| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08232857B1 |
Flux-coupled transformer for power amplifier output matching
Embodiments of apparatuses, systems and methods relating to a flux-coupled transformer for power amplifier output matching are disclosed. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08232855B2 |
High energy density inductor
A substrate layer for use in an inductor is provided. The substrate layer comprises traces disposed on a first side of the substrate layer, wherein the traces are configured to facilitate conduction of current in a winding of the inductor, a sealing layer disposed on a second side of the substrate layer, wherein the sealing layer is configured to provide a sealing border for an electrically isolated cooling channel and an interconnect foil disposed on the second side of the substrate layer, wherein the interconnect foil is configured to facilitate operationally coupling the substrate layer to a second substrate layer. Further, the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer may be operationally coupled to form a winding for use in an inductor with an electrically isolated cooling channel in between. |
| US08232854B2 |
Target magnet mounting system
An embodiment is a target magnet mounting system including a magnet housing having first and second sets of spring clip mounting hooks on opposing sides of the housing and first and second spring clips mountable to the first and second spring clip mounting hook sets, respectively. Each of the spring clips includes a flexible strip having opposing first and second ends, each of the first and second ends including serrated teeth. The target magnet mounting system may be inserted into a channel to detachably engage the sidewalls of the channel to position a target magnet. |
| US08232852B2 |
Dual-track surface-wave filter
The present invention relates to an integrated dual-track surface-wave filter comprising two input interdigital transducers, an output interdigital transducer, and a shield stripe therebetween, which are integrated on a piezoelectric wafer. The integrated dual-track surface-wave filter is characterized in that the two input interdigital transducers share one output interdigital transducer and one comb-like electrode that has a bus bar arranged at the middle thereof, and in that main lobe regions of apodized envelope curves on the two parallel input interdigital transducers are staggered to be at cross overlapping positions, and in that the bus bar on the common comb-like electrode is segmented to connect respective fingers on the two input interdigital transducers. In this manner, the present invention effectively narrows the chip area occupied, consumes less substrate materials and decreases the volume of the encapsulated enclosure, thereby reducing the manufacture cost effectively. |
| US08232844B2 |
Synchronous oscillator, clock recovery apparatus, clock distribution circuit, and multi-mode injection circuit
Disclosed herein is a synchronous oscillator including at least one injection circuit having an injection signal input terminal, an internal clock signal input terminal, and a clock output terminal, and at least one delay circuit cascaded to the injection circuit. |
| US08232842B1 |
Output buffer
An output buffer including a differential amplifier, a first and a second output stage, and a first and a second control stage is provided. The differential amplifier receives an input and a feedback signal and accordingly adjusts the level of the first and second control signals. The first control stage determines to provide a first current to an output terminal of the output buffer according to the level of the first and second control signals. The first control stage is biased under a high voltage and outputs one of the first control signal and the high voltage. The second control stage is biased under the low voltage and outputs one of the second control signal and the low voltage. The second output stage determines to provide a second current to the output terminal of the output buffer according to the signal generated by the first and second control stages. |
| US08232841B1 |
Amplifier with output filtering
An amplifier circuit includes an amplifier including an inverting input that communicates with an input signal, a non-inverting input, and an output. A first feedback path communicates with the inverting input and the output of the amplifier. A second feedback path communicates with the inverting input and the output of the amplifier. The first feedback path provides feedback at a lower frequency than the second feedback path. A first resistance has one end that communicates with the output of the amplifier. A first capacitance has one end that communicates with an opposite end of the load resistance. A second resistance has one end that communicates with the inverting input and an opposite end that communicates with the opposite end of the first resistance. |
| US08232839B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device and transmission and reception system
A semiconductor integrated circuit device comprising a linearizer that has a plurality of switchable first gain characteristics, the linearizer switching to the first gain characteristic to generate an intermediate signal from an input signal by using the switched first gain characteristic, and outputting the intermediate signal to a circuit having a second gain characteristic, wherein the linearizer includes: a linearization unit that has at least one of first rectifier, and linearizes the input signal; and a linearization reducing unit that has a plurality of second rectifiers having polarity opposite to polarity of the first rectifier and a first switching unit selecting at least one of the second rectifiers based on a control signal, the linearization reducing unit being connected in parallel to the linearization unit and reducing linearization of the input signal by the linearization unit. |
