最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US08217628B2 Battery pack with an automatic current regulation and charging method for the same
A battery pack includes a battery including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a switching module including a charge switching device and a discharge switching device, the charge switching device and discharge switching device being electrically connected to a high current path of the battery, a battery management unit (BMU) electrically connected to the switching module, the BMU being configured to adjust a limit value for a charging current supplied by the charge switching device and to set a magnitude of the charging current supplied by the charge switching device to be equal to or less than the adjusted.
US08217624B2 Power storage system
An object is to improve safety. Provided is a power storage system including a battery apparatus 1; a power converter 2 provided between the battery apparatus 1 and a load 3 and that can control power supplied from the battery apparatus 1 to the load 3; and a battery monitoring circuit 4 that detects an abnormality in the battery apparatus 1. When an abnormality in the battery apparatus 1 is detected by the battery monitoring circuit 4, the power converter 2 supplies power stored in the battery apparatus 1 to the load 3 or to an internally provided internal load at or below a current value or power value that is set in advance, or alternatively, at a current value or power value that the load 3 demands, within a range that does not exceed an upper limit that is set in advance.
US08217623B2 Charge equalization apparatus and method
The present invention relates, in general, to a battery voltage equalization apparatus and method, and, more particularly, to a charge equalization apparatus and method, which decrease the withstand voltages of semiconductor switching elements while maintaining charge equalization performance, thus making it easy to implement the secondary windings of transformers while reducing the costs of the charge equalization apparatus. The charge equalization apparatus includes N first transformers (T1 to Tn) connected in series with N series-connected batteries (B1 to Bn) and adapted to decrease voltages of overcharged batteries among the N batteries. A charge storage device (Cdump) stores energy supplied from the first transformers. A second transformer (TS) redistributes energy stored in the charge storage device to the N series-connected batteries. A voltage detection and drive signal generation unit (20) detects voltages of N respective series-connected batteries, and generates a first drive signal and a second drive signal.
US08217622B2 Patient identification and labeling system incorporated into a portable bin and exhibiting electrical charge architecture for recharging an electronic device plugged into the bin architecture once the bin is set upon a pedestal charging base
A specimen supporting and labeling system including the provision of at least one electronic device. A volume defining bin holds a plurality of specimens and supports the electronic device. A pedestal charging base seats within a recessed underside associated with the bin, with a first plurality of contact locations communicated along an upper face of the charging base. A second plurality of contact locations communicates along a bottom face of the bin associated with the recessed underside. The bin further incorporates an interior architecture extending from the second contact locations and communicates a charge originating from the base to the electronic device.
US08217617B2 Power supply appliance of a transport system
A power supply appliance of a transport system is provided. The appliance includes a power rectifier of the motor, an AC voltage circuit, a control voltage circuit, a power supply circuit of the safety devices, an AC/DC transformer fitted between the AC voltage circuit and the control voltage circuit to supply power from the AC voltage circuit to the control voltage circuit, and a power shaping circuit.
US08217616B2 Electric motor control with buck boost converter
A power supply for an electric motor includes a converter that can increase and decrease a voltage supplied into an inverter and then into the stator windings of the motor. As a separate feature, the inverter includes a control coil which is positioned within a motor housing such that it may be cooled by a thermal management system for the motor.
US08217613B2 System and method for driving a drawer of a refrigerator and refrigerator employing same
A system and method for driving a drawer of a refrigerator and a refrigerator employing this system is provided. This system and method allows the drawer to substantially immediately and automatically stop when the drawer encounters an obstacle. This type of automatic control of the drawer may enhance the safe operation of the drawer, prevent injuries to users, and prevent overload and subsequent malfunction of a drive motor used to move the drawer.
US08217611B2 Automated refrigerator opener
An automated refrigerator opener is described. The automated refrigerator opener includes a door seal separator (e.g., solenoid) for breaking a door seal between a refrigerator door and a refrigerator door casing. Also included is a powered door opener (e.g., linear actuator) for attaching with a refrigerator door and automatically opening the refrigerator door after the door seal is broken. A control device is communicatively connected with both the door seal separator and the powered door opener. The control device is operable for receiving an actuation command from a user and, thereafter, activates the door seal separator to break the door seal and cause the powered door opener to open the refrigerator door. Alternatively, if the door is already open, the control device is operable for causing the powered door opener to pull the door closed.
US08217610B2 Power tools
A power tool includes a motor, a first device and a second device. The motor receives a supply of an electric power from a power source externally of the power tool. The first device determines if the electric power supplied from the power source is an AC power or a DC power. The second device permits or interrupts the supply of the electric power to the motor depending on the determination of the first device.
US08217609B1 Circuit for forming phase shifted signals for three phase BLDC motors
Disclosed is a controller circuit, comprising a plurality of sense inputs, an instrumentation amplifier block having inputs coupled to the plurality of sense inputs, a filter block coupled to the instrumentation amplifier block, a sum function coupled to the filter block, and a crossing detector block coupled to the filter block and the sum function. A method of controlling motor signals is further described.
US08217606B2 Motor with rotor-mounted control circuitry
A rotating electromechanical machine has a rotor having at least one current-carrying winding and at least one rotor-mounted sensor configured to sense a machine property or parameter during machine operation. Rotor-mounted circuitry dynamically modifies at least one property of the current-carrying winding during machine operation in response to the sensed machine property or parameter.
US08217595B2 System for controlling light in dependence of time-of-flight signal
A lighting system comprising a lamp arranged to transform electricity into a light beam having different properties; a light control system arranged to adjust said light beam properties; an ultrasonic transmitter arranged to transmit ultrasonic signals; an ultrasonic receiver arranged to receive reflected ultrasonic signals; and a processing system arranged to derive a time-of-flight signal representing the time differences between said transmitted and received ultrasonic signals and to send control signals to said light control system in dependence of said time-of-flight signal. The processing system performs a reference calibration step: the time-of-flight is repeatedly measured a multitude of times, and calculates the average of said measured time-of-flight values and stores the average in memory system as a reference time-of-flight value if said deviation of the majority of the measured time-of-flight values of said multitude of measurements is lower than a predetermined threshold.
US08217589B2 Method for transmitting control information from a control device to a lamp unit as well as a corresponding illuminating system, lamp unit and control device
A method is provided for driving at least one lamp unit, which is connected to an AC voltage power supply system. The method comprises modulating a control information item for the operation of the lamp unit onto the supplied AC voltage, decoding of the modulation received on the lamp unit side for reading the control information item and driving the light-emitting device in accordance with the control information item. Provision is made for a shunt to be produced in the line used for transmitting the control information item prior to or at the beginning of the modulation of the control information item. The disclosure also provides a lamp unit and a control device for implementing the method. The disclosure also provides a lighting system.
US08217587B2 LED driver circuit
The present invention relates to a low cost LED driver module comprising a switched-mode power supply (smps) having down-converting characteristics (11) which is controlled by a comparator (31). The comparator is hysteresis configured, which reduces ripple and transients in the LED current, and the module can be accomplished with inexpensive standard components.
US08217582B2 Light source device, image display apparatus, and method of generating time-division color-separated light
A light source device includes: a discharge lamp provided with two electrodes; a discharge lamp lighting section adapted to light the discharge lamp by supplying the discharge lamp with electrical power while alternately switching a polarity of one of the electrodes of the discharge lamp with respect to the other of the electrodes; and a time-division color separation section adapted to receive light emitted from the discharge lamp in a lighted state and sequentially emit light beams with colors different from each other, wherein the discharge lamp lighting section switches the polarity in sync with a change in the color of the light beam emitted from the time-division color separation section, and provides, as retentive periods in which a duty ratio, which is a ratio of a positive polarity period with the polarity kept positive to a period of the polarity switching, is retained at a constant value over a predetermined period of time, a first retentive period and a second retentive period different in the duty ratio from the first retentive period, thereby modulating the duty ratio.
US08217579B2 Device and method for controlling DC bias of RF discharge system
The present invention provides a device and a method for controlling a DC bias of a RF discharge system. Said device comprises a DC bias detection module (302), a mode selection module (301), a DC bias controlling module (303) and a RF power providing module (304). The mode selection module (301) receives a parameter and a type of the parameter. If the type of the parameter is representative of voltage, the DC bias controlling module (303) calculates a power value according to the voltage-related representative parameter and the detected DC bias value, and the RF power providing module (304) provides power according to the calculated power value. If the type of the parameter is representative of power, the RF power providing module (304) provides power according to the power-related representative parameter.
US08217576B2 High pressure discharge lamp
In a high pressure discharge lamp having electrode rods with grooves formed in a part thereof and embedded and sealed in sealing parts of a discharge vessel, breakage of the sealing parts because of the grooves is prevented without impairing the mechanical strength of the electrode rods, in which the grooves are formed, by the high pressure discharge lamp comprising: a discharge vessel having a light emitting part and sealing parts connected to both ends of said light emitting part; and electrodes comprising electrode rods and electrode tip end parts arranged oppositely to each other in the light emitting part, said electrode rods being embedded in a respective one of said sealing parts, and axially directed grooves being formed in at least part of the surface of said electrode rods, wherein a diameter measured at groove bottom parts of the grooves of said electrode rods is larger than a diameter of the electrode rods in a part where no grooves are formed.
US08217571B2 Organic light emitting diode display device and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting diode display device according to the present invention includes a first electrode on a first substrate including a first region and a second region, the second region substantially surrounding the first region; a pixel separating pattern on the first electrode in the second region; an organic light emitting pattern at least in the first region; a second electrode on the organic light emitting pattern; a contact electrode on the pixel separating pattern, the contact electrode being electrically connected to the second electrode; and a thin film transistor on the second substrate facing the first substrate, the thin film transistor being electrically connected to the contact electrode.
US08217570B2 Anthracene derivative and organic electroluminescent element using the same
Provided are an anthracene derivative having a heteroaryl group containing a nitrogen-containing six-membered ring and having a specific structure and an organic electroluminescence device in which an organic thin film layer comprising a single layer or plural layers including at least a light emitting layer is interposed between a cathode and an anode, wherein at least one layer in the above organic thin film layer contains the anthracene derivative described above in the form of a single component or a mixed component. Provided are the organic electroluminescence device in which homogeneous light emission is obtained over a long period of time and which has a long lifetime and the anthracene derivative which materializes the same.
US08217569B2 Low drive voltage light emitting element
An object of the present invention is to provide a material which does not substantially have a hole injection barrier from an electrode. A composite material containing an organic compound and an inorganic compound, in which measured current-voltage characteristics of a thin-film layer formed from the composite material which is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes each having a work function of 3.5 eV to 5.5 eV follow Formula (1) below, is manufactured. J = { A ⁢ ⁢ exp ⁡ ( - ϕ a 2 ⁢ kT ) } ⁢ V + BV n ( 1 )
US08217564B2 Electrodeless bulb having improved dimensions for light emission
An electrodeless bulb has a hollow quartz tube, with a solid stem extending from one end and a short hollow tip extending from the other end. The hollow interior of the tube extends into the tip with the same diameter as in the tube, but the wall thickness of the tip is reduced from that of the tube. The bulb is charged with an amount of indium bromide and traces of other metal halides to adjust light spectrum and a filling of xenon gas.
US08217556B2 Flexural vibration element and electronic component
A flexural vibration element includes: a vibration element body composed of a plurality of vibrating arms provided in parallel, a connecting part connecting the vibrating arms, and one central supporting arm extending between the vibrating arms from the connecting part in parallel with the vibrating arms at equal distance from the arms; and a frame body disposed outside the vibration element body. In the flexural vibration element, the vibration element body is supported by the frame body at an end part, which is opposite to the connecting part, of the central supporting arm.
US08217555B2 Actuator and method for driving actuator
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for driving an actuator in which unnecessary deformation is suppressed.The present invention provides a method for driving an actuator, comprising the following steps (a) and (b): a step (a) of preparing the actuator, wherein the actuator comprises a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer composed of (Bi,Na,Ba)TiO3, and a second electrode, the piezoelectric layer is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, +X direction, +Y direction, and +Z direction denote [100] direction, [01-1] direction, and [011] direction, respectively, and the piezoelectric layer is preferentially oriented along the +Z direction; and a step (b) of applying a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode to drive the actuator.
US08217554B2 Ultrasonic vibration system and method for removing/avoiding unwanted build-up on structures
An ultrasonic method for removing and/or avoiding unwanted build-up on structures is provided, wherein the term build-up refers to, but is not limited to, ice, dirt, mud, or other wanted debris or contamination. Deicing or anti-icing structures of interest can include, but are not limited to, helicopter rotor blades, other helicopter blade components, fixed wing aircraft components, windshields in aircraft, automobiles, and other vehicles, ship hulls or other ship components, heat exchangers and other tubing where frost or ice could form, air-conditioning components, head lamp and other light coverings, bridge structures and components, and any structure where anti-icing or deicing would be beneficial. One or more ultrasonic actuators permanently embedded or coupled to the structure may be used accomplish the removal. The technique presented herein could also be utilized for non-destructive evaluation and structural health monitoring applications.
US08217552B2 Generator for a piezoelectric transducer
The generator for a piezoelectric transducer, in particular for a piezoelectric motor for medical or dental applications, comprising two transformers (11A, 11B) each including a primary winding (L1) and a secondary winding (L2), and four switches (19A, 19B, 21A, 21B) driven by an ultrasonic frequency oscillator, two of said four switches (21A, 21B) being designed to connect alternately the secondary of each transformer to the piezoelectric load (5), and the two other switches (19A, 19B) being designed to connect alternately the two primary windings to a power supply (17) so that during a first half cycle, called “the positive half cycle” the primary winding of one of said two transformers is charged with power, while the secondary winding of the other transformer discharges power to the piezoelectric load, and so that during a second half cycle, called “the negative half cycle” the secondary winding of said one transformer discharges power to the piezoelectric load, while the primary winding of the other transformer is charged with power.
US08217547B2 Rotating electric machine
In a rotating electric machine, a path length between a rotor and an inter-hetero-phase tooth where a magnetic flux from a magnetic pole proceeds from the rotor and starts to enter the inter-hetero-phase tooth is longer than a path length between the rotor and an inter-V-phase tooth where the magnetic flux proceeds from the rotor and starts to enter the inter-V-phase tooth.
US08217545B2 Rotor of permanent magnet rotary machine and manufacturing method of rotor
A rotor of a rotary machine includes a rotary shaft, a rotor core fixed to a circumferential surface of the rotary shaft, a plurality of permanent magnets arranged on a circumferential surface of the rotor core at specific intervals along a circumferential direction thereof, conducting circuits arranged to surround the permanent magnets, and magnetic material pieces arranged on outer surfaces of the individual permanent magnets. Each of the conducting circuits includes a pair of first conductor sections arranged between magnetic poles formed by the adjacent permanent magnets and a pair of second conductor sections electrically connecting the first conductor sections.
US08217541B2 Wiring component for motor coil
A wiring component for a motor coil includes a wire coil configured by a plurality of wire segments arranged in a circumferential direction so as to form a ring shape, each of the wire segments including an arc-shaped main-body portion made of a conductive wire rod bent in an arc shape, protruding portions formed at both end portions of the main-body portion, and upright portions respectively formed at end portions of the protruding portions in a manner of bending one of end portions of each of the protruding portions so that the upright portions protrude in a direction vertical relative to a planar surface including the main-body portion. The wire coil is arranged to form a plurality of layers, thereby forming a cylindrical shape, and the upright portions, at which the adjacent wire segments contact each other in the circumferential direction thereof, are electrically connected to each other.
US08217534B2 Power generator distributed inverter
A power generator configuration having a distributed inverter. A system is described that includes a plurality of solar modules coupled together in series to form a string; a plurality of combiner boxes, wherein each combiner box couples together a plurality of strings in parallel; and a plurality of DC-DC converters, wherein each DC-DC converter increases a direct current (DC) voltage output of an associated combiner box. Also provided are distributed maximum power point tracker (MPPT) controls that adjust for changing conditions at individual sets of strings.
US08217515B2 Semiconductor mounting substrate and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor mounting substrate according to the present invention comprises: a substrate; a semiconductor device, mounted on this substrate; solder bumps, which connect the semiconductor device and the substrate; a first resin, filled in a space between the semiconductor device and the substrate; and electronic components, mounted on a face side of the semiconductor device where the semiconductor device is mounted, wherein bond strength reinforcing resin section is provided at least between a side face in the vicinity of a corner part of the semiconductor device and a substrate surface of the substrate in a position corresponding to the corner part.
US08217509B2 Semiconductor device
In a semiconductor device manufacturing method, a semiconductor chip is mounted on a support board so as to expose a side of the semiconductor chip on which a plurality of terminal electrodes are provided. An insulating layer is formed so as to cover the side of the semiconductor chip on which the terminal electrodes are provided. Through electrodes connecting to the terminal electrodes and piercing the insulating layer are formed. Metal wirings connecting to the through electrodes are formed on the insulating layer. External terminal electrodes connecting the metal wiring are formed. Second spacing, spacing between the adjacent external terminal electrodes, is larger than first spacing, spacing between the adjacent terminal electrodes.
US08217508B2 Method of packaging integrated circuit devices using preformed carrier
Disclosed is a method of packaging integrated circuit devices using a preformed carrier. In one illustrative embodiment, the method includes providing a carrier having a plurality of pockets formed therein, positioning an integrated circuit chip and a substrate in each of the plurality of pockets and conductively coupling the integrated circuit chip and the substrate in each of the plurality of pockets to one another. Also disclosed is a packaged integrated circuit device including a preformed body and an integrated circuit chip and a substrate positioned within the preformed body, the integrated chip and the substrate being conductively coupled to one another.
US08217502B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with multipart conductive pillars and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a pillar ball; mounting an interposer having a first functional side and a second functional side over the pillar ball and a semiconductor chip; encapsulating the interposer, the pillar ball, and the semiconductor chip with an encapsulation; forming a via through the first functional side and the second functional side of the interposer, and through the encapsulation to expose a portion of the pillar ball; and filling the via with a pillar post.
US08217496B2 Internal matching transistor
An internal matching transistor comprises: a conductive base material including a groove, a first region, and a second region which is located opposite to the first region across the groove; a transistor bonded onto the first region of the base material; an internal matching circuit bonded onto the second region of the base material; a wire connecting the transistor to the internal matching circuit across above the groove; and a conductive or non-conductive material located between the wire and the groove, wherein capacitance between the wire and the base material is adjusted by the material.
US08217494B2 Electrostatic discharge protection device
The invention provides an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device having an ESD path between a first circuit and a second circuit. The electrostatic discharge protection device includes a first doped region having a first conductive type. A first well has a second conductive type opposite to the first conductive type. A second doped region and a third doped region are in the first well, respectively having the first and second conductive types. The first doped region is coupled to a power supply terminal or a ground terminal of the first circuit, and the second and third doped regions are both coupled to a power supply terminal or a ground terminal of the second circuit, respectively.
US08217493B2 Semiconductor device having capacitor cells
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of capacitor cells having respective lower electrodes to which signals are applied and respective upper electrodes arranged to face the respective lower electrodes, wherein each interconnect connected to a corresponding one of the lower electrodes includes a shield interconnect section enclosing a corresponding one of the upper electrodes.
US08217491B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a base insulating film on which a silicon fuse, silicon wiring patterns, and a silicon guard ring are formed. The silicon guard ring surrounds the silicon fuse and has silicon cutout parts so as not to contact the silicon wiring patterns. A via guard ring, which has via cutout parts located above the silicon cutout parts, is formed in an interlayer insulating film and on the silicon guard ring. A metal wiring guard ring is formed on the via guard ring and the interlayer insulating film. A silicon nitride film is formed on the interlayer insulating film so as to cover the metal wiring guard ring. An interface between the interlayer insulating film and the metal wiring guard ring at the via cutout parts is covered by the silicon nitride film.
US08217490B2 Nonvolatile nanotube diodes and nonvolatile nanotube blocks and systems using same and methods of making same
Under one aspect, a non-volatile nanotube switch includes a first terminal; a nanotube block including a multilayer nanotube fabric, at least a portion of which is positioned over and in contact with at least a portion of the first terminal; a second terminal, at least a portion of which is positioned over and in contact with at least a portion of the nanotube block, wherein the nanotube block is constructed and arranged to prevent direct physical and electrical contact between the first and second terminals; and control circuitry capable of applying electrical stimulus to the first and second terminals. The nanotube block can switch between a plurality of electronic states in response to a plurality of electrical stimuli applied by the control circuitry to the first and second terminals. For each different electronic state, the nanotube block provides an electrical pathway of different resistance between the first and second terminals.
US08217488B2 GaN light emitting diode and method for increasing light extraction on GaN light emitting diode via sapphire shaping
A method for enhancing light extraction efficiency of GaN light emitting diodes is disclosed. By cutting off a portion from each end of bottom of a sapphire substrate or forming depressions on the bottom of the substrate and forming a reflector, light beams emitted to side walls of the substrate can be guided to the light emitting diodes.
US08217486B2 Semiconductor device and method of processing the same
Provided is a semiconductor wafer. In the semiconductor wafer, formation and etching of an n type epitaxial layer and formation and etching of a p type epitaxial layer are alternately performed for at least three times, so that all semiconductor layers are formed of epitaxial layers on a semiconductor substrate. Thereby, the respective semiconductor layers can be formed to have reduced widths. Thus, if a required breakdown voltage is the same, dopant concentrations of the respective semiconductor layers can be increased and a resistance value of the wafer can be reduced. In addition, a space portion remaining in the end is buried with an insulating layer, so that a defect can be avoided in a junction surface of the epitaxial layers.
US08217482B2 Infrared proximity sensor package with reduced crosstalk
Disclosed are various embodiments of an infrared proximity sensor package comprising an infrared transmitter die, an infrared receiver die, a housing comprising outer sidewalls, a first recess, a second recess and a partitioning divider disposed between the first and second recesses. The transmitter die is positioned in the first recess, the receiver die is positioned within the second recess, and at least the partitioning divider of the housing comprises liquid crystal polymer (LCP) such that infrared light internally-reflected within the housing in the direction of the partitioning divider is substantially attenuated or absorbed by the LCP contained therein.
US08217481B2 Solid-state image capturing device and electronic information device
A solid-state image capturing device according to the present invention includes: a photoelectrical conversion section formed in a semiconductor substrate or in a substrate area provided on a substrate; a first transparent film provided on the photoelectrical conversion section; and a lens provided at a position above the first transparent film corresponding to the photoelectrical conversion section, where the lens is formed by using a second transparent film layered by changing a refractive index successively or incrementally, and at least one of top and bottom surfaces of the second transparent film is formed in a convex shape.
US08217478B2 Magnetic stack with oxide to reduce switching current
A magnetic stack having a ferromagnetic free layer, a metal oxide layer that is antiferromagnetic at a first temperature and non-magnetic at a second temperature higher than the first temperature, a ferromagnetic pinned reference layer, and a non-magnetic spacer layer between the free layer and the reference layer. During a writing process, the metal oxide layer is non-magnetic. For magnetic memory cells, such as magnetic tunnel junction cells, the metal oxide layer provides reduced switching currents.
US08217471B2 System and method for metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor
System and method for metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor. In a specific embodiment, the invention provides a field effect transistor (FET), which includes a substrate material, the substrate material being characterized by a first conductivity type, the substrate material including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the third portion being positioned between the first portion and the second portion. The FET also includes a source portion positioned within the first portion, the source portion being characterized by a second conductivity type, the second conductivity type being opposite of the first conductivity type. A first drain portion is positioned within second portion and characterized by the second conductivity type and a first doping concentration. A second drain portion is positioned within the second portion and is characterized by the second conductivity type and a second doping concentration, the second doping concentration being different from the first doping concentration.
US08217470B2 Field effect device including recessed and aligned germanium containing channel
A field effect structure and a method for fabricating the field effect structure include a germanium containing channel interposed between a plurality of source and drain regions. The germanium containing channel is coplanar with the plurality of source and drain regions, and the germanium containing channel includes a germanium containing material having a germanium content greater than the germanium content of the plurality of source and drain regions.
US08217469B2 Contact implement structure for high density design
The present disclosure provides a device in an integrated circuit. The device includes an active region in a semiconductor substrate; an isolation region adjacent the active region; a gate disposed on the active region and extending to the isolation region in a first direction; and a gate contact disposed within the isolation region, having a portion directly overlying and contacting the gate, and having a geometry horizontally extending to a first dimension in the first direction and a second dimension in a second direction approximately perpendicular to the first direction. The first dimension is greater than the second dimension.
US08217466B2 High-speed semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a semiconductor device wherein the switching speed of a transistor is increased. Specifically disclosed is a semiconductor device comprising a semiconductor layer formed on a part of an insulating layer, a first transistor formed on a lateral face of the semiconductor layer and having a first gate insulating film, a first gate electrode and two first impurity layers forming a source and a drain, and a second transistor formed on another lateral face of the semiconductor layer and having a second gate insulating film, a second gate electrode and two second impurity layers forming a source and a drain.
US08217465B2 Semiconductor constructions
In some embodiments, an opening is formed through a first material, and sidewall topography of the opening is utilized to form a pair of separate anistropically etched spacers. The spacers are utilized to pattern lines in material underlying the spacers. Some embodiments include constructions having one or more openings which contain steep sidewalls joining to one another at shallow sidewall regions. The constructions may also contain lines along and directly against the steep sidewalls, and spaced from one another by gaps along the shallow sidewall regions.
US08217461B1 ESD protection circuit
A multi-fingered gate transistor is disclosed that is formed in a substrate of one conductivity type overlying a well of a second conductivity type. Ohmic contact to the well is made by an implanted region of the second conductivity type that circumscribes the multi-fingered gate transistor. Ohmic contact to the substrate is made by four taps located on four sides of the multi-fingered gate structure between the gate structure and the well contact. Floating wells are located on opposite sides of the gate structure between two of the substrate taps and the ends of the gates to isolate these substrate taps and force current flow in the substrate under the multifingered gate transistor to be substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the gate fingers extend. This increases the potential difference between these substrate regions and adjacent source regions in the multi-fingered gate transistor, thereby aiding the triggering of the parasitic bipolar transistors under adjacent gate fingers into a high current state. This also reduces the differences among the potentials in the substrate under the different source regions and thus improves the uniformity of turn-on of the parasitic bipolar transistors. As a result, it is not necessary to maintain as great a distance from the isolated substrate taps as in prior art devices. Moreover, because the floating wells significantly improve the performance of the ESD protection structure, some of this performance improvement may be exchanged for decreases in the size of the protection structure.
US08217457B1 Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device for use with multiple I/O standards
In one aspect, the present invention comprises an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit comprising a plurality of input circuits in which each input circuit comprises a first PMOS and a first NMOS transistor connected in series between a power supply and ground and first and second inverters connected to the gates of the first PMOS and NMOS transistors. Each inverter connected to the gate of the first NMOS transistor comprises a second NMOS transistor connected between that gate and ground and the ratio of the width of the gate of the second NMOS transistor to the width of the gate of the first NMOS transistor of each of the input circuits is substantially the same. In another aspect of the invention, a multi-fingered gate transistor is formed in a first well of one conductivity type that is surrounded by a second well of the same conductivity type from which it is separated by a shallow trench isolation and a portion of the substrate. The second well is used as a tap for the first well with a significant increase in the resistance of the substrate current path. A process for forming this structure is a further aspect of the invention.
US08217455B2 Semiconductor-on-insulator device structures with a body-to-substrate connection for enhanced electrostatic discharge protection, and design structures for such semiconductor-on-insulator device structures
Semiconductor-on-insulator device structures with enhanced electrostatic discharge protection, and design structures for an integrated circuit with device structures exhibiting enhanced electrostatic discharge protection. A device is formed in a body region of a device layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate, which is bounded by an inner peripheral sidewall of an annular dielectric-filled isolation structure that extends from a top surface of the device layer to the insulating layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. An annular conductive interconnect extends through the body region and the insulating layer to connect the body region with the bulk wafer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The annular conductive interconnect is disposed inside the inner peripheral sidewall of the isolation structure, which annularly encircles the body region.
US08217452B2 Enhanced HVPMOS
A p-channel LDMOS device with a controlled n-type buried layer (NBL) is disclosed. A Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) oxidation is defined, partially or totally covering the drift region length. The NBL layer, which can be defined with the p-well mask, connects to the n-well diffusion, thus providing an evacuation path for electrons generated by impact ionization. High immunity to the Kirk effect is also achieved, resulting in a significantly improved safe-operating-area (SOA). The addition of the NBL deep inside the drift region supports a space-charge depletion region which increases the RESURF effectiveness, thus improving BV. An optimum NBL implanted dose can be set to ensure fully compensated charge balance among n and p doping in the drift region (charge balance conditions). The p-well implanted dose can be further increased to maintain a charge balance, which leads to an Rdson reduction.
US08217444B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
A MONOS type non-volatile semiconductor memory device which is capable of electrically writing, erasing, reading and retaining data, the memory device including source/drain regions, a first gate insulating layer, a first charge trapping layer formed on the first gate insulating layer, a second gate insulating layer formed on the first charge trapping layer, and a controlling electrode formed on the second gate insulating layer. The first charge trapping layer includes an insulating film containing Al and O as major elements and having a defect pair formed of a complex of an interstitial O atom and a tetravalent cationic atom substituting for an Al atom, the insulating film also having electron unoccupied levels within the range of 2 eV-6 eV as measured from the valence band maximum of Al2O3.
US08217443B2 Semiconductor device including a floating gate
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer having a trench; a source region formed in a surface layer portion thereof adjacently to a first side of the trench; a drain region formed in the surface layer portion adjacently to a second side of the trench; a first insulating film formed in the trench; a floating gate stacked on the first insulating film and opposed to the trench, and extending over and covering only partially the source and drain regions; a second insulating film formed on the floating gate; and a control gate at least partially embedded in the trench so that a portion embedded in the trench is opposed to the floating gate through the second insulating film. The first insulating film has a thin portion in contact with the drain region and a thick portion formed by the remainder thereof which covers the entire bottom surface of the trench.
US08217438B2 Spin memory and spin FET
A spin memory includes a magneto-resistance element having a first ferromagnetic layer in which a magnetization direction is pinned, a second ferromagnetic layer in which a magnetization direction changes, and a first nonmagnetic layer between the first and second ferromagnetic layers, a lower electrode and an upper electrode extending in a direction between 45 degrees and 90 degrees relative to an axis of hard magnetization of the second ferromagnetic layer, and sandwiching the magneto-resistance element at one end in a longitudinal direction, a switching element connected to another end in a longitudinal direction of the lower electrode, and a bit line connected to another end in a longitudinal direction of the upper electrode, wherein writing is carried out by supplying spin-polarized electrons to the second ferromagnetic layer and applying a magnetic field from the lower electrode and the upper electrode to the second ferromagnetic layer.
US08217437B2 Image sensor with compact pixel layout
Solid-state image sensors, specifically image sensor pixels, which have three or four transistors, high sensitivity, low noise, and low dark current, are provided. The pixels have separate active regions for active components, row-shared photodiodes and may also contain a capacitor to adjust the sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range. The low dark current is achieved by using pinned photodiodes.
US08217435B2 Floating body memory cell having gates favoring different conductivity type regions
A method for fabricating floating body memory cells (FBCs), and the resultant FBCs where gates favoring different conductivity type regions are used is described. In one embodiment, a p type back gate with a thicker insulation is used with a thinner insulated n type front gate. Processing, which compensates for misalignment, which allows the different oxide and gate materials to be fabricated is described.
US08217433B1 One-transistor pixel array
To reduce the pixel size to the smallest dimensions and simplest form of operation, a pixel may be formed by using only one ion sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET). This one-transistor, or 1T, pixel can provide gain by converting the drain current to voltage in the column. Configurable pixels can be created to allow both common source read out as well as source follower read out. A plurality of the 1T pixels may form an array, having a number of rows and a number of columns and a column readout circuit in each column.
US08217425B2 Semiconductor device
The cell size is reduced and device reliability is improved for a semiconductor device including plural transistors making up a multi-channel output circuit. In a multi-channel circuit configuration, a group of transistors having a common function of plural channels are surrounded by a common trench for insulated isolation from another group of transistors having another function. The collectors of mutually adjacent transistors on the high side are commonly connected to a VH power supply, whereas the emitters of mutually adjacent transistors on the low side are commonly connected to a GND power supply.
US08217423B2 Structure and method for mobility enhanced MOSFETs with unalloyed silicide
While embedded silicon germanium alloy and silicon carbon alloy provide many useful applications, especially for enhancing the mobility of MOSFETs through stress engineering, formation of alloyed silicide on these surfaces degrades device performance. The present invention provides structures and methods for providing unalloyed silicide on such silicon alloy surfaces placed on semiconductor substrates. This enables the formation of low resistance contacts for both mobility enhanced PFETs with embedded SiGe and mobility enhanced NFETs with embedded Si:C on the same semiconductor substrate. Furthermore, this invention provides methods for thick epitaxial silicon alloy, especially thick epitaxial Si:C alloy, above the level of the gate dielectric to increase the stress on the channel on the transistor devices.
US08217422B1 Semiconductor devices with gate-source ESD diode and gate-drain clamp diode
A semiconductor power device integrated with a Gate-Source ESD diode for providing an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection and a Gate-Drain clamp diode for drain-source avalanche protection. The semiconductor power device further includes a Nitride layer underneath the diodes and a thick oxide layer as an etching stopper layer for protecting a thin oxide layer on top surface of body region from over-etching.
