Document | Document Title |
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US08212683B2 |
Metric for planned downtime
A metric of a system is monitored using a monitoring tool that receives an operation metric and a planned downtime metric that reflects whether the monitored system is currently in a planned downtime, the planned downtime metric received as another one of the multiple metric inputs. The operation metric and the planned downtime metric are combined into a processed operation metric for the monitored system. |
US08212680B2 |
Methods and systems of tagging objects and reading tags coupled to objects
Methods and systems of tagging objects and reading tags coupled to objects. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a reading antenna, a tag reader coupled to the reading antenna, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprising a tag antenna electromagnetically coupled to the reading antenna. The RFID tag couples to an object such as the body of a living organism or a metallic article. Moreover, the tag antenna has a far-field radiation pattern in a direction away from the object that is substantially unaffected by proximity of the RFID tag to the object, and substantially unaffected by which surface of the RFID tag faces the object. |
US08212673B1 |
Condition-based maintenance systems and methods
Systems and methods are described for condition-based maintenance of mechanical systems. In one embodiment, a method for performing condition-based maintenance on a mechanical system includes providing a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag on a component of the mechanical system, sensing one or more operating conditions during operation of the mechanical system, calculating a service life increment of the component based on the one or more operating conditions, and adjusting a service life value stored on the RFID tag. After operation of the mechanical system has ceased, the method includes scanning the service life value stored on the RFID tag, and determining whether at least one of an inspection, a maintenance, and a repair of the component is needed based on the service life value. The mechanical system may be an aircraft, and the operating conditions may include aerodynamic conditions, loads, accelerations, and movements of the aircraft during flight. |
US08212665B2 |
Systems and methods for indicating the presence of a child in a vehicle
Systems and methods which provide for an alarm or notification that a child is in a car seat. The systems generally determine if a child is in the seat and that the seat, and therefore the vehicle, is not in motion. Upon detecting both situations, the notification or alarm is activated. |
US08212664B2 |
Data communication device, air pressure monitoring system using thereof, and data communication method
A data communication device includes: an antenna resonance circuit; a detection circuit; an arithmetic processing device; and a first switch. The antenna resonance circuit receives a signal in the ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) format. The detection circuit demodulates a digital baseband signal based on the reception signal. The arithmetic processing device detects an appearance time of an edge in the demodulated digital baseband signal based on a preamble part of the reception signal. The first switch short-circuits both end of the antenna resonance circuit at first timing in synchronization with the appearance time of the edge. |
US08212662B2 |
Automotive display system and display method
An automotive display system includes an image projection unit and an angle information acquisition unit. The image projection unit projects a light flux including an image including a display object toward one eye of an image viewer. The angle information acquisition unit acquires at least one of vehicle angle information and external environment angle information. The vehicle angle information relates to an angle of at least one of an attitude and a heading of a vehicle carrying the image viewer. The external environment angle information relates to an angle of a background object at a target position of the display object in a background of an external environment of the vehicle. The image projection unit changes an angle of the display object in the image based on at least one of the vehicle angle information and the external environment angle information acquired by the angle information acquisition unit. |
US08212657B2 |
Vibration assembly for portable electronic device
A vibrating device for portable electronic device includes a frame, a main circuit board, a motor and a secondary circuit board. The frame defines a recess and a receiving hole. The main circuit board is fixed in the recess of the frame. The motor is fixed in the receiving hole of the frame. The secondary circuit board electronically connects the main circuit board and the motor. |
US08212656B2 |
Vehicle presence notification apparatus
A vehicle presence notification apparatus generates a notice sound by emitting an ultrasonic wave in mid air based on an ultrasonic signal modulated according to an audible sound. During proceeding in mid air, the modulated ultrasonic wave is self-demodulating to become an audible sound. The audible sound posterior to the self-demodulation has a significant directionality like the ultrasonic wave. The notice sound is thus conveyed mainly to a pedestrian who is present in a dangerous area range where a danger needs to be taught. In addition, the vehicle presence notification apparatus includes a sensor-use ultrasonic transducer device having a transducers. The transducer device serves as a vehicle velocity sensor by transmitting an ultrasonic wave towards a road surface based on an ultrasonic wave signal or modulated ultrasonic wave, thereby enabling the vehicle presence notification apparatus to acquire vehicle velocity information by itself. |
US08212652B2 |
Biometric authentication method, biometric authentication system, IC card, and terminal
A biometric authentication system 10 includes an IC card 100 including a reading unit 110 sending generation information back to a terminal and a writing unit 111 writing biometric information in a storage area indicated in a write instruction, and a terminal 200 including a card generation acquisition unit 210 receiving from the IC card the generation information, a device generation acquisition unit 211 receiving from a biometric authentication device the generation information, a biometric information acquisition unit 212 receiving biometric information from the biometric authentication device 300, a first write instruction unit 213 identifying a storage area of the same generation as the generation of the biometric authentication device and transmitting a write instruction of the biometric information to the IC card, and a second write instruction unit 214 transmitting a write instruction for a storage area of the oldest generation to the IC card. |
US08212651B2 |
Use of radio frequency identifier (RFID) tags for identification of an authentication status of an item
A method and system for identifying an authentication status of a first item. An RFID reader transmits zero and a random number to a first RFID tag associated with the first item. The first RFID tag uses a hashing function to compute a hash (H1) of a concatenation of an identifier (Id1) of the first RFID tag, the random number, and a first secret key and sends the hash H1 to the RFID reader which then transmits the identifier Id1 and the random number to a second RFID tag. The second RFID tag uses the hashing function to compute a hash (H2) of a concatenation of the identifier Id1, the random number, and a second secret key and sends the hash H2 to the RFID reader. The authentication status of authentic or counterfeit is determined for the first item based on whether or not H1 is equal to H2. |
US08212650B2 |
Situationally aware and self-configuring electronic data and communication device
A self-configuring wearable electronic data and communication device comprising a self-contained module comprising means for self-configuring based on a user's activity and context an operational mode in a plurality of operational modes, wherein the self contained module further comprises intelligent situational awareness derived from at least one of pre-programmed criteria, a sensing ability, a user-specified lifestyle theme, a communication functionality, an accessory, and a user motion pattern. The self-contained module further comprises a display, a processor, a memory, and a battery, and is capable of configuring itself according to an accessory to which it is attached or connected. |
US08212649B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: a lower-surface oxidation preventing insulating film formed on a lower surface of a metal resistor element; an upper-surface oxidation preventing insulating film formed on an upper surface of the metal resistor element; and a side-surface oxidation preventing insulating film formed only near a side surface of the metal resistor element by performing anisotropic etching after being deposited on a whole surface of a wafer in a process separated from the lower-surface oxidation preventing insulating film and the upper-surface oxidation preventing insulating film. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the increase of the resistance value due to the oxidation of the metal resistor element and also to prevent the increase of the parasitic capacitance between metal wiring layers without complicating the fabrication process. |
US08212647B2 |
Device having at least one PTC resistor
The present invention relates to a device having at least one PCT resistor and having at least one AC voltage source connected to the PTC resistor, with the PTC resistor being dimensioned such that the voltage drop over the PTC resistor does not exceed the value of 40 V/mm. |
US08212644B2 |
Transformer assembly
The present invention relates to a transformer assembly (1) and a process for manufacturing same. The transformer (1) comprises a primary winding (5) wound on a PCB (9) and a secondary winding (7) mounted adjacent to the primary winding. The primary winding comprises a spiral coil, for example of wire or insulated wire, wound on the PCB. Gate drive windings (31, 33) are incorporated in the PCB (9) and there is therefore very close coupling between the primary winding and the gate drive windings. Furthermore, the secondary winding (7) is a center-tapped secondary having two halves. A flux balance winding (13) is provided to connect the two halves of the center-tapped secondary winding (7) and minimize leakage inductance thereby reducing power loss and spiking effects and obviating the need for complex control arrangements. |
US08212640B1 |
Tool having buffered electromagnet drive for depth control
A magnetically driven tool includes a shaft having a bottom application end including a contacting surface, at least one support around a portion of the shaft for supporting components positioned outside the shaft that float with respect to the shaft. A first magnet is affixed to the shaft. An electromagnet secured to the support is positioned outside the shaft and floats with respect to the shaft above the first magnet. At least one bearing is provided for sliding the shaft in an axial direction and optionally rotating the shaft. For pushing operations, the direction of current through the electromagnet is applied so that like poles relative to the first magnet face one another to provide a repulsive force, while for pulling operations unlike poles face one another. The magnitude of the current sets a force applied by the contacting surface to a workpiece. |
US08212639B2 |
Haptic feedback system and method
A haptic feedback system includes movable and static portions coupled by one or more magnetic fields that serve to retard movement of the movable portion with respect to the static portion so as to provide haptic feedback when the movable portion is moved relative to the static portion. A magnet associated with one of the movable and static portions reacts with structure associated with the other of the movable and static portions so as to provide haptic feedback when the movable portion is moved with respect to the static portion. |
US08212637B2 |
Electromagnetic switch for a starter motor
An electromagnet switch has a metal contact for a switch terminal that projects from a case and is wired to one end of a coil. A male connector member surrounds an outer periphery of the metal contact. The male connector member is connected to a female connector member that is provided at a tip end of a cable used for supplying electric power to the coil. Such a penetrating hole is formed in a case that reaches the metal contact.A tester terminal can contact the metal contact through the penetrating hole for conducting conductive testing of the electromagnet switch, in a commercial field. |
US08212636B2 |
Electromagnetic relay
An electromagnetic relay having a high positioning accuracy of a movable iron piece and little variation in operating characteristics. A pair of upper and lower rotating shaft convex portions are provided at one end of a movable iron piece along the same shaft center. The pair of upper and lower rotating shaft convex portions are rotatably supported by a base and a spool of an electromagnetic block mounted on the base respectively. A movable contact piece is driven by the movable iron piece rotated by magnetization or demagnetization of the electromagnetic block to open or close a contact. One end of the spool has a shaft hole in which the upper rotating shaft convex portion of the movable iron piece is inserted. |
US08212632B2 |
FET phase shifter for selectively phase shifting signals between different filtering characteristics
Provided is a phase shifter that shifts a phase of an input signal based on switching between a low-pass filter and a high-pass filter, the phase shifter including: a first field-effect transistor that is coupled between an input terminal and an output terminal; a resonance circuit that resonates when the first field-effect transistor is in an on-state; an additional line that is coupled between the resonance circuit and a node that is included in a signal line, which is formed between the input and output terminals when the first field-effect transistor is in the on-state; and an inductor that is included in a part of the signal line and forms a low-pass filter together with at least the additional line, when the first field-effect transistor is in the on-state. |
US08212627B2 |
Wideband digitally-controlled oscillator (DCO) and digital broadcasting receiver having the same
A wideband digitally-controlled oscillator (DCO) is provided. The wideband DCO includes an active element which is driven by a first digital control signal; a single inductor which is connected to the active element in parallel, and comprises fixed inductance; and a plurality of capacitors which are connected to the single inductor in parallel, and vary operating frequency by being selectively turned on or off by a second digital control signal. Accordingly, the wideband DCO capable of operating in a wideband frequency range using a single inductor is provided, and if the wideband DCO is implemented using a single integrated circuit (IC) chip, the size of chip is reduced as the single inductor is used. |
US08212625B2 |
Differential VCO and quadrature VCO using center-tapped cross-coupling of transformer
Provided are a differential voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and a quadrature VCO using center-tapped cross-coupling of a transformer. The differential VCO and the quadrature VCO can be driven by low power through a current reuse structure and have an excellent phase noise characteristic by center-tapped cross-coupling through a transformer. Further, variable capacitance units for frequency variation are divided into variable capacitance units for coarse tuning and variable capacitance units for fine tuning. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a wide tuning range while voltage oscillation gain is reduced. Further, the differential VCO and the quadrature VCO are configured in such a manner that the respective variable capacitance units operate linearly throughout the entire capacitance region due to control voltage distribution by resistors. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a linear control voltage-oscillation frequency characteristic. The quadrature VCO according to the present invention can output four-phase quadrature signals while having an excellent phase noise characteristic, without substrate loss and current consumption caused by the switching transistors. |
US08212623B2 |
Terahertz oscillators and methods of manufacturing electron emitters
A terahertz oscillator may include a first insulating layer, an electron emitter on the first insulating layer, adapted to emit an electron beam, and including a cathode, an anode, an oscillating circuit, and a collector sequentially disposed, spaced apart from each other, on the first insulating layer in a direction in which the electron beam is emitted from the electron emitter, wherein the oscillating circuit converts energy of the electron beam to energy of an electromagnetic wave, and wherein the collector collects the electron beam, an output unit adapted to emit the electromagnetic wave from the oscillating circuit to outside of the terahertz oscillator, and an electron emitting material layer. The cathode may include a first curved portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first insulating layer. The electron emitting material layer may be on an inner surface of the first curved portion of the cathode. |
US08212622B2 |
Oscillation circuit and recording apparatus
An oscillation circuit includes: n ring oscillators each formed from m delay elements connected annularly, m being an integer equal to or greater than 2, n being an integer equal to or greater than 2; and a phase coupled ring. |
US08212621B2 |
Memristive programmable frequency source and method
A frequency source and a method of frequency generation employ a memristive negative differential resistance (M-NDR) voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The frequency source includes a first M-NDR VCO of a plurality of memristive VCOs to provide a first signal having a first signal frequency. The frequency source further includes a second M-NDR VCO of the plurality to provide a second signal having a second signal frequency. The first and second M-NDR VCOs are interconnected with the plurality of memristive VCOs. The first and second M-NDR VCOs have independent programmable states and are connected to a common output of the frequency source. The method includes providing an M-NDR VCOs, where each M-NDR VCO includes an M-NDR device connected in parallel with a capacitance, and applying a bias voltage to activate a selected M-NDR VCO of the plurality to produce a frequency output. |
US08212616B2 |
Biasing circuit for differential amplifier
The invention concerns a biasing circuit for controlling the current flowing through a differential pair (102, 104) comprising: a first branch comprising a first resistor (306), a first transistor device (308) and a second transistor device (310) coupled in series; a second branch comprising a second resistor (312), a third transistor device (314) and a fourth transistor device (316) coupled in series, a control node of the third transistor device being coupled to a first node (324) between the first resistor and the first transistor device, and a control node of the first transistor device being coupled to a second node (322) between the second resistor and the third transistor device; and an operational amplifier (318) having an output node coupled to control nodes of the second and fourth transistor devices, said output node providing a output signal (Vc) for controlling the current flowing through said differential pair. |
US08212613B1 |
Switching amplifier using flyback transformer
A switching amplifying method or a switching amplifier for obtaining one or more than one linearly amplified replicas of an input signal, is highly efficient, and does not have the disadvantage of “dead time” problem related to the class D amplifiers. Another aspect of the present invention provides a switching amplifier that is completely off when there is no input signal. Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a switching amplifier for obtaining a plurality of different linearly amplified replicas of the input signal, and adds more slave outputs easily and economically. |
US08212611B2 |
Switching core layout
Traditionally, mixers have been arranged symmetrically around the input signal, which has resulted in problems due to self-mixing or feed-through by the local oscillator signal. Here, however, the arrangement for a mixer has been changed to generally avoid self-mixing of the local oscillator signal. In particular, transistors in the switching core are merged according to the portion of the local oscillator signal received. This, in turn, results in the conductors, which carry the different portions of the local oscillator signal, being separated (or not having any crossings) so as to generally eliminate self-mixing or feed-through of the local oscillator signal. Complex IQ mixers realized using this arrangement benefit from improved sideband suppression and image rejection. |
US08212604B2 |
T switch with high off state isolation
An analog T switch is disclosed which has high isolation in the off state. The analog T switch can include series-connected NMOS transistors having separate gate control. The gates of the NMOS transistors can be isolated from one another to improve off state isolation of the analog T switch. The analog switch can include series-connected PMOS transistors having separate gate control. The gates of the PMOS transistors can be isolated from one another to improve off state isolation of the analog T switch. The analog T switch can include a substrate voltage control circuit that controls the voltage of the substrate regions in which the PMOS transistors are formed. The substrate voltage control circuit can isolate the substrate regions of the PMOS transistors from one another in the off state to improve off state isolation of the analog T switch. |
US08212603B2 |
Mixer circuit
In a mixer circuit, addition of analog signals by capacitive coupling is used and square-law characteristics of the drain current of a MOS transistor operating in a saturated region are used. With this configuration, the voltage and power of the mixer circuit can be reduced. |
US08212602B2 |
System and method for signal mixing based on high order harmonics
A system and method for signal mixing using high-order harmonics of a local oscillation (LO) signal. In a radio frequency (RF) system, the input RF signal is converted to a lower frequency signal such as an intermediate frequency (IF) signal or a baseband signal for further processing. A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is often used to generate a VCO signal which is then divided down to provide the needed LO signals for down conversion. The present invention discloses a system and method for generating a composite harmonic signal based on a linear combination of divided down LO signals with specific phase shifts. Consequently a VCO signal with lower frequency can be used to conserve power. The composite harmonic signal is mixed with the input RF signal to generate a series of mixed signal including one associated with a high-order harmonic of the divided down LO signal. Systems to implement the high order harmonic mixing is also disclosed which comprises a plurality of mixer sections with configurable weighting factors. A combination circuit is used to combine the weighted mixed signals which contains a term corresponding the mixing of the input RF signal with a high order LO harmonic. |
US08212600B2 |
Data latch circuit and electronic device
The data latch circuit of the invention includes a means for short-circuiting an input terminal and an output terminal of an inverter and by connecting the input terminal to one electrode of a capacitor and sampling a data signal or a reference potential to the other electrode of the capacitor, an accurate operation can be obtained without being influenced by variations in the TFT characteristics even when the amplitude of an input signal is small relatively to the width of a power supply voltage. |
US08212598B2 |
Oscillation frequency control circuit, DC-DC converter including the oscillation frequency control circuit, and semiconductor device
An oscillation frequency control circuit controls a second oscillation circuit, which generates and outputs a second clock signal of a second frequency according to a received control signal, to control the second frequency. The oscillation frequency control circuit includes a frequency difference detection circuit unit configured to detect a difference between a predetermined first frequency of a first clock signal generated by an external first oscillation circuit and the second frequency, and generate and output an output signal indicating a detection result, and a frequency control circuit unit configured to control, according to the output signal of the frequency difference detection circuit unit, the second oscillation circuit to control the second frequency of the second clock signal to make an absolute value of the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency greater than a predetermined value. |
US08212597B2 |
Method for detecting the locking of a phase-locked loop and associated device
A method is for detecting locking of a phase-locked loop that generates an output signal and includes a phase comparator receiving, as an input, a reference signal and a second signal based upon the output signal. A time window having a duration of at least two periods of a third signal based upon the output signal, and located about a payload edge of the second signal, is generated. A first comparison of the reference signal and the second signal at a first payload edge of the third signal within the time window and on a first side of the payload edge of the second signal is performed. A second comparison of the reference signal and the second signal at a second payload edge of the third signal within the time window and on a second side of the payload edge of the second signal is then performed. Locking of the phase-locked loop based upon the reference signal and the second signal being equal during the first and second comparisons is detected. |
US08212595B2 |
System and method to improve the efficiency of synchronous mirror delays and delay locked loops
A phase detection system for use with a synchronous mirror delay or a delay-locked loop in order to reduce the number of delay stages required, and therefore increase the efficiency, is disclosed. The invention includes taking a clock input signal and a clock delay or feedback signal, each having timing characteristics, and differentiating between four conditions based upon the timing characteristics of the signals. The phase detector and associated circuitry then determines, based upon the timing characteristics of the signals, which of a number of phase conditions the signals are in. Selectors select the signals to be introduced into the synchronous mirror delay or delay-locked loop by the timing characteristics of the phase conditions. The system is able to utilize the falling clock edge of the clock input signal, and the lock time is decreased under specific phase conditions. The invention increases the efficiency of the circuits by reducing the effective delay stages in the SMD or DLL while maintaining the operating range. |
US08212592B2 |
Dynamic limiters for frequency dividers
Techniques for generating quadrature signals from a local oscillator signal, wherein the generated quadrature signals have a frequency half of the local oscillator frequency. In an exemplary embodiment, two oscillators, e.g., injection locked oscillators, are provided, each oscillator having a load, a cross-coupled transistor pair, an integrating capacitor, and current injection transistors. A differential pair is coupled to the leads of each of the integrating capacitors, and the drains of the differential pair are coupled to the outputs of the other oscillator to help increase the slew rate of the output voltages of the other oscillator. The inputs to the differential pair may be first amplified to improve the gain of the differential pair. In another exemplary embodiment, the power consumption of the differential pair may be reduced by operating them in a discontinuous mode, e.g., by coupling the source voltages of the differential pair to corresponding delayed versions of the drain voltages. |
US08212590B2 |
Mixed-voltage I/O buffer
A mixed-voltage I/O buffer includes an input buffer circuit. The input buffer circuit includes a first inverter, a first voltage level limiting circuit, a first voltage level pull-up circuit, an input stage circuit, and a logic calibration circuit. The first inverter inverts an input signal to generate a first control signal. The first voltage level limiting circuit limits voltage level of an external signal to generate the input signal transmitted to the first inverter to prevent electrical overstress of the first inverter. The first voltage level pull-up circuit is controlled by the first control signal to pull up voltage level of the input signal inputted into the first inverter. The input stage circuit receives the first control signal to generate corresponding digital signals inputted into a core circuit. The logic calibration circuit calibrates voltage level of the first control signal when the first inverter mis-operates due to the input signal having a low voltage level. |
US08212589B2 |
Circuit, apparatus, and method for signal transfer
A signal transfer circuit according to the present invention includes a differential signal generation unit that generates a differential signal according to a voltage difference between two input signals, a voltage difference detection unit that detects a voltage difference between the two input signals input to the differential signal generation unit, and a signal output unit that outputs a signal including a predetermined value if the voltage difference is not detected by the voltage difference detection unit, and outputs the differential signal generated by the differential signal generation unit if the voltage difference is detected by the voltage detection unit. |
US08212588B2 |
Opportunistic bus access latency
A bus system that includes a plurality of signal driving devices coupled to a common signal bus, a bus controlled circuit coupled to the common signal bus, and a compare circuit. The plurality of signal driving devices include a first signal driving device and a second signal driving device. The bus controller includes delay compensation circuitry with a configurable delay for each of the signal driving devices. The delay compensation circuitry has a current delay chain configuration associated with the first signal driving device. The compare circuit is configured to compare a first configurable delay associated with a first signal driving device to a second configurable delay associated with a second signal driving device of the plurality of signal driving devices, and for generating an output responsive to the comparing that indicates if the current delay chain configuration can be used by the second signal driving device. |
US08212587B2 |
Redriver with output receiver detection that mirrors detected termination on output to input
A redriver chip is inserted between a transmitter chip and a receiver chip and re-drives differential signals from the transmitter chip to the receiver chip. The redriver chip has switched output termination that switches to a high value to detect far-end termination at the receiver chip, and to a low value for signaling. An output detector detects when the receiver chip has termination to ground and enables switched input termination to provide termination to ground on the lines back to the transmitter chip so that the far-end termination on the receiver chip is mirrored back to the transmitter chip, hiding the redriver chip. An input signal detector detects when the transmitter chip begins signaling and enables an equalizer, limiter, pre-driver, and output stage to re-drive the signals to the receiver chip. The input signal detector also causes the switched output termination to switch to the low value termination for signaling. |
US08212584B2 |
Apparatus of low power, area efficient FinFET circuits and method for implementing the same
A novel implementation of a majority gate and a 2-1 MUX by using both gates of FinFET transistors as inputs is presented. A general methodology of using both gates of FinFET as inputs to implement any digital logic circuit is also presented. Circuits implemented using this methodology have significant advantages over CMOS logic counterpart and pass transistor logic counterpart in terms of power consumption and cell area. |
US08212583B2 |
Method and system for testing yawing system for wind turbine
A system and method is provided for ground testing of a yaw system of a nacelle (3) prior to erection of a wind turbine (1). A portable transformer box (10) is provided which will allow the nacelle preparation team to operate the yaw and hydraulic systems while the nacelle is grounded prior to erection. |
US08212582B2 |
Physical property measuring method for TFT liquid crystal panel and physical property measuring apparatus for TFT liquid crystal panel
There is provided a physical property measuring method for a TFT liquid crystal panel, includes an impedance setting step of setting the impedance between the source and drain of a TFT of the TFT liquid crystal panel to be less than or equal to a predetermined value, a voltage application step of applying a voltage that cyclically varies to a liquid crystal layer of the TFT liquid crystal panel. And the method further includes a physical property measuring step of measuring a transient current flowing through the liquid crystal layer to which the voltage that cyclically varies is applied in the voltage application step to measure physical properties of the liquid crystal layer. |
US08212581B2 |
Defective emitter detection for electroluminescent display
Inoperative or defective electroluminescent (EL) emitters in an EL display having a plurality of subpixels are detected. Current flow through a drive transistor in a subpixel is turned off, a selected test current is provided through the EL emitter in the subpixel using a current source, and the voltage at a second electrode of a readout transistor in the subpixel is measured to provide a status signal representative or characteristics of the selected EL emitter. The status signal for the subpixel is compared to the respective status signals of neighboring subpixels to determine whether the EL emitter in the subpixel is defective. |
US08212568B2 |
Oil based mud imaging tool with common mode voltage compensation
An apparatus and method for minimizing the effects of a common mode voltage signal in downhole logging tools utilized to determine the resistivity of an adjacent portion of a borehole wall. Two current electrodes are energized by an excitation source to create an oscillatory electric field in a borehole wall. A voltage drop across a segment of the borehole wall is measured by two voltage electrodes, and the differential voltage is used in combination with a measured current flow to determine a resistivity value for the borehole wall. A common mode voltage in front of the two voltage electrodes is measured and minimized by controlling the excitation source, thereby reducing the resistivity measurement error. |
US08212566B2 |
Angular position sensing based on magnetically induced beam deformation
A sensor for sensing an angular position of an instrument relative to a static magnetic field includes a flexible beam, an electromagnetic device, and a measuring device. The beam at one end may be coupled to the instrument, and lies along a sensor axis when the beam is in a non -flexed state. The electromagnetic device is coupled to the beam and is configured for generating a magnetic sensor field aligned with the sensor axis. The measuring device communicates with the beam and is configured for measuring a property of the beam related to an amount of flexure of the beam. The sensor may be utilized to set the instrument at a desired angle prior to operating the instrument, and to determine whether the instrument has deviated from the desired angle during operation. The instrument may include a probe spinning module such as may be utilized in magnetic resonance experiments. |
US08212562B2 |
Method and apparatus for designing and/or implementing variable flip angle MRI spin echo train
A variable flip angle (VFA) MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) spin echo train is designed and/or implemented. For example, a target train of detectable spin-locked NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) echo signal amplitudes may be defined and a corresponding designed sequence of variable amplitude (i.e., variable NMR nutation angle) RF refocusing pulses may be determined for generating that target train of spin echoes in an MRI sequence (e.g., used for acquiring MRI data for a diagnostic imaging scan or the like). Such a designed VFA sequence may be output for study and/or use by an MRI system sequence controller. |
US08212561B2 |
Fast velocity measurements using balanced SSFP magnetic resonance imaging
Referenceless techniques for flow imaging are described that exploit a refocusing property of balanced steady state free precession (“SSFP”) magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”), and achieve up to approximately a 50% reduction in total scan time. With the echo time set to one half of the sequence repetition time (TE=TR/2), non-flow-related image phase tends to vary smoothly across the field-of-view, and can be estimated from static tissue regions to produce a phase reference for nearby voxels containing flowing blood. These approaches produce accurate in vivo one-dimensional velocity estimates in half the scan time compared with conventional balanced SSFP phase-contrast methods. The feasibility of referenceless time-resolved 3D flow imaging (called “7D” flow) is demonstrated for a carotid bifurcation application from just three acquisitions. Related systems are also described. Other attributes such as blood acceleration can also be imaged with such techniques. |
US08212559B2 |
NMR-MAS probehead with integral transport conduit for an MAS-rotor
A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) magic angle spinning (MAS) probe head (1; 61) for measuring a measuring substance in an MAS rotor (21a-21c), comprises a bottom box (3) and a tube (2) mounted to the bottom box (3) and projecting from the bottom box, wherein, in the area of the end (5) of the tube (2) facing away from the bottom box (3), an MAS stator (7; 62) is disposed within the tube (2) for receiving an MAS rotor (21a-21c), and with a pneumatic sample changing system for supplying and discharging an MAS rotor (21a-21c) to/from the MAS stator (7; 62). A transport conduit (10) is provided for pneumatically transferring an MAS rotor (21a-21c) within the transport conduit (10), wherein the transport conduit (10) extends in the inside of the tube (2) from the bottom box (3) to the MAS stator (7; 62). The probe head realizes fast change between different MAS rotors and facilitates RF shielding and keeping of defined extreme temperature conditions. |
US08212557B2 |
Method for analyzing a multi-phase fluid
A method for determining individual component flow-rates in a multi-phase fluid flowing in a pipe comprises the steps of: a) flowing the fluid through a magnetic resonance based apparatus comprising a magnetic resonance module and at least one pre-polarization module through which the fluid phases flow before entering the magnetic resonance module, wherein said pre-polarization module comprises a plurality of cylindrical segments that can be selectively combined so as to modify the effective length of the pre-polarization module, b) selectively using the prepolarization module to polarize a component in a volume of the fluid, c) applying a selective excitation to said fluid volume, d) using a signal resulting from said excitation to obtain a velocity measurement for said component, and e) repeating steps b)-d) until velocity measurements for a desired number of components have been obtained. |
US08212556B1 |
Atomic magnetometer
An atomic magnetometer is disclosed which uses a pump light beam at a D1 or D2 transition of an alkali metal vapor to magnetically polarize the vapor in a heated cell, and a probe light beam at a different D2 or D1 transition to sense the magnetic field via a polarization rotation of the probe light beam. The pump and probe light beams are both directed along substantially the same optical path through an optical waveplate and through the heated cell to an optical filter which blocks the pump light beam while transmitting the probe light beam to one or more photodetectors which generate electrical signals to sense the magnetic field. The optical waveplate functions as a quarter waveplate to circularly polarize the pump light beam, and as a half waveplate to maintain the probe light beam linearly polarized. |
US08212554B2 |
Intraluminal magneto sensor system and method of use
A system (100) including a catheter mounted magneto sensor (114), such as a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), and methods using the system are disclosed, where the system and method are designed to detect changes in a magnetic field in a body of interest, such as a patient, to detect changes in a magnetic field in a patient, to identify loci in a target body that accumulate magnetic particles or to identify vulnerable plague in a patient. |
US08212547B2 |
System and method for on-chip duty cycle measurement
An apparatus and method for measuring the duty cycle of a clock signal, the apparatus having a first multi-tap delay module, a second multi-tap delay module, and a multi-element detecting module, the input terminal of the first multi-tap delay module and the input terminal of the second multi-tap delay module coupled to an input node IN, the first multi-tap delay module receiving the clock signal and then providing it a first constant incremental delay at each tap, the second multi-tap delay module receiving the same clock signal CLK and then providing it a second constant incremental delay at each tap, and the multi-element detecting module determining the ratio of the number of outputs of the multi-element detecting module in which the sampled clock level is high with respect to the total number of steps covering one complete clock cycle. |
US08212546B2 |
Wideband CMOS RMS power detection scheme
A system includes a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit includes a first MOS transistor having a gate and a drain. The first circuit is configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal at the gate of the first MOS transistor. The drain of the first MOS transistor is configured to output a first current that is proportional to the square of the input voltage of the RF signal while receiving the RF signal. The second circuit includes a second MOS transistor having a source configured to receive a first current from the first circuit. The second MOS transistor is biased in a triode region and has a channel resistance between the source and a drain. The second circuit is configured to output a voltage proportional to the value of the power of the RF signal received by the first circuit. |
US08212543B2 |
Method and systems for conduction mode control
Methods for selecting between the two modes (states) of operation, continuous conduction and discontinuous conduction, are disclosed. Systems that are capable of selecting the operating mode and operating in the continuous conduction mode or the discontinuous conduction mode are also disclosed. |
