxygen or sulfur, R1 is a group —R2-L2 or a group R5, R2 and R4 are, independently of each other, a linker, R3 is an aromatic or a heteroaromatic group, or an optionally substituted unsaturated alkyl, cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl group with the double bond connected to CH2, R5 is arylmethyl or heteroarylmethyl or an optionally substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or heterocyclyl group, L1 is a label, a plurality of same or different labels, a bond connecting R4 to A forming a cyclic substrate, or a further group —R3—CH2—X-A-R1, and L2 is a label or a plurality of same or different labels. The invention further relates to methods of transferring a label from these substrates to O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferases (AGT) and AGT fusion proteins.
US08163473B2 Method for using DNA repair capacity as a biomarker of breast cancer risk in women
The present invention presents a method for using DNA repair capacity (DRC) as a blood biomarker to calculate the risk of a female subject developing breast cancer obtained from a blood sample by using a luciferase reporter gene method that permits calculating a percent DRC for the subject. A subject with a percent DRC below 3.1% is considered as being at risk for breast cancer and a subject with a percent DRC above 3.1% as being at low risk for breast cancer. This method comprises a further estimation of an adjusted risk of the subject to develop breast cancer using a logistic regression equation in which the DRC value is included as one of the variables.
US08163472B2 Dry analytical element capable of reducing influence of hemolysis for body fluid component measurement
It is an object of the present invention to reduce influence of hemolysis in a dry analytical element used for measurement of components in a body fluid sample such as blood. The present invention provides a method for producing a dry analytical element for body fluid component measurement comprising at least a reagent layer containing an H2O2 color developing reagent and a spreading layer provided on the reagent layer, which comprises steps of providing a spreading layer substrate on the reagent layer containing an H2O2 color developing reagent and preparing a spreading layer by coating a low-viscosity solution containing oxidase to the spreading layer substrate and then coating a high-viscosity solution containing other reagent components than oxidase thereto.
US08163471B2 Reagent for sample analysis, kit for sample analysis and method for sample analysis
A reagent for measuring basophils and/or nucleated red blood cells in a sample, which comprises at least one fluorescent dye defined in the formula (I) or (II) is disclosed. Also disclosed are a kit and method for measuring basophils and/or nucleated red blood cells.
US08163469B2 Coating and developing apparatus, coating and developing method, and storage medium
A coating and developing apparatus has: a treatment block-including a water repellent module performing water repellent treatment on a substrate, a coating module, and a developing module; a substrate side-surface portion water repellent module for performing water repellent treatment on a side surface of a substrate; and a control unit controlling operations of the modules to execute steps of performing water repellent treatment at least on a side surface portion of a substrate and performing a first resist coating on an entire surface of the substrate; performing a first development after a first liquid-immersion exposure is performed; performing a second resist coating on the entire surface, and performing a second development after a second liquid-immersion exposure is performed, and further to execute a step of performing water repellent treatment on the side surface portion of the substrate after the first development and before the second exposure is performed.
US08163468B2 Method of reducing photoresist defects during fabrication of a semiconductor device
Reducing or eliminating watermark-type defects during semiconductor device fabrication are described and can comprise treating photoresist using one of several embodiments. In some embodiments, the propensity for defect formation is reduced/eliminated by conditioning the photoresist surface through the application and removal of a sacrificial overcoat. In other embodiments, existing defects are reduced/eliminated by exposing the photoresist surface to a defect-stripping material during post-develop processing.
US08163462B2 Photosensitive composition, method for forming pattern, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
The present invention relates to a photosensitive composition, which is capable of being irradiated with high energy beam having a wave length of 1 to 300 nm band. The photosensitive composition includes a binder resin; and a photoelectron absorbent, capable of being excited with photoelectron emitted from the binder resin that absorbs the high energy beam, when the binder resin is irradiated with the high energy beam.
US08163461B2 Photoacid generator compounds and compositions
The invention provides various photoacid generator compounds and ionic components thereof. Photoresist compositions that include the ions and non-ionic photoacid generator compounds are also provided. The invention further provides methods of making and using the photoacid generator compounds and photoresist compositions disclosed herein. The compounds and compositions are useful as photoactive components in chemically amplified resist compositions for use in, for example, various microfabrication applications.
US08163460B2 Underlayer coating forming composition for lithography containing polysilane compound
There is provided an underlayer coating for lithography that is used in lithography process of the manufacture of semiconductor devices, that can be used as a hardmask, and that causes no intermixing with photoresists; and a composition for forming the underlayer coating.The composition comprises a polysilane compound, a crosslinkable compound, a crosslinking catalyst and a solvent. The polysilane compound is preferably a polysilane compound having a bond between silicons at the main chain.
US08163458B2 Method of manufacturing toner, toner, two-component developer, developing device, and image forming apparatus
A toner capable of forming high quality images of excellent image reproducibility at high definition and high resolution, being decreased for the bleed-out of a wax ingredient to the surface, causing less filming to a photoreceptor and offset phenomenon in a high temperature region, is provided. The toner is manufactured by a method including a preliminary pulverizing step of pulverizing a melt-kneaded product of toner raw materials in a liquid to obtain a coarse powder slurry containing a coarse toner powder, a finely pulverizing step of passing the coarse powder slurry through a pressure resistant nozzle under heating and pressurization thereby further pulverizing the coarse toner powder to obtain a fine powder slurry containing a fine toner powder and in a heated and pressurized state, a cooling step of cooling the fine powder slurry, and a depressurizing step of depressurizing the fine powder slurry.
US08163457B2 Process for preparing toner for electrophotography
A process for preparing a toner for electrophotography containing mother toner particles which contain a resin binder containing a crystalline polyester and a linear amorphous polyester and an external additive, wherein the process includes an external addition step of mixing the mother toner particles and at least a part of the external additive and the step of carrying out a heat-treating step at the external addition step or later. The toner for electrophotography obtained according to the present invention is suitably used for, for example, developing a latent image formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method, or the like.
US08163455B2 Toner for image formation, method for producing toner, container containing toner, two-component developer, process cartridge, and image forming method
Provided is a toner for image formation, granulated by dispersing, emulsifying, or both dispersing and emulsifying an oil phase containing toner constituting materials in an aqueous medium. The toner constituting materials contain a binder resin, a colorant and a pigment dispersant which is a polyester derivative having an acid value of 28 to 50 mgKOH/g and an amine value of 1 to 50 mgKOH/g, and satisfy the following Expressions 1 and 2, where Expression 1 represents a mass ratio, α is a glass transition temperature of the binder resin, and β is a glass transition temperature of a mixture of the binder resin and the pigment dispersant in the ratio of Expression 1. Binder resin:Pigment dispersant=100:5  Expression 1 0° C.≦α−β≦10° C.  Expression 2
US08163454B2 Resin composition for toner, and toner using the resin composition
Disclosed is a resin composition for toners, which contains a resin (D) obtained by reacting a styrene polymer (A) containing an active hydrogen group and having a peak molecular weight (Mp) of not less than 30,000 but not more than 2,000,000, a styrene polymer (B) containing a carboxyl group and having a peak molecular weight (Mp) of not less than 2,000 but not more than 20,000, and a crosslinkable compound (C) having an isocyanate group.
US08163449B2 Anti-static and slippery anti-curl back coating
The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to the formulation of an anticurl back coating layer that renders imaging apparatus flexible members and components their desirable flatness, for use in electrostatographic, including digital apparatuses. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to an imaging member comprising an anticurl back coating layer formulated to comprise a polymer blend of an anti-static polymer and a low surface energy A-B diblock copolymer polymer and an adhesion promoter. The embodiments provide an imaging member belt with the anticurl back coating that is electrically conductive and also substantially reduces its surface contact friction to help suppress/eliminate tribo-electrical charge build-up at the backside of the imaging member belt under normal machine imaging member belt operational conditions in the field.
US08163447B2 Colored photocurable composition for solid state image pick-up device, color filter and method for production thereof, and solid state image pick-up device
A colored photocurable composition for a solid state image pick-up device, the composition including at least (A) a dispersion resin having an unsaturation equivalent of less than 600, (B) a pigment, (C) a photopolymerization initiator, and (D) a polyfunctional photopolymerizable compound having an acidic functional group and/or an alkyleneoxy chain.
US08163442B2 Method for manufacturing catalyst-coated membrane using mask
Disclosed are a method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane, the catalyst-coated membrane manufactured by the method, and a fuel cell including the catalyst-coated membrane manufactured by the method. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a mask including a masking film layer and a first adhesive layer laminated on the masking film layer, and having patterns in which portions corresponding to the portions of an electrolyte membrane to be coated with catalyst are removed; (b) attaching the mask on one surface or both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane; (c) coating catalyst ink on the electrolyte membrane through the patterns of the mask so as to form a catalyst layer; and (d) removing the masking film layer and the first adhesive layer.
US08163440B2 Fuel cell and control method therefor
A multi-channel pump includes a pump chamber, an inflow passage connected to the pump chamber, two or more outflow passages connected to the pump chamber, outflow side active valves provided so as to correspond to the outflow passages, and a movable body reciprocated to change a volumetric capacity of the pump chamber. The movable body may be a piston reciprocated within a cylinder that is connected to the pump chamber. A control method for a multi-channel pump includes an initial discharge step between a suction step and a discharge step. The multi-channel pump may be preferably utilized in a fuel cell.
US08163439B2 Electrolyte membranes and methods of use
N-heterocyclic functionalized polymers and methods of use in fuel cells. Phenoxy-substituted polyphosphazenes and phosphazene trimers functionalized with azoles can provide polymer electrolyte membranes with high thermal stability coupled with a large number of proton binding sites per monomer unit.