US08217421B2 ESD protection device with vertical transistor structure
A new ESD protection device with an integrated-circuit vertical transistor structure is disclosed, which includes a heavily doped p-type substrate (P+ substrate), a n-type well (N well) in the P+ substrate, a heavily doped p-type diffusion (P+ diffusion) in the N well, a heavily doped n-type diffusion (N+ diffusion) in the N well, and a p-type well (P well) surrounding the N well in the P+ substrate. A bond pad is connected to both the P+ and N+ diffusions, and a ground is coupled to the P+ substrate. Another P+ diffusion is implanted in the N well or another N+ diffusion is implanted in the P well to form a Zener diode, which behaves as a trigger for the PNP transistor when a positive ESD zaps. A parasitic diode is formed at the junction between the P+ substrate and the N well, to bypass a negative ESD stress on the bond pad.
US08217414B2 Light emitting device, package, light emitting device manufacturing method, package manufacturing method and package manufacturing die
Provided is a light emitting device wherein a resin molded body having a circular or an oval recessed section at the center suppresses generation of cracks. A light emitting device (1) is provided with a light emitting element (2); a first resin molded body (10) having a plurality of outer surfaces (11), and a recessed section (10a) at the center; a first lead (20) and a second lead (30) electrically connected to the light emitting element (2); and a second resin molded body (40) applied in the recessed section (10a). The light emitting element (2) is place on the first lead (20), and the surface of the second resin molded resin (40) is permitted to be a light emitting surface. A gate notch (50) obtained by cutting a gate formed on the outer surface (11) of the first resin molded body (10) is formed on an extended line of a normal line on one point on a circular cross-section of the recessed section (10a) in the normal nine direction.
US08217410B2 Hybrid vertical cavity light emitting sources
Vertical cavity light emitting sources that utilize patterned membranes as reflectors are provided. The vertical cavity light emitting sources have a stacked structure that includes an active region disposed between an upper reflector and a lower reflector. The active region, upper reflector and lower reflector can be fabricated from single or multi-layered thin films of solid states materials (“membranes”) that can be separately processed and then stacked to form a vertical cavity light emitting source.
US08217407B2 Light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a light emitting device, including the steps of: (A) sequentially forming a first compound semiconductor layer of a first conduction type, an active layer, and a second compound semiconductor layer of a second conduction type different from said first conduction type, over a substrate; and (B) exposing a part of said first compound semiconductor layer, forming a first electrode over said exposed part of said first compound semiconductor layer and forming a second electrode over said second compound semiconductor layer, wherein said method further includes, subsequent to said step (B), the step of: (C) covering at least said exposed part of said first compound semiconductor layer, an exposed part of said active layer, an exposed part of said second compound semiconductor layer, and a part of said second electrode with an SOG layer.
US08217403B1 Electronic device
An electronic device includes a substrate and an electronic component. The substrate has a metallized trace. The metallized trace has a metallized layer and an insulation layer. The metallized layer has a high melting point metal component and a low melting point metal component, the high melting point metal component and the low melting point metal component being diffusion bonded together. The insulation layer is formed simultaneously with the metallized layer to cover an outer surface of the metallized layer. The electronic component is electrically connected to the metallized layer.
US08217401B2 Light emitting device using nano size needle
A light-emitting device that improves the injection efficiency of electrons or holes by providing electrons or holes to an emitting layer using nano size needles, including a first electrode with a first polarity a second electrode with a second polarity opposite to the first polarity an emitting layer interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode to emit light and a plurality of conductive needles inserted in the first electrode and extending toward the emitting layer.
US08217397B2 Thin film transistor substrate and display device
The present invention provides a thin film transistor substrate and a display device in which a decrease in the dry etching rate of a source electrode and drain electrode is not caused; no etching residues are generated; and a barrier metal can be eliminated between a semiconductor layer and metal wires such as the source and drain electrodes. The present invention is a thin film transistor substrate having a semiconductor layer 1, a source electrode 2, a drain electrode 3, and a transparent conductive film 4, in which the source electrode 2 and drain electrode 3 are formed by patterning by means of dry etching and comprises an Al alloy thin film comprising 0.1 to 1.5 atom % of Si and/or Ge, 0.1 to 3.0 atom % of Ni and/or Co, and 0.1 to 0.5 atom % of La and/or Nd, and the thin film transistor is directly connected with the semiconductor layer 1.
US08217395B2 Semiconductor device
In a conventional analog buffer circuit composed of polycrystalline semiconductor TFTs, a variation in the output is large. Thus, a measure such as to provide a correction circuit has been taken. However, there has been such a problem that a circuit and driver operation are complicated. Therefore, a gate length and a gate width of a TFT composing an analog buffer circuit is set to be larger. Also, a multi-gate structure is adopted thereto. In addition, the arrangement of channel regions is devised. Thus, the analog buffer circuit having a small variation is obtained without using a correction circuit, and a semiconductor device having a small variation can be provided.
US08217394B2 Probe pad on a corner stress relief region in a semiconductor chip
A semiconductor chip includes a circuit region and a corner stress relief (CSR) region. The CSR region is in a corner of the semiconductor chip. A device under test (DUT) structure or a functional circuit is disposed on the circuit region. A probe pad is disposed on the CSR region. A metal line extends from the circuit region to the CSR region to electrically connect the probe pad to the DUT structure or a functional circuit.
US08217384B2 Device and method for manipulating direction of motion of current carriers
A device and method for manipulating a direction of motion of current carriers are presented. The device comprises a structure containing a two-dimensional gas of current carriers configured to define at least one region of inhomogeneity which is characterized by a substantially varying value of at least one parameter from the following: a spin-orbit coupling constant, density of the spin carriers, and a mobility of the gas. The device may be configured and operable to perform spin manipulation of a flux of the spin carrying current carriers to provide at least one of the following types of deviation of said spin-carrying current: spin dependent refraction, spin dependent reflection and spin dependent diffraction on desired deviation angles of a direction of motion of the spin-carrying current carriers being incident on said at least one region of inhomogeneity. The device may also be configured and operable to allow emission of the current carriers from a diffusive region at one side of the region of inhomogeneity to a ballistic region at the opposite side of the region of inhomogeneity to provide the current carriers propagation in multiple directions in the ballistic region with a wide angular range of these directions.
US08217376B2 Method of calibrating a wavelength-modulation spectroscopy apparatus using a first, second, and third gas to determine temperature values to calculate concentrations of an analyte in a gas
Several methods of calibrating a wavelength-modulation spectroscopy apparatus configured to measure a concentration of an analyte in a sample gas are disclosed. Each of the methods allows for calibration and recalibration using a relatively safe gas regardless of whether the sample gas for which the concentration of the analyte can be determined is a hazardous gas. In one embodiment of the invention, calibration that is sample-gas specific is accomplished by determining a first slope coefficient and calibration function for the sample gas, after which a scaling factor can be determined based on the first slope coefficient and a second slope coefficient for the same or a different sample gas and used in a subsequent calibration (or recalibration) to scale the calibration function. In other embodiments of the invention, calibration that is not sample-gas specific is accomplished to allow for the determination of the analyte concentration in variable gas compositions and constant gas compositions.
US08217375B2 Integrated pod optical bench design
In an integrated gimbal and High-Powered Multiband Laser (HPMBL) for use in an infrared countermeasure apparatus in a pod mounted on an aircraft, the improvement comprises an optical bench that connects the optical path between side-by-side mounted gimbal and high power laser; and a kinematic mounting system that prevents optical bench bending.
US08217373B2 Determination of a planning volume for irradiation of a body
A system for irradiating a predetermined target volume in a body with a particle beam is constructed to direct the particle beam at a multiplicity of target points in the body in succession, in order to produce at each of the target points a predetermined dose distribution. For the system there is determined a planning target volume by first determining, in a fictive homogeneous body, a target volume equivalent to the minimum target volume in the body. The equivalent target volume is extended by a safety margin, in order to determine the planning target volume.
US08217372B2 Gas-cluster-jet generator and gas-cluster ion-beam apparatus utilizing an improved gas-cluster-jet generator
A gas-cluster-jet generator with improved vacuum management techniques and apparatus is disclosed. The gas-cluster-jet generator comprises a substantially conically shaped vacuum chamber for housing the nozzle and jet exit portions of the gas-cluster-jet generator. A skimmer may be located at the narrow end of the conical chamber and a close-coupled vacuum pump is located at the wide end of the conical chamber. Support members for the nozzle are high conductivity “spider” supports that provide support rigidity while minimizing gas flow obstruction for high pumping speed. The conically shaped vacuum chamber redirects un-clustered gas in a direction opposite the direction of the gas-cluster-jet for efficient evacuation of the un-clustered gas. The nozzle and a skimmer may have fixed precision relative alignment, or may optionally have a nozzle aiming adjustment feature for aligning the gas-cluster-jet with the skimmer and downstream beamline components. Also disclosed are various configurations of gas-cluster ion-beam processing tools employing the improved gas-cluster-jet generator.
US08217366B2 Carbon ion generating device and tumor treatment apparatus using the same
Provided are a carbon ion generating device and a tumor treatment apparatus using the same. The carbon ion generating device includes a carbon nanostructure, a carbon emitting structure, an ionizing structure, and an accelerator. The carbon emitting structure is configured to induce an emission of carbon atoms from one end of the carbon nanostructure. The ionizing structure is configured to ionize the emitted carbon atoms. The accelerator is configured to accelerate the ionized carbon atoms.
US08217365B2 Double-faced ion source
Disclosed is an ion source comprising a plate-shaped source body which has radioactivity on its both sides and allows positive and negative ions to penetrate through the source body. The present invention gives beneficial effects. First, the ion source structure can improve the ionization efficiency of sample molecules, and the generated sample ions have a centralized distribution within a flat space on both sides of the source body. Such distribution of ion cloud facilitates to improve the IMS sensitivity. Meanwhile, the source body of the present invention has a transmittance in itself. Thus, positive and negative ions generated on both sides of the source body can penetrate through the source body and be separated to the both sides of the source body. In this way, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of ions.
US08217357B2 Integrated breast X-ray and molecular imaging system
An integrated tomosynthesis/molecular breast imaging device having improved sensitivity includes tomosynthesis imaging components and molecular breast imaging components. The imaging components may be used individually or in combination to provide a system with improved sensitivity and specificity. Molecular imaging components may be smoothly advanced or withdrawn depending upon the desired imaging mode. The system supports both PET and SPECT imaging and enables SPECT collimation to be modified in accordance with image capture requirements.
US08217355B1 Self-commissioning NDIR gas sensors
Two detectors of the same kind, each having an identical neutral band-pass filter to the target gas, are installed next to Signal channel and Reference channel detectors as pairs in an AB designed NDIR gas sensor layout, which are called Standard Signal channel detector and Standard Reference channel detector. “Standard” GAMMA is the ratio of Standard signal channel detector output over that of Standard Reference channel detector. “Standard” GAMMA is independent of the measurement Physics of NDIR gas sensors, is dependent only upon the performance characteristics of the sensor component and is also independent of the presence of any amount of target gas in the sample chamber. Consequently, “Standard” GAMMA can be used to proportionally correct and update GAMMA of the sensor as its components age over time thereby rendering such an AB designed NDIR gas sensor self-commissioning or staying accurate over time after initial calibration.
US08217354B2 Remote sensing system and electronic apparatus having same
A remote sensing system includes a first light source, a second light source, two image capturing devices and a processing unit. The first light source is configured for emitting infrared light of a first central wavelength. The second light source is configured for emitting infrared light of a second central wavelength. The two image capturing devices is configured for capturing images of the first and second light sources. The image capturing devices each includes an infrared sensitive image sensor and an infrared pass filter having two passbands for respectively allowing the infrared light of the first and second central wavelengths to pass therethrough. The processing unit is configured for analyzing the images captured by the image capturing devices thereby determining positions of the light sources relative to the image capturing devices.
US08217353B1 Non-astigmatic imaging with matched pairs of spherically bent reflectors
Arrangements for the point-to-point imaging of a broad spectrum of electromagnetic radiation and ultrasound at large angles of incidence employ matched pairs of spherically bent reflectors to eliminate astigmatic imaging errors. Matched pairs of spherically bent crystals or spherically bent multi-layers are used for X-rays and EUV radiation; and matched pairs of spherically bent mirrors that are appropriate for the type of radiation are used with microwaves, infrared and visible light, or ultrasound. The arrangements encompass the two cases, where the Bragg angle—the complement to the angle of incidence in optics—is between 45° and 90° on both crystals/mirrors or between 0° and 45° on the first crystal/mirror and between 45° and 90° on the second crystal/mirror, where the angles of convergence and divergence are equal. For x-rays and EUV radiation, also the Bragg condition is satisfied on both spherically bent crystals/multi-layers.
US08217352B2 Ponderomotive phase plate for transmission electron microscopes
A ponderomotive phase plate system and method for controllably producing highly tunable phase contrast transfer functions in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) for high resolution and biological phase contrast imaging. The system and method includes a laser source and a beam transport system to produce a focused laser crossover as a phase plate, so that a ponderomotive potential of the focused laser crossover produces a scattering-angle-dependent phase shift in the electrons of the post-sample electron beam corresponding to a desired phase contrast transfer function.
US08217348B2 Electron microscope system and method for evaluating film thickness reduction of resist patterns
The invention provides a system for achieving detection and measurement of film thickness reduction of a resist pattern with high throughput which can be applied to part of in-line process management. By taking into consideration the fact that film thickness reduction of the resist pattern leads to some surface roughness of the upper surface of the resist, a film thickness reduction index value is calculated by quantifying the degree of roughness of the part corresponding to the upper surface of the resist on an electron microscope image of the resist pattern which has been used in the conventional line width measurement. The amount of film thickness reduction of the resist pattern is estimated by applying the calculated index value to a database previously made for relating a film thickness reduction index value to an amount of film thickness reduction of the resist pattern.
US08217346B2 Optical microscope
An optical microscope for optically measuring a sample (30) includes: a fluorescent thin membrane (13) which at least partly contains fluorescent substance and on which the sample (30) is placed; an electron source (11) for generating an electron beam; an electron lens (12) for focusing the electron beam generated by the electron source (11) in such a manner as to excite a minute light source having a wavelength shorter than a visible light wavelength from the fluorescent thin membrane (13) so as to irradiate the fluorescent thin membrane (13) with the electron beam, and further, scanning the focused electron beam; and an optical detector (22) for detecting a measurement light beam which is generated in the minute light source and acts on the sample (30).
US08217343B2 Device and method using microplasma array for ionizing samples for mass spectrometry
A device includes a first substrate having a principal surface having a plurality of sample sites having a corresponding sample; a second substrate having a principal surface facing and spaced apart from the principal surface of the first substrate, the second substrate having a plurality of ultraviolet emission sites corresponding to the sample sites of the first substrate, each of the ultraviolet emission sites being spaced apart from and facing a corresponding one of the sample sites of the first substrate, each of the ultraviolet emission sites being configured to emit ultraviolet light to a corresponding one of the sample sites on the first substrate, and to ionize at least a portion of a sample provided at each sample site; and an ion extraction device configured to extract ions from a gap between the first substrate and the structure.
US08217341B2 Sampling system for use with surface ionization spectroscopy
In various embodiments of the invention, a device permits more efficient collection and transmission of ions produced by the action of a carrier gas containing metastable neutral excited-state species into a mass spectrometer. In one embodiment of the invention, the device incorporates the source for ionization in combination with a jet separator to efficiently remove excess carrier gas while permitting ions to be more efficiently transferred into the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. In an embodiment of the invention, improved collection of ions produced by the carrier gas containing metastable neutral excited-state species at greater distances from between the position of the analyte and the position of the mass spectrometer are enabled.
US08217340B2 Mass spectrometry substrate and mass spectrometry method
A mass spectrometry method that makes it possible to perform high-sensitivity detection of a desorbed/ionized object substance to be measured in mass spectrometry in which the object substance to be measured is desorbed and ionized. The method includes placing at least an ionizing agent having two or more functional groups represented by Formula (1) below in a molecule: —(CF2)COOH  (1) wherein the ionizing agent has a boiling point of equal to or higher than 150° C. and an object molecule to be measured on a substrate and irradiating the ionizing agent and the object molecule to be measured with a primary beam selected from ions, neutral particles, electrons, and a laser beam.
US08217334B1 Optical navigation sensor including a spatial frequency filter
An optical navigation sensor (ONS) is provided having a spatial frequency filter to transmit radiation at selected spatial frequencies while attenuating other, undesired frequencies and harmonics. The ONS includes a radiation source to transmit radiation toward a portion of a surface that diffusely reflects radiation incident thereon. The spatial frequency filter is disposed to receive radiation scattered from the surface, and, in one embodiment, includes a number of non-circular openings to pass radiation of at least one pre-selected frequency while attenuating other frequencies and harmonics of the pre-selected frequency.
US08217332B2 Optical engine having a beam splitting element comprising a first dichroic unit and an optical path turning unit disposed in transmission paths of a visible beam and an invisible beam
An optical engine including an illumination system, a beam splitting element, a second dichroic unit, and a light valve is provided. The illumination system provides a visible beam and an invisible beam. The beam splitting element is disposed in transmission paths of the visible and invisible beams. After the visible and invisible beams leave the beam splitting element, the optical axes of the visible and invisible beams are separated from each other. The second dichroic unit is disposed in the transmission paths of the visible and invisible beams from the beam splitting element. The visible beam passes through the second dichroic unit, and the invisible beam is reflected by the second dichroic unit. The light valve is disposed in the transmission path of the visible beam from the second dichroic unit and converts the visible beam into an image beam. The image beam passes through the second dichroic unit.
US08217331B2 Electromagnetic interference-resistant control device
An EMI-resistant control device for providing a control signal may include an optical glass fiber connector housing adapted to be connectable to an apparatus for providing the control signal to the apparatus for controlling operation thereof. The EMI-resistant control device may also include a carbon nanotube optical switch mounted in the optical glass fiber connector housing. The carbon nanotube optical switch may include a plurality of light sensitive carbon nanotubes adapted to connect a voltage source to an output of the EMI-resistant control device in response to an optical signal being received by the optical glass fiber connector housing. The optical glass fiber connector housing directs the optical signal onto the plurality of light sensitive carbon nanotubes. The voltage source provides the control signal to the apparatus.
US08217325B2 Elevated microwave heating construct
Various blanks and constructs formed therefrom are provided. The various constructs include features for supporting a food item at an elevated position to enhance the heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item in a microwave oven.
US08217324B2 Susceptor assembly for use in a microwave oven
A susceptor assembly includes a generally planar susceptor having an electric field director structure mechanically connected thereto. The field director structure includes at least one, but more preferably, a plurality of two or more vanes mechanically connected to the susceptor. Each vane has a surface at least a portion of which is electrically conductive. The vane(s) are most preferably disposed substantially orthogonal to the planar susceptor. The connection may be either a fixed or a flexible articulating connection. In use, such as in the presence of a standing electromagnetic wave generated within a microwave oven, only an attenuated electric field component of the electromagnetic wave exists in a plane tangent to the surface of the vane in the vicinity of the conductive portion of the vane.
US08217319B2 Heating cartridge and thermostatic element including same
This heating cartridge (1) includes a thermally conductive tube (2) to be immersed in a thermo-expandable substance of the thermostatic element, electric heating element (3), arranged inside the tube and provided with wires for conducting an electric current supplied by an external current source, and connection element between the wires and ports (7) powered by the external current source, these connection element comprising a support base (4) integral with the tube. In order to facilitate the electric connection between the wires and the ports and make it more reliable, the connection element comprise coupling pieces (6), supported by the support base and designed to pinch each port against the corresponding wire.
US08217316B2 Multi-zone heating system
A heating system is disclosed including a cabinet having walls defining an interior heating chamber. Sensors are attached to an exterior surface of the walls. Heating pad subassemblies are attached to the exterior surface of the walls with each heating pad subassemblies located adjacent a corresponding sensor. The heating pad subassemblies include a pad having an attachment face coupled to the exterior surface of the walls and a heating element coupled to the pad. A controller is in electrical communication with the heating elements and the sensors. This controller is configured to independently monitor temperate measurements from each of the sensors and to independently control each of the heating elements. The heating pad subassemblies are positionable on the exterior side of the plurality of walls and the heating system compensates for load variations across the interior heating chamber.
US08217313B2 Heating apparatus and heating method
A disclosed heating apparatus includes a heating chamber configured to heat a substrate placed in the heating chamber with a heat plate opposing the substrate; a gas stream forming portion that creates a gas stream along a top surface of the substrate in the heating chamber; and a pair of first plate members respectively located between an inner side wall of the heating chamber and a first substrate edge opposing the inner side wall, and between another inner side wall of the heating chamber and a second substrate edge opposing the other inner side wall.
US08217307B2 Fixing structure for heating module of hair dryer
A fixing structure for fixing a heating module of a hair dryer is provided. The fixing structure includes a heat-emitting ceramic, a voltage step-down ceramic, a ceramic sleeve, and a conductive metal bolt. Through holes are configured in centers of the heat-emitting ceramic and the voltage step-down ceramic. Heat-emitting films are coated on surfaces of the heat-emitting ceramic. Silver paste films are respectively coated on the upper and lower end surfaces of the heat-emitting ceramic and the voltage step-down ceramic to form silver paste electrodes. A through hole is configured at the center of the ceramic sleeve. The ceramic sleeve is assembled through the through holes of the heat-emitting ceramic and the voltage step-down ceramic. The conductive metal bolt is assembled through of the ceramic sleeve for fixing the heat-emitting ceramic and the voltage step-down ceramic on the supporting frame seat of the motor and fan of the hair dryer.
US08217305B2 System and method for improved TIG arc starting
A system and method for performing a welding-type process includes a welding-type torch having a first electrode connected to receive a welding-type power to effectuate a welding-type process. The welding-type torch also includes a second electrode connected to receive a starting power to initiate the welding-type process and a nozzle surrounding at least a portion of the first electrode.
US08217303B2 Dual gas laser cutting of medical devices
A system prevents oxidation of a laser cut workpiece by utilizing a laser source that utilizes laser source with an inert gas, such as argon or helium, rather than air or oxygen, to create the slots or kerfs which form the pattern cut into the workpiece. The system introduces oxygen gas through the workpiece as it is being laser cut to oxidize any slag or dross created during the laser cutting process. Oxygen or a mixture of oxygen with other gases cools the slag and the workpiece while at the same time oxidizing the slag to either completely burn or partial burn the slag before it strikes an exposed surface of the tubular member.
US08217302B2 Reducing back-reflections in laser processing systems
Systems and methods reduce or prevent back-reflections in a laser processing system. A laser processing system includes a laser source to generate an incident laser beam, a laser beam output to direct the incident laser beam toward a work surface, and a lens to receive the incident laser beam along a first axis of propagation that is substantially perpendicular to the work surface. The lens includes a primary axis that is substantially parallel to, and offset from, the first axis of propagation. The lens is configured to focus the incident laser beam onto the work surface along a second axis of propagation that forms a non-perpendicular angle with the work surface such that at least a substantial portion of a reflected laser beam from the work surface does not return to the laser beam output.
US08217300B2 Laser welded fasteners
A method of manufacturing a vehicle structure including a laser welded fastener includes positioning a first panel in engagement with a second panel to provide access to the first panel by a laser beam. The first panel is laser welded to the second panel. A fastener including projections axially extending from a first surface of a flange are formed. The projections are engaged with a surface of the first panel to space apart the first surface of the flange from the surface of the first panel. Laser welding is initiated by directing a laser beam toward one of the flange of the fastener and the first panel. Gas is vented from an area between the first surface of the flange and the surface of the first panel. The flange is laser welded to the first panel.
US08217297B2 EDM electrode guide
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrical discharge machine is provided comprising an EDM electrode, an electrode holder, and an electrode guide. The electrode guide comprises an internal passage profile that transitions along the machining axis from a substantially circular cross section comprising a diameter d2 to an apexed cross section. The EDM electrode extends from the electrode holder through the electrode entrance aperture of the electrode guide and out of the electrode exit aperture of the electrode guide. The apexed cross section of the electrode guide is aligned relative to the circular cross section of the electrode guide such that apexes of the electrode exit aperture lie outside of a circumferential portion of the circular cross section. A restricted circumferential portion defined by the apexed cross section comprises a diameter that is greater than the effective electrode diameter. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US08217295B2 Method for producing a welded connection for use in a corrosive environment
A method produces a welded connection between first and second components each having inner and outer sides interconnected by an end face. The first component has a ferritic basic body carrying a plating at the inside and having an end face with a buffer layer of Ni-based alloy. The second component is of austenitic material. The end faces of the components enclose a weld groove. An austenitic root, connecting the plating to the end face of the second component, is welded in the weld groove. An intermediate layer of a nickel alloy having at least 90% nickel is welded onto the root. The intermediate layer is connected to the end faces of the plating and the second component. A weld seam is then produced in the remaining weld groove using a nickel-based welding additive. A method for repairing a welded connection between first and second components is also provided.
US08217293B2 Process and system for producing nuclear spin polarized xenon gas
The present invention provides producing method and producing apparatus in which polarized xenon gas of high concentration is obtained without being frozen, and polarized xenon gas can be produced continuously. A glass cell having solid rubidium and solid xenon filled in vacuum is heated to be gas xenon and gas-liquid mixed rubidium, to which a magnetic field is applied to irradiate a laser beam thereby obtaining polarized xenon gas of high concentration.
US08217289B2 Keyboard and key structure thereof
A keyboard and key structure thereof includes a keycap, an elastic element, a supporting element, a base and a frame. The elastic element is located below the keycap. The supporting element has a supporting part, a connecting part and an end part, wherein the supporting part supports the keycap and the connecting part connects the supporting part and the end part. The base supports the elastic element. The frame secures the end part on the base. A keyboard includes a plurality of key structures.
US08217288B2 Key designs for compact keypad of handheld communication device
A keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys coupled to the housing. Each of the keys has means for making the selection of smaller key sizes easier for a user. The keys may incorporate a flexible or resilient upper part, or be configured to transform to a larger surface area upon the application of pressure. The keys may be configured to rotate away from a selected key. The keys adjacent a selected key may be configured to lock mechanically or electrically. The keys may have multiple parts that are movable relative to one another. The upper part of the key may include a fluid, with a selection rod positioned inside the upper part to enter the fluid.
US08217285B2 Luminous keyboard assembly
An exemplary keyboard assembly includes a light source for emitting light, a light guide plate and a plurality of keys mounted on the light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a light incident surface facing the light source and a light emitting surface. Each key includes a cap, a light guide portion coupled to the cap, and a spring member configured for biasing the light guide portion in a direction away from the light emitting surface of the light guide plate. Each key is movable relative to the light guide plate, in response to manual manipulation thereto, between a depressed position where the light guide portion is attached to and optically coupled to the light emitting surface of the light guide plate thereby illuminating the cap, and a rest position where the light guide portion is spaced apart from the light emitting surface of the light guide plate.
US08217284B2 Anti dumping switch and device having same
An anti dumping switch includes a circular and hollow housing, a bottom surface connected to the housing, a first switch end, a second switch end, a bush, and two balls, the housing and the bottom surface cooperatively defining a accommodating space, the first switch end and the second switch end both extending into the accommodating space through the bottom surface and fixed in the bottom surface, the balls being received in the accommodating space. When the anti dumping switch is flat the balls connecting the first switch end and when the anti dumping switch is dumped the balls disengage with the first switch end or the second switch end, wherein the first switch end is disposed at substantially a center of the bottom surface, the second switch end being disposed adjacent to the housing, the bush being received in the accommodating space and cycling the housing from inside and connecting the second switch end, the bush including a slope surface disposed adjacent to the bottom surface that make the balls contact the first switch end or the second switch end.
US08217279B2 Ceramic electronic component and method for manufacturing the same
A ceramic electronic component achieves a sufficient drop resistance strength even when terminal electrodes are formed with a higher density. The ceramic electronic component includes a ceramic laminate including ceramic laminates which are laminated to each other, first terminal electrodes disposed in a peripheral portion of a bottom surface of the ceramic laminate, catch pad electrodes arranged in the ceramic laminate so as to face the respective first terminal electrodes, and sets each including at least two first via hole conductors, which electrically connect the first terminal electrodes and the respective catch pad electrodes.
US08217278B2 Embedded wiring board and a manufacturing method thereof
An embedded wiring board includes an upper wiring layer, a lower wiring layer, an insulation layer, a first conductive pillar and a second conductive pillar. The upper wiring layer contains an upper pad, the lower wiring layer contains a lower pad, and the insulation layer contains an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface. The upper pad is embedded in the upper surface and the lower pad is embedded in the lower surface. The first conductive pillar is located in the insulation layer and includes an end surface which is exposed by the upper surface. A height of the first conductive pillar relative to the upper surface is larger than a depth of the upper pad relative to the upper surface. In addition, the second conductive pillar is located in the insulation layer and is connected between the first conductive pillar and the lower pad.
US08217275B2 Sealing material and mounting method using the sealing material
A sealing material is provided which has sealing characteristics with low stress and high reliability upon mounting electronic parts on a board, and good repairablity after the sealing. The sealing material contains a heat-curable resin component and is characterized by ΔE/ΔT in a range of from 0.5 MPa/° C. to 30 MPa/° C. wherein ΔE/ΔT represents a ratio of change (ΔE) in storage elastic modulus (E) relative to a temperature change (ΔT) when the storage elastic modulus (E) is determined as the temperature is raised within a temperature range including a glass transition point (Tg) of the cured sealing material.
US08217274B2 Wiring member, method of manufacturing the wiring member and electronic element
A wiring member comprising a substrate, a copper wiring layer having an electrical resistivity of not larger than 4×10−6 Ωcm in directly or indirectly contact with the substrate, an aluminum diffusion layer, contiguous to the copper wiring layer, having an aluminum concentration gradient descending towards the inside, and an aluminum oxide layer contiguous to and covering the aluminum diffusion layer, wherein a ratio of a thickness of the copper wiring layer to a thickness of the aluminum diffusion layer is 1.5 to 5. The disclosure is also concerned with a method of manufacturing the wiring member and an electronic device.
US08217271B2 Multilayered wiring board
A multilayered wiring board is composed of n wiring layers and (n−1) resin base material layers, which are alternately laminated. The (n−1) resin base material layers include fiber bundles impregnated with resin. The n wiring layers include wiring patterns and resin. When half of the wiring layers in the thickness direction of the multilayered wiring board differ in the copper remaining ratio from the other half, the multilayered wiring board might be warped during heating. The crossing point density of fiber bundles in each resin base material layer is adjusted so as to cancel the warpage caused by the difference in the copper remaining ratio between the wiring layers.
US08217268B2 Alien crosstalk suppression with enhanced patch cord
Systems and methods for decreasing alien crosstalk use enhanced patch cords for introducing additional attenuation. The enhanced patch cords are preferably shielded to reduce alien crosstalk down their lengths and also attenuate signals passing therethrough to a greater extent than standard communication patch cords. The interaction of two enhanced patch cords results in two suppression steps for alien crosstalk and only one suppression step for intended signal passing through a communication cable.
US08217265B2 Electrical connection parts
An electrical connection part having a resin case including a window, a plurality of bus bars, at least one of which includes a buried portion buried in the resin case, an exposed portion extending from and at an angle with an end of the buried portion, and exposed from the window, and a retention reinforcing portion extending from the end in a direction along which the buried portion extends.
US08217264B2 Electrical outlet covering accessory movable between positions concealing and allowing access to the outlet
An improved electrical outlet access control accessory mounts in a wall to provide access to and concealment for an outlet mounted in aligned juxtaposition thereto. The accessory has a cover that can be manually rotated between closed and open positions, providing respectively concealment for or access to an outlet within. When closed the cover is flush or nearly so, with the surrounding wall. A retention mechanism holds the cover in the closed position until manually pressed inwards, after which the cover is rotatable to the open position.
US08217263B2 Electrical switchgear cabinet
An electrical switchgear cabinet for an electrical service distribution panel includes a rear wall having four corners and four side edges and a peripheral L-shaped first bent edge disposed on each of the four side edges; a first side wall with at least two bent edges; a base wall with at least two bent edges; and a first attachment part disposed at a first corner of the rear wall and insertable behind the first bent edges of two of the four side edges, wherein the first attachment part has two longitudinally running slots, a first slot receiving one of the at least two first side wall bent edges and a second slot receiving one of the at least two base wall bent edges.
US08217258B2 Alternating bias hot carrier solar cells
Extremely high efficiency solar cells are described. Novel alternating bias schemes enhance the photovoltaic power extraction capability above the cell band-gap by enabling the extraction of hot carriers. In conventional solar cells, this alternating bias scheme has the potential of more than doubling their yielded net efficiency. In solar cells incorporating quantum wells (QWs) or quantum dots (QDs), the alternating bias scheme has the potential of extending such solar cell power extraction coverage, possibly across the entire solar spectrum, thus enabling unprecedented solar power extraction efficiency. Within such cells, a novel alternating bias scheme extends the cell energy conversion capability above the cell material band-gap while the quantum confinement structures are used to extend the cell energy conversion capability below the cell band-gap. Light confinement cavities are incorporated into the cell structure to allow the absorption of the cell internal photo emission, thus further enhancing the cell efficiency.