US08212540B2 |
Voltage generating circuit
A voltage generating circuit according to the present invention comprises a voltage converter which voltage-converts a reference voltage, and an output unit which impedance-converts the voltage outputted from the voltage converter. The voltage converter and the output unit each comprise a low-voltage-side power supply and a high-voltage-side power supply. A voltage level of the high-voltage-side power supply in the output unit is set to be higher than a voltage level of the high-voltage-side power supply in the voltage converter. |
US08212539B2 |
Interleaved converter
The present invention includes: an input voltage detector detecting an input voltage of a parallel converter and outputting an input voltage signal; an output voltage detector detecting an output voltage of the parallel converter; and a controller. The controller includes an error amplifier comparing the output voltage signal and a reference voltage and outputting an error amplification signal; an arithmetic operator generating an ON time signal and an OFF time signal based on the input and output voltage signals and the error amplification signal; a phase signal generator generating plural phase signals having different phases based on the ON and OFF time signals and the error amplification signal; a pulse generator generating plural pulse-train signals synchronized with the respective phase signals based on the ON time signal, the error amplification signal and the phase signals; and a driver driving the switching units in accordance with the pulse-train signals. |
US08212537B2 |
Integratable efficient switching down converter
A converter circuit and methods for operating the same. The converter circuit includes a supply voltage, a capacitor, an inductor, and four stacked switching elements. Each switching element is adjustable from a low resistance state to a high resistance state by a control signal. The inductor outputs current to a circuit load. The circuit may be operated in a first mode such that the output is adjustable between the supply voltage and half the supply voltage. Alternatively, in a second mode of operation, the output is adjustable from half the supply voltage to a ground voltage. |
US08212531B2 |
Method of charging a battery, and a corresponding charger and battery
The present invention relates to a method of charging a battery having internal resistance, the method including the step of feeding the battery with substantially constant charging current at a charging voltage that is regulated so as to compensate at least in part for the voltage drop generated by the internal resistance of the battery. The invention also provides a charger and a battery for implementing the method. |
US08212529B2 |
Charge/discharge protection circuit, battery pack including charge/discharge protection circuit, and electronic device thereof
A charge/discharge protection circuit for protecting a plurality of serially connected secondary batteries from overcharge, overdischarge, and current overflow by detecting overcharge, overdischarge, and current overflow and switching on/off a discharge controlling FET or a charge controlling FET according to the detection results is disclosed including an overcharge protecting circuit configured to prioritize the detection results corresponding to overcharge and switch off the charge controlling FET in a case where a charger is connected to the charge/discharge protection circuit. |
US08212510B2 |
Fiber optically communicated motor temperature and position signals
Methods and apparatus are provided for a controlling an electric motor that is at least partially disposed within a motor housing. The rotational speed and position of the electric motor are sensed, and a temperature of the electric motor is sensed. The sensor signals are converted to optical signals and are propagated in a fiber optic cable. The electric motor is controlled based, at least in part, on the propagated optical signals. |
US08212507B2 |
Procedures and control system to control a brushless electric motor
The present invention relates to a method and a control system for driving a three-strand brushless, electronically commutated electric motor (2), wherein a line AC voltage (UN) is rectified and fed via a slim DC link (8) with minimum DC link reactance as a DC link voltage (UZ) to an inverter (10) that can be driven to supply and commutate the electric motor (2). A pulsating DC voltage (UG) initially generated by rectifying the line AC voltage (UN) is dynamically increased with respect to its instantaneous values by a step-up chopper (18) in such a manner that the resulting DC link voltage (UZ) with a reduced ripple always lies above a defined limit voltage (U18/U1) over time. The control system consists of a network rectifier (6), a downstream slim DC link (8) with minimum DC link reactance and a controllable inverter (10) that can be supplied via the DC link and driven to commutate the electric motor (2). A step-up chopper (18) is integrated therein with a controller (20) designed in such a manner that, the pulsating DC voltage (UG) rectified by the network rectifier (6) is dynamically increased with respect to its instantaneous values in such a manner that the resulting DC link voltage (UZ) with a reduced ripple always lies above a defined limit voltage (U20/U1) over time. Stray inductances (Ls1-Ls3) of the motor winding heads present in the electric motor (2) are used as inductor (L) for the step-up chopper (18). |
US08212497B2 |
Ballast with lamp-diagnostic filament heating, and method therefor
A ballast (10) for powering one or more gas discharge lamps (30,40) includes an inverter (100), an output circuit (200), a filament heating control circuit (300), and a control circuit (500). During a lamp filament detection period prior to startup of inverter (100), control circuit (500) monitors a signal within output circuit (200) in order to determine the number of lamps with intact filaments that are present at the ballast output connections (202, 204, . . . , 210, 212). During a lamp type detection period following startup of inverter (100), control circuit (500) monitors a current within filament heating control circuit (300) in order to determine the type of lamp(s) present at ballast output connections (202, 204, . . . , 210, 212). The determinations as to the number of lamps and the type of lamps are utilized by control circuit (500) to provide an appropriate level of heating to the lamp filaments. Preferably, control circuit (500) is realized by a microcontroller that is programmed with data relating to the different lamp types that may be powered by ballast (10). |
US08212495B2 |
Method for controlling a half-bridge circuit and corresponding half-bridge circuit
A circuit arrangement for operation of lamps, including a half-bridge arrangement which has an upper and a lower electronic switch (Q1, Q2), which are connected in series, each having a control connection and forming a neutral point (N1) at their connection point. The circuit arrangement further includes: a load circuit, in which a load circuit current (IL1) flows, is connected to the neutral point (N1); a feedback device; a stop device; a timer coupled to the input of the stop device; and a trigger device. A sequence controller is configured to preset an on-time (ton) during the preheating time of the electrodes of the lamps, by means of the timer, and after the preheating time of the electrodes of the lamps, this on-time is continuously increased until it corresponds at least to one quarter of the period duration of the resonant frequency of the reactance network. |
US08212490B2 |
Light source device, image display apparatus, and method of driving light emitting element
A light source device includes: a light emitting element; a pulse drive section adapted to supply the light emitting element with a pulse current in order for controlling an average emission light intensity from the light emitting element; and a light emitting element shunt section disposed in parallel to the light emitting element and adapted to shunt the light emitting element. |
US08212489B2 |
Circuit arrangement and method for starting and operating one or more discharge lamps
A circuit arrangement for starting and operating one or more discharge lamps comprising a self-oscillating inverter (1), a resonant circuit (2), a low-pressure discharge lamp (5), a starting voltage controller (3) with a variable resistor (R1), and a lamp filament heating controller (4), wherein the lamp filament heating controller includes an additional variable resistor (R2) in the resonant circuit, which variable resistor measures the current flowing in the resonant circuit, and, in the event of a threshold value being exceeded, disconnects the half-bridge transistor (Q2) and thus limits the current flowing in the resonant circuit, this additional variable resistor (R2) being bypassed by a switch (Q3), depending on the lamp state. |
US08212484B2 |
Initiation method for abnormal glow plasma discharge in a liquid-phase medium and apparatus for its implementation
A method and apparatus for initiating and maintaining an abnormal glow volumetric sonoplasma discharge (VSPD). With certain parameters of the electrical discharge and of the intensity of elastic vibrations, it is possible to initiate VSPD within a cavitating liquid medium. The mechanism for the initiation of VSPD is related to the breakdown of gas phase microchannels formed by growth cavitation bubbles. The method for continuous processing uses elastic vibrations in the frequency range 1-100 kHz with enough intensity for the development of cavitation phenomena; these vibrations are introduced into the liquid phase working medium, and a source of direct, alternating, high frequency and ultrahigh frequency electric field in liquid provides the initiation and stable glow of VSPD. Resulting VSPD is characterized by volumetric glow in the frequency range of visible light and ultraviolet radiation in the entire cavitational-electric field and has a rising volt-ampere characteristic curve. |
US08212482B2 |
Automotive illumination device with welcome illumination feature
An automotive illumination device includes a dome lamp bulb, a transistor switch, an in-vehicle unit, a door status detection unit, and a microcontroller. When user's access to an automobile has been detected by the in-vehicle unit, the microcontroller controls ON/OFF operation of the transistor switch at duty ratio of 60 percent to turn on the dome lamp bulb at brightness of 60 percent (welcome illumination state or mode). When opening of a door of the automobile has been detected by the door status detection unit during the welcome illumination, the microcontroller controls the ON/OFF operation of the transistor switch to always close the transistor switch (at duty ratio of 100 percent) to illuminate the dome lamp bulb at brightness of 100 percent. |
US08212481B2 |
Voltage control apparatus, power supply apparatus, electron tube and high-frequency circuit system
A voltage control apparatus used for an electron tube or a power supply apparatus includes a detecting circuit for detecting current flowing through a helix electrode, a voltage-limiting circuit for controlling a potential difference between the helix electrode and the anode electrode based on a predetermined voltage level; and a switch for switching based on an output from the detecting circuit. The switch connects the helix electrode and the anode electrode through the voltage-limiting circuit, or causes a short circuit between the helix electrode and the anode electrode. |
US08212477B2 |
Plasma display panel
A plasma display panel has a first substrate, plural pairs of display electrodes, a second substrate, and plural data electrodes. Each pair of the display electrodes is made up of a scanning electrode and a sustain electrode which are arranged parallel to each other on the first substrate. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. A discharge space is formed between the first substrate and second substrate. The data electrodes are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the display electrodes on the second substrate. The data electrode is wider in peripheral portion of the second substrate than in a central portion of the second substrate. |
US08212475B2 |
Photocathode, electron tube, and photomultiplier tube
In the photocathode, an underlayer made of a crystalline material containing La2O3 is provided between a supporting substrate and a photoelectron emission layer, and is in contact with the photoelectron emission layer. Therefore, for example, at the time of heat treatment in a manufacturing process of the photocathode, dispersion to the supporting substrate side of an alkali metal contained in the photoelectron emission layer is suppressed. Further, it is assumed that this underlayer functions so as to reverse the direction of, out of photoelectrons e− generated within the photoelectron emission layer, photoelectrons traveling toward the supporting substrate side to the side opposite thereto. |
US08212474B2 |
Display device, and method of manufacturing the display device
In a display device and a method of manufacturing the display device, the display device has a substrate having a first region and a second region disposed at a peripheral portion of the first region. The substrate includes a plurality of first electrodes disposed on the first region and an insulation member selectively disposed in the first region. The insulating member has a plurality of openings that expose a portion corresponding to the first electrodes. The substrate includes light emitting patterns are disposed on the first electrodes through the openings and the substrate has a second electrode disposed on the light emitting patterns. Accordingly, the thickness of the light emitting patterns is uniformity so that the quality of an image generated from the light emitting patterns is improved. |
US08212472B2 |
Organic electric field light-emitting element
An organic electric field light-emitting element, which contains: an anode; a cathode; and a light-emitting layer provided between the anode and the cathode, wherein the light-emitting layer contains two or more luminescent materials each giving a different emission peak, and a concentration ratio [(B/A)×100] in the light-emitting layer gradually increases along with the direction from an anode side of the light-emitting layer to a cathode side of the light-emitting layer, where A denotes a concentration of the luminescent material having the emission peak at the shortest wavelength side compared to the emission peaks of other luminescent materials, and B denote a concentration of the luminescent material having the emission peak at the longest wavelength side compared to the emission peaks of other luminescent materials, and wherein the light-emitting layer satisfies the relationship of: [(B/A)×100]≦10%. |
US08212467B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes a light emitting element, a cap sealing the light emitting element, and a light conversion structural section covering an upper surface of the cap. The cap includes a base section having a hole for taking out light emitted from the light emitting element, and a glass section overlaid on the hole. The glass section is provided outside the base section, and the light conversion structural section is provided outside the glass section. According to this light emitting device, manufacturing cost can be reduced by suppressing reduction in yield. |
US08212465B2 |
Field emission device
Provided is a field emission device. The field emission device includes an insulated cathode substrate facing an anode substrate, a plurality of cathodes arranged on the cathode substrate and separated from each other, and an emitter formed on each of the cathodes. In order to prevent accumulation of charges on an exposed area of the cathode substrate between the cathodes due to electrons discharged from the emitter, the distance between the cathodes is equal to or smaller than a first threshold value, and the distance from the emitter to the end of the cathode is equal to or greater than a second threshold value. Accordingly, in the field emission device in which a plurality of cathodes are separated from each other on the same plane, it is possible to prevent abnormal field emission and arc generation due to accumulated charges between the cathodes, thereby performing stable operation. |
US08212464B2 |
Backlight unit of liquid crystal display device
This invention relates to a backlight unit of a liquid crystal display device using a cold cathode fluorescent lamp that is capable of realizing pure colors and having a broad color reproduction range. A backlight unit of a liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one lamp including a first red phosphor having a dominant wavelength of about 620 nm, a second red phosphor having a dominant wavelength of about 658 nm, a green phosphor having a dominant wavelength of about 515 nm and a blue phosphor having a dominant wavelength of about 447 nm; a bottom cover in which the lamp is disposed; and an optical member disposed on the lamp. |
US08212459B2 |
Motor
A motor is disclosed. The motor can include: a rotor equipped with a shaft; a base, in which a housing hole is formed and which includes a housing support portion protruding along a periphery of the housing hole; a housing, which may be inserted in the housing hole to be supported by the housing support portion and in which a through-hole is formed so that the shaft may be inserted in one side of the through-hole; and a rotor support, which may be inserted into the other side of the through-hole and in which a support indentation is formed to rotatably support the shaft. This motor can be manufactured by a simple process at a low manufacturing cost. |
US08212448B2 |
Electric motor
A universal motor has a stator and a rotor installed in the stator. The stator comprises a pair of stator segments. Each segment has a yoke with first and second ends, a pole and a neck connecting the pole to the first end of the yoke. The second end of each yoke is connected with the first end of the other yoke. A pair of pre-formed windings are mounted on respective poles of the stator segments. |
US08212446B2 |
Brushless electric machine and device comprising said machine
To provide a technique that improves an efficiency of using a magnetic field in a brushless electric machine. A brushless electric machine includes a first member having N sets (N is an integer of 2 or more) of electromagnetic groups, and a second member that has N+1 sets of magnetic field forming member groups and can move in a predetermined moving direction in relative to the first member. One set of the electromagnetic coil group and one set of the magnetic field forming member group are alternately disposed along a direction perpendicular to the moving direction. |
US08212444B2 |
Magnetic axial bearing and a spindle motor having this kind of magnetic axial bearing
The invention relates to a magnetic axial bearing for taking up axial forces that act on a rotor component that is rotatably supported about a rotational axis with respect to a stator component. The bearing comprises a first bearing part consisting of at least one permanent magnet and at least two flux guide elements associated with the permanent magnet that are disposed on opposing end faces of the permanent magnet and aligned substantially radial and perpendicular to the rotational axis, and a second bearing part consisting of at least two flux guide elements that are disposed at a mutual spacing to one another and aligned substantially radial and perpendicular to the rotational axis, each flux guide element of the second bearing part being associated with a flux guide element of the first bearing part and lying directly opposite the latter in a radial direction and separated from it by an air gap. The invention further describes a spindle motor having a magnetic axial bearing of this kind, used, for example, for driving a hard disk drive. |
US08212440B2 |
Rotation structure
A rotation structure rotates a rotatable segment via the attraction between a number of electromagnetic elements disposed on another rotatable segment around a screw and a magnet disposed on another rotatable segment. The rotated angle of the rotatable segment can be controlled by selectably magnetizing the electromagnetic elements in response to an instruction generated by pressing a button formed on another rotatable segment. |
US08212436B2 |
Apparatus for harvesting electrical power from mechanical energy
An apparatus for harvesting electrical power from mechanical energy is described. The apparatus includes: a flux path. The flux path includes: a magnetic material having a magnetic property that is a function of stress on the magnetic material; a first magnetically conductive material proximate the magnetic material; a magnet in the flux path, wherein a magnetomotive force of the magnet causes magnetic flux; and a component configured to transfer changes in load caused by an external source to the magnetic material. |
US08212433B2 |
Electret and electrostatic induction conversion device
An electret having a high surface charge density, is provided and along with an electrostatic induction conversion device including such an electret. In some embodiments, the electret includes a laminate having a layer (A) containing a polymer compound (a) having a relative dielectric constant of from 1.8 to 3.0 and a layer (B) containing a polymer compound (b) or inorganic substance (c) having a relative dielectric constant higher than the polymer compound (a). The difference between the relative dielectric constant of the polymer compound (b) or inorganic substance (c) and the relative dielectric constant of the polymer compound (a) is at least 0.3. The layer (A) is disposed on the outermost surface on a side opposite to the side where electric charge is injected at the time of injecting electric charge into the laminate to form the electret; and the layer (B) has a thickness of at least 1 μm. |
US08212418B2 |
High power bipolar pulse generators
A bipolar pulse generator is implemented in a simple structure while providing a high efficiency design having a relatively low total size, while still allowing access by fibers used to control a photoconductive switch that activates the generator. The bipolar pulse generator includes a stacked Blumlein generator structure with an additional transmission line connected to a load at its near end and short-circuited at its distal end. An extra transmission line is positioned between the Blumlein generator's structure and the load provides specified limited gap between positive and negative sub-pulses. The bipolar pulse generator further includes a bended Blumlein generator structure, in which an existing intrinsic “stray” transmission line is used to provide the bipolar pulse. Still further, bipolar pulse generator includes stepped transmission lines, with additional switches positioned between steps, which are charged by different voltages. |
US08212412B1 |
Energy storage connection system
A power system for connecting a variable voltage power source, such as a power controller, with a plurality of energy storage devices, at least two of which have a different initial voltage than the output voltage of the variable voltage power source. The power system includes a controller that increases the output voltage of the variable voltage power source. When such output voltage is substantially equal to the initial voltage of a first one of the energy storage devices, the controller sends a signal that causes a switch to connect the variable voltage power source with the first one of the energy storage devices. The controller then causes the output voltage of the variable voltage power source to continue increasing. When the output voltage is substantially equal to the initial voltage of a second one of the energy storage devices, the controller sends a signal that causes a switch to connect the variable voltage power source with the second one of the energy storage devices. |
US08212411B2 |
System for generating electric energy
A system for generating electric energy from renewable energy sources such as waves includes a plurality of generator aggregates (4a-6c) arranged in the sea and a plurality of switchgears (1a-1c) arranged in the sea. Each switchgear (1a-1c) is connected to a plurality of the generator aggregates (4a-6c). A plurality of primary intermediate stations (17a-17c) are respectively connected to a plurality of the switchgears, and a secondary intermediate station (19) is connected to a plurality of the primary intermediate stations (17a-17c). The secondary intermediate station is also connected to a land based electric network. Switching means (192) is present for allowing selective connection to various locations (193, 194, 195) in the electric network. |
US08212407B2 |
Power supply circuit
A power supply circuit includes a voltage regulating module; a voltage selecting circuit and a voltage regulating chip. The voltage regulating module outputs corresponding control signals according to a type of a CPU installed on a motherboard. The voltage selecting circuit receives the control signals and converts the corresponding control signal to a voltage selecting signal. The voltage regulating chip receives the voltage selecting signal and outputs the corresponding working voltage to the CPU. |
US08212405B2 |
Metering assembly and customer load panel for power delivery
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for alternate power delivery are provided. A metering assembly includes a power meter module. The power meter module includes a power control module and a power monitor. The power control module is coupled to a transfer switch that receives both primary power and alternate power. The transfer switch has an output coupled to an electrical circuit load. The power control module is configured to receive a request from the transfer switch for the alternate power to be supplied through the transfer switch to the electrical circuit load. The power control module is configured to enable the transfer switch to supply the alternate power to the electrical circuit load in response to the request. The power monitor is configured to determine an amount of the alternate power provided to the electrical circuit load. The power control module is configured to enable the alternate power to be decoupled from the electrical circuit load if the determined amount of the alternate power provided to the electrical circuit load is greater than a power trip setpoint. A plurality of metering assemblies may be provided to monitor a corresponding number of transfer switches coupled to electrical circuit loads in a facility. |
US08212404B2 |
Method and apparatus for maintaining uninterruptible power supplies
A system and method of isolating an uninterruptible power supply system is disclosed that comprises bypassing an inverter section of the power supply to couple primary power to a load bus; and, thereafter, isolating the power supply by simultaneously uncoupling the power supply from the load bus and coupling the primary power to the load bus. |
US08212397B2 |
Method for operating a low-voltage electrical system
Decentralized power generation installations are connected to a low-voltage electrical system LV. These installations can make available control energy. The control of the active power output by the power generation installations into the low-voltage electrical system takes place by means of active variation of the system voltage by means of a transformer T with a variable transformation ratio. |
US08212393B2 |
Device and method for addressing power to a load selected from a plurality of loads
The invention relates to a device and method for addressing power to at least a selected load from a plurality of loads, in particular light sources in solid state lighting applications, such as decorative indoor and outdoor illumination for buildings or cars, by timing a power signal such as to power a selected load when said common timed power signal is switched to said load under control of a delayed clock signal. |
US08212392B2 |
Method and system for supplying power to multiple voltage islands using a single supply source (SSS)
Methods and systems for supplying power to multiple voltage islands using a single supply source are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include providing power to a first of a plurality of voltage islands, and individually controlling providing of power to each of a remaining portion of the plurality of voltage islands. For example, when an electronic system is first powered on, a low current voltage source may be used to supply power to a primary voltage island. As a higher current voltage source becomes available, power derived from the higher current voltage source may be provided to the primary voltage island and to secondary voltage islands. Power to each of the secondary voltage islands may be, for example, individually controlled via a power MOS transistor. The power MOS transistor may also be configured to allow a faster blocking time than unblocking time. |
US08212390B1 |
Adaptive power supply for telecommunications networks
An adaptive power supply span powers devices used in telecommunications. It includes a power circuit and control circuit that receives power and sense signals therefrom and provides a control signal thereto and distinguishes between a first network interface load having a constant voltage input power requirement and a second network interface unit load having a constant current input power requirement. A voltage control circuit and current control circuit are interconnected together and connected to the power circuit. A control signal from the voltage control circuit and current control circuit extends to the power circuit. The control circuit maintains a fixed output voltage for constant voltage regulation for the first network interface unit load, if the output current remains below a threshold current. The circuit limits the output current to a regulated value for constant current regulation below the initial maximum value for powering a second network interface unit if the initial output current is greater than the threshold current for a time greater than a threshold time. |
US08212389B2 |
Relay driving circuit and battery pack using same
A capacitor 16 is charged by turning on a switching element 12, and when a relay 18 is operated, by turning off the switching element 12 and turning on a switching element 13, a constant-voltage power supply 11 and the capacitor 16 are series-connected, and a switching element 14 is turned on to cause the series circuit of the constant-voltage power supply 11 and the capacitor 16 to be connected to a relay coil 20, so that the voltage resulting from addition of the output voltage of the constant-voltage power supply 11 and the charging voltage of the capacitor 16 is supplied to the relay coil 20, whereby causing the relay 18 to be turned on, after which the capacitor 16 is gradually discharged by means of the relay coil 20. |
US08212388B2 |
Multi-capacity power supply for electronic devices
An electronic device may be provided with more than one industry-standard type of AC power connector. The electronic device may be powered in any of a variety of locations by selectively exposing one of the power connectors selected according to an AC power outlet available at that location. A location-specific power cord may be used to connect the exposed power connector to the AC power outlet. The location-specific power cord may have, for example, a line socket at one end of a type that matches the exposed power connector, and a power plug at the other end of a type that matches the AC power outlet at the location. Predefined power settings appropriate for use with the AC power outlet and the exposed power connector may be automatically invoked. |
US08212387B2 |
Connection module for providing N+N and M+1 redundant power distribution
A device may include an interconnect module that includes a number of ports, where each port is configured to receive both an alternating current (AC) power supply and a direct current (DC) power supply; where the interconnect module provides power from the received power supplies to a plurality of field replaceable units (FRUs). |
US08212382B2 |
Power conversion apparatus and electric vehicle
A power conversion apparatus capable of improving the impedance characteristics between each of two power modules and each of a plurality of capacitor cells, the power conversion apparatus including: plural capacitor cells connected in parallel between a three-layer laminated wiring board consisting of a positive polarity conductor board and a negative polarity conductor board formed widely in the direction of the parallel disposition of the power modules and laminated with an insulation sheet therebetween; a three-layer laminated conductor board consisting of a positive polarity conductor board and a negative polarity conductor board formed widely in the direction of the parallel direction of the power modules and laminated with an insulation sheet therebetween and used to connect the positive and negative polarity sides of each of the two power modules to the laminated wiring board respectively. |
US08212379B2 |
Station communications over electrical transmission lines
A communication device for use on high voltage power lines provides for broadband communications over such high voltage power lines. The device has an impedance matching circuit configured to connect at one end to a high voltage line arrester of the high voltage power line, as well as a limiter circuit coupled to the other end of the impedance matching circuit to limit a voltage associated with a broadband signal. A noise blanker circuit is coupled at one end to this other end of the impedance matching circuit and is configured to inhibit presentation of a time delayed incoming signal to the broadband modem upon detection of electrical noise. The communication device can further comprise link aggregation and/or a differential circuit for providing non-inverted and inverted broadband signals for both reception and transmission. A corresponding method of communicating broadband information over a high voltage power line is disclosed. |
US08212378B2 |
Control and supply system
In accordance with at least some embodiments, a maritime well system includes a sea-surface control unit. The maritime well system also includes a sea-bed control unit coupled to the sea-surface control unit by a sub-sea cable configured to carry a direct current (DC) voltage output from the sea-surface control unit at least 30 kilometers to the sea-bed control unit. The maritime well system also includes a sub-sea tree coupled to the sea-bed control unit via a connecting line configured to carry a converted voltage output from the sea-bed control unit to the sub-sea tree. In accordance with at least some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the sub-sea cable is designed to carry a predetermined amount of power to the sea-bed control unit as DC power and is at least 10 times smaller than a cross-sectional area needed for carrying the predetermined amount of power to the sea-bed control unit as alternating current (AC) power. |
US08212377B2 |
Smart control device
A control device, such as a device for connecting with and providing control data on a low voltage line, is provided disclosed. The control device includes a power supply that generates a DC voltage from an input voltage communicated via a low voltage line by a power source. The control device also includes a receiver that extracts timing data from the input voltage and output circuitry that is operable to communicate information to the power source via the low voltage line. |
US08212374B2 |
Wind power generator
A constant-speed wind power generator including a plurality of wind scoops, at least two wind-catching cylinders, a fan, a vertical shaft, a steering gear, a first booster, a spring wheel, a second booster, an accelerator, a generator, and an iron tower. The first booster and second booster respectively comprise gears meshed with each other with diameters from small to large. The accelerator comprises a plurality of gear drive mechanisms with different diameters and the diameter of a driving gear of each gear drive mechanism is greater than that of a driven gear. The vertical shaft is disposed on the iron tower, and a plurality of the wind scoops are fixed on the vertical shaft. The fan is fixed on the vertical shaft corresponding to the wind-catching cylinders. The generator is capable of producing a stable power generation. |
US08212365B2 |
Printed wiring board and manufacturing method thereof
A printed wiring board is configured to be connected to an organic substrate in a state where a semiconductor chip is mounted thereon. A plurality of first layers are formed of a material having the same coefficient of thermal expansion as the semiconductor chip. A plurality of second layers are formed of a material having the same coefficient of thermal expansion as the organic substrate. The first layers have different thicknesses from each other and the second layers have different thicknesses from each other. The first layers and the second layers form a lamination by being laminated alternately one on another. The thicknesses of the first layers decrease from a side where the semiconductor chip is mounted toward a side where the organic substrate is connected. The thicknesses of the second layers decrease from the side where the organic substrate is connected toward the side where the semiconductor chip is mounted. |
US08212364B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor apparatus, and semiconductor apparatus and electric appliance
The present invention is directed to a semiconductor device having: an interposer; a wiring provided on the interposer; a first chip having a first semiconductor device, a first pad and a first solder ball over the interposer, the first semiconductor device being connected to the first pad and the first pad being connected to the first solder ball; a second chip having a second semiconductor device, a second pad and a second solder ball over the first chip, the second semiconductor device being connected to the second pad and the second pad being connected to the second solder ball; and a terminal provided at a rear side of the interposer, where the wiring and the first chip are connected via the first solder ball, where the first chip and the second chip are connected via the second solder ball, and where the terminal is connected to the first semiconductor device. |
US08212362B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip having a first main surface having an electrode pad in an exposed state, and an interlayer insulation layer formed on the first main surface so that the electrode pad is partially exposed; a re-wiring layer including a wiring pattern having a linear portion having one end portion electrically connected to the electrode pad and extending from the electrode pad, and a post electrode mounting portion with a recessed polygonal shape and connected to the other end portion of the linear portion; a post electrode formed on the post electrode mounting portion and having a bottom surface with a contour crossing an upper contour of the post electrode mounting portion at more than two points; a sealing portion disposed so that a top of the post electrode is exposed; and an outer terminal formed on the top of the post electrode. |
US08212357B2 |
Combination via and pad structure for improved solder bump electromigration characteristics
The invention generally relates to semiconductor devices, and more particularly to structures and methods for enhancing electromigration (EM) performance in solder bumps and related structures. A semiconductor structure includes a wire comprising first and second wire segments, a pad formed over the wire, and a ball limiting metallization (BLM) layer formed over the pad. The semiconductor structure also includes a solder bump formed over the BLM layer, a terminal via formed over the BLM layer, and at least one peripheral via formed between the second wire segment and the pad. The first and second wire segments are discrete wire segments. |
US08212356B2 |
Semiconductor device having multi-layered wiring layer and fabrication process thereof
A semiconductor device having a multi-layered wiring layer includes a semiconductor substrate, an electrode that is provided on the semiconductor substrate, an insulating film that is provided on the semiconductor substrate, the insulating film having an aperture at least partly overlapping the electrode, a resin bump that is provided on the insulating film, and the wiring layer that is electrically connected to the electrode and that includes a first conductive layer, an intermediate layer, and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer is formed on the electrode and on the resin bump, the intermediate layer is formed on the first conductive layer, and the second conductive layer formed on the intermediate layer. |
US08212354B2 |
Active plastic bridge chips
A system for proximity communication between semiconductor chips includes a package assembly. The package assembly includes a plurality of bridge circuits made of organic or plastic semiconductor material. A plurality of base chips are assembled to the package assembly. The package assembly positions and aligns the plurality of base chips such that the bridge circuits bridge the base chips and enable proximity communication between the base chips. |
US08212351B1 |
Structure for encapsulating microelectronic devices
According to an embodiment disclosed herein, a microelectronic device to be encapsulated is built on, or alternatively in, a substrate. The device is then coated with a sacrificial layer. A lid layer is deposited over the sacrificial layer, and then appropriately perforated to optimize the removal of the sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer is then removed using one of several etching or other processes. The perforations in the lid layer are then sealed using a viscous sealing material, thereby fixing the environment that encapsulates the device. The sealing material is then cured or hardened. An optional moisture barrier may be deposited over the cured sealing layer to provide further protection for the encapsulation if needed. |
US08212350B2 |
Space and cost efficient incorporation of specialized input-output pins on integrated circuit substrates
In some embodiments an Integrated Circuit package includes a plurality of system functional pins, at least one system functional pin depopulation zone, and at least one non-system functional pin located in the at least one functional pin depopulation zone. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
US08212346B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing semiconductor package tensile stress
A semiconductor package is provided having reduced tensile stress. The semiconductor package includes a package substrate and a semiconductor die. The semiconductor die is coupled electrically and physically to the package substrate and includes a stress relieving layer incorporated therein. The stress relieving layer has a predetermined structure and a predetermined location within the semiconductor die for reducing tensile stress of the semiconductor package during heating and cooling of the semiconductor package. |
US08212336B2 |
Field effect transistor source or drain with a multi-facet surface
FET configurations in which two (or more) facets are exposed on a surface of a semiconductor channel, the facets being angled with respect to the direction of the channel, allow for conformal deposition of a convex or concave S/D. A convex tip of the S/D enhances electric fields at the interface, reducing the resistance between the S/D and the channel. In contrast, a S/D having a concave tip yields a dual-gate FET that emphasizes reduced short-channel effects rather than electric field enhancement. The use of self-limiting, selective wet etches to expose the facets facilitates process control, control of interface chemistry, and manufacturability. |