US08163431B2 Bipolar plate for fuel cell comprising a housing for measuring connector
Bipolar plate for a fuel cell, of the type comprising a cathode bipolar half-plate and an anode bipolar half-plate which are secured to each other, each bipolar half-plate (1) being constituted by a plate which comprises, in the central portion thereof, an active zone (2) and, at the peripheral portion thereof, a plurality of cut-outs (5) which are intended to constitute at least two oxidant units, at least two fuel units and at least two heat-exchange fluid units, at least one bipolar half-plate (1) comprising at least one connection between a peripheral cut-out (5) and the active zone (2), and comprising, at the periphery thereof, at least one hollow housing (140) which is intended to receive a connector (141) for electrical measurement.
US08163427B2 Nonaqueous electrolytic solution for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery using the same
A non-aqueous electrolytic solution is advantageously used in preparation of a lithium secondary battery excellent in cycle characteristics. In the non-aqueous electrolytic solution for a lithium secondary battery, an electrolyte salt is dissolved in a non-aqueous solvent. The non-aqueous electrolytic solution further contains a vinylene carbonate compound in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt. %, and an alkyne compound in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt. %.
US08163424B2 Secondary battery
A secondary battery includes: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; a porous electron-insulating layer adhered to a surface of at least one selected from the group consisting of the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and an electrolyte. The porous electron-insulating layer comprises a particulate filler and a resin binder, and the particulate filler comprises an indefinite-shape particle comprising a plurality of primary particles that are joined to one another. A neck is preferably formed between the primary particles. Since the porous electron-insulating layer has high porosity, it is possible to obtain a secondary battery that exhibits excellent low-temperature characteristics, which are particularly important in actual use, and that is capable of discharging at a large current.
US08163421B2 High durability lithium-ion cells
A rechargeable battery and a method of fabricating which includes stacking a plurality of electrode pages having an uncoated portion between portions coated with an active electrode material. The electrode pages are arranged in a stack and an overall current collector is connected at the uncoated portion in order to form an electrode booklet. The overall current collector maintains the arrangement of the electrode pages and electrically connects all of the uncoated portions of the electrode pages. A tilted stack of electrode pages is utilized when a large number of electrodes are desired to result in a battery cell having a vertical orientation.
US08163414B2 Electrical device having a battery pack with an easy attachment and release mechanism
An electrical device has a device body defining a cavity for receiving a battery pack, the battery pack has an arm and a sleeve that at least partially surrounds the arm, and the sleeve is rotatable relative to the arm around an axis of rotation.
US08163412B2 Battery cell interconnect and voltage sensing assembly and method for coupling a battery cell assembly thereto
A battery cell interconnect and voltage sensing assembly and a method for coupling a battery cell assembly thereto are provided. The battery cell interconnect and voltage sensing assembly includes a frame member holding a plurality of electrical interconnect members and a circuit board with an electrical connector. The assembly routes an electrical current from battery cell assemblies through the electrical interconnect members and can allow a voltage at each of the electrical interconnect members to be sensed at the electrical connector.
US08163407B2 Method for controlling sodium-sulfur battery
In a method for controlling a sodium-sulfur battery, a time of correcting or resetting a depth of discharge of the sodium-sulfur battery is determined within a predetermined period based on weather information, and the depth of discharge of the sodium-sulfur battery is corrected or reset in the determined time. According to this sodium-sulfur battery control method, the depth of discharge of the sodium-sulfur battery can be accurately managed in a small-scale interconnected system.
US08163405B2 System, method and apparatus for multiple anisotropy layered magnetic structures for controlling reversal mechanism and tightening of switching field distribution in bit patterned media
Multiple anisotropy layered magnetic structures for controlling reversal mechanism and tightening of switching field distribution in bit patterned media are disclosed. The invention extends the exchange spring concept to more variable and sophisticated structures. Three or more layers with different anisotropy or anisotropy gradients increase writeability gains beyond the simple hard/soft bilayer exchange spring concept for BPM. The structures have a thin very hard, high anisotropy center layer that acts as a threshold or pinning layer for domain wall propagation through the entire media structure. In addition or alternatively, a thin very soft, low anisotropy center layer in between the commonly used soft surface layer and hard media layer allows quick initial propagation of the domain wall into the center of the media structure. Various properties of the media structures can be tuned more independently for optimization if using more advanced multi-anisotropy layer stacks.
US08163400B2 Plated article having metal thin film formed by electroless plating, and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a plated article that has a thin seed layer having a uniform thickness, formed by electroless plating and allowing formation of ultrafine wiring, and that avoids the complicated formation of a bilayer of a barrier layer and a catalytic metal layer prior to forming the seed layer. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the plated article. The plated article has an alloy thin film formed on a substrate and containing a catalytically active metal (A) for electroless plating and a metal (B) capable of undergoing displacement plating with a metal ion contained in an electroless plating solution, and a metal thin film formed on the alloy thin film by electroless displacement and reduction plating. The alloy thin film of the catalytically active metal (A) and the metal (B) capable of displacement plating has a composition comprising 5at% to 40at% of the metal (A). The metal thin film formed by electroless displacement and reduction plating is a metal thin film having a thickness no greater than 10 nm and a resistivity no greater than 10 μΩ·cm. Preferably, the metal (B) has a barrier function with respect to a metal of the metal thin film.
US08163399B2 Damped products and methods of making and using the same
Various embodiments of the invention include products and parts including a frictional damping means and methods of making and using the same.
US08163397B2 Method and apparatus for providing hermetic electrical feedthrough
A method and apparatus suitable for forming hermetic electrical feedthroughs in a ceramic sheet having a thickness of .ltoreq.40 mils. More particularly, the method yields an apparatus including a hermetic electrical feedthrough which is both biocompatible and electrochemically stable and suitable for implantation in a patient's body. The method involves: (a) providing an unfired, ceramic sheet having a thickness of .ltoreq.40 mils and preferably comprising .ltoreq.99% aluminum oxide; (b) forming multiple blind holes in said sheet; (c) inserting solid wires, preferably of platinum, in said holes; (d) firing the assembly of sheet and wires to a temperature sufficient to sinter the sheet material but insufficient to melt the wires; and (e) removing sufficient material from the sheet lower surface so that the lower ends of said wires are flush with the finished sheet lower surface.
US08163395B2 Method for coating metals
Process for coating metallic surfaces with a copolymer of olefins and/or dienes, acidic monomers and, optionally, further monomers, the metal surfaces being contaminated with oil and/or grease, and the contamination not being removed prior to coating. Metallic surface obtainable by means of the process.
US08163391B2 Surface treated steel sheet
A surface treated steel sheet has a surface treatment film including a metallic compound containing titanium, a metallic compound containing magnesium, a cationic urethane resin having at least one cationic functional group selected from primary to tertiary amino groups and quaternary ammonium bases, and a cationic phenol polycondensate which is a polycondensate of a phenol compound with an aldehyde and has a cationic functional group, wherein the titanium content in the surface treatment film is in the range of 1 mass % to 4 mass % based on a total solid content; the magnesium content in the surface treatment film is in the range of 0.2 mass % to 2 mass % based on a total solid content; the cationic urethane resin content in the surface treatment film is in the range of 20 mass % to 35 mass % based on a total solid content; the cationic phenol polycondensate content in the surface treatment film is in the range of 25 mass % to 40 mass % based on a total solid content; and the mass ratio of the cationic urethane resin to the cationic phenol polycondensate is in the range of 33.3:66.7 to 49:51.
US08163382B2 Glass ceramic self-supporting film and process for its production
A glass ceramic self-supporting film that includes silica (SiO2) matrix glass and fine crystalline zirconia (ZrO2) particles dispersed in the matrix glass. A process for production of a glass ceramic self-supporting film wherein the process includes the steps of combining a colloidal silica sol having a pH of 4 or less, a zirconium-containing compound and an organic binder to produce a mixture, coating the mixture onto a base material, drying the mixture on the coated base material to form a precursor film on the base material, releasing the precursor film from the base material, and firing the released precursor film.
US08163381B2 Multi-layer chip carrier and process for making
Provided, are multi-layer chip carriers comprising an asymmetric cross-linked polymeric dielectric film, and processes for making the chip carriers.
US08163380B2 Damping composition with improved bakability
Compositions for damping the vibration of mechanical components, such as those used in vehicles, are disclosed and described. The compositions comprise a water-based polymer resin and a drying control agent. The drying control agent minimizes the occurrence of cracks and swelling in the damping coating films when the coating films are baked and dried.
US08163374B2 Formation of close-packed sphere arrays in V-shaped grooves
The present invention relates to the self-assembly of a spherical-morphology block copolymer into V-shaped grooves of a substrate. Although spherical morphology block copolymers typically form a body-centered cubic system (bcc) sphere array in bulk, the V-shaped grooves promote the formation of a face-centered cubic system (fcc) sphere array that is well ordered. In one embodiment, the (111) planes of the fcc sphere array are parallel to the angled side walls of the V-shaped groove. The (100) plane of the fcc sphere array is parallel to the top surface of the substrate, and may show a square symmetry among adjacent spheres. This square symmetry is unlike the hexagonal symmetry seen in monolayers of spherical domains and is a useful geometry for lithography applications, especially those used in semiconductor applications.
US08163371B2 Mat
An improved mat is disclosed. Long and short legs support the mat and cause it to feel resilient although it is fabricated from hard rubber. The mat has drain holes on vertical surfaces. Ribs prevent the mat from embedding within grating. Grit is selectively placed upon the mat and physically supported. Adhesive for bonding the grit is retained by retention lips. Also disclosed is a process for creating drain holes on vertical surfaces of mats by attaching a grooving tool to a robot and programming the robot to cut through molded mat channels to create the desired drain holes. An additional process uses the robot to selectively place adhesive upon the mat. An adhesive dispenser is attached to the robot and the robot is appropriately programmed.