US08217257B2 Solar cell module and method for its production
A solar cell module and a method for the production thereof, are used in particular in the field of concentrating solar technology. The solar cell module has a large number of two-dimensionally disposed solar cells. These solar cells are applied on a substrate which is coated with a metal layer on the surface orientated towards the solar cells. The metal layer is thereby structured in such a manner that it is subdivided into individual two-dimensional portions which are assigned respectively to one solar cell. The metal layer in each of the portions has two regions which are electrically insulated from each other, the first region extending under the assigned solar cell and contacting the latter in an electrically conductive manner. The second region is likewise connected to the other electrical contact of the solar cell. In order to produce a parallel and series circuit of the individual solar cells, the individual portions of the metal layer are now connected to each other in a suitable manner by means of connecting portions which, for their part, are part of the metal layer.
US08217255B2 Method of producing thermoelectric conversion element
A method of producing a thermoelectric conversion element includes preparing a dispersion liquid by mixing slurry containing ceramic particles with salts of at least two elements that constitute a thermoelectric conversion material, and then, precipitating the at least two elements that constitute the thermoelectric conversion material on the ceramic particles in the dispersion liquid; performing washing; performing heating treatment; and performing sintering. Contact between a solution with a pH lower than 1 among solutions of the salts and the slurry containing the ceramic particles is avoided, or the solution with the pH lower than 1 contacts the slurry containing the ceramic particles for a first time when the at least two elements that constitute the thermoelectric conversion material are precipitated.
US08217240B1 Maize variety inbred PH11YB
A novel maize variety designated PH11YB and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH11YB with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH11YB 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 PH11YB or a locus conversion of PH11YB with another maize variety.
US08217234B1 Soybean variety XB30V10
A novel soybean variety, designated XB30V10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB30V10, cells from soybean variety XB30V10, plants of soybean XB30V10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB30V10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB30V10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB30V10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB30V10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB30V10 are further provided.
US08217233B1 Soybean variety XBP31006
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP31006 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP31006, cells from soybean variety XBP31006, plants of soybean XBP31006, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP31006. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP31006 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP31006, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP31006. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP31006 are further provided.
US08217232B2 Soybean cultivar S100003
A soybean cultivar designated S100003 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S100003, to the plants of soybean S100003, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S100003, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S100003 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S100003, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S100003, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S100003 with another soybean cultivar.
US08217226B2 Nucleic acids and proteins associated with galactomannan synthesis in coffee
Disclosed herein are nucleic acid molecules isolated from coffee (Coffea spp.) comprising sequences that encode mannan synthase or galactomannan galactosyltransferase. Also disclosed are methods for using these polynucleotides for gene regulation and manipulation of the polysaccharide molecules of coffee plants, to influence extraction characteristics and other features of coffee beans.
US08217221B2 Controlled evacuation ostomy appliance
A controlled evacuation ostomy appliance including a collection pouch, and an urging device for applying a sealing force through the pouch wall to seal the stoma. The pouch wall may seal directly against the stoma, or the pouch may have an internal sealing member that is pressed by the pouch wall against the stoma. The urging device provides an adjustable sealing force. The pouch may be disposable. The urging device may be reusable with a replacement pouch.
US08217218B2 Probe for fluid leak detection with specific distal part
A disposable medical probe for detecting a leak of physiological fluid comprising a support layer, a conductive layer on top of the support layer, the conductive layer comprising two conducting electrodes both placed exclusively on each side of a longitudinal axis, the conductive layer defining two zones: a proximal zone with two proximal electrode parts being placed parallel to each other and being spaced apart by a constant distance d, and a distal zone with two distal electrode parts being spaced apart from each other by a gap e greater than said distance d, where the distal zone of the electrodes defines an increase in the gap between the distal parts of the electrodes, followed by a decrease in the gap between the distal parts of the electrodes.
US08217216B2 First aid strips called: first aid hats / first aid caps
First aid hats/First aid caps are a cost effective and economical method for treating any systemic illness or topical skin condition such as boil, bruise, or burn, using first aid strips, by providing a pouch which provides a means to use medication in the form of cream or gel. The provision of a pouch prevents medication from escaping when applied on the body with an adhesive first aid strip. Thus a measured amount of any medication when applied stays where it is applied and not lost. A ring made of rubber/latex is used to create the said pouch, when placed on the first aid strip.
US08217212B2 Sequencing retort liquid phase torrefication processing apparatus and method
A method and related apparatus for torrefaction of associated biomass which includes providing an enclosed chamber having a body and a door having an open position allowing passage into and out of the enclosed chamber and a closed position in which the door is disposed in sealing engagement with the body, providing the enclosed chamber with walls capable of sustaining both a negative pressure and a positive pressure within the enclosed chamber; moving the door to an open position; depositing a liquid heat transfer fluid within the enclosed chamber at a temperature sufficient to achieve torrefication of the biomass and a first quantity of biomass material in the enclosed chamber that is substantially totally immersed in the liquid heat transfer fluid whereby heat transfer occurs between the liquid heat transfer fluid and the biomass immersed therein; moving the door to a closed position in sealing engagement with the body; and allowing the pressure within the enclosed chamber to rise to a pressure above the vapor pressure of the heat transfer fluid as a result of the expansion of liquids and gases entrained within the biomass.
US08217210B2 Integrated gasification—pyrolysis process
A method for producing liquid hydrocarbons from biomass includes hydropyrolizing biomass with a gaseous exhaust stream formed from one of gasification and reforming of carbon containing moiety (CCM). The gaseous exhaust stream includes hydrogen (H2) and at least one of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).
US08217207B2 Preparation and provision of high assay decabromodiphenylethane
High assay, reaction-derived decabromodiphenylethane product is prepared by feeding (i) diphenylethane or (ii) partially brominated diphenylethane having an average bromine number less than about two, or (iii) both of (i) and (ii), into the liquid confines of a reaction mixture. Such reaction mixture is (a) formed from components comprised of excess liquid bromine and aluminum-based Lewis acid bromination catalyst, and (b) maintained at one or more elevated reaction temperatures of from about 45°-90° C., and at least when elevated pressure is needed to keep a liquid state in the reaction mixture at the temperature(s) used, the reaction mixture is at such an elevated pressure, whereby ar-bromination occurs. The feeding is conducted at a rate slow enough to form high assay reaction-derived decabromodiphenylethane product, which is an effective flame retardant.
US08217203B2 Process for the preparation of (E, E)-farnesyl acetone
A process for the preparation of E-farnesyl acetone characterized by reaction of nerolidol with isopropenylmethyl ether in the presence of an acidic catalyst at elevated temperature and isolation by fractionated distillation.
US08217200B2 Process for the preparation of 2-chloroethoxy-acetic acid-N,N-dimethylamide
According to the present invention, 2-chloroethoxy-acetic acid-N,N-dimethylamide of the Formula (I) is prepared by reacting 2-hydroxyethoxy-acetic acid-N,N-dimethylamide of the Formula (II) in a solvent optionally in the presence of a catalyst with thionyl chloride and removing the solvent by distillation.
US08217197B2 Process for producing methionine
A process for producing methionine advantageously in view of cost, while efficiently recovering useful components, is provided, including the following steps (1) hydrolyzing 5-[2-(methylthio)ethyl]imidazolidine-2,4-dione in the presence of a basic potassium compound; (2) introducing carbon dioxide into the reaction solution obtained in step (1) to thereby precipitate methionine, and separating the resulting slurry into a precipitate and a mother liquor; (3) concentrating the mother liquor obtained in step (2), mixing the resulting concentrate with a lower alcohol, introducing carbon dioxide into the resulting mixture to thereby precipitate methionine and potassium hydrogencarbonate, and separating the resulting slurry into a precipitate and a mother liquor; and (4) concentrating the mother liquor obtained in step (3), treating the resulting concentrate by heating at a temperature of from 150 to 200° C., and recycling the treated solution for use in step (3).
US08217196B2 Process for producing α-fluoro-β-amino acids
By reacting a β-hydroxy-α-amino acid with sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2) in the presence of an organic base, it is possible to produce an α-fluoro-β-amino acid of the formula [2]. By using a C8-12 tertiary amine having two or more alkyl groups of C3 or higher, and especially diisopropylethylamine, as the organic base, by-production of quantery ammonium salts is effectively suppressed. By applying the production process of the present invention, it is possible to very easily produce (2R)-3-(dibenzylamino)-2-fluoropropionic acid methyl ester, which is extremely important as a pharmaceutical intermediate, with high positional selectivity even on an industrial scale.
US08217193B2 Modified fatty acid esters and method of preparation thereof
A process for the preparation of new polyols and polyesters from a natural oil or other unsaturated fatty acid esters is described. The process involves ozone cleavage of double bonds in the fatty acid chains of the oils along with coupling of a hydroxylated compound such as a mono-alcohol, a diol, or a polyol to the cleaved ends of the molecules resulting from the cleavage with a base. The resulting polyols and polyesters are as intermediates for polymers.
US08217187B2 Process to extract quassinoids
A means for the extraction and crystallization of quassinoids such as quassin and neoquassin from natural sources containing these compounds, using compounds that are Generally Recognized As Safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is provided. In particular, a means for extraction that does not require use of lead acetate, chloroform, methanol, or diethyl ether is provided. The process includes a means of removing non-polar and very polar substances from an extracted residue to enhance crystallization of quassinoids from the residue.
US08217181B2 Dihalogen indolocarbazole monomers and poly (indolocarbazoles)
Monomers and polymers based on dihalogen indolocarbazole and poly(indolocarbazoles), and methods of making such and using the same are described, as well as organic electronic devices incorporating the same.
US08217180B2 Method for preparing 5-haloalkyl-4,5-dihydroisoxazole derivatives
Disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula 1 wherein R1 is CHX2, CX3, CX2CHX2 or CX2CX3; each X is independently Cl or F; Z is optionally substituted phenyl; and Q is phenyl or 1-naphthalenyl, each optionally substituted as defined in the disclosure; comprising contacting a compound of Formula 2 with hydroxylamine in the presence of a base. The present invention also relates to novel compounds of Formula 2, useful as starting materials for the aforedescribed method.
US08217174B2 Method of preparing montelukast and intermediates used therein
The present invention relates to a method for preparing montelukast, an inhibitor against leukotrienes, and an intermediate used therein. According to the inventive method, high-purity montelukast or its sodium salt can be prepared in a high yield.
US08217173B2 Fluoride-releasing compositions
Chelating monomers and fluoride-releasing compositions are disclosed that may be incorporated into dental composite restorative materials, dental bonding agents or other dental materials, to produce materials with high fluoride release rates, and high fluoride recharge capability. Such dental restorative materials may help reduce the level of dental caries in patients, particularly the level of caries occurring on the margins of the restorative materials.
US08217172B2 Solid forms of 1-ethyl-3-(5-(5-fluoropyridin-3-yl)-7-(pyrimidin-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)urea
Solid forms of crystalline1-ethyl-3-(5-(5-fluoropyridin-3-yl)-7-(pyrimidin-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)urea, compositions containing solid forms of crystalline1 -ethyl-3-(5-(5-fluoropyridin-3-yl)-7-(pyrimidin-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)urea and methods of using the same are described.
US08217170B2 Process for the preparation of tertiary N-allyl sterically hindered amines
The instant invention discloses a process for the preparation of compounds of the formula (I), wherein the general symbols are as defined in claim 1, which process comprises reacting a sterically hindered amine of the formula (II), wherein the general symbols are as defined in claim 1, with a compound of the formula (III) wherein the general symbols are as defined in claim 1, in the presence of a catalyst. The compounds of the formula (I) are useful as stabilizers for protecting organic materials, in particular synthetic polymers, reprographic materials or coating materials against oxidative, thermal or light-induced degradation.
US08217168B2 Azabicyclo [3. 1. 0] hexyl derivatives as modulators of dopamine D3 receptors
The present invention relates to novel compounds of formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein G is selected from a group consisting of: phenyl, a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl group, or a 8- to 11-membered heteroaryl bicyclic group; p is an integer ranging from 0 to 5; R1 is halogen, hydroxy, cyano, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy, C1-4alkanoyl and SF5; or corresponds to a group R6; and when p is an integer ranging from 2 to 5, each R1 may be the same or different; R2 is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl; n is 3, 4, 5 or 6; R6 is a moiety selected from the group consisting of: isoxazolyl, —CH2—N-pyrrolyl, 1,1-dioxido-2-isothiazolidinyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, pyridyl, 2-pyrrolidinonyl, and such R6 group is optionally substituted by one or two substituents selected from: halogen, cyano, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, C1-4alkanoyl; R4 is selected in the group consisting of: hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, cyano, C1-4alkyl, C3-7 cycloalkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy, C1-4alkanoyl and NR′R″; or R4 is a phenyl group, a 5-14 membered heterocyclic group; and any of such phenyl or heterocyclic group is optionally substituted by 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents selected from the group consisting of: halogen, cyano, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, C1-4alkanoyl, haloC1-4alkoxy and SF5; R7 is hydrogen or C1-2alkyl; R′ is H, C1-4 alkyl or C1-4 alkanoyl; R″ is defined as R′; R′ and R″ taken together with the interconnecting nitrogen atom may form a 5-, 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring; and their use in therapy, as modulators of dopamine D3 receptors.
US08217165B2 Process for the extraction of furostanolic saponins from fenugreek seeds
A novel, commercially viable process for the extraction of high purity (>70%), bioactive furostanolic saponins including protodioscin (>30%), from the seeds of fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) comprising essentially the steps of powdering of the natural material followed by a first extraction, an ion-exchange chromatographic purification and a second extraction using a novel composite solvent and drying of the product under defined conditions, the entire process being carried out at essentially neutral pH and low temperatures of less than 80° C.
US08217162B2 siRNA targeting interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4(IRAK4)
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to nucleotide sequences for IRAK4.
US08217156B2 Solid forms of (2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-2-(4-chloro-3-(4-ethoxybenzyl)phenyl)-6-(methylthio)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triol and methods of their use
Solid forms of anhydrous (2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-2-(4-chloro-3-(4-ethoxybenzyl)phenyl)-6-(methylthio)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triol are disclosed, in addition to methods of their use in the treatment of various diseases and disorders.
US08217150B2 Toxin detection method
According to the present invention, an antibody against a Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin contained in Staphylococcus aureus, a method and a kit for detecting the toxin with the use of the antibody, and a pharmaceutical composition containing an antibody against a Panton-Valentine leukocidin toxin for treating PVL infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus containing PVL are provided. Also, an antibody which is capable of binding to Panton-Valentine leukocidin F and has no cross-reactivity to LukD and/or HlgB and an antibody which is capable of binding to Panton-Valentine leukocidin S and has no cross-reactivity to at least one of LukE, HlgC, and HlgA are provided.
US08217143B2 Fabrication of metal nanoshells
Metal nanoshells are fabricated by admixing an aqueous solution of metal ions with an aqueous solution of apoferritin protein molecules, followed by admixing an aqueous solution containing an excess of an oxidizing agent for the metal ions. The apoferritin molecules serve as bio-templates for the formation of metal nanoshells, which form on and are bonded to the inside walls of the hollow cores of the individual apoferritin molecules. Control of the number of metal atoms which enter the hollow core of each individual apoferritin molecule provides a hollow metal nonparticle, or nanoshell, instead of a solid spherical metal nanoparticle.
US08217137B2 Fullerene-based amino acids
The present invention is directed to a series of new compounds, combining the unique properties of fullerenes and bio-active amino acid residues, and to methods for making such compounds. The present invention is directed toward fullerene-based amino acids, and to amino acid residues, peptide chains, proteins, and polypeptides made from such fullerene-based amino acids. The present invention is further directed to amino acid residues, peptide chains, proteins, and polypeptides comprising such fullerene-based amino acids and into which such fullerene-based amino acids have been incorporated. Exemplary compounds have been prepared, and these compounds have been characterized and confirmed with infrared (IR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), etc. These new compounds, which are additions to the existing amino acid residue family, may potentially possess useful pharmaceutical application and may provide a new platform for further exploration in cancer therapy, and peptide and protein engineering.
US08217133B2 Storage stable one component polyurethane system
In one aspect, the invention relates to storage-stable and flowable polyurethane compositions comprising (a) one or more isocyanate-terminated polyurethane prepolymers derived from one or more hydrocarbon ring-containing diisocyanates and/or triisocyanates and one or more polyols; (b) one or more metal salt complexes of methylenedianiline; and (c) one or more organic acid halide compounds having one or more acid halide groups, wherein the one or more organic acid halide compounds are in an amount wherein the acid halide groups are present in a minimum concentration of about 100 parts per million by weight of the polyurethane prepolymer. In other aspects, the invention relates to methods for storing the curable polyurethane compositions, as well as methods for producing polyurethane elastomers.
US08217131B2 Method for extracting a metal particulate from an aqueous solution using a sol-gel derived sorbent
Disclosed is a method for extracting metal particulates for an aqueous solution using a sol-gel derived sorbent.
US08217129B2 Polyalkylene oxide asymmetric siloxane
An asymmetric siloxane is made by reacting a silicone having the formula MHDxM′H where MH is R1R2HSiO1/2, M′H is R4R5HSiO1/2 and x is an integer 0≦x≦10 under selective hydrosilylation conditions in the presence of a precious metal hydrosilylation catalyst, with a first olefinic compound and in a second step, a monohydridosiloxane produced in the first step is reacted under hydrosilylating conditions with another olefinic compound different from the first olefinic compound.
US08217128B2 Farnesene interpolymers
Farnesene interpolymer comprises units derived from a farnesene (e.g., α-farnesene or β-farnesene) and units derived from at least one vinyl monomer. The farnesene interpolymer can be prepared by copolymerizing the farnesene and at least one vinyl monomer in the presence of a catalyst. In some embodiments, the farnesene is prepared from a sugar by using a microorganism. In other embodiments, the at least one vinyl monomer is ethylene, an α-olefin, or a substituted or unsubstituted vinyl halide, vinyl ether, acrylonitrile, acrylic ester, methacrylic ester, acrylamide or methacrylamide, or a combination thereof.
US08217125B2 Process to reduce polyolefins with extra low impurity content
A process for producing polyolefins, which includes polymerizing at least one olefin monomer, separating at least a part of the reaction mixture, dividing the separated reaction mixture into a polymer-lean fraction and a polymer-rich fraction, and subjecting at least a part of the polymer-lean fraction to a purification step prior to recycling back to the polymerization of at least one olefin monomer. The obtained polyolefins particularly have a low content of volatile low molecular weight compounds, a low content of low-molecular weight polyolefin waxes and a low content of residues derived from the catalyst employed.
US08217120B2 Functionalized styrene oligomers and polymers
The present invention provides functionalized styrene oligomers and polymers prepared by Friedel-Crafts chemistry, as well as epoxidation products thereof. In particular, the invention provides allyl functional TPE. The invention also provides methods for making the functionalized styrene oligomers and polymers of the invention as well as epoxidation products thereof, compositions containing the same, and methods for using the functionalized and epoxified styrene oligomers that take advantage of the unique properties of the compounds and compositions of the invention.
US08217116B2 Polypropylene composition for buried structures
The present disclosure describes a polypropylene resin composition useful for the preparation of buried structures such as corrugated, non-pressure pipe.
US08217115B2 Liquid resin composition, semiconductor wafer having adhesive layer, semiconductor element having adhesive layer, semiconductor package, process for manufacturing semiconductor element and process for manufacturing semiconductor package
A liquid resin composition of the present invention is a liquid resin composition for bonding a semiconductor element on a support, exhibiting a tackiness of 0.05 N or less after heating at 120° C. for 10 min and a tackiness of 1 N or more at 80° C. A semiconductor wafer having an adhesive layer of the present invention is a semiconductor wafer having an adhesive layer in which the adhesive layer is formed from the above liquid resin composition. A process for manufacturing a semiconductor element of the present invention has the application step of applying an adhesive as a liquid resin composition containing a thermosetting resin and a solvent to one side of a wafer; the evaporation step of evaporating said solvent while substantially maintaining a molecular weight of said liquid resin composition to form an adhesive layer; the bonding step of bonding a dicing sheet on one side of said wafer; and the cutting step of cutting said wafer into pieces.
US08217114B2 Aqueous coating resin composition and aqueous coating composition
An aqueous coating resin composition comprising a water-dispersible nonionic resin (A) and a water-dispersible anionic core-shell resin (B), characterized in that the water-dispersible nonionic resin (A) contains a polyoxyalkylene group-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a1) at 5-50 mass % of the total polymerizable unsaturated monomer used for production of the resin (A), and the water-dispersible anionic core-shell resin (B) contains an anionic group in the resin. It is possible to provide aqueous coating compositions exhibiting both satisfactory coating manageability and finished appearance.
US08217109B2 Protective-colloid-stabilized polymers in the form of their aqueous dispersions or of their water-redispersible powders
Protective-colloid-stabilized polymers in the form of their aqueous dispersions or of their water-redispersible powders are based on homo- or copolymers of one or more monomers from the group consisting of vinyl esters of optionally branched alkyl carboxylic acids having from 1 to 15 carbon atoms, (meth)acrylic esters of alcohols having from 1 to 15 carbon atoms, vinylaromatics, olefins, dienes, and vinyl halides, wherein partially hydrolyzed vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymers with an ethylene content of from 1 to 15 mol %, a degree of hydrolysis DH of the vinyl acetate units of 80 mol %
US08217100B2 Adhesive composition and optical member
An adhesive composition includes an antistatic agent that includes an ionic compound having a melting point of 50° C. or more, and a base polymer having a glass transition temperature of 0° C. or less.
US08217099B2 Thermosetting resin composition
A thermosetting resins composite, composed of: epoxy resin which can have a total polymerization with bismaleimide, occupying 1.75%-18.0% solids weight of the composite; bismaleimide compounds, occupying 0.15%-12.5% solids weight of the composite; free radical initiator, its mole fraction of which its addition accounts for reaction monomer total is 0.01%-0.15%; inhibitor, whose amount is the half to double of the initiator; styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, occupying 17.5%-47.0% solids weight of the composite; filler, occupying 20%-60% solids weight of the composite; solvent, occupying 30%-50% solids weight of the composite; flame retardant which can be used in CCL industries.
US08217098B2 Thermosetting resin composition having rubbery polymer particle dispersed therein, and process for production thereof
A thermosetting resin composition having rubbery polymer particles dispersed therein of the present invention, that does not precipitate the thermosetting resin rubbery polymer particles over a long period of time, has excellent fluidity, is easily cured and molded, and sufficiently exhibits original properties of the thermosetting resin, comprises 100 parts by weight of a thermosetting resin, and 1 to 80 parts by weight of rubbery polymer particles, the rubbery polymer particles being dispersed in the form of a primary particle, wherein the solid content concentration is 60% to 90% by weight, and the water concentration is 3% by weight or less, and can efficiently be produced industrially in the state that the rubbery polymer particles are maintained in a stable state. The composition can be produced by a process for production of a thermosetting resin composition having rubbery polymer particles dispersed therein of the present invention, comprising a concentration step of deaerating a gas phase adjacent to a mixed solution comprising the rubbery polymer particles, the thermosetting resin, water and an organic solvent to reduce the pressure therein, thereby reducing the amounts of the water and the organic solvent in the mixed solution.
US08217088B2 Use of nanoporous polymer foams as thermal insulation materials
By reaction of one or more epoxy resins with an amphiphilic epoxy resin hardener in water in a phase inversion polymerization, nanoporous polymer foams are obtained. These foams are suitable as thermal insulation materials.
US08217085B2 Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for treatment of drug resistant microorganisms
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to the use of compositions comprising methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and one or more therapeutic agents, for the treatment of drug-sensitive and drug resistant microorganisms. In several embodiments, such compositions are effective in treating drug resistant infectious diseases, for example, MRSA.
US08217084B2 Medicinal products incorporating bound organosulfur groups
Nutraceutical and dietary supplement formulations for delivering bioavailable thiols to a host, comprising certain organosulfur radicals, such as the allyl mercapto radical, bound to larger molecules such as proteins, resulting in the formation in the host's body of various allium-related compounds such as allicin. The formulations are produced by treating an ingestible material comprising a cysteine-containing protein with a thiol, disulfide, mixed disulfide, thiosufinate or mixed thiosulfinate so as to cause thiol residues to become disulfide bonded to cysteines contained in the protein.
US08217083B2 Mesalamine suppository
The present invention relates to a mesalamine rectal suppository designed to provide improved comfort of use. One embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository comprising mesalamine and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, wherein the drug load of the suppository ranges from 35% to 50%. Another embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository comprising from about 850 to about 1150 mg mesalamine and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, wherein the total weight of the suppository ranges from about 2250 to about 2700 mg. Another embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository comprising from about 400 to about 600 mg mesalamine and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, wherein the total weight of the suppository ranges from about 870 to about 1715 mg. Yet another embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository comprising mesalamine having a tap density ranging from about 600 to about 800 g/L (as measured by USP <616>) and a hard fat having an ascending melting point of 32 to 35.5° C. Methods of preparing and methods of treatment with mesalamine suppositories are also provided. The invention further provides a method of determining a dissolution parameter (such as dissolution rate) of a mesalamine rectal suppository, such as a 1 g mesalamine suppository, by measuring its dissolution with USP Apparatus #2 at 40° C. and a paddle rotation speed of 125 rpm in 0.2 M phosphate buffer at a pH of 7.5.
US08217082B2 Reduced irritant enema for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
The present invention comprises packaged enemas for the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), having substantially pure 5-ASA as the active ingredient, with a liquid carrier medium having a material avoidance of bowel irritant substances, such as anti-oxidants for the 5-ASA active ingredient, including such sulfites as potassium metabisulfite, for example, and contained within a sealed and substantially oxygen-free barrier package, which may preferably be formed of a foil/polymer laminate, and which package contains or otherwise includes an oxygen scavenger, such as a an oxygen scavenging sachet.
US08217077B2 HMB uses thereof
The present invention relates to methods for the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, cancer, and involuntary weight loss. In the practice of the present invention patients are enterally administered HMB alone or alternatively in combination with eicosapentaenoic (20:5 ω-3), FOS, carnitine and mixtures thereof. HMB may be added to food products comprising a source of amino-nitrogen enriched with large neutral amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine, valine, tyrosine, threonine and phenylalanine and substantially lacking in free amino acids.
US08217075B2 2-amino-2-phenyl-alkanol derivatives, their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them
2-amino-2-phenyl-alkanol ester derivatives of general formula (I) in which: R1 is H, straight or branched 1 to 4C alkyl, straight or branched 2 to 4C alkyl substituted by OH, alkoxy, alkylthio, acyloxy, NH2, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkylcarbamoyloxy, alkoxycarbonylamino, ureido or alkylureido, R2 is a —CO—R radical in which R is H, alkyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, benzyl or heterocyclylmethyl, or R2 is a —CO—Y—R4 radical for which Y is —O—, —S—, —NH—, -Nalk- for which alk is straight or branched (1 to 4C) alkyl, and R4 is alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, capable of being substituted by one or more halogen atoms or OH radicals, straight or branched (1 to 4C) alkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, acylaminoalkylthio, alkoxycarbonyl or acylamino (1 to 4C) straight or branched, or oxo, or capable of being substituted by R5COO— in which R5 is alkyl optionally substituted by benzyloxycarbonylamino, acylamino or by an amino acid residue, or represents an heterocyclyl radical, or R2 is alkyl (2 to 4C) substituted by OH, alkoxy, alkylthio, acyloxy, NH2, alkylamino, dialkylamino optionally forming, with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, a 5- or 6-member heterocycle optionally having another heteroatom (O or N), or substituted by alkylcarbamoyloxy, alkoxycarbonylamino, ureido or alkylureido, it being understood that said straight or branched substituted alkyl radical comprises at least 2C between >N—R2 and the substituent; and R3 is alkyl (1 to 4C) straight or branched unless specifically mentioned, alkyl or acyl are straight or branched (1 to 7C), in their R or S forms or their mixtures, as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts when these exist.
US08217074B2 Use of sargachromenol
The present invention relates to novel use of sargachromenol, and more particularly, the present invention relates to novel use of sargachromenol for destroying and/or lysing hyperproliferating keratinocyte. Accordingly, since sargachromenol of the present invention has activity in destroying and/or lysing keratinocyte, it may be useful for keratinocyte lysing agents in the skin area where the keratinocytes are hyperproliferating or peeling agents.
US08217073B2 Pyrrole derivatives as therapeutic compounds
Novel pyrrole derivatives are disclosed as Aβ42-lowering agents for the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the formation or accumulation of amyloid plaques comprising the Aβ42 peptide.
US08217071B2 Use of inhibitors of the degradation of p27, in particular Argyrin and derivatives thereof, for the treatment of proliferative diseases
The present invention relates to the use of particular macrocycles that are inhibitors of the proteasomic degradation of p27, in particular Argyrin and derivatives thereof, preferably Argyrin A, for the treatment of proliferative diseases, such as cancer, as well as the derivatization of said macrocycles.
US08217068B2 Compound with anesthetics activity, methods for its production and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same
The present invention is related to a new series of chemical compounds, namely 3-benzyl-imidazolidine-2,4-dione substituted in the position 2 and/or 6 of benzyl ring by halogens as presented to the molecule named LPSF-PT-31, GIRSUPAN and its therapeutic use as drug with analgesic, sedative and adjuvant of anesthetics activities. The invention is also related to a process for production of said compounds as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US08217067B2 Amino-tetrazoles analogues and methods of use
A compound having Formula (I) or Formula (II) is disclosed as an P2X7 antagonist, wherein A, B, C, Y, Y, Z, m, v, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5, are as defined in the description. Methods and compositions for treating disease or condition modulated by P2X7 are also disclosed.
US08217065B2 Organic compounds
The present invention provides compounds of the following structure; A-Q-B—C-D that are useful for treating conditions or disorders associated with DGAT1 activity in animals, particularly humans.
US08217062B2 Topical composition comprising a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist
A topical composition comprising a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, a stiffening agent and a release modifier. The stiffening agent comprises a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid sorbitane ester, or a fatty acid glycerol ester, having a hydrocarbon chain containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms and having a melting point of about 45 to 750° C. The release modifier comprises a fatty alcohol, a fatty alcohol glycol ether, a fatty acid alkyl ester, a fatty acid glycerol ester, or a fatty acid sorbitane ester, having a hydrocarbon chain containing 12 to 18 carbon atoms and having a melting point of about −10 to 400° C. Use of such a composition for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a dermal or mucosal disorder, preferably an anorectal disorder associated with high anal pressure or anal sphincter spasm.
US08217059B2 Compositions and methods for treating spasticity
Disclosed are methods of treating spasticity by administering to a patient in need of such treatment a compound having the following formula:
US08217057B2 Polymorphs of a c-MET/HGFR inhibitor
This invention relates to polymorphs of (R)-3-[1-(2,6-Dichloro-3-fluoro-phenyl)-ethoxy]-5-(1-piperidin-4-yl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-pyridin-2-ylamine that are useful in the treatment of abnormal cell growth, such as cancer, in mammals. This invention also relates to compositions including such salts and polymorphs, and to methods of using such compositions in the treatment of abnormal cell growth in mammals, especially humans.
US08217055B2 Pyrido-pyrazine derivatives useful as herbicidal compounds
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined in claim 1; or a salt or N-oxide thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to processes for preparing compounds of formula (I), to methods of controlling plants and compositions comprising compounds of formula (I).
US08217050B2 Adenine derivative as inhibitors of HSP90 for the treatment of cancer
The invention provides a compound which is (a) an amino acid derivative of formula (I) or a tautomer thereof, or (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, N-oxide, hydrate or solvate thereof: wherein R1, R2, L1, Het, A, x, y and W are as defined herein. The compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases mediated by HSP90.
US08217048B2 Inhibitors of serine proteases, particularly HCV NS3-NS4A protease
The present invention relates to compounds that inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus NS3-NS4A protease. As such, they act by interfering with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The invention further relates to compositions comprising these compounds either for ex vivo use or for administration to a patient suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a patient by administering a composition comprising a compound of this invention. The invention further relates to processes for preparing these compounds.
US08217047B2 Therapeutic methods and compounds
The invention provides diketopiperazines of formula I. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the diketopiperazines, or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof, as the active ingredient. The invention further provides therapeutic treatments that utilize the diketopiperazines of formula I, including inhibition of a proliferative disease or condition, inhibition of angiogenesis, treatment of an angiogenic disease or condition, treatment of cancer and precancerous conditions, treatment of a fibrotic disorder, treatment of a viral infection, treatment of an Akt-mediated disease or condition, inhibition of the production, release or both of matrix metalloproteinase-9, and inhibition of Akt activation.
US08217045B2 Organic compounds
The invention relates to naphthalene carboxylic acid and isoquinoline carboxylic acid amides, and related compounds of formula I and their uses as pharmaceuticals.
US08217042B2 Pyridopyrazines and their use as modulators of kinases
The invention relates to pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazines of the general formulae (I) and (II), and to their preparation and use as medicaments, especially for the treatment of malignant disorders and other disorders based on pathological cell proliferations.
US08217041B2 Indene derivatives, their preparation and use as medicaments
The present invention makes reference to new indene derivatives with general formula (I), as well as to their preparation procedures, their application as medicament and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The new compounds of formula (I) show affinity for 5-HT6 receptors and are, therefore, effective for treating diseases mediated by these receptors.
US08217039B2 Aprepitant polymorph mixtures
Intimate mixtures of aprepitant crystalline Form I and crystalline Form II, having specific weight ratios of the forms.