| US08232837B2 |
Communication device and battery pack containing communication device
A communication device includes a first JK flip-flop (FF) outputting a first output signal in response to a first input signal at a J-input and a reversed signal of the first input signal at a K-input, and a second JK FF outputting a second output signal in response to a second input signal at a J-input and a reversed signal of the second input signal at a K-input. A clock input to a NAND gate (12) is replaced by a reversed signal of a Q-output of the second JK FF. A clock input to a NAND gate (13) is replaced by the reversed signal of the second input signal. A clock input to a NAND gate (22) is replaced by a reversed signal of a Q-output of the first JK FF. A clock input to a NAND gate (23) is replaced by the reversed signal of the first input signal. |
| US08232832B2 |
Voltage adder circuit and D/A converter circuit
A voltage adder circuit includes an amplifier circuit having a first operational amplifier and into which a first voltage is input, a circuit that supplies an output current to the amplifier circuit, and a current providing section that detects the output current of the circuit and supplies an output current equal to the output current of the circuit in magnitude so that the output current of the circuit is prevented from inputting to or outputting from the first operational amplifier through an output terminal of the first operational amplifier. A second voltage is input into the circuit. |
| US08232825B2 |
Self-timed RS-trigger with the enhanced noise immunity
The invention describes self-timed RS-trigger with the enhanced noise immunity. Declared effect is achieved due to that circuit containing storage unit (1), indication unit (2), paraphase data input (3, 4), paraphase data output (5, 6), and indication output (7), is modified by adding two inverters (8, 9) and preindication unit (10). Inverters increase output capability of the trigger's paraphase data output and provide an electric isolation of the outputs of the storage unit from an external environment that leads to increasing immunity of the data stored in the trigger to influence of noises at signal wires. The preindication unit provides the trigger's indicatability. |
| US08232822B2 |
Charge pump and phase-detecting apparatus, phase-locked loop and delay-locked loop using the same
A charge pump including a first current source, a second current source, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, and a reset switch is provided. First terminals of the first and the third switch are coupled to the first current source. First terminals of the second and the fourth switch are coupled to the second current source. Second terminals of the first, the second, and the reset switch are coupled to an output terminal of the charge pump. A first terminal of the reset switch is coupled to the second terminals of the third and the fourth switch. Control terminals of the first, the second, the third, and the fourth switch respectively receive a first control signal, a second control signal, an inverted signal of the first control signal, and an inverted signal of the second control signal. |
| US08232818B2 |
Probe head for a microelectronic contactor assembly, the probe head having SMT electronic components thereon
A probe head for a microelectronic contactor assembly includes a space transformer substrate and a probe contactor substrate. Surface mount technology (SMT) electronic components are positioned close to conductive elements on the probe contactor substrate by placing the SMT electronic components in cavities in the probe contactor substrate, which cavities may be through-hole or non-through-hole cavities. In some cases, the SMT electronic components may be placed on pedestal substrates. SMT electronic components may also be positioned between the probe contactor and space transformer substrates. |
| US08232813B2 |
Sensor circuits
A circuit for operating an amperometric sensor having a reference electrode, a counter electrode and a work electrode. The circuit comprises an amplifier having a positive input and a negative input and an output. The positive input is coupled to a reference voltage source, and the negative input and the output are coupled together via a negative feedback loop. The circuit includes means for coupling the amperometric sensor into said negative feedback loop of the amplifier wherein, in a first configuration, the counter electrode is coupled to said output and the reference electrode is coupled to said negative input and, in a second configuration, the work electrode is coupled to said output and the reference electrode is coupled to said negative input. |
| US08232811B2 |
Electrostatic discharge device testing system and method