US08163368B2 Composite leg for landing gear assembly
A composite leg for a landing gear assembly includes a composite compression cap including reinforcing fibers that provide strength in compression, and a tension cap including reinforcing fibers that provide strength in tension. The composite leg further includes a torque box including carbon reinforcing fibers for providing torsional rigidity of the leg and carrying shear flow between the caps. The carbon fibers in the torque box are oriented at +θ and −θ with respect to a longitudinal axis of the leg, where θ is between 35 and 55 degrees.
US08163365B2 Repositionable labels using dot patterned adhesive
A method for forming a sheet of label material is provided. The label material is used to form a label for placement on an object and for subsequent removal from the object without damaging the object. The method includes providing a paper substrate that has an adhesive receiving face and coating an adhesive on the adhesive receiving face of the paper substrate using a gravure coater to form a repetitive pattern of adhesive areas. For example, repetitive dots of adhesive assure a uniform, discontinuous coating of adhesive that allows repositioning of the label, that prevents tearing of or damage to a substrate when the label is removed, including from a newspaper, and that maintains sufficient adhesion to adhere to difficult substrates such as textured surfaces. The adhesive is a water based adhesive. In alternative embodiments, the adhesive is coated on an adhesive receiving face of a release liner, and the adhesive receiving face of the paper substrate removably adheres to the release liner. The label material may include ink printed on a print receiving face of the paper substrate. The sheet of material may be die cut to form an irregularly shaped label.
US08163364B2 Flexible unbonded pipe and a method for producing such pipe
The present invention relates to a flexible unbonded pipe comprising an inner liner capable of forming a barrier against outflow of a fluid which is conveyed through the pipe, and one or more armouring layers on the outer side of the inner liner. The flexible unbonded pipe comprises at least one polymer layer and at least one film layer, the polymer layer being bonded to the film layer via one or more bondings selected from the group of chemical bondings and physical bondings. The film layer may preferably be a metal film layer. The polymer layer may preferably be cross-linked polyethylene. The interfacial bonding between the polymer layer and the film layer should preferably be sufficiently strong to prevent creation of gas pockets between the layers when subjected to an increased pressure of aggressive fluids on the film side of the pipe.
US08163363B2 Dunnage platform
A dunnage platform is in the general shape of a rectangular slab with legs extending form one side. The dunnage platform is made from an expanded polystyrene core. A chemical combination process is used to chemically combine portion of the core proximal to its surface with high impact polystyrene. In a first of two parts of the combination process, the core is placed in a forming mold with one of its two sides and two thirds of its thickness extending therefrom. A heated sheet of high impact polystyrene is brought into contact with the portion of the core extending from the mold. In a similar manner, the other of the two sides of the core is made to extend from the forming mold for contact with a heated sheet of high impact polystyrene.
US08163354B2 Process for obtaining a hard coated article having anti-fouling properties
Process for obtaining a hard coated article having anti-fouling properties, including, for example, an optical article such as an ophthalmic lens, comprising a substrate coated with a hard coating providing abrasion resistance and hardness and adhesion to the anti-fouling coating, and the article obtained from such process.
US08163352B2 Method for smoothing cementitious slurry in the production of structural cementitious panels
A vibrating smoothing device or plate transverse to a direction of travel of deposited gypsum-cementitious slurry and embedded chopped fibers. The plate is used to smooth the top surface of the slurry panel as it exits a first fiber embedment station and a second slurry depositing station before passing through a second fiber embedment station of a structural cementitious panel production line to remove grooves and other non-uniform surface imperfections to have the slurry cover the embedded fibers. The plate is designed to float over the surface of the formed slurry without tearing or otherwise damaging the surface of the heavily fiber reinforced surface layers of the formed slurry before it sets. The vibrating plate is pivotally mounted on the web production line so it can float over the panel surface during use, but be raised off the line when not in use.
US08163346B2 System and method for marking honeycombs and associating manufacturing data therewith
Both a system and method for marking honeycomb structures is provided. The system includes a printing station having a print head moveable relative to a log that prints an identification mark for each structure to be cut from the log; an elevation mechanism that positions the log relative to the printing station, sensors for determining a distance between the print head and log; and a length measuring sensor. A processor is connected to the printing station, elevation mechanism, and length measuring sensor which (a) associates an identification code with the log, (b) generates a separate identification mark for each honeycomb structure to be cut from the log, (c) controls the elevation mechanism to place the log at a desired location relative to the print head of the printing station, and (d) receives length data from the length sensor. The processor then determines cut locations for the log that define the ends of the green body honeycomb structures to be cut, and directs the printing station to print one of the identification marks on a location along the length of said log corresponding to one of said structures defined between the cut locations. A method of associating the honeycomb structures with manufacturing data is also provided.
US08163345B2 Methods utilizing scanning probe microscope tips and products therefor or produced thereby
The invention provides a lithographic method referred to as “dip pen” nanolithography (DPN). Capillary transport of molecules from the SPM tip to the solid substrate is used in DPN to directly write patterns consisting of a relatively small collection of molecules in submicrometer dimensions, making DPN useful in the fabrication of a variety of microscale and nanoscale devices. The invention also provides substrates patterned by DPN and kits for performing DPN. The invention further provides a method of performing AFM imaging in air. The method comprises coating an AFM tip with a hydrophobic compound, the hydrophobic compound being selected so that AFM imaging performed using the coated AFM tip is improved compared to AFM imaging performed using an uncoated AFM tip. Finally, the invention provides AFM tips coated with the hydrophobic compounds.
US08163343B2 Method of forming an aluminum oxide layer
Methods of forming aluminum oxide layers on substrates are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes depositing an aluminum oxide seed layer on the substrate using a first process having a first deposition rate. The method further includes depositing a bulk aluminum oxide layer atop the seed layer using a metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process having a second deposition rate greater than the first deposition rate.
US08163340B2 Carbon nanotube film structure and method for making the same
A carbon nanotube film structure includes at least one carbon nanotube film or at least two stacked carbon nanotube films. Each carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of ultralong carbon nanotubes parallel to the surface of the carbon nanotube film and parallel to each other. A length of the ultralong carbon nanotube is equal to or greater than 1 centimeter. The invention is also related to a method for making the above-described carbon nanotube film structure.
US08163337B2 Vapour deposition method
In a vapor deposition method which can be used to deposit mixtures of materials in progressively varying amounts on a substrate (1) and which can be used for a variety of purposes, but is of especial value in combinatorial chemistry, the path of the vaporized material from the source (3) to the substrate (1) is partially interrupted by a mask (5), the positioning of the mask in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the substrate (1) being such that the material is deposited on the substrate (1) in a thickness which increases substantially continuously in a direction along the substrate (1).
US08163335B2 Particle cluster, composite structure formation method, and formation system
A particle cluster for an aerosol deposition method, the particle cluster includes: an assembly packed with a plurality of fine particles including brittle material fine particles, the particle clusters having a spatula angle of 46.2° or less.
US08163331B2 Multilayer ceramic capacitor with terminal formed by electroless plating
A terminal to, most commonly, a ceramic capacitor, most commonly a multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC), is formed by electroless plating, also known as electroless deposition or simply as electrodeposition. In the MLCC having a multiple parallel interior plates brought to, and exposed at, at least one, first, surface, an electrically-conductive first-metal layer, preferably Cu, is electrolessly deposited upon this first surface directly in contact with, mechanically connected to, and electrically connected to, the edges of these interior plates. Lateral growth of the electrolessly-deposited first-metal is sufficient to span from exposed plate to exposed plate, electrically connecting the plates. One or more top layers, preferably one of Ni and one of Sn and Pb, are deposited, preferably by plating and more preferably by electrolytic plating, on top of the electrolessly-deposited Cu.
US08163323B2 Baking system and process with intermediate proofing
A method for preparing bread includes forming a dough billet and providing a frame including a sling of flexible cloth material secured between two cross members, the sling defining an elongate trough sized to receive the dough billet. The dough billet is disposed in the elongate trough such that the dough billet has a predetermined orientation and the dough billet is moved into a cutting station using a conveyor. The dough billet is scored in the sling at the predetermined orientation with an automated cutting station. The dough billet is removed from the elongate trough by raising the dough billet by pressing a contact element against a bottom of the sling and taking the raised dough billet from the frame. The dough billet is also cooked on an oven floor.
US08163320B2 Stabiliser system for liquid nutritional compositions
A liquid nutritional composition includes partially hydrolysed protein, fat and from 0.1 to 10 grams per liter of an emulsifier with a hydrophilic lipophilic balance value of less than 5, from 0.1 to 10 grams per liter of an emulsifier with a hydrophilic lipophilic balance value of more than 5 and from 0.01 to 20 grams per liter of a low amylose starch is shown.
US08163318B2 Capsule for the preparation of a beverage
Capsule for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage machine comprising an enclosure (20) containing one or more beverage ingredients, filtering means (22) delimiting at least one filtering side of the enclosure, beverage flow guiding means (40) for guiding the beverage to a beverage outlet (41b) of the capsule, a shell (21) and a protective cover (4) that is attached to the shell in order to form a gas tight container for the beverage ingredients. The capsule further comprises an overflow wall (3) that is positioned in the path of the brewed liquid after the filtering means (22) and comprises at least one overflow aperture (25). The capsule further comprises opening means comprising an opening element (43) configured to open the gas-tight container in order to create the beverage outlet (41). The beverage flow guiding means (40) and the opening element (43) are integrally housed in the gas-tight container.