US08217032B2 Selective estrogen receptor modulators for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms
The present invention relates to a selective estrogen receptor modulator of formula I or Ia: (I) (Ia); or a pharmaceutical acid addition salt thereof; useful for treating vasomotor symptoms, in particular hot flashes, night sweats and other symptoms that affect women around menopause.
US08217029B2 Oxazolidinone antibiotics
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein U, V, W, X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, A, B, D, E, G, m, and n are as defined in the description, to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such compounds for use in the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or treatment of a bacterial infection. Certain compounds of formula (I) are new and are also part of this invention.
US08217028B2 1,2,4-oxadiazole indole compounds
The present invention relates to novel oxadiazole derivatives having pharmacological activity, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of various disorders.
US08217027B2 Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonist and antagonist compounds
The present invention is directed to novel, potent, and selective agents, which are agonists or antagonists of the one or more of the individual receptors of the S1P receptor family. The compounds of the invention are useful as therapeutics for treating medical conditions associated with agonism or antagonism of the individual receptors of the S1P receptor family.
US08217025B2 Drug screening and treatment methods
The invention relates to methods identify or characterize compounds that can be used to treat specified clinical disorders such as hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes. Compounds that can be used in these methods include 4α-fluoro-17α-ethynylandrost-5-ene-3β,7β,17β-triol, 4α-fluoro-17α-ethynylandrost-5-ene-3β,7α,17β-triol, 4α-fluoro-17α-ethynylandrost-5-ene-3α,7β,17β-triol and 4α-fluoro-17α-ethynylandrost-5-ene-3β,17β-triol-7-one.
US08217024B2 Conjugated estrogen compositions, applicators, kits, and methods of making and use thereof
The present invention is directed to monophasic pharmaceutical compositions comprising a conjugated estrogen and a hydrophilic or lipophilic excipient. The present invention is also directed to kits and applicators comprising the pharmaceutical compositions. The invention is also directed to methods for treating menopausal conditions in a female comprising administration of the pharmaceutical compositions.
US08217022B2 Analogues of 1,3-bis(4-nitrophenyl)triazenes, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and N-acyl derivatives for tumour treatment
The present invention refers to analogues of 1,3-bis(4-nitrophenyl)triazenes, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and N-acyl derivatives for the treatment of different types of tumors. Said compounds show cytotoxicity at very low concentrations (IC50 0.22 to 12.8 μM), and good solubility. These compounds can be used in the treatment of tumor patients as single drugs or in combination with other cytostatics.
US08217020B2 Methods and compositions for reducing viral genome amounts in a target cell
Methods and compositions for reducing viral genome amounts in a target cell are provided. In the subject methods, the activity of a miRNA is inhibited in a manner sufficient to reduce the amount of viral genome in the target cell, e.g., by introducing a miRNA inhibitory agent in the target cell. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and systems for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject invention finds use in a variety of applications, including the treatment of subjects suffering from a viral mediated disease condition, e.g., an HCV mediated disease condition.
US08217017B2 Modulation of insulin like growth factor I receptor expression
The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating the expression of growth factor gene. In particular, this invention relates to compounds, particularly oligonucleotide compounds, which, in preferred embodiments, hybridize with nucleic acid molecules encoding the Insulin Like Growth Factor I receptor (IGF-I receptor or IGF-IR) and in particular human IGF-IR. Such compounds are exemplified herein to modulate proliferation which is relevant to the treatment of proliferative and inflammatory skin disorders and cancer. It will be understood, however, that the compounds can be used for any other condition in which the IGF-IR is involved including inflammatory condition.
US08217012B2 Peptides for targeting apoptotic cells and uses thereof
A peptide capable of specifically targeting apoptotic cells undergoing apoptosis and a use thereof is described. Peptides having an amino acid sequence represented by any one of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 12 targeted apoptotic cell. Uses for compositions comprising the peptides include detection of apoptotic cells drug delivery and imaging. The peptide of the present invention effectively detects apoptosis which is involved in tissues of neoplastic disease, myocardial infarction, stroke and arteriosclerosis. Accordingly, the peptide of the present invention may be bound to an imaging or treatment reagent to be used in diagnosis of diseases, imaging of drug reactions, and treatment for diseases by selective drug delivery.
US08217011B2 Peptides, compositions and uses thereof
Described is an N-terminal hexapeptide fragment of maximakinin, QUB 698.8, which exhibits potent tissue selective actions on smooth muscle. It demonstrates a high degree of selectivity for arterial smooth muscle over small intestinal smooth muscle, causing potent relaxation of arterial smooth muscle, while causing less potent contraction of ileal smooth muscle. It may be used treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system and in promotion of angiogenesis.
US08217010B2 Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for contributing to the treatment of solid tumors
Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for contributing to the treatment of a solid cancerous tumor are disclosed. The methods, compositions and articles of manufacture can utilize an endothelin B agonist (ETB) to enhance the delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent to a solid tumor in mammals, including humans.
US08217006B2 Inhibiting GS-FDH to modulate no bioactivity
Patients needing NO donor therapy or inhibition of pathologically proliferating cells or increased NO bioactivity are treated with a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase.
US08217001B2 Modification of feeding behavior
Methods are disclosed for decreasing calorie intake, food intake, and appetite in a subject. The methods include peripherally administering a therapeutically effective amount of PYY or an agonist thereof to the subject, thereby decreasing the calorie intake of the subject.
US08217000B2 Method for elevating prolactin in mammals
Methods for elevating and stabilizing prolactin levels in a mammal including methods of treating disorders and conditions associated with reduced serum levels of prolactin are provided. Also provided are methods of using certain synthetic tetrapeptide amides which are peripherally selective kappa opioid receptor agonists to elevate or stabilize serum prolactin levels.
US08216999B2 HCV NS3 protease inhibitors
The present invention relates to macrocyclic compounds of formula (I) that are useful as inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protease, their synthesis, and their use for treating or preventing HCV infections.
US08216998B2 Treatment of ischemic events
The invention relates to the treatment of an ischemic event such as a stroke or myocardial infarction. The invention provides a method for modulating an ischemic event in a subject comprising providing the subject with a gene-regulatory peptide or functional analogue thereof. Furthermore, the invention provides use of an NF-κB-down-regulating peptide or functional analogue thereof for the production of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of reperfusion injury occurring after an ischemic event in a subject.
US08216996B2 Multimer of extracellular domain of cell surface functional molecule
As a substance which pharmacologically regulates the function of a cell surface functional molecule, a substance which has specificity and an activity or efficacy equal or superior to an antibody and does not require an advanced production technique and facility for application thereof to a pharmaceutical product has been demanded. The invention relates to a multimer of an extracellular domain of a cell surface functional molecule, particularly a tetramer of an extracellular domain of PD-1 or PD-L1. Further, the invention relates to an application of such a tetramer as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for cancer, cancer metastasis, immunodeficiency, an infectious disease or the like and an application of PD-1 or PD-L1 as a testing or diagnostic agent or a research agent for such a disease.
US08216995B2 Botulinum toxin treatments
A method and composition for treating a patient suffering from a disease, disorder or condition and associated pain include the administration to the patient of a therapeutically effective amount of a neurotoxin selected from a group consisting of Botulinum toxin types A, B, C, D, E, F and G.
US08216994B2 Phosphate functionalized alkyl polyglucosides used for enhanced food soil removal
A cleaning composition including a C12 phosphate functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a water conditioning agent and water. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins.
US08216993B2 Laundry stain and soil pretreatment sheet
A laundry stain and soil pretreatment sheet including a water soluble or water dispersible carrier layer, preferably polyvinyl alcohol, a removable separator layer, and a layer of cleaning agent composition therebetween. The separator layer is removed, the composition layer is adhered to a stain on clothing, and the clothing is laundered to treat the stain. The carrier layer dissolves or disperses during the laundering.
US08216988B2 Method of removing enhanced food soil from a surface using a sulfonated alkyl polyglucoside composition
A method of using a cleaning composition including a sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a co-surfactant, a water conditioning agent and water. The sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside is one of a C12 sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside, a C10-C12 blend of a sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside or a C10 sulfonated functionalized alkyl polyglucoside. The co-surfactant comprises a C6-C12 alcohol ethoxylate having between 3 and 10 moles of EO. In one embodiment, the cleaning composition is substantially free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The cleaning composition is capable of removing soils including up to 20% proteins and has a neutral pH.
US08216987B2 Cleaning agent for high viscosity metalworking fluid
The present invention relates to a agent for cleaning metal drawing oil, which contains alcohol, glycol ether, water, and one or more compounds selected from hydrocarbon or ester compounds. The cleaning agent according to the present invention is environmentally friendly because it does not contain halogen elements such as chlorine. The agent can reduce toxicity on the human body due to low volatility; is economical due to the long change period resulting from the reduction of evaporation; and removes drawing oil having high viscosity and polarity effectively during metal processing.
US08216983B2 Grease composition for use in constant velocity joint and constant velocity joint
The present invention provides a grease composition for use in a constant velocity joint, which is excellent in the resistance to flaking. The grease composition comprises the following components (a) to (d):(a) a base oil; (b) a thickener; (c) an organic molybdenum compound; and (d) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of oxides of divalent typical metals having a Mohs hardness lower than that of the steel and compounds of the foregoing divalent typical metals, which can immediately be converted into the corresponding oxides of these metals having a Mohs hardness lower than that of the steel under the boundary lubrication conditions. In particular, the present invention relates to a grease composition for use in a constant velocity joint, wherein the component (d) is zinc oxide or zinc carbonate and wherein the component (c) is molybdenum dithiocarbamate.
US08216982B2 Low-phosphorous lubricants
Disclosed is a low-phosphorous lubricant produced by a process comprising forming a lubricant additive by reacting metal halide and organophosphate together to form a reaction mixture, the metal halide participating as a reactant, and adding at least a portion of the reaction mixture to a lubricant base comprising from about 0.01 weight percent phosphorous to about 0.1 weight percent phosphorous.
US08216980B2 Method of making a micro-channel array device
Micro channel array devices drawn from a bulk preform having an array of components to reduce the cross section. The reduced cross section fiber like structure is cut to produce individual arrays of small scale. End caps are drawn and optionally micro machined. The end caps are used to provide input and output ports and other structures for use with the micro channel arrays. A micro channel array may be used with different end caps for analysis and may form a lab on a chip or a component thereof.
US08216973B2 2-[(1H-pyrazole-4-ylmethyl)-sulfonyl]-oxazole-derivative, 2-[(1H-pyrazole-4-ylmethyl)-sulfanyl]-oxazole-derivatives, and chiral 2-[(1H-pyrazole-4-ymethyl)sulfinyl]oxazole derivatives, methods for the production thereof, and use thereof as herbicides and plant growth regulators
The invention relates to 2-[(1H-pyrazol-4-ylmethyl)-sulfonyl]-oxazole derivatives, chiral 2-[(1H-pyrazol-4-ylmethyl)-sulfinyl]-oxazole derivatives, and 2-[(1H-pyrazol-4-ylmethyl)-sulfanyl]-oxazole derivatives of general formula (I) and the salts thereof, methods for the production thereof, and the use thereof as herbicides and plant growth regulators, in particular as herbicides for selectively controlling weeds in plant crops.
US08216972B1 Acid combination one step reaction process for agricultural use products and associated methods
A process for the manufacture of an aqueous composition that is a combination of a fungicide and fertilizer comprising the following steps: (1) dissolving phosphorous acid in phosphoric acid to form a solution of an acid mixture; (2) reacting the acid mixture of step (1) with an aqueous hydroxide solution creating an exothermic reaction under pressure; and, (3) cooling the reaction product to between about 35° C. to about 65° C. The reaction product prepared according to the above process can also be used as a bactericide.
US08216971B2 Pesticide composition comprising propamocarb-hydrochloride and an insecticide active substance
The present invention relates to a pesticide composition intended for protecting plants, crops or seeds against phyto-pathogenic fungi or damaging insects, and the corresponding methods of treatment using the said composition. More precisely, the subject of the present invention is a pesticide composition based on propamocarb-HCl, an insecticide active substance and optionally a further fungicide active substance.
US08216970B2 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenylethane and thermal recording material for recording the same
This invention provides 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenylethane having a crystal form characterized by an X-ray diffraction pattern having one sharp and strong peak at 16.4° and three sharp peaks of intermediate intensity at each of 13°-16° and 17°-20.8° and at least three peaks of intermediate intensity at 22°-23° as a diffraction angle (2θ) in an X-ray diffractometry with Cu—K α-rays, and being capable of giving the storing stability of a colored image and a non-colored portion against heat, water or the like and the low-energy color-developing property suitable for high-speed color development.
US08216969B2 Pathogen-resistant fabrics
A pathogen-resistant fabric comprising one or more photocatalysts capable of generating singlet oxygen from ambient air. The pathogen-resistant fabric may optionally include one or more singlet oxygen traps.
US08216968B2 Coordination complex system comprising building blocks
The invention relates to a coordination complex system comprising a ligand having at least two donor moieties, which are complexed to at least a metal selected from a transition metal and lanthanide, characterized in that the ligand comprises at least two building blocks, each having at least one functional group and at least one donor moiety, wherein one building block is non-covalently bonded through its functional group to a complementary functional group of another building block or of a template, wherein the template comprises at least one other functional group that is noncovalently bonded to a complementary functional group of another building block, and wherein all building blockemplate-building block structures are the same when the template contains more than two functional groups.
US08216967B2 Method for producing water-absorbing composite materials
Water-absorbing composites comprising at least two particulate water-absorbing polymers having different pH values and at least one fibrous material are produced without premixing the water-absorbing polymers and are used in hygiene articles.
US08216963B2 Preparation of cobalt-ruthenium fischer-tropsch catalysts
A method for forming a cobalt-containing Fischer-Tropsch catalyst involves precipitating a cobalt oxy-hydroxycarbonate species by turbulent mixing, during which a basic solution collides with an acidic solution comprising cobalt. The method further involves depositing the cobalt oxy-hydroxycarbonate species onto a support material to provide a catalyst comprising cobalt and the support material. The support material comprises one or more of alumina, silica, magnesia, titania, zirconia, ceria-zirconia, and magnesium aluminate.
US08216962B2 Urethane-forming reaction catalyst and method for producing urethane material
The present invention provides a urethane-forming reaction catalyst which is useful for catalyzing a reaction between an isocyanate compound, in particular, an aliphatic isocyanate and a hydroxyl group-containing compound to form a urethane material, which does not affect the performance of the urethane material, and which can be easily removed from the resulting urethane material, and a method for producing a metal compound-free urethane material using the urethane-forming reaction catalyst. The catalyst of the present invention is a urethane-forming reaction catalyst for producing a urethane material by allowing a hydroxyl group-containing compound to react with an isocyanate compound, the catalyst being at least one solid acid catalyst selected from the group consisting of a (A) composite metal oxide in which a metal oxide (A-2) or a non-metal compound (A-3) is carried on a surface of a metal oxide carrier (A-1), (B) zeolite, and a (C) heteropoly acid.
US08216957B2 Catalyst preparation using H2
The invention refers to a process for preparing a Group 2 metal/transition metal olefin polymerization catalyst component in particulate form having improved polymerization properties due to the use of H2 during catalyst component preparation and the use of such catalyst components in a process for polymerizing olefins.
US08216951B2 Quantum tunneling devices and circuits with lattice-mismatched semiconductor structures
Structures include a tunneling device disposed over first and second lattice-mismatched semiconductor materials. Process embodiments include forming tunneling devices over lattice-mismatched materials.
US08216950B2 Capacitive element fabrication method
A semiconductor device includes an operating layer made of a semiconductor and a silicon nitride film formed on the operating layer with the use of a mixed gas that includes mono-silane gas, hydrogen gas, and nitrogen gas, by a plasma CVD apparatus, under a condition that a flow rate of the hydrogen gas is 0.2 percent to 5 percent to an overall flow rate.
US08216945B2 Wafer planarity control between pattern levels
A method for controlling the flatness of a wafer between lithography pattern levels. A first lithography step is performed on a topside semiconductor surface of the wafer. Reference curvature information is obtained for the wafer. The reference curvature is other than planar. At least one process step is performed that results in a changed curvature relative to the reference curvature. The changed curvature information is obtained for the wafer. Stress on a bottomside surface of the wafer is modified that reduces a difference between the changed curvature and the reference curvature. A second lithography step is performed on the topside semiconductor surface while the modified stress distribution is present.
US08216940B2 Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a copper-containing metal interconnect over the semiconductor substrate, and a copper-containing connection plug, and the metal interconnect includes metal elements other than copper, and a concentration of different metal elements in a connection portion between the metal interconnect and the connection plug is higher than a concentration of the different metal elements in a center portion of the metal interconnect, and higher than a concentration of different elements in upper face portion of the metal interconnect other than the connection portion.
US08216936B1 Low capacitance electrical connection via
In one embodiment, a method is presented for formation of a through-silicon via in a silicon substrate. A via is etched in the silicon substrate. A first layer of oxide film is deposited on side walls of the via and on a first surface of the silicon substrate. At least a portion of the first layer of oxide film formed on the first surface of the silicon substrate is etched, and a second layer of oxide film is deposited on side walls of the via and. A conductor is deposited in the via.
US08216933B2 Krypton sputtering of low resistivity tungsten
A method of depositing a bilayer of tungsten over tungsten nitride by a plasma sputtering process in which krypton is used as the sputter working gas during the tungsten deposition. Argon may be used as the sputtering working gas during the reactive sputtering deposition of tungsten nitride. The beneficial effect of reduction of tungsten resistivity is increased when the thickness of the tungsten layer is less than 50 nm and further increased when less than 35 nm. The method may be used in forming a gate stack including a polysilicon layer over a gate oxide layer over a silicon gate region of a MOS transistor in which the tungsten nitride acts as a barrier. A plasma sputter chamber in which the invention may be practiced includes gas sources of krypton, argon, and nitrogen.
US08216932B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor devices having metal lines
The present invention relates to semiconductor devices and a method of fabricating the same. According to a method of manufacturing semiconductor devices, there is first provided a semiconductor substrate in which a first pre-metal dielectric layer including trenches is formed. A diffusion barrier layer is formed on the entire surface including the trenches. A metal layer is formed on the diffusion barrier layer including the trenches, thereby gap-filling the trenches. A polish etching process is performed on the metal layer and the diffusion barrier layer so that the diffusion barrier layer and the metal layer remain within the trenches. An etching process of lowering a height of the metal layer is performed in order to increase a distance between metal lines. A capping layer is formed on the entire surface including exposed sidewalls of the first pre-metal dielectric layer. A second pre-metal dielectric layer is formed over the capping layer.
US08216928B1 Methods for fabricating semiconductor devices having local contacts
Fabrication methods for semiconductor device structures are provided. One method for fabricating a semiconductor device structure that includes a gate structure overlying a semiconductor substrate and a doped region formed in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the gate structure involves the steps of forming a first layer of dielectric material overlying the gate structure and the doped region, isotropically etching the first layer of dielectric material, forming a second layer of dielectric material overlying the first layer of dielectric material after isotropically etching the first layer, and forming a conductive contact that is electrically connected to the doped region within the first layer and the second layer.
US08216926B2 Method of producing a partly or completely semi-insulating or p-type doped ZnO substrate, substrates obtained, and electronic, electro-optic or optoelectronic devices comprising them
Method of producing a partly or completely semi-insulating or p-type doped ZnO substrate from an n-type doped ZnO substrate, in which the n-type doped ZnO substrate is brought into contact with an anhydrous molten salt chosen from anhydrous molten sodium nitrate, lithium nitrate, potassium nitrate and rubidium nitrate. Partly or completely semi-insulating or p-type doped ZnO substrate, said substrate being in particular in the form of a thin layer, film or in the form of nanowires; and said substrate being doped at the same time by an element chosen from Na, Li, K and Rb; by N; and by O; it being furthermore possible for ZnO or GaN to be epitaxially grown on this substrate. Electronic, optoelectronic or electro-optic device such as a light-emitting diode (LED) comprising this substrate.
US08216924B2 Methods of fabricating transistors using laser annealing of source/drain regions
Fabrication of a Group III-nitride transistor device can include implanting dopant ions into a stacked Group III-nitride channel layer and Group III-nitride barrier layer to form source/drain regions therein with a channel region therebetween. The channel layer has a lower bandgap energy than the barrier layer along a heterojunction interface between the channel layer and the barrier layer. The source/drain regions have a lower defect centers energy than the channel region. The source/drain regions and the channel region are exposed to a laser beam with a wavelength having a photon energy that is less than the bandgap energy of the channel region and higher than the defect centers energy of the source/drain regions to locally heat the source/drain regions to a temperature that anneals the source/drain regions.
US08216918B2 Method of forming a packaged semiconductor device
A method is used to form a packaged semiconductor device. A semiconductor device, which has an active surface, is placed in an opening of a circuit board. The circuit board has a first major surface and a second major surface having the opening, first vias that extend between the first major surface and the second major surface, first contact pads terminating the vias at the first major surface, and second contact pads terminating the vias at the second major surface. A dielectric layer is applied over the semiconductor device and the second major surface of the circuit board. An interconnect layer is formed over the dielectric layer. The interconnect layer has second vias electrically connected to the second contact pads, third vias that are electrically connected to the active surface of the semiconductor device, an exposed surface, and third contact pads at the exposed surface.
US08216917B2 Method for fabricating a semiconductor on insulator type substrate
A method for fabricating a substrate of the semiconductor on insulator type by forming an epitaxial layer of semiconducting material on a donor substrate having oxygen precipitates with a density of less than 1010/cm3 or a mean size of less than 500 nm, forming an oxide layer on either a donor or receiver substrate, implanting atomic species in the donor substrate to form a weakened zone in the epitaxial layer, bonding the donor and receiver substrates together, with the oxide layer present at the bonding interface, fracturing the donor substrate in the weakened zone to transfer a layer of the donor substrate to the receiver substrate with the transferred layer including the epitaxial layer, and recycling the remainder of the donor substrate to form a receiver substrate for fabrication of a second semiconductor on insulator type substrate.
US08216916B2 Treatment for bonding interface stabilization
A method and/or system are provided for producing a structure comprising a thin layer of semiconductor material on a substrate. The method includes creating an area of embrittlement in the thickness of a donor substrate, bonding the donor substrate with a support substrate and detaching the donor substrate at the level of the area of embrittlement to transfer a thin layer of the donor substrate onto the support substrate. The method also includes thermal treatment of this resulting structure to stabilize the bonding interface between the thin layer and the substrate support. The invention also relates to the structures obtained by such a process.
US08216915B2 SOI substrate and manufacturing method thereof
The semiconductor substrate provided with a groove portion is irradiated with ions so that an embrittled region is formed in the semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate and a base substrate are bonded to each other with an insulating layer interposed therebetween and a space which is surrounded by the groove portion in the semiconductor substrate and the base substrate is formed, and heat treatment is performed to separate the semiconductor substrate at the embrittled region, so that the semiconductor layer is formed over the base substrate with the insulating layer interposed therebetween.
US08216912B2 Method, structure, and design structure for a through-silicon-via Wilkinson power divider
A method, structure, and design structure for a through-silicon-via Wilkinson power divider. A method includes: forming an input on a first side of a substrate; forming a first leg comprising a first through-silicon-via formed in the substrate, wherein the first leg electrically connects the input and a first output; forming a second leg comprising a second through-silicon-via formed in the substrate, wherein the second leg electrically connects the input and a second output, and forming a resistor electrically connected between the first output and the second output.
US08216910B2 Group III-V compound semiconductor based heterojunction bipolar transistors with various collector profiles on a common wafer
A wafer comprising at least one high Ft HBT and at least one high BVceo HBT having various collector profiles on a common III-V compound semiconductor based wafer. The N+ implant in the collector varies the collector profiles of individual HBTs on the wafer. The method for preparing the device comprises forming of HBT layers up to and including collector layer on non-silicon based substrate, performing ion implantation, annealing for implant activation, and forming remaining HBT layers.
US08216906B2 Method of manufacturing integrated circuit device with well controlled surface proximity
An integrated circuit device and method for manufacturing the integrated circuit device is disclosed. The disclosed method provides improved control over a surface proximity and tip depth of integrated circuit device. In an embodiment, the method achieves improved control by forming a lightly doped source and drain (LDD) region that acts as an etch stop. The LDD region may act as an etch stop during an etching process implemented to form a recess in the substrate that defines a source and drain region of the device.
US08216905B2 Stress engineering to reduce dark current of CMOS image sensors
The active pixel cell structures and methods of preparing such structures described above enable reduction of dark current and white cell counts for active pixel cells. The process of preparing active pixel cell structures introduces stress on the substrate, which could lead to increased dark current and white cell counts of active pixel cells. By depositing a stress layer as part of a pre-metal dielectric layer with a stress that counters the stress induced, both the dark current and the white cell counts can be reduced. If the transistors of the active pixel cells are NMOS, the carrier mobility can also be increased by a tensile stress layer. Raman Spectroscopy can be used to measure the stress exerted on the substrate prior to the deposition of the stress layer.
US08216904B2 Strained transistor and method for forming the same
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor substrate is provided having at least two transistor regions formed therein. Overlying the channel regions is a gate dielectric and transistor gate electrodes overly the gate dielectric and are positioned overlying the channel regions. Source and drain regions are formed on either side of the channel regions to create a transistor structure. In order to provide isolation between transistors in the semiconductor substrate, a trench is formed in the substrate. A strain-inducting layer is then deposited over the transistor structures and into the trench in the semiconductor substrate. A high-stress nitride layer is one type of material which is suitable for forming the strain-inducing layer.
US08216903B2 SRAM cell with asymmetrical pass gate
A method of controlling gate induced drain leakage current of a transistor is disclosed. The method includes forming a dielectric region (516) on a surface of a substrate having a first concentration of a first conductivity type (P-well). A gate region (500) having a length and a width is formed on the dielectric region. Source (512) and drain (504) regions having a second conductivity type (N+) are formed in the substrate on opposite sides of the gate region. A first impurity region (508) having the first conductivity type (P+) is formed adjacent the source. The first impurity region has a second concentration greater than the first concentration.
US08216893B2 Stress enhanced transistor devices and methods of making
Stress enhanced transistor devices and methods of fabricating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a transistor device comprises: a gate conductor spaced above a semiconductor substrate by a gate dielectric, wherein the semiconductor substrate comprises a channel region underneath the gate conductor and recessed regions on opposite sides of the channel region, wherein the channel region comprises undercut areas under the gate conductor; a stressed material embedded in the undercut areas of the channel region under the gate conductor; and epitaxially grown source and drain regions disposed in the recessed regions of the semiconductor substrate laterally adjacent to the stressed material.
US08216891B2 LCD TFT array plate and fabricating method thereof
Lift-off method and half-tone photolithography are used to fabricate LCD TFT array plate. Only two photo masks are used to respectively define a first and a second metal layers to accomplish the LCD TFT array plate.
US08216889B2 Thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same
A thin film transistor includes a multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit including a plurality of coaxial silicon nanowires on a substrate, the multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit including a central portion and end portions of the central portion; a gate electrode on the central portion; and a source electrode and a drain electrode on the respective end portions, respectively, so as to electrically connect to the multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit.
US08216883B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor package system with die support pad
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor package system includes: providing a leadframe, having an open center, with leads adjacent to a peripheral edge of the leadframe; making a die support pad, formed without tie bars, separately from the leadframe; providing a coverlay tape for positioning the support pad centered within the leadframe; attaching a semiconductor die to the die support pad through a die attach adhesive, the semiconductor die being spaced from the leads; and connecting a bonding pad on the semiconductor die to one of the leads using a bonding wire.
US08216881B2 Method for fabricating a semiconductor and semiconductor package
A method for fabricating a semiconductor chip module and a semiconductor chip package is disclosed. One embodiment provides a first layer, a second layer, and a base layer. The first layer is disposed on the base layer, and the second layer is disposed on the first layer. A plurality of semiconductor chips is applied above the second layer, and the second layer with the applied semiconductor chips is separated from the first layer.
US08216880B2 Wire bonding on reactive metal surfaces of a metallization of a semiconductor device by providing a protection layer
In semiconductor devices having a copper-based metallization system, bond pads for wire bonding may be formed directly on copper surfaces, which may be covered by an appropriately designed protection layer to avoid unpredictable copper corrosion during the wire bond process. A thickness of the protection layer may be selected such that bonding through the layer may be accomplished, while also ensuring a desired high degree of integrity of the copper surface.
US08216879B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device or apparatus, and apparatus for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device or apparatus having at least a semiconductor as a component, characterized by including irradiating the semiconductor with light having a longer wavelength than the absorption edge wavelength of the semiconductor to change the threshold voltage of the semiconductor device or apparatus, and checking the threshold voltage of the semiconductor device or apparatus, after or during irradiation with the light, to determine whether the threshold voltage is in a predetermined range, during manufacturing the semiconductor device or apparatus.
US08216871B2 Method for thin film thermoelectric module fabrication
Methods of fabrication of a thermoelectric module from thin film thermoelectric material are disclosed. In general, a thin film thermoelectric module is fabricated by first forming an N-type thin film thermoelectric material layer and one or more metallization layers on a substrate. The one or more metallization layers and the N-type thin film thermoelectric material layer are etched to form a number of N-type thermoelectric material legs. A first electrode assembly is then bonded to a first portion of the N-type thermoelectric material legs, and the first electrode assembly including the first portion of the N-type thermoelectric material legs is removed from the substrate. In a similar manner, a second electrode assembly is bonded to a first portion of a number of P-type thermoelectric material legs. The first and second electrode assemblies are then bonded using a flip-chip bonding process to complete the fabrication of the thermoelectric module.
US08216870B2 Mechanical quantity sensor and method of manufacturing the same
A mechanical quantity sensor includes: a first structure having a fixed portion with an opening, a displaceable portion disposed in the opening and displaceable relative to the fixed portion, and a connection portion connecting the fixed portion and the displaceable portion to each other; a second structure having a weight portion joined to the displaceable portion and a pedestal joined to the fixed portion, the second structure being stacked on the first structure; a first base having a first driving electrode which is disposed on a surface facing the displaceable portion and is made of a conductive material containing Al and Nd, the first base being stacked on the first structure while being connected to the fixed portion; and a second base having a second driving electrode which is disposed on a surface facing the weight portion and is made of the conductive material, the second base being stacked on the second structure while being connected to the pedestal.
US08216861B1 Dielectric recovery of plasma damaged low-k films by UV-assisted photochemical deposition
Methods for the repair of damaged low k films are provided. Damage to the low k films occurs during processing of the film such as during etching, ashing, and planarization. The processing of the low k film causes water to store in the pores of the film and further causes hydrophilic compounds to form in the low k film structure. Repair processes incorporating ultraviolet (UV) radiation and carbon-containing compounds remove the water from the pores and further remove the hydrophilic compounds from the low k film structure.
US08216859B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device having memory element with protective film
To provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device capable of forming, as a protective film of an MTJ element, a silicon nitride film having good insulation properties without deteriorating the properties of the MTJ element. The method of the invention includes steps of forming a silicon nitride film over the entire surface including an MTJ element portion (MTJ element and an upper electrode) while using a parallel plate plasma CVD apparatus as a film forming apparatus and a film forming gas not containing NH3 but composed of SiH4/N2/helium (He). The film forming temperature is set at from 200 to 350° C. More ideally, a flow rate ratio of He to SiH4 is set at from 100 to 125.
US08216858B2 Ferroelectric material, method of producing ferroelectric material, and ferroelectric device
Provided are a ferroelectric material having good ferroelectricity and good insulation property, and a ferroelectric device using the ferroelectric material. In the present invention, the ferroelectric material includes a metal oxide having a perovskite-type crystal structure, in which: the metal oxide contains bismuth ferrite whose iron is substituted by manganese, and at least one of a copper oxide and a nickel oxide; the bismuth ferrite is substituted by manganese at a substitution ratio of 0.5 at. % or more to 20 at. % or less with respect to a total amount of iron and manganese; and at least one of the copper oxide and the nickel oxide is added in an amount of 0.5 mol % or more to 20 mol % or less with respect to the bismuth ferrite whose iron is substituted by manganese.
US08216857B2 Ferroelectric memory device and fabrication process thereof, fabrication process of a semiconductor device
A ferroelectric memory device includes a field effect transistor formed on a semiconductor substrate, an interlayer insulation film formed on the semiconductor substrate so as to cover the field effect transistor, a conductive plug formed in the interlayer insulation film in contact with the first diffusion region, and a ferroelectric capacitor formed over the interlayer insulation in contact with the conductive plug, wherein the ferroelectric capacitor includes a ferroelectric film and upper and lower electrodes sandwiching the ferroelectric film respectively from above and below, the lower electrode being connected electrically to the conductive plug, a layer containing oxygen being interposed between the conductive plug and the lower electrode, a layer containing nitrogen being interposed between the layer containing oxygen and the lower electrode, a self-aligned layer being interposed between the layer containing nitrogen and the lower electrode.
US08216855B2 Method of processing a biological and/or chemical sample
The invention provides a method of processing a biological and/or chemical sample. The method includes providing a fluid droplet, which includes an inner phase and an outer phase. The outer phase is immiscible with the inner phase, and the outer phase is surrounding the inner phase. The inner phase includes the biological and/or chemical sample. The fluid droplet furthermore comprises magnetically attractable matter. The method also includes providing at least one surface, which is of such a texture and such a wettability for the fluid of the inner phase of the fluid droplet, that the fluid droplet remains intact upon being contacted therewith. The method further includes disposing the fluid droplet onto the at least one surface. The method also includes performing a process on the biological and/or chemical sample in the fluid droplet.