There is disclosed an electrostatic discharge (ESD) device tester and a method of operating the tester. In an embodiment, the method comprises operating the tester by uniquely identifying an ESD device to be tested using identification means provided on the tester; taking at least one test measurement of the uniquely identified ESD device using testing means provided on the tester, the testing means being configurable in dependence upon data associated with the uniquely identified ESD device; and storing the at least one test measurement in a storage means provided in the tester. A running average of test measurements for the uniquely identified ESD device may be stored on the tester in order to compare a test measurement against the running average. A test is repeated if a test measurement falls outside of a predetermined range of the running average. |
| US08232805B2 |
Battery sensor unit and method for manufacturing the battery sensor unit
A method is described for manufacturing a battery sensor unit, in particular a battery sensor unit for a motor vehicle battery, comprising a cable holder for a cable end of a cable. The method includes sliding a sleeve composed of a resistor material onto the cable end, at least one first measuring tap being installed between the cable end and an inner circumference of the sleeve. The cable end provided with the sleeve and the measuring tap is inserted into the cable holder and is permanently connected thereto to form a measuring device. A battery sensor unit is described having a fastening device for fastening the battery sensor unit to a contact of a battery, in particular a motor vehicle battery, and having a measuring device for detecting the state of the battery. The measuring device includes a cable end of a cable, a sleeve that is composed of a resistor material and encloses the cable end, at least one first measuring tap, which is installed between an inner circumference of the sleeve and the cable end, and a cable holder which accommodates the sleeve in a permanent connection. |
| US08232804B2 |
Time alert device for use together with an earth leakage protection device
This invention relates to a time alert device (1) for use with an earth leakage protection device comprising a microprocessor system (10) provided with a software controlled alert trigger timer (22). On time out of the alert trigger timer, the microprocessor system (10) initiates an audible and/or visual annunciation to remind the user of the earth leakage protection device to perform integrity test on the earth leakage protection device. If the earth leakage protection device fails the integrity test, the user detects that the earth leakage protection device could be faulty and needs expert attention. If the earth leakage device passes the integrity test, the alert trigger timer is reset for another predetermined time interval to remind the user to perform another integrity test on the earth leakage protection device. The time alert device can be further provided with a message display panel. |
| US08232800B2 |
Higher-order generalized series parallel imaging method for acquiring high spatio-temporal resolution functional magnetic resonance images
Disclosed are a high-order generalized series parallel imaging method for acquiring high spatio-temporal resolution functional magnetic resonance images and a sampling method. The higher-order generalized series parallel imaging method for acquiring high spatio-temporal resolution functional magnetic resonance images includes: performing sampling of an input image in k-space; applying a high-order generalized series (HGS) reconstruction procedure to data acquired as the sampling result to acquire a first reconstructed image; and applying a parallel magnetic resonance reconstruction procedure to the first reconstructed image to acquire a second reconstructed image. |
| US08232797B2 |
Device with separate emission/reception functions for making eddy current tests on an electrically conducting part
A device with separate emission/reception functions for making eddy current tests on an electrically conducting part comprising several emission rows (1-4) composed of emission windings (55), and several reception columns (a-h) each composed of reception windings (56) connected in series in at least one series, in which the emission windings associated with the reception windings in one series are powered by currents at different frequencies. |
| US08232796B2 |
Conduit sensor device with magnetic shunt and process for modifying a magnetic field
A conduit sensor device includes first and second pairs of permanent magnets. First and second rotor shunts include first and second rotatable magnets and interposed between the first and second pairs of permanent magnets, respectively. A shunt shaft includes a first helical worm gear and a second helical worm gear mounted thereon. The first rotor shunt includes a first rotatable magnet and a first rotor gear locked together. The first helical worm gear meshing with the first rotor gear driving the first rotor gear and the first rotatable magnet. The second rotor shunt includes a second rotatable magnet and a second rotor gear locked together. The second helical worm gear meshes with the second rotor gear driving the second rotor gear and the second rotatable magnet. The surface areas of the first and second pairs of permanent magnets equals the surface area of the first and second rotatable magnets. |
| US08232795B2 |
Magnetic sensor
A magnetic sensor includes a first detection unit and a second detection unit. The first detection unit calculates a first detection angle which is a detected value of a first angle that a direction of an external magnetic field in a first position forms with respect to a first direction. The second detection unit calculates a second detection angle which is a detected value of a second angle that the direction of the external magnetic field in a second position forms with respect to a second direction. The first detection angle includes a first angular error. The second detection angle includes a second angular error. The first angular error and the second angular error differ in phase by an odd number of times ½ of the error period. |