US08163316B2 Yogurt with a two-phase structure and method for production thereof
The invention relates to a yogurt with a two-phase structure, comprising fat globules connected to a mixed system of protein material and fatty material and globules of free fat into which a flavor preparation can be incorporated. The invention further relates to a yogurt with a two-phase structure into which a chocolate preparation or a vanilla preparation containing chocolate chips has been incorporated and, furthermore, a method for production of such a yogurt with a two-phase structure.
US08163310B2 Plant invigorator
A plant invigorator which may contain the following ingredients per litre: 10%-33% anion surfactants; 5%-18% non-ionic surfactants; 2%-20% ethanol or methylated spirits or cider vinegar; 25%-60% de-mineralised aqueous solution; 0.01 ml-4 ml natural extract such as vanilla, almond or strawberry; 0.01-5 grams food grade coloring; 0.01-5 grams lanolin or 0.5 ml-15 ml glycerine or 0.5 ml to 5 ml paraffin oil.
US08163309B2 Starch foam microparticles
The present invention relates to starch foam microparticles having a porous structure, and which typically have a diameter of less than or equal to about 50 microns. The present invention also relates to novel uses for the starch foam microparticles in beekeeping and in the pharmaceutical, plastics and fragrance industries.
US08163307B2 Controlled release compositions for interferon based PEGT/PBT block copolymers and method for preparation thereof
The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition for the controlled release of relatively toxic active compounds, in particular for bioactive proteins from the class of interferons. The composition comprises a biodegradable block copolymer constructed from poly(ethylene glycol) terephthalate (PEGT) and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT). The composition is provided in the form of injectable microparticles, of an injectable liquid which may have self-gelling properties, or of a solid implant. The invention further provides a pharmaceutical kit comprising the composition, methods for preparing the composition, and the pharmaceutical uses relating thereto.
US08163305B2 Targeted cross-linked nanoparticles and their use in vivo gene delivery
The in vivo delivery of nucleic acids is targeted by delivery of the nucleic acid in a complex with cross-linked nanoparticles; where the nanoparticles comprise cross-linked neutral amphipathic molecules, cationic amphipathic molecules and targeting amphipathic molecules. Optionally the cationic and targeting amphipathic molecules are also cross-linked. A targeting moiety present on the targeting amphipathic molecule provides for selective delivery of the complex to a predetermined target site, e.g. blood vessels, endothelial cells, tumor cells, liver cells, and the like.
US08163303B2 Nutritional composition for the treatment of pressure ulcers
The invention pertains to a method of treating or preventing pressure ulcers, comprising enterally administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising proteins, carbohydrates, fats, arginine or equivalents thereof, ascorbic acid equivalents and a-tocopherol equivalents, wherein arginine or equivalents thereof is administered in a daily amount of 3-15 g, ascorbic acid equivalents are administered in a daily amount of 180-840 mg and a-tocopherol equivalents are administered in a daily amount of 50-400 mg.
US08163299B2 Stabilized pharmaceutical product
Use of an adsorbent and a sealed package (e.g. an overwrap) to protect a pharmaceutical product in a solid state in the presence of a reducing sugar.
US08163296B2 Dimensional analysis of saccharide conjugates with GPC and SEC-MALS
GPC (gel permeation chromatography) and size exclusion chromatography with detection by multi-angle light scattering photometry (SEC-MALS) can be used to accurately measure molecular size and molar mass, respectively, of saccharide conjugates. The invention provides (a) a process for measuring the molecular size of a conjugated saccharide antigen within a sample, comprising a step of analyzing the sample by GPC, and (b) a process for measuring the molar mass of a conjugated saccharide antigen within a sample, comprising a step of analysing the sample by SEC-MALS.
US08163295B2 Outer membrane vesicles and uses thereof
The present invention discloses a Gram negative bacterium in which the expression of a protein involved in LPS transport to the outer membrane is functionally down-regulated such that the level of LPS in the outer membrane is decreased compared to a wild-type Gram negative bacterium. Down regulation of Imp and MsbA proteins can result in such a bacterium. Outer membrane vesicle preparations derived from the Gram negative bacterium of the invention can be used in vaccines to provide protection against bacterial infection.
US08163293B2 Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara for the vaccination of neonates
The invention concerns the use of a virus for the preparation of a medicament for the vaccination or treatment of a neonatal or prenatal animal, including a human, wherein the virus is capable of infecting the cells of the neonatal or prenatal animal, including a human, but not capable of being replicated to infectious progeny virus in the neonatal or prenatal animal, including a human. The virus is preferably a Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara. In particular, the invention concerns an attenuated virus, which is derived from Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus, wherein the MVA-BN virus, or a derivative thereof, induces at least substantially the same level of immunity in vaccinia virus prime/vaccinia virus boost regimes when compared to DNA prime/vaccinia virus boost regimes.
US08163290B2 Glycolipids and analogues thereof as antigens for NKT cells
This invention relates to immunogenic compounds which serve as ligands for NKT (natural killer T) cells and to methods of use thereof in modulating immune responses.
US08163289B2 Methods and compositions involving polymeric immunoglobulin fusion proteins
The present invention concerns inventive polypeptides. The present invention also concerns compositions and vaccines comprising the inventive polypeptides. In other embodiments of the invention, the inventive polypeptides are provided to a subject, used to vaccinate, or used to induce immunity. Other embodiments include methods for making the inventive polypeptides and nucleic acids used to encode the inventive polypeptides.
US08163287B2 Combination therapy of her expressing tumors
The invention relates to tumors expressing HER2 and EGFR, using HER2-dimerization inhibitors (HDIs) and EGFR inhibitors.
US08163285B2 Nogo-A binding molecules and pharmaceutical use thereof
The present invention provides a binding molecule which is capable of binding to the human NogoA polypeptide or human NiG with a dissociation constant<1000 nM, a polynucleotide encoding such binding molecule; an expression vector comprising said polynucleotide; an expression system comprising a polynucleotide capable of producing a binding molecule; an isolated host cell which comprises an expression system as defined above; the use of such binding molecule as a pharmaceutical, especially in the treatment of a disease of the peripheral (PNS) and/or central (CNS) nervous system; a pharmaceutical composition comprising said binding molecule; and a method of treatment of a disease of the peripheral (PNS) and/or central (CNS) nervous system.
US08163278B2 Methods for treating pervasive development disorders
A method of determining the efficacy of secretin, neuropeptides, peptides, and/or digestive enzymes for treatment of an individual diagnosed with a pervasive development disorder, such as autism, where the individual has an abnormal fecal chymotrypsin level and exhibits a lack of protein digestion. A sample of feces is obtained from the individual in order to determine a quantitative level of chymotrypsin in the sample. The quantitative level of chymotrypsin is used to determine the efficacy of treating the individual with secretin, neuropeptides, peptides, and/or digestive enzymes. If it is determined, based on the individual's fecal chymotrypsin level, that the individual would benefit from the administration of secretin, neuropeptides, peptides, and/or digestive enzymes, then the amount necessary to effect a change in the individual's autistic behavior is determined by the individual's fecal chymotrypsin level, age and weight.
US08163273B2 Process for permanently reshaping the hair using aminosilicones
An improvement of a process for permanently reshaping keratin fibres, comprising the application to the keratin fibres, before the reducing operation and/or after the fixing operation, of a pre-treatment and/or post-treatment cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle, at least one aminosilicone microemulsion, the number-average primary size of the particles in the at least one microemulsion ranging from 3 to 70 nm.
US08163268B2 EMM-11, a novel synthetic crystalline microporous material, its preparation and use
EMM-11 is a novel synthetic crystalline microporous material having a single crystalline phase with a unique 3-dimensional channel system comprising three sets of channels, namely a first set comprising 10-ring channels, and a second set and third set comprising 8-ring channels. EMM-11 has unique T-atom connectivity and X-ray diffraction pattern which identify it as a novel material. EMM-11 may be prepared with an organic structure directing agent, preferably, 3-isopropyl-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium. EMM-11 may be used in organic compounds conversion and absorptive processes.
US08163262B1 Method for production of nitrogen trifluoride from trimethylsilylamines
Presented is a method for Batch or continuous production of nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) using direct fluorination of organic solution of trimethylsilylamines at low temperatures. Fluorine gas reacts with a solution of tris(trimethylsilyl)amine or bis(trimethylsilyl)amine in a suitable reactor to produce NF3 in a continuous flow process. The crude product can be purified by a channeling the crude process flow through a scrubber to remove reactive byproducts and by cryogenic trapping of other non reactive byproducts in the process flow. Temperatures in the reaction and storage vessels are maintained to control the reaction products based on thermodynamics of the process and products. NF3 is liquefiable at −126 degree Centigrade, and may be collected and used in other processes. The method also produce NF3 as a continuous gas flow process where fluorine is channeled to contact micro droplet suspensions of bis(trimethylsilyl)amines in sulfur hexafluoride.
US08163259B2 Intergrown molecular sieve, its synthesis and its use in the conversion of oxygenates to olefins
A molecular sieve comprises at least one intergrown phase of an AFX framework-type molecular sieve and a CHA framework-type molecular sieve and is conveniently synthesized using a combination of N,N,N′N′-tetramethylhexane-1,6-diamine and N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine as organic directing agents.
US08163257B2 Fluid dispenser
A cartridge (10) for dispensing a reagent contained in a reagent reservoir (32). The reservoir (32) is in fluid communication with a deformable dispense tube (26) that is a least partially compressible, in use, to dispense a volume of reagent from the tube (26). The reservoir (32) defines an enclosed gas space (46) above the reagent, and the cartridge (10) includes a gas vent (40) that, in use, admits gas to the gas space (46) in response to dispense of reagent from the tube (26) that serves to control the reservoir pressure as the reservoir (32) is depleted by subsequent dispensing of reagent. A dispenser employing the cartridge (10) and a method of dispensing a volume of reagent are also disclosed.