US08212333B2 |
MIM capacitor of semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a MIM capacitor of a semiconductor device and a MIM capacitor. A MIM structure and a metal layer may be formed using a single process. A method of manufacturing a MIM capacitor may include forming a hole on and/or over a lower metal wire region. A method of manufacturing a MIM capacitor may include forming a lower metal layer, an inter-metal dielectric and/or an upper metal layer on and/or over a hole to form a MIM structure. Patterns to form a MIM structure and a metal layer may be formed at substantially the same time. If etching is performed with a photoresist pattern as a mask, a MIM structure and a metal layer structure may be formed at substantially the same time using a single mask. |
US08212330B2 |
Process for improving the reliability of interconnect structures and resulting structure
An interconnect structure of an integrated circuit having improved reliability and a method for forming the same are provided. The method includes providing a substrate, forming a dielectric layer overlying the substrate, performing a first shrinking process, wherein the dielectric layer shrinks and has a first shrinkage rate, forming a conductive feature in the dielectric layer after the step of performing the first shrinking process, and performing a second shrinking process after the step of forming the conductive feature, wherein the dielectric layer substantially shrinks and has a second shrinkage rate. |
US08212325B2 |
Electrostatic vibrator and electronic apparatus
An electrostatic vibrator has a vibrating plate including beam-shaped vibrating parts each fixed at opposite ends thereof and configured for electrostatic actuation to perform flexural vibration, and temperature compensation parts connected to the vibrating parts. A silicon oxide film covers each of the vibrating parts but not the temperature compensation parts. A substrate is mounted in parallel relation to the vibrating plate. An oxide layer is disposed between the substrate to the vibrating plate. Electrodes are formed on the substrate and arranged on opposite sides of each of the vibrating parts. |
US08212323B2 |
Seal ring structure for integrated circuits
A seal ring structure for an integrated circuit includes a seal ring being disposed along a periphery of the integrated circuit and being divided into at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is positioned facing an analog and/or RF circuit block and is different from the first portion in structure. A P+ region is provided in a P substrate and positioned under the second portion. A shallow trench isolation (STI) structure surrounds the P+ region and laterally extends underneath a conductive rampart of the second portion. |
US08212321B2 |
Semiconductor device with feedback control
An electronic element (39′, 39, 40) having feedback control is provided by placing an inductive interposer (42) between the output connection or bus (382) and the input connection or bus (381), wherein the inductive interposer (42) forms part of a closed circuit (47) with the inductive interposer (42) substantially parallel with the output connection or bus (382) and input connection or bus (381) for a distance permitting significant inductive coupling therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the closed circuit (47) containing the inductive interposer (42) comprises impedance ZT. By including various circuit elements (e.g., resistance, capacitance, and/or inductance) in ZT, the output-to-input feedback can be modified to advantage. This greatly increases the available design freedom, especially for power devices, such as for example, field effect, MOSFET, LDMOS. bipolar and other power devices that use substantially parallel input and output bus structures. |
US08212314B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a first conductive type semiconductor substrate; a first conductive type semiconductor region provided thereon in which first conductive type first pillar regions and second conductive type second pillar regions alternately arranged; second conductive type second semiconductor regions provided on second pillar regions in an element region to be in contact with first pillar regions therein; gate electrodes each provided on adjacent second semiconductor regions and on one of the first pillar region interposed therebetween; third semiconductor regions functioning as a first conductive type source region provided in parts of the second semiconductor regions located under side portions of the gate electrodes; and a second conductive type resurf region which is a part of a terminal region surrounding the element region and which is provided on first pillar regions and second pillar regions in the part of the terminal regions. |
US08212313B2 |
Semiconductor device
Provided is a semiconductor device which can relax the electric field in the junction termination region, and can achieve a high breakdown voltage.The semiconductor device includes an element region (51) and a junction termination region (52). The element region includes: a first semiconductor region (2) of a first conductivity type; a second semiconductor region (4) of a second conductivity type; a third semiconductor region (10) of the first conductivity type; a trench (35) passing through the second semiconductor region and the third semiconductor region and has a bottom surface which reaches the first semiconductor region (2); a gate insulating film (12) formed on the side surface and a bottom surface of the trench; and a gate electrode (8) embedded in the trench. The junction termination region includes: a terminal trench (55) formed in the depth direction from the top surface so as to surround the element region; a gate insulating film (12) formed on a sidewall and a bottom surface of the terminal trench; and a gate electrode (8) embedded in the terminal trench (55). The depth from the top surface of the second semiconductor region (4) to the bottom surface of the terminal trench (55) is 0.9 to 2.0 times the thickness of the second semiconductor region. |
US08212311B2 |
Semiconductor device having increased gate length implemented by surround gate transistor arrangements
In a vertical transistor comprising a pillar-shaped semiconductor layer and a gate electrode formed around the pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, it is difficult to form a transistor having a gate length greater than that of the vertical transistor. The present invention provides a semiconductor device which comprises two vertical transistors comprising first and second pillar-shaped semiconductor layers each formed on a first diffusion layer on a substrate. The vertical transistors have a common gate electrode. A first upper diffusion layer formed on a top of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer is connected to a source electrode, and a second upper diffusion layer formed on a top of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer is connected to a drain electrode. The vertical transistors are connected in series to operate as a composite transistor having a gate length two times greater than that of each of the vertical transistors. |
US08212310B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type; a deep well of a second conductivity type formed in a portion of an upper layer portion of the semiconductor layer; a well of the first conductivity type formed in a portion of an upper layer portion of the deep well; a source layer of the second conductivity type formed in the well; a drain layer of the second conductivity type formed in the well apart from the source layer; and a contact layer of the second conductivity type formed outside the well in an upper layer portion of the deep well and connected to the drain layer. The drain layer is electrically connected to the deep well via the well by applying a driving voltage between the source layer and the drain layer. |
US08212309B2 |
Non-volatile memory device and method of manufacturing same
Provided are an architecture for a non-volatile memory device that can increase the write efficiency for split-gate trap memory, as well as increase resistance to disturbances; and a method of manufacturing said memory device. The device includes, at least: a layered film having traps, formed on top of the semiconductor substrate; a memory gate electrode formed on top of the layered film; a word gate electrode laid out so as to contact the memory gate electrode and the substrate through an insulating film; and source and drain regions in the substrate, sandwiching the two gate electrodes. The equivalent oxide thickness of the insulating film sandwiched between the word gate electrode and the substrate is made greater where the layered film is in contact than where there is no contact. |
US08212308B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor flash memory
Two diffusion layers are provided in an element area. A tunnel insulating film is provided on the surface of the element area between the two diffusion layers. A charge storage layer is provided on the tunnel insulating film. A first insulator provided on the upper surface of the charge storage layer. An inter-electrode insulating film provided on the first insulator, on the side surface of the charge storage layer in a first direction and on the isolation insulating film. And a control gate electrode extends in the first direction and covers the charge storage layer via the first insulator and the inter-electrode insulating film. The first insulator is thicker than the inter-electrode insulating film, and the inter-electrode insulating film has a first slit on the first insulator. |
US08212305B2 |
Semiconductor device with improved insulating film and floating gate arrangement to decrease memory cell size without reduction of capacitance
A semiconductor device having a nonvolatile memory is reduced in size. In an AND type flash memory having a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells having a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of word lines crossing therewith, and a plurality of floating gate electrodes disposed at positions which respectively lie between the plurality of adjacent first electrodes and overlap the plurality of word lines, as seen in plan view, the plurality of floating gate electrodes are formed in a convex shape, as seen in cross section, so as to be higher than the first electrodes. As a result, even when nonvolatile memory cells are reduced in size, it is possible to process the floating gate electrodes with ease. In addition, it is possible to improve the coupling ratio between floating gate electrodes and control gate electrodes of the word lines without increasing the area occupied by the nonvolatile memory cells. |
US08212302B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device which is superior in writing property and charge holding property, including a semiconductor substrate in which a channel formation region is formed between a pair of impurity regions, and a first insulating layer, a floating gate, a second insulating layer, and a control gate over the semiconductor substrate. The floating gate includes at least two layers. It is preferable that a band gap of a first layer included in the floating gate, which is in contact with the first insulating layer, be smaller than that of the semiconductor substrate. For example, it is preferable that the band gap of the semiconductor material for forming the floating gate be smaller than that of the channel formation region in the semiconductor substrate by 0.1 eV or more. This is because, by lowering the bottom energy level of a conduction band of the floating gate electrode than that of the channel formation region in the semiconductor substrate, a carrier injecting property and a charge holding property are improved. |
US08212301B2 |
Capacitor and method for fabricating the same
A capacitor includes a lower electrode, a first dielectric layer formed over the lower electrode, a second dielectric layer formed over the first dielectric layer, wherein the second dielectric layer includes an amorphous high-k dielectric material, a third dielectric layer formed over the second dielectric layer, and an upper electrode formed over the third dielectric layer. The third dielectric layer can be thicker than the first dielectric layer. |
US08212298B2 |
Semiconductor storage device and methods of producing it
A semiconductor storage device where one MOS transistor in a memory cell section includes a selection transistor, and one MOS transistor in a peripheral circuit section includes a first MOS transistor and a second MOS transistor of different conductivity type, the first MOS and second MOS transistors and the selection transistor include lower drain or source regions in a planar semiconductor layer, a pillar-shaped semiconductor layer on the planar semiconductor layer, upper source or drain regions in an upper portion of the pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a gate electrode that surrounds a sidewall of the pillar-shaped semiconductor layer through a dielectric film, and where a first silicide layer connects a surface of the lower drain or source region of the first MOS and second MOS transistors, and a second silicide layer on a surface of the lower drain or source region of the selection transistor. |
US08212297B1 |
High optical efficiency CMOS image sensor
High optical efficiency CMOS image sensors capable of sustaining pixel sizes less than 1.2 microns are provided. Due to high photodiode fill factors and efficient optical isolation, microlenses are unnecessary. Each sensor includes plural imaging pixels having a photodiode structure on a semiconductor substrate adjacent a light-incident upper surface of the image sensor. An optical isolation grid surrounds each photodiode structure and defines the pixel boundary. The optical isolation grid extends to a depth of at least the thickness of the photodiode structure and prevents incident light from penetrating through the incident pixel to an adjacent pixel. A positive diffusion plug vertically extends through a portion of the photodiode structure. A negative diffusion plug vertically extends into the semiconductor substrate for transferring charge generated in the photodiode to a charge collecting region within the semiconductor substrate. Pixel circuitry positioned beneath the photodiode controls charge transfer to image readout circuitry. |
US08212295B2 |
ROM cell circuit for FinFET devices
The present disclosure provides a read only memory (ROM) cell array. The ROM cell array includes a plurality of fin active regions oriented in a first direction and formed on a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of gates formed on the plurality of fin active regions and oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a plurality of ROM cells formed by the plurality of fin active regions and the plurality of gates, the plurality of ROM cells being coded such that each cell of a first subset of ROM cells has a source electrically connected to a Vss line, and each cell of a second subset of ROM cells has a source electrically isolated. Each cell of the first subset of ROM cells includes a drain contact having a first contact area and a source contact having a second contact area at least 30% greater than the first contact area. |
US08212281B2 |
3-D and 3-D schottky diode for cross-point, variable-resistance material memories, processes of forming same, and methods of using same
A variable-resistance material memory (VRMM) device includes a container conductor disposed over an epitaxial semiconductive prominence that is coupled to a VRMM. A VRMM device may also include a conductive plug in a recess that is coupled to a VRMM. A VRMM array may also include a conductive plug in a surrounding recess that is coupled to a VRMM. Apparatuses include the VRMM with one of the diode constructions. |
US08212275B2 |
Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device according to an embodiment includes: a blue color LED including a first principal surface, a second principal surface and a side surface, the blue color LED producing light; and a package portion in which a recess portion, which is a light shield portion accommodating the blue color LED with no gap on the side surface side, thereby preventing release of the light from the side surface, is formed. |
US08212272B2 |
Light-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode includes a substrate (12) having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral side surface, a pair of upper electrodes (13a, 13b) provided on upper surface portions of the substrate, at least one light emitting element (14) mounted one of the pair of upper electrodes, and a covering member (18) provided on the upper surface of the substrate except the upper surface portions at which the pair of upper electrodes are provided. The covering member (18) includes a recess (19), and a light-shielding resin (20) filled in the recess (19). |
US08212269B2 |
Organic light emitting device, method for producing thereof and array of organic light emitting devices
The present invention is directed to an organic light emitting device (OLED) including a first electrode, a second electrode, at least one layer of organic material arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a dielectric capping layer arranged on the second electrode opposite to the first electrode, wherein the capping layer comprises an outer surface, opposite to the second electrode, for emission of light generated in the at least one layer of organic material. The capping layer has the effect that a reflectance of external light is reduced whereas outcoupling of the light generated in the at least one layer of organic material through the capping layer is increased. |
US08212266B2 |
Light emitting device and method of fabricating the same
A light emitting device may include a plurality of nano-structures having a strip shape, each including a first nano-structure and a second nano-structure, the first nano-structures being the same height on the buffer layer. |
US08212265B2 |
Light emitting device and method for fabricating the light emitting device
Disclosed is a light emitting device including, a light emitting structure that has a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductive semiconductor layer, wherein the active layer is provided between the first conductive semiconductor layer and the second conductive semiconductor layer, and includes a plurality of well layers and at least one barrier layer, wherein the barrier layer includes a first nitride layer and a second nitride layer provided on the first nitride layer, and wherein the first nitride layer has a larger energy band gap than the second nitride layer while the energy band gap of the second nitride layer is larger than that of each well layer. |
US08212261B2 |
SiC semiconductor device with BPSG insulation film
A SiC device includes: a substrate; a drift layer; a base region; a source region; a channel layer connecting the drift layer and the source region; a gate oxide film on the channel layer and the source region; a gate electrode on the gate oxide film; an interlayer insulation film with a contact hole having a barrier layer and a BPSG insulation film on the gate electrode; a source electrode having upper and lower wiring electrodes on the interlayer insulation film and in the contact hole for connecting the base region and the source region; and a drain electrode on the substrate. The barrier layer prevents a Ni component in the lower wiring electrode from being diffused into the BPSG insulation film. |
US08212257B2 |
Semiconductor device
Solved is a problem of attenuation of output amplitude due to a threshold value of a TFT when manufacturing a circuit with TFTs of a single polarity. In a capacitor (105), a charge equivalent to a threshold value of a TFT (104) is stored. When a signal is inputted thereto, the threshold value stored in the capacitor (105) is added to a potential of the input signal. The thus obtained potential is applied to a gate electrode of a TFT (101). Therefore, it is possible to obtain the output having a normal amplitude from an output terminal (Out) without causing the amplitude attenuation in the TFT (101). |
US08212252B2 |
Light-emitting device
An object of the present invention is to provide a new light-emitting device with the use of an amorphous oxide. The light-emitting device has a light-emitting layer existing between first and second electrodes and a field effect transistor, of which the active layer is an amorphous. |
US08212251B2 |
Active matrix substrate
In an active-matrix substrate (100) according to the present invention, a semiconductor layer (110) has a first gettering region (112) adjacent to the source region (132) of a first thin-film transistor (130), a second gettering region (114) adjacent to the drain region (146) of a second thin-film transistor (140), and a third gettering region (116) adjacent to any of the source and drain regions located between the respective channel regions (134 and 144) of the first and second thin-film transistors (130 and 140) among the source and drain regions of the thin-film transistors included in the thin-film transistor element (120). |
US08212243B2 |
Organic semiconducting compositions and N-type semiconductor devices
An organic semiconducting composition consists essentially of an N,N-dicycloalkyl-substituted naphthalene diimide and a polymer additive comprising an insulating or semiconducting polymer having a permittivity at 1000 Hz of at least 1.5 and up to and including 5. This composition can be used to provide a semiconducting layer in a thin-film transistor that can be incorporated into a variety of electronic devices. |
US08212234B2 |
Method of fabricating nanosized filamentary carbon devices over a relatively large-area
Nanosized filamentary carbon structures (CNTs) nucleating over a catalyzed surface may be grown in an up-right direction reaching a second surface, spaced from the first surface, without the need of applying any external voltage source bias. The growth process may be inherently self-stopping, upon reaching a significant population of grown CNTs on the second surface. A gap between the two surfaces may be defined for CNT devices being simultaneously fabricated by common integrated circuit integration techniques. The process includes finding that for separation gaps of up to a hundred or more nanometers, a difference between the respective work functions of the materials delimiting the gap space, for example, different metallic materials or a doped semiconductor of different dopant concentration or type, may produce an electric field intensity orienting the growth of nucleated CNTs from the surface of one of the materials toward the surface of the other material. |
US08212229B2 |
Methods and apparel for attenuating electromagnetic fields emanating from an animal handler
Attenuating, while handling an animal, one's own emanated electromagnetic field by wearing apparel that includes an electromagnetically shielding fabric. The shielding fabric comprises a substantially continuous system of conductive fibers combined with non-conductive fabric. Or attenuating, while a handler is handling an animal, the electromagnetic field emanated by the handler, by (i) providing to the handler apparel that includes the electromagnetically shielding fabric, and (ii) instructing the handler to wear it while handling an animal, respectively. The attenuation of the emanated electromagnetic field decreases the likelihood of the animal reacting to the emanated electromagnetic field. |
US08212228B2 |
Extreme ultra violet light source apparatus
An extreme ultra violet light source apparatus prevents debris staying and accumulating within a chamber from contaminating the chamber and deteriorating the performance of an important optical component. The extreme ultra violet light source apparatus includes: a chamber in which extreme ultra violet light is generated; a driver laser for applying a laser beam to a target supplied to a predetermined position within the chamber to generate plasma; a collector mirror provided within the chamber, for collecting and outputting the extreme ultra violet light radiated from the plasma; an exhaust path communicating with the chamber and connected to an exhausting device, for maintaining an interior of the chamber at a certain pressure; a catching chamber provided in the exhaust path, for catching debris generated from the plasma; and a collecting unit for collecting the caught debris out of the chamber. |
US08212224B2 |
Charged particle beam device
The present invention provides a charged particle beam device which can effectively restrain misalignment of an optical axis even if a position of an anode is changed. The present invention is a charged particle beam device comprising a cathode provided with a charged particle source which emits a charged particle, an anode which applies an electric field to the emitted charged particle, a charged particle beam deflector which deflects an orbit of a charged particle beam having passed the anode, and a charged particle beam detector which detects the charged particle beam from a sample to which the charged particle is irradiated, wherein a distance changing mechanism which changes a distance between the cathode and the anode, corresponding to a charged particle amount emitted from the charged particle source and a deflection amount control mechanism which detects a condition of the deflector under which the charged particle dose detected from the sample scanned by deflecting the charged particle beam in the changed distance becomes a desired size and controls deflection of the deflector at sample measurement on the basis of the condition are provided. |
US08212221B2 |
Dual-range photon detector
The invention relates to a detector for measuring nuclear radiation, especially gamma-radiation, comprising a scintillator crystal with a light decay time of less than 100 ns, a silicon drift detector (SDD) for the measurement of both direct hits of low energy radiation and the light, being emitted from the scintillator crystal, the silicon drift detector being mounted between the scintillation crystal and the radiation entry window, a preamplifier, connected to the SDD, electronic devices, being capable of determining the signal rise time of the measured signals and of separating the signals on the basis of said rise time, electronic devices, being capable of separately collecting the energy spectra of SDD and scintillator detection events on the basis of the different rise times. |
US08212215B2 |
Refraction assisted illumination for imaging
Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods of imaging subsurface features of objects. An illumination source may be directed towards a surface of an object comprising subsurface features at a first angle relative to the normal of the surface. The object may have a portion between the subsurface features and the surface that has an index of refraction that is greater than the index of refraction of a surrounding medium. An imaging device may be placed with an objective lens oriented substantially normal to the surface. The first angle may be larger than an acceptance angle of the objective lens. |
US08212209B2 |
TOF mass spectrometer for stigmatic imaging and associated method
The present invention is concerned with improving the focusing of ions having a particular mass to charge ratio by optimising the electric field for the focusing of ions having that particular mass to charge ratio. In particular, the stigmatic focusing of ions can be improved by adjusting a voltage applied to an ion-optical lens 50 for ions of different mass to charge ratios as those ions pass through the lens. In one embodiment, a digital to analogue converter 32 and amplifier 34 are AC coupled to a high voltage DC power supply unit 38 by high voltage capacitor 36. The digital to analogue converter 32 generates a low voltage wave form which is amplified by the amplifier 34 and then added to the output of the high voltage supply 38 so that the desired voltage waveform is generated and applied to ion-optical lens 50 as ions pass through the lens. |
US08212208B2 |
Linear ion trap
A linear ion trap (6, 7, 8)is disclosed comprising a central quadrupole rod set (6)and a post-filter quadrupole rod set (8). A 180° phase difference is maintained between axially adjacent rod electrodes of the central quadrupole rod set (6) and the post-filter quadrupole (8) so that an axial pseudo-potential barrier is created between the central quadrupole rod set (6) and the post-filter quadrupole (8). A supplementary AC voltage is applied to the rods of the central quadrupole (6) in order to radially excite ions which are desired to be ejected from the ion trap. The ions are ejected from the ion trap (6, 7, 8) non-adiabatically in an axial direction. |
US08212205B2 |
Device and method for verifying valuable documents
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for automatically checking sheet-shaped documents of value.According to the present invention a simply constructed measuring apparatus can be obtained, by the measuring apparatus evaluating measuring values e.g. at least two measuring frequencies and the position of one or a plurality of discrete measuring tracks being determined in such a way that at least the presence of two different not visible spectral properties of a predetermined type of authentic documents of value can be checked. |
US08212204B2 |
Calibrated flexible radioactive source
A calibrated radioactive source comprises a container and a material labelled by at least one radionuclide. The labelled material is contained in the container and the container is made of a material that is transparent to the radiation emitted by the at least one radionuclide. The source is characterized in that the labelled material is a self-hardening polymer that is chemically inert relative to the material used for the container and in that the container is a flexible sheath. The calibrated source is placed into a hole of a brick of a tissue-equivalent phantom. An assembly is formed by such a calibrated source and a brick of tissue-equivalent phantom. |
US08212202B2 |
Reflective optical encoder package and method
Disclosed are various embodiments of a reflective optical encoder package having a light emitter and a light detector disposed on an integrated circuit having an optically transparent glass layer disposed thereover. The package can be manufactured without resort to wirebonding techniques and instead can be made using wafer level packaging methods and materials. The package can also be made of lower profile or smaller footprint than many conventional optical encoder packages, and may be employed to sense or detect rotary or linear motion. |
US08212201B2 |
Photoelectric converter and photoelectric conversion element
A photoelectric converter includes a photoelectric conversion element, which includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed discretely and a photoelectric conversion material layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and in which a current generated in the photoelectric conversion material layer changes with the lapse of an application time, where a constant amount of light is applied to the photoelectric conversion material layer while a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a current detection circuit to detect the change in the current. |
US08212199B2 |
Driving method for photo transistor by supplying an alternate current voltage to a gate electrode and photo sensor and flat panel display using the same
A driving method for a photo transistor includes providing an alternating current (AC) voltage to a gate electrode of the photo transistor. A photo sensor using the driving method and a flat panel display using the photo sensor are also provided. |
US08212195B2 |
Projectile with inertial measurement unit failure detection
A guided projectile may include a projectile body. An inertial measurement unit may be disposed within the projectile body, the inertial measurement unit including sensors to measure motion parameters relative to first, second, and third mutually orthogonal axes. Each of the first, second, and third mutually orthogonal axes may form an oblique angle with a longitudinal axis of the projectile body. A controller may be configured to control a trajectory of the guided projectile in response, at least in part, to measurement data received from the inertial measurement unit. |
US08212191B2 |
Heating cable with a heating element positioned in the middle of bus wires
Particular embodiments generally relate to a heating cable that includes a plurality of bus wires positioned on the outside of a heating element. In one embodiment, a spacer is provided. A heating element is included on a surface of the spacer. The heating element also includes one or more resistance wires. A plurality of bus wires are positioned on the edges of the spacer that has the heating element wrapped around it. For example, a first bus wire is positioned on a first side of the spacer and a second bus wire is positioned on a second side of the spacer. A plurality of node areas (e.g., on the bus wires or on an insulated heating element) allow a resistance wire of the heating element to be electrically coupled to the bus wires at the plurality of node areas on alternating bus wires. |
US08212190B1 |
Decorative handle sheath and associated method
A protective handle sheath including a body adapted to wrap about the existing appliance handle, a heat-activated anti-bacterial agent impregnated within the body, and first and second hook and loop strips attached to oppositely situated first and second longitudinal edges of the body respectively. The first and second hook and loop strips generate heat when engaged with each other such that the heat is transferred through the body and thereby transforms the anti-bacterial agent from an inactive state to an active state. In this manner, the anti-bacterial agent is released out from an interior of the body and thereby adapted to directly contact an outer surface of the existing appliance handle. Conversely, the anti-bacterial agent automatically returns to an inactive state when the first hook and loop strip is separated from the second hook and loop strip. Thus, the inactive anti-bacterial agent is absorbed into the interior of the body. |
US08212187B2 |
Heater with 360° rotation of heated air stream
A heater with 360° rotation of a heated air stream is provided. The device includes a housing, a motor, an impeller, a heating element, an air stream deflector and a rotational engine. More specifically, the device is directed toward a portable space heater having an outward radial projection of a heated air stream in combination with 360° rotational movement for reducing air temperature stratification and uneven heating problems in a room. |
US08212183B2 |
Method and apparatus for utilizing thermal energy generated by medical diagnostic devices
This invention relates to the use of system thermal energy generated by equipment, such as an ultrasound sensing device, to transfer heat to the peripherals/sensors/probes under user control. This is accomplished by recycling the heat generated by the system and used that to keep the peripheral/sensor/probe warm. |
US08212182B2 |
Contactor assembly for wire feeder
A portable wire feeder for providing welding wire and welding current to a welding operation includes an input electrically connected to a power source. An output is selectively electrically connected to the input to receive welding current delivered to the input from the power source and to provide the welding current and welding wire to the welding operation through a guide hose. A contactor includes a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal and a conductive bridge member for selectively electrically connecting the input to the output. The first electrical terminal is electrically connected to the input. The second electrical terminal is electrically connected to the output. The conductive bridge member is movable between the first position in which the bridge member electrically connects the first electrical terminal to the second electrical terminal and a second position wherein the bridge member is separated from at least one of the first and second electrical terminals to electrically isolate the terminals from one another. At least one of the first electrical terminals, the second electrical terminal and the bridge member is independently removable from the contactor for servicing or replacement. A motorized wire feeding system includes a motor and a feed roll driven by the motor to direct the welding wire from a wire supply to the output for provision of the welding wire to the welding operation through the guide hose. |
US08212180B2 |
Method for severing brittle flat materials by laser beam with previously produced traces
The invention relates to a method for severing brittle flat materials, for example made of glass, ceramic, silicon, gallium arsenide or sapphire. The method includes the step of heating the flat material along desired dividing lines below its melting temperature by means of a laser alone desired separating lines. Then the material is shocked by a coolant jet so that a thermally-induced mechanical stress difference brings about a material separation. Traces are formed in the flat material in advance along the separation lines, so that the flat material has a lower breaking stress along the traces than in the unworked flat material, and the separation with the laser takes place along these traces. |
US08212175B2 |
Method for controlling the quality of laser-welding processes, control system an program product therefor
Described herein is a method for controlling the quality of a laser-welding process, for example of laser welds of semifinished products constituted by elements of sheet metal of different thickness and/or properties (“tailored blanks”), of the type that comprises the steps of: detecting a radiation (E*) produced in the welding area (2, 3) and issuing signals (E*) indicating said radiation; acquiring and processing said signals (E*) indicating said radiation; making a division into blocks of said signals (E*) indicating said radiation; calculating (205) for each block a block-mean value (u) and a value of block standard deviation (o); and in supplying input values comprising block-mean values (u) and values standard deviation (o) for identifying defects and/or porosities and insufficient penetration. |
US08212174B2 |
Casing and plasma jet system using the same
A casing is used for being rotatably disposed in a plasma jet system. The casing is rotated around a central axis. The casing comprises a main body and a plasma nozzle. The main body has a first cavity. The plasma nozzle is disposed under the main body and has a second cavity and a straight channel. The second cavity is connected to the first cavity. The straight channel is located at a side of the plasma nozzle opposite to the main body and connected to the second cavity. The straight channel has an extension axis which is substantially parallel with the central axis and separated from the central axis by an interval. Plasma generated by the plasma jet system jets out through the straight channel. |
US08212164B2 |
Outside the door racking and interlock
An assembly that prevents a circuit breaker from being racked into and out of a switchgear compartment unless the compartment door is closed completely. A coupling member protrudes through the door and has an exposed hexagonal-shaped end to receive a socket of a racking tool. When the door is closed, a recess of the coupling member receives a drive shaft that has a drive pin through it. The drive pin slides into a slot formed in the recess of the coupling member such that when the racking tool cranks the coupling member, the coupling member in turn cranks the drive shaft as the drive pin engages the slot in the coupling member. However, when the door is open, the coupling member is separated from the drive pin so rotating the coupling member does not turn the drive shaft. An optional padlock and deadbolt assembly provides added security against unauthorized access to the tool-receiving end of the coupling member. |
US08212163B2 |
Withdrawable device of vacuum circuit breaker
A withdrawable device of a vacuum circuit breaker for transferring a vacuum circuit breaker received in a cradle, includes: a carriage on which the vacuum circuit breaker is loaded; a first transfer unit fixed to the carriage; a second transfer unit installed at one side of the cradle such that it can be driven, and transferring a transfer force to the first transfer unit; and a transfer limiting unit for selectively limiting driving of the second transfer unit. |
US08212161B2 |
Keypad assembly for electronic devices
A keypad assembly includes a PCB, a light guiding board disposed on the PCB, a panel disposed on the light guiding board, a plurality of panel portions made of transparent material, set on the panel, a lighting device disposed on the PCB, and a sensing device disposed on the PCB. when an object touches or slides on/above the surface of the panel portion, the intensity of light sensed by the sensing device changes which causes the current of the four sensors to be changed, thus the sensing device generates a signal to complete a corresponding information input. |
US08212159B2 |
Capacitive touchpad method using MCU GPIO and signal processing
A microcontroller identifies a maximum x-axis charge time and a maximum y-axis charge time, along with x-axis sensor locations and y-axis that correspond to the maximum charge times (maximum charge time sensor locations). Next, the microcontroller identifies sensor locations that are adjacent to the maximum charge time sensor locations and computes adjacent charge time ratios based upon their corresponding charge times. In turn, the microcontroller uses the largest adjacent charge time ratios and the maximum charge time sensor locations to compute and map an x-axis position and a y-axis position of a user's contact location on a two-dimensional grid. |
US08212157B2 |
Load sensor for vehicle seat with an attached amplifier substrate shielded by an attached metal bracket and the sensor mounting mechanism
A load detection device for a vehicle seat mounted between a floor side mounting mechanism made of metal and a seat side mounting mechanism made of metal and measuring a load applied by an occupant seated on the vehicle seat includes a strain generating body adapted to be fixed via both end portions to a fitting surface formed at one of the floor side mounting mechanism and the seat side mounting mechanism while having a predetermined clearance from the fitting surface, a strain gauge attached to the strain generating body, a bracket made of metal and including an attachment portion that extends laterally relative to the strain generating body, and an amplifier substrate mounted on the attachment portion while being arranged in parallel to the strain generating body, both surfaces of the amplifier substrate being covered by one of or more of the bracket, the floor side mounting mechanism and the seat side mounting mechanism, the amplifier substrate amplifying a signal output from the strain gauge. |
US08212154B2 |
Printed wiring board
A printed wiring board suppresses characteristic impedance mismatch that occurs when the printed wiring board is equipped with a through-type coaxial connector, and includes ground layers stacked in a plurality of layers via insulating layers; a through-hole; a clearance serving as an anti-pad provided in an area between the through-hole and the ground layers; and signal wiring extending from the through-hole to between prescribed ones of the ground layers through the clearance. The prescribed ones of the ground layers have a wiring-impedance adjustment area for adjusting the impedance of the signal wiring, the wiring-impedance adjustment area being arranged so as to overlap a portion of the signal wiring in the clearance. |