| US08232789B2 |
System and method for providing linear buck boost transitions within a buck boost converter
A voltage regulator, comprises first circuitry for generating an output voltage responsive to an input voltage and a plurality of switching control signal. Switching control circuitry generates the switching control signals responsive to the output voltage and at least one of a buck ramp signal and a boost ramp signal. Voltage ramp generation circuitry generates each of the buck ramp signal and the boost ramp signal. The boost ramp signal comprises the buck ramp signal offset by the peak value of the buck ramp signal. |
| US08232787B2 |
Pulse time detector, a controller for a switched mode power supply, and a switched mode power supply including such a controller
An apparatus for monitoring the pulse time of switches within a DC to DC power supply, comprising a timing circuit responsive to a switching confirmation signal to commence timing and to monitor for control signals being sent to the switch and to indicate whether elapsed period between the switching confirmation signal and the control signal is too long or too short. |
| US08232785B2 |
System and method using a current mirror to program an output voltage and current
A programmable AC/DC or DC/DC power supply adapted to compensate for voltage drop in a cable extending to a portable electronic device. The invention reduces the number and size of cable wires and tip components needed to remotely control an output voltage level and an output current limit. The voltage and current programming components are outside the compensation feedback loop. |
| US08232784B2 |
Circuits and methods for current sensing
A current sensing circuit includes a first resistor, a second resistor and a sense amplifier. The first resistor converts a current flowing through the first resistor to a voltage drop between positive and negative sides of the first resistor. The second resistor is coupled to the negative side of the first resistor. The sense amplifier is coupled to the positive side of the first resistor via a first pin of the sense amplifier, and coupled to the negative side of the first resistor through the second resistor via a second pin of the sense amplifier. The sense amplifier employs a negative feedback to generate a sensing current proportional to the current flowing through the first resistor. |
| US08232777B2 |
Inverter generator
In an inverter generator having an engine generator unit generating alternating current, a converter converting the alternating current to direct current, an inverter that converts the direct current to alternating current, an inverter driver that drives switching elements with a PWM signal generated using a reference sine wave of a desired output voltage waveform and a carrier and makes the alternating current to the alternating current of a predetermined frequency, the alternating current supplied to an electrical load is detected, gains Gn (n: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, . . . m) of n-th harmonics of the reference sine wave and amplitudes An are calculated from the detected current, and the reference sine wave is corrected by a sum obtained by the calculated gains and amplitudes. With this, the reference sine wave is accurately corrected to reliably remove harmonic distortion components from the output voltage waveform. |
| US08232775B2 |
Limitation of vampiric power consumption with decoupling of an inductive power apparatus and an alternating current power source
Several methods and systems to perform limitation of vampiric power consumption with decoupling of an inductive power apparatus and an alternating current power source is disclosed. In an embodiment, an inductive battery charging system includes an inductive power apparatus that provides power to a target load when the inductive power apparatus is coupled to an alternating current power source. The system further includes an observation circuit to determine a power consumption associated with the target load, and a detection circuit to determine when a power consumption reaches a threshold level. The system also includes a separation circuit to decouple the inductive power apparatus and the alternating current power source when the power consumption is lower than a threshold level to limit vampiric power consumption of the inductive power apparatus. |
| US08232759B2 |
Pseudo current type 120-degree conduction inverter
[Problem] In a pseudo-current source inverter which drives a motor at a high speed, a current phase adjustment is assured and facilitated to perform a field-weakening control or suppress a terminal voltage saturation at a time of the high-speed motor drive.[Means For Solving Problem]A phase advance correction is carried out for a magnetic flux phase information from which a 120 degree conduction pattern is obtained with a motor terminal voltage as a reference phase. The phase advance correction includes the correction of differentiating the terminal voltage detection signals of the motor, the adjustment of enlarging the phase advance correction quantity in a case where the motor load current is large, and delays the gate signals of the 120 degree conduction pattern in accordance with the speed estimation value through a delay counter and carries out the phase advance correction as the rising edge timing of the subsequent gate signal at the subsequent step phase. Furthermore, the error correction is carried out for the phase advance correction quantity in accordance with a variation tendency of the speed estimation value and a detection value of a direct current of the inverter. |