US08163254B1 Micromanifold assembly
A micromanifold for connecting external capillaries to the inlet and/or outlet ports of a microfluidic device can employ a ferrule/capillary assembly that includes: (a) a ferrule comprising an elongated member and having a bore traversing from a proximal end to a distal end of the member, wherein the bore has an inner surface and wherein the distal end of the ferrule has a tapered, threaded exterior surface, and (b) a capillary that is positioned within the bore wherein the capillary's outer surface is in direct contact with the bore's inner surface. No mating sleeve is required for the one-piece ferrule. Alternatively, the capillaries can be bonded to channels that traverse the manifold and therefore obviate the need for a ferrule.
US08163253B1 Method for collecting, storing, transporting and assaying a specimen
A tamper-proof, point-of-collection specimen assay apparatus including three selectively connectable and sealable chambers, including a first chamber for receiving a specimen, a second chamber housing a specimen testing device and a specimen transfer site positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber for selectively depositing a portion of the specimen from the first chamber into the second chamber and a third chamber having inlets for depositing another portion of the specimen from the first chamber into the third chamber.
US08163250B2 Holding sealing material, method for rolling holding sealing material, and exhaust gas purifying apparatus
A holding sealing material includes a mat including an inorganic fibrous material. In a plan view, the mat has a basic quadrangular shape consisting of long sides extending in a longitudinal direction and short sides substantially perpendicular to the long sides. The mat has a recessed portion at one of the short sides and a projected portion at another of the short sides, whereby the projected and recessed portions should fit to each other when the mat is rolled around a periphery of a member to be wrapped. In a cross-sectional view, the projected portion is a quadrangle and the recessed portion is a gap between two quadrangles. At least one corner portion of the projected portion is cut out on a side of the member to be wrapped or another corner portion of the quadrangle of the projected or recessed portions is cut out.
US08163243B1 Zero-G condensing heat exchanger with integral disinfection
The system that operates in a zero gravity environment and has an integral ozone generating capability is disclosed. The system contributes to the control of metabolic water vapors in the air, and also provided disinfection of any resulting condensate within the system, as well as disinfection of the air stream that flows throughout the disclosed system.
US08163242B2 Portable gas monitor
A portable monitor used to measure landfill gas and landfill well parameters. The portable monitor includes a control unit and a measuring unit that can communication wirelessly with one another. The control unit and/or measuring unit can includes a heating arrangement to increase the temperature of one or more components in the control unit and/or measuring unit in cold environments.
US08163239B2 Sample analyzer
The sample analyzer comprises a transporting device for transporting a rack for holding a plurality of containers containing samples respectively and having a recording part in which identifying information has been recorded that identifies the rack, a reading device for reading the identifying information from the recording part of the transported rack, an aspirating device including an aspirating tube for aspirating the sample from the container, a controller for controlling the operation of the aspirating device based on the identifying information read by the reading device, and an analyzing device for analyzing a measurement sample that includes the aspirated sample.
US08163237B2 Vascular access device pathogenic status indication
A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a pathogen is in communication with the vascular access device.
US08163232B2 Method for making functionally graded cemented tungsten carbide with engineered hard surface
A method for manufacturing functionally graded cemented tungsten carbide with hard and wear-resistant surface and tough core is described. The said functionally graded cemented tungsten carbide (WC—Co) has a surface layer having a reduced amount of cobalt. Such a hard surface and tough core structure is an example of functionally graded materials in which mechanical properties are optimized by the unique combination of wear-resistance and toughness. WC—Co with reduced-cobalt surface layer may be fabricated through a carburization heat treatment process following conventional liquid phase sintering. The graded WC—Co thus obtained contains no brittle η phase.
US08163231B2 Apparatus and a method for tapping metal
An apparatus and a method for tapping molten metal from below a molten electrolyte layer less dense than the metal is described. The apparatus comprises a pipe comprising a protruding enlarged wall portion at an operative end which is immersed in the molten electrolyte and metal during tapping operation. The enlarged wall portion helps to minimize entrainment of electrolyte residue from the electrolyte/metal interface during tapping. The orientation of the enlarged wall portion may be in the general direction of the crucible.
US08163229B2 Apparatus and method for supporting continuous casting nozzle, sliding nozzle system and continuous casting nozzle
A continuous-casting-nozzle support apparatus capable of enhancing sealing performance between a continuous casting nozzle and an SN device. The continuous-casting-nozzle support apparatus comprises: a holding mechanism 40 disposed to extend from a stationary column 10 fixed onto a supporting surface, and adapted to be turnable in a horizontal direction and swingable or movable in an upward-downward direction; a lifting mechanism 70 provided on the side of a distal end of the holding mechanism 40; a supporting mechanism 80 provided on the side of a distal end of the lifting mechanism 70, and adapted to support a continuous casting nozzle 100; and a hooking device 90 provided in the lifting mechanism 70, and adapted to allow the lifting mechanism 70 to be hooked to a first engagement portion 111a formed on a sliding metal frame of a sliding nozzle device 110, wherein the lifting mechanism 70 is adapted to lift the continuous casting nozzle 100 through the supporting mechanism 80.
US08163224B2 Manufacturing method of three-dimensionally shaped object
An equipment for metal-laser sintering process includes a powder layer forming unit, an irradiation unit which irradiates light beams, a correction target on which a correction mark serving as a fiducial in correction of the irradiation points of the light beams is formed, and an imaging camera which takes an image of the correction mark. The correction target is formed of a material which is melted by irradiation of light beam so as to be formed a through hole. The correction target is disposed on the substrate and the light beams are irradiated to penetrate the correction target so that the correction mark is formed. Subsequently, the imaging camera takes an image of the correction mark and the location of the correction mark is measured, and thus, correction of the irradiation points is performed. Since the correction mark is formed to be a through hole, contrast becomes clear so that location of the correction mark can be measured easily, and the correction of the irradiation points of the light beams can be performed easily.
US08163218B2 Injection molding machine for two-material molding and method of controlling the same
In an injection molding machine for two-material molding including two sets of injection units 11, 12 that plasticize different resin materials and injection-fill the materials, a mold clamping unit is a hydraulic mold clamping unit that mold-clamps three sets of die plates 2, 3, 9 simultaneously, a movable die plate opening and closing unit 14 is a movable die plate opening and closing unit driven by an electric motor, a rotational die plate opening and closing unit 15 is a rotational die plate opening and closing unit 14 driven by an electric motor, and a rotating unit for the rotational die plate 9 is a rotation driving unit driven by an electric motor attached to a reversal pedestal 7.
US08163215B2 Method of forming regenerated carbohydrates with solvent systems based on molten ionic liquids
A solution system for biopolymers in the form of carbohydrates based on a molten ionic liquid, additives optionally being contained in the solution system, is described. This solution system contains a protic solvent or a mixture of several protic solvents, and in the case where the protic solvent is solely water, this is present in the solution system in an amount of more than about 5 wt. %. Carbohydrates can be incorporated into the solution system, in particular in the form of starch, cellulose and derivatives thereof, and it can then be used for regeneration of the carbohydrates contained therein. A particularly advantageous process for the preparation of the solution system containing the carbohydrates and for the preparation of regenerated carbohydrates, in particular in the form of regenerated cellulose fibers, is moreover described. The invention accordingly also provides such spun fibers as are distinguished in that they are non-fibrillating. The invention offers in particular economic advantages over the systems of the prior art.
US08163210B2 Method of vulcanising pneumatic tyres and apparatus therefor
A tire enclosed in a vulcanization mold is supplied with heat to cause vulcanization of same. By thermal-detection probes introduced into the tire monitoring of the cross-linking degree reached in at least one first detection region and one second detection region disposed within the tire is carried out. Head supply is stopped on occurrence of the following conditions: (i) the crosslinking degree measured in at least one of the detection regions reaches a first reference value higher than 90% of the whole cross-linking; and (ii) the cross-linking degree measured in each detection region has overcome a second pre-established reference value not exceeding about 50% of the whole cross-linking.
US08163208B2 Injection molding method and apparatus
A thermoplastic injection molding system and method of use is described for molding parts from heated plastics and other organic resins. The machine uses heat sources located along the barrel to heat the source material while an auger screw transports the source material in the barrel. This transport step does not shear the source material, nor does it use friction to produce the heat necessary to melt the source material. The material becomes substantially liquid or melted during the heating process, and the melted material is forced, by the auger screw, into a chamber whereupon a plunger, situated concentrically with the auger screw, injects the material from the chamber into a mold. Sensors located along the barrel and in the chamber ensure consistency between mold cycles. The controller dynamically adjusts the injection molding process to achieve more consistent and reliable molded parts.
US08163207B2 Microcapsules
The invention described herein relates to a method of preparing microcapsules comprising a capsule core, a polymeric capsule wall and also, disposed on the outer surface of the capsule wall, a polyelectrolyte having an average molecular weight in the range from 500 g/mol to 10 million g/mol, the polymeric capsule wall being formed from specified monomers, where the microcapsules have an average particle size of 1.5-2.5 μm and 90% of the particles have a particle size ≦4 μm, by microencapsulating a capsule core with a polymeric capsule wall and then contacting the polymeric capsule wall with one or more polyelectrolytes in water or an aqueous medium.
US08163206B2 Method for making silicone hydrogel contact lenses
The invention provide a method for making silicone hydrogel based on the Lightstream Technology from a monomer mixture with a curing time of less than about 100 seconds. The present invention is also related to silicone hydrogel contact lenses made according to methods of the invention.