US08212151B2 |
Wiring substrate and semiconductor package
A wiring substrate includes: an insulating layer; a wiring formed on the insulating layer; and a solder resist layer formed on the insulating layer so as to cover at least a portion of the wiring, the solder resist layer being constituted by a plurality of layers, wherein the plurality of layers contain fillers of different grain diameters, a layer thickness of an innermost layer for constituting the plurality of layers is thicker than a layer thickness of the wiring, and a grain diameter of the filler contained in the innermost layer is smaller than a shortest interval between adjacent lines of the wiring. |
US08212147B2 |
Finger friendly twist-on wire connector
A finger friendly twist-on wire connector having a spiral coil and an open end rigid shell secured to the spiral coil with the rigid shell having an outer surface with a circumferential band and a closed end supporting a finger cushion material integral to at least a portion of the outer surface of the rigid shell with the finger cushion material including a plurality of circumferentially spaced elongated ribs resiliently deformable in response to radially and tangential finger forces thereon as rotational finger forces are transmitted to the rigid shell through the finger cushion material to thereby inhibit finger fatigue and finger injury while allowing the user to maintain a feel of the wire engagement within the wire connector. |
US08212145B2 |
Circuit unit accommodation box
It is an object of the present invention to provide a circuit unit accommodation box having receptacles, with the circuit unit accommodation box being able to reliably accommodate a circuit unit having a first connector and also allowing the worker to attach the circuit unit to the circuit unit accommodation box with a simple operation when the circuit unit is to be accommodated in the circuit unit accommodation box. The circuit unit accommodation box includes a box body and a receptacle. The box body includes at least one circuit unit accommodating recess into which a circuit unit, equipped with a first connector, is inserted. The receptacle is disposed in the circuit unit accommodating recess and provides an electrical connection with the inserted circuit unit. The box body and the circuit unit are equipped with a securing mechanism for holding the circuit unit in the box body when the circuit unit is inserted from a first position to a second position. |
US08212141B2 |
Organic semiconductor radiation/light sensor and radiation/light detector
There is provided a high-sensitivity organic semiconductor radiation/light sensor and a radiation/light detector which can detect rays in real time. In the high-sensitivity organic semiconductor radiation/light sensor, a signal amplification wire 2 is embedded in an organic semiconductor 1. Carriers created by passage of radiation or light are avalanche-amplified by a high electric field generated near the signal amplification wire 2 by means of applying a high voltage to the signal amplification wire 2, thus dramatically improving detection efficiency of rays. Hence, even rays exhibiting low energy loss capability can be detected in real time with high sensitivity. |
US08212134B2 |
Cases for the protection of stringed musical instruments
Cases for the protection of stringed musical instruments having a bottom, a sidewall of a predetermined height extending from the bottom and a cover which is hingedly connected to the sidewall and which can be closed and secured with an appropriate fastener are described herein. The cases include a semi-rigid neck-brace having a height approximately the same as the inner height of the sidewall and being affixed to the bottom. The cases further include at least one retaining band that may be used to releasably secure the instrument neck to the neck-brace. Instrument damage may be prevented in the event of a sideways or backward fall, in at least part, because the neck-brace suspends the headstock between the bottom, sidewall and cover of the case and thereby prevents it from making contact. |
US08212129B1 |
Inbred corn line NPID3757
Basically, this invention provides for an inbred corn line designated NPID3757, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPID3757 with plants of another corn plant. The invention relates to the various parts of inbred NPID3757 including culturable cells. This invention also relates to methods for introducing transgenic transgenes into inbred corn line NPID3757 and plants produced by said methods. |
US08212128B1 |
Maize variety inbred PH13BP
A novel maize variety designated PH13BP and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH13BP with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH13BP 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 PH13BP or a locus conversion of PH13BP with another maize variety. |
US08212123B1 |
Soybean variety XB38V10
A novel soybean variety, designated XB38V10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB38V10, cells from soybean variety XB38V10, plants of soybean XB38V10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB38V10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB38V10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB38V10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB38V10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB38V10 are further provided. |
US08212121B2 |
Soybean variety A1016115
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016115. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016115. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016115 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016115 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
US08212119B1 |
Soybean cultivar 04RM149036
The present invention is in the field of soybean cultivar 04RM149036 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean cultivar 04RM149036 and its progeny, and methods of making 04RM149036. |
US08212109B2 |
Method for the production of transgenic plants
Mesocotyl meristem explants that contain multiple primary meristems are transformed via particle bombardment or Agrobacterium-mediated methods. Regeneration is through an organogenesis pathway that allows for secondary multiple bud formation. This method allows for the genotype independent transformation of varieties of wheat. |
US08212107B1 |
Soybean cultivar 09133222
A soybean cultivar designated 09133222 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 09133222, to the plants of soybean cultivar 09133222, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 09133222, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 09133222. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 09133222. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 09133222, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 09133222 with another soybean cultivar. |
US08212100B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for protecting and treating a traumatic wound
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for protection, depressurization, and treatment of a traumatic wound. The disclosed apparatus comprises a flexible patch with an elevated portion configured to accommodate multiple connectors at least one of which is configured to interface with a two-way valve. |
US08212098B2 |
HF alkylation process with internal acid regeneration
An improved process for removing polymeric by-product (ASO) from the HF alkylation acid in an HF alkylation unit used for the production of gasoline boiling range alkylate product by olefin/iso-paraffin alkylation, comprises fractionating a portion of the circulating HF alkylation acid inventory of the unit with a portion of hot alkylate product in a fractionation zone to from an overhead product comprising HF alkylation acid and water and a bottoms fraction comprising the polymeric by-product and alkylate. The bottoms fraction is sent to the isoparaffin stripper of the unit to remove trace HF alkylation acid as overhead and form a product stream of hot alkylate as a bottoms fraction. |
US08212095B2 |
Method for production of styrene from toluene and syngas
A method for the production of styrene comprising reacting toluene and syngas in one or more reactors is disclosed. |
US08212088B2 |
Efficient and selective chemical recycling of carbon dioxide to methanol, dimethyl ether and derived products
An efficient and environmentally beneficial method of recycling and producing methanol from varied sources of carbon dioxide including flue gases of fossil fuel burning powerplants, industrial exhaust gases or the atmosphere itself. Converting carbon dioxide by chemical or electrochemical reduction seconardy treatment to produce essentially methanol, dimethyl ether and derived products. |
US08212086B2 |
Method of making alkylene glycols
Methods and systems for preparing alkylene glycols are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of alkylene oxides with water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time. |
US08212085B2 |
Method for purifying optically active 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)ethanol
There is disclosed a purification method of an optically active 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)ethanol represented by the formula [1], which includes recrystallizing the optically active 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)ethanol from an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent where * denotes an asymmetric carbon. This method makes it possible to improve the optical purity of the ethanol significantly. |
US08212084B2 |
Method for the production of 4,4′-[1-trifluoromethyl)alkylidene]-bis-(2,6-diphenylphenols)
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 4,4′-[1-(trifluoromethyl)alkylidene]bis(2,6-diphenylphenols), in particular for preparing 4,4′-[1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]bis(2,6-diphenylphenol), which comprises the self-condensation of cyclohexanone in the presence of a basic catalyst to form tricyclic condensation products, dehydrogenation of the resulting tricyclic condensation products in the presence of a supported transition metal catalyst in the condensed phase to form 2,6-diphenylphenol and reaction of the 2,6-diphenylphenol with a trifluoromethyl ketone. The invention further provides an improved process for preparing 2,6-diphenylphenol by aldol self-condensation of cyclohexanone. |
US08212080B2 |
Production method of xylylenediamine
A method of producing xylylenediamine by the hydrogenation of dicyanobenzene obtained by the ammoxidation of xylene in a high yield while prolonging the catalyst life. In the method, a molten dicyanobenzene from which compounds having a boiling point lower than that of dicyanobenzene have been removed but compounds having a boiling point higher than that of dicyanobenzene are not removed is dissolved in a solvent containing liquid ammonia. By this dissolution, at least part of dicyanobenzene polymers precipitates as insolubles. The precipitates are removed by a solid-liquid separation. By subjecting the resulting solution containing the dicyanobenzene polymers in a reduced amount to hydrogenation, xylylenediamine is produced in a high yield and the life time of hydrogenation catalyst is prolonged. |
US08212078B2 |
Diimines and secondary diamines
This invention provides aromatic diimines where the diimines have imino groups with at least two carbon atoms, and either are in the form of one benzene ring having two imino groups on the ring, which imino groups are meta or para relative to each other, and in which each position ortho to an imino group bears a hydrocarbyl group, or are in the form of two benzene rings connected by an alkylene bridge and having one imino group on each ring, and in which each position ortho to an imino group bears a hydrocarbyl group. This invention also provides aromatic secondary diamines where the diamines have amino hydrocarbyl groups with at least two carbon atoms, and either are in the form of one benzene ring having two amino groups on the ring, which amino groups are meta or para relative to each other, and in which each position ortho to an amino group bears a hydrocarbyl group, or are in the form of two benzene rings connected by an alkylene bridge and having one amino group on each ring, and in which each position ortho to an amino group bears a hydrocarbyl group. Also provided are processes for forming diimines and secondary diamines from primary diamines, including the aromatic diimines and aromatic secondary diamines of the invention. |
US08212077B2 |
Process for the synthesis of agomelatine
Process for the industrial synthesis of the compound of formula (I) |
US08212076B2 |
Prevention of cellular senescence in mammals by natural peptide complexes
Preventing skin aging by targeting multiple causes by a single bullet is of primal scientific and consumer interest. A treatment based on compositions of compound (I) for cellular senescence to control cellular degradation offers such a solution to multiple skin ailments including skin degradation from cancer, diabetes, radiation treatments, chemotherapy, and sun-burn; mitochondrial dysfunction, age spots, acne, loss of cellular antioxidants, collagen loss, loss of skin pliability, loss of skin suppleness, skin wrinkles including fine lines, oxidation, damage from radiation, damage from free radicals, damage from UV, dry skin, xerosis, ichthyosis, dandruff, brownish spots, keratoses, melasma, lentigines, liver spots, pigmented spots, dark circles under the eyes, skin pigmentation including darkened skin, blemishes, oily skin, warts, eczema, pruritic skin, psoriasis, inflammatory dermatoses, topical inflammation, disturbed keratinization, skin changes associated with aging, scalp dryness, skin depigmentation, intracellular dehydration, and combinations thereof; |
US08212075B2 |
Process for preparing 2-amino-5-cyanobenzoic acid derivatives
Disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula 1 comprising contacting a compound of Formula 2 with at least one alkali metal cyanide of Formula 3 and a compound of Formula 4. wherein R1 is NHR3 or OR4; R2 is CH3 or Cl; R3 is H, C1-C4 alkyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopropylcyclopropyl, cyclopropylmethyl or methylcyclopropyl; R4 is H or C1-C4 alkyl; X is Br, Cl or I; and R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 are as defined in the disclosure.Also disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula 4 wherein R9 and R10 together are a cycloalkadiene bidentate ligand, comprising contacting a compound of Formula 5 wherein Y is Cl, Br or I, with a cycloalkadiene bidentate ligand, at least one metal reducing agent and a nitrile solvent.Also disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula 1 comprising preparing a compound of Formula 4 by contacting a compound of Formula 5 with a cycloalkadiene bidentate ligand and at least one metal reducing agent, and then contacting the reaction mixture comprising the compound of Formula 4 with a compound of Formula 2 and at least one alkali metal cyanide of Formula 3; and further disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula 6 wherein R15, R16, R17 and Z are as defined in the disclosure using a compound of Formula 1, characterized by preparing the compound of Formula 1 by a method disclosed above. |
US08212070B2 |
Method for preparing acrylic acid from glycerol
The invention relates to a method for preparing acrylic acid from an aqueous glycerol solution, comprising a first step of dehydration of the glycerol to acrolein, carried out in the gas phase in the presence of a catalyst and under a pressure of between 1 and 5 bar, and a second step of oxidation of the acrolein to acrylic acid, in which an intermediate step is implemented, consisting in at least partly condensing the water and heavy by-products present in the stream issuing from the first dehydration step. This method serves to obtain high acrylic acid productivity and selectivity. |
US08212069B2 |
Process for preparing isocyanates
Process for preparing isocyanates by phosgenation of amines, wherein phosgene and amine are brought into contact in at least 2 mixing chambers connected in parallel. |
US08212068B2 |
Ester derivative and use thereof
A compound represented by the following formula (I′) wherein X1 is a methylene group, an ethylene group, a trimethylene group or a vinylene group, X2 is a divalent group represented by the following formula A or B, Y is an ethylene group or a vinylene group, m and n are each an integer of 0 to 7, which satisfy m+n=0 to 8, R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group, provided that when X1 is a methylene group, then X2 is not a divalent group represented by the formula A, and when X1 is a vinylene group, then X2 is not a divalent group represented by the formula A. The compound is a stable capsinoid derivative, and is useful as an active ingredient of an external blood circulation enhancer or a cosmetic composition, a pharmaceutical composition, or a food composition. |
US08212067B2 |
Method for recovering (meth)acrylonitrile
An increase in the differential pressure in the distillation tower for the recovery of (meth)acrylonitrile is suppressed, and a stable and efficient operation is performed over a long time. A method for recovering (meth)acrylonitrile from a mixture containing (meth)acrylonitrile, acetonitrile and unsaturated compounds, in which the mixture is introduced into a distillation tower, distillation is performed under the conditions that the overhead liquid of the distillation tower contains (meth)acrylonitrile, acetonitrile is drawn out from the bottom and/or a side stream of the distillation tower, and a liquid containing the unsaturated compounds is drawn out from a site higher in position than the position of drawing acetonitrile. |
US08212066B2 |
Process for producing diaryl carbonates
The present invention relates to a process for producing diaryl carbonates, which is to synthesize diaryl carbonates by oxidative carbonylation of phenols with carbon monoxide and oxygen, and in particular, to synthesize diphenyl carbonate from phenol. The present invention is characterized in that a catalytic system comprising a metal halide catalyst and one or more cocatalysts of nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds is used to increase the convertibility, selectivity and yield of this catalytic reaction. |
US08212063B2 |
Xanthophyll composition containing trans, meso-zeaxanthin, trans, R, R-zeaxanthin and trans, R, R-lutein useful for nutrition and health care and a process for its preparation
The present invention relates to a xanthophyll composition containing (trans, meso)-zeaxanthin), (trans, R,R)-zeaxanthin and (trans, R,R)-lutein useful for nutrition and health care and a process for its preparation. More particularly, the invention relates to a xanthophylls composition containing at least 80% by weight of total xanthophylls, out of which the (trans,3R,3′S, meso)-zeaxanthin content is at least 80%, the remaining being (trans, R,R)-zeaxanthin, (trans, R,R)-lutein and trace amounts of other carotenoids. This invention further provides a xanthophyll composition containing at least 80% by weight of total xanthophylls, out of which at least 50% being (trans, R,R)-zeaxanthin, the remaining being (trans,3R,3′S, meso)-zeaxanthin, (trans, R,R)-lutein and trace amounts of other carotenoids. |
US08212061B1 |
Preparation of organic acid salts of cationic surfactants
The invention pertains to a highly efficient process for preparing a very pure food-grade organic acid salt of a cationic surfactant derived from the condensation of a fatty acid with an esterified dibasic amino acid. The process involves the following steps: (a) providing a reaction mixture comprising a mineral acid salt of the cationic surfactant and an alkali and/or alkaline earth metal salt of the food-grade organic acid; (b) allowing the reaction between the mineral acid salt of the cationic surfactant and the alkali and/or alkaline earth metal salt of the food-grade organic acid salt to proceed until substantially all of the mineral acid salt of the cationic surfactant has been converted to the food-grade organic acid salt of the cationic surfactant; and (c) recovering the food-grade organic acid salt of the cationic surfactant from the reaction mixture. |
US08212059B2 |
Process for producing vitamin D derivative using photoreaction
There are provided a novel process for producing [{(5Z,7E)-(1S,3R,20S)-1,3-dihydroxy-9,10-secopregna-5,7,10(19),16-tetraen-20-yl}oxy]-N-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl)acetamide, which process is characterized by irradiating a compound represented by the formula: with UV to ring-open the compound, and then isomerizing the resulting compound; an intermediate useful for carrying out the process; and a process for producing the intermediate. |
US08212058B2 |
Fluorescent photoprobe for the imaging of endothelin receptors
The present invention relates to a endothelin receptor antagonist conjugate of the formula (I) wherein R2 is an alkoxy group and one of R1 and R3 represents an alkoxy group and the other represents a group of the formula: (OCH2CH2)n—NH—X, wherein n is an integer of 1 to 100 and X represents a fluorescent dye and tautomers thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a diagnostic composition comprising the compounds of the invention. The present invention also relates to the use of the compounds of the invention for the preparation of a diagnostic composition for the diagnosis of cancer, the evaluation of cancer biology and/or monitoring of anticancer therapy. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to kits comprising the compounds of the invention. |
US08212057B2 |
Pyrroles having hypolipidemic hypocholesteremic activities, process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in medicine
The present invention relates to novel substituted pyrrole compounds, their derivatives, their analogs, their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their polymorphs, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions containing them. This invention particularly relates to novel substituted pyrrole compounds of the general formula (I), their analogs, their derivatives, their polymorphs, their tautomeric forms, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutically acceptable solvates and their pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The invention also relates to the process for preparing such compounds, a composition containing such a compound and the use of such a compound and composition in medicine. The compounds lower triglyceride levels in blood and may be useful in the treatment of obesity, hyperlipidaemia, hypercholesteremia, syndrome X and diabetes. |
US08212054B2 |
Crystalline complexes of pendimethalin and metazachlor
The present invention relates to crystalline complexes of pendimethalin and metazachlor. It also relates to agriculturally useful compositions of the complexes. |
US08212049B2 |
Electronically tuned ligands for asymmetric hydrogenation
Disclosed is a new class of chiral bidentate ligands capable of performing asymmetric hydrogenation. Also disclosed are processes of performing asymmetric hydrogenation the chiral bidentate ligands. |
US08212040B2 |
Glucocorticoid mimetics, methods of making them, pharmaceutical compositions, and thereof
Compounds of Formula (IA) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined herein for Formula (IA), or a tautomer, prodrug, solvate, or salt thereof; pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and methods of modulating the glucocorticoid receptor function and methods of treating disease-states or conditions mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor function or characterized by inflammatory, allergic, or proliferative processes in a patient using these compounds. |
US08212037B2 |
Process for production of optically active quinuclidinols
A novel ruthenium complex which is a highly efficient catalyst useful for the production of optically active 3-quinuclidinols, and a process for production of optically active 3-quinuclidinols using the ruthenium complex as a catalyst, where the optically active 3-quinuclidinols are useful as an optically active, physiologically active compound utilized in medicines and agrichemicals or as a synthetic intermediate such as a liquid crystal material. |
US08212036B2 |
Maleate salts of 6-(5-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)carbonyloxy]-7-oxo-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrazine
Maleate salts of (6-(5-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)carbonyloxy]-7-oxo-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrazine) are provided. |
US08212035B2 |
Process for preparation of rosuvastatin calcium field of the invention
The present invention relates to an improved process for preparing (E)-7-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-2-[methyl(methylsulfonyl)amino]pyrimidin-5-yl](3R,5S)-3,5-dihydroxyhept-6-enoic acid calcium of Formula (I). |
US08212033B2 |
Use of substituted quinazoline compounds in treating angiogenesis-related diseases
Quinazoline derivatives of the following formula: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, X, and Z are defined herein. It also discloses a method of treating an angiogenesis-related disorder with one of these compounds. |
US08212031B2 |
Pyrrolotriazine kinase inhibitors
The invention provides compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The formula I compounds inhibit protein kinase activity thereby making them useful as anticancer agents. |
US08212029B2 |
Method for the production of high-purity 4a, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12,-hexahydro-6H-benzofuro [3a, 3, 2-ef] [2] benzazepine, and the derivatives thereof
A process for the production of extremely pure galanthamine and galanthamine derivatives is provided. Racemic bromine narwedine is debrominated under palladium catalysis. The reaction mixture is then worked-up in the presence of oxygen or peroxides so that the palladium catalyst is converted into an insoluble form that can be easily separated. Further reaction is carried out by reduction of enantiomerically pure narwedine to form enantiomerically pure galanthamine, which is then alkylated or dealkylated, so that a corresponding substitution on the ring-nitrogen atom is achieved. By further purification, such as recrystallization, residual portions of palladium of below 5 ppm are achieved. The pure galanthamine can then be directly used as a pharmaceutical raw material. |
US08212024B2 |
Crystalline sodium salt of cephalosporin antibiotic
The present invention relates to novel polymorph of Ceftiofur sodium as a crystalline product. The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of crystalline Ceftiofur sodium of formula (I). |
US08212022B2 |
Effect of carbohydrate concentration on sucralose extraction efficiency
A process for the purification of aqueous feed streams containing sucralose and/or sucralose 6-esters includes, providing an aqueous feed stream including the sucralose and/or sucralose 6-esters, concentrating the aqueous feed stream to form a concentrated aqueous feed stream containing at least 10 wt % total carbohydrates and extracting the concentrated aqueous feed stream with an organic solvent and producing an organic extract and an aqueous extract, in which the organic solvent is immiscible with water, and in which the carbohydrate preferentially passes into the organic extract. |
US08212017B2 |
Nucleic acids and corresponding proteins entitled 158P3D2 useful in treatment and detection of cancer
A novel gene 158P3D2 and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 158P3D2 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 158P3D2 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 158P3D2 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 158P3D2 can be used in active or passive immunization. |
US08212016B2 |
NPC1L1 orthologues
The present invention provides, in part, NPC1L1 from various species. Methods of using the NPC1L1 polypeptides and polynucleotide set forth herein, e.g., in screening assays, are also set forth. |
US08212013B2 |
Process for producing 1,2-trans-glycoside compound
In preparing a glycoside compound from (a) a furanose compound or pyranose compound, and (b) an alcohol compound, a process for preparing a glycoside compound in which glycosidic bond locates selectively trans form relative to C-2 hydroxyl group, the process comprising using a furanose compound wherein the hydroxyl at the 2-position may have a substituent protected with a group A, or a pyranose compound which may have a substituent wherein R2 and R3 are the same or different and are each alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or aryl having or not having a substituent, or R2 and R3 are combined to form alkylene having 2 to 4 carbon atoms (the alkylene may be substituted with alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or may have intervening phenylene), and m and n are each an integer of 0 or 1. |
US08212010B2 |
Sphingosine 1-phosphate antagonism
Materials and Method for treating cancer and screening for anti-neoplastic agents are provided. These materials and methods can include sphingosine 1-phosphate antagonists that bind to sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor subtype 3. Antibodies and aptamers that selectively bind to an epitope in the extracellular loop between transmembrane domains two and three of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor subtype 3 are provided. |
US08212009B2 |
Methods and compounds for lymphoma cell detection and isolation
Compositions comprising a purified and/or isolated antibody, humanized antibodies, precipitates and anti-sera that specifically bind to or are otherwise directed against ROR1 protein. The compositions may be used for detecting ROR1 in a sample from a subject that is suspected or known to contain cancer cells. The ROR1 antibodies are especially useful in identifying and treating lymphomas and ademocarcinomas. Vaccines and related methods for protecting a subject against diseases that involve expression of ROR1 are also provided, as are human anti-sera effective in abrogating interactions between Wnt5a protein and ROR1 that contribute to the survival of certain cancer cells, such as CLL cells. |
US08212008B2 |
Antibodies to CD200R
The present invention relates to binding compounds specific for the human inhibitory CD200R and uses thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to antibodies that recognize the human inhibitory CD200R and modulates its activity in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. |
US08212004B2 |
Neutrokine-alpha fusion proteins
The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding Neutrokine-alpha and/or Neutrokine-alphaSV polypeptides, including soluble forms of the extracellular domain. Neutrokine-alpha and/or Neutrokine-alphaSV polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to antibodies or portions thereof that specifically bind Neutrokine-alpha and/or Neutrokine-alphaSV and diagnostic and therapeutic methods using these antibodies. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting immune system-related disorders and therapeutic methods for treating immune system-related disorders using the compositions of the invention. |
US08211997B2 |
Process for producing polyarylene sulfide
In a process for producing polyarylene sulfide, comprising: reacting an alkali sulfide source and an aromatic dihalide compound in a polar organic solvent to obtain a polymerizate slurry containing polyarylene sulfide particles, by-produced alkali metal salt fine particles and the polar organic solvent, and recovering the polyarylene sulfide particles washed from the polymerizate slurry; the polymerizate slurry is separated by sieving into the polyarylene sulfide particles and a slurry containing the alkali metal salt fine particles, and the separated polyarylene sulfide particles are subjected to a washing step wherein the polyarylene sulfides are introduced into a countercurrent washing apparatus enclosing a movable part and subjected therein to continuous countercurrent contact with a washing liquid. As a result, polyarylene sulfide particles of good quality are produced at a good yield, while pursuing process rationalization. |
US08211986B2 |
Method for producing polylactic acid block copolymer
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a polylactic acid block copolymer having high molecular weight, and in lower cost, wherein only a stereo-complex crystal is capable of growing, even when heat melting process is repeated. The present invention relates to a method for producing a polylactic acid block copolymer characterized in that (i) ring-opening polymerization of D-lactide (D component) is carried out in the presence of poly-L-lactic acid (L component), or (ii) ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide (L component) is carried out in the presence of poly-D-lactic acid (D component), and mass ratio of the D component and the L component is the D component/the L component=60/40 to 91/9, or the L component/the D component=60/40 to 91/9. |
US08211980B2 |
Polymeric materials having reduced tack, methods of making the materials and chewing gum compositions containing such materials
A polymeric material having low tack which has a straight or branched chain carbon-carbon polymer backbone and a multiplicity of side chains attached to the backbone wherein the side chains, which are attached directly to carbon atoms of the polymer backbone, have the formula wherein R1 is H, —C(O)OR4 or —C(O)Q and R2 is —C(O)OR4 or —C(O)Q provided that at least one of R1 and R2 is the group —C(O)Q; R3 is H or —CH3; R4 is H or an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; Q is a group having the formula —O—(YO)b—(ZO)c—R5′ wherein each of Y and Z is, independently, an alkylene group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms and R5 is H or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; a is 3 or 4 and each of b and c is, independently, 0 or an integer of from 1 to 125 provided that the sum b+c has a value in the range of from 10 to 250, preferably from 10 to 120. The polymeric material may be used to replace at least part of a water-insoluble gum base in a chewing gum composition to give a composition exhibiting reduced adhesion to surfaces. |
US08211978B2 |
Moldability modifier and polypropylene resin composition using the same
A moldability modifier capable of improving molding processability, and a polypropylene resin composition using the same suitable for automobile exterior parts are provided. The invention relates to a moldability modifier comprising propylene block copolymer (A) containing from 80 to 98 wt % of a propylene homopolymer portion (A1) and from 2 to 20 wt % of a propylene/ethylene random copolymer portion (A2), wherein the MFR of (A1) is 300 g/10 min or more, the ethylene content of (A2) is from 10 to 70 wt %, the [η] of (A2) is 6.5 dl/g or more, and the MFR as a whole is 40 g/10 min or more; and propylene block copolymer (B) containing from 20 to 79 wt % of a propylene polymer portion (B1) and from 21 to 80 wt % of a propylene/ethylene random copolymer portion (B2), wherein the MFR of (B1) is 20 g/10 min or more, the ethylene content of (B2) is from 20 to 70 wt %, the [η] of (B2) is from 2.5 to 9.0 dl/g, and the MFR as a whole is from 0.1 to 50 g/10 min; and a polypropylene resin composition using the same. |
US08211974B2 |
Curable fiberglass binder comprising a polyacetal or polyketal
A curable formaldehyde-free binding composition for use with fiberglass is provided. Such curable composition comprises an acid-catalyzed reaction product of an aldehyde or ketone with a multihydric alcohol. When heated, the composition forms polyacetal or polyketal that undergoes curing to form a water-insoluble resin binder which exhibits good adhesion to glass. In a preferred embodiment, maleic anhydride initially serves as a catalyst and subsequently enters into a cross-linking reaction during curing to form a poly(ester-acetal). Also, in a preferred embodiment, the fiberglass is in the form of building insulation. In other embodiments the product can be a microglass-based substrate for use in a printed circuit board, battery separator, filter stock, or reinforcement scrim. |
US08211972B2 |
Emulsifier systems for cosmetic and pharmaceutical oil-in-water emulsions
The invention relates to emulsifier systems for cosmetic and pharmaceutical oil-in-water emulsions comprising high molecular weight organomodified polysiloxanes with a dispersion index greater than 1.6. |
US08211970B2 |
Aqueous pigment dispersions
The invention relates to aqueous pigment dispersions comprising at least one dispersed pigment, an aqueous carrier and a copolymer prepared by polymerization of at least one macromonomer (1) having a terminal olefinic unsaturation with a mixture of olefinically unsaturated monomers (2), wherein the macromonomer (1) comprises 1a) 5-100% by weight of at least one polymerized acid functional unsaturated monomer, 1b) optionally at least one polymerized hydroxy functional unsaturated monomer, and optionally 1c) at least one further polymerized olefinically unsaturated monomer, and wherein the mixture of olefinically unsaturated monomers (2) comprises 2a) 5-80% by weight of at least one unsaturated vinyl aromatic monomer, 2b) 5-50% by weight of at least one vinyl monomer with at least one polar heterocyclic group with a 5 or 6 membered ring containing at least one ring nitrogen atom which is not connected to a hydrogen atom, and optionally 2c) other olefinically unsaturated monomers. |
US08211968B2 |
Plasticized polyolefin compositions
The present invention relates to plasticized polyolefin compositions comprising a polyolefin and a non-functionalized hydrocarbon plasticizer. |
US08211967B2 |
Composite repair resins containing minimal hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compound
The present invention relates to a composition and method for fabricating composite resins that produce either reduced or zero volatile organic compound (VOC) and zero hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions. The non-volatile reactive diluents of the composite resin, fatty acid monomers, enhance the stability, shelf-life, flexibility and strength of the composite resin. The resins incorporating fatty acid monomers may be used to repair military equipment or for any commercial repair purposes. |
US08211965B2 |
Coating compositions
Silicon nitride coated crucibles for holding melted semiconductor material and for use in preparing multicrystalline silicon ingots by a directional solidification process; methods for coating crucibles; methods for preparing silicon ingots and wafers; compositions for coating crucibles and silicon ingots and wafers with a low oxygen content. |
US08211962B2 |
Filled polyamide molding materials
Filled polyamide molding compounds which, in addition to a selected polymer mixture comprising polyamides and a flameproofing agent, contain glass fibers with non-circular cross-sections, the use of such molding compounds for the production of molded articles, and the molded articles themselves. |
US08211956B2 |
Universal dental adhesion-promoter composition
The invention relates to an adhesion-promoter composition for the adhesive joining of metallic or ceramic dental materials to radically curing dental materials, wherein the adhesion-promoter composition contains an alkoxysilane monomer (i), a phosphoric acid ester monomer (ii), a sulphur-containing monomer (iii) and an organic solvent (iv). |
US08211955B2 |
Actinically-crosslinkable silicone-containing block copolymers
The invention provide a new class of silicone-containing prepolymers containing poly(oxyalkylene) blocks, polysiloxane blocks, and actinically-crosslinkable groups which are acryl groups, thiol groups, ene-containing groups or combinations thereof. A preopolymer of the invention is prepared in a one-pot procedure according to the Michael addition of thiol to electron deficient alkenes, such as α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, without need for additional reaction step(s) to introduce actinically crosslinkable groups. The present invention is also related to silicone hydrogel contact lenses made from this class of silicone-containing prepolymers and to methods for making the silicone hydrogel contact lenses. |
US08211954B2 |
Radiation-hardenable compounds
Radiation-curable compounds, processes for the preparation thereof, the use thereof and coating materials comprising them and having high scratch resistance, which compounds are polyurethanes comprising allophanate groups and obtained by reaction of di- or polyisocyanates and at least two different compounds, each having at least one group reactive toward isocyanate and at least one unsaturated group capable of free radical polymerization. |
US08211952B2 |
Curable sealing method and foamed composition
A foamed composition adapted to seal to a substrate is provided. The foamed composition includes a radiation curable rubber, a photoinitiator, a blowing agent, a styrene-ethylene/butylene block copolymer, a light mineral oil, rheology modifier, a tackifier, and one of a radiation curable monomer and radiation curable oligomer, and wherein the composition is foamed upon application to the substrate. |
US08211948B2 |
Lyophilized nanoemulsion
The present invention relates to a lyophilized nanoemulsion comprising a lipophilic phase and one or more sucrose fatty acid esters, to the nanoemulsion which can be prepared from the lyophilized nanoemulsion by redispersion, and to a process for the preparation of the lyophilized nanoemulsion. |
US08211942B2 |
Compositions and methods for dry eye syndrome
Compositions and methods to inhibit dry eye as well as other conditions are provided. |
US08211938B2 |
Direct application of non-toxic crosslinking reagents to resist progressive spinal degeneration and deformity
A method of treatment of native, non-denatured tissue to increase resistance to tearing, fissuring, rupturing, and/or delamination, comprising the step of: contacting at least a portion of the tissue with an effective amount of a reagent that increases crosslinks in the tissue. |
US08211937B2 |
7-pyrollyl 9-aminoacyl tetracycline compounds and methods of use thereof
A compound of formula (I): wherein: A represents an aromatic 5 membered heterocycle, optionally containing, in addition to the nitrogen atom indicated in formula (I), one to three additional nitrogen atoms. |
US08211928B2 |
Hepatitis C virus inhibitors
This disclosure concerns novel compounds of Formula (I) as defined in the specification and compositions comprising such novel compounds. These compounds are useful antiviral agents, especially in inhibiting the function of the NS5A protein encoded by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Thus, the disclosure also concerns a method of treating HCV related diseases or conditions by use of these novel compounds or a composition comprising such novel compounds. |
US08211927B2 |
5-phenyl-isoxazole-3-carboxamide derivatives as TRPV1 modulators
The present invention relates to isoxazole-3-carboxamide derivative having the general Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, as well as to the use of said isoxazole-3-carboxamide derivatives for the treatment of TRPV1 mediated disorders, such as acute and chronic pain disorders, acute and chronic neuropathic pain, acute and chronic inflammatory pain, respiratory diseases, and lower urinary tract disorders. |
US08211924B2 |
1-(azolin-2-yl)amino-1,2-diphenylethane compounds for combating animal pests