| US08232758B2 |
Controller of electric motor having function of estimating inertia and friction simultaneously
A controller estimates Coulomb friction itself together with inertia and viscous friction, and reduces the influence of the Coulomb friction on the accuracy of the estimated inertia. In addition, the controller estimates inertia, viscous friction and Coulomb friction simultaneously with sequential adaptation in which a Fourier transformer is not used but an inverse transfer function model is used in order to minimize the estimated error. Data sampled for a predetermined time need not be accumulated, as a result, a large amount of data memory is unnecessary. |
| US08232756B2 |
Motor control apparatus
An object of the present invention is to provide a motor control apparatus that can perform an abnormality diagnosis of current sensors and achieve cost reduction. When the outputs from three current sensors, which detect individual phase currents of a 3-phase AC current supplied from an inverter to a 3-phase AC motor, indicate that the sum of the individual phase currents of the 3-phase AC current is greater than a predetermined value, a sensor abnormality judgment unit of a motor control unit judges that one of the three current sensors is abnormal. The sensor abnormality judgment unit identifies an abnormal current sensor, which is one of the three current sensors, and performs calculations in accordance with the remaining two normal current sensors to output the current in the phase detected by the abnormal current sensor. |
| US08232755B2 |
Motor with circuits for protecting motor from input power outages or surges
A DC motor is provided. The DC motor prevents rush or overload of current in the DC motor during and/or after power input irregularities to the DC motor. A control circuit of the DC motor is configured to control current provided to the DC motor. When power irregularities in the power input to the DC motor are detected by the control circuit, the control circuit stops generating PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) signals and stops the current provided to the DC motor. After the stoppage of PWM signals, the control circuit can perform a soft-start of the PWM signals when the power irregularities are no longer detected. The soft starting of the PWM signals generates gradual increase in current to the DC motor, thus, preventing sudden rush of current that cause malfunction of the DC motor. |
| US08232754B2 |
Control device for electrically driven door
A control device for an electrically driven door is provided that can enhance the sensitivity of detection of a door pinch state and that can prevent a passenger from being pressed when the door pinch state occurs. The control device includes a driving force instruction value producing unit that outputs a driving force instruction value of the electrically driven door, a state observing unit that estimates a mechanical resistant force to a door driving system, a reference model that determines a dynamic characteristic of the electrically driven door to the mechanical resistant force estimated by the state observing unit, a gain compensator that computes a control compensation value that makes an output of the reference model coincide with an actual speed of the electrically driven door; and an adder that adds the control compensation value computed by the gain compensator to the driving force instruction value outputted by the driving force instruction value producing unit. |
| US08232752B2 |
Electric motor control apparatus
An electric motor control apparatus that can quickly and accurately locate a short-circuit fault point. The electric motor control apparatus includes: a current controller determining respective phase voltage commands according to currents flowing in respective phases of an electric motor and a torque current command; a switching element drive circuit instructing, based on the respective phase voltage commands, an inverter to perform a switching operation; the inverter receiving a switching operation signal to drive the electric motor; current detectors disposed in series with the switching elements in the respective phases of the inverter; and a short-circuit point locating mechanism storing a test pattern indicative of a predetermined combination for turning on the switching elements of the inverter, and locating a short-circuit fault point based on the test pattern and current detection values in the respective phases detected by the current detectors in response to the test pattern. |
| US08232750B2 |
Broad turndown ratio traction drive
A traction drive system comprising a plurality of electric motors selectably connected to a main shaft by engagement devices, each motor or combination of motors provides distinct performance characteristics along a broad spectrum of performance characteristics; and a method of managing a traction drive system including sensing physical parameters of the fraction drive system, selecting an electric motor having well-suited performance profile based on pre-selected criteria against which the sensed parameter is compared, and engaging one or more of the corresponding motors to the main shaft. |