US08163205B2 Durable transparent conductors on polymeric substrates
A method of preparing a transparent conductor for application on a polymeric substrate is described. The method includes introducing a functional group onto a surface of the conductor to form a modified conductor, and mixing the modified conductor with a dispersant at slightly elevated temperatures to form a conductive material composition. The dispersant is at least bifunctional. The conductive material composition may then be applied to the polymeric substrate. The dispersant acts as a linker, bonding the transparent conductor and polymeric substrate such that they are fully integrated.
US08163201B2 High-intensity, persistent photoluminescent formulations and objects, and methods for creating the same
Disclosed are photoluminescent formulations, comprising an effective amount of photoluminescent phosphorescent materials, which exhibit high luminous intensity and persistence. Also disclosed are photoluminescent objects formed by applying at least one photoluminescent layer, formed from photoluminescent formulations, to preformed articles. Further disclosed are methods for creating photoluminescent objects.
US08163199B2 Alignment treatment method of substrate for liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof
A method for alignment treatment of a substrate for a liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes the steps of: forming an alignment film including a plurality of molecules with curable parts on a substrate; applying an electrical field on the substrate to rotate the curable parts; and curing the curable parts such that the curable parts are cured along a first direction. A manufacturing method of the LCD device is also disclosed.
US08163194B2 Hydroseed substrate and method of making such
An application for a substrate for mixing with other ingredients such as water, seeds, fertilizer, wetting agents and dye, to produce Hydroseeding slurry. The substrate includes cellulose materials (e.g. cardboard, paper and/or wood) and an absorbent. In one embodiment, the absorbent is material known as diaper fluff that is created during the production of products such as disposable diapers. The absorbent or diaper fluff improves moisture retention, improves viscosity and reduces friction, improves coverage of the hydroseed mixture.
US08163191B2 Apparatus and methods for using high frequency chokes in a substrate deposition apparatus
In certain aspects, a substrate deposition apparatus, including a gas tube coupled to a gas source, an RF power source and a substrate processing chamber, is provided. The gas tube is adapted to carry process gas and cleaning plasma from the gas source/remote plasma gas source to the substrate processing chamber and the RF power source is adapted to couple RF power to the substrate processing chamber. Furthermore an RF choke coupled to the RF power source and the gas source wherein the RF choke is adapted to attenuate a voltage difference between the RF power source and the gas source to prevent plasma formation in the gas tube during substrate processing. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08163190B2 Method for fabricating a fine pattern
In a method for fabricating a fine pattern, a target layer to be patterned is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A sacrificial pattern is formed on the target layer. The sacrificial pattern includes first sacrificial patterns arranged at a first spacing, and second and third sacrificial patterns arranged in pairs at a second spacing less than the first spacing. A spacer having a first portion and a second portion is formed. The first portion is attached to sidewalls of the first sacrificial patterns, and the second portion is attached on both facing sides of the second and third sacrificial patterns to fill a gap defined by the second spacing. The second portion has a critical dimension greater than the first portion. The sacrificial pattern is selectively removed. A fine pattern is formed with partially different critical dimensions by transferring the critical dimensions of the first and second portions of the spacer by performing a selective etch process on the target layer using the spacer as an etch mask.
US08163189B2 Method for producing a nanoporous substrate
Nanoporous substrate with fine pores having a diameter from 3 to 40 nm arranged with less than 60 nm periodicity is prepared by a method comprising the steps of coating amphipathic block copolymer on a substrate, forming a film containing hydrophilic cylinders aligned perpendicularly to the surface of the film on a substrate, and immersing the substrate into a solution containing an etchant.
US08163188B2 Article with PHEMA lift-off layer and method therefor
A method of forming a patterned functional layer on a substrate using a poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) lift-off layer is described. The method can be used with substrates that would not tolerate the organic solvents required for processing of known poly(methyl methacrylate) lift-off layers. When used in combination with known nanoimprint lithography and step-and-flash imprint lithography techniques, the method can be used to generate patterned functional structures with dimensions as small as five nanometers.
US08163186B2 Method of manufacturing magnetic head, and magnetic head sub-structure
A method of manufacturing magnetic heads comprises the step of: fabricating a magnetic head substructure by forming a plurality of components of the magnetic heads on a single substrate, wherein a plurality of rows of pre-head portions that will be the respective magnetic heads later are aligned in the substructure; and fabricating the magnetic heads by separating the pre-head portions from one another through cutting the substructure. In the step of fabricating the substructure, a plurality of indicators are formed, each of the indicators serving as a reference for indicating the location of a region ABS in which the medium facing surfaces of the magnetic heads are to be formed.
US08163183B2 Magnetic particle parallel processing apparatus permitting repeated use of container and method of magnetic particle parallel processing permitting repeated use of container
To provide a magnetic particle parallel processing apparatus permitting repeated use of a container, and a method of magnetic particle parallel processing permitting repeated use of a container, with which the rate of repeated use of a container is enhanced to thereby achieve a saving in the working space and a saving in the working time. The apparatus comprises: at least one reaction container; a liquid disposal tank; a reagent etc. feeder with at least one flow channel for feeding at least one type of liquid selected from the group consisting of two or more types of solutions and a magnetic particle suspension according to the processing content, at a given amount and at a given timing, to the reaction container; and a magnetic separator which has at least one processing nozzle with a distal end insertable into the reaction container and the liquid disposal tank, for sucking and discharging a liquid through the distal end, and which also has a magnetic means capable of applying a magnetic field to the interior of the distal end to thereby attract magnetic particles contained in the liquid inside the distal end to the inner wall thereof to effect separation of the magnetic particles, and canceling the magnetic field to thereby release the attracted magnetic particles and re-suspend the same in a liquid.
US08163172B2 Installation for treating a biological liquid
Installation for treating a biological liquid, including a circulation pump (5), a filter element (9), a container for collecting treated liquid, a first circuit section connecting a source of said biological liquid to an inlet orifice of said filter element (9), including a circuit element adapted to cooperate with said circulation pump (5); a second circuit section, connecting an outlet orifice of said filter element (9) to said treated liquid collecting container; characterized in that said treated liquid collecting container, said first circuit section and said second circuit section are disposable and said installation further includes a first cart (1) carrying said pump (5) and a second cart (2) including a housing (14) for said collecting container, separable from the first cart (1) and adapted to be at least partly nested in said first cart (1).
US08163170B2 Coil for pyrolysis heater and method of cracking
Randomly packing with filler material at least part of a pass in a coil used in a system for pyrolyzing hydrocarbon feedstock to lighter hydrocarbons. Randomly packing increases heat transfer and decreases the rate of coke build-up within the coil, yielding an improvement in overall system efficiency. Packing material can comprise or be treated with a suitable catalyst for increasing the rate of chemical decomposition, thus further improving system efficiency.
US08163169B2 Hydroconversion processes employing multi-metallic catalysts and method for making thereof
A catalyst precursor composition and methods for making such a catalyst precursor are disclosed. The catalyst precursor comprises at least a promoter metal selected from Group VIII, Group IIB, Group IIA, Group IVA and combinations thereof, having an oxidation state of +2 or +4, at least one Group VIB metal, at least one organic, oxygen-containing ligand, and a cellulose-containing material. In one embodiment, the catalyst precursor is of the formula Av[(MP) (OH)x (L)ny]z (MVIBO4), wherein A is one or more monovalent cationic species, MP is selected from Group VIII, Group IIB, Group IIA, Group IVA and combinations thereof, L is one or more oxygen-containing ligands, MVIB is at least a Group VIB metal, MP:MVIB has an atomic ratio between 100:1 and 1:100. In one embodiment, catalysts prepared from the sulfidation of such catalyst precursors are used in the hydroprocessing of hydrocarbon feeds. In a hydroconversion process at a hydrogen partial pressure of ˜450 psig, the catalyst a 700° F.+ conversion rate of at least 50% of the 700° F.+ conversion results gives obtained under comparable conditions and with a hydrogen partial pressure of 600 psig.
US08163168B2 Process for flexible vacuum gas oil conversion
The present invention relates to a process for the selective conversion of hydrocarbon feed having a Conradson Carbon Residue content of 0 to 6 wt %, based on the hydrocarbon feed. The hydrocarbon feed is treated in a two-step process. The first is thermal conversion and the second is catalytic cracking of the products of the thermal conversion. The present invention results in a process for increasing the distillate production from a hydrocarbon feedstream for a fluid catalytic cracking unit. The resulting product slate from the present invention can be further varied by changing the conditions in the thermal and catalytic cracking steps as well as by changing the catalyst in the cracking step.
US08163164B2 Small volume in vitro analyte sensor and methods of making
A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry; and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
US08163163B2 Method of electrochemical analysis of an analyte
A method of electrochemical analysis using a sensor electrode specific for an analyte under test. The method comprises immersing the sensor electrode in a sample solution suspected of containing the analyte; forming an electrochemically active complex by exposure to solutions containing secondary receptors or competing molecules labelled with a charged or enzyme label; and subsequently exposing the sensor to an electrochemically active solution. The measurement step comprises driving the sensor electrode potential to a predetermined fixed potential by applying a current or activation waveform then monitoring the potential difference between the sensor electrode and a reference electrode following removal of the holding current. Current, rate and potential can all be measured and used to determine analyte concentration or sensor state.