US08216854B2 Device and method for measuring analytes
The present invention is directed to a system, device and method for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a fluid or matrix. A thermodynamically stabilized analyte binding ligand for use in the system, device and method is disclosed. The thermodynamically stabilized analyte binding ligand is resistant to degradation at physiological temperatures and its use within the device provides a minimally invasive sensor for monitoring the concentration of an analyte in a fluid or matrix as are present in the body of an animal.
US08216849B2 Colorimetric test for brake system corrosion
A method and kit for determining a concentration of iron in brake fluid when contacting a colorimetric reagent such that a color results. The level of iron can be used to determine the amount of active corrosion within a brake system and determine if special service procedures are required.
US08216848B2 Means and method for diagnosing diabetes
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing diabetes or a predisposition thereof, comprising determining at least one metabolite in a test sample of a subject suspected to suffer from diabetes or to have a predisposition therefor and comparing the metabolite to a reference to diagnose diabetes or a predisposition therefor. The present invention further encompasses a collection of metabolites, a data collection comprising characteristic values of metabolites and a storage medium comprising the data collection. The present invention also relates to a system comprising methods or devices for comparing characteristic values of metabolites of a sample operatively linked to a data storage medium. The present invention also encompasses diagnostic methods or devices comprising at least one metabolite and use of the metabolite for the manufacture of diagnostic methods and devices for diagnosing diabetes; and a method for identifying diabetes-related metabolites.
US08216844B2 Compositions and methods for improved protein production
The present invention relates to the identification of novel nucleic acid sequences, designated herein as 7p, 8k, 7E, 9G, 8Q and 203, in a host cell which effect protein production. The present invention also provides host cells having a mutation or deletion of part or all of the gene encoding 7p, 8k, 7E, 9G, 8Q and 203, which are presented in FIG. 1, and are SEQ ID NOS.: 1-6, respectively. The present invention also provides host cells further comprising a nucleic acid encoding a desired heterologous protein such as an enzyme.
US08216843B2 Artificially synthesized peptide
A short synthetic vector peptide of 25 residues has been developed comprising hydrophobic domain and a novel, nuclear localization signal for efficient delivery, devoid of any cytotoxicity. Using the vector peptide, the oligonucleotide/peptide complexes got delivered evenly in cytoplasm and nucleus in less than an hour and finally localizing completely into nucleus in two hours and protein (antibody) to cytoplasm within 1 hour in both primary (chicken embryo fibroblast) cells and established mammalian cell line (Vero cells).
US08216841B2 Somatic embryogenesis and embryo harvesting and method for preparing plant embryos for plant production
Described herein are methods and media for facilitating somatic embryogenesis and for collecting, conditioning, and transferring the washed embryos onto a substrate and into an environment suitable for conditioning the embryos for a desired period of time so they become germination-competent for plant production. The described plant embryo cleaning apparatus and method are used for preparing multiple plant embryos for plant production. The apparatus and method can use a cleaning fluid source, a fluid-conditioning system, a fluid-delivery structure, a cleaning station, an outlet mechanism, a negative pressure source, and a controller.
US08216840B2 Methods for stratification and storage of somatic embryos
In one aspect, a method is provided for producing stratified cotyledonary conifer somatic embryos. The method comprises (a) incubating a culture comprising immature conifer somatic embryos in a culture vessel comprising a development medium having an osmolality in the range of from 300 mM/Kg to 450 mM/Kg at a temperature of from 22° C. to 25° C. for a first incubation period sufficient in length for at least a portion of the embryos to reach anatomical maturity; and (b) subjecting the embryos in the culture vessel in accordance with step (a) to a temperature of from 0° C. to 10° C. for a second incubation period of at least one week to produce stratified cotyledonary somatic embryos.
US08216839B2 Systems and methods for making hepatocytes from extrahepatic somatic stem cells and use thereof
A method for preparing isolated hepatocytes is disclosed. The method comprises: a) culturing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a medium comprising hepatic growth factor (HGF) to cause the MSCs to differentiate toward hepatocytes, wherein the MSCs are isolated from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood; b) culturing cells from a) in a medium comprising HGF and oncostatin M (OSM) to facilitate the cell differentiation toward hepatocytes; and c) culturing cells from b) in a medium comprising OSM to cause the differentiated cells to mature into hepatocytes, and thereby producing the isolated hepatocyte cells.
US08216836B2 Methods for identifying factors for differentiating definitive endoderm
Disclosed herein are methods of identifying one or more differentiation factors that are useful for differentiating cells in a cell population comprising definitive endoderm cells into cells which are capable of forming tissues and/or organs that are derived from the gut tube.
US08216835B2 Modulating the CDC14B-CDH1-PLK1 axis and methods for sensitizing target cells to apoptosis
The invention relates to modulating Cdc14B levels (cell division cycle 14 homolog B) and/or Cdh1 (Fzr1 protein, CDC20-like 1b, or fizzy-related protein) levels to sensitize cells to DNA damage by increasing the abundance of Plk1 (polo-like kinase 1) in a target cell. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to modulating Plk1 levels, and in particular to increasing Plk1 levels, to sensitize target cells such as cancer cells to cell death or apoptosis. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to inhibitors of Cdc14B and Cdh1 that sensitize tumor cells to chemotherapy or radiation induced cell death or apoptosis. In addition to applications relating to cancer therapies and diagnostics, the Plk1 modulators and assays will be employed for identifying novel drugs or drug candidates useful for various proliferative and/or differentiative disorders such as major opportunistic infections, immune disorders, cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory disorders.
US08216832B2 Sanitary swab collection system, microfluidic assay device, and methods for diagnostic assays
Biohazard specimen collection containers are provided with an external disposable skin, that is stripped away and discarded after the biohazardous specimen is collected, thus reducing or eliminating objectionable or dangerous residues on the outside surfaces of the container. Further, we teach that the sample collection container with external disposable skin may also serve as an integrated microfluidic biosample processing and analytical device, thereby providing a single entry, disposable assay unit, kit and system for “world-to-result” clinical diagnostic testing. These integrated assay devices are provided with synergic, multiple safe-handling features for protecting healthcare workers who handle them. The modified collection containers and analytical devices find application, for example, in PCR detection of infectious organisms or pathogenic markers collected on a swab.
US08216831B2 Cell culture device
A cell culture device comprises a fluid mechanism for branching a liquid appropriately in its flow passage when the liquid is injected to a plurality of culture vessels in a set and feeding equal amounts of the culture broth to the culture vessels at the same time. The device, in one form, has one or plural recess portions so that one or plural culture vessels can be contained in alignment, in view of space efficiency, m x n (row x column) pieces of culture vessels can be set in a matrix type. By using a pump, the culture broth is branched by a multi-way valve for distributing the liquid in an appropriate amount from a tank containing the culture broth, and the liquid is fed at the same time to the plurality of culture vessels in the culture vessel set.
US08216829B2 Device for culture of cells or micro-organisms
This invention relates to a device intended for the culture of cells or micro-organisms, characterised by the fact that it comprises a chamber (100) composed of a tank (110) and a lid (150), adapted so that when in the closed state, it defines a sealed volume under a controlled pressure, and an assembly (200) designed to be placed inside the chamber (100), while being removable from it when the lid (150) is opened, said assembly comprising (200) a support frame (210) and a plurality of plates (250) carried by the support frame (210), the chamber (100) also comprising means designed to successively sterilise its content, for seeding a culture medium placed in the trays (250) and a means for controlling the atmosphere in the chamber (100), to enable the culture of cells or micro-organisms.
US08216822B2 Bacterial host cell for the direct expression of peptides
Expression systems are disclosed for the direct expression of peptide products into the culture media where genetically engineered host cells are grown. High yield was achieved with a special selection of hosts, and/or fermentation processes which include careful control of cell growth rate, and use of an inducer during growth phase. Special universal cloning vectors are provided for the preparation of expression vectors which include control regions having multiple promoters linked operably with coding regions encoding a signal peptide upstream from a coding region encoding the peptide of interest. Multiple transcription cassettes are also used to increase yield. The production of amidated peptides using the expression systems is also disclosed.
US08216817B2 Process of producing a fermentation product
The invention relates to an improved process of producing a fermentation product, such as ethanol, from starch-containing material using an increased dosage of alpha-amylase during liquefaction, which results in increased conversion of dextrins compared to conventional processes, and/or a reduced dosage of carbohydrate-generating enzyme during simultaneous saccharification and fermentation compared to a conventional process carried out at the same conditions. A process of the invention results in an increased yield. The invention also relates to an improved process of producing a fermentation product resulting in substantially the same yield as a conventional process, wherein reduced dosage of carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is used during simultaneous saccharification and fermentation.
US08216815B2 Production of fatty alcohols with fatty alcohol forming acyl-CoA reductases (FAR)
The disclosure relates to methods of producing fatty alcohols from recombinant host cells comprising genes encoding heterologous fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) enzymes. The disclosure further relates to FAR enzymes and functional fragments thereof derived from marine bacterium and particularly marine gamma proteobacterium such as Marinobacter and Oceanobacter; polynucleotides encoding the FAR enzymes and vectors and host cells comprising the same.
US08216810B2 Multiplex systems, methods, and kits for detecting and identifying nucleic acids
The present invention provides systems and methods for determining the presence or absence of one or more target nucleic acid sequences in a sample. Also provided are kits comprising these systems, and uses of these systems in such applications as determining the presence or absence of at least one target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, detecting microorganism transcripts and host transcripts, differentiating microorganism transcripts from host transcripts, screening blood products, assaying a food product for contamination, assaying a sample for environmental contamination, detecting genetically-modified organisms, biodefense, forensics, and genetic-comparability studies. The present invention further provides a complex that includes a target nucleic acid sequence, a capture nucleic acid, and a reporter nucleic acid.
US08216808B2 Methods for accelerating tissue processing
Systems and methods for accelerating tissue processing by treating tissue samples and one or more tissue processing agents with infrasonic vibrations are discussed. Some non-limiting examples of tissue processing agents include a tissue fixative, dehydrating agent, clearing agent, impregnating agent, embedding agent, tissue stain, enzyme, or another chemical that diffuses into the tissue sample when the sample is being preserved or prepared for microscopic examination. The infrasonic vibrations can have a frequency from about 10 to about 600 Hz. The infrasonic vibrations can have an amplitude that is sufficiently high, when combined with the frequency, to induce turbulent mixing of the processing agent and accelerate tissue processing. The tissue sample may optionally be vibrated with ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic vibrations can have a frequency and amplitude that are sufficiently high to induce turbulent mixing of the processing agent and to accelerate tissue processing.
US08216803B2 Compositions and methods for reducing H2S levels in fermented beverages
The present invention provides compositions and methods for reducing H2S levels in fermented beverages.
US08216801B2 Methods for treating inflammatory disorders
Provided are methods of treating an inflammatory disorder in a subject, including administering to the subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition including a fruit, for example a grape, cell culture, cultured fruit cells, fruit cell culture extract, or cultured fruit cell extract, having an anti-inflammatory activity to treat the inflammatory disorder, wherein the inflammatory disorder is characterized by vascular endothelium dysfunction.
US08216799B2 Dry analytical element for lipase measurement
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dry analytical element for pancreatic lipase analysis having high selectivity with respect to pancreatic lipase, whose multianalyte correlation has been improved. The present invention provides a dry analytical element for measurement of pancreatic lipase contained in a body fluid, which comprises at least one development layer and/or reagent layer containing diglyceride or triglyceride of long-chain alkyl fatty acid having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, monoglyceride lipase, and a glycerine measurement reagent, wherein the development layer and/or the reagent layer comprise two or more types of anionic surfactants and at least one type of the anionic surfactant is alkylarylsulfonate.
US08216797B2 Pathogen detection biosensor
The invention described herein provides methods for the detection of target particles, such as pathogens, soluble antigens, nucleic acids, toxins, chemicals, plant pathogens, blood borne pathogens, bacteria, viruses and the like. Also described is an emittor cell comprising a receptor, wherein the receptor can be an antibody or an Fc receptor, and an emittor molecule for the detection of a target particle in a sample wherein the target particle to be detected is bound by one or more receptors on the emittor cell. Also provided are optoelectronic sensor devices for detecting a target particle in a sample, including in a plurality of samples.
US08216795B2 Tuberculosis diagnostic test
A method of diagnosing in a host infection by or exposure to a mycobacterium which expresses ESAT-6 comprising (i) contacting a population of T cells from the host with one or more peptides or analogues selected from the peptides represented by SEQ ID NO:1 to 11 and analogues thereof which can bind a T cell receptor which recognizes any of the said peptides, and (ii) determining whether the T cells of said T cell population recognize the peptide(s) and/or analogue(s). The method may performed in vivo. Peptides and a kit which enable the method to be carried out are provided.
US08216791B2 Method for diagnosing multiple sclerosis
Disclosed is a method for diagnosing and prognosing multiple sclerosis and more particularly to a method for diagnosing and prognosing multiple sclerosis by measuring levels of antibodies. The levels of IgM-type anti-Glc(α1,2)Glc(α) or Glc(α1,3)Glc(α) or Glc(α1,6)Glc(α) antibodies in serum act as diagnostic markers for MS disease and as prognostic biomarkers for the conversion of CIS patients suggestive of MS to clinically definite MS (CDMS) within 24 months.
US08216789B2 Diagnostic panel of cancer antibodies and methods for use
The invention provides a method for detection of a malignancy in a specimen of bodily fluid. The method comprises contacting the specimen with at least two antigens selected from the group consisting of p53, IGFBP2, Topo2α, cathepsin D, cyclin B, cyclin D1, MUC1, HER-2/neu and CEA. The method further comprises incubating the specimen and the antigen for a duration and under conditions that are sufficient for the formation of immunocomplexes; and detecting the presence or absence of immunocomplex formation between the antigens and antibodies specific for the antigens in the specimen, thereby determining the presence or absence of the malignancy. Also provided is a method for monitoring the effectiveness of cancer therapy related to a malignancy in a warm-blooded animal, a method for distinguishing between Stage I and Stage II colorectal cancer in a specimen of bodily fluid.
US08216787B2 Biomarker for successful aging without cognitive decline
Methods and compositions for determining whether a subject will age without developing cognitive decline are provided. An exemplary method includes detecting one or more allelic variants in a gene encoding low density lipoprotein-related protein 1B. In a preferred embodiment, the detecting step is accomplished by contacting a sample obtained from the subject with a probe that forms a detectable complex with a nucleic acid in the sample containing an allelic variant indicative of aging without developing cognitive decline, wherein detection of the allelic variant in the sample indicates that the subject will age without developing cognitive decline.
US08216786B2 Genetic polymorphisms associated with cardiovascular diseases, methods of detection and uses thereof
The present invention provides compositions and methods based on genetic polymorphisms that are associated with cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary heart disease (especially myocardial infarction) or hypertension. For example, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, variant proteins encoded by these nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and variant proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid molecules and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.
US08216785B2 Method for detecting neuroblastoma
The present invention is intended to provide a means for judging the malignancy of neuroblastoma and the progress of spontaneous regression thereof. The present invention provides a method for detecting cancer which comprises detecting activation or inactivation of the lysosomal-associated protein multispanning transmembrane 5 (LAPTM5) gene and amplification of the MYCN gene in a specimens to evaluate the malignancy of the specimens and the progress of spontaneous regression.
US08216783B2 Over-expression and mutation of a tyrosine kinase receptor FGFR4 in tumors
This disclosure provides tyrosine kinase protein and nucleic acid variants, particularly FGFR4 variants, which are linked to increased risk of tumor metastasis. The disclosure further provides methods of diagnosis and prognosis, and development of new therapeutic agents using these molecules and fragments thereof, and kits for employing these methods and compositions.
US08216780B2 Method for enhanced sensitivity in bacteriophage-based diagnostic assays
A method of determining the presence or absence of a target microorganism in a sample to be tested, the method comprising: (a) combining with the sample an amount of bacteriophage capable of attaching to the target microorganism to create a bacteriophage-exposed sample; (b) providing conditions to the bacteriophage-exposed sample sufficient to allow the bacteriophage to attach to the target microorganism while inhibiting phage replication in a potentially cross-reactive, non-target microorganism; and (c) assaying the bacteriophage-exposed sample to detect the presence or absence of a bacteriophage marker to determine the presence or absence of the target microorganism; wherein the amount of the bacteriophage is between 10% to 70% of the threshold number of bacteriophage that the assay can detect, or between 1×106 pfu/mL and 7×106 pfu/mL.
US08216779B2 High throughput assays for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE)
Stable cell lines which produce the pathological form of PrP after infection with the infectious agent for CJD provide a high throughput assay to identify suitable treatment protocols and compositions. The stable cell lines also provide rich source of infectious CJD agent. They also may be used to identify vaccine candidates. Co-culture of neuronal cells with cells to be tested for infection with a TSE agent also provides a high throughput method for identifying infected cells.
US08216777B2 Compositions and methods for the treatment or prevention of chemoresistant neoplasia
The invention generally features compositions and methods useful for the treatment and diagnosis of a neoplasia in a subject. In particular, the invention provides therapeutic compositions that decrease the expression of an Nfr2 nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide for the treatment of a neoplasia, such as a chemoresistant neoplasia, in a subject.
US08216774B2 Patterning process
A pattern is formed by coating a chemically amplified positive resist composition comprising a resin comprising acid labile group-containing recurring units and a photoacid generator onto a substrate, drying to form a resist film, exposing the resist film to high-energy radiation through a phase shift mask including a lattice-like first shifter and a second shifter arrayed on the first shifter and consisting of lines which are thicker than the line width of the first shifter, PEB, developing to form a positive pattern, illuminating or heating the positive pattern to eliminate acid labile groups for increasing alkaline solubility and to induce crosslinking for imparting solvent resistance, coating a reversal film, and dissolving away the positive pattern in an alkaline wet etchant to form a pattern by way of positive/negative reversal.
US08216772B2 Method for manufacturing mechanical shutter blades using beryllium-copper alloy substrate
An exemplary method for manufacturing mechanical shutter blades using a beryllium-copper substrate is provided. The method includes providing a beryllium-copper alloy substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; respectively applying a first and second photoresist layers onto the first and second surfaces; exposing and developing the first and second photoresist layers, thereby first portions of the first photoresist layer and second portions of the second photoresist layer are left on the first and second surfaces while an unwanted portion of the substrate is exposed to an exterior, the first portions are aligned with the second portions; removing the unwanted portion of the substrate using a wet etching process; and removing the first and second portions from the remaining portion of the substrate.
US08216768B2 Photoacid generator and photoreactive composition
A photoacid generator, which shows very high sensitivity in the near ultraviolet range of about 300 to 400 nm, and also can remarkably increase a reaction rate of a photoreactive composition using the same, and a photoreactive composition which can initiate the reaction even by irradiation with near ultraviolet light within a short time and also can obtain a desired reaction product. A dithienyl sulfide disulfonium salt represented by the formula (A1): a dithienyl sulfide sulfonium salt represented by the formula (B1): and a phenylthiothiophene sulfonium salt represented by the formula (C1):
US08216762B2 Method for manufacturing array board for display device
An array for a display device is formed by adhering a positive dry film resist, which has a positive photoresist resin layer over a supporting film, to a substrate such that the photoresist resin layer adheres on a surface of the substrate. The supporting film is then released from the photoresist resin layer adhered to the surface of the substrate, the layer is exposed to light; and the positive type photoresist layer is developed to remove exposed regions.
US08216758B2 Toner, developer, developing device, and image forming apparatus
A toner whose flowability, chargeability and fixing property are enhanced, a developer, a developing device and an image forming apparatus are provided. The toner comprises a toner particle in which a shell layer is formed on a surface of a core particle, and external additive, where (1) the shell layer is formed in a film on the surface of the core particle, (2) a shape factor SF-2 is 120 or more and 140 or less, and (3) a BET specific surface area measured by the BET method is 1.2 m2/cm3 or more and 4.0 m2/cm3 or less. The developer containing such a toner is filled into the developing device in the image forming apparatus in order to form an image.
US08216756B2 Polymerized toner and method of producing the same
A polymerized toner is provided. The polymerized toner has cores containing a wax with a polydispersity of 1.05 to 1.1. The fixability of the polymerized toner is improved by the presence of the wax. Further provided is a method of producing the polymerized toner.
US08216755B2 Toner, developer, toner container, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
A toner manufactured by a method including the steps of dissolving or dispersing toner components comprising a binder resin, a colorant, and an encapsulated plasticizer to prepare an oily toner components liquid, and emulsifying or dispersing the oily toner components liquid in an aqueous medium to prepare the toner.
US08216751B2 Curl-free flexible imaging member and methods of making the same
The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrophotographic, including digital, apparatuses. Embodiments pertain to an improved flexible electrophotographic imaging member that does not require an anticurl back-coating layer to prevent curling. The charge transport layer of the disclosed embodiments comprises a class of hole transporting plasticizers which act to counteract curling as well as impart good electrical performance to the imaging member.
US08216748B2 Extreme ultraviolet photomask
A method of manufacturing a photomask includes forming an upper layer on a photomask substrate, and patterning the upper layer to form an upper pattern having an inclined sidewall, wherein patterning the upper layer includes anisotropically etching the upper layer using charged particles moving in parallel to a first direction inclined toward a top surface of the upper layer.
US08216746B2 Method of correcting defect in EUV mask
Provided is a method of correcting a defect in an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask. A monomolecular film is chemically bonded onto a surface of a repair tip. The repair tip is positioned over a defect disposed on the EUV mask, so that the monomolecular film bonded onto the repair tip can also bond to the defect. The repair tip is then moved away from the EUV mask so that the defect is separated from the EUV mask and thus removing the defect in the EUV mask.
US08216744B2 Exposure mask and method for manufacturing same and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
An exposure mask includes: an insulative substrate; a light reflecting film provided on the substrate; a light absorbing film provided on the light reflecting film and forming a pattern in a center region on the substrate; and an interconnect provided on the substrate, the light reflecting film and the light absorbing film not being provided in a frame-shaped region surrounding the center region, and the interconnect being placed so that a portion of a laminated film composed of the light reflecting film and the light absorbing film located inside the frame-shaped region is electrically connected to a portion of the laminated film located outside the frame-shaped region.
US08216742B2 Fuel cell and gas separator for fuel cell
In at least one of flow distribution areas 35 provided on a separator 15, plurality of first projections 46 formed in a region corresponding to a first section (parted regions 32a and 32c) of a center area (including parted regions 32a through 32c) having a relatively high flow rate of a first fluid (refrigerant) are designed to have a larger diameter of a cross section than plurality of first projections 46 formed in a region corresponding to a second section (parted region 32b) of the center area having a relatively low flow rate of the first fluid. This arrangement effectively attains a substantially uniform flow rate distribution of a fluid in a fluid flow path formed on a separator, which is configured to have concavo-convex structures formed in a mutually reversed relation on two opposed sides thereof.
US08216728B2 Device for treating reaction gases in fuel cells
The invention relates to devices for operating fuel cells. According to the invention, the two functions “cooling” and “humidification” are combined in a functional unit (10) to adjust the temperature of the air (1) supplied as the reaction medium and to humidify it. Membranes (5) are used that consist of a temperature-resistant material.
US08216724B2 Polymer electrolyte and battery
A polymer electrolyte capable of obtaining superior discharge characteristics and a battery using it are provided. A cathode (21) and an anode (22) are wound with a separator (24) in between. After that, the wound body is contained inside a package member. Then, an electrolytic composition containing a solvent, polyvinyl acetal or the derivative thereof, and lithium hexafluorophosphate is added thereto. Polyvinyl acetal or the derivative thereof is polymerized by using lithium hexafluorophosphate as a catalyst. Thereby, a polymer electrolyte (23) is formed, and the discharge characteristics are improved.
US08216723B2 Polymer electrolyte and electrochemical device
A polymer electrolyte; and an electrochemical device utilizing the polymer electrolyte. In accordance with the diffusion of cell-phone and other portable information devices and in accordance with the recent-year development of new use of power source for hybrid electric automobile, etc., enhanced reliability is increasingly demanded on electrochemical devices, such as battery, for use as the power source thereof. Although generally a liquid electrolyte is employed in electrochemical devices, the liquid electrolyte is likely to induce trouble, such as liquid leakage, presenting a major factor for reliability loss. Accordingly, use of a polymer electrolyte in place of the liquid electrolyte to attain an enhancement of reliability is being studied. However, conventional polymer electrolytes have had the problem that it is difficult to simultaneously satisfy ion conductivity and reliability. The problem has been solved by the use of polymer electrolyte (5) having a ketonic carbonyl group wherein the weight ratio of the ketonic carbonyl group is in the range of 15 to 50 wt % based on the weight of the polymer material.
US08216720B2 Negative electrode for lithium secondary cell and lithium secondary cell
A negative electrode for a lithium secondary cell having a collector composed of an electroconductive metal foil and, provided on the surface thereof, an active material layer containing active material particles containing silicon and/or a silicon alloy and a binder, characterized in that the binder has mechanical characteristics of a tensile strength of 50 N/mm2 or more, an elongation at break of 10% or more, a strain energy density of 2.5×10−3 J/mm3 or more and a coefficient of elasticity of 10000 N/mm2 or less, and preferably characterized in that the collector has mechanical characteristics of a tensile strength of 80 N/mm2 or more, a proportional limit 30 N/mm2 or more, an elongation at break of 1.0% or more and an elastic elongation limit of 0.03% or more.
US08216716B2 Lithium rechargeable battery having an internal space
A lithium rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between them, a can having an opening to contain the electrode assembly, and a cap plate coupled to the top of the can. A side of the can is asymmetrical with respect to another side thereof about at least one of a long axis, short axis, and central point of its cross section. The lithium rechargeable battery has a predetermined space formed between the can and the electrode assembly for improved electrolyte injection and increased manufacturing efficiency and power storage capacity of the battery.
US08216713B2 Battery housing formed with cooling passages and battery pack having the same
A battery pack includes a housing having at least one coupling recess, a peripheral portion around the at least one coupling recess, and a plurality of cooling passages extending in at least one direction of the at least one coupling recess and within the peripheral portion, and a battery cell housed in the at least one coupling recess.
US08216712B1 Anodized metallic battery separator having through-pores
A battery includes an anode and a cathode. An electrolyte material is disposed between the anode and the cathode. A separator is disposed between the anode and the cathode. The separator comprises an anodized metal oxide layer haying substantially straight and parallel through-pores, wherein the anodized metal oxide of the porous anodized metal oxide layer is selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, niobium oxide, tungsten oxide, tantalum oxide, and hafnium oxide.
US08216711B2 Battery pack
The present invention features a battery pack, that is provided to supply electricity to a variety of electric parts, such as a drive motor, installed in an environment friendly electric vehicle such as a fuel cell vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. Preferably, the battery pack is configured to stack cell assemblies. Each cell assembly includes a cell case. The cell case includes windows in opposite surfaces thereof such that unit cells are exposed, and recesses in opposite long lateral faces thereof such that the windows communicate with an outside. The windows and the recesses define cooling passages between the stacked cell assemblies.
US08216710B2 Battery holding mechanism and portable electronic device using the same
A battery holding mechanism for holding a battery in a portable electronic device, includes a bearing unit, a connecting unit connected to the bearing unit and an operating unit connected to the connecting unit. The bearing unit includes a bearing board for bearing the battery assembled in the portable electronic device thereon and an assembling component formed on the bearing board for assembling the bearing unit to the portable electronic device. The operating unit is configured for being operated to move the connecting unit and the bearing unit, thereby detaching the battery placed on the bearing board from the portable electronic device.
US08216704B2 Biaxially oriented laminated film
A biaxially oriented laminated polyester film which has excellent dimensional stability to environmental changes such as temperature and humidity variations and excellent flatness and windability. A biaxially oriented laminated polyester film comprising a film layer B on one side of a film layer A and having a surface roughness (RaB) on the film layer B side which is 1.0 nm or more larger than the surface roughness (RaA) on the film layer A side, wherein at least one of the film layers comprises an aromatic polyester (I) composed of a glycol component and a dicarboxylic acid component containing 5 mol % or more and less than 80 mol % of a recurring unit represented by the following formula (A): wherein RA is an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.
US08216698B2 Organic electroluminescence device, novel platinum complex compound and novel compound capable of being a ligand thereof
An organic electroluminescence device, includes: a pair of electrodes; and at least one organic layer including a light emitting layer, the light emitting layer being provided between the pair of electrodes, wherein at least one layer of the at least one organic layer contains a compound represented by formula (1) as defined in the specification.
US08216696B2 Quinoxaline derivative, and light emitting element, light emitting device and electronic appliance using the same
A quinoxaline-based, new bipolar organic compound is provided, and a light emitting element using the quinoxaline-based compound is demonstrated. The quinoxaline derivative of the invention has a structure in which carbon at one or both of the 2-position and the 3-position of the quinoxaline unit are bonded, via an arylene group, with an amine unit which has a substituted or unsubstituted five-membered ring or a substituted or unsubstituted condensed ring containing a five-membered ring structure. The quinoxaline-based compound was proven to possess bipolar characteristics in view of carrier transportation, which allows the fabrication of a light emitting element and an electronic appliance with a low driving voltage and low power consumption.
US08216693B2 Brazing sheet of aluminum alloy
A brazing sheet of aluminum alloy composed of a core material and a first brazing filler metal covering one surface of the core material. The core material contains as an essential component 0.2-1.0 mass % of Cu and as optional components at least one species of no more than 1.5 mass % of Si, no more than 1.8 mass % of Mn, no more than 0.35 mass % of Ti, and no more than 0.5 mass % of Mg, with the remainder being Al and inevitable impurities. The first brazing filler metal has a liquid phase ratio (X %) at 600° C. and a thickness (Y μm) such that X and Y satisfy the following relationship: (1) 30≦X≦80, (2) Y≧25, and (3) 1000≦X×Y≦24000. The brazing sheet provides good brazeability and maintains high corrosion resistance after brazing on the surface cladded with the brazing filler metal.
US08216685B2 Buffer bilayers for electronic devices
The present invention relates to buffer bilayers, and their use in electronic devices. The bilayer has a first layer including (i) at least one electrically conductive polymer doped with at least one non-fluorinated polymeric acid and (ii) at least one highly-fluorinated acid polymer. The bilayer has a second layer including a metal which can be one or more transition metals, Group 13 metals, Group 14 metals, or lanthanide metals.
US08216684B2 Method for bonding members, composite film and use thereof
The bonding method of the present invention is a method of bonding a member (a) having a layer (a1) comprising an organic polymer (A), and a member (b) containing a compound (B) having specific functional groups, wherein the bonding method comprises bonding the member (a) and the member (b) via a layer comprising an inorganic compound (C) having a nitrogen atom and a hydrogen atom, which is at least partly provided on the outermost surface of the member (a).The composite film of the present invention is, firstly, a composite film formed with a laminate having a layer (a1) comprising an organic polymer (A) and a layer (c1) comprising an inorganic compound (C) having a nitrogen atom and a hydrogen atom; secondly, a composite film formed with a laminate having the layer (a1), the layer (c1) and a layer (b1) comprising an adhesive resin (B1) disposed in this order, wherein the layer (c1) and the layer (b1) are directly laminated; and thirdly, a composite film formed with a laminate having the layer (a1), the layer (c1), and a transparent conductive layer (d1) disposed in this order, wherein one outermost surface or both outermost surfaces of the composite film are partially formed with the layer (c1).
US08216682B2 Moisture curable isocyanate containing acrylic formulation
A moisture curable acrylic formulation is provided inclusive of a majority by weight polyacrylic prepolymer. The prepolymer has an average molecular weight of between 3,000 and 6,000 grams per mole and between 2 and 4 moisture curable functional moieties of isocyanate or silane per prepolymer. A thermoplastic adhesive resin is also included within the formulation. When the prepolymer functional moieties are all silane, the thermoplastic adhesive resin is ethylene vinyl acetate resin. A silane molecule is provided within the formulation as an adhesion promoter and also affords a degree of storage stability through sacrificial reaction with water during storage. The resultant formulation achieves a shear strength of at least 10 pounds per square inch when applied to a thickness of 0.75 millimeters between a glass substrate and a vinyl article 15 minutes after application at 120° Celsius in ambient atmospheric air. The formulation is well suited for the formation of a window assembly when applied intermediate between a substrate and a window article.
US08216676B2 Composite precursor for aluminum-containing lithium transition metal oxide and process for preparation of the same
The present invention provides a powdery composite precursor, which comprises a core of a lithium transition metal oxide, and an aluminum hydroxide-based precipitate layer coated on the surface of the core, and a process to prepare the composite precursor. The preparation process comprises the formation of a water based slurry by dispersing lithium transition metal oxide powder in water, and a precipitation reaction of an aluminum salt solution with a base solution where the lithium transition metal particles act as seed particles, whereby a mechanically stable precipitate layer of homogeneous thickness can be achieved. The composite precursor can be converted into aluminum-containing, e.g., aluminum-doped, lithium transition metal oxide suitable for a cathode active material of lithium rechargeable battery by heat treatment.
US08216674B2 Superhydrophobic diatomaceous earth
A superhydrophobic powder is prepared by coating diatomaceous earth (DE) with a hydrophobic coating on the particle surface such that the coating conforms to the topography of the DE particles. The hydrophobic coating can be a self assembly monolayer of a perfluorinated silane coupling agent. The DE is preferably natural-grade DE where organic impurities have been removed. The superhydrophobic powder can be applied as a suspension in a binder solution to a substrate to produce a superhydrophobic surface on the substrate.