The present invention relates to 1-(azolin-2-yl)amino-1,2-diphenylethane compounds of the formula I and to their salts which are useful for combating animal pests. The invention also relates to a method for controlling animal pests by using these compounds, to seed and to an agricultural and veterinary composition comprising said compounds. wherein A is a radical of formulae A.1 or A.2 wherein # denotes the bond to the remaining compound of formula I, X is selected from O, S and NRX, R1 is selected from the group consisting of —ORA, —NRB1RB2, —C(═O)—RC, —C(═O)—ORD, —C(═O)—SRE, —C(═O)—NRB1RB2′, —C(═S)—RC′, —C(═S)—ORD′, —C(═S)—SRE′, —C(═S)—NRB1RB2, —C(═NR1a)—RC′, —C(═NR1b)—ORD′, —C(═NR1c)—SRE′, —C(═NR1d)—NRB1RB2, —S(═O)—RF, —S(═O)2—RG, —S(═O)2—NRB1RB2′, —P(═O)RH1RH2, —P(═S)RH1RH2, —B—C(═O)—RI, —B—O—C(═O)—RI, —B—S—C(═O)—RI, —B—N(RJ)—C(═O)—RK, —B—C(═S)—RK, —B—O—C(═S)—RK, —B—S—C(═S)—RK, —B—N(RJ)—C(═S)—RK, C1-C8-alkenyl, C1-C8-alkynyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, which is unsubstituted or may carry 1 to 4 substituents R1e, naphthyl, which is unsubstituted or may carry 1 to 4 substituents R1f, a saturated or partially unsaturated heterocycle, which is unsubstituted or may carry 1 to 4 substituents R1g, hetaryl, which is unsubstituted or may carry 1 to 4 substituents R1h, and C1-C6-alkyl, which carries a radical selected from the group consisting of —NR1iR1j, C1-C4-alkoxycarbonyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy, arylthio, heterocyclyl, heterocyclyloxy and heterocyclylthio, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are each independently hydrogen, halogen, OH, SH, NH2, SO3H, COOH, cyano, nitro, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy, C1-C6-alkylamino etc. |
US08211922B2 |
1-methylnicotinamide derivatives and formulations for treatment of lipoprotein abnormalities
The present invention is directed to nicotinamide derivatives, and their use in treating lipoprotein abnormalities, alone or in combination with a statin. |
US08211921B2 |
Heterocyclic inhibitors of MEK and methods of use
Disclosed are compounds of the Formula and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein R1, R2, R7, R8, R9, W, and X are as defined in the specification. Such compounds are MEK inhibitors and useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases, such as cancer and inflammation, in mammals, and inflammatory conditions. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases in mammals and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. |
US08211916B2 |
N- and O-substituted 4-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)-ethyl]-1-[(phenyl)methyl]piperidine analogs and methods of treating CNS disorders therewith
N- and O-substituted 4[2-diaromaticmethoxy and methylamino)alkyl] piperidines exhibit high CNS activity with respect to the dopamine transporter (DAT) and serotonin transporter (SERT). Preferred compounds exhibit highly differential behavior as between the DAT and SERT and between the DAT and the norepinephrine transporter (NET). The compounds have utility in treating CNS disorders, including but not limited to cocaine addiction, depression, and Parkinson's disease. |
US08211915B2 |
Biphenyl compounds useful as muscarinic receptor antagonists
This invention provides compounds of formula I: wherein a, b, c, d, m, n, p, s, t, Ar1, R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, R7, R8, and W are as defined in the specification. The compounds of formula I are muscarinic receptor antagonists. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat pulmonary disorders. |
US08211911B2 |
Compounds as kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them as active ingredient, methods for the treatment of disease states associated with angiogenesis, such as cancers associated with protein tyrosine kinases, to their use as medicaments for use in the production of inhibition of tyrosine kinases reducing effects in warm-blooded animals such as humans. |
US08211905B1 |
Opioid salts and formulations exhibiting anti-abuse and anti-dose dumping properties
A drug substance with a pharmaceutically acceptable organic acid addition salt of an opioid wherein said organic acid is selected from Structure A: wherein R1-R4 are independently selected from H, alkyl or substituted alkyl of 1-6 carbons, adjacent groups may be taken together to form a cyclic alkyl, cyclic alkyl-aryl, or cyclic aryl moiety; R5 is selected from H, or an alkali earth cation; R6 and R7 are independently selected from H, alkyl of 1-6 carbons, an alkali earth cation, and aryl of 6 to 12 carbons, in a number sufficient to complete the valence bonding of X, and wherein X is selected from nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur; and wherein the drug substance has a morphology selected from amorphous and crystalline. |
US08211904B2 |
Spiropiperidine beta-secretase inhibitors for the treatment of alzheimer's disease
The present invention is directed to spiropiperidine compounds of formula (I) and tautomers thereof, which are inhibitors of the beta-secretase enzyme and that are useful in the treatment of diseases in which the beta-secretase enzyme is involved, such as Alzheimer's disease. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the treatment of such diseases in which the beta-secretase enzyme is involved. |
US08211903B2 |
Substituted pyrimido isoquinoline derivatives
Pyrimido isoquinoline derivatives represented by formula (I): wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R7, R8, R9, R10, and are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the compounds of formula (I) and their use in therapeutics. |
US08211899B2 |
Artificial nucleic acid bases and their use in base pairing natural nucleic acid bases
The present invention provides artificial universal base capable of base pairing nonspecifically with any of four kinds of natural nucleic acid bases (A, T, G, and C) without the function to specifically recognize pairing natural nucleic acid bases for base pair formation.Universal base capable of base paring nonspecifically with four kinds of natural nucleic acid bases, wherein the universal base has a structure represented by the following chemical formula: wherein R represents a monovalent group other than a hydrogen atom. |
US08211895B2 |
Capped pyrazinoylguanidine sodium channel blockers
The present application relates to pyrazinoyl guanidine sodium channel blockers having the structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where the structural variables are as defined herein. The present invention also relates pharmaceutical compositions comprising the sodium channel blockers and their use in methods of treatment, including the treatment of cardiovascular disease, cystic fibrosis, and chronic bronchitis and in the rehydration of mucosal surfaces and promotion of mucus clearance in a patient. |
US08211894B2 |
Heteroarylalkyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane compounds as mu opioid receptor antagonists
The invention provides heteroarylene substituted 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, A, and m are defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, that are antagonists at the mu opioid receptor. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat conditions associated with mu opioid receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds. |
US08211889B2 |
Prodrugs of 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds and their uses
The present disclosure provides prodrugs of biologically active 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds, compositions comprising the prodrugs, intermediates and methods for synthesizing the prodrugs and methods of using the prodrugs in a variety of applications. |
US08211886B2 |
Thiadiazinone derivatives
Compounds of the formula (I), which are inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, in particular of Met kinase, and can be employed for the treatment of tumours. |
US08211885B2 |
Cyclic indole-3-carboxamides, their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals
The present invention relates to cyclic indole-3-carboxamides of the formula I, wherein A, R, R10, R20, R30, R40, n, p and q have the meanings indicated in the claims, which are valuable pharmaceutical active compounds. Specifically, they inhibit the enzyme renin and modulate the activity of the renin-angiotensin system, and are useful for the treatment of diseases such as hypertension, for example. The invention furthermore relates to processes for the preparation of the compounds of the formula I, their use and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. |
US08211883B2 |
Topical delivery of phthalocyanines
The invention relates to topical pharmaceutical compositions comprising a phthalocyanine, wherein a diamagnetic metal ion moiety is either coordinated or covalently bound to the phthalocyanine core. The invention also relates to methods for destroying cancer tissue, precancerous cells, photo-aged cells, damaged cells, or otherwise pathologic cells, or activated cells, such as lymphocytes or other cells of the immune system, or activated or inflamed tissue cells comprising topically administering to the cancer tissue or surrounding tissue an effective amount of a phthalocyanine composition. |
US08211882B2 |
Glutamate receptor modulators and therapeutic agents
The present invention discloses methods of modulating the activity of Group I mGluRs using a defined class of benzamide compounds. In one embodiment, methods of modulating the activity of mGluR1 are provided. In another embodiment, methods of modulating the activity of mGluR5 are provided. In still another embodiment, methods of simultaneously modulating the activities of both mGluR1 and mGluR5 are provided. The present invention also provides methods of treating diseases or disorders which are mediated in full or in part by Group I mGluRs using one or more compounds belonging to the defined class of benzamide compounds. The present invention further provides methods of preventing diseases or disorders which are mediated in full or in part by Group I mGluRs using one or more compounds belonging to the defined class of compounds. Diseases and disorders contemplated include, inter alia, diseases and disorders of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, the gastrointestinal system, the circulatory system, skin, retina, brain, heart, and lungs. |
US08211880B2 |
Low viscosity, highly flocculated triamcinolone acetonide suspensions for intravitreal injection
Triamcinolone acetonide suspension compositions are disclosed. The suspension compositions have a relatively low viscosity and are easy to extrude through a 27- or 30-guage needle but are highly flocculated and easily redispersed. The compositions are particularly suitable for intravitreal injection. |
US08211878B2 |
Method for reducing neuronal death in nervous system injuries resulting from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
The present invention provides methods for prevention and prophylaxis of neurological diseases accompanied by neuronal death in a patient. The invention includes use of 5-benzylamino salicylic acid (BAS) and its derivatives. Thus, the present invention provides methods for reducing neuronal death in nervous system injuries resulting from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. |
US08211876B2 |
Compositions for treatment of inflammatory diseases
Inflammatory bowel diseases are represented by two idiopathic disorders, which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis is restricted to the colon and involves uncertain and inflammation of the lining (mucosa) of the large intestine. Crohn's disease, on the other hand, can involve the mucosa of the small and/or large intestine and may involve deeper layers of the bowel wall. The present invention is a combination of 5-aminosalicylic acid and one or more antioxidants (e.g., N-acetylcysteine) for treating such inflammatory bowel diseases. |
US08211875B2 |
Local treatment of neurofibromas
A method for treating a neurofibroma, e.g. dermal neurofibroma, a subdermal neurofibroma, or a superficial plexiform neurofibroma, in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises locally applying a composition to a neurofibroma either topically or intralesionally. This method does not encompass systemic administration of the composition to the subject to have an effect on the neurofibromas. Compositions useful for such treatments and methods of preparing the compositions are disclosed. |
US08211874B2 |
Inhibition of thrombin generation
The present invention is a method for inhibiting undesirable thrombin generation in a mammal in need thereof. The method comprises administering to the mammal an effective amount of a non-antibacterial tetracycline formulation. |
US08211873B2 |
Antiaging chirally-correct mitoprotectant amino acid and peptide complexes
This invention relates to certain chirally-correct mitoprotectant phosphorylated heterocyclic agents [formula (I)], which are useful for the treatment of dermatological disorders that include challenged skin from cancer, diabetes, radiation treatments, chemotherapy, and sun-burn; mitochondrial dysfunction; age spots; acne, loss of cellular antioxidants; skin changes associated with aging including collagen loss, loss of skin pliability, loss of skin suppleness, skin wrinkles and fine lines, oxidation, damage from radiation, damage from free radicals, and damage from UV; dry skin; xerosis; ichthyosis; dandruff; brownish spots; keratoses; melasma; lentigines; liver spots; skin pigmentation including pigmented spots, dark circles under the eyes, darkened skin, and blemishes; oily skin; warts; eczema; pruritic skin; psoriasis; inflammatory dermatoses; topical inflammation; disturbed keratinization; scalp dryness; skin depigmentation, and combinations thereof; |
US08211872B1 |
Method and composition for treatment of multiple sclerosis and related neurodegenerative conditions
A method for treating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and related neurodegenerative conditions, using a histamine compound that is methylated in vitro prior to being introduced into the body of the patient. The histamine compound is suitably histamine diphosphate, and may be methylated in vitro by mixing in combination with at least one thiol compound in the presence of at least one methyl group donor compound. The thiol compound is suitably L-reduced glutathione and the methyl group donor is suitably betaine hydrochloride. The compounds are mixed vigorous in an acid environment, to create a shearing force that facilitates exchange of the methyl group from the donor compound to the histamine diphosphate. The resulting methylated histamine compound is suitably administered to the patient by transdermal application. The method also provides a medicament for treatment the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and related neurodegenerative conditions, and a method for preparation of such a medicament. |
US08211871B2 |
Topical skin barriers and methods of evaluation thereof
A topical skin barrier for protecting and promoting healing of skin, and for providing comfort to a patient, comprises a semi-solid hydrocarbon, a water-absorbing compound, and a pain relief agent. The topical skin barrier effectively adheres to skin, affords protection from moisture and waste, provides transparency in use, and is anhydrous and therefore is preservative-free. Methods of in vitro evaluation are for (i) a composition's protection from moisture and waste, and (ii) a composition's adhesion to skin. |
US08211864B2 |
Compositions and methods for the intracellular disruption of VEGF and VEGFR-2 by intraceptors
The present invention provides an intraceptor that interacts with and decreases activity of with VEGF and/or a VEGFR for the treatment of angiogenesis-related conditions. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use thereof, for the treatment and prevention of an angiogenesis-related condition using said intraceptors. The invention further provides for nucleic acids encoding said intraceptors. |
US08211861B2 |
Compositions for and methods of enhancing the immune response to antigens
Compositions comprising the compound of formula are provided herein. Also provided are methods of enhancing an immune response of a subject to an antigen by administering the antigen and the composition. The enhanced immune response may be an humoral immune response, a CD4+ T cell response, a CD8+ T cell response or result in activation of antigen presenting cells. Methods of enhancing the immune response by intramuscular administration of an antigen and the composition including the compound of formula I are also provided. |
US08211860B2 |
Carbohydrate-lipid constructs and their use in preventing or treating viral infection
The invention relates to selected carbohydrate-lipid constructs and their use as mimics of ligands, for receptors expressed by virus. In particular, the invention relates to the use of selected carbohydrate-lipid constructs in methods of inhibiting virus infection and/or promoting clearance of virus from infected subjects. Carbohydrate-lipid constructs selected for use in these methods where the virus is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are provided. |
US08211857B2 |
Peptide composition for cancer treatment by inhibiting TRPV6 calcium channel activity
The invention includes an isolated peptide comprising all or part of the amino acid sequence: EGKLSSNDTE GGLCKEFLHP SKVDLPR (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein the peptide inhibits calcium channel activity. The peptides of the invention are useful for preventing or treating cancer. |
US08211855B2 |
Cyclosporin compositions
A composition is disclosed herein comprising from about 0.001% to about 0.4% cyclosporin A, castor oil, and a surfactant selected from the group consisting of alcohol ethoxylates, alcohols, alkyl glycosides, alkyl polyglycosides, alkylphenol ethoxylates, amine oxides, block polymers, carboxylated alcohol or alkylphenol ethoxylates, carboxylic acids/fatty acids, cellulose derivatives, ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated aryl phenols, ethoxylated fatty acids, ethoxylated fatty esters and oils, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, glycol esters, lanolin-based derivatives, lecithin and lecithin derivatives, lignin and lignin derivatives, methyl esters, monoglycerides and derivatives, phospholipids, polyacrylic acids, polyethylene glycols, polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide copolymers, polyethylene oxides, polymeric surfactants, polypropylene oxides, propoxylated alcohols, propoxylated alkyl phenols, propoxylated fatty acids, protein-based surfactants, sarcosine derivatives, silicone-based surfactants, sorbitan derivatives, stearates, sucrose and glucose esters and derivatives, and combinations thereof. |
US08211854B2 |
Methods for inhibiting protein kinases
The present invention provides methods for inhibiting protein kinases selected from the group consisting of AKT, Checkpoint kinase, Aurora kinase, Pim kinases, and tyrosine kinase using pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine compounds and methods of treatment, prevention, inhibition, or amelioration of one or more diseases associated with protein kinases using such compounds. |
US08211850B2 |
Polyglyceryl compounds and compositions
Provided are compositions comprising one or more compounds having a structure comprising a node structure with from four to twelve carbon atoms, one or more (poly)glyceryl groups, and one or more hydrophobic moieties, wherein each of the one or more (poly)glyceryl groups is linked to the node structure by a first primary linking group, the one or more hydrophobic moieties are each independently linked either to the node structure by a primary linking group or to one of the (poly)glyceryl groups by a secondary linking group, and wherein the polyglyceryl thickener has an average degree of glyceryl polymerization of from greater than 3 to less than about 11 and an average number of hydrophobic groups per primary linking group of about 0.35 or greater. Also provided are polyglyceryl compounds, compositions comprising water, a surfactant, and a polyglyceryl thickener, as well as, methods of making polyglyceryl compounds and compositions of the present invention. |
US08211849B2 |
Stable antimicrobial compositions including spore, bacteria, fungi and/or enzyme
The present invention relates to a stable antimicrobial and cleaning compositions including an amine antimicrobial agent; a borate salt; and spores (bacterial or fungal), vegetative bacteria, fungi, or enzyme, and to methods of using the composition. The composition can also include a polyol. |
US08211848B2 |
Catalytic laundry detergent composition comprising relatively low levels of water-soluble electrolyte
The present invention relates to a liquid laundry detergent composition comprising multiple catalysts and water-soluble electrolyte, wherein the ratio of (i) the total reduction in activation energy in kilojoules per mole achieved by the catalysts to (ii) the electrolytic strength of the laundry detergent composition at a concentration of 1 g/l in de-ionized water and at a temperature of 25° C. in mScm−1 laundry detergent composition is at least 1000. |
US08211845B2 |
Cleaning composition for removing lead-free solder flux and system for removing lead-free solder flux
An object of this invention is to provide a cleaner composition that has a desirable cleaning property and is easily separable from pre-rinsing water even when cleaning an object produced by using a lead-free soldering flux; and a lead-free soldering flux removal system using a pre-rinsing method that can reduce the amount of waste fluid.The invention uses a cleaner composition for lead-free soldering flux, comprising (A) specific glycol ethers; (B) a specific polyoxyalkylene amine; and (C) a chelating agent that is at least one member selected from the group consisting of (c1) aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid chelating agents and (c2) (poly)phosphoric acid chelating agents. |
US08211842B2 |
Preventive and/or curative agent for cleaning materials that are brought into contact with water
The present invention relates to an agent for the preventive and/or curative cleaning of materials in contact with water, characterized in that it includes sodium chloride and at least one dispersant detergent and/or a non-ionic surfactant having at least one detergent action and at least one oxidizing agent, characterized in that the oxidizing agent is selected from solid-form precursors of hydrogen peroxide and in that the cleaning agent is in solid form, such as pellets, granules, bars tablets, large pellets or powder, the salt(s) being used as binders between the various components. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method for agglomerating the various ingredients according to the present invention, even when they are present in a liquid form. The present invention also relates to the use of the cleaning agent for the preventive and/or curative cleaning of materials in contact with water. |
US08211840B2 |
Additives and lubricant formulations for improved antiwear properties
Lubricated surfaces and lubricant compositions for lubricating a surface. The lubricated surface is provided by a lubricant composition including a base oil of lubricating viscosity, at least one metal salt of phosphorothioic acid, and an ashless, sulfur-free organophosphorus compound providing a metal to phosphorus weight ratio ranging from about 0.25:1 to about 1.0:1 by weight. The lubricant composition is substantially devoid of molybdenum. |
US08211838B2 |
Lubricant for conveying containers
The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a lubricant composition comprising a water-miscible silicone material having a silicone emulsion wherein the silicone emulsion contains less than 500 ppm of a triethanolamine salts of alkyl benzene sulfonic acid compounds. |
US08211837B2 |
Method of manufacture and use of large hydrophobe ether sulfate surfactants in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications
The present invention describes the method of making anionic ether sulfate surfactants by alkoxylation of a GA using PO and/or EO followed by a sulfation reaction. The GA of the present invention is made by a facile and inexpensive method that involves high temperature base catalyzed dimerization of a linear alcohol. The ether sulfate surfactants of the present invention find uses in EOR applications where it is used for solubilization and mobilization of oil and for environmental cleanup. |
US08211834B2 |
Hydrocarbon-based fracturing fluid compositions, methods of preparation and methods of use
The invention describes improved fracturing compositions, methods of preparing fracturing compositions and methods of use. Importantly, the subject invention overcomes problems in the use of mists as an effective fracturing composition particularly having regard to the ability of a mist to transport an effective volume of proppant into a formation. As a result, the subject technologies provide an effective economic solution to using high ratio gas fracturing compositions that can be produced in a continuous (i.e. non-batch) process without the attendant capital and operating costs of current pure gas fracturing equipment. |
US08211831B2 |
Method to use a synergistic composition
This invention relates to a method to use synergistic composition made of a herbicidally effective amount of a propanil-based product, such as Super Wham® (propanil) and the at least one ACCase inhibitor herbicide such as Clincher® (cyhalofop) in an amount sufficient to facilitate the herbicidal activity of the propanil-based herbicide. It has been found that this synergistic composition, when applied to a field of rice, allows a reduction in the amount of herbicide needed, greater flexibility in timing of the application and broad spectrum of weed control. |
US08211829B2 |
Agrochemical concentrate comprising an adjuvant and a hydrotrope
Agrochemical concentrates having a continuous water-containing single phase, where said continuous phase also comprises an oil-based adjuvant and a hydrotrope capable of solubilizing said adjuvant in said continuous phase, a process for making these concentrates and a method of using these concentrates. |
US08211823B2 |
Selective hydrogenation catalyst and the preparation thereof
A selective hydrogenation catalyst, with alumina as carrier, and palladium as active component that distributed on the surface of the carrier in an egg-shell form, characterized in that: provided that the catalyst is weighed 100%, it comprises 0.2-0.5 wt % active component Pd, 2-8 wt % aids lanthanum and/or cerium, and 2-8 wt % alkaline earth metal. The specific surface area of the catalyst is 70-150 m2/g, the pore volume is 0.3-0.6 ml/g, and the crystal form of the carrier may be θ form or θ, α mixed form mainly composed of θ form. The catalyst is suitable for the selective hydrogenation of medium or low distillate oil, especially for the first stage selective hydrogenation of pyrolysis gasoline. The catalyst has good hydrogenation performance, and can keep good hydrogenation activity and stability especially under the condition that the feed contains a small quantity of water, and the content of colloid, arsenic, and diolefin is higher. |
US08211822B2 |
Method for producing propylene oxide
Process for preparing propylene oxide, which comprises at least the steps (i) and (ii): (i) providing a catalyst comprising at least one porous oxidic material; (ii) reacting propene with a hydroperoxide in at least one nitrile as solvent or in a solvent mixture comprising at least one nitrile in the presence of the catalyst of (i), wherein the at least one porous oxidic material is a zeolite which is assigned X-ray-crystallographically to the MWW type. |
US08211821B2 |
Processes for making tin-containing catalysts
A process for producing a catalyst comprising the steps of contacting a support with a mixed metal precursor comprising tin oxalate, a second metal precursor, a solubilizing agent such as ammonium oxalate, and water to form an impregnated support and heating the impregnated support under conditions effective to remove at least a weight majority of the water and reduce the tin from the tin oxalate and the second metal from the second metal precursor and thereby form the catalyst. |
US08211818B2 |
Honeycomb structural body
A honeycomb structural body includes at least one honeycomb unit which has a longitudinal direction. The at least one honeycomb unit includes plural cell walls, an inorganic binder, and inorganic particles. The plural cell walls extends along the longitudinal direction from one end face to another end face of the at least one honeycomb unit to define plural cells. The inorganic particles include ceria particles, and a ceramic material which has a degree of self-sintering lower than a degree of self-sintering of the ceria particles. |
US08211817B2 |
Fused silica glass and process for producing the same
Fused silica glass having an internal transmittance of UV with 245 nm wavelength, being at least 95% at 10 mm thickness, a OH content of not larger than 5 ppm, and a content of Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca and Cu each being smaller than 0.1 ppm. Preferably the glass has a viscosity coefficient at 1215° C. of at least 1011.5 Pa·s; and a Cu ion diffusion coefficient of not larger than 1×10−10 cm2/sec in a depth range of greater than 20 μm up to 100 μm, from the surface, when leaving to stand at 1050° C. in air for 24 hours. The glass is made by cristobalitizing powdery silica raw material; then, fusing the cristobalitized silica material in a non-reducing atmosphere. The glass exhibits a high transmittance of ultraviolet, visible and infrared rays, has high purity and heat resistance, and exhibits a reduced diffusion rate of metal impurities, therefore, it is suitable for various optical goods, semiconductor-production apparatus members, and liquid crystal display production apparatus members. |
US08211815B2 |
Absorbent structure having three-dimensional topography on upper and lower surfaces
An absorbent structure having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a z-direction axis normal to the longitudinal and lateral axes, longitudinally opposite ends and laterally opposite side edges. An upper surface of the absorbent structure has a three-dimensional topography relative to the longitudinal and lateral axes and defines a plurality of peaks and valleys of the upper surface relative to the z-direction. A lower surface of the absorbent structure has a three-dimensional topography relative to the longitudinal and lateral axes and defines a plurality of the peaks and valleys of the lower surface relative to the z-direction. The absorbent structure has a projected area as determined by a Topography Analysis Method, and the upper surface of the absorbent structure has a vertical area as determined by the Topography Analysis Method of at least about 0.1 cm2 per 1.0 cm2 projected area of the absorbent structure. |
US08211809B2 |
Method of producing semiconductor device
It is intended to produce a semiconductor device with a stable gate length, using an end-point detection process based on monitoring a plasma emission intensity during dry etching for setting a gate length. A semiconductor device production method of the present invention comprises the steps of: forming a first dielectric or gate conductive film to allow a pillar-shaped semiconductor layer to be buried therein; flattening the first dielectric or gate conductive film while detecting an end-point using a stopper formed on top of the pillar-shaped semiconductor layer; forming a second dielectric or gate conductive film; etching the second dielectric or gate conductive film and calculating an etching rate during the etching; and detecting an end-point of etching of the first dielectric or gate conductive film, based on the etching rate of the second dielectric or gate conductive film during etching-back of the second dielectric or gate conductive film, to control an etching amount of the first dielectric or gate conductive film. |
US08211802B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus cleaning method that includes: containing a cleaning gas in a reaction tube without generating a gas flow of the cleaning gas in the reaction tube by supplying the cleaning gas into the reaction tube and by completely stopping exhaustion of the cleaning gas from the reaction tube or by exhausting the cleaning gas at an exhausting rate which substantially does not affect uniform diffusion of the cleaning gas in the reaction tube from at a point of time of a period from a predetermined point of time before the cleaning gas is supplied into the reaction tube to a point of time when several seconds are elapsed after starting of supply of the cleaning gas into the reaction tube; and thereafter exhausting the cleaning gas from the reaction tube. |
US08211800B2 |
Ru cap metal post cleaning method and cleaning chemical
According to certain embodiments, Ru is removed from the surface of a semiconductor structure by contact with a cleaning solution comprising one or more selected from permanganate ion, orthoperiodic ion and hypochlorous ion, such that Ru is removed from surfaces of the semiconductor substrate where the presence of Ru is undesirable. In some embodiments, a semiconductor structure is formed or provided having at least one metalized layer formed over an underlying layering or semiconductor substrate. The metalized layer contains a dielectric material with one or more metal wires of copper-containing material formed in a trench and/or via in the dielectric material. A cap layer having Ru is formed on the surface of the copper-containing material forming the one or more metal wires. The semiconductor structure is contacted with the cleaning solution comprising one or more selected from permanganate ion, orthoperiodic ion and hypochlorous ion to remove a portion of the Ru present in the semiconductor structure. |
US08211799B2 |
Atomic layer deposition of tungsten materials
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for depositing tungsten-containing materials. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a tungsten nucleation layer over an underlayer disposed on the substrate while sequentially providing a tungsten precursor and a reducing gas into a process chamber during an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process and depositing a tungsten bulk layer over the tungsten nucleation layer, wherein the reducing gas contains hydrogen gas and a hydride compound (e.g., diborane) and has a hydrogen/hydride flow rate ratio of about 500:1 or greater. In some examples, the method includes flowing the hydrogen gas into the process chamber at a flow rate within a range from about 1 slm to about 20 slm and flowing a mixture of the hydride compound and a carrier gas into the process chamber at a flow rate within a range from about 50 sccm to about 500 sccm. |
US08211798B2 |
Substrate treating apparatus and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A support section (28) for supporting a wafer (1) is convexly formed in the center of a receiving section (26) of a support groove (25) of a boat 21. At the time of boat loading of the boat (21), in which wafers (1) respectively received by the supporting sections (28) are aligned, from a standby chamber (33) to a processing chamber (14), the pressure in the standby chamber (33) and processing chamber (14) is set to 200 pascals or more, and 3000 pascals or less. By supporting the wafer upwards from the receiving section with use of the support section, even if peeling of the film on the wafer occurs from a large frictional force between the supported surface of the wafer and the support section under a reduced pressure, the particles from the peeling are caught by the receiving section and therefore particles are prevented from adhering to the IC fabrication surface of the wafer directly below the receiving section. |
US08211792B2 |
Barrier-metal-free copper damascene technology using atomic hydrogen enhanced reflow
A method for forming conductive contacts and interconnects in a semiconductor structure, and the resulting conductive components are provided. In particular, the method is used to fabricate single or dual damascene copper contacts and interconnects in integrated circuits such as memory devices and microprocessor. |
US08211790B2 |
Multilayered circuitized substrate with P-aramid dielectric layers and method of making same
A multilayered circuitized substrate including a plurality of dielectric layers each comprised of a p-aramid paper impregnated with a halogen-free, low moisture absorptivity resin including an inorganic filler but not including continuous or semi-continuous fiberglass fibers as part thereof, and a first circuitized layer positioned on a first of the dielectric layers. A method of making this substrate is also provided. |
US08211789B2 |
Manufacturing method of a bump structure having a reinforcement member
A manufacturing method of a bump structure having a reinforcement member is disclosed. First, a substrate including pads and a passivation layer is provided. The passivation layer has first openings, and each first opening exposes a portion of the corresponding pad respectively. Next, an under ball metal (UBM) material layer is formed on the substrate to cover the passivation layer and the pads exposed by the passivation layer. Bumps are formed on the UBM material layer and the lower surface of each bump is smaller than that of the opening. Each reinforcement member formed on the UBM material layer around each bump contacts with each bump, and the material of the reinforcement member is a polymer. The UBM material layer is patterned to form UBM layers and the lower surface of each UBM layer is larger than that of each corresponding opening. Hence, the bump has a planar upper surface. |
US08211785B2 |
Fabrication method for semiconductor device including flash lamp annealing processes
A shallow p-n junction diffusion layer having a high activation rate of implanted ions, low resistivity, and a controlled leakage current is formed through annealing. Annealing after impurities have been doped is carried out through light irradiation. Those impurities are activated by annealing at least twice through light irradiation after doping impurities to a semiconductor substrate 11. The light radiations are characterized by usage of a W halogen lamp RTA or a flash lamp FLA except for the final light irradiation using a flash lamp FLA. Impurity diffusion may be controlled to a minimum, and crystal defects, which have developed in an impurity doping process, may be sufficiently reduced when forming ion implanted layers in a source and a drain extension region of the MOSFET or ion implanted layers in a source and a drain region. |
US08211784B2 |
Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device with less leakage current induced by carbon implant
A semiconductor device has at least two main carbon-rich regions and two additional carbon-rich regions. The main carbon-rich regions are separately located in a substrate so that a channel region is located between them. The additional carbon-rich regions are respectively located underneath the main carbon-rich regions. The carbon concentrations is higher in the main carbon-rich regions and lower in the additional carbon-rich regions, and optionally, the absolute value of a gradient of the carbon concentration of the bottom portion of the main carbon-rich regions is higher than the absolute value of a gradient of the carbon concentration of the additional carbon-rich regions. Therefore, the leakage current induced by a lattice mismatch effect at the carbon-rich and the carbon-free interface can be minimized. |
US08211782B2 |
Printed material constrained by well structures
A first patterned contact layer, for example a gate electrode, is formed over an insulative substrate. Insulating and functional layers are formed at least over the first patterned contact layer. A second patterned contact layer, for example source/drain electrodes, is formed over the functional layer. Insulative material is then selectively deposited over at least a portion of the second patterned contact layer to form first and second wall structures such that at least a portion of the second patterned contact layer is exposed, the first and second wall structures defining a well therebetween. Electrically conductive or semiconductive material is deposited within the well, for example by jet-printing, such that the first and second wall structures confine the conductive or semiconductive material and prevent spreading and electrical shorting to adjacent devices. The conductive or semiconductive material is in electrical contact with the exposed portion of the second patterned contact layer to form, e.g., an operative transistor. |
US08211779B2 |
Method for forming isolation layer in semiconductor device
Provided is a method for forming an isolation layer in a semiconductor device. In the method, a trench is formed in a semiconductor substrate, and a liner layer is formed on an exposed surface of the trench. A flowable insulation layer is formed to fill the trench. The flowable insulation layer is recessed. A buffer layer is formed on a portion of the liner layer that is formed on a sidewall of the trench and exposed after the flowable insulation layer is recessed. The buffer layer is etched to smoothen a rough portion of the liner layer that is formed when the flowable insulation layer is recessed. A buried insulation layer is deposited in the trench. |
US08211771B2 |
Multiple-gate transistors and processes of making same
A microelectronic device includes a P-I-N (p+ region, intrinsic semiconductor, and n+ region) semiconductive body with a first gate and a second gate. The first gate is a gate stack disposed on an upper surface plane, and the second gate accesses the semiconductive body from a second plane that is out of the first plane. |
US08211761B2 |
Semiconductor system using germanium condensation
A semiconductor method includes providing a silicon semiconductor substrate. A gate and a plurality of source/drain regions are formed on the silicon semiconductor substrate to form at least one pFET. A silicon-germanium layer is formed over the plurality of source/drain regions. The germanium is condensed from the silicon-germanium layer to form a plurality of source/drains in the plurality of source/drain regions by forming an oxide layer over the silicon-germanium layer. An interlevel dielectric layer is formed over the gate and the source/drain regions. A plurality of contacts is formed in the interlevel dielectric layer to the gate and the plurality of source/drain regions. |
US08211759B2 |
Semiconductor structure and methods of manufacture
FinFET end-implanted-semiconductor structures and methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. The method includes forming at least one mandrel on a silicon layer of a substrate comprising an underlying insulator layer. The method further includes etching the silicon layer to form at least one silicon island under the at least one mandrel. The method further includes ion-implanting sidewalls of the at least one silicon island to form doped regions on the sidewalls. The method further includes forming a dielectric layer on the substrate, a top surface of which is planarized to be coplanar with a top surface of the at least one mandrel. The method further includes removing the at least one mandrel to form an opening in the dielectric layer. The method further includes etching the at least one silicon island to form at least one fin island having doped source and drain regions. |
US08211757B2 |
Organic thin film transistor substrate and fabrication method therefor