US08163156B2 Method for vacuum-compression micro plasma oxidation
The inventive method and device for vacuum-compression micro plasma oxidation relate to electrochemical processing of metal, in particular to micro plasma treatment in electrolyte solutions. The aim of said invention is to develop a method for obtaining qualitatively homogeneous coatings by micro-plasma oxidation on large-sized parts, including irregular shaped parts, or simultaneously on a great number of small parts. The second aim of the invention is to design a device for processing parts, having an extended surface area, by using low-power supplies. The inventive method for vacuum-compression micro-plasma oxidation of parts consists in dipping a processable part into an electrolyte solution pre-filled in a sealed container, in generating micro-plasma discharges on the surface of said part and, subsequently, in forming a coating, wherein the micro-plasma discharges are formed in low-pressure conditions above the electrolyte solution. The device for carrying out said method comprises means for forming vacuum in the electrolyte-containing container and additional means for pumping air.
US08163144B2 Magnetron sputtering device
The present invention relates to a magnetron sputtering device and technique for depositing materials onto a substrate at a high production rate in which the deposited films have predictive thickness distribution and in which the apparatus can operate continuously and repeatedly for very long periods. The present invention has realized increased production by reducing cycle time. Increased coating rates are achieved by coupling a planetary drive system with a large cathode. The cathode diameter is greater than the diameter of a planet and less than twice the diameter of the planet. Lower defect rates are obtained through the lower power density at the cathode which suppresses arcing, while runoff is minimized by the cathode to planet geometry without the use of a mask.
US08163141B2 Chlorination system for swimming pools and the like
An improved chlorination system for pools, spas, potable water supplies, and the like, provides a vertically oriented electrolytic cell connected between a pump and a lightly salinated pool. The cell preferably contains a metallic electrode, such as titanium, and a precious metal coated titanium electrode, and has means for passing an electric current through the cell. The present invention further provides a novel electrode stack design, conducive for forming an efficient chlorinator comprising a plurality of interconnecting electrode stacks of separate electrical cells.
US08163140B2 Reactive sputtering method and device
The present invention provides a method for reactive sputtering in which a reactive sputtering apparatus including a sputtering vaporization source 2 provided with a metal target disposed in a vacuum chamber 1, a sputtering power source 4 to drive the sputtering vaporization source 2, and an introduction mechanism 5 to introduce an inert gas for sputtering and a reaction gas for forming a compound with sputtered metal into the vacuum chamber 1 is used, and reactive sputtering film formation is performed on a substrate 3 disposed in the above-described vacuum chamber, wherein the method includes the steps of performing constant-voltage control to control the voltage of the above-described sputtering power source 4 at a target voltage Vs and, in addition, performing target voltage control at a control speed lower than the speed of the above-described constant-voltage control, the target voltage control operating the above-described target voltage Vs in order that the spectrum of plasma emission generated forward of the above-described sputtering vaporization source 2 becomes a target value.
US08163135B2 Apparatus and method for pivotal mounting of a doctor blade assembly in a paper machine
A paper machine doctor assembly includes a doctor blade and a blade holder holding the same and a support member mounted on the paper machine frame. An essential feature of the assembly is that a separate pivot mount is provided between the blade holder and the support member, the separate pivot mount enabling the blade holder and the pivot mount to be disconnected from the support member by pulling the pivot mount outwardly and away from the support member.
US08163132B2 Absorbent paper product having printed indicia with a wide color palette
An absorbent paper product is disclosed. The absorbent paper product has an MD modulus of less than about 20,000 g/cm at a load of about 15 g. The absorbent paper product further has indicia provided by five or more process colors. The process colors have L*a*b* color values. The a* and b* values are outside the boundary described by the following system of equations: {a*=−29.0 to −5.2; b*=14.0 to 49.5}→b*=1.4916a*+57.2563 {a*=−5.2 to 35.3; b*=49.5 to 38.9}→b*=−0.261728a*+48.139 {a*=35.3 to 38.3; b*=5.3 to 38.9}→b*=−11.2a*+434.26 {a*=38.3 to 36.3; b*=5.3 to −0.70}→b*=3a*−109.6 {a*=36.3 to 11.3; b*=−0.70 to −26.0}→b*=1.012a*−37.4356 {a*=11.3 to −20.0; b*=−26.0 to −29.3}→b*=0.105431a*−27.1914 {a*=−20.0 to −29.0; b*=−29.3 to 14.0}→b*=−4.81111a*−125.522 wherein L* is from 0 to 100.
US08163129B2 Method and apparatus for cleaning a substrate
In a method and an apparatus for cleaning a substrate using a laser beam, an inner chamber is disposed in a process chamber to define a space in which a laser-induced shock wave is generated. The laser beam is focused on a laser focus positioned in the inner chamber, and thus the laser-induced plasma shock wave is generated around the laser focus. The plasma shock wave is reflected from inner surfaces of the inner chamber and is irradiated on the substrate through a lower portion of the inner chamber. As a result, the intensity of the plasma shock wave irradiated on the substrate is increased, and thus the contaminants on the substrate may be effectively removed.
US08163128B2 Plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing apparatus includes a chamber for containing a substrate to be processed, a gas supply unit for supplying a processing gas into the chamber, and a microwave introducing unit for introducing plasma generating microwaves into the chamber. The microwave introducing unit includes a microwave oscillator for outputting a plurality of microwaves having specified outputs, and an antenna section having a plurality of antennas to which the microwaves outputted from the microwave oscillator are respectively transmitted.
US08163126B2 Film sticking device, film sticking method, and electronic paper manufacturing method
Disclosed is a film sticking device that sticks a first film substrate and a second film substrate together on a curved-surface shape. The film sticking device includes a mold having a curved attachment surface formed into a desired curved-surface shape; an attracting and holding unit capable of relatively moving on the curved attachment surface and having plural vacuum chambers on which an attracting surface for attracting and holding the second film substrate is provided; and a suctioning unit capable of separately applying suction processing to the plural vacuum chambers. The suctioning unit starts, as the attracting and holding unit moves, the suction processing of the vacuum chamber corresponding to a position opposing the second film substrate and sequentially stops, as the second film substrate is stuck to the first film substrate, the suction processing of the vacuum chamber corresponding to the stuck second film substrate.
US08163124B2 Method and device for producing sheet-like body and method for producing disposable absorbent article using the sheet-like body
A method for manufacturing a sheet-shaped body in which a powder particle layer is sandwiched between a base sheet to which a bonding agent is applied and a covering sheet so as to be bonded into an integral body, is provided with the steps of: shifting the base sheet, the powder particle layer and the covering sheet, with each of the sheets and the layer being held on the respective roller face, and after the powder particle layer has been transferred onto the base sheet, bonding the base sheet, the powder particle layer and the covering sheet into an integral form. Thus, the powder particle layer can be fixed to a predetermined position in a stable manner.
US08163122B1 Multidirectional filament reinforced tape and method of manufacture
The apparatus is a laminar shear resistant pre-impregnated resin tape for use in die forming pultrusion processes, with the tape formed by integrating three distinguishable layers, each with integrated parallel reinforcing filaments. The layers are arranged within the tape so that the filaments of adjacent layers are oriented at angles to each other. The tape of the preferred embodiment of the invention is constructed with the filaments of the center layer at 90 degrees to the length of the tape and the filaments of the two outer layers aligned with the length of the tape. The center layer can be more heavily loaded with filaments than conventional tapes, and the outer two layers have less than the amount of filament load of the center layer.
US08163114B2 Netshape manufacturing processes and compositions
Techniques and processes that combine particulate coating processes with particulate handling steps resulting in the formation of free-flowing particulates for introduction into energetic product vessels to affect an in-situ, net-shape manufactured product. The processes involve selecting suitably sized materials, processing such materials such that they are surface-coated and/or locally “structured” particulates, and pouring, preferably “dry” pouring, these processed materials into an energetic product vessel and infusing the filled vessel with a polymerizable and surface-compatible monomer or oligomer which flows into the unoccupied volume, followed by polymerization of the monomer, which then becomes the binder giving mechanical integrity to the final, net-shape energetic composition.
US08163108B2 High-strength cold-rolled steel sheet, high-strength galvanized steel sheet, and high-strength alloyed hot-dip galvanized steel sheet having excellent formability and weldability, and methods for manufacturing the same
This cold-rolled steel sheet includes, in terms of mass %, C: not less than 0.05% and not more than 0.095%, Cr: not less than 0.15% and not more than 2.0%, B: not less than 0.0003% and not more than 0.01%, Si: not less than 0.3% and not more than 2.0%, Mn: not less than 1.7% and not more than 2.6%, Ti: not less than 0.005% and not more than 0.14%, P: not more than 0.03%, S: not more than 0.01%, Al: not more than 0.1%, N: less than 0.005%, O: not less than 0.0005% and not more than 0.005%, and contains as the remainder, iron and unavoidable impurities, wherein the microstructure of the steel sheet includes mainly polygonal ferrite having a crystal grain size of not more than 4 μm, and hard microstructures of bainite and martensite, the block size of the martensite is not more than 0.9 μm, the Cr content within the martensite is 1.1 to 1.5 times the Cr content within the polygonal ferrite, and the tensile strength is at least 880 MPa.
US08163107B2 High-strength steel excellent in weldability and process for production thereof
The present invention provides a high-strength steel material capable of suppressing formation of blowholes during welding even if the strength thereof is improved by nitriding, and a method of manufacturing such a high-strength steel material by using a low rolling force. A high-strength steel of the present invention contains 0.05% (percent by mass unless otherwise specified in describing chemical composition) or below C, 1% or below Si, 1.5% or below Mn, 0.05% or below P, 0.05% or below S, 0.05% or below Al, 0.02 to 0.3% Ti, and 0.020% or below N. The high-strength steel material has metallographic structure of a single phase of ferrite and contains Ti nitride grains having a maximum size of 20 nm or below and coherently precipitated in a density of 250 grains/μm2 or above. In the high-strength steel material, the ratio of the number of Ti nitride grains having a maximum size of 6 nm or below to that of Ti nitride grains having a maximum size of 20 nm or below is 80% or above.