US08216661B2 Variable gloss fuser coating material comprised of a polymer matrix with the addition of alumina nano fibers
Exemplary embodiments provide materials, methods, and systems for a fuser member used in electrophotographic devices and processes, wherein the fuser member can include a coating material containing a plurality of nanoceram fibers dispersed in a polymer matrix for providing a desired gloss level of fused toner images.
US08216659B2 Spring-like textured composite floorcovering
The present invention concerns a textured floorcovering composite comprising a highly conformable fibrous outer layer 101 and an optional porous and resilient backing layer 102 that are continually, contiguously, or continuously attached to an activated adhesive layer 103 along a three-dimensional, undulating interface. The undulations correspond to depressed and elevated areas on the surface of the composite. Such a composite can be fabricated if its precursor is subjected to heat and pressure for a finite length time, provided that the applied pressure is relatively low, preferably under about 200 psi. The textured composite can be used as a floorcovering that advantageously resists warping and remains insensitive to variations in ambient temperature and humidity, including exposure to water.
US08216656B2 Disc master, disc master manufacturing method, stamper, disc substrate, optical disc, and optical disc manufacturing method
In a process of manufacturing a disc master, a stamper, a disc substrate, and an optical disc, separation performance between the stamper and the disc substrate and maintenance of satisfactory signal characteristics after the optical disc is manufactured are taken into consideration in the step of manufacturing the disc master. In the disc master, a boundary portion between a recessed portion and a non-recessed portion includes a small protrusion which protrudes from a flat surface of the non-recessed portion. The shape of the disc master is inversely transferred to the stamper, and the shape of the stamper is inversely transferred to the disc substrate. The separation performance is improved and the signal characteristics are maintained due to the shape of the boundary portion.
US08216654B2 Components for a film-forming device and method for cleaning the same
There are provided a film forming equipment component having a structure in which an deposited film d formed on the component can be separated from the component for a time period shorter than the prior art to reduce damage due to a cleaning fluid S, and a method of cleaning such a component. A metal film layer 2 electrochemically less noble than the matrix metal material 1 of the aforementioned component is formed on the surface of the matrix metal material 1 through thermal spraying, vapor depositing, sputtering, laminating or other process. Alternatively, a second metal film layer 3 electrochemically more noble than the aforementioned matrix metal material 1 is formed on the surface of the metal film layer 2 through said thermal spraying or other process. Thus, a local cell is formed between the metal film layer 2 and the matrix metal material 1 or the second metal film layer 3. Therefore, the deposited film d can be separated from the matrix metal material 1 for an extremely shortened time period, without damaging the matrix metal material 1 itself from the cleaning fluid S.
US08216653B2 Protecting film and method for coating protecting film on workpiece
An exemplary protecting film for coating a three-dimensional surface of a workpiece, includes an adhesive layer and a release layer. The adhesive layer defines a split. The release layer includes a remaining portion for shielding the split of the adhesive layer and a release portion detachably formed on the adhesive layer. The remaining portion is capable of remaining on the adhesive layer after the release portion detaches from the adhesive layer. A method for coating a protecting film on a workpiece is also provided.
US08216641B2 Method of fabricating carbon fiber reinforced composite material parts
A method of fabricating a composite material part having carbon fiber reinforcement densified by a matrix, including making a coherent fiber preform of carbon fibers presenting holes formed from at least a first face of the preform, and densifying the preform by depositing therein a material constituting a matrix by means of a chemical vapor infiltration type process. The holes are formed by causing a plurality of non-rotary elongate tools to penetrate simultaneously, the tools being substantially mutually parallel and presenting on their surfaces roughnesses or portions in relief suitable for breaking and/or transferring fibers they encounter, the tools being caused to penetrate simultaneously by moving a support carrying the tools, and the tools being selected to have a cross-section that makes it possible to obtain in the carbon fiber preform holes that present a cross-section with a mean dimension lying in the range 50 μm to 500 μm.
US08216640B2 Method of making showerhead for semiconductor processing apparatus
A method of making a showerhead for a semiconductor processing apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate; forming first holes in the substrate; forming a protective film on the substrate, where the protective film covers sidewalls of the first holes; and forming second holes in the substrate, where a part of the protective film within the first holes is removed. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate; forming islands on the substrate; forming a protective film on the substrate, where the protective film does not cover the tops of the islands; and forming holes in the islands.
US08216632B2 Endoprosthesis coating
A method includes: providing a tubular substrate in a chamber, the tubular substrate having a lumen, an a luminal surface and a luminal surface; providing a target in the lumen; depositing a first coating onto the abluminal surface and a second coating onto the luminal surface while keeping the tubular substrate in the chamber. An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, including a first coating on at least one portion of its abluminal surface and a second coating on at least one portion of its luminal surface is also disclosed.
US08216630B2 Porous biomaterials surface activation method
The present invention relates to a porous biomaterials surface activation method by coating with a layer of apatitic nanocrystals in order to increase their surface reactivity. The method according to the invention is characterized by the following steps: a) preparing a nanocrystalline apatitic calcium phosphate analogous to bone mineral by mixing a calcium salt solution with a phosphate salt solution in a Ca/P ratio ranging between 1.3 and 2 at a temperature ranging between 0 and 60 ° C., b) slurrying the mixture obtained in step a) in an aqueous solution so as to obtain a fluid, homogeneous paste containing 80 to 98% of water, c) bringing a porous biomaterial into contact with the suspension obtained in step b), d) drying the porous biomaterial at a temperature below 100 ° C.
US08216624B2 Aerated food products
An aerated food product is provided which includes hydrophobin. Also provided is the use of a hydrophobin in a method of inhibiting bubble coarsening in aerated food products.
US08216622B2 Automatic popcorn popper with flexible load capabilities
An automatic popcorn popper which has selectable load capabilities for popping various differently sized loads of corn. A heat control system is provided having a selector switch for selecting one of multiple rates of heat to be delivered to the kettle. An oil delivery system is coupled to the selector switch for selecting one of varying amounts of oil to be delivered to the kettle in conjunction with selecting the rate or amount of heat to be delivered to the kettle.
US08216621B2 Delivery system for low calorie bulking agents
The present invention generally relates to low calorie bulking agents (e.g., cellulose, starch, bran, glucans, hydrocolloids, and the like) coated with a lipid compound to form a base or inner layer and thereafter encapsulating the fiber/lipid complex within a protein compound as an outer layer. In effect, the present invention provides a delivery system for edible fibers wherein the moisture absorption by the edible fibers can be controlled. Using the encapsulated fiber of this invention, the absorption of water by the edible fiber (and thus the swelling of the edible fiber) can be effectively delayed until the encapsulated fiber reaches the stomach and normal digestive processes begin.
US08216620B2 Dual-textured food substrate having large seasoning bits
A dual-textured food substrate having large seasoning bits whereby the bits are substantially adhered to the food substrate, or chip with a dry adhesive. The food substrate has a non-particulate second topping that is softer than the food substrate. The underlying cooked food substrate is substantially flat. The food ingredient properties are optimized to provide a shelf-stable dual-textured food product.
US08216619B2 Stable and bioavailable compositions of isomers of carotenoids for skin and hair
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a stable composition enriched in cis-lycopene (z-isomers) by prolonged heating in solvents of tomatoes, parts of tomatoes, derivative thereof or tomato extracts in solvents.
US08216618B2 Cosmetic use of an Ophiopogon japonicus active principle
A cosmetic composition includes at least one extract that is obtained from Ophiopogon japonicus as an active ingredient for improving and/or reinforcing the barrier function of the skin. The reinforcing the barrier function of the skin can be for the purpose of hydration. The active ingredient can stimulate the formation of tight junctions or increase of the level of NMFs of the horny layer.
US08216617B2 Tablet comprising natural allicin and method for producing the same
A tablet including 1,000 weight parts of 21-90% natural allicin powder, 10-30 weight parts of 50-95% sesamin, 10-30 weight parts of 50-95% IgY or IgG, and a release agent. The allicin content of the tablet is 200-800 mg/g. The allicin tablet has high allicin content and capability of anti-bacteria and anti-inflammation, and can be administered based on the body weight of an animal in need thereof but causes no side effects. A method for producing the allicin tablet by mixing and uniformly stirring starch, garlic powder, and natural allicin powder to yield a mixture, adding the natural sesamin, Ig Y or Ig G, and magnesium stearate to the mixture, uniformly stirring, and tabletting.
US08216605B2 Moderating the effect of endotoxins
The present invention relates to the use of an oral composition comprising meat extract and peptones, separately or in combination, in the manufacture of an oral composition to treat the effects of infection by pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium difficile. Such effects may include the failure of the integrity of the gut epithelial cells and diarrhoea as well as other COX-2 mediated effects.
US08216604B2 Method of managing or treating pain
A composition for the intranasal delivery of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to an animal includes an aqueous solution of fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive selected from (i) a pectin and (ii) a poloxamer and chitosan or a salt or derivative thereof; provided that when the composition comprises a pectin it is substantially free of divalent metal ions; and which, in comparison to a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at the same dose, provides a peak plasma concentration of fentanyl (Cmax) that is from 10 to 80% of that achieved using a simple aqueous solution of fentanyl administered intranasally at an identical fentanyl dose. A method for treating or managing pain by intranasally administering the composition is also disclosed.
US08216601B2 Endosseous implant
Endosseous implant to be applied to a human or animal bone, wherein the surface of the implant is made from titanium or a titanium alloy, said implant having a smooth or rough surface texture, which is characterized in that said surface has been treated with at least one selected organic phosphonate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or an amide thereof; process for producing said implants.
US08216600B2 Polymeric materials for medical devices
The present invention includes biocompatible polymeric coatings, membranes, matrices, and films to be used with implantable medical devices. Medical devices containing such materials applied to a surface thereof contain a film-forming fluorous homo-polymer or copolymer containing the polymerized residue of a fluorous moiety, wherein the relative amounts of the polymerized residues of one or more moieties are effective to provide the coating and films with properties effective for use in coating implantable med devices.
US08216599B2 Method for treatment of inflammation
A method of treating inflammation, an inflammatory condition, or AIDS-associated neurological disorder in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method includes administering to said subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of substantially purified hydroxytyrosol or a substantially purified mixture of hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein. Also disclosed are compositions for use in practicing the method.
US08216595B2 Powerful vaccine composition comprising lipopeptide and poly I:C as an adjuvant
The present invention relates to an adjuvant comprising a lipopeptide and poly I:C. When the adjuvant of the present invention is used, the level of antigen specific antibody induction is synergistically increased and Th1 type immune response is also induced. Therefore, the adjuvant of the present invention can be very effectively used as an adjuvant in the formulation of preventive and therapeutic vaccines for viral or parasitic infection and cancer.
US08216589B2 HBV vaccine and a process of preparing the same
The present invention relates to an HBV vaccine comprising an entire hepatitis B surface antigen of L protein, M protein and S protein, in which the produced antigens form virus-like particles, and a multi-antigen vaccine further comprising an HBV core antigen in addition to the entire surface antigen, and a method for preparing the same. The vaccines provide various epitopes and have excellent immunogenicity to induce a strong humoral immune response as well as a cell-mediated immune response.
US08216588B2 Lyophilized preparation comprising influenza vaccine, and method for preparation thereof
The present invention aims to provide a freeze-dried preparation in which the influenza vaccine exhibits improved stability.A freeze-dried preparation in which the influenza vaccine exhibits significantly improved stability can be obtained by freeze-drying an aqueous solution that meets the following conditions (A) to (C): (A) (i) an influenza vaccine, (ii) a hydrophobic amino acid, and (iii) arginine and an acid addition salt thereof are incorporated; (B) the proportion of the component (iii) is from 20 to 85% by weight relative to the total amount of the resulting freeze-dried preparation; and (c) the pH is adjusted to be from 8 to 10 by controlling the proportion of arginine and an acid addition salt thereof that form the component (iii).
US08216585B2 Targeted particles and methods of using the same
Drug delivery compositions and methods of delivering compounds into a cell or into an individual are disclosed. Vaccines and methods of immunizing individuals are disclosed. Compositions for drug delivery including gene therapy and methods of treating individuals using such compositions are disclosed.
US08216583B2 Formulation of human antibodies for treating TNF-α associated disorders
A liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation is described which has a high protein concentration, a pH of between about 4 and about 8, and enhanced stability.
US08216581B2 Compositions, methods and kits relating to anti-platelet autoantibodies and inhibitors thereof
The present invention relates to novel methods of identifying and producing an anti-platelet autoantibody. More preferably, the invention relates to identification and production of a human monoclonal anti-platelet autoantibody. Moreover, the invention relates to methods for treating or alleviating a disease, disorder or condition mediated by an anti-platelet autoantibody specifically binding with a platelet, or a component thereof, such as, but not limited to, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, among others. Preferably, the antibody is an unglycosylated H44L4 Fab.
US08216578B2 Antibodies to oncostatin M receptor
The invention provides characterization of the disease and cancer-associated antigen, OSM-R.beta. The invention also provides modulators of OSM-R.beta, including a family of monoclonal antibodies that bind to antigen OSM-R.beta, and methods of diagnosing and treating various human cancers and diseases associated with OSM-R.beta.
US08216577B2 Anti-Aβ antibodies and their use
The present invention relates to antibody molecules capable of specifically recognizing two regions of the β-A4 peptide, wherein the first region comprises the amino acid sequence AEFRHDSGY as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof and wherein the second region comprises the amino acid sequence VHHQKLVFFAEDVG as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 or a fragment thereof. Furthermore, nucleic acid molecules encoding the inventive antibody molecules and vectors and hosts comprising said nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition, the present invention provides for compositions, preferably pharmaceutical or diagnostic compositions, comprising the compounds of the invention as well as for specific uses of the antibody molecules, nucleic acid molecules, vectors or hosts of the invention.
US08216576B2 Method for inhibiting binding to B-cell receptor
The invention provides an isolated protein which is a member of the TNF ligand superfamily and comprising: i) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of FIG. 1; or ii) a variant of the polypeptide of i).
US08216573B2 Process for the fermentative production of antibodies
The present invention relates to a process for producing a correctly folded and assembled full-length antibody using an E. coli strain, which comprises fermenting an E. coli strain which leaks periplasmic proteins into the medium, comprising a gene coding for the heavy chain of an antibody functionally linked to a signal sequence coding for a signal peptide, and a second gene coding for the light chain of an antibody, functionally linked to a signal sequence coding for a signal peptide, in a culture medium, where the E. coli strain secretes a full-length antibody into the culture medium, and the full-length antibody is removed from the culture medium.
US08216571B2 Fully human anti-VEGF antibodies and methods of using
Disclosed herein are fully human antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind human VEGF and inhibit VEGF binding to VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R2, and therefore inhibit VEGF signaling. The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments disclosed herein may be used, for example, to treat angiogenesis and conditions associated with angiogenesis both in vivo and in vitro.
US08216567B2 Therapeutic ribonucleases
The present invention relates to the use of ribonucleases (RNases) in the treatment or prevention of disease.
US08216562B2 Inhibiting non-hematopoietic cancer with interleukin 6
Use of IL-6 for treating non-hematopoietic cancers, e.g., gp130-negative cancers. Also disclosed is a method for identifying a cancer patient suitable for the IL-6 treatment.
US08216559B2 Deodorant fiber and fibrous article and product made thereof
A deodorant fiber comprises a thermoplastic resin containing 0.1 to 10 weight %, with respect to the weight of said fiber, of a complex oxide comprising oxides of at least two metals selected from the divalent or trivalent metals, and coated with 0.1 to 5 weight %, with respect to the weight of said fiber, of an agent comprising a surfactant composition comprising 20-80 weight % of the component A and 80-20 weight % of the component B and/or the component C. The A is at least one compound selected from a group consisting of betaine amphoteric compounds, carbonyl compounds and vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymers. The B is a nonionic surfactant comprising at least one substance selected from a group consisting of nonionic surfactants based on alkylene oxide adducts and nonionic surfactants based on polyvalent alcohols. The component C is an anionic surfactant comprising at least one substance selected from a group consisting of carbonates, sulfonates, sulfate ester salts and phosphate ester salts.
US08216556B2 Coloring material and its uses, in particular in the field of cosmetics, especially for making up the skin and superficial body growths
The invention relates to a solid coloring material obtained by precipitation, in an aqueous medium, of the reaction product of an alkali metal silicate with a colored complex obtained by reaction, in aqueous solution, of a hydrolysable tannin or of a plant extract comprising it with a salt of a metal cation. The invention also relates to a cosmetic composition intended for making up the skin or superficial body growths comprising this coloring material. It also relates to a method for making up the skin or superficial body growths comprising the topical application of this cosmetic composition.
US08216548B2 Radiofluorination methods
The invention relates to conjugates of formula (V) or (VI), their use as radiopharmaceuticals, processes for their preparation, and synthetic intermediates used in such processes.
US08216546B2 IM-14 crystallized solid and its process for preparation
A crystallized solid, referred to by the name IM-14, which has an X-ray diffraction diagram as provided below, is described. Said solid has a chemical composition that is expressed according to the formula GeO2:nY2O3:pR:qF:wH2O, where R represents one or more organic radical(s), Y represents at least one trivalent element, and F is fluorine.
US08216534B2 Water-in-oil-in-water emulsions of hydroxamated polymers and methods for using the same
A method and composition for flocculation and separation of suspended solids from an industrial process stream containing suspended solids is provided. The method includes the steps of adding to the stream a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion polymer in an amount effective to flocculate the suspended solids and separating the flocculated solids therefrom. The composition is a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion of a water-soluble polymer in which the continuous phase is an aqueous solution of a water-soluble salt.
US08216533B2 Method for producing ammonium paratungstate hydrates and ammonium paratungstate decahydrate
The invention is directed to a process for the continuous preparation of ammonium paratungstate hydrate by back reextraction of a tungsten-laden organic phase with an ammonia-containing aqueous solution in a mixer-settler apparatus. The reextraction is carried out at an NH3:W molar ratio of from 0.83 to 1.30, and a volume feed ratio of the tungsten-laden organic phase to the ammonia-containing aqueous solution of from 5 to 25. The above crystalline is in high purity and in high yield. The production method can be carried out in a simple and energy-efficient manner.
US08216531B2 Low pressure drop reforming exchanger
Disclosed are a syngas production process and a reforming exchanger 100. The process involves passing a first portion of hydrocarbon feed mixed with steam and oxidant through an autothermal catalytic steam reforming zone to form a first reformed gas of reduced hydrocarbon content, passing a second portion of the hydrocarbon feed mixed with steam through an endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone to form a second reformed gas of reduced hydrocarbon content, and mixing the first and second reformed gases and passing the resulting gas mixture through a heat exchange zone for cooling the gas mixture and thereby supplying heat to the endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone. The endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone and the heat exchange zone are respectively disposed tube side and shell side within a shell-and-tube reforming exchanger 100. The reforming exchanger 100 comprises a plurality of tubes 118 packed with low pressure drop catalyst-bearing monolithic structures 200 wherein an inside diameter of the tubes 118 is less than 4 times a maximum edge dimension of the catalyst structures 200.
US08216530B2 Reagent tube
A reagent tube configured with a stellated shaped pattern, on its bottom interior surface, configured to facilitate complete or near-complete withdrawal of fluid from the tube, via a pipette tip. The reagent tube may be used for transporting reagents and for carrying out processing operations on biological samples with the reagents, such as preparing polynucleotides extracted from the sample for amplification.
US08216527B2 Positive displacement pump with pressure sensor
A positive displacement pump (1) is equipped with a pump cylinder (2), a pump piston (7), a cylinder space (9), a pressure sensor (10), and a pressure channel (12). A main portion (13) of the pressure channel (12) extends parallel to a longitudinal axis (3) of the pump cylinder (2), for providing fluidic connection between the cylinder space (9) and the pressure sensor (10). In the improved alternative positive displacement pump (1), the cylinder wall (4) comprises a piston sleeve (14) that is located on the inner side of the cylinder wall (4) and that extends over essentially the entire length of the pump cylinder (2) to the cylinder bottom (5). The improved alternative positive displacement pump (1) is further characterized in that, the main portion (13) of the pressure channel (12) is located in the cylinder wall (4) comprising the piston sleeve (14), which is thus preventing the pump piston (7) from touching or compromising the pressure sensor (10) or an inner surface (30) of the cylinder wall (4) when moving past the position of the pressure sensor (10). Also disclosed are a liquid handling robot that comprises a single or multiple arrangement of the positive displacement pump (1) and liquid handling workstation that comprises such a liquid handling robot.
US08216526B2 Method and device for generating diffusive gradients in a microfluidic chamber
A microfluidic device is described, capable of generating multiple spatial chemical gradients simultaneously inside a microfluidic chamber. The chemical gradients are generated by diffusion, without convection, and can either be maintained constant over long time periods, or modified dynamically. A representative device is described with a circular chamber in which diffusion occurs, with three access ports for the delivery and removal of solutes. A gradient typically forms in minutes, and can be maintained constant indefinitely. Gradients overlapping with different spatial location, and a controlled rotation of a gradient formed by diffusion are demonstrated. The device can also be used to evaluate chemotactic responses of bacteria or other microorganisms in the absence of convective flow.
US08216524B2 Testing device for testing or analysing fluids and a holder and a storage container for such devices
A testing device for testing or analysing fluids comprises a separately produced holder (10) and a sheet-or plate-like test member (11) including analysis reagent. The holder defines an abutment surface (13) for engaging with a side surface of the test member. Projections (15) formed on the holder are positioned and shaped so as to allow insertion of the test member into the holder by moving the test member into engagement with said abutment surface while engaging with opposite edge portions thereof. The projections may, for example, be tooth-shaped and have pointed ends, and at least some of the projections may have a leading edge (16) forming a ramp sloping towards a plane defined by the abutment surface so as to facilitate insertion of the test member into the holder. A stack of such testing devices may be arranged within a cassette from which they may be fed successively into an automatic analyser. The holder of the testing device may be re-used.
US08216521B2 Method and apparatus for ammonia formation in a catalytic converter
An exhaust gas aftertreatment system for treating an engine-out exhaust gas feedstream of a spark-ignition direct-injection engine includes a multi-stage catalytic converter comprising a converter inlet, a converter outlet, and a substrate having a first end associated with the converter inlet and a second end associated with the converter outlet. The substrate further includes a multiplicity of flow passages between the first and second ends of the substrate, a first surface location corresponding to the first end of the substrate, and a second surface location corresponding to the second end of the substrate. The first and second washcoat stages include washcoats formulated to generate hydrogen and ammonia from the engine-out exhaust gas feedstream. An ammonia-selective catalytic reduction device is downstream of the first and second washcoat stages.
US08216518B2 Plasmon resonance sensing apparatus and sensing system thereof
A plasmon resonance sensing system includes a light source, a waveguide component and a photon detector. The light source provides an incident light. The waveguide component has a tubular internal wall and a noble metal nanoparticle layer disposed on the tubular internal wall and contacted with a desired testing matter. The waveguide component is made of a light transmitting material for guiding the incident light to have an interaction with the noble metal nanoparticle layer. The photon detector detects an emergent light exiting the waveguide component after the interaction of the noble metal nanoparticle layer with the desired testing matter. The system further includes a first optical fiber installed between the light source and the waveguide component for transmitting the incident light to the waveguide component, a lens and a second optical fiber. The lens collects and transmits the emergent light to the photon detector through the second optical fiber.
US08216517B2 System and method for monitoring an integrated system
A control system includes an estimator configured to determine a present state of a device and compare the present state of the device with an expected state of the device. The control system further includes a predictor operatively coupled to the estimator, and configured to predict an event for execution by the device to reach the expected state of the device. The control system also includes a supervisory control unit operatively coupled to the predictor and the device, and configured to facilitate execution of the predicted event by the device.
US08216515B2 Capillary ion chromatography
An apparatus for capillary ion chromatography having a suppressor having flow-through ion exchange packing in a housing and capillary tubing formed of a permselective ion exchange membrane, and at least partially disposed in said ion exchange packing. Also, a recycle conduit for aqueous liquid from the detector to the packing. Further, the capillary tubing may have weakly acidic or weakly basic functional groups. Also, a method for using the apparatus.
US08216507B2 Post-combustion lance with internal support
A post-combustion lance for directing a gas at least partially therethrough. The post-combustion lance includes a body having a primary tip from which a first part of the gas exits, upper and lower portions, and a post-combustion distributor mounted between the upper and lower portions and upstream from the primary tip. The distributor includes a number of ports through which a second part of the gas exits the lance. The lance also includes an upper inner tube positioned at least partially upstream from the distributor and an internal support assembly for supporting the body. The internal support assembly includes an internal tube positioned inside the body and coaxial with the body.
US08216505B2 Method for manufacturing solid ink sticks with an injection molding process
A method manufactures solid ink sticks by forming a solid ink paste and injecting the paste into a mold having internal cavities. The solid ink paste can be formed by mixing liquid ink and solid ink in a barrel of an injection molding machine. The liquid ink is formed by melting solid ink particulates in the barrel with a heated conveyor and the solid ink particulates are maintained in a solid phase by cooling a portion of the barrel. Movement produced by the heated conveyor mixes the liquid ink and the solid ink in an area between the cooled portion of the barrel and the heated conveyor.
US08216503B2 Method for manufacturing printed circuit board using imprinting
A method for manufacturing a printed circuit board, in which an oxidant capable of polymerizing conductive polymers is selectively marked on a board using imprinting, and the monomer of a conductive polymer is filled in the selected pattern and polymerized, to provide a conductive polymer wiring pattern. With the method for manufacturing a printed circuit board, a printed circuit board can be given finer wiring widths to allow a highly integrated, highly efficient printed circuit board. Thus, a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit boards (FPCB) can be manufactured that is applicable to industrial, clerical, and domestic electric electronic products, by forming conductive polymer wiring using imprinting.
US08216502B2 Method for the external application of battery pack encapsulant
A method and apparatus for simplifying battery pack encapsulation is provided. The battery pack includes a pair of complementary housing members with each housing member including a plurality of cell constraints into which the ends of corresponding battery cells are inserted during assembly. One or both housing members also include at least one, and preferably a plurality, of raised encapsulant injection ports. The raised encapsulant injection ports are designed to extend above the surface of the respective housing members and beyond the injected encapsulation material, thus ensuring that the ports remain open after encapsulation material injection.
US08216499B2 Extrusion of adhesives for composite structures
A structural filler is installed in a gap between at least first and second composite members by extruding a flowable filler material, placing the extruded filler on one of the composite structural members, and assembling the composite members.
US08216497B2 Tissue holding devices and methods for making the same
Various methods are provided for forming tissue holding devices having predetermined shapes suitable for use in surgical applications, and devices formed in accordance with such methods are also provided. These methods include press forming methods, and press forming methods in combination with profile punching. Tissue holding devices formed in accordance with such methods include various configurations for a core and a plurality of tissue holding elements extending outwardly from the core.
US08216495B2 Preparation method for solid dispersions
A method of preparation of a solid dispersion of a polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (PVA-PEG graft co-polymer), such as Kollicoat IR with a BCS Class II drug or a BCS Class IV drug, whereby the method comprises: a) dissolving the polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (PVA-PEG graft co-polymer) separately in a water/first alcohol mixture; and b) dissolving the BCS Class II drug or a BCS Class IV drug, in a mixture of a second alcohol with a non alcoholic organic solvent in which the compound has an high solubility; and c) mixing the both solutions to obtain a third solution with a total amount of solved solid of 1 to 15 g per 100 ml, and optionally having an acid, including inorganic acids including hydrohalic acids, e.g. hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid; sulfuric; nitric; phosphoric and the like acids; or organic acids including acetic, propanoic, hydroxyacetic, lactic, pyruvic, oxalic, malonic, succinic, maleic, fumaric, malic, tartaric, citric, methane-sulfonic, ethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, p-toluenesulfonic, cyclamic, salicylic, p-aminosalicylic, palmoic and the like acids in the mixture of both the solutions to achieve an acid pH; and d) spray drying the third solution.
US08216494B2 Method for making mold
A method for making a mold, the method includes steps of: providing a substrate and a retaining member, the retaining member being made of polytetrafluoroethylene, and being ring-shaped; engaging the substrate with the retaining member; disposing viscous liquid polydimethyl siloxane containing material on the substrate within the retaining member; rotating the retaining member and the substrate to cause the polydimethyl siloxane containing material to spread out on the substrate and form a polydimethyl siloxane containing layer; press-molding the polydimethyl siloxane containing layer using a stamper to form one or more molding portions on the polydimethyl siloxane containing layer; solidifying the polydimethyl siloxane containing layer with the one or more molding portions; separating the stamper from the polydimethyl siloxane containing layer; and separating the substrate from the retaining member to obtain a mold.
US08216493B2 Injection molding of part having nonuniform thickness
Injection molding of a part having a nonuniform thickness is provided. One disclosed embodiment of an injection molding device includes one or more side walls, a first mold surface intersecting the side walls and being stationary with respect to the side walls, and a second mold surface intersecting the side walls so as to define with the side walls and the first mold surface a cavity configured to receive a metered amount of injected molten thermoplastic material. The second mold surface is moveable toward the first mold surface in such a manner that a first end of the second mold surface moves a larger physical travel distance toward the first mold surface than does a second end of the second mold surface during a molding process.
US08216489B2 Three-ring liquid crystal compound having lateral fluorine, liquid crystal composition, and liquid crystal display device
The invention provides a liquid crystal compound represented by the following formula having stability to heat, light and so forth, a wide temperature range of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy and a suitable elastic constant K33 (K33: bend elastic constant), and further having a suitable and negative dielectric anisotropy and an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, and provides a liquid crystal composition including the compound, wherein R1 and R2 are hydrogen, alkyl or the like, ring A1 is trans-1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene or the like, L1 to L4 are hydrogen or fluorine, and at least three of them are fluorine; when the ring A1 is trans-1,4-cyclohexylene or the like, Z1 is a single bond, —(CH2)2— or the like, when ring A1 is 1,4-phenylene, Z1 is —(CH2)2— or the like.
US08216483B2 Preparation of super water repellent surface
A super water repellent surface is prepared by arranging plural spherical beads on a substrate surface to form a (N)-th bead layer, etching the substrate surface with the (N)-th bead layer as an etching mask, arranging plural spherical beads, which are larger than the (N)-th beads in diameter, on the substrate surface to form a (N+1)-th bead layer, etching the substrate surface with the (N+1)-th bead layer as an etching mask, removing the beads from the etched substrate surface and coating a fluorine compound on the substrate surface on which a hierarchical concavo-convex structure has been formed. The (N+1)-th bead layer forming step and the (N+1)-th etching step are repeated N times.
US08216482B2 Method of manufacturing inkjet printhead
A method of manufacturing an inkjet printhead includes forming a chamber layer having multiple ink chambers on a substrate. A sacrificial layer is formed and is configured to fill a space associated with the ink chambers on the chamber layer. A nozzle layer is formed on the top surfaces of the chamber layer and the sacrificial layer and having multiple nozzles. An etching mask is prepared on the bottom surface of the substrate. The etching mask has at least one linear etching pattern configured to define a portion of the substrate in which an ink feed hole is to be formed. The substrate is etched through the linear etching pattern until the sacrificial layer is exposed and a through hole is formed. The through hole defines the portion of the substrate in which the ink feed hole is to be formed. The sacrificial layer and the portion of the substrate surrounded by the through hole are removed to form the ink feed hole.
US08216480B2 Nanopin manufacturing method and nanometer sized tip array by utilizing the method
Methods to manufacture metal nanopins and metal oxide nanopins are disclosed. Metal nanopins are fabricated on a metal foil by capillaritron plasma source dry etching. The aspect ratio and the density of metal nanopins are controlled by adjusting the temperature of the metal foil during ion beam dry etching. The end radius of metal nanopins less than 10 nm and the aspect ratio of metal nanopins between 25 and 30 can be achieved. Besides, metal oxide nanopins are fabricated by ion implantation and thermal oxidation. The metal foil is implanted with ions and then thermally oxidized to form the metal oxide nanopins. It shows that the metal oxide nanopins fabricated with oxygen implantation exhibit better field emission properties.
US08216472B2 Biological nitrogen removal
The present invention relates to a method of treating a liquid to extract at least one of carbon, sulphur, nitrogen or phosphate from liquids such as waste water. Preferably, the invention is employed to remove nitrogen from waste water. In an alternate for the invention provides a wastewater treatment system.
US08216467B2 Filter element
A filter device has a filter housing (1), at least one filter element (13) received in the filter housing (1) and an inner fluid space (71) limited by a filter medium (17) through which the fluid to be cleaned can flow. The filter medium separates the inner fluid space (71) from an exterior fluid space (11) located in the filter housing (1). The filter housing (1) has a fluid inlet (7) and a fluid outlet for cleaned fluid. A fluid guide device (9) is connected downstream to the fluid inlet (7) and can be optionally retrofitted to form a flow path between the fluid inlet (7) and the exterior fluid space (11) or between the fluid inlet (7) and the inner fluid space (71) disposed in the filter element (13).
US08216460B2 Fluid purification and manifold systems and methods
Apparatuses and methods for filtering particulates and volatiles from fluid systems. The apparatuses and methods include a particulate filter section, an evaporator section positioned adjacent the particulate filter section, and a manifold coupled to at least one of the particulate filter section and the evaporator section to direct flow through the apparatuses as desired.