| US08232749B1 |
Dual slot resonance coupling for accelerators
A pair of cavities defined within a hollow elongate accelerator body include a first resonant cavity having a first resonant slot through an outer wall thereof, and a second resonant cavity having a second resonant slot through an outer wall thereof. The first resonant slot and the second resonant slot are separated by a void region that extends between the outer wall of the first cavity and the outer wall of the second cavity and is bounded in part by an inner surface of the hollow elongate member. The first and second cavities are coupled to each other through a dual slot coupling structure that includes the first resonant slot, the void region, and the second resonant slot. |
| US08232743B2 |
Voltage converter and driving method for use in a backlight module
A voltage converter for use in a backlight module stores energy of an input voltage using an inductor and outputs a plurality of output voltages accordingly. The charging path of the inductor is controlled according to the first output voltage so that the first output voltage can be stabilized. The discharging paths from the inductor to other output voltages are controlled according to the differences between other output voltages and the first output voltage so that other output voltages can also be stabilized. |
| US08232742B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer-readable media for controlling lighting devices
The present invention is directed to method, system and computer-readable media for controlling lighting devices. In some embodiments, a method for controlling pulse width modulated lighting devices within a lighting apparatus comprising a plurality of sets of lighting devices is disclosed. The method includes setting a counter for a first set of the plurality of sets of lighting devices using a master counter and an activation duration for one or more other sets of the plurality of sets of lighting devices. The method further includes determining an activation time period within a duty cycle for the first set of lighting devices using the counter for the first set of lighting devices and an activation duration for the first set of lighting devices. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lighting devices are light emitting diodes grouped into sets (or banks) and controlled to limit the magnitude and/or quantity of instantaneous current fluctuations in a power supply within the lighting apparatus. |
| US08232739B2 |
LED with integrated constant current driver
An LED package containing integrated circuitry for matching a power source voltage to the LED operating voltage, LEDs containing such integrated circuitry, systems containing such packages, and methods for matching the source and operating voltages are described. The integrated circuitry typically contains a power converter and a constant current circuit. The LED package may also contain other active or passive components such as pin-outs for integrated or external components, a transformer and rectifier, or a rectifier circuit. External components can include control systems for regulating the LED current level or the properties of light emitted by the LED. Integrating the power supply and current control components into the LED can provide for fabrication of relatively small LEDs using fewer and less device-specific components. |
| US08232738B2 |
Circuits and methods for driving light sources
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide circuits and methods for driving a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. In one embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a bridge rectifier rectifying an AC voltage to a rectified AC voltage, an LED light source, and a first switch coupled to the LED light source in series controlling a current through the LED light source according to a predetermined current reference. The LED light source and the first switch coupled in series receive the rectified AC voltage while the first switch is controlled linearly. The circuit further includes a current path coupled in parallel with the LED light source and an illuminated switch coupled between the AC power source and the bridge rectifier. |
| US08232728B2 |
Method and device for igniting and generating an expanding diffuse microwave plasma and method and device for plasma treating surfaces and substances by using this plasma
The invention relates to a method for igniting and generating an expanding diffuse microwave plasma and to a device for carrying out such a method. The method is particularly suited for generating microwave plasmas for the purpose of carrying out plasma treatment of surfaces and substances, particularly three-dimensional objects as well as particles under atmospheric pressure. The aim of the invention is to provide a method for igniting and generating these plasmas that is, particularly under normal and high pressure, easy and operationally safe as well as, in principle, carried out without a flow of gas. The invention also relates to a method and device for carrying out plasma treatment of surfaces and substances by means of such a plasma, which makes an effective plasma treatment possible due to its high stability with regard to plasma generation and maintenance, low gas consumption and a high plasma volume. To this end, a plasma ignition ensues inside a wave-bound hollow structure by means of microwave launching over a resonant igniting structure, a simultaneous impelling of the plasma through the resonant igniting structure, however, is not possible. The ignited plasma is supplied with energy via a surrounding microwave field so that an expanding diffuse plasma forms. A particular embodiment in a coaxial arrangement makes it possible to generate a plasma exiting the device for the purpose of carrying out mobile plasma treatment. |