US08163106B2 R-Fe-B based sintered magnet having on the surface thereof vapor deposited film of aluminum or alloy thereof, and method for producing the same
An R—Fe—B sinlered magnet having on the surface thereof a vapor deposited film of aluminum or an alloy thereof and a method for producing the same. The vapor deposited film of aluminum or an alloy thereof comprises a columnar crystalline structure grown broader from the surface of the R—Fe—B sintered magnet body outward to the outer surface, which has a part within a region defined in the thickness direction of the film as taken from the surface of the R—Fe—B sintered magnet to ⅓ of the film thickness, 5 to 30 intercrystalline gaps of 0.01 μm to 1 μm in width as counted per 10 μm length in the lateral direction of the film. The method comprises controlling the average film formation rate such that it is slower up to a predetermined point and then is speeded up later thereon.
US08163105B2 Corrosion inhibition method
The present invention provides a corrosion inhibition method which minimizes environmental adverse effects by using phosphate base anticorrosives without using zinc salt base anticorrosives and by reducing the concentration of the phosphate base anticorrosives, enables stable formation of an effective initial protective film, and does not affect water treatment after the formation of the initial protective film. In an initial protective film formation process of forming an initial protective film on a surface of an iron-based metallic member of a water system by adding anticorrosives to the water system, at least one selected from a group consisting of pyrophosphoric acids and pyrophosphates is employed as the anticorrosives and the initial protective film formation process is conducted such that the initial pH at the start of the initial protective film formation process is adjusted to be 5 or more and less than 7 so that the pH at the end of the initial protective film formation process becomes 7 or more.
US08163101B2 Method of cleaning contaminated surfaces
A method for cleaning contaminated surfaces of surgical waste management equipment. The method includes rinsing surfaces of the equipment with water to remove water soluble contaminants and waste material. A rinse solution is applied to the surfaces of the equipment to provide a residual film thereon. The rinse solution includes a first nonionic alkoxylated alcohol surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 12 to about 15, a second nonionic alkoxylated alcohol surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 16 to 20, an aqueous solvent, and a bio-film permeation agent. A total of the first surfactant and the second surfactant in the composition ranges from about 2 to about 20 percent by weight of a total weight of the composition.
US08163100B2 Synthetic microgel polymer compositions for treating and/or modifying hard surfaces
Synthetic microgel polymer compositions are useful for treating and/or modifying hard surfaces, in particular by promoting the hydrophilization thereof, notably in cleaning or rinsing operations.
US08163099B2 Method and apparatus for reducing deposits in petroleum pipes
Examples of methods and apparatus for reducing deposits from a petroleum flow line may include a pipe capable of being attached to a petroleum flow line. The pipe may have a pipe axis that defines a direction for fluid flow in the petroleum flow line. The apparatus may also include a first and a second field winding circumferentially disposed around the pipe, and an electric wave generator adapted to electrically communicate an electric wave to the first field winding and the second field winding. In response to the electric wave, the first and the second field windings are adapted to produce magnetic fields having a first magnetic axis a second magnetic axis, respectively. The first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the second magnetic axis, and at least the first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the pipe axis.
US08163097B2 Method for controlling the horizontal brush of a vehicle washing system
The method for controlling the movement of the horizontal brush of a vehicle washing system, provides for a first and a second vector velocity control mode of the brush and an alternating logic between the first and the second control mode, the first control mode being based on the control of the absorption current of the rotation motor of the brush, the second control mode being based on the geometric limitation of the plunge of the brush.
US08163093B1 Cleaning operations with dwell time
Methods of cleaning one or more workpieces are described. A method includes oscillating workpieces while performing a cleaning operation (e.g., sonication, rinse, etc.) and dwelling the workpieces at one or more oscillation positions (e.g., an upper oscillation position, an lower oscillation position, or an intermediate oscillation position) for corresponding one or more dwell time periods.
US08163091B2 Extraction of ingredients from biological material
The present invention relates to an improved method for isolating ingredients from biological material, in particular from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris).
US08163090B2 Methods structures and apparatus to provide group VIA and IA materials for solar cell absorber formation
A process and apparatus which form a solar cell absorber on a surface of a workpiece as the workpiece and a carrier are advanced through a rapid thermal processing (RTP) chamber. In one embodiment, the surface of the workpiece includes a precursor layer and an absorber constituent is disposed on the carrier. Initially an absorber constituent vapor can be formed in the RTP chamber by advancing the carrier into the RTP chamber to vaporize the absorber constituent from the carrier. The workpiece with the precursor layer is then moved into the RTP chamber to react the absorber constituent vapor and the precursor layer to form an absorber layer on the workpiece.
US08163089B2 Vapor deposition apparatus and process for continuous deposition of a thin film layer on a substrate
An apparatus and related process are provided for vapor deposition of a sublimated source material as a thin film on a photovoltaic (PV) module substrate. A receptacle is disposed within a vacuum head chamber and is configured for receipt of a source material. A heated distribution manifold is disposed below the receptacle and includes a plurality of passages defined therethrough. The receptacle is indirectly heated by the distribution manifold to a degree sufficient to sublimate source material within the receptacle. A molybdenum distribution plate is disposed below the distribution manifold and at a defined distance above a horizontal plane of a substrate conveyed through the apparatus. The molybdenum distribution plate includes a pattern of holes therethrough that further distribute the sublimated source material passing through the distribution manifold onto the upper surface of the underlying substrate. The molybdenum distribution plate includes greater than about 75% by weight molybdenum.
US08163083B2 Silica glass crucible and method for pulling up silicon single crystal using the same
A silica glass crucible causing fewer pinholes in silicon single crystals is provided by a method of preventing pinholes by performing the pulling up of a silicon single crystal while restraining the dissolution rate of the crucible inner surface to 20 μm/hr or less, using a silica glass crucible for the pulling up of silicon single crystals, wherein the area of crystalline silica formed by crystallization of amorphous silica is restricted to 10% or less of the crucible inner surface area, or the density of pits formed from open bubbles on the crucible inner surface is restricted to 0.01 to 0.2 counts/mm2.
US08163080B2 Fumed silanized and ground silica
The invention relates to a hydrophobic fumed silica which is obtained by grinding a fumed silica which, as a result of silanization, has trimethylsilyl groups fixed on the surface; and to coating formulations comprising this silica.
US08163079B2 Platelet-shaped, copper-containing, metallic effect pigments, process for preparing them and use thereof
Platelet-shaped, copper-containing, metallic effect pigments which have a copper content of 60% to 100% by weight, based on the total metal content, the metal pigments having a thickness distribution as determined via thickness counting by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and represented as cumulative undersize distribution, a) with an h50 of 10 to 50 nm, and b) with an h90 of 20 to 70 nm, the platelet-shaped, copper-containing, metallic effect pigments being produced by milling a copper-containing metal powder with lubricant. The disclosure further relates to a process for producing these pigments, and also to their use, to a printing ink comprising the pigments of the invention, and to a coated article comprising these pigments.
US08163078B2 Pigment spacing
An improved pigment spacing composition and method of manufacture. A coating composition wherein the pigment particles are spaced more uniformly resulting in improved coating properties. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a composition having nanoparticles interacting with pigmentary titanium dioxide to provide for more uniform spacing of the titanium dioxide.
US08163060B2 Highly heat-conductive composite material
The heat conductivity of an aluminum composite material containing a fibrous carbon material is enhanced. In order to realize this, a spark plasma sintered body having a fibrous carbon material compounded in a metal matrix powder of aluminum or the like is fabricated. At the time of fabrication, an aluminum powder serving as a matrix mother material is compounded with an Al alloy powder such as an Al-12Si powder having a melting point lower than the sintering temperature of the mother material. During the process of sintering the aluminum powder, the Al alloy powder is melted, whereby the heat conductivity between the aluminum powder particles and between the aluminum powder particle and the fibrous carbon material is improved.
US08163059B2 Coating oil comprising by-products from the manufacture of fatty acid alkyl esters and/or biodiesel
A coating oil composition and methods of using the composition for dust control is provided. The coating oil comprises utilizing a by-product from the manufacture of biodiesel and/or fatty alkyl esters, wherein the by-product comprises C6-C24 saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, C6-C24 saturated and unsaturated fatty acid salts, methyl esters, ethyl esters and combinations thereof.
US08163056B2 Air cleaner having anti-rotational arrangement and methods
An air cleaner having a housing body and a removable cover and a filter element, in which the cover and the filter element rotationally interfere with each other by engagement between an inside surface of the cover and an outer radial periphery of the filter element. A filter element includes a pair of end caps, filter media, and an outer wall on the end cap circumscribing the filter media, in which the outer wall is non-circular. A method of installing a filter element into a housing includes orienting a cover over an element and a housing body by engaging an inside surface of the cover and an outer radial periphery of the filter element to rotationally interfere with each other.
US08163055B2 Filter housing structure of projector
A filter housing structure adapted to a projector having a first encircled hook-and-loop fastening layer, a housing, a filtering layer, and a second encircled hook-and-loop fastening layer is provided. The first encircled hook-and-loop fastening layer is fixed on the casing of the projector and surrounds the openings arrayed on the casing. The housing has a central portion and a boundary portion. The central portion has a plurality of through holes thereon corresponding to the openings of the casing. The boundary portion surrounds the central portion and is corresponding to the first encircled hook-and-loop fastening layer. The filtering layer is assembled in the central portion and is disposed between the through holes and the openings for shielding the through holes. The second encircled hook-and-loop fastening layer is fixed on the boundary portion for fastening the housing to the first encircled hook-and-loop fastening layer.