US08216457B2 Emergency extraction line and marine particle skimmer
Removing contaminated water and pollutants from a body of water. Apparatus includes marine particle skimmers that can pull contaminated water through filter units or otherwise direct contaminated water or pollutants to a collection point. Emergency extraction lines can remove contaminated water and pollutants by conducting water to an extraction point. Emergency extraction lines include multiple emergency extraction line components connected to each other. The marine particle skimmers and emergency extraction lines typically float on the surface of the water but can be configured to extract contaminants below the water surface.
US08216449B2 Bubble separation to remove haze and improve filterability of lube base stocks
Provided is a bubble generating process used to treat dewaxed lube base stocks to improve their filterability, hazy appearance or both. In one form, the process for improving at least one of haze appearance and filterability of a dewaxed lubricating oil basestock contained in a storage vessel includes contacting the lubricating oil basestock with gas bubbles passed through a gas distribution grid for a time sufficient to form a mixture of froth and gas treated basestock, allowing the mixture of froth and gas treated basestock to settle for a time sufficient to form a froth layer and a gas treated basestock layer, and separating the froth layer from the gas treated basestock layer, wherein a basestock having improved haze, improved filterability or both may be isolated from the gas treated basestock layer.
US08216448B2 Process for improving the lubricating properties of base oils using a Fischer-Tropsch derived bottoms
A method for improving the lubricating properties of a distillate base oil characterized by a pour point of 0 degrees C. or less and a boiling range having the 10 percent point falling between about 625 degrees F. and about 790 degrees F. and the 90 percent point falling between about 725 degrees F. and about 950 degrees F., the method comprises blending with said distillate base oil a sufficient amount of a pour point depressing base oil blending component to reduce the pour point of the resulting base oil blend at least 3 degrees C. below the pour point of the distillate base oil, wherein the pour point depressing base oil blending component is an isomerized Fischer-Tropsch derived bottoms product having a pour point that is at least 3 degrees C. higher than the pour point of the distillate base oil.
US08216446B1 Method for labelling and analysing nucleic acids
The invention relates to a method of labelling and analysing nucleic acids. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of analysing nucleic acids, which comprises contacting the nucleic acids to be detected, which are in the form of single-stranded nucleic acid strands partially (i.e. over a part of the total length of the nucleic acid strands) hybridized with protective strands, with substances which specifically react with nucleobases of the single-stranded sections of the nucleic acid strands, and which are capable of subsequently participating in a reversible redox reaction in electroanalytical processes known to the skilled worker.
US08216443B2 Process for producing alkali metal chlorate
The invention relates to a process for producing alkali metal chlorate in an electrolytic cell that is divided by a cation selective separator into an anode compartment in which an anode is arranged and a cathode compartment in which a gas diffusion electrode is arranged. The process comprises introducing an electrolyte solution containing alkali metal chloride into the anode compartment and an oxygen-containing gas into the cathode compartment.The invention also relates to an electrolytic cell for the production of alkali metal chlorate comprising a cation selective separator dividing the cell into an anode compartment in which an anode is arranged and a cathode compartment in which a gas diffusion electrode is arranged. An inlet for electrolyte solution and an outlet for electrolysed solution are provided in the anode compartment and an inlet for introducing oxygen-containing gas is provided in the gas chamber. The invention also relates to a plant comprising the electrolytic cell and the use thereof for the production of alkali metal chlorate and/or chlorine dioxide.
US08216442B2 Ultrahigh-purity copper and process for producing the same
A manufacturing method of ultrahigh purity copper is provided wherein, upon subjecting copper to high purification with the electrolytic method, an anode and a cathode are partitioned with an anion exchange membrane, anolyte is intermittently or continuously extracted and introduced into an active carbon treatment vessel, a chlorine-containing material is added to the active carbon treatment vessel so as to precipitate impurities as chloride, active carbon is subsequently poured in and agitated so as to adsorb the precipitated impurities, the adsorbed impurities are removed by filtration, and the obtained high purity copper electrolytic solution is intermittently or continuously introduced into the cathode side and electrolyzed. This technology enables the efficient manufacture of ultrahigh purity copper having a purity of 8N (99.999999 wt %) or higher from a copper raw material containing large amounts of impurities.
US08216441B2 Electrophoretic solar cell metallization process and apparatus
Embodiments of the invention provide a novel apparatus and methods for forming a contact structure having metal lines formed using an electrophoretic deposition process. A substrate having a conductive or semiconductive layer is covered with an insulating layer and patterned to expose the conductive or semiconductive layer. The substrate is exposed to a processing medium comprising charged particles immersed in a dielectric fluid. An electric field is optionally applied. The charged particles deposit onto the exposed portions of the substrate and are then solidified in a reflow process.
US08216435B2 Calcium aluminate clinker as a refractory aggregate with and without barium addition and use thereof
A method of providing a safety lining in an industrial processing container, such as an aluminum electrolytic cell, is provided comprising providing a container having an interior and a at least one primary lining in juxtaposition to said interior of said shell, and adding a calcium aluminate clinker and/or castable layer between the primary lining and the shell of the container. Further, a method of trapping one or more gasses, elements or compounds produced from industrial processes is provided using the container having the calcium aluminate layer as herein described. An electrolytic cell is disclosed comprising a shell having an interior, one or more primary linings in juxtaposition to the interior of the shell, and one or more safety linings located between the primary lining and the shell, wherein at least one of the safety linings comprises a calcium aluminate clinker and/or castable.
US08216425B2 Absorbent sheet having regenerated cellulose microfiber network
An absorbent paper sheet for tissue or towel includes from about 99 percent to about 70 percent by weight of cellulosic papermaking fiber and from about 1 percent to about 30 percent by weight fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber which was regenerated form a cellulosic dope utilizing a tertiary amine N-oxide solvent or an ionic liquid. Fibrillation of the microfiber is controlled such that it has a reduced coarseness and a reduced freeness as compared with unfibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber from which it is made and provides at least one of the following attributes to the absorbent sheet: (a) the absorbent sheet exhibits an elevated SAT value and an elevated wet tensile value as compared with a like sheet prepared without fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber; (b) the absorbent sheet exhibits an elevated wet/dry CD tensile ratio as compared with a like sheet prepared without fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber; (c) the absorbent sheet exhibits a lower GM Break Modulus than a like sheet having like tensile values prepared without fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber; or (d) the absorbent sheet exhibits an elevated bulk as compared with a like sheet having like tensile values prepared without fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber. In some embodiments, the pulp is pre-treated with debonder to enhance the wet/dry CD tensile ratio of the sheet.
US08216423B2 Multi-stage AP mechanical pulping with refiner blow line treatment
The invention combines the step of adding chemicals such as alkaline peroxide to an intermediate line after refining, with the step of applying chemicals such as alkaline peroxide as a pre-treatment before primary refining and/or applying chemicals such as alkaline peroxide at the primary refiner. This is implemented in the preferred embodiment, by pre-treating feed material, refining the materials into a pulp in a superatmospheric refiner, and adding chemicals in the post refining blowline.
US08216417B2 Substrate treating apparatus and substrate treating method
A substrate treating apparatus for performing a predetermined treatment of substrates with a treating liquid. The apparatus includes a treating tank for storing the treating liquid; a lifter having holding elements for holding the substrates, and vertically movable between a standby position above the treating tank and a treating position inside the treating tank; lower nozzles arranged on opposite sides at a bottom of the treating tank for supplying the treating liquid; upper nozzles arranged above the lower nozzles for supplying the treating liquid toward the holding elements of the lifter; and a control device for controlling a flow ratio of the treating liquid between the upper nozzles and the lower nozzles according to the treatment.
US08216414B2 Method of producing a multiplicity of incontinence pads having main part and front and rear side parts attached thereto
Method of producing an incontinence pad having a main part and front and rear side parts attached thereto, characterized in that the rear side parts can be expanded to a greater extent than the front side parts.
US08216413B2 Method of making a marine gas turbine filter
A method for making a pocket filter assembly is provided. Two side and two end header elements each having a pair of longitudinally extending side walls and a longitudinally extending bottom wall forming a longitudinally extending channel are joined at ends forming a rectangular header with two opposing sides and two opposing ends. The bottom wall and side walls of each of the opposing sides and the bottom walls and said side walls of each of said opposing ends become adjacent forming a rectangular header with a continuous bottom wall and continuous inner and outer side wall having a continuous channel therein. An upstream perimeter portion of a pocket filter element is inserted in the continuous channel and a liquid polymeric material is placed therein. The polymeric material is solidified forming a header frame having the upstream perimeter portion of the filter element unitary therewith.
US08216407B2 Pre-assembled hip, ridge or rake shingle
A hip, ridge or rake shingle is provided, in which a pair of substantially rigid panel portions are connected by a hinge portion, and wherein the shingle is pre-assembled, but can conform to a variety of different angles to accommodate different angular relationships between surfaces of a hip, ridge or rake of a roof. The substantially rigid panel portions are connected by a hinge and may or may not have a reinforcement member, and all of the panels, hinges and reinforcement members are of synthetic thermoplastic polymeric construction and are welded together by ultrasonic or vibratory welding techniques.
US08216404B1 Process for crystalline explosives containing halogenated wax binders
A process for manufacture of explosive formulations containing a halogenated wax binder, involving dilution of the halogenated wax in a non-aqueous lacquer, slurring the explosive in an aqueous solution and applying heat and vacuum to yield a granular explosive which provides complete coating to avoid hot spots and is quickly pressable at lower temperature and pressure.
US08216402B2 Manufacture of pyrotechnic objects by a dry process; pyrotechnic objects
The present invention relates to a dry process for the manufacture of pyrotechnic objects from at least one reducing charge selected from guanidine derivatives, metal hydrides, alkali metal hydrides and alkaline earth metal hydrides, and at least one oxidizing charge selected from alkali metal nitrates, alkaline earth metal nitrates and basic metal nitrates, at least one of said reducing and oxidizing charges having the property of flowing under stress. Said process makes it possible to obtain pellets and small tablets directly by compaction/compression, to obtain granules, usable as such, by compaction and then granulation, and to obtain compressed objects by compaction, granulation and then compression.The high-performance pyrotechnic objects obtained constitute a further subject of the invention.
US08216398B2 Method for controlling phase transformation temperature in metal alloy of a device
An efficient method to reduce product wastes due to inaccurate transformation temperatures for shape memory products and parts, which provides a useful method for optimizing shape memory alloys phase transformation temperatures and mechanical properties by using heat treatment procedures below 250 degrees C. for extended dwell times.
US08216396B2 Shape memory alloy articles with improved fatigue performance and methods therefor
Articles made of shape memory alloys having improved fatigue performance and to methods of treating articles formed from shape memory alloy materials by pre-straining the articles (or desired portions of the articles) in a controlled manner so that the resultant articles exhibit improved fatigue performance. The shape memory articles are preferably medical devices, more preferably implantable medical devices. They are most preferably devices of nitinol shape memory alloy, most particularly that is superelastic at normal body temperature. The pre-straining method of the present invention as performed on such articles includes the controlled introduction of non-recoverable tensile strains greater than about 0.20% at the surface of a desired portion of a shape memory alloy article. Controlled pre-straining operations are performed on the shape-set nitinol metal to achieve non-recoverable tensile strain greater than about 0.20% at or near the surface of selected regions in the nitinol metal article. The pre-straining operations result in a significant increase in fatigue life of the selectively treated regions and an overall improvement in the fatigue performance of the device.
US08216395B2 Lead-free solder alloy
A lead-free solder alloy suitable for use in flow soldering of electronic components to printed wiring boards comprises 0.1-3 wt % of Cu, 0.001-0.1 wt % of P, optionally 0.001-0.1 wt % of Ge, and a balance of Sn. The solder alloy may further contain at least one of Ag and Sb in a total amount of at most 4 wt %, and/or at least one of Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Cr, and Mo in a total amount of at most 0.5 wt % in order to strengthen the alloy, and/or at least one of Bi, In, and Zn in a total amount of at most 5 wt % in order to lower the melting point of the alloy.
US08216386B2 Atmosphere exchange method
There is provided a method for exchanging an atmosphere of a vacuum chamber of a processing apparatus configured to process a substrate under a vacuum environment. The method includes the steps of holding the substrate using a holding unit provided in the vacuum chamber, and exchanging the atmosphere of the vacuum chamber through exhaustion or air supply, wherein the exchanging step maintains a pressure of the vacuum chamber in a range between 10 Pa and 10000 Pa for a period between 10 seconds and 600 seconds while controlling a temperature of a dust collection unit provided in the vacuum chamber lower than a temperature of the substrate.
US08216384B2 Combinatorial approach to the development of cleaning formulations for wet removal of high dose implant photoresist
Embodiments of the current invention describe a cleaning solution for the removal of high dose implanted photoresist, along with methods of applying the cleaning solution to remove the high dose implanted photoresist and combinatorially developing the cleaning solution.
US08216382B2 Foreign matter removal method and storage medium
A foreign matter removal method that removes foreign matter attached to a surface of a substrate having been subjected to predetermined processing. An edge of a rotating substrate mounted on a mounting stage is irradiated with misalignment measurement laser light. The misalignment measurement laser light other than the laser light blocked by the edge of the substrate is received, and power thereof is detected. The amount of misalignment of the substrate is calculated based on the detected power of the misalignment measurement laser light and a detected rotation angle of the rotating substrate. The misalignment of the substrate is corrected for based on the calculated amount of misalignment. After that, foreign matter removal laser light is irradiated, and a process gas that is to react with the foreign matter is jetted to the edge of the substrate. Consequently, the foreign matter attached to the substrate is decomposed and removed.
US08216378B2 Reaction tube and heat processing apparatus for a semiconductor process
A reaction tube for a semiconductor process for performing a heat process on a plurality of target objects stacked at intervals under a vacuum state is integrally made of an electrically insulating and heat-resistant material. The reaction tube includes a cylindrical sidewall that has a load port at a lower end for loading and unloading the target objects to and from the reaction tube, and a circular ceiling wall that closes an upper end of the sidewall and has a flat inner surface extending in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the sidewall. The ceiling wall has an annular groove formed in a peripheral region of an outer surface along the sidewall.
US08216374B2 Gas coupler for substrate processing chamber
A gas coupler is capable of conducting gas between a gas component, gas source and substrate processing chamber. The gas coupler comprises a metal block comprising a gas component seating surface having a plurality of gas component coupling ports. The block also has a plurality of sidewalls at right angles to the gas component seating surface, each sidewall comprising a counterbored gas orifice. A plurality of right-angled internal passageways are each connected to a gas component coupling port. Each internal passageway terminates at counterbored gas orifice on a different sidewall surface so that each gas component coupling port is fluidly connected to a different sidewall.
US08216373B2 Device and process for producing a block of crystalline material
A temperature gradient is established in a crystallization crucible by means of a heat source and a cooling system. The cooling system comprises a heat exchanger and an adjustable additional heat source. The cooling system is preferably formed by an induction coil cooled by a coolant liquid circulating in the induction coil and by an electrically conductive induction susceptor positioned between the crucible and induction coil. The fabrication process comprises heating the crucible via the top and controlling heat extraction from the crucible downwards by means of the heat exchanger and by means of regulation of the adjustable additional heat source.
US08216371B2 Single crystal manufacturing apparatus and method
A Czochralski single crystal manufacturing apparatus uses multiple heaters to improve the controllability of crystal diameter. The power supplied to the multiple heaters is controlled so as to bring the pulling up speed close to a predetermined speed set value, and so as to bring the heater temperatures close to predetermined target temperature values. The ratio of electrical power between the heaters is controlled to agree with a predetermined power ratio set value which varies according to the crystal pulling up length, and the heater temperatures change along with this change, which causes disturbance to the diameter control. To compensate for this, heater temperature changes along with the power ratio set value change are taken into account in advance in the temperature set values. Accordingly, along with change of the power ratio set value, the temperature set values change to values appropriate for the current power ratio set value.
US08216370B2 Method for reducing defect concentration in crystals
A method for removing defects at high pressure and high temperature (HP/HT) or for relieving strain in a non-diamond crystal commences by providing a crystal, which contains defects, and a pressure medium. The crystal and the pressure medium are disposed in a high pressure cell and placed in a high pressure apparatus, for processing under reaction conditions of sufficiently high pressure and high temperature for a time adequate for one or more of removing defects or relieving strain in the single crystal.
US08216366B2 Method for manufacturing a cubic silicon carbide single crystal thin film and semiconductor device based on the cubic silicon carbide single crystal thin film
A cubic silicon carbide single crystal thin film is manufactured by a method. A sacrificial layer is formed on a surface of a substrate. A cubic semiconductor layer is formed on the sacrificial layer, the cubic semiconductor layer having at least a surface of cubic crystal structure. A cubic silicon carbide single crystal layer is formed on the cubic semiconductor layer. The sacrificial layer is etched away to release a multilayer structure of the cubic semiconductor layer and the 3C—SiC layer from the substrate. A cubic silicon carbide single crystal thin film of a multilayer structure includes an AlxGa1-xAs (0.6>x≧0) layer and a cubic silicon carbide single crystal layer. A metal layer is formed on a substrate. The multilayer structure is bonded to the metal layer with the AlxGa1-xAs (0.6>x≧0) in direct contact with the metal layer.
US08216361B2 Monocrystalline semiconductor wafer comprising defect-reduced regions and method for producing it
Monocrystalline semiconductor wafers have defect-reduced regions, the defect-reduced regions having a density of GOI-relevant defects within the range of 0/cm2 to 0.1/cm2 and occupy overall an areal proportion of 10% to 100% of the planar area of the semiconductor wafer, wherein the remaining regions of the semiconductor wafer have a significantly higher defect density than the defect-reduced regions. The wafers may be produced by a method for annealing GOI relevant defects in the wafer, by irradiating defined regions of a side of the semiconductor wafer by laser wherein each location is irradiated with a power density of 1 GW/m2 to 10 GW/m2 for at least 25 ms, wherein the laser emits radiation of a wavelength above the absorption edge of the wafer semiconductor material and wherein the temperature of the wafer rises by less than 20 K as a result of irradiation.
US08216359B2 Delayed-setting calcium phosphate pastes
The invention features delayed-setting calcium phosphate pastes which are useful for the preparation of delivery vehicles for biologically active agents, useful for the treatment of orthopedic conditions and can be stored for long periods without prematurely setting.
US08216347B2 Method of processing molecules with a gas-liquid contactor
The invention relates to a gas liquid contactor and effluent cleaning system and method and more particularly to an array of nozzles configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets with reduced linear stability. An embodiment of the invention is directed towards a stability unit used with nozzles of a gas liquid contactor and/or an enhancer for stable jet formation, and more particularly to reducing the stability of liquid jets formed from nozzles of the gas liquid contactor. Another aspect of the invention relates to operating the apparatus at a condition that reduces the stability of liquid jets, e.g., a droplet generator apparatus. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to operation of the apparatus with an aqueous slurry. Still another aspect of the invention is directed towards to an apparatus for substantially separating at least two fluids.
US08216346B2 Method of processing gas phase molecules by gas-liquid contact
The invention relates to a gas liquid contactor and effluent cleaning system and method and more particularly to an array of nozzles configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets with reduced linear stability. An embodiment of the invention is directed towards a stability unit used with nozzles of a gas liquid contactor and/or an enhancer for stable jet formation, and more particularly to reducing the stability of liquid jets formed from nozzles of the gas liquid contactor. Another aspect of the invention relates to operating the apparatus at a condition that reduces the stability of liquid jets, e.g., a droplet generator apparatus. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to operation of the apparatus with an aqueous slurry. Still another aspect of the invention is directed towards to an apparatus for substantially separating at least two fluids.
US08216345B2 Gasification apparatus and method
A gasification system is disclosed having a combustion or reaction vessel, a scrubber housing, and a filter housing. A carbonaceous fuel is partially combusted in the reaction vessel to generate a combustible gas. An improved ash support and removal system reduces clogging and other problems in the reaction vessel. The combustible gas passes through the scrubber housing to remove matter such as tar and oil, and the scrubbed gas passes through a hybrid blower to the filter housing. Wood chips are used in the filter housing to provide a relatively clean, dry gas. Wastewater and other waste products from the scrubber housing and filter housing are captured and returned to the reaction vessel.
US08216344B2 Purifying carbon dioxide using activated carbon
Carbon dioxide-containing feed stream such as flue gas is treated to produce a high-purity carbon dioxide stream by a series of steps including removing SOx and NOx with activated carbon, carrying out subambient-temperature processing to produce a product stream and a vent stream, and treating the vent stream by pressure swing adsorption or by physical or chemical absorption to produce a product stream which is recycled to the feed stream.
US08216341B2 System and method for locating sparks in electrostatic precipitators
A system includes an electrostatic precipitator, an electromagnetic sensor and a processor to locate spark locations. The electromagnetic sensor is used at various locations of the electrostatic precipitator to obtain data and process the same for locating sparks in electrostatic precipitators.
US08216340B2 Method for producing dispersed, crystalline, stable to oxidation copper particles
Dispersed, crystalline, stable to oxidation copper particles are prepared in the absence of polymeric dispersants by rapidly reducing a Cu(I) salt with an Fe(II) carboxylic acid complex in water. The resulting microns sized copper powders contain only organics which decompose at temperatures low enough not to interfere with sintering processes and the formation of conductive copper structures.
US08216336B2 Method for integrated power generation and organic fertiliser production
The invention relates to an integrated power generation and organic fertilizer production system and method including: a biomass combustion-fuelled power station (12); a facility (14) for producing pelletized organic fertilizer (46); and means for capturing and redirecting waste heat from the power station (12) to the facility (14), to be used in producing pelletized organic fertilizer (46).
US08216333B2 Air cleaner assembly for small engine
An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to an air cleaner assembly for a small multi-purpose, combustion engine as may be used for mechanically powering pressure washers, lawn mowers, go-carts, electric power generators, and the like. In some embodiments, the air cleaner assembly includes a casing having an air inlet and an air outlet, and the casing is designed to pivot open to allow a user to access the casing interior. In the casing interior, a filter support is designed to hold an air filter between the air inlet and air outlet. In certain embodiments, the air cleaner assembly also includes a hinge that is integrally formed with the casing. A releasable fastener is designed to hold the casing closed.
US08216325B2 High porosity superabrasive resin products and method of manufacture
A superabrasive product, such as a superabrasive tool, includes a superabrasive grain component and a porous continuous phase that includes a thermoplastic polymer component in which the superabrasive grain component is distributed. A superabrasive product precursor to the superabrasive product includes a superabrasive grain component, a bond component and a polymer blowing agent of encapsulated gas. A method of forming a superabrasive product includes combining a superabrasive, a bond component and a polymer blowing agent of encapsulated gas to form, for example, a superabrasive product precursor. The combined superabrasive, bond component and polymer blowing agent of encapsulated gas are heated to a temperature and for a period of time that causes release of at least a portion of the gas from encapsulation within the blowing agent.
US08216316B2 Prosthetic implant with biplanar angulation and compound angles
A prosthetic implant, and more particularly, with a prosthetic implant having biplanar angulation and that can be inserted into a disk area generally straight using a posterolateral approach.
US08216310B2 Polymer compositions suitable for intraocular lenses and related methods
A polymeric material with a molecular response time that makes it suitable for use near fragile body tissues. The polymeric material is useful for both low modulus and high modulus applications thereby simplifying the multi-part polymeric article manufacturing process and creating better integrated multi-part polymeric articles. Cross-linked polymers with different moduli may be obtained utilizing the same or similar starting materials but modifying the amount of catalyst, the amount of cross-linking agent, and/or the amount of methyl vinyl cyclics.
US08216308B2 Accommodating artificial ocular lens (AAOL) device
An accommodating artificial ocular lens (AAOL) device including a moving lens optic portion connected to a lens plate haptic portion. Preferably, the lens optic portion is connected to the lens plate haptic portion by a pair of flexible or resilient transverse oriented lens arm portions to provide or allow for movement of the lens optic portion.
US08216306B2 Ocular auto-focusing lenses
The present invention relates to an ocular, variable-focus lens, and in particular, to an ocular, fluid-focussed, accommodating lens having first and second fluids which are in contact over a meniscus of changeable shape, for the restoration or improvement of vision in a patient.
US08216297B2 Dual chamber cuff structure
The endovascular graft includes a dual chamber cuff structure. The endovascular graft includes a tubular structure having a first end and a second end. The tubular structure has a wall defining a lumen between the first and second ends. The endovascular graft includes a cuff circumferentially secured to the tubular structure. The cuff has an interior cavity which is bifurcated such that the interior cavity includes a circumferential outer chamber and a circumferential inner chamber. The method for forming the endovascular graft includes inserting an expansion substance into the inner chamber to resist a luminal intrusion of the tubular structure resulting from the insertion of the expansion substance into the outer chamber. The expansion substance within the outer chamber is stiffened. The expansion substance within the inner chamber is removed.
US08216296B2 Delivery system for medical devices
The invention is directed a delivery system for implantation a self-expanding medical device in a body which includes a control handle and a catheter portion. The catheter portion includes an outer restraining member which covers the collapsed, medical device, an inner catheter member having a distal end including a region upon which the medical device is mounted, and an outer sheath which is removably attached to the control handle. The outer sheath creates a conduit for the catheter portion to prevent the inner catheter member from moving axially when the outer restraining member is retracted. The control handle has a rotatable thumbwheel to actuate a retraction mechanism attached to the proximal end of the outer restraining member which moves the restraining member in a proximal direction to deploy the medical device.
US08216294B2 Catheter with disruptable guidewire channel
The present invention is a catheter device that includes a disruptable guidewire channel. The guidewire channel is configured to provide necessary trackability of the catheter along the guidewire during introduction of the catheter to a treatment site. Once treatment is completed, the guidewire channel can then be disrupted so as to free the guidewire from the catheter in situ. The apparatus of the present invention provides distinct advantages over existing over-the-wire and rapid exchange catheter introduction methods, including the ability to achieve much faster treatment implement exchanges, the ability to rapidly deliver multiple treatment implements in series, and the ability to maintain multiple treatment implements simultaneously at a treatment site using a single guidewire.
US08216291B1 Apparatus and method of providing therapeutic immersive, vibratory and heat treatment to a body part
A therapeutic apparatus for providing therapeutic benefits to an immersed body part due to contact with a heated or unheated homogenous medium. The therapeutic apparatus includes at least two vibration generators for generating two waveforms at two distinct areas of the vibratory vessel, where the two waveforms are converging on each other and combined together to create a constructive and destructive pulse waveform having a larger constructive amplitude than the amplitude of the original wave and a smaller destructive amplitude than the amplitude of the original wave for providing a constructive and destructive pulse wave massaging effect to the body part of the user immersed within the homogenous medium contained within the vibratory vessel.
US08216285B2 Anterior cervical plate with independent spring-loaded locking slides for each screw
An anterior cervical plate and method includes a plurality of retaining slots comprising a first and second hole each adapted to permit bone retaining members to pass partially therethrough; and a platform separating the first hole from the second hole. The plate further comprises a pair of locking slides matingly adjacent to one another and adapted to rest on the platform and retain the bone retaining members in the plurality of retaining slots, wherein each the locking slide comprises a deflectable flange; and a lip positioned on an opposite side of the deflectable flange, wherein a first locking slide of the pair of locking slides is positioned in an opposite orientation relative to a second locking slide of the pair of locking slides. The deflectable flange of the first locking slide is aligned adjacent to the deflectable flange of the second locking slide.
US08216283B2 Device for osteosynthesis
The device for performing osteosynthesis includes a fixation element, such as a bone plate having a bottom surface designed to bear against the bone, a top surface, and at least one through hole extending from the bottom surface to the top surface, the though hole having a central axis and configured and dimensioned to receive a multiaxially pivotal insert or bushing for a bone screw. A bushing insertable into the through hole, includes a central bore designed to receive a bone screw, the central bore having a longitudinal axis, and a peripheral outer surface designed to be in contact with the through hole. The bushing is configured and dimensioned to be radially compressible and radially expansible, and the cross section of the through hole, which is orthogonal to the central axis, is non-circular. The cross section of the bushing that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis has a shape that corresponds substantially to the cross section of the through hole of the bone plate. When placed in the through hole, the bushing is rotationally fixed relative to its longitudinal axis, but remains pivotally adjustable within the through hole relative to the bone plate.
US08216276B2 Interspinous spacer
An interspinous spacer implant includes first, second, third, and fourth arms that are divided into pairs that are relatively rotatable. In an insertion configuration, the first and third arms are disposed close together, and the second and fourth arms are disposed close together. Relatively rotating the arm pairs results in a deployed configuration where the first and fourth arms are disposed close together and the second and third arms are disposed close together, with each set of arms forming a respective saddle for receiving a corresponding spinous process. Related methods are also described.
US08216273B1 Self-retainers with supporting structures on a suture
In embodiments of the invention, a manufacturing process produces and an. Article produced has a self-retaining suture wherein a force is used to squeeze the suture causing retainers to form out of material from the suture body. In an embodiment of the invention, fins are formed between the retainers and the suture body, wherein said fins support the retainers. In another embodiment, retainer stops are provided in order to prevent the retainer from settling back in the body of the suture.
US08216265B2 Medical instrument for punching out tissue
Medical instrument serves to punch out tissue. It has a shaft, a first cap-shaped tool arranged at a distal end of said shaft and having a circular cutting edge. A second tool has a circular cutting edge at a distal end thereof. Said first and said second tool can be shifted relative to one another along said shaft thereby that second tool can enter into the cavity of that first tool. Said second tool bears a plate-like element, distally spaced apart from its cutting edge, said plate-like element has an extension in a cross-section plane corresponding to a clear internal cross-section plane of said cavity.
US08216259B2 Compositions and methods for joining non-conjoined lumens
Disclosed are compositions, methods, and kits for joining together non-conjoined lumens in a patient's body including vascular lumens. More particularly, in various aspects, this invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for joining such non-conjoined lumens, including small lumens typically requiring microsurgical technique.
US08216252B2 Tissue manipulation and securement system
Tissue manipulation and securement systems are described herein. A tissue manipulation assembly is pivotably coupled to the distal end of a tubular member and has a lower jaw member and an upper jaw member pivotably coupled to the lower jaw member. A reconfigurable launch tube is also pivotably coupled to the upper jaw member and is used to urge the jaw members from a low-profile configuration to an open configuration for receiving tissue. The tissue manipulation assembly may be advanced through a shape-lockable endoscopic device, a conventional endoscope, or directly by itself into a patient. A second tool can be used in combination with the tissue manipulation assembly to engage tissue and manipulate the tissue in conjunction with the tissue manipulation assembly.
US08216245B2 Apparatus and method for applying sustained tension on a tether
Apparatus for applying sustained tension on tether in treatment site includes a positioning mechanism, gripping mechanism and pressurized fluid actuated mechanism. The positioning mechanism is operable to position the pressurized fluid actuated mechanism at a fixed distance relative to treatment site, and to engage a target at treatment site and secure the tether proximate to the target. The gripping mechanism is operable to selectively grip the tether and maintain tether when tether is held in tension. The pressurized fluid actuated mechanism is selectively operable to apply desired pulling force on gripping mechanism directed away from treatment site so as to transmit and apply in a sustained manner the desired pulling force on the tether independently from the tether displacement and place it under desired level of tension while the tether is being secured.
US08216244B2 Midline referencing femoral sizing caliper
A sizing caliper for determining the optimum size of a femoral component of a knee prosthesis includes a caliper body, a drill guide body, a stylus tower and a graduated stylus slidably coupled to the stylus tower. The caliper body, the drill guide body and the stylus tower are slidably linked to each other by a linkage pin laterally extending there through in a manner thereby when the caliper body and the stylus tower are linearly displaced in opposite directions in reference to the drill guide body, the caliper body and the stylus tower are linearly displaced at an equal rate with respect to the drill guide body.
US08216241B2 Instruments and methods for manipulating a spinal fixation element
An instrument for manipulating a spinal fixation element relative to a bone anchor includes a bone anchor grasping mechanism, a first adjustment mechanism, and a second adjustment mechanism. The bone anchor grasping mechanism includes a first arm having a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone anchor. The first adjustment mechanism includes a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm. The second arm has a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone anchor and is operable to adjust a spinal fixation element in a first direction upon pivoting relative to the first arm. The second adjustment mechanism is removably and replaceably coupled to the bone anchor grasping mechanism and is movable relative to the bone anchor grasping mechanism to adjust the spinal fixation element in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, relative to the bone anchor.
US08216235B2 Liquid infusion apparatus for radiofrequency tissue ablation
An apparatus for delivering electrical energy includes a tubular member having a pair of opposing members extendable from the distal end of the tubular member, the opposing members being directable towards one another for engaging tissue between inner surfaces of the opposing members, the opposing members having one or more electrodes for delivering electrical energy to tissue engaged between the opposing members. One or more hollow needles extend from an inner surface of at least one opposing member, the hollow needles configured to deliver conductive fluid from a lumen into tissue penetrated by the needles.