An organic thin film transistor substrate includes a gate line formed on a substrate, a data line intersecting the gate line and defining a subpixel area, an organic thin film transistor including a gate electrode connected to the gate line, a source electrode connected to the data line, a drain electrode facing the source electrode, and an organic semiconductor layer forming a channel between the source and drain electrodes, a passivation layer parallel with the gate line, for covering the organic semiconductor layer and peripheral regions of the organic semiconductor layer, and a bank insulating layer for determining the position of the organic semiconductor layer and the passivation layer. |
US08211744B2 |
Methods of forming nano structure and methods of forming solar cell using the same
Provided are methods of forming a nano structure and method of forming a solar cell using the same. The method of forming the nano structure includes: preparing a template; ionizing a surface of the template; forming an oxide layer enclosing the template on the surface of the template; and removing the template. |
US08211738B2 |
Polycrystalline silicon solar cell having high efficiency and method for fabricating the same
Disclosed herein is a method of forming a light-absorbing layer of a polycrystalline silicon solar cell, including: forming a polycrystalline silicon layer on a back electrode; forming an intrinsic amorphous silicon layer on the polycrystalline silicon layer; and heat-treating the transparent insulating substrate to vertically crystallize the intrinsic amorphous silicon layer using the polycrystalline silicon layer as a seed for crystallization through a metal induced vertical crystallization (MIVC) process to form the intrinsic amorphous silicon layer into a light-absorbing layer made of polycrystalline silicon, and is a method of fabricating a high-efficiency polycrystalline silicon solar cell using the light-absorbing layer. |
US08211736B2 |
Bulk copper species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region. A first electrode layer is formed overlying the surface region. A copper layer is formed overlying the first electrode layer and an indium layer is formed overlying the copper layer to form a multi-layered structure. The method subject at least the multi-layered structure to a thermal treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species to form a bulk copper indium disulfide material. The bulk copper indium disulfide material includes one or more portions of copper indium disulfide material characterized by a copper-to-indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1 and a copper poor surface comprising a copper to indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1. The method subjects the copper poor surface and one or more portions of the bulk copper indium disulfide material to copper species to convert the copper poor surface from an n-type characteristic to a p-type characteristic and to convert any of the one or more portions of the bulk copper indium disulfide material having the copper-to-indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1 from a p-type characteristic to an n-type characteristic. A window layer is formed overlying the copper indium disulfide material. |
US08211735B2 |
Nano/microwire solar cell fabricated by nano/microsphere lithography
Techniques for fabricating nanowire/microwire-based solar cells are provided. In one, a method for fabricating a solar cell is provided. The method includes the following steps. A doped substrate is provided. A monolayer of spheres is deposited onto the substrate. The spheres include nanospheres, microspheres or a combination thereof The spheres are trimmed to introduce space between individual spheres in the monolayer. The trimmed spheres are used as a mask to pattern wires in the substrate. The wires include nanowires, microwires or a combination thereof A doped emitter layer is formed on the patterned wires. A top contact electrode is deposited over the emitter layer. A bottom contact electrode is deposited on a side of the substrate opposite the wires. |
US08211734B2 |
Method for producing a photovoltaic module
A method for producing a photovoltaic module by forming solar cells on a glass plate and contacting at least one layer of liquid encapsulant with the solar cells. The liquid encapsulant has two components. The first component is an acrylic polyol having an average number of hydroxy-functional monomer units per polymer chain from 2 to 25 and Mn from 1,000 to 10,000. The second component is a polyisocyanate with an average functionality of at least two. The molar ratio of non-terminal hydroxy groups in the polyol to isocyanate groups in the polyisocyanate is from 0.5:1 to 1:0.5. |
US08211733B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and electronic device
A solid-state imaging device including an imaging region having a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix and a peripheral circuit detecting output signals from the pixels. An impurity concentration in a transistor of each pixel is lower than an impurity concentration in a transistor of the peripheral circuit. Further, the impurity concentration of a semiconductor well region under a floating diffusion portion in the pixel is set to be lower than the impurity concentration of a semiconductor well region under a transistor portion at the subsequent stage of the floating diffusion portion. |
US08211726B2 |
Method of manufacturing nitride semiconductor light emitting device
An object is to provide a method of manufacturing a nitride semiconductor light emitting device having high light emission output and allowing decrease in forward voltage (Vf). The invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a nitride semiconductor light emitting device including at least an n-type nitride semiconductor, a p-type nitride semiconductor and an active layer formed between the n-type nitride semiconductor and the p-type nitride semiconductor, wherein the n-type nitride semiconductor includes at least an n-type contact layer and an n-side GaN layer, the n-side GaN layer consists of a single or a plurality of undoped and/or n-type layers, and the method includes the step of forming the n-side GaN layer by organic metal vapor deposition with the growth temperature set within the range of 500 to 1000° C., such that the n-side GaN layer is formed between the n-type contact layer and the active layer. |
US08211725B2 |
Method of manufacturing flexible display device
A method of manufacturing a flexible display device is disclosed. The method includes arranging a first substrate having a plurality of depression units, forming a first plastic film in each of the plurality of depression units, forming a thin film transistor (TFT) on the first plastic film, forming a display device on the TFT, where the display device is configured to be electrically connected to the TFT, encapsulating an upper portion of the display device, cutting the first substrate, and separating the first substrate from the first plastic film. |
US08211720B2 |
Method for detecting stress migration properties
A device and method are provided for detecting stress migration properties of a semiconductor module mounted in a housing. A stress migration test (SMT) structure is formed in the semiconductor module. An integrated heating (IH) device is formed within or in direct proximity to the SMT structure. The SMT structure includes a first interconnect region in a first interconnect layer, a second interconnect region in a second interconnect layer, and a connecting region electrically connecting the interconnect regions through a first insulating layer. The IH device includes a heating interconnect region through which a heating current flows. The heating interconnect region is within or outside the first or second interconnect region or connecting region. When the heating current is applied, a measurement voltage is applied to the SMT structure, and a current through the SMT structure is measured to detect stress migration properties of the semiconductor module. |
US08211716B2 |
Manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, a semiconductor wafer, and a test method
The present invention aims to increase the number of test elements of a TEG without increasing the area of each of slice areas. Test electrode pads are disposed in alignment in one row in each of areas separated from semiconductor chips provided over a semiconductor wafer. Test elements are formed corresponding to these test electrode pads and in areas lying directly therebelow. Electrode terminals of the test elements are electrically coupled to the test electrode pads adjacent to the corresponding electrode pads and the test electrode pads further adjacent thereto with being spaced one test electrode pad apart. Upon testing, probe pins are brought into contact with the odd-numbered test electrode pads to conduct testing. Next, the probe pins are brought into contact with the even-numbered test electrode pads while being shifted by one electrode pad pitch thereby to conduct testing. |
US08211715B1 |
Consumer food testing device providing remote monitoring
A consumer food testing device for testing for the presence of harmful contaminants in a food sample, includes a system for producing a visual cue upon detection of a harmful chemical, biological, and/or ionizing radiation contaminant; and a processing system responsive to the detection of a harmful contaminant, for transmitting the global position of the consumer testing device, the identity of the harmful contaminant, and the time and date to a remote monitoring facility. |
US08211713B2 |
Method for determining an analyte in a sample by agglutination
A method for determining an analyte in a sample, includes the steps of: (a) mixing the analyte and a first specific binding substance, the first specific binding substance being a substance that can specifically bind to the analyte; (b) adding microparticles having a second specific binding substance bound thereto to a mixture obtained in the step (a) and mixing therewith, the second specific binding substance being a substance that can specifically bind to the first specific binding substance; and (c) determining an agglutination reaction of the microparticles in a mixture obtained in the step (b). |
US08211712B2 |
Method of fabricating lipid bilayer membranes on solid supports
The present invention provides a method of producing a planar lipid bilayer on a solid support. With this method, a solution of lipid vesicles is first deposited on the solid support. Next, the lipid vesicles are destabilized by adding an amphipathic peptide solution to the lipid vesicle solution. This destabilization leads to production of a planar lipid bilayer on the solid support. The present invention also provides a supported planar lipid bilayer, where the planar lipid bilayer is made of naturally occurring lipids and the solid support is made of unmodified gold or titanium oxide. Preferably, the supported planar lipid bilayer is continuous. The planar lipid bilayer may be made of any naturally occurring lipid or mixture of lipids, including, but not limited to phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinsitol, cardiolipin, cholesterol, and sphingomyelin. |
US08211706B2 |
System and method for alkylation process analysis
A method and apparatus is provided for determining concentration of components in a liquid hydrocarbon mixture including hydrocarbons and water flowing through an alkylation process. A fluid flow path conveys the liquid continuously from the alkylation process through a first instrument configured for measuring a property of the liquid mixture, and having responsivities to concentration of the components, which are independent of the concentration of the water. A temperature detector generates temperature data for the liquid, and a second instrument measures another property of the liquid mixture. The instruments have mutually distinct responsivities to concentrations of the components. A processor captures data from the temperature detector and instruments, using the data with a model of responsivities of various concentrations of the components at various temperatures, to determine a temperature compensated concentration of the components while the liquid mixture flows continuously through the fluid flow path. |
US08211705B2 |
Electrical detection and quantification of mercuric derivatives
The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for detecting and/or quantifying mercuric ions, Hg2+. The apparatus of the invention is of the type comprising an electrical device comprising two electrodes and a substrate comprising at least one surface made of an organic or inorganic semiconductor material, the electrodes being in electrical contact with said organic or inorganic semiconductor material, and a device for measuring the variation in the conduction current between the two electrodes, and wherein at least one compound which complexes mercuric ions Hg2+, selected from a dithia-dioxa-monoaza crown ether compound, an N,N-di(hydroxyethyl)amine, an N,N-di(carboxyethyl)amine, and mixtures of two at least of these compounds, is bonded to said semiconductor material or to an electrode of said electrical device. The invention finds application in the field of the detection of mercuric ions, in particular. |
US08211702B2 |
Method for labelling a material comprising at least one non-organic matrix and corresponding material
The present invention relates to a method for marking at least one material comprising a non-organic matrix, characterized in that it comprises at least one step that involves incorporating in said material during the production thereof at least one compound containing at least one luminescent lanthanide in a concentration such that said compound in said material can be detected under UV radiation, wherein said compound is a co-ordination polymer in the form of a crystallite obtained by reacting at least one luminescent lanthanide ion with at least one unsaturated organic binder. |
US08211701B2 |
Methods for processing samples in a closed container
A system and method for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device. The barrier can be flexible, and allow the robotic arm to move the pipette head throughout the work area of the tray. All samples, reagents, pipette tips and other tools or devices for processing nucleic acid samples may remain within the closed compartment provided by the container during processing. |
US08211699B2 |
Methods for culturing pluripotent stem cells in suspension using ERBB3 ligands
The present invention relates to cell culture methods and compositions that are essentially serum-free and comprise a basal salt nutrient solution and an ErbB3 ligand. |
US08211694B2 |
Climate control unit with germ-proof separated sections
Climate control unit with an interior section containing a storage space and with a closable access opening to the storage section whereby at least one part of the interior section is separated and sealed against the rest of the interior section thus forming a separate germ-proof section. The division takes place at least in part by a membrane that is permeable for water vapor and gas but impermeable for microorganisms. |
US08211693B2 |
Device for separating and/or analyzing several molecular targets dissolved in a complex mixture
The invention relates to a device for separating and/analyzing several molecular targets dissolved in a complex mixture which is characterized in that it comprises a) a matrix of micro-columns, wherein each micro-column (2) comprises an immobilized molecular probe for retaining a specific molecular target contained in the complex mixture by specific probe/target linkage, b) a first capillary network (3) for circulating the complex mixture introduced into the inventive device towards each micro-column of the matrix defined in a), c) a second capillary network (4) for circulating, after elution, the molecular targets retained on the micro-columns towards a sensor (5) for carrying out the recovery and/or analysis thereof, and d) if necessary, a sensor (5), preferably in the form of a mass spectrometer, for carrying out the recovery and/or analysis of different molecular targets. |
US08211688B2 |
Process for producing L-glutamine using Escherichia coli with deficient glnB and glnE function
The present invention provides a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia in which the activities of glutamine-synthetase adenylyltransferase (GlnE protein) and PII regulatory protein for glutamine synthetase are reduced or lost and which has the ability to form and accumulate L-glutamine or a substance biosynthesized utilizing nitrogen supplied by L-glutamine, and a process for producing L-glutamine or the substance biosynthesized utilizing nitrogen supplied by L-glutamine using the microorganism. |
US08211681B2 |
Biohydrogen production by an artificial enzymatic pathway
The present invention comprises an in vitro enzymatic process that effectively converts renewable polysaccharides into high yields of hydrogen at mild conditions, using only enzymes and water. The process comprises a number of enzymes: (1) phosphorylases, (2) phosphoglucomutases, (3) hydrogenases, and (4) enzymes involved in the pentose-phosphate pathway. Preferred embodiments of the process produce only hydrogen and carbon dioxide as net products, translating into an inexpensive method of generating hydrogen in very large quantities from low-cost feedstocks. |
US08211680B2 |
Process for obtaining biochemicals in a zero-liquid discharge plant
A method is presented for the production of cellulosic ethanol, acetic acid and derivatives from the extract containing fibers and hemicelluloses after steam cooking of biomass in a host plant. The process is integrated with the host plant process to minimize the effect of loss of heat value from the extracted hemicelluloses and eliminate the need for the waste water treatment plant. |
US08211678B2 |
Ethanol preparation method
Provided is a method for preparing ethanol in high efficiency. The ethanol preparation method includes a step of yielding a saccharide water solution through saccharification of cellulose with an enzyme in water, a step of condensing the saccharide water solution, and a step of yielding an ethanol water solution by fermenting the saccharide in the condensed saccharide water solution into ethanol, wherein the step of condensing the saccharide water solution is performed through a pervaporation treatment on the saccharide water solution by using a water separation membrane composed of polypyrrole doped with a sulfonate ion. |
US08211674B2 |
Method of making theanine
In a method of making theanine, glutaminase is derived from microbes of one or more of Bacillus, mold and yeast is caused to act on glutamine and ethylamine derivative. |
US08211670B2 |
Production and purification of IL-29
The expression vectors and methods using an E. coli expression system for the large scale production of IL-29 are described. The vectors utilize the IL-29 coding sequence with specific changes in nucleotides in order to optimize codons and mRNA secondary structure for translation in E. coli. Also included are methods of producing, purifying and pegylating an IL-29 polypeptide. |
US08211667B2 |
Fungal promoter for expressing a gene in a fungal cell
The present invention relates to isolated fungal promoter DNA sequences, to DNA constructs, vectors, and fungal host cells comprising these promoters in operative association with coding sequences encoding polypeptides. The present invention also relates to methods for expressing a gene and/or producing a polypeptide using the new promoters isolated. The present invention also relates to methods for altering the transcription level and/or regulation of an endogenous gene using the new promoter of the invention. |
US08211665B2 |
Polypeptides having xylanase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. |
US08211664B2 |
Methods and materials for making simvastatin and related compounds
The invention disclosed herein relates to methods and materials for producing simvastatin and related compounds such as huvastatin. |
US08211662B2 |
Nitroreductase enzymatic substrates
The present invention relates to an enzyme substrate for detecting nitroreductase activity of formula (I) below: in which X is S, NX1, O or NX1-CO; R1 is nothing or a substituent selected from Cl, CH3, Br, F, I, alkyl, aryl and carboxyl; R2 is nothing or a substituent selected from Cl, O—CH2—O, O—CH3, F, diethylenediamine-CH3, NR3R4, Br, I, alkyl, aryl, carboxyl, NO2 and R3 and R4 are independently H or an alkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and X1 is selected from H, CH3, C2H4Ph, OH, alkyl and aryl. |
US08211659B2 |
Methods and kits for detection of cancer metastasis
The invention provides a method of detecting metastasis of cancers in the body fluids from a mammal, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing the body fluids from the mammal; and (b) the measurement of the CAS protein level or CAS polypeptide level in the body fluids to screen or diagnose the metastatic cancers.Also provided is a kit for the method of the invention. |
US08211657B2 |
Capillary-column-based bioseparator/bioreactor with an optical/electrochemical detector for detection of microbial pathogens
The present invention is directed to satisfying the need to detect microbial contamination of food products. The described bioseparator/bioreactor coupled with an optical/electrochemical biosensor was able to specifically detect E. coli O157:H7 from 8.8×101 to 8.8×106 CFU/ml in 2.5 hours without any enrichment. Using this invention, concentrations of S. Typhimurium ranging from 8.6×102 to 8.6×106 CFU/ml in pure culture were detected in 2 hours without any enrichment. The invention may also be used for the detection of S. Seftenberg, which has the same sensitivity as S. Typhimurium. Other pathogens such as L. monocytogenes and S. Heidleberg did not interfere with the detection. The optimum inner diameter of the 25 cm long column for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 is 250 μm. The detection limit for other microbial pathogens may be controlled by changing the length of capillary columns, using higher concentration of the labeled antibodies, altering the flow rate and concentration of the substrate, and increasing the reaction temperature to 37° C. |
US08211655B2 |
Wild-type receptor assays
A method for determining ligand activation of receptors using cells expressing genetic constructs of a fusion protein of at least a binding domain of an auxiliary protein and a fragment of β-galactosidase, a fusion protein of an endosome-associated protein and a complementary fragment of β-galactosidase, and a wild-type receptor. The receptors are characterized by binding to the auxiliary protein-binding domain upon activation by an agonist and then endocytosing associated with an endosome to which the endosome-associated protein binds. Cells are incubated with a candidate ligand followed by lysis with a lysing medium comprising a substrate for the β-galactosidase. The enzyme product is then detected as a measure of the activation of the receptor. |
US08211653B2 |
Methods and systems of using exosomes for determining phenotypes
Exosomes can be used for detecting biomarkers for diagnostic, therapy-related or prognostic methods to identify phenotypes, such as a condition or disease, for example, the stage or progression of a disease. Cell-of-origin exosomes can be used in profiling of physiological states or determining phenotypes. Biomarkers or markers from cell-of-origin specific exosomes can be used to determine treatment regimens for diseases, conditions, disease stages, and stages of a condition, and can also be used to determine treatment efficacy. Markers from cell-of-origin specific exosomes can also be used to identify conditions of diseases of unknown origin. |
US08211644B2 |
Molecular beacon-based methods for detection of targets using abscription
The present invention provides methods for detecting targets using an Abscription assay that exploits molecular beacon-based detection technology. The methods of the invention are highly sensitive and can be performed on a NanoDrop scale and can be multiplexed for simultaneous detection of multiple targets. |
US08211640B2 |
Identification of a family of secreted proteins in vascular endothelium
The invention relates to SCUBE molecules and generally to gene expression in vascular endothelial cells. The invention specifically relates to the discovery of a novel gene family containing the genes and proteins referred to herein as SCUBE1, SCUBE2 and SCUBE3 which can be expressed in endothelial cells. SCUBE proteins may be involved in the development of cardiovascular disease, hemostasis, thrombosis, inflammatory disease, bone metabolism disorders, urinary bladder disorders and breast disorders. |
US08211639B2 |
Imaging glyphosate in plant tissue
Methods and compositions are provided for spatial imaging and quantifying glyphosate in plant tissue. Glyphosate oxidoreductase is coupled to a cycling flavin mononucleotide-oxidoreductase-luciferase system. The resulting bioluminescence is proportional to the amount of glyphosate, allowing glyphosate to be observed within plant tissue and quantified. |
US08211633B2 |
Viral variants with altered susceptibility to nucleoside analogs and uses thereof
The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside analogs and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity to these antibodies. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants, which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimens and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular HBV variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus. |
US08211629B2 |
Low pressure sperm cell separation system
A sperm cell process system providing to generate sperm cell insemination samples having controlled sperm cell fertility characteristics of sperm cells. |
US08211628B2 |
Compositions and methods for tissue preservation
Methods and compositions for resuscitating, storing, and preserving functional integrity of organs and tissues. Metabolic function is maintained by sustaining ATP levels, mitochondrial function, cardiomyocyte contractility, prevention of acidosis, inhibition of induction of apoptosis, maintaining ionontrophy and lusiotrophy by regulating calcium, sodium, potassium and chloride ions. |
US08211627B2 |
Method and apparatus for structuring a radiation-sensitive material
A method and to an apparatus for structuring a radiation-sensitive material are disclosed. The method can include using a dynamic mask to generate a first radiation pattern in a layer of the radiation-sensitive material, where the first radiation pattern has a thickness that is at most 50% of the thickness of the layer of the radiation-sensitive material. The method can also include using the dynamic mask to generate a second radiation pattern in the layer of the radiation-sensitive material. The dynamic mask can be configured to change its structure dynamically, and the first radiation pattern can be different from the second radiation pattern. |
US08211622B2 |
Conditioning of a litho strip
A method of conditioning the surface of a work piece, particularly of a strip or sheet, more particularly of a lithostrip or lithosheet, including an aluminum alloy is provided. The method for conditioning the surface of a work piece and a work piece including an aluminum alloy enabling an increasing manufacturing speed in electro-chemically graining and maintaining at the same time a high quality of the grained surface, includes a conditioning method which comprises at least the two steps, degreasing the surface of the work piece with a degreasing medium and subsequently cleaning the surface of the work piece by pickling. |
US08211621B2 |
Antireflective coating compositions
The present invention discloses novel bottom anti-reflective coating compositions where a coating from the composition has an etch rate that can be regulated by the etch plate temperature. |
US08211620B2 |
Thermoplastic material comprising polychromic substances
The present invention relates to thermoplastic material comprising polymer and at least one polychromic substance, wherein the polychromic substance is a functionalised diacetylene having the formula which has the general structure: X—C≡C—C≡C—Y—(CO)n-QZ wherein X is H or alkyl, Y is a divalent alkylene group, Q is O, S or NR, R is H or alkyl, and Z is alkyl, and n is 0 or 1. The present invention further relates to a method of processing thermoplastic material to form a plastic article, wherein the method comprises the step of processing the thermoplastic material at a temperature greater than the melt temperature of the thermoplastic, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises polymer and at least one polychromic substance as defined above; and further comprising the step of irradiating the plastic article to color at least a region of the plastic article. |
US08211614B2 |
Photoresist composition and patterning method thereof
Disclosed is a resist composition which has desirable physical properties such as sensitivity, resolution, residual film ratio and coating property, and forms a pattern having the desirable profile and depth of focus due to excellent light transmissivity during a semiconductor process and a flat panel display process using a short wavelength of 248 nm (KrF) or less, even though the resist composition is applied to a non-chemically amplified resist. The photoresist composition comprises a novolac-based resin A, a photosensitizer B, and a low molecular substance C having low absorbance. The low molecular substance having low absorbance has absorbance that is lower than absorbance of the novolac-based resin at one or more wavelengths of 248 nm, 193 nm, and 157 nm, and the photoresist composition is used at the wavelength of 248 nm or less. |
US08211611B2 |
Toner process including modifying rheology
A process for making particles is provided. In embodiments, a suitable process includes adding a rheology modifier to an emulsion utilized to form toner particles. The rheology modifier permits the use of a higher solid content in the emulsion, with a resulting higher yield of toner particles, without requiring the use of powerful mixing equipment. |
US08211609B2 |
Toner compositions
The present disclosure provides toners including amorphous resins and crystalline resins. Toners with high glass transition temperatures and little plasticization may be obtained in accordance with the present disclosure. |
US08211604B2 |
Self emulsifying granules and solvent free process for the preparation of emulsions therefrom
A process for making a self-emulsifying composite suitable for use in forming latex emulsions includes contacting a resin with a solid or highly concentrated surfactant, a solid neutralizing agent in the absence of water and an organic solvent to form a mixture, melt mixing the mixture, and forming a self-emulsifying composite of the melt mixed mixture such as a granule. Self-emulsifying granules are also provided and configured to form a latex emulsion when added to water, which may then be utilized to form a toner. |
US08211600B2 |
Toner compositions
The present disclosure provides processes for producing images of excellent color fidelity when incorporating a magenta toner with a lower colorant loading in addition to a first magenta toner. In embodiments, the magenta pigmented particles may be magenta emulsion aggregation toners. In accordance with the present disclosure, a pair of magenta toners are matched in color, wherein the color of a first magenta toner printed at a predetermined halftone area coverage on a substrate substantially matches the color of the solid (100%) printed patch of the second magenta toner, which is lighter than the first magenta toner, thus avoiding a visible hue shift on the print that would otherwise be objectionable. In embodiments, the light magenta toner is color matched by adding a hue-adjusting colorant or combination of colorants which absorb wavelengths of light between 400 and 500 nanometers, and optionally adding a shade-adjusting colorant or combination of colorants which absorb wavelengths of light between 600 and 700 nanometers. |
US08211595B2 |
Metal identification platelet and method of producing thereof
A metal identification platelet equipped with an identification code, while the identification code comprises a hologram. A method of producing the identification platelet with the identification code, including the following steps: A shield from an electro-insulation material is formed on a shim with a holographic motif. Then, the shim is galvanized in the places not covered by the shield from the electro-insulation material. And the completed metal identification platelets are removed from the shim. |
US08211594B2 |
Compositions of nanometal particles containing a metal or alloy and platinum particles
A composition comprising an admixture of at least platinum particles and metal nanoparticles of metal that, when in admixture with the platinum particles, beneficially alters the characteristics of the platinum, including metals selected from one or more of the metals in groups 3-16, lanthanides, combinations thereof, and/or alloys thereof. The composition could be used to form an ink that further comprises an ionically conductive material, such as a polymer, capable of ionic networking throughout the ink composition so as to create a substantially structurally coherent mass without significantly impacting the reactivity of a substantial number of the nanoparticles. In one application, the ink may be used to form a catalyst whereby the ink is applied to an electrically conductive backing material, such as carbon paper or fibers. In another application, the ink may be used to form an electrode whereby the ink may be applied to an electrically conductive material, and wherein the ink comprises an admixture of platinum particles and metal nanoparticles. |
US08211585B2 |
Seal for PEM fuel cell plate
A seal structure is disclosed for forming a substantially fluid tight seal between a UEA and a plate of a fuel cell system, the seal structure including a sealing member formed in one fuel cell plate, a seal support adapted to span feed area channels in an adjacent fuel cell plate, and a seal adapted to cooperate with a UEA disposed between the fuel cell plates, the sealing member, and the seal support to form a substantially fluid tight seal between the UEA and the one fuel cell plate. The seal structure militates against a leakage of fluids from the fuel cell system, facilitates the maintenance of a velocity of a reactant flow in the fuel cell system, and a cost thereof is minimized. |
US08211581B2 |
Control apparatus and control method for fuel cell
A control apparatus for a fuel cell, including oxidizing gas supplying means for supplying oxidizing gas to a cathode via an oxidizing gas supply line; cathode-side gas pressure detecting means for detecting a gas pressure within the oxidizing gas supply line or the cathode; hydrogen supplying means for supplying hydrogen to an anode via a hydrogen supply line; target hydrogen partial pressure determining means for determining a hydrogen pressure among a gas pressure within the hydrogen supply line or the anode; hydrogen supply pressure calculating means for calculating a hydrogen supply pressure of hydrogen to be supplied to the fuel cell, based upon the target hydrogen partial pressure and the gas pressure detected by the cathode-side gas pressure detecting means; and hydrogen supply control means for supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen supplying means to the fuel cell at the hydrogen supply pressure, and the method thereof. |
US08211580B2 |
Electronics cabinet with liquid cooling system for backup power fuel cell
A fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system is provided. The fuel cell cabinet liquid cooling system includes a fuel cell, a liquid cooling system for dissipating heat generated by the fuel cell, and a controller that controls the liquid cooling system for maintaining a predetermined temperature range of a first cooling liquid of the fuel cell. |
US08211571B2 |
Artificial graphite particles and method for manufacturing same, nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell negative electrode and method for manufacturing same, and lithium secondary cell
Artificial graphite particles, having a secondary particle structure in which a plurality of primary particles composed of graphite are clustered or bonded together, and having a layer structure in which the edge portion of the primary particles is bent in a polyhedral shape. |
US08211569B2 |
Lithium secondary battery including a negative electrode which is a sintered layer of silicon particles and/or silicon alloy particles and a nonaqueous electrolyte containing carbon dioxide dissolved therein and method for producing same
A rechargeable lithium battery including a negative electrode made by sintering, on a surface of a conductive metal foil as a current collector, a layer of a mixture of active material particles containing silicon and/or a silicon alloy and a binder, a positive electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte, characterized in that the nonaqueous electrolyte contains carbon dioxide dissolved therein. |
US08211568B2 |
Packaging material for flat electrochemical cell
In a packaging material for electrochemical cell, a thermally adhesive resin layer is configured of a resin having a propylene based elastomer resin in a propylene based resin. This propylene based elastomer resin is a copolymer composed of a constitutional unit derived from propylene and a constitutional unit derived from an α-olefin having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms; when the total sum of the constitutional unit derived from propylene and the constitutional unit derived from an α-olefin is defined as 100% by mole, contains 50% by mole or more of the constitutional unit derived from propylene; and is satisfied with (a) a Shore A hardness (ASTM D2240) of from 65 to 90, (b) a melting point of from 130 to 170° C., (c) a density (ASTM D1505) of from 860 to 875 kg/m3 and (d) a glass transition temperature as measured by DSC of from −25° C. to −35° C. |
US08211565B2 |
Secondary battery for medium and large size battery module
Disclosed herein is a secondary battery for medium-sized or large-sized battery modules. The secondary battery is assembled while an electrically connecting member used at the time of manufacturing a battery module is previously welded to at least one of electrode terminals of the secondary battery. |
US08211564B2 |
Middle or large-sized battery pack case providing improved distribution uniformity in coolant flux
Disclosed herein is a middle- or large-sized battery pack case in which a battery module having a plurality of stacked battery cells, which can be charged and discharged, is mounted, wherein the battery pack case is provided with a coolant inlet port and a coolant outlet port, which are disposed such that a coolant for cooling the battery cells can flow from one side to the other side of the battery module in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cells, and the battery pack case is further provided with beads formed in a concavo-convex shape for improving the structural stability of the battery pack case against an external force, the beads being constructed in a structure in which the beads do not disturb the flow of the coolant from the coolant inlet port along the advancing direction of a fluid in a flow space defined between the coolant inlet port and the battery module. |
US08211556B2 |
Gypsum-based building material having increased thermal conductivity and shielding attenuation, method for producing the building material, molding containing the building material and method for producing the molding
A gypsum-based building material having increased thermal conductivity and shielding attenuation, a method for producing the building material, a molding containing the building material and a method for producing the molding are provided. The products and methods include adding ground stock formed of compacted expanded graphite to gypsum-based building materials in order to increase the thermal conductivity and the electromagnetic shielding attenuation of the building materials and moldings, for example gypsum cardboards, produced therefrom. |
US08211553B2 |
Organic electroluminescent devices and metal complex compounds
An organic electroluminescent device, which has a pair of electrodes and at least one organic layer including a luminescent layer between the pair of electrodes, wherein at least one layer between the pair of electrodes comprises at least one metal complex having a tridentate- or higher polydentate-chain structure ligand. |
US08211552B2 |
Organic electroluminescence device
An organic electroluminescence device includes: a cathode; an anode; and a single-layered or multilayered organic thin-film layer provided between the cathode and the anode. In the organic electroluminescence device, the organic thin-film layer includes at least one emitting layer, and the at least one emitting layer contains: a host material represented by the following formula (1); and at least one phosphorescent material. |
US08211551B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device
An organic electroluminescent device includes a pair of electrodes; and an organic layer between the pair of electrodes, which includes a light-emitting layer and contains a compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein M101 represents a transition metal belonging to group IX of the Periodic Table; L101 represents a ligand; n101 represents an integer of 1 or more; m101 represents an integer of 0 or more; Hy101 represents a heterocyclic aromatic ring; Z101, Z102, Z103 and Z104 each represents a substituted or unsubstituted carbon atom, or a nitrogen atom; and the dashed line represents a coordinate bond, and the compound represented forms a condensed ring via any of Z101 and Z102, Z102 and Z103, and Z103 and Z104, wherein Z in the crosslinking site forming the condensed ring represents a carbon atom. |
US08211550B2 |
Compounds and their use for producing leather and as dispersants
A process for the production of leather using one or more reaction products of (a) triamines or higher amines with (b) at least one compound of the general formula I A1-R1 I where R1 is selected from hydrocarbon radicals having 10 to 5000 carbon atoms, straight-chain or branched, saturated or having from one to three C—C double bonds, and A1 from groups capable of reacting with amines. |
US08211545B2 |
Heat conductive cured product and making method
A silicone rubber composition comprises (a) an organopolysiloxane having alkenyl radicals, (b) a heat conductive filler, (c) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane, (d) a platinum group metal compound, (e) a reaction regulator, and (f) a silicone resin. A heat conductive cured product is prepared by intimately mixing components (a) to (f), applying the composition as a thin film to a substrate which has been treated to be releasable, and curing the composition. |
US08211541B2 |
Multilayer structure and process for producing the same
A multilayer structure having a layer of an adhesive resin composition (A) and a layer of another resin (B), wherein the adhesive resin composition (A) includes a thermoplastic resin (a1) containing functional groups of at least one kind selected from the group consisting of a boronic acid group and boron-containing groups capable of being converted into a boronic acid group in the presence of water, and a polyolefin (a2) which does not contain the functional groups, the blending weight ratio (a1/a2) of the thermoplastic resin (a1) to the polyolefin (a2) is 1/99 to 15/85, and particles of the thermoplastic resin (a1) are dispersed with an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 1.2 μm in a matrix of the polyolefin (a2). Consequently, a multilayer structures having satisfactory interlayer adhesion strength can be provided even if the content of the resin having a special functional group in the adhesive resin composition layer is reduced. |
US08211540B2 |
Adhesive film composition, associated dicing die bonding film, die package, and associated methods
An adhesive film composition includes an elastomer resin having one or more of a hydroxy group, a carboxyl group, or an epoxy group, a film-forming resin, a silylated phenolic curing resin, an epoxy resin, a curing accelerator, and a filler. |
US08211539B2 |
Hydrogen separator and process for production thereof
A hydrogen separator comprising a porous substrate composed mainly of a ceramic having a large number of pores connecting from one surface of the substrate to other surface, and a hydrogen-separating layer made of a hydrogen permselective metal formed on the porous substrate via an intermediate layer made of an electron-conductive ceramic. The hydrogen separator hardly generates defects such as peeling, cracks or the like in the hydrogen-separating layer and is suitable for use even when the hydrogen separator is exposed to a heat cycle, used under high temperature conditions or/and used for long-term. |
US08211538B2 |
Microelectronic security coatings
A security coating on an electronic circuit assembly comprises a mesh coating that may have a unique signature pattern and comprise materials that easily produce an image of the signature so that it is possible to determine if reverse engineering has been attempted. Spaces in the mesh may include electrical components to erase circuit codes to destroy the functionality and value of the protected die if the mesh coated is disturbed. The voids may include compositions to enhance the mesh signature and abrade the circuit if tampering takes place. |
US08211533B2 |
Resin blend of ethylene alpha olefin interpolymer and heterogeneous interpolymer for liquid packaging films
This invention relates to blends of polyethylene and polypropylene useful to make films for packaging of flowable materials, in particular liquids. In addition to possessing good flex crack resistance, these films can withstand steam sterilization and/or aseptic packaging conditions as they have Hot Tack Initiation Temperatures in the range of from about 100° C. to about 140° C. and Hot Tack Strengths of not more than 5 N/inch in the temperature range from 100° C. to 150° C. |
US08211530B2 |
Adhesive fillets and method and apparatus for making same
Methods of forming shaped adhesive fillets are disclosed. The adhesive fillets may be made by stacking multiple layers of adhesive sheets, consolidating the stacked layers, cutting strips from the consolidated layers, and forming the strips into adhesive fillets having desired cross sectional shapes. The fillets may be formed by feeding the strips through an apparatus comprising opposing rollers and a catcher, which facilitates release of the adhesive fillets from the rollers. The formed adhesive fillets are useful for applications such as stiffened panels for aircraft. |
US08211526B2 |
Honeycomb structure
There is provided a honeycomb structure including a plurality of honeycomb segments having porous partition walls separating and forming a plurality of cells functioning as fluid passages and an outer peripheral wall located in the outermost periphery. The first cells open in an end portion on one side and plugged in the other end portion on the other side and the second cells plugged in the end portion on the one side and open in the other end portion on the other side are alternately disposed. The first cells have an area larger than that of the second cells in a cross section perpendicular to the central axial direction. The outer peripheral wall has protruding portions along an external shape of the first cells and depressed portions along an external shape of the second cells. The honeycomb segments are bonded together with a bonding member. |
US08211523B2 |
Vacuum thermal insulating material and method of manufacturing the same, and thermal insulating box having the vacuum thermal insulating material
In a vacuum thermal insulating material having a core material enclosed in a gas barrier container whose inside is made to be a decompressed state, the core material has a lamination structure in which a plurality of sheet-shaped long fiber organic fibrous assemblies are continuously wound up from an inner periphery to an outer periphery. Then, a plurality of sheet-shaped organic fibrous assemblies are arranged in parallel and sheet-shaped multiple organic fibrous assemblies having joint sections are formed. The joint sections are made not to overlap with the upper and lower of joint sections. |
US08211522B2 |
Manufacturing method for optical information recording medium and optical information recording medium
Optical recording medium manufacturing includes: providing a first resin on a first recording layer; forming a first intermediate layer by performing first UV irradiation at a first dose to cure the first resin; providing a second recording layer on the first intermediate layer; providing a second resin on the second recording layer; forming a second intermediate layer by performing second UV irradiation at a second dose to cure the second resin; providing a third recording layer on the second intermediate layer; providing a third resin on the third recording layer; and forming a light transmitting layer by performing third UV irradiation at a third dose to cure the third resin. The first and second resins have substantially the same relationships between UV dose received and linear expansion coefficient. The first through third doses are such that UV doses received by the intermediate layers are substantially the same. |
US08211516B2 |
Multi-layer insulation composite material including bandgap material, storage container using same, and related methods
In one embodiment, a multi-layer insulation (MLI) composite material includes a first thermally-reflective layer and a second thermally-reflective layer spaced from the first thermally-reflective layer. At least one of the first or second thermally-reflective layers includes bandgap material that is reflective to infrared electromagnetic radiation. A region between the first and second thermally-reflective layers impedes heat conduction between the first and second thermally-reflective layers. Other embodiments include a storage container including a container structure that may be at least partially formed from such MLI composite materials, and methods of using such MLI composite materials. |
US08211514B2 |
Reverse dispersion retardation film and liquid crystal display device using the same
A reverse dispersion retardation film is formed by stretching a film containing a norbornene-based ring-opening copolymer containing a structural unit (A) represented by a general formula (1) and a structural unit (B) represented by a general formula (2), wherein a total amount of the structural unit (A) and an exo-form structural unit, among the structural units (B), is not less than 20 mol % but not more than 65 mol % of all the structural units. |
US08211513B2 |
Liquid-crystalline compounds and liquid-crystalline media
The present invention relates to liquid-crystalline compounds having at least three fluorine-substituted benzene rings, a terminal trifluoromethyl group and at least one —CF2O— bridge. The invention also relates to liquid-crystalline media prepared therewith and to liquid-crystal display devices (LC displays) containing these media. |
US08211512B2 |
Liquid Crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
The subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic among characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a low viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a negatively large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced regarding two or more characteristics. The subject is to provide an AM device that has a short response time, a high voltage holding ratio, a high contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.The invention provides a liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy that contains a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy as a first component, and a specific two-ring compound having a low viscosity as a second component, and provides a liquid crystal display device containing the composition. |
US08211510B1 |
Cascaded cure approach to fabricate highly tensile silicon nitride films
A highly tensile dielectric layer is generated on a heat sensitive substrate while not exceeding thermal budget constraints. Cascaded ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is used to produce highly tensile films to be used, for example, in strained NMOS transistor architectures. Successive UV radiation of equal or shorter wavelengths with variable intensity and duration selectively breaks bonds in the Si—N matrix and minimizes shrinkage and film relaxation. Higher tensile stress than a non-cascaded approach may be obtained. |
US08211508B2 |
Process for producing molded printed material, and molded printed material
A process for producing a molded printed material is provided that includes (A) a step of forming an image by discharging an ink composition on a support by an inkjet method, the ink composition comprising at least 60 wt % relative to the entire ink composition of at least one monofunctional radically polymerizable monomer having only one unsaturated double bond group selected from the group consisting of an acrylate group, a methacrylate group, an acrylamide group, a methacrylamide group, and an N-vinyl group and having at least one cyclic structure-containing group, (B) a step of curing the ink composition by irradiating with actinic radiation the image obtained so as to obtain a printed material having the image cured on the support, and (C) a step of molding the printed material. There is also provided a molded printed material obtained by the process for producing a molded printed material. |
US08211506B2 |
Coating methods and apparatus using pre-formed ceramic mask
A method for coating a part includes applying a ceramic mask to a first surface portion of the part. A coating is applied to a second surface portion of the part and at least partially contacting the mask. The mask is destructively removed. |
US08211505B2 |
High-strength laminated sheet for optical applications
A laminated sheet includes a surface layer having an optical surface that is of fire-polished quality and a core layer having a higher modulus than the surface layer to increase an overall stiffness or fracture toughness of the laminated sheet. |
US08211503B2 |
Method for making device housing
A method for making device housing comprises: providing a transparent film; forming a coating on one surface of the film by printing ink containing metal powder on the film and ultrasonically treating the coating; and molding a substrate onto the coating. |
US08211500B2 |
Copper film deposition method
A Cu film is deposited on a substrate by ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) process, in which: a Cu-carboxyl acid complex or a derivative thereof having a high vapor pressure and wettability to a base is used in a gasified state; H2 is used as a reductive gas; and a step of adsorbing a source material gas to a substrate and a step of forming a Cu film by reducing the adsorbed gas with a reductive gas are repeated alternately. With this method, a conformal Cu film having excellent quality can be formed. |
US08211497B2 |
Process for forming a nonstick surface on the interior surface of a pipe
The present invention relates to a vessel, in particular a pipe, especially an oil pipe, having a preformed film adhered onto the interior surface of the pipe, the interior surface of the preformed film reducing the deposition of at least one of asphaltenes, paraffin wax, and inorganic scale by at least 40% as compared to the interior surface of said oil pipe without said preformed film being present. In a preferred embodiment, the preformed film is adhered to the interior surface of the pipe with a primer layer with an optional barrier layer between the primer layer and the preformed film. |
US08211495B2 |
Noble metal plating of titanium components
The present invention provides technology for noble metal plating of titanium surfaces. A process such as the following would be carried out when manufacturing a partially gold-plated separator for a fuel cell, for example. First, a titanium component made of titanium or titanium alloy is prepared for use as the fuel cell separator (S10). This titanium component is a titanium component whose surfaces are coated with carbon-containing substance. This titanium component is then subjected to a first heat treatment at a prescribed first temperature of between 300 and 700 degrees Celsius (S20). Gold plating of the surfaces of the heat-treated titanium component is then carried out (S80). In this way it is possible to more easily carry out gold electrolytic plating of titanium surfaces. |
US08211492B2 |
Manufacturing method of emitting device
The present invention is a fabrication method of a light-emitting device characterized by ejecting a solution containing a luminescent material toward an anode or a cathode under a reduced pressure and characterized in that in a duration before the solution is arrived at the anode or the cathode, the solvent in the solution is volatilized, the remaining part of the luminescent material is deposited on the anode or the cathode, and thereby formed a light-emitting layer. By the present invention, a baking process for thickness reduction is not required after applying the solution. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a fabrication method with high throughput although the method is low in cost and simple. |
US08211485B2 |
Process for preparing hypoallergenic and non-allergenic peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) utilizing an endopeptidase
The present invention relates to the use of a solution containing at least one endopeptidase to substantially reduce or completely eliminate allergenic proteins contained in the peanut (Arachis hypogea). In particular, the direct application of a solution containing at least one endopeptidase to either raw, blanched, or roasted peanuts or peanut products or derivates, has been shown to substantially reduce or completely eliminate the activity of allergenic proteins. The treated peanuts showed no degradation in quality or sensory acceptability, and have the flavor and aroma of natural whole peanuts. Hypoallergenic or non-allergenic peanuts produced in accordance with the present invention may be used as ingredients in various food products and other edible materials. |
US08211478B2 |
Beverage precursor and process for the manufacture thereof
The present invention provides a beverage precursor comprising tea material and food-grade additive, wherein the beverage precursor is present in an amount wherein contact of the beverage precursor with 250 ml water for 2 minutes at 90° C. produces a beverage comprising catechins in an amount of between 0.05% and 2% by weight of the beverage. The present invention also provides a process for manufacturing a beverage precursor comprising macerating tea leaf and/or stem with a rotorvane and at least one CTC process. |
US08211476B2 |
Compositions against rotavirus infection and processes for producing the same
The present inventors discovered that microfiltration retentates of whey, and products obtained by treating whey using centrifugation and/or ammonium sulfate precipitation, have the activity of inhibiting rotavirus infection. |
US08211470B2 |
Method for preparing nano-scale or amorphous particle using solid fat as a solvent
The present invention relates to a method for preparing nanoscale or amorphous particles using solid fat as a solvent. According to the present invention, nanoscale or amorphous particles of active ingredients are prepared by using fat as a solvent, wherein the fat is in solid phase at room temperature. The nanoscale or amorphous particles of active ingredients can be advantageously used in medicine, cosmetics, functional foods or the like. |
US08211468B2 |
Endosomolytic polymers
We describe pH-sensitive endosomolytic polymers, delivery particles containing pH-sensitive endosomolytic polymers. The described particles are capable of delivering polynucleotides to cells from the peripheral circulation with subsequent release from endosomes. The endosomolytic polymers are inactive outside the cell but disrupt membranes upon exposure to an acidified endosomal compartment. |
US08211459B2 |
Methods of treating disease with nitric oxide (NO)-releasing polymers and soluble NO-releasing nitrosamines
The invention provides NO-releasing polymers and low molecular weight NO-releasing compounds which may be used to for the treatment of medical conditions associated with NO-deficiency. The NO-releasing polymers or the low molecular weight NO-releasing compounds may also be incorporated into medical devices. The invention further provides methods of controlled release of NO for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with NO-deficiency, wherein the treatment includes systemic or local administration of the NO-releasing polymers or the low molecular weight NO-releasing compounds. |
US08211458B2 |
Methods of performing medical procedures that promote bone growth, methods of making compositions that promote bone growth, and apparatus for use in such methods
Methods of performing medical procedures, and methods of making bone-growth-promoting compositions useful in performing medical procedures are provided. Apparatus useful both in methods of performing medical procedures, and in methods of making bone-growth-promoting compositions useful in performing medical procedures, are provided. The bone-growth-promoting compositions made according to the disclosed methods are biocompatible, and are adapted to stimulate bone growth when positioned in contact with, or in the vicinity of, a bone of a mammal. |
US08211457B2 |
Isocyanate coatings for implantable devices and a method of forming the same
Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients. |
US08211446B2 |
In vitro model of latent mycobacterial infection
A method of inducing latency in Mycobacterium permits preparation of an in vitro model system of latent mycobacterial infection. Latency is induced in a pure culture of Mycobacterium by exposing it to multiple stress conditions, including a low nutrient culture medium without glycerol, a low pH, a relatively high level of carbon dioxide and a relatively low gas phase oxygen level. An in vitro model of mycobacterial infection employs macrophages induced from THP1 cells which are then infected with Mycobacterium. The infected macrophages are grown under hypoxic conditions to induce latency in the mycobacteria. The in vitro model of infection is useful in evaluating compounds for activity against latent mycobacteria. |
US08211443B2 |
Variants of hepatitis B virus with resistance to anti-viral nucleoside agents and applications thereof
The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside or nucleotide analogs and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity to these antibodies. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants, which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimens and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular HBV variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for and/or develop or design agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus. |
US08211441B2 |
Use of L. undulata extract as therapeutics for allergic diseases
The present invention relates to a method of preventing or treating allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, anaphylaxis, and asthma, which comprises administering an extract of Laurencia undulata in a therapeutically effective amount to a patient in need thereof. |
US08211440B2 |
Multivalent immunoglobulin-based bioactive assemblies
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for stably tethered structures of defined compositions, which may have multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. Preferred embodiments concern hexameric stably tethered structures comprising one or more IgG antibody fragments and which may be monospecific or bispecific. The disclosed methods and compositions provide a facile and general way to obtain stably tethered structures of virtually any functionality and/or binding specificity. The stably tethered structures may be administered to subjects for diagnostic and/or therapeutic use, for example for treatment of cancer or autoimmune disease. The stably tethered structures may bind to and/or be conjugated to a variety of known effectors, such as drugs, enzymes, radionuclides, therapeutic agents and/or diagnostic agents. |
US08211433B2 |
TNFα-neutralizing antibodies
The invention provides monoclonal antibodies that neutralize TNFα activity. The monoclonal antibodies may be rabbit monoclonal antibodies or monoclonal antibodies having CDR regions derived from those rabbit monoclonal antibodies. In certain embodiments, the monoclonal antibodies may be humanized. Methods of using the subject antibodies to inhibit TNFα activity, methods of treatment using those antibodies and kits containing the same are also provided. The invention finds use in a variety of research and medical applications. |
US08211430B2 |
Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating type 1 diabetes mellitus and other conditions
Methods for treating type 1 diabetes mellitus or a condition resulting from the loss of pancreatic islet cells in a patient are disclosed herewith. The method of treatment comprises co-administration of human proislet peptides (HIP); and an agent that inhibits the activity of autoimmune cells. |
US08211429B2 |
Neuropilin antagonists
Novel anti-NRP1 antibodies and variants thereof having unique structural and functional characteristics are disclosed. Also provided are uses of the antibodies in research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications. |
US08211426B2 |
ACE2 activation for treatment of heart, lung and kidney disease and hypertension
ACE2 activating compounds for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, lung disease and hypertension are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of diagnosing cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, lung disease and hypertension by measuring ACE2 expression or nucleotide polymorphism analysis. |
US08211425B2 |
Method for treating disseminated cancer
The present invention discloses an immunotherapeutic method for treating a patient suffering from a disseminated cancer by administering expanded tumour-reactive CD4+ helper and/or CD8+ T-lymphocytes obtainable from one or more metastasis-draining lymph nodes (metinel nodes) draining a metastasis. The method comprises identification of one or more metinel lymph nodes in a patient, resection of the one or more nodes and, optionally all or part of the metastases, isolation of metastasis-reactive T-lymphocytes from said lymph nodes, in vitro expansion of said metastasis-reactive T-lymphocytes, and administration of the thus obtained T-lymphocytes to the patient, wherein the T-lymphocytes are CD4+ helper and/or CD8+ T-lymphocytes. |
US08211419B2 |
Controlling bedbugs with synthetic pheromones and/or infrared radiation
Disclosed are methods for attracting and thereby controlling bedbugs. One volatizes a synthetic pheromone and generates infrared radiation adjacent the location and exposes bedbugs thereto. The pheromone volatizer and/or radiation generator are preferably incorporated into traps, bait stations and monitoring stations. |
US08211418B2 |
Protein-based polymer tissue adhesives for medical use
Tissue adhesives formed by crosslinking albumin and/or gelatin with certain polyamines and/or polycarboxylates using a water-soluble carbodiimide are disclosed. The use of the tissue adhesives for medical and veterinary applications such as topical wound closure; and surgical procedures, such as intestinal anastomosis, vascular anastomosis, tissue repair, and ophthalmic procedures; drug delivery; anti-adhesive applications; and as a bulking agent to treat urinary incontinence are described. |
US08211417B1 |
Method of bowel cleansing
A method is disclosed for cleansing bowels prior to a colonic procedure utilizing conventional preparations along with potatoes. |
US08211416B2 |
Mascara composition comprising an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer
The present invention relates to a mascara composition including a cosmetically acceptable aqueous medium, characterized in that it includes an oily phase including at least one ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, and at least one wax or a mixture of waxes in a certain weight ratio. The present invention also relates to a process for the care or make-up of eyelashes or eyebrows, characterized by the fact that a composition according to the invention is applied to the eyelashes or eyebrows. It also relates to the use of a composition according to the invention in order to obtain a make-up for filling and/or curling the eyelashes and/or a smooth and uniform deposition on the eyelashes. |
US08211404B2 |
Ionic and non-ionic radiograhic contrast agents for use in combined X-ray and nuclear magnetic resonance diagnostics
The invention discloses the use of ionic and non-ionic radiographic contrast agents for combined X-ray and nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI) diagnostics. |
US08211399B2 |
Method for making metal sulfide nanocrystals
A method for making metal sulfide nanocrystals is provided. First, some metal salt powders are provided in a container. Second, superfluous mercaptan is added into the container. Then the superfluous mercaptan and the metal salt are stirred uniformly to get a precursor mixture and the precursor mixture is heated to get the metal sulfide nanocrystals. Lastly, the metal sulfide nanocrystals are separated and washed. |
US08211398B2 |
Method for making semiconducting carbon nanotubes
A method for making semiconducting carbon nanotubes is provided. A catalyst precursor is disposed on a substrate. The catalyst precursor includes blood. Organic substances contained in the blood are removed and iron ions contained in the blood are oxidized to yield discrete ferric oxide nano-particles on the substrate. The ferric oxide nano-particles are reduced to yield isolated iron nano-particles on the substrate. Carbon nanotubes then grow on the iron nano-particles. |
US08211393B2 |
Exhaust system for a vehicular positive ignition internal combustion engine
An exhaust system for a vehicular positive ignition internal combustion engine comprises a filter for filtering particulate matter from exhaust gas emitted from the engine, which filter comprising a porous substrate having inlet and outlet surfaces, wherein the inlet surfaces are separated from the outlet surfaces by a porous structure containing pores of a first mean pore size, wherein the porous substrate is coated with a three-way catalyst washcoat comprising a plurality of solid particles wherein the porous structure of the washcoated porous substrate contains pores of a second mean pore size, which is less than the first mean pore size, and a three-way catalyst washcoat disposed on a separate substrate monolith located upstream of the filter, wherein a mass of three-way catalyst washcoat on the upstream substrate monolith is ≦75% of the total mass of three-way catalyst washcoat in the exhaust system. |
US08211389B2 |
Metal scavenging polymers and uses thereof
Uses for a composition comprising a polymer derived from at least two monomers: acrylic-x and an alkylamine, wherein said polymer is modified to contain a functional group capable of scavenging one or more compositions containing one or more metals are disclosed. These polymers have many uses in various mediums, including wastewater systems. |
US08211385B2 |
Apparatus and methods for processing biological samples and a reservoir therefor
An apparatus for processing at least one biological sample accommodated on at least one carrier member (15) in a chamber includes, at least one reservoir (18) able to accommodate a fluid on a surface inside the chamber adjacent to and/or facing a substantial part of the at least one biological sample. The apparatus may comprise a bottom member (12) arranged to support at least one carrier member (15) carrying at least one biological sample and a lid (14) including at least one fluid reservoir (18). The reservoir filled with water provides humidity to the chamber and impedes drying out of the sample. |
US08211382B2 |
Microassay with internal referencing
Specialized microfluidic networks are utilized to deposit substances on sensor surfaces. In particular, a flow-based microfluidic printhead is used as an interface to deliver multiple analytes to a sensor for simultaneous analysis. Furthermore, internal referencing is incorporated into sensor regions for improved sensitivity. |
US08211376B2 |
Devices and methods for honeycomb continuous flow reactors
Disclosed is a reactor for reacting fluids such as fluids in continuous flow, the reactor including a multicellular extruded body having cells extending in parallel in a direction from a first end of the body to a second end, the body having a first plurality of cells open at both ends of the body and a second plurality of said cells closed at one or both ends of the body, the second plurality being contiguous cells and cooperating to define at least in part a fluidic passage extending at least partly through the body. The fluidic passage desirably has a serpentine path back and forth along cells of the second plurality of cells, and the passage connects laterally from cell to cell, within cells of the second plurality, at or near the ends of the body. |
US08211363B2 |
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. |
US08211355B2 |
Rotary forming wheel
Rotary forming drums that have a unique vacuum distribution and control system imparting a vacuum to the insert trays in a region or zone of the drum in a controlled manner. The rotary drum also has insert trays that are forced outward by the movement of follower cam activation upon a roller cam which in turn forces molded articles from the trays quickly, cleanly and efficiently. Once the product is removed from the insert trays internal and external springs return the insert trays to their original position to repeat the process on a continuous basis. |
US08211354B2 |
Balloon with integral retention of a dilation element
A balloon catheter is provided with integral channels for securing dilation elements to the outside of the balloon. The dilation elements have an anchor portion and an intermediate portion that are disposed within first and second longitudinal cavities in the channels. The balloon may be manufactured by extruding a parison and blow molding the parison with the dilation elements installed within the channels. |
US08211350B2 |
Method and apparatus for molding roofing products with back gating
A molding apparatus is configured with a distribution channel configured to deliver a blended feed composition directly into an article molding region such that a molded article is formed with gating on the bottom surface of the article. The article molding regions are formed into front sides of opposed “A” and “B” surface mold tools that, when moved into a mating relationship with one another, form closed molding cavities within which molded articles are generated from molding material feed. The article molding regions each generally have a body bounded by a perimeter that establishes an outer edge for an article molded in the one of the closed molding cavities. Additionally, the body of each article molding region of the “A” surface mold tool is adapted for molding a bottom surface for the composite article, and the body of the article molding region of the “B” surface mold tool is adapted for molding a top surface for the composite article. The distribution channel is formed in at least the second surface mold tool, and has a main portion and a downstream terminus for each article molding region of the “A” surface mold tool. The main portion of the distribution channel is formed outside of each article molding region. The downstream terminus, to which the main portion extends, is in communication with the body of the respective article molding region of the “A” surface mold tool. |
US08211347B2 |
Method for socket-forming an end of a thermoplastic material tube, in particular of a polyolefinic material, tube for pressurized fluids
A method for socket-forming an end of a thermoplastic material tube, according to which the end is firstly widened without forming the socket and is then stabilized; the widened and stabilized end being finally socket-formed. |
US08211340B2 |
Process for the production of squared-analogous cross-section polyamide yarns and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a process for the production of a yarn consisting of a squared-analogous cross-section polyamide filament for uncoated airbag fabrics, characterized in that the process comprises the steps of: heating and melting a raw material of polyamide, extruding the molten polyamide through a squared-analogous spinning nozzle to form a spun filament, cooling and solidifying the spun filament, followed by drawing the filament, to obtain a squared-analogous cross-section drawn yarn; to uncoated fabrics for the manufacture of airbags prepared by the said process, characterized in that the fabrics are prepared from a yarn consisting of a squared-analogous cross-section polyamide filament and exhibit low air permeability, enhanced flame resistance and aging performance against the environment; and to a use of the uncoated fabrics for the manufacture of airbags with a low air permeability prepared therefrom. |
US08211339B2 |
Method and apparatus for curing a thermosetting material
A method and apparatus for curing a thermosetting material. The method comprises heating the material with a liquid heating medium; measuring an electrical or optical property of the material with a cure sensor; and regulating the temperature of the liquid heating medium in accordance with the measured property of the material. |
US08211336B2 |
Method for producing nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery
Disclosed is a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery which is suppressed in increase of internal resistance, while having high capacity retention rate and small battery swelling even after a long use. Specifically disclosed is a method for manufacturing a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, which is characterized by using a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material having an α-NaFeO2 crystal structure and the following chemical composition: LixMnaNibCocOd (wherein 0 |
US08211335B2 |
Method for making polymer, coating electrode, and associated polymer and electrode
A method is provided, comprising: copolymerizing a monomer comprising at least two amide groups, a monomer of formula (a) and a sulfonic acid or salt monomer, wherein R1 is CH3 or H. A polymer made by the method is provided. A method for coating an electrode is provided, comprising: providing an electrode; providing a solution of a free radical initiator, a monomer comprising at least two amide groups, a monomer of formula (a) and a sulfonic acid or salt monomer; wetting the electrode with the solution; and heating the wetted electrode; whereby the monomer comprising at least two amide groups, the monomer of formula (a), and the sulfonic acid or salt monomer are copolymerized; wherein R1 is CH3 or H. An electrode coated by the method is provided. |
US08211331B2 |
Packaged reactive materials and method for making the same
A packaged reactive material includes a reactive material that is configured to increase in size when exposed to a predetermined gas, and an inert coating material surrounding a surface of the reactive material. The inert coating material is configured to allow the predetermined gas to diffuse through to the reactive material and has an elongation that will not accommodate expansion of the reactive material at full saturation of the predetermined gas. |
US08211324B2 |
Methods and arrangements for controlling plasma processing parameters
In a plasma processing chamber, a method for processing a substrate is provided. The substrate is disposed above a chuck and surrounded by an edge ring, which is electrically isolated from the chuck. The method includes providing first RF power to the chuck. The method also includes providing an edge ring RF voltage control arrangement, which is coupled to the edge ring to provide second RF power to the edge ring. The second RF power being delivered to the edge ring has a frequency of about 20 KHz to about 10 MHz, resulting in the edge ring having anedgering potential. The method further includes generating a plasma within the plasma processing chamber to process the substrate, the substrate being processed while the edge ring RF voltage control arrangement is configured to control the second RF power to the edge ring such that a predefined potential difference is maintained between the edge ring and the substrate. |
US08211323B2 |
Method for the removal of doped surface layers on the back faces of crystalline silicon solar wafers
The invention relates to a method for the one-sided removal of a doped surface layer on rear sides of crystalline silicon solar wafers. In accordance with the object set, doped surface layers should be able to be removed from rear sides of such solar wafers in a cost-effective manner and with a handling which is gentle on the substrate. In addition, the front side should not be modified. In accordance with the invention, an etching gas is directed onto the rear side surface of silicon solar wafers with a plasma atmospheric pressure. |
US08211321B2 |
Method for fabricating micro and nano structures
A method of forming an array of selectively shaped optical elements on a substrate, the method including the steps of providing the substrate, the substrate having an optical layer placed thereon; placing a layer of particles on the optical layer; performing an etching cycle. The cycle includes the steps of: etching the layer of particles, using a first etching process so as to reduce the size of the particles within the layer, then; simultaneously etching the optical layer and the layer of particles, using a second etching process, the further reducing particles forming a mask over areas of the optical layer to create discrete optical elements from the optical layer. |
US08211320B2 |
Carbon nanotube device and method for making same
A carbon nanotube device includes a flexible substrate and a patterned carbon nanotube layer. The flexible substrate defines a plurality of recesses. The patterned carbon nanotube layer is formed on the flexible substrate. The carbon nanotube layer includes a plurality of carbon nanotube arrays. Each carbon nanotube array is fixedly attached in the corresponding recess. |
US08211316B2 |
Device for deep sewage treatment without sludge discharge
A deeply sewage treating method and apparatus without sludge discharging is disclosed by means of the physical, chemical and biological methods. Proper sewage treating agent with powerful adsorbing capacity, organic matter decomposing and oxidizing capacity and settling capacity is selected based on the quantity of sewage and pollutant characteristic of the sewage to be treated. Sewage is treated through an integrative function tank that comprises a grille primary tank (1), a settling tank (2), high concentration aeration tank (3), aerobic biological tank (4), anaerobic sludge returning tank (5), a sludge and cleaning water separating tank (6), separating tank (7), and pouring tank (8). Sewage is subjected to physical filtering, chemical regulation of pH value, aerating, biological treatment, settling and filtering, so that organic pollutant is converted into microbe that is oxidized and decomposed into CO2, H2O, NH3 and small amount of excess sludge for inside circulating treatment. The treated water reaches the draining standard. |
US08211313B2 |
System for processing magnetic particles
A system for separating a solid magnetic substrate from liquid contents of a reaction vessel, the system comprising at least one micro-well plate having a plurality of rows and a plurality of magnets arranged in at least two rows. In one embodiment, the at least two rows of the plurality of magnets are controlled so as to cause the magnets in the at least two rows of magnets to move in unison. In another embodiment, one row of the at least two rows of the plurality of magnets is controlled so as to cause the magnets in said one row to move at a first velocity in the vertical direction and another row of the at least two rows of the plurality of magnets is controlled so as to cause the magnets in that other row to move at a second velocity in the vertical direction. |
US08211311B2 |
Method for treating ship ballast water with membrane
A method for treating ship ballast water with a membrane, which can easily separate and reliably remove a fouling substance attached to a membrane and maintain the membrane flux for long periods.The method including a membrane separation step of taking in seawater in a port area in which a ship is anchored and separating a microorganism with a size equal to or greater than a predetermined size therefrom with a membrane filtration apparatus installed in or on a hull of the ship and having a filtration membrane module, a backwash step of separating a fouling substance attached to a membrane surface of the membrane filtration apparatus from the membrane surface by backwashing is provided. |
US08211309B2 |
Extraction of proteins by a two solvent method
A method for separating proteins from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting proteins from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins from a wet algal biomass. These proteins are high value products which can be used as renewable sources of food and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels. |
US08211308B2 |
Extraction of polar lipids by a two solvent method
A method for separating polar lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting polar lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal polar lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. These polar lipids are high value products which can be used as surfactants, detergents, and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of polar lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels. |
US08211306B2 |
Biotrickling filter treatment method utilizing waste tires and a biotrickling filter treatment tank thereof
A biotrickling filter treatment method includes the steps of: arranging waste tires in an organic treatment area to form at least one waste tire array; forming biological membranes on the waste tire array; and circulating wastewater in the organic treatment area to pass through the waste tire array and ventilating the organic treatment area. The biotrickling filter treatment tank includes an organic treatment area, a waste tire array and a sprayer unit. The waste tire array is formed from a plurality of waste tires on which to form biological membranes and is provided in the organic treatment area. The sprayer unit is aligned with the waste tire array to spray wastewater on the waste tires for wastewater treatment. |
US08211304B1 |
Coolant filtration system and method for metal working machines
A coolant filtration system and method for use with one or more metal working machines. The system includes a housing, pump, conveyer assembly, drum assembly, and centrifugal separator. The housing includes a tank that receives and holds coolant coming out of the one or more metal working machines. The pump is used to drive the coolant through the coolant filtration system. A part of the conveyer assembly is disposed within the housing in order to carry-away workpiece chips from the coolant. The drum assembly is located near the conveyer assembly in order to filter the coolant. The centrifugal separator receives coolant processed by the conveyor and drum assemblies. The system can further include one or more fine filters for additional filtering of the coolant outputted by the centrifugal separator. |