US08216234B2 Tissue resection device
A medical device for performing a therapeutic procedure on a patient. The medical device includes an elongate probe extending to an applicator end sized and shaped to be slidably received in an endoscope working channel. The device also includes an injection needle positioned adjacent the applicator end of the probe. The injection needle is communicatible with a fluid source for delivering fluid and an electrical energy source for delivering electrical energy to the needle when performing the therapeutic procedure on the patient. The needle also has a central axis. The device further includes an ablating loop positioned adjacent the applicator end of the probe. The ablating loop is communicatible with the electrical energy source for delivering electrical energy to the ablating loop when performing the therapeutic procedure. The ablating loop also has a central axis that is spaced from the central axis of the injection needle. During operation of the device, the injection needle and ablating loop have opposite charges for ablating tissue of the patient.
US08216233B2 Surgical devices and methods of use thereof
The invention provides surgical devices and methods to treat tissue. In one device embodiment, the invention comprises a bipolar electrosurgical device to treat tissue in a presence of radio frequency power and a fluid provided simultaneously from a distal portion of the device, with the device comprising a disc shaped distal end. In one method embodiment, the invention comprises a method of treating tissue having a blood vessel during spine surgery, with the method comprising pressing a portion of the blood vessel against a supporting spine structure with a surgical device to provide a compressed portion of the blood vessel, and heating the compressed portion of the blood vessel with the surgical device sufficiently to inhibit a blood flow through the vessel after the surgical device is removed from the blood vessel.
US08216227B2 Power-stage antenna integrated system with junction member
Disclosed is a microwave antenna assembly for applying microwave energy. The assembly includes a proximal portion having an inner conductor, an outer conductor, a DC power and a DC neutral each extending therethrough the antenna has a distal radiating section and a proximal radiating section and a junction member. The junction member includes a longitudinal thickness and is disposed between the proximal radiating section and the distal radiating section. The junction member further includes a microwave signal amplifier configured to receive a microwave signal at a first power level from the inner and outer conductor and a DC power signal from the DC power and DC neutral. The microwave signal amplifier amplifies the microwave signal from a first power level to a second power level greater than the first power level.
US08216225B2 Irrigated ablation electrode assembly having a polygonal electrode
An irrigated ablation electrode assembly includes a substantially polygonal shaped electrode. The electrode assembly includes a proximal portion having an outer body portion including an outer distal end surface and an inner cavity within the outer body portion. The proximal portion of the electrode assembly further includes at least one passageway for fluid that extends from the inner cavity of the proximal member to the outer distal end surface of the proximal member. The electrode assembly further includes a distal portion defined by a substantially polygonal shaped body. Irrigation fluid flows from the inner cavity of the proximal portion through the passageway and out an orifice provided on the outer distal end surface of the proximal portion. The fluid that exits the passageway flows substantially parallel to the distal portion, therein improving the irrigation of the electrode.
US08216223B2 System and method for tissue sealing
An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a processor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value and a predetermined rise in impedance, wherein tissue reaction corresponds to a boiling point of tissue fluid, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A tissue cooling period is provided to enhance operative outcomes.
US08216218B2 Treatment apparatus and methods for delivering high frequency energy across large tissue areas
Apparatus and methods for treating skin conditions that deliver high frequency energy across large tissue areas. The treatment apparatus comprises a treatment tip carrying a plurality of electrodes that are switched such that fewer than all of the electrodes are concurrently energized. The treatment tip includes a cooling mechanism that cools near-surface tissue regions disposed between the skin surface and the treated tissue by cooling the respective electrode that treats each of the regions. The cooling mechanism may include a heat transfer body intervening between the electrodes and a fluid delivery member configured to discharge coolant that impinges the heat transfer body. Alternatively, the cooling mechanism may include a fluid delivery member having individually valve-controlled passages configured to discharge a dedicated stream of coolant at each of the electrodes, a thermoelectric cooler, or a closed-loop fluid delivery member.
US08216217B2 Uterine therapy device and method
In some embodiments the method includes inserting an access tool through a cervix and a cervical canal into the uterus; placing an expansion mechanism in contact with tissue within the uterus to move uterine tissue surfaces away from an opening in an access tool lumen; delivering vapor through the vapor delivery tool into the uterus; and condensing the vapor on tissue within the uterus. The system has an access tool adapted to be inserted through a cervical canal to place an opening of an access tool lumen within a uterus; an expansion mechanism adapted to be advanced into the uterus to move uterine tissue surfaces away from the opening in the access tool lumen; and a vapor delivery mechanism adapted to deliver condensable vapor through the access tool to the uterus, the condensable vapor being adapted to condense within the uterus.
US08216212B2 Providing haptic feedback to the handle of a tool
Tools, such as surgical tools, are normally designed to interact with an object, such as a patient. As disclosed herein, one particular tool is implemented such that it comprises a handle having a feedback portion configured to contact one or more digits of a user's hand. The tool also includes a sensor positioned near or in contact with an object. The sensor is configured to measure a property of the object. Also, the tool includes a haptic output mechanism supported by the feedback portion of the handle. The haptic output mechanism is configured to communicate the measured property of the object to the user.
US08216210B2 Controlling movement of distal portion of medical device
A medical device allows movement control of a distal end portion of the medical device and is adapted for one-handed operation. The medical device is capable of omni-directional control of the distal end portion of the device. The device has an elongated member including a deflectable portion at a distal end portion of the elongated member. The device also has a control portion disposed on the elongated member. This control portion can be a handle for one-handed use by an operator of the medical device. The control portion comprises an elastic element and a flexible element. Angular movement of a first portion of the control portion with respect to a second portion of the control portion results in amplification of that angular movement in the deflectable portion of the device.
US08216207B2 Medicament admixing system
A system for mixing or reconstituting a drug contained in a first container with a diluent or fluid contained in a second container. The second container has a port docking assembly for engaging the first container. The first container is rotatable and axially slidable within the port docking assembly. The port docking assembly has an actuator to urge a stopper fluidly sealing the first container into the interior of the first container. The port docking assembly further includes a movable plug constructed to fluidly seal the second container in a first, docked position and to provide access to the interior of the second container in a second, activated position, whereby fluid communication between the first and second containers is provided when the first and second containers are in the second, activated position.
US08216205B2 Disposable diaper
A disposable diaper has a pair of transversely opposite lateral portions in a crotch covering region. The lateral portions are provided with body fluid leak-barriers extending in a back-and-forth direction of the diaper. The leak-barriers include a plurality of strips made of a flexible sheet material. These strips are arranged side by side in the back-and-forth direction. These strips respectively have fixed portions and flexible portions.
US08216202B2 Tampon having an asymmetric insertion end
Tampons comprising an asymmetric insertion end are provided. The tampon can comprise a substantially symmetrical absorbent mass having an insertion end and a withdrawal end, wherein the insertion end is asymmetric around an X axis of the tampon. A method of improving placement of a tampon in a vagina of a female is also provided.
US08216196B2 Wound treatment apparatus and guiding unit thereof
A wound treatment includes a guiding unit and a negative pressure collecting module. The guiding unit includes a main body, an elastic member and an accommodating portion formed within the elastic member. The main body has a first end is communicated to the wound, and a second end. The elastic member is disposed in the main body to isolate the first end from the second end. The negative pressure collecting module, connecting with the guiding unit, includes a negative pressure source providing negative pressure to the wound, and a collecting device collecting exudates of the wound. When the negative pressure source sucks air from the guiding unit, the elastic member deforms, and the accommodating portion communicates with the first end and the second end, respectively. When the negative pressure source stops sucking, the elastic member is restored, and the accommodating portion isolates the first end from the second end.
US08216192B2 Module for a medication injection device
A medication and needle module (20) for an injection device. The module (20) includes a housing (22) including a first portion (39) and a second portion (38) detachably connected together, the second housing portion having a periphery complementarily shaped with a cavity (154) in the injection device (150) to be loadable therein, a primary container (120) within the first housing portion and including a medication filled reservoir (124), a secondary container (70) within the second housing portion and including a medication tillable reservoir, a needle cassette (60) rotatably mounted within the second housing portion and including a plurality of delivery needles (64), and a transfer needle assembly (100) within the housing. The detachability of the second housing portion from the first housing portion permits the second housing portion with the secondary container and the needle cassette to be loaded as a unit independently of the first housing portion into the injection device cavity for use.
US08216191B2 Hemodialysis use adjunctive device
A hemodialysis use adjunctive device comprises an artificial blood vessel to be transplanted in the body at a location between an artery and a vein, a T-shaped tubular body comprising a straight tube portion and a stem portion and interposed in the artificial blood vessel, and an access tube provided at one end portion thereof with a jack having a pair of needles. A throttling unit is provided in the straight tube portion and is arranged so that it can be located between the pair of needles of the jack projecting from the stem portion to the straight tube portion when the jack of the access tube is connected to the stem portion of the tubular body. This arrangement can provide the result that while hemodialysis can be performed properly, internal membrane thickening of the vein and the resulting stricture or obstruction of the same can be prevented.
US08216190B2 Microstructures for delivering a composition cutaneously to skin
An improved method and apparatus is provided as a system to deliver a composition, preferably a medical or pharmaceutical composition or active, through the stratum corneum of skin, without introducing bleeding or damage to tissue, and absent pain or other trauma. The dimensions and shapes of the microelements are controlled so as to control the penetration depth into the skin. The microelements can be “hollow” such that passageways are created therethrough to allow the composition to flow from a chamber, through the microelements, and into the skin. Alternatively, the microelements can be “solid,” and the composition is applied directly to the skin just before or just after the microelements are applied to the skin surface to create the openings in the stratum corneum.
US08216189B2 Continuous gas flow trocar assembly
A trocar assembly for providing a pressurized insufflation fluid into a patient cavity and for providing sealable access to the patient cavity by a surgical instrument. The assembly comprises an inner tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. An outer tubular member is disposed about the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the inner tubular member and the distal end of the outer tubular member define a trocar seal nozzle arranged therebetween.
US08216188B2 Safety catheter
A device and method for positioning a catheter to establish a fluid access site into the vasculature of a patient includes a luer assembly having a cannula or catheter, a shuttle assembly having a stylet for stiffening the catheter, and a holder assembly having an actuator for providing controlled retraction into a handle. The safety catheter comprises a flash window that allows a clinician to view when the vasculature of a patient has been properly accessed and to confirm that the stylet has been fully retracted into a safe position.
US08216182B2 Apparatus and methods for bone, tissue and duct dilatation
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for medical treatment comprising bone, tissue or duct dilatation using inflatable dilatation elements together with apparatus and techniques for tensioning, stretching, folding, and/or wrapping the dilatation elements externally as well as in situ to facilitate insertion, positioning and withdrawal procedures.
US08216176B2 Method and apparatus for wound treatment
A wound treatment device comprises a polyurethane or polyether foam pad, adapted for insertion substantially within a wound cavity; a pump for supplying fluid flow to the wound site; and a collection canister for receiving wound fluids drawn from the wound cavity. The foam pad, pump and collection canister are in fluid communication with one another through a single hospital grade hose having a plurality of tiny apertures in the portion that is central to the foam pad. These apertures are adapted to allow fluids from the wound cavity to be drawn into the flow from the pump to the canister according to Bernoulli's theorem.
US08216174B2 Methods and conduits for flowing blood from a heart chamber to a blood vessel
Disclosed is a conduit that provides a bypass around an occlusion or stenosis in a coronary artery. The conduit is a tube adapted to be positioned in the heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a heart chamber and a coronary artery, at a site distal to the occlusion or stenosis. The conduit has a section of blood vessel attached to its interior lumen which preferably includes at least one naturally occurring one-way valve positioned therein. The valve prevents the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber.
US08216173B2 Systems, devices, and methods including infection-fighting and monitoring shunts
Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively controllable shunt configured to, for example, monitor, treat, or prevent an infection.
US08216169B2 Wrist support device
A wrist support sleeve is adapted to extend over a wearer's hand and wrist from a location below the ends of the fingers tip to a position just past the wrist region. The sleeve has an opening for receiving the wearer's thumb. A first portion of the sleeve extends around the lower part and opposite sides of a wearer's hand and wrist and has spaced side edges located in an upper region of the sleeve. An insert panel of a different material to the first sleeve portion is secured between spaced side edges of the first portion, so as to extend across the tipper portion of a wearer's hand and wrist when the device is worn. The insert panel material is a strong elastic material which has a higher stiffness than the rest of the sleeve.
US08216165B2 Compression garments with heel elevation
A compression garment includes a backing member with a proximal end portion and opposed distal end portion. The backing member is configured to be disposed about at least a portion of a lower leg between calf and heel and has an inner surface to be disposed facing the lower leg, and an opposite outer surface. The garment further includes at least one compression bladder disposed within the backing member configured to compress at least a portion of the lower leg to augment venous return flow in the lower leg, an elevation member operatively coupled to the backing member and configured to elevate the heel from an underlying support surface and at least one support member disposed along a portion of the elevation member and along a portion of the backing member to retain the elevation member in a desired position with respect to the backing member to elevate the heel.
US08216159B1 Anastomosis leak testing apparatus and methods
Anastomosis leak testers for testing for leaks in gastrointestinal anastomoses in patients include an inflation pump and a conduit part. The inflation pump has a compressible portion and a mechanism for providing a uni-directional flow of air through the inflation pump upon intermittent compressing thereof. Conduit parts have an interior space, a portion to be inserted into an anus of a patient or arm to be mated to a gastric tube, rectal tube or endoscope, a pressure relief valve and an indicator pin, and a rearward arm connected to the inflation pump. Upon actuation of the inflation pump, air flows through the inflation pump and through the conduit part into the patient's bowel. When the air pressure in the bowel exceeds a specified pressure, air is released through the pressure relief valve and ejects the indicator pin, which alerts the surgeon that the desired rectal pressure has been reached.
US08216158B2 Implantation of a medical device within a lumen
A medical device implanted within a lumen of a patient, such as the esophagus, stomach, or another portion of the gastrointestinal tract, includes a device housing and a lead that extends from the device housing. An anchor member is located at a distal portion of the lead, and the lead includes one or more electrodes located between the device housing and the anchor member. A delivery system for implanting the medical device within the lumen includes an elongated delivery device and a needle. The needle includes a bore to receive the anchor member of the medical device. The delivery system inserts the anchor member through a passageway from the lumen, through the tissue, and back into the lumen.
US08216156B2 Systems, methods, and devices for sampling bodily fluid
A fluid sampling system is disclosed comprising a fluid drawing device and a fluid sampling device. In one embodiment, the fluid sampling device has a base portion having a cannula, a handle, and a ridge extending around at least a portion of an outer surface. A top portion has a flange adapted to engage the ridge to couple the top portion to the base portion. In another embodiment, the fluid sampling device has a base portion having a cannula, a handle, a mounting portion, and a test strip coupled to the base portion at least partially within the mounting portion. In yet another embodiment, the fluid sampling device has a test strip housing for receiving an end of a test strip therein. Extending from an end of the test strip housing is a blunt cannula.
US08216153B2 Cryobiopsy probe
A cryosurgical instrument for separating a tissue sample from a biological tissue to be treated, for purposes of biopsy. The cryosurgical instrument includes a probe for bringing a probe head up to the biological tissue and a gas line for supplying cooling gas from a gas source of a cryosurgical apparatus to the probe head. The probe head cools a limited tissue region, by means of the supplied gas, for obtaining a tissue sample. The tissue sample can be separated from the surrounding tissue when frozen onto the probe head. The instrument has a support tube in which the probe is guided and which can be moved relative to the probe in such a way that the surrounding tissue can be supported by means of the support tube during the separating of the tissue sample. The instrument also includes an accelerating device that provides a predefined force for the separating process.
US08216150B2 Ultrasound probe
The present invention provides an ultrasound probe in which bend of a tip part is fixed only in a state that it is not bent in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which ultrasonic waves are emitted from an ultrasound generation source. To be specific, the ultrasound probe includes: a rod-like tip part inserted into a body cavity; an ultrasound emitting part placed at the tip part to emit ultrasonic waves to a subject; a first bending part for bending the tip part in a direction substantially orthogonal to the emission direction; and a fixing part configured to, when the first bending part is not bending the tip part toward any side of the direction orthogonal to the emission direction, lock a rotation member of the first bending part and inhibit the first bending part from bending the tip part in the direction substantially orthogonal to the emission direction.
US08216149B2 Puncture adaptor, ultrasonic probe for puncture, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for puncture, method for detecting angle of puncture needle
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus including an ultrasonic probe transmitting and receiving ultrasound toward and from a subject, a puncture adaptor configured to be fixed to the ultrasonic probe and to hold a puncture needle, wherein the puncture adaptor has moving part movable in relation to the ultrasonic probe with the puncture needle, and a sensor provided at the ultrasonic probe, and configured to detect the position of the moving part. As the puncture needle is moved relative to the probe, the movable part is correspondingly moved relative to the probe, and movement of the movable part, and therefore also of the puncture needle, is detected by the sensor.
US08216143B2 Ultrasonic imaging apparatus, a method for displaying a diagnostic image, and a medical apparatus
An ultrasonic transceiver obtains scanning data by transmitting ultrasound to a subject and receiving a reflected wave from the subject. A biological motion part measures, during said scanning, cyclic biological motion of said targeted organ and then calculates a measured waveform that shows motion in relation to time used for said biological motion. An image data generator converts the scanning data into image data shown in a specified coordinate system, and generates an ultrasonic tomographic image. A display controller superposes a standard waveform for a measured waveform, and a measured waveform for the latest cycle, so as to match a specified time phase for each waveform, and causes a display part to display these with the ultrasonic tomographic image.
US08216142B2 Ultrasonic probe, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic endoscopic apparatus
An ultrasonic probe in which a balance between basic performance and suppression of heat generation is achieved by suppressing heat generation of the ultrasonic probe without degrading sensitivity and relative bandwidth of the ultrasonic probe in transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic probe includes at least one vibrator for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, the at least one vibrator including a piezoelectric material in which a piezoelectric strain constant d33 is equal to or less than 500 pm/V and a product of the piezoelectric strain constant d33 and a piezoelectric voltage constant g33 is equal to or more than 7000×10−15 m2/N, at least one acoustic matching layer provided on a first surface of the at least one vibrator, and a backing material provided on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the at least one vibrator.
US08216138B1 Correlation of alternative site blood and interstitial fluid glucose concentrations to venous glucose concentration
The invention relates to a method for calibrating an analyte-measurement device that is used to evaluate a concentration of analyte in bodily fluid at or from a measurement site in a body. The method involves measuring a concentration, or calibration concentration, of an analyte in blood from an “off-finger” calibration site, and calibrating the analyte-measurement device based on that calibration concentration. The invention also relates to a device, system, or kit for measuring a concentration of an analyte in a body, which employs a calibration device for adjusting analyte concentration measured in bodily fluid based on an analyte concentration measured in blood from an “off-finger” calibration site.
US08216137B2 Method and system for providing analyte monitoring
Methods and apparatuses for determining an analyte value are disclosed.
US08216133B2 Doppler retractor
A surgical retractor comprises an arm having a first end and a second end. A blade has an outer surface and a contact surface. The blade is fixed to at least one of the first end and the second end of the arm. A transducer is disposed on the contact surface of the blade. A Doppler ultrasound sensor is in electrical communication with the transducer. The transducer transmits signals to the Doppler ultrasound sensor that can be used to calculate blood flow rate proximate to a surgical site where the surgical retractor is being used.
US08216132B2 Gear-shaped lifting cap for a laryngoscope
A lifting cap for attachment to a handle of a laryngoscope for facilitating oral endotrachael intubation. The lifting cap includes an undulating side wall that forms a plurality of finger-grip notches. The finger-grip notches enable a second user to securely grip the lifting cap while a first user grips the handle of the laryngoscope during an intubation procedure.
US08216129B2 Image display apparatus, endoscope system using the same, and image display method
An image display apparatus according to the present invention includes: a storage unit which stores an image group including a same number of first and second images which have a coincident positional relationship with respect to a subject and are respectively obtained through different image processes; a display unit which displays at least the first image in a display area; an input unit which indicates a display switching area of the first image displayed in the display area; and a display controller which controls the display unit to keep displaying the first image in an image part outside the display switching area and to switch an image part inside the display switching area of the first image to an image part, having a coincident positional relationship with the image part inside the display switching area of the first image with respect to the subject, of the second image.
US08216126B2 Living body observing apparatus
There is provided a living body observing apparatus capable of reducing time period to be spent on observation of a subject in a living body. The living body observing apparatus of the invention includes: illumination means including one or a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements for emitting illumination light to illuminate a subject; image pickup means for picking up an image of the subject illuminated by the illumination light emitted from the illumination means, and outputting the picked-up image as an image pickup signal; color separation means for separating the image of the subject into red, green, and blue components; and image processing means for performing a predetermined processing on the image pickup signal outputted from the image pickup means, and outputting the processed image pickup signal as a video signal to display the image of the subject on display means. The image processing means performs, as the predetermined processing, color conversion processing to convert the blue component in the image pickup signal into a green component in the video signal, and convert the green component in the image pickup signal into a red component in the video signal.
US08216121B2 Device for generating a pulsed electromagnetic field with pulse control
The invention relates to a device for generating a pulsed electromagnetic field with pulse control, wherein the pulses provided by the pulse generator represent periodic pulses having ascending and descending envelope curves with harmonic or anharmonic oscillation profile within the envelope curves, the pulse sequence is in the range of from 1 pulse/20 minutes to 10 pulses/minute, with pulse sequence, pulse function type and electromagnetic flux density being controlled via values which, obtained using non-invasive measuring methods on a target tissue, represent features of the blood microcirculation, with exponential functions as pulse function type being excluded. Greater and longer-lasting improvements of the microcirculation are achieved.
US08216120B2 Circumferentially driven continuous flow centrifuge
A centrifuge (10) including a first rotatable mechanism (60) having a rotation axis with a fluid retentive housing (20) being coaxially mounted on the first rotatable mechanism for co-rotation therewith; a second rotatable mechanism (90) having a rotation axis with the first and second rotatable mechanisms being coaxially interconnected for co-rotation around a common axis; and fluid tubing (70) connected to the axis of the fluid retentive housing and having a distal length that extends axially outwardly from the fluid retentive housing. A support arm (50) is mounted to the second rotatable mechanism a support tube (80) receives therethrough at least a part of the distal length of the fluid tubing and a bearing member (82) rotatably supports the support tube in the support arm whereby upon rotation of the first and second rotatable mechanisms the fluid tubing is free to one of rotate with and rotate relative to the support tube.
US08216116B2 Machine for gymnastic exercises, particularly for muscle stretching
A machine for gymnastic exercises, particularly for muscle stretching, comprising a supporting frame, a seat which is fixed with respect to the supporting frame, and a back rest which is pivoted to the supporting frame for moving the back rest between a position which is substantially inclined with respect to the seat and a position which is substantially perpendicular with respect to the seat, the machine further comprising a carriage which is slidingly associated with the supporting frame and is functionally connected to the back rest by way of kinematic connection elements for transferring the motion of the carriage to the back rest and/or vice versa.
US08216115B2 Oval transmission structure
An oval transmission structure utilizes lower ends of swaying moving shafts at two sides thereof to pivot to front ends of push-pull shafts, whose front portions slope to a determined angle. Rear portions of the push-pull shafts offer treadle frames for treadles to dispose with feet. Rear portions of the push-pull shafts further offer a track frame. An assistant device provides a sliding block with a fixing bolt superimposed at a side of the lower portion of the swaying moving shaft. An attached shaft pivoted to a side of the sliding block connects to an axle bolt of a transmission shaft, whose front end axially connects to a crank, whose rear end serially connects to a track wheel and whose middle determined position disposes a sliding wheel thereunder. The reciprocation brought about by the feet, the two cranks axially trigger the front ends of the two transmission shaft for achieving a relative oval action. The axle bolt motivates the attached shaft for driving the sliding block to move the lower portions of the two swaying moving shafts to achieve a relative displacement. Concurrently, the sliding wheel reciprocating flat on the track frame permits upper portions of the swaying moving shafts to sway oppositely. The two treadle frames accordingly slide on the track wheels. A V-shaped leverage of the transmission shaft could attain a favorable transmission effect in time of users operating the back-and-forth reciprocation.
US08216114B1 Adjustable exercise platform
An adjustable height exercise platform device having a platform that is removably secured between a pair of risers. The risers are held upright by an H-shaped horizontal base whose legs extend outward slightly to provide stability to the base. Each riser has spaced apart horizontal slots along its rear side for receiving one of two U-shaped bolts extending upward from the platform. Notches are cut out of the rear edge of the platform so that one of the U-shaped bolts straddles each notch. When the platform is attached to the risers, the U-shaped bolts rest in the slots and the two notches extend around the risers. One or more locking mechanisms are provided on the platform as a means of locking the platform and preventing the platform from being tilted in such a manner as to allow it to disengage from the risers.
US08216110B2 Shifting control system
A shifting control system has two gear shift stage groups, two clutches, a clutch release detection section, a pre-shift controller, a clutch oil level detection section and a pre-shift inhibiting section. The clutches are alternately engaged to selectively transmit power from an engine to a wheel. The clutch release detection section detects a release-side clutch which corresponds to the clutch that is in a released state. The pre-shift controller operates a meshing mechanism of the gear shift stage group corresponding to the release-side clutch, so as to undergo pre-shifting when the other clutch is engaged as an engage-side clutch. The clutch oil level detection section determines whether an oil level in the release-side clutch is equal to or greater than a preset oil level. The pre-shift inhibiting section inhibits pre-shifting while the oil level in the release-side clutch is equal to or greater than a preset oil level.
US08216109B2 Torque-based control system for a continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission is provided having a driven element. The continuously variable transmission also has at least one operator input device configured to transmit a transmission operating mode request and at least one other operator input device configured to transmit a driven element output request. In addition, the continuously variable transmission has at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of an operating condition of the transmission. The continuously variable transmission further has a controller configured to regulate an output of the driven element in response to the operating mode request, the driven element output request, and the at least one sensed parameter indicative of an operating condition of the transmission.
US08216106B2 Locking differential side gear to friction disc unloading
A differential is provided that includes a case, a cam side gear disposed proximate a first end of the case, and a side gear disposed proximate a second end of the case. The side gears have respective hubs. The differential further includes a first clutch pack disposed around the hub of the side gear. The differential further includes an annular engaging member disposed between the side gear and the case.
US08216105B2 Differential apparatus for vehicle and assembling method thereof
A differential apparatus for a vehicle includes pinion gear supporting portions 10, 11 rotatably supporting pinion gears 3, 4 by an outer surface of each of the gear collar portions 3B, 4B sliding thereon. Gear portions of the pinion gears 3, 4, having portions with the side gears 5R, 5L, are not included in the supported portion supported by the differential case 2 and are positioned nearer to the rotational axis of the differential case 2 than the gear collar portions 3B, 4B.
US08216103B1 Bidirectional drive for producing unidirectional vehicle movement
A mechanical drive uses two rotational clutches mounted in spaced apart positions on a common axle. Two sun gears are engaged respectively with the rotational clutches. A set of planet gears is engaged, with at least one of the planet gears meshed with each one of the sun gears. An internal tooth ring gear is meshed with at least two of the planet gears, wherein one of the planet gears is directed to each one of the sun gears. The planet gears are configured so that motion of the ring gear is transmitted to the two sun gears in opposing rotational senses and the rotational clutches are oriented for locking when under opposite rotational motions, whereby, reciprocating cyclic motion of the ring gear is transmitted to the common axle as continuous rotation in a singe rotational sense.
US08216102B2 Roller door drive adapter method and apparatus
A sprocket having a slot formed therethrough can be disposed about the non-rotating support rod of a given roller door. This sprocket is then attached to the door-supporting frame such that the sprocket is positioned externally to the roller door. A connector can serve to effect this attachment. This connector might comprise a plurality of bolts with support sleeves. By this approach, the sprocket can be maintained at a fixed distance from the door supporting frame. This connector might also comprise an adjustable connector that adjustably and fixedly connects the sprocket with respect to the door-supporting frame. By one approach, the sprocket connects directly to the door-supporting frame. By another approach, if desired, the sprocket connects to a frame interface which connects, in turn, to the door-supporting frame. This frame interface can itself also have a slot formed therethrough to again facilitate placing the frame interface into an installed position.
US08216101B2 Driving force transmission apparatus and adjustment method thereof
A driving force transmission apparatus includes: a motion power transmission part for transmitting a motion power via a driving medium formed by a belt or a chain; and a tensioner for applying a tension to the driving medium. The tensioner includes: a compression spring for biasing the driving medium; a stopper for preventing the compression spring from being compressed to a length less than a predetermined length; and an adjustment part for pushing the compression spring to be the predetermined length in a direction toward the driving medium. According to this configuration, the tension of the driving medium is dominant at installation. When the driving medium becomes fatigue to some extent, the stopper of the tensioner becomes off and the compression spring absorbs the vibration of the driving medium. As a result, the exchange timing of the tensioner can be extended by a simple configuration.
US08216097B2 Detachable trackable arrow nock
A detachable, trackable arrow nock, comprising a proximal end for detachably coupling to a hollow distal end of an arrow shaft, a distal end for receiving a bow string, a plurality of fins for engaging the hide of an animal to prevent the nock from penetrating the hide, an electronic tracking device, and an anchor tethered to the nock, wherein the anchor is positioned within the hollow distal end of the arrow shaft when the proximal end of the nock is coupled to the distal end of the arrow shaft. As the arrow shaft moves through the animal, the nock is operable to detach from the arrow shaft when the fins engage the hide of the animal and the anchor is operable to engage internal tissues of the animal to secure the nock to the animal.
US08216094B2 Barrier ball game
The present invention provides for a playing surface which should be substantially rectangular in nature and oriented at the height of a standardized table, the playing surface having an adjustable transverse angular divider or barrier bisecting the playing area and side deflector walls extending upwardly from the lateral sides of the playing surface, the game being played by propelling a perforated hollow ball from one side of the playing surface to the other by means of paddles, the playing surface, transverse barrier, and side walls all being part of the playing surface.
US08216090B2 Golf ball
The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer, and a cover, in this order, and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The core has a hardness which gradually increases from a center to a surface thereof, the hardness difference in JIS-C hardness units between the core center and the core surface being at least 15 and, letting (I) be the average value for cross-sectional hardnesses at a position about 15 mm from the core center and at the core center and letting (II) be the cross-sectional hardness at a position about 7.5 mm from the core center, the hardness difference (I)-(II) in JIS-C units being not more than ±2. The envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover have hardnesses which satisfy the condition: cover hardness>intermediate layer hardness>envelope layer hardness.
US08216087B2 Golf club head
A hollow golf club head with a concave portion is disclosed and claimed. The club head includes a metallic portion and a light-weight portion, which may be formed of plastic, composite, or the like. The concave portion allows the club designer to make a club head having very thin portions while still maintaining the requisite structural integrity. Convex bulges may optionally be provided to house weight inserts to enhance the playing characteristics of the golf club. The metallic portion of the club head may take on the appearance of a frame, into which several light-weight inserts are positioned. These light-weight inserts may be positioned in the crown, skirt, and sole of the club head. The club head may be formed by co-molding, eliminating the need for welding or adhesives, freeing mass to be used in more beneficial ways. The club head may be large to increase playability and forgiveness. The club head may include one or more light-weight inserts to manipulate the playing characteristics of the resulting golf club. These inserts may have attachment surfaces that are relatively angled such that the inserts are subjected to compressive forces rather than shear forces upon impact with a golf ball during a golf swing.
US08216086B2 Crosscut wedge golf club
A wedge-type golf club having a plurality of parallel grooves offset at an angle with respect to the base of the club face. The grooves provide enhanced backspin and control on a golf ball when struck with the club face open. The grooves are beneficial for “getting the ball up” and stopping the ball on the green using an open face approach.
US08216085B2 Golf club
A golf club 2 includes a shaft 6, a tip member provided at a tip part of the shaft 6, and a rear end member attached to a rear end part of the shaft 6. The tip member includes a head 4. The rear end member includes a grip 8 and a weight member 20. The golf club has a club length of 1143 mm or more. A value of [W2/W1] is no less than 0.23 and no more than 0.32 when a weight of the tip member is W1 (g) and a weight of the rear end member is W2 (g). The weight member 20 is provided on a rear side relative to a tip position of the grip. The weight member 20 has a specific gravity larger than that of the shaft 6. The golf club 2 is a wood type golf club. Examples of materials for the weight member 20 include brass, a tungsten nickel alloy, an aluminum alloy, a tungsten alloy, a stainless alloy, stainless steel, and the like.
US08216084B2 Interchangeable shaft and club head connection system
Disclosed herein is a golf club including a shaft, a club head and several devices for releasably connecting the shaft to the club head.
US08216081B2 Putter heads and putters including polymeric material as part of the ball striking face
Golf clubs and golf club heads, such as putter heads, may include a putter body and an insert forming a ball striking face and engaged with the putter body. Portions of the insert may be formed of a metal material, while portions of the insert may be formed of a polymer material. The insert may include a base portion having grooves formed therein. This base may be joined with another material to form the insert. In some arrangements, the insert may be a two-sided, reversible construction and may have different performance characteristics associated with each side of the insert. Methods for making such putter devices are also described.
US08216071B2 Method and apparatus for software delivery and management
A method and apparatus for software delivery and management includes receiving an electronic catalog identifying one or more game titles, displaying at least a subset of the identified game titles within a graphical user interface (GUI), receiving an indication from a user selecting one of the game titles displayed within the GUI, and displaying information corresponding to the selected one of the game titles in association with at least one of a first offer to preview a partially enabled game program corresponding to the selected one of the game titles and a second offer to purchase a fully enabled version of the game program corresponding to the selected one of the game titles.
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