US08211297B2 |
Solid-liquid separator
An activated carbon adder adds activated carbon to raw water before flocculating sedimentation, to adsorb suspended matter contained in raw water, a liquid cyclone is adapted to separate activated carbon with suspended matter adsorbed thereon, from raw water containing activated carbon, an inflow line is connected with the liquid cyclone so as to cause raw water containing activated carbon before flocculating sedimentation to flow into the liquid cyclone and swirl therein, an activated carbon discharge line discharges activated carbon spun down out of raw water containing activated carbon in the liquid cyclone, from the liquid cyclone, and a pretreated water discharge line discharges raw water having got rid of activated carbon as pretreated water from the liquid cyclone, allowing for a reduced amount of chemicals to be used, with production of a reduced amount of sludge. |
US08211296B2 |
Portable water treatment system and apparatus
A portable water treatment system and apparatus is disclosed that can effectively and efficiently treat aqueous fluids by quickly and reliably adjusting and controlling the free residual level of disinfectants, contaminants or additives through the addition of one or more treating agents such as oxidizing chemicals and/or other special-purpose additives, and that can continuously store, log, retrieve and report the related fluid composition data and other operating parameters on a real-time basis at either the use site or a remote location. A preferred use for the subject system and apparatus is managing the chemistry of disinfectant, contaminant and/or additive levels in aqueous fluids used in hydraulic fracturing operations, and controlling the free residual levels of the disinfectant or contaminants within the fluids, including fluids maintained in frac tanks during temporary cessation of a hydraulic fracturing operation. |
US08211289B2 |
Sacrificial anode and treatment of concrete
A method of protecting steel in concrete is disclosed. A voltage between two connections of a power supply is generated such that current can flow between a negative connection and a positive connection. In a first protection step, one of the connections of the power supply is electrically connected to the steel to be cathodically protected and a sacrificial anode is electrically connected in series with the other connection of the power supply such that the voltage generated by the power supply is added to the voltage generated between the sacrificial anode and the steel to produce a voltage greater than the voltage generated between the sacrificial anode and the steel alone. The power supply may be a cell or battery and may be combined with the sacrificial anode to form a single unit. In a second protection step that may follow the first protection step, the voltage generated by the power supply is no longer present and a current flows between the sacrificial anode and the steel to continue protecting and/or passivating the steel. This may be achieved by connecting the sacrificial anode directly to the steel. |
US08211284B2 |
Fluid separator with smart surface
A separating system for separating a fluid mixture incorporates a smart surface having reversibly switchable properties. A voltage is selectively applied to the smart surface to attract or repel constituents of a fluid mixture, such as oil and water produced from a hydrocarbon well. The smart surface can be used in a conditioner to increase droplet size prior to entering a conventional separator, or the smart surface and other elements of the invention can be incorporated into an otherwise conventional separator to enhance separation. In a related aspect, a concentration sensor incorporating smart surfaces senses concentration of the fluid mixture's constituents. |
US08211275B2 |
Method of minimizing aldehyde-based impurities in a process stream
Oxidation of an alkane to an alkanone in a process stream forms aldehyde-based impurities. A method of minimizing the aldehyde-based impurities introduces an amine into the process stream to minimize the aldehyde-based impurities. The amine interacts with the alkanone and the aldehyde-based impurities thereby forming heavy products. The method separates the heavy products from the alkanones to reduce a level of the aldehyde-based impurities. The process stream preferably includes cyclohexyl ketone as the alkanone and n-hexanal as the aldehyde-based impurity. The method is typically involved in synthesis of a caprolactam. |
US08211273B2 |
Arrangement for washing and dewatering cellulose pulp
Washing apparatus is disclosed comprising one or possibly two co-operating cylindrical press rolls, each having a perforated outer surface. A guide surface is provided at a distance from the perforated outer surface and encloses the respective press roll in the circumferential direction over at least 225° of the roll's circumference, wherein a pulp passage is provided between the perforated outer surface and the guide surface. During operation, pulp that is fed into the pulp passage is guided in a direction of rotation of the respective press roll and is pressed in a pinch between the press rolls. The radial distance between the outer surface of the press roll and the guide surface is substantially the same throughout a portion of the pulp passage in the circumferential direction. |
US08211272B2 |
Para-aramid pulp including meta-aramid fibrids and processes of making same
The present invention relates to para-aramid pulp including meta-aramid fibrids for use as reinforcement material in products including for example friction materials, fluid sealing materials, and papers. The invention further relates to processes for making such pulp. |
US08211270B2 |
Method of detaching attached boards from each other
A method of detaching two plates adhered via an adhesive sheet or a curable resin layer, comprising moving, relatively parallel to each other, said two plates to develop a shear stress causing rupture of said adhesive sheet or curable resin layer. According to the present invention, two plates bonded via an adhesive sheet or a curable resin layer can be detached by only moving the two plates relatively parallel to each other. Therefore, even when at least one of the two plates is thin and poor in flexibility, two plates can be detached from each other substantially without a force (load) which causes high distortion (deformation) producing a breakage or crack on the plates. Accordingly, for example, when two optical plates adhered via a transparent adhesive sheet need to be re-bonded, two optical plates can be detached from each other and adhered again. Thus, the production cost of equipment with a display function, which carries a flat-panel display, can be reduced. |
US08211269B2 |
Wafer spin chuck and an etcher using the same
A wafer spin chuck and an etcher using the same are provided. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provide a wafer spin chuck device comprising: a spin body which spins a wafer; and a stationary body which holds the spin body and is under the spin body with a space between the spin body and the stationary body, wherein the stationary body includes a blocking unit which blocks the space with a fluid. |
US08211267B2 |
Electromagnetic shielding composite and method for making the same
An electromagnetic shielding composite includes a polymer and a plurality of carbon nanotubes disposed in the polymer in a form of carbon nanotube film structure. A method for making an electromagnetic shielding composite includes the steps of: (a) providing an array of carbon nanotubes; (b) drawing a carbon nanotube film from the array of carbon nanotubes; (c) providing a substrate, covering at least one carbon nanotube film on the substrate to form a carbon nanotube film structure; and (d) providing a polymer and combining the carbon nanotube film structure with the polymer to form an electromagnetic shielding composite. |
US08211265B2 |
Method for preparing multilayer structures containing a perfluorinated copolymer resin layer
Disclosed is a method for preparing a multilayer film laminate having a first layer comprising a perfluorinated copolymer resin layer adhered to a second layer comprising an olefin ester copolymer that has been blended with an organosilane. The multilayer laminate is useful in photovoltaic modules. Methods for preparing photovoltaic modules are also included. |
US08211256B2 |
Method for producing disposable worn article
A method for producing a disposable worn article and a laminated stretchable sheet of the present invention includes: a step of forming stretched elastic sheet pieces F1 from a continuous elastic sheet; a step of carrying continuous webs Wa and Wb to be torso portions; a step of placing the elastic sheet pieces F1 intermittently on the continuous webs Wa and Wb; a step of bonding opposite end portions of the elastic sheet pieces F1 in the longitudinal direction to the continuous webs Wa and Wb by an adhesive, during the placement; an ultrasonic attachment step of forming a laminated stretchable sheet in an overlap portion between an intermediate portion between the opposite end portions of the elastic sheet piece F1 and the continuous webs; a placement step of placing core portions C, each of which forms a crotch portion 33, between adjacent ones of the elastic sheet pieces F1; and a step of cutting off the laminated stretchable sheet between adjacent ones of the core portions C. |
US08211255B2 |
Apparatus and methods for the attachment of materials to polyurethane foam, and articles made using them
One aspect of the present invention relates to a laminated foam product, wherein the adhesive binding the foam to the laminate comprises the mixture from which the foam is made. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods for making a laminated foam product. A third aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for making a laminated foam product. |
US08211254B2 |
Can cap sealing composition and use thereof
Disclosed are a can cap sealing composition having superior squeeze-out resistance and sealing performance and a method for using the same. A cap is coated with a sealing composition comprising a rubber component, a tackifier, a filler and an organic peroxide as essential ingredients, the cap is seamed to a filled can and then the sealed can is subjected to a heat-treatment in which a sterilization and a cross-linking reaction take place simultaneously. |
US08211250B1 |
Method of processing a bismuth brass article
A method of processing a bismuth brass article includes the steps of machining an extruded brass rod to form an article of a desired shape and annealing the article at an annealing temperature that is no greater than 575° F./302° C. to relieve stress caused by the machining. The extruded brass rod includes a composition, by weight percentage, that includes 58-63 of copper, 0.8-1.5 of bismuth, 0.05-0.15 of phosphorous and a remainder of zinc and any impurities. |
US08211245B2 |
Modification of surfaces to increase the surface tension
The invention concerns an analytical test element in which the sample liquid is transported from a sample application site to a determination site, where a detection site lies upstream of the sample application site in the transport direction. The analytical test element has at least one surface which is composed of at least one element that can be oxidized with water or an alloy that can be oxidized with water which has been treated by the action of boiling water or water vapor. |
US08211238B2 |
System, method and apparatus for self-cleaning dry etch
A method for cleaning a processing chamber that includes heating an inner surface of the processing chamber to a first temperature. The first temperature can be sufficient to cause a first species to become volatile. The first species can be one of several species deposited on the inner surface. A cleaning chemistry is injected into the processing chamber. The cleaning chemistry can be reactive with a second one of the species to convert the second species to the first species. The volatilized first species can also be output from the processing chamber. A system for cleaning the process chamber is also described. |
US08211237B2 |
Cleaning contact lenses via sonication
Cleaning contact lenses by placing each contact lens in a daily use contact lens case with contact lens solution such as sterile saline or lens cleaning/disinfecting solution, placing the case in a liquid in a cleaning tank of an ultrasonic cleaning device operating at a frequency and power level sufficient to clean each lens in a convenient time period. |
US08211236B2 |
Process for preparing starch suspensions and starch pastes having improved purity, and starch products
In this disclosure there are provided processes for improving purity of starch suspensions and starch pastes. Also provided in the disclosure are starch products having improved purity. |
US08211233B2 |
Evaporating method for forming thin film
A method of forming a plurality of multi-layer organic films in a single process includes preparing a first evaporating source that evaporates a first evaporating source material onto a first deposition region and a second evaporating source that evaporates a second evaporating source material onto a second deposition region, wherein the first evaporating source material and the second evaporating source material are different from each other, adjusting the first evaporating source and the second evaporating source in order to obtain a first overlapping region in which the first deposition region and the second deposition region overlap each other, driving the first evaporating source and the second evaporating source to deposit the first evaporating source material and the second evaporating source material onto a portion of an object to be processed, and moving the first evaporating source and the second evaporating source from a first end of the object to a second end of the object to form a multilayer film comprising a first layer that is a deposition of only the first evaporating source material, a second layer that is a deposition of a mixture of the first evaporating source material and the second evaporating source material and a third layer that is a deposition of only the second source material. |
US08211231B2 |
Delivery device for deposition
A delivery device for thin-film material deposition has at least first, second, and third inlet ports for receiving a common supply for a first, a second and a third gaseous material, respectively. Each of the first, second, and third elongated emissive channels allow gaseous fluid communication with one of corresponding first, second, and third inlet ports. The delivery device can be formed from apertured plates, superposed to define a network of interconnecting supply chambers and directing channels for routing each of the gaseous materials from its corresponding inlet port to a corresponding plurality of elongated emissive channels. The delivery device comprises a diffusing channel formed by a relief pattern between facing plates. Also disclosed is a process for thin film deposition. Finally, more generally, a flow diffuser and a corresponding method of diffusing flow is disclosed. |
US08211230B2 |
Reaction system for growing a thin film
An atomic deposition (ALD) thin film deposition apparatus includes a deposition chamber configured to deposit a thin film on a wafer mounted within a space defined therein. The deposition chamber comprises a gas inlet that is in communication with the space. A gas system is configured to deliver gas to the gas inlet of the deposition chamber. At least a portion of the gas system is positioned above the deposition chamber. The gas system includes a mixer configured to mix a plurality of gas streams. A transfer member is in fluid communication with the mixer and the gas inlet. The transfer member comprising a pair of horizontally divergent walls configured to spread the gas in a horizontal direction before entering the gas inlet. |
US08211223B2 |
Pulp based clay and preparation of pulp based clay
A clay-pulp mixture is prepared by blending a predetermined ratio of clay and wood pulp (specifically, fiber derived from virgin alpha cellulose) in dry form, moistening the mixture homogeneously by adding water and continuing to blend until a malleable consistency is achieved. Air is extracted from the moist mixture, and solid blocks formed for storage and delivery to end-users. |
US08211222B2 |
Ink composition roll for printing
The present invention provides an ink composition for roll printing, which comprises one or more first fluorine surfactants that comprise a hydrophilic component, a lipophilic component, and a fluorine component; and one or more second fluorine surfactants that comprise a fluorine component, and any one of a hydrophilic component and a lipophilic component. |
US08211217B2 |
Wet electrostatic precipitator with pulse jet for cleaning discharge wires
A wet electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is disclosed to have a housing, several discharge wires, two roughened collection electrodes coated with TiO2 or SiO2 nanoparticles, two porous metallic plates, and two roughened glass plates coated with TiO2 or SiO2 nanoparticles. The porous metallic plates and the glass plates coated with TiO2 or SiO2 nanoparticles located above the collection electrodes are used to enhance the uniformity of the water film. When particles are introduced into the ESP, they are charged by gas ions generated by corona discharge, and then migrate to collection electrodes due to electrostatic force. Finally, particles are removed by uniform water film flowing downward along the collection electrodes. Furthermore, pulse jet passing through the small holes on the collection plates is used to clean discharge wires, maintaining electric corona strength and prolonging the operation life. |
US08211214B2 |
Single phase fluid imprint lithography method
The present invention is directed toward a method for reducing pattern distortions in imprinting layers by reducing gas pockets present in a layer of viscous liquid deposited on a substrate. To that end, the method includes varying a transport of the gases disposed proximate to the viscous liquid. Specifically, the atmosphere proximate to the substrate wherein a pattern is to be recorded is saturated with gases that are either highly soluble, highly diffusive, or both with respect to either the viscous liquid, the substrate, the template, or a combination thereof. Additionally, or in lieu of saturating the atmosphere, the pressure of the atmosphere may be reduced. |
US08211213B2 |
Maintaining lowered CO in a CO2 product stream in a process for treating synthesis gas
The invention involves a process for maintaining a low level of carbon monoxide in a carbon dioxide product stream and also for keeping the carbon monoxide out of the fully shifted synthesis gas. The overall process is a process for treating both fully shifted and partially shifted or unshifted synthesis gas. The carbon monoxide is separately removed by a carbon monoxide stripping column and returned to the partially shifted or unshifted synthesis gas which can then undergo a shift reaction to convert the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. |
US08211212B2 |
Mixed iron-manganese oxides for high-temperature oxygen production
The invention relates to the use of materials of mixed iron-manganese oxide type for high-temperature oxygen production, notably by separation of oxygen from air, and said materials can be reversibly reduced at high temperature when subjected to an oxygen partial pressure decrease and oxidized when the oxygen partial pressure is higher. The oxidized form of mixed iron-manganese oxides has a bixbyite and/or hematite structure. |
US08211207B2 |
Process for refining lead bullion
A unique pyrometallurgical lead refining process includes adding a Lewis acid component and an Arrhenius base compound to a molten lead bullion. The Lewis acid component and Arrhenius base compound are added in stoichiometric amounts that preferentially remove lighter amphoteric elements from the molten lead bullion, and promote reactions with amphoteric p-block elements in the lead bullion to form over the lead a slag of Lewis bases, thereby forming a slag layer incorporating the metal salts of the amphoteric p-block elements. |
US08211205B1 |
Method of controlled synthesis of nanoparticles
A method for the synthesis and manufacture of metal nanoparticles using metal inorganic salts. The method is simple and uses inexpensive chemicals. The procedure produces nanometals in 100% yields. Method is scalable and produces nanoparticles in unlimited quantities. In this method, a metal inorganic salt is dissolved in a reaction medium, comprised of a solvent and organic amine to create a metal/amine complex. A reducing agent, comprised of a solvent and Sodium Borohydride (NaBH4), is then mixed with the metal/amine complex through titration or through a continuous flow process. The resulting nanoparticles are then precipitated through the addition of methanol and centrifugation and decanted. The decanted nanoparticles can then be suspended in a solvent for storage. |
US08211204B2 |
Self-fluxing pellets for blast furnace and method for manufacturing the same
Provided are self-fluxing pellets for a blast furnace, characterized in that a CaO/SiO2 mass ratio C/S is 0.8 or more and a MgO/SiO2 mass ratio M/S is 0.4 or more; when an iron content (mass %) in the entire pellet is represented by % TFe, % TFe is 65% or less; and a temperature Ts (unit: ° C.) at which the pressure loss starts to increase sharply in a loaded high-temperature reduction test and which is calculated by the equation below is 1290° C. or higher: Ts=110×C/S+100×M/S+25×% TFe−480. Equation: |
US08211199B2 |
Filter cartridge
A filter cartridge (400) with a first end cap (420) comprising a rigid adaptor ring (430) and a seal structure (480). The adaptor ring (430) includes a shelf (440) on which the first axial edge (413) of filtering media (410) sits and a clip (450) situated radially and axially outward from the filtering media (410). The seal structure (480) encapsulates the shelf (440) and a first end portion (415) of the filter media (410). The clip (450) is not encapsulated by the seal structure (480) whereby it is available for insertion into a housing channel. |
US08211197B2 |
Air cleaner filter assembly for motor vehicles operating in extreme weather conditions
A filter assembly for a motor-vehicle air cleaner includes a main filter, an auxiliary filter set apart from the main filter, and a filter mount fixed to and configured to support the main filter and the auxiliary filter. In one embodiment, the filter mount is fittable in and removable from a housing of the air cleaner, and comprises a sealing element passing between the main filter and the auxiliary filter. |
US08211189B2 |
Lignin-solvent fuel and method and apparatus for making same
The present invention is a process and apparatus for forming various bio-products from cellulosic plant material. The plant material is subjected to a pulping step in which lignin is extracted from the material by an aqueous lignin solvent to form a lignin-solvent mixture and purified cellulose. The lignin-solvent mixture can be separated from the water to form a high energy density fuel that can be used independently or combined with biodiesel. The purified cellulose can be used in conventional processes, e.g., paper making, or can be converted to fermentable sugars with a cellulase enzyme to produce other bio-products depending on the operating conditions of the fermenter. The bio-products produced by the fermenter can include the solvent that may be recycled for use in extracting the lignin. |
US08211188B2 |
High-load rate supercapacitor electrode and method for obtaining same by extrusion
The invention concerns a method for making a porous substrate-electrode complex (6) with load rate not less than 80% for a supercapacitor including at least the following steps: preparing a mixture containing at least one polymer (1), at least one liquid pore-forming plasticizer (3), and at least one active filler (2); extruding the mixture in paste form; depositing the paste on the substrate and laminating same; and treating the resulting complex to eliminate all or part of the plasticizer (3) and generate porosity in the electrode. The invention also concerns an electrode paste and a collector-electrode complex. |
US08211181B2 |
Surface guided knee replacement
An artificial knee joint that includes a femoral component with a specially shaped bearing surface and a tibial component, whose surface interacts with the femoral surfaces. The interaction provides for the required motion and stability characteristics. The interaction between the femoral and tibial surfaces is such that as the knee is flexed to maximum, the femoral component moves posteriorly on the tibial surface, by an amount similar to that in the anatomic knee. This is accomplished primarily by the depth and width of the femoral trochlea diminishing as the femoral component is flexed from zero to maximum, together with a ramp on the center of the tibial surface. The opposite motion, roll forward of the femur from a fully flexed to a more extended position, is accomplished by varying the outward radii of the lateral and medial femoral bearing surfaces, together with a ramp on the postero-lateral and postero-medial regions of the tibial surfaces. A variation of this is to generate a tibial surface which provides for a progressive internal rotation of the tibia as flexion proceeds. |
US08211177B2 |
Load sharing interbody fusion device
The present invention is a load sharing intervertebral fusion device that allows for reconstruction of the proper disc space between two vertebral bodies while allowing bone material packed within the fusion device to share loading and stress for enhanced healing. The device includes two sections, an upper and lower section, separated by a bioresorbable spacer. The upper section slides relative to the lower section with the bioresorbable material being placed in load therebetween. The upper section and lower sections are effectively held apart, creating an initial fixed spacer for implantation of the intervertebral disc space. Openings in the implant construct allow for bone graft and bone substitutes to be placed within the implant to allow for fusion through the implant construct. After implantation and over a period of time based on bone resorbtion and remodeling, the spacer resorbs, thereby maintaining load on the bone graft material. |
US08211170B2 |
Medical devices and delivery systems for delivering medical devices
Medical devices and delivery systems for delivering medical devices to a target location within a subject. In some embodiments the medical devices can be locked in a fully deployed and locked configuration. In some embodiments the delivery systems are configured with a single actuator to control the movement of multiple components of the delivery system. In some embodiments the actuator controls the independent and dependent movement of multiple components of the delivery system. |
US08211169B2 |
Gasket with collar for prosthetic heart valves and methods for using them
A heart valve assembly includes a prosthesis for receiving a prosthetic valve to replace a preexisting natural or prosthetic heart valve within a biological annulus adjacent a sinus cavity. The prosthesis includes an annular member implantable within the biological annulus for contacting tissue surrounding the biological annulus to provide an opening through the biological annulus, a collar extending upwardly from the annular member, and a sewing cuff extending radially outwardly from the annular member and/or collar. Optionally, the annular member and/or collar may be resiliently compressible, expandable, and/or otherwise biased. A valve member, e.g., a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve may be coupled to the collar, e.g., using a drawstring, sutures, or other connectors, to secure the valve member to the gasket member. |
US08211168B2 |
Graft material, stent graft and method
This invention is directed to graft materials for implanting, transplanting, replacing, or repairing a part of a patient and to methods of making the graft materials. The present invention is also directed to stent grafts and endoluminal prostheses formed of the graft materials. More specifically, the present invention is a graft material which includes porous polymeric sheet, extracellular matrix material (ECM) disposed on at least a portion of the porous polymeric sheet and at least one polymer layer disposed on at least a portion of the ECM. The ECM may be in a gel form. The polymeric sheet and the polymer layer may be made from foam material and may comprise a polyurethane urea and a surface modifying agent such as siloxane. |
US08211165B1 |
Implantable device for placement in a vessel having a variable size
A device for implantation in a body vessel is provided. The device includes a frame that accommodates dynamic variation in the size of the vessel. At least one leaflet is attached to the frame. The leaflet is deformable between a first position allowing fluid flow in a first, antegrade direction and a second position restricting fluid flow in a second, retrograde direction. Methods for delivering the device to a body vessel and methods and kits for treating a subject using such a device are also provided. |
US08211164B2 |
Manufacture of fine-grained material for use in medical devices
Medical devices are manufactured from fine grained materials, processed from of a variety of metals and alloys, such as stainless steel, cobalt-chromium and nickel-titanium alloys. A fine grained metal or alloy is formed from a specimen rapidly heated to its recrystallization temperature, and then subjected to high temperature, multi-axial deformation, for example, by heavy cross-forging or swaging. The deformed specimen may be cooled and reheated to a second recrystallization temperature. The metal or alloy in the specimen is then allowed to recrystallize, such that the grain size is controlled by quenching the specimen to room temperature. A desired medical device is then configured from the fine grained material. Decreasing the average grain size of a substrate material and increasing the number of grains across a thickness of a strut or similar component of the medical device increases the strength of the device and imparts other beneficial properties into the device. |
US08211163B2 |
Hybrid symmetrical stent designs
A stent has adjacent circumferential rings of struts. Adjacent rings being connected by a plurality of connectors. The stent having a hybrid of peak to valley and peak to peak connectors. |
US08211162B2 |
Connector node for durable stent
A stent has adjacent bands being connected by connectors. Each band has a plurality of interconnected struts. The width of a portion of a strut end region is greater than the width of a portion of the strut medial region. Adjacent strut end regions within a band are connected at a turn. Each connector has first and second connector end regions, and a connector medial region. The width of a portion of the first connector end region or second connector end region is greater than the width of a portion of the connector medial region. The first connector end region is engaged to one turn of a first band and the second connector end region is engaged to one turn of a second longitudinally adjacent band, the first and second bands having connected turns and unconnected turns, the connected turns having a greater width than the unconnected turns. |
US08211161B2 |
Intravascular stent and method of use
An expandable stent is implanted in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen for treating an area of vulnerable plaque. The invention provides for a an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen. A central section is positioned between distal and proximal sections and is aligned with the area of vulnerable plaque to enhance growth of endothelial cells over the fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque to reinforce the area and reduce the likelihood of rupture. |
US08211157B2 |
Method for stabilizing balloon during dilatation
A balloon catheter comprises an inner tube, a medical balloon and an inflation lumen. The medical balloon is disposed about the inner tube and in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A collapsible portion of the inner tube is constructed to collapse inward upon delivery of an inflation fluid to the medical balloon to secure the inner tube to the guidewire. |
US08211155B2 |
Load-sharing bone anchor having a durable compliant member and method for dynamic stabilization of the spine
A dynamic bone anchor for anchoring a spine stabilization assembly which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. The dynamic bone anchor provides load sharing while preserving range of motion and reducing stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. The dynamic bone anchor includes a deflectable post connected by a ball-joint to a threaded anchor. Deflection of the deflectable post is controlled by a durability enhanced compliant sleeve. The force/deflection properties of the dynamic bone anchor may be adapted to the anatomy and functional requirements of the patient. The dynamic bone anchor may be used as a component of a dynamic stabilization system which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. |
US08211154B2 |
Bone plate assemblies with backout protection and visual indicator
A bone plate assembly includes a plate, at least one bushing, and at least one bone screw. The bushing is positioned within a through hole of the plate. The bushing and screw are configured to engage each other to inhibit the screw from backing out. The screw includes a visual indicator surface that is visible to the operator during insertion of the screw through the bushing and plate. The bushing is configured to cover at least a portion of the visual indicator surface to show when the bushing and screw are properly engaged to inhibit backout of the screw. |
US08211150B2 |
Dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method
A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient. |
US08211147B2 |
System and method for facet joint replacement
A system for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet joint includes a fixation member implantable in a vertebra, an inferior facet articular surface and an inferior strut which may be formed separately from the inferior articular surface. The inferior strut has a first end securable to the fixation member and a second end which may comprise a sphere with a hemispherical surface. An attachment mechanism may include a capture feature shaped to receive the second end of the inferior strut, and the mechanism may provide an adjustable configuration, allowing polyaxial adjustment between the inferior articular surface and the second end. A locking member may be actuated to exert force on the second end to provide a locked configuration. The system may further include a superior facet joint implant with a superior articular surface shaped to articulate with the inferior articular surface. |
US08211142B2 |
Method for hybrid gastro-jejunostomy
Disclosed herein are methods for joining one piece to tissue to another piece of tissue. In one embodiment, the method can include inserting an applier device having an actuation portion into a first body lumen through a natural body orifice, forming a first opening in a first piece of tissue within the first lumen and a second opening in a second piece of tissue defining a portion of a second lumen adjacent to the first piece of tissue, and inserting the applier device through the first and second openings such that the actuation portion is between the first and second piece of tissue. The method can further include deploying a fastener into the first and second pieces of tissue through the actuation portion of the applier device, thereby joining the first and second pieces of tissue to form an anastomosis between the first and second lumens. |
US08211139B2 |
Endovascular graft for providing a seal with vasculature
A graft provided with a flexible sealing member to substantially prevent blood from leaking between the graft a lumen into which the graft is placed. In one embodiment, the flexible sealing member may be pressed against the vascular wall by an outwardly biased spring means attached to the sealing member. In other embodiments, the sealing member may be self-positioning upon deployment of the graft. The sealing member also may be formed into the shape of a toroid, which may be filled with thrombogenic material causing blood permeating into the toroid-shaped space to coagulate therein and hold the sealing member in place. It is also contemplated that the sealing member be formed from tufts of frayed yarn protruding circumferentially from the outer surface of the graft. A method of manufacturing such tufted yarn sealing members is also disclosed. |
US08211136B2 |
Stoma dilator
A stoma dilator is provided which has a base dilator and a plurality of dilators which are coaxially disposed over the base dilator. The base dilator has a hub and an opening therethrough. The base dilator is configured to be positioned over a wire into a patient's tissue. Each of the plurality of dilators has a tapered distal end, a proximal end, and a tubular body, and are held in separated, telescoping position by the dilator positioner such that a portion of each distal end is exposed from beneath another dilator and is graspable by a health care practitioner for movement such that a smaller diameter dilator does not become inaccessible inside of a larger diameter dilator. The stoma dilator may include a hollow sheath positioned over an outermost dilator. The sheath is configured to hold open a tissue opening created by the plurality of dilators. The base dilator and the plurality of dilators may be removed while the sheath remains in a tissue opening. Another device may be inserted through the sheath, and the sheath may be peeled away therefrom. |
US08211134B2 |
Systems and methods for harvesting, storing, and implanting hair grafts
A system and method for harvesting, storing, and implanting biological units, in particular hair follicular units (FUs). The system is particularly useful to facilitate hair transplant procedures. FUs are harvested from a body surface, either attached to a patient or in a strip of removed tissue, and shuttled into a cartridge having a plurality of receptacles. The receptacles are open in a distal direction toward a removal tool, but a cover over the proximal ends of the receptacles prevents the FUs from continuing out of the cartridge. The cover is made of a permissible medium, which may be fluid permeable and/or puncturable. One way to shuttle the FUs is to provide a pressure differential, such as by applying suction to the proximal end of a receptacle. The shuttle subsystem may be incorporated within an overall automated or robotic system, or the shuttle subsystem may form part of a semi-automated or even manual apparatus. |
US08211126B2 |
Tissue repair system
A tissue repair system is disclosed. The tissue repair system can include a prosthesis with a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween. The first end portion can engage the second end portion when installed to retain tissue in a desired configuration. The tissue repair system can also include a delivery device configured to implant and fasten the prosthesis to repair imperfections in tissue or retain tissue in a desired configuration. The delivery device may be configured to fasten the first end portion and second end portion of the prosthesis on a distal portion of the tissue. |
US08211121B1 |
Methods and apparatus for image-guided extraluminal occlusion using clamping jaws
A method for occluding an anatomical structure (such as a vessel or duct) having a lumen comprises: introducing percutaneously into the body of the patient a delivery device; advancing the delivery device through an extraluminal space within the patient's body to an occlusion site outside the lumen of an anatomical structure; deploying a pair of longitudinally-extending clamping jaws from the delivery device; and occluding the anatomical structure with the clamping jaws. The advance of the delivery device and the deployment of the clamping jaws is guided by near-real-time imaging of a target region of a body of a patient, the target region including the occlusion site on the anatomical structure. The delivery device is guided to the occlusion site outside the lumen of the anatomical structure, and the structure is occluded with the deployed clamping jaws engaging the exterior of the structure. |
US08211120B2 |
Manipulating handle for successive clipping device, successive clipping device, manipulating handle for clipping device, and clipping device
A manipulating handle for a successive clipping device comprises: a cylindrical handle main body connected to a sheath with a manipulating wire extending from the sheath being arranged in an interior thereof; a slider engaged with the manipulating wire for moving the manipulating wire in the axial direction of the handle main body; and a slider-movement-amount regulating member attached onto the outer circumferential surface of the handle main body so as to be rotatable in a circumferential direction of the handle main body, for regulating, according to a rotational position in a circumferential direction thereof, an amount of movement of the slider in the axial direction of the handle main body to one of a plurality of different amounts of movement required for respective clipping manipulations using a plurality of clips connected to the manipulating wire. |
US08211119B2 |
Endoscopic surgical instrument having a rotational actuator
A flexible endoscopic clip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The actuator includes a lever for opening and closing the jaws, a knob for rotating the jaw assembly, and a crank for dispensing clips. The knob and the lever are coupled to a single control member which extends through the coil to a joiner where it is joined to a pair of pull wires coupled to the jaws. The crank is coupled to a second control member which is threaded along a distal portion. The threaded portion engages a threaded member near the pusher and is coupled to the pusher such that rotation of the threaded control member by the crank causes the pusher to be moved distally. |
US08211116B2 |
Harvesting tools for biological units
Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tools may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Some of the retention members are stationary and some are movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tools. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit, such as by including both cutting segments and blunt relief segments. A number of dual concentric tube embodiments permit a division of removal functions. Distal fluid or gas delivery may supplement a vacuum in a luminal space to help extract biological units from surrounding tissue. |
US08211105B2 |
Electrosurgical instrument which reduces collateral damage to adjacent tissue
An electrode assembly for use in combination with an electrosurgical instrument having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing having one portion which is removably engageable with the electrosurgical instrument and a pair of electrodes each having an electrically conductive sealing surface and an insulating substrate. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the electrosurgical instrument such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The dimensions of the insulating substrate are different from the dimensions of the electrically conductive sealing surface to reduce thermal spread to adjacent tissue structures. |