| US08232726B2 |
Plasma display apparatus with black matrices
The present invention relates to a plasma display apparatus. The plasma display apparatus comprises an upper substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode formed on the upper substrate, a lower substrate disposed to face the upper substrate, and a third electrode and a barrier rib formed in the lower substrate. First and second black matrices are formed in the upper substrate and are separated from each other on a same straight line. According to the present invention, while maintaining the function of improving a contrast ratio and reflectance of a black matrix, a short and a spotted pattern that may occur when simultaneous exposure is performed can be reduced, and so the picture quality, the cost of production, and efficiency can be improved. |
| US08232724B2 |
End cap assembly for a light tube
An end cap assembly for a light tube that has a circuit board with one or more solid state lighting devices mounted thereto and a lens covering the circuit board includes an end cap body having a lens engagement surface configured to engage the lens and an external mating interface configured to mate with a socket connector of a fixture. An end cap connector extends from the end cap body. The end cap connector holds contacts having first mating portions configured to be electrically connected to the circuit board and second mating portions configured to be electrically connected to the socket connector. |
| US08232723B2 |
Lighting device
One object is to provide a lighting device having a large irradiation range at low cost. One object is to provide a lighting device with improved light extraction efficiency at low cost. The lighting device includes a light-transmitting base, a first light-transmitting electrode formed over almost the whole area of a surface of the light-transmitting base, an EL layer over the first light-transmitting electrode, and a second electrode over the EL layer. The light-transmitting base has a cylindrical shape, a conical shape, a prismatic shape, or a pyramidal shape whose bottom surface is the surface of the light-transmitting base. |
| US08232707B2 |
Flexural vibration piece and oscillator using the same
A flexural vibration piece includes a flexural vibrator that has a first region on which a compressive stress or a tensile stress acts due to vibration and a second region having a relationship in which a tensile stress acts thereon when a compressive stress acts on the first region and a compressive stress acts thereon when a tensile stress acts on the first region, and performs flexural vibration in a first plane. The flexural vibration piece also includes a heat conduction path, in the vicinity of the first region and the second region, that is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity higher than that of the flexural vibrator and thermally connects between the first region and the second region. |
| US08232701B2 |
Magnetic machine
To provide a magnetic machine capable of reducing the ripple and cogging of torque or thrust. An electric motor 1 includes three stators 6 to 8 each having an armature row, a rotor 3 having a permanent magnet row, and a rotor 10 having a soft magnetic material row. The respective phases in electrical angle between magnetic poles generated at respective armatures 6a to 8a of the armature row and the magnetic poles of the permanent magnet row are set to be each displaced in a predetermined direction by an electrical angle of 2π/3, and the respective phases in electrical angle between the magnetic poles generated at the respective armatures 6a to 8a of the armature row and soft magnetic material cores 11b to 13b of the soft magnetic material row are set to be each displaced in the predetermined direction by an electrical angle of π/3. |
| US08232699B2 |
Magnetically levitating vehicle
The magnetically levitating vehicle includes a frame, a control device, tire chambers, and tires. The frame includes a magnetic shield, a cabin, and an undercarriage. The control device includes a control stick and a mounting system. The control stick includes an accelerator, levitation, and brake button. The mounting system includes a horizontal piece, a vertical and base piece, and push button locks. The plurality of tire chambers includes a plurality of sensor and levitation electromagnet pairs, propulsion electromagnets and permanent propulsion magnets. The vertical piece and horizontal piece both include an inner and outer shaft, the latter of which includes a plurality of holes. The inner shell includes an orientation device, a plurality of permanent levitation magnets and sensor and propulsion electromagnet pairs, a plurality of permanent safety magnets, and an axle. The outer shell includes a tire tread. |
| US08232698B2 |
Step motor
Disclosed herein is a PM type step motor used to move a camera or an optical pickup lens of media related equipment. In the step motor, coupling holes are formed in the central portions of both sides of a casing unit thereof, a bushing is press-fitted or inserted into an associated coupling hole, and a ring member is press-fitted over the outer circumference of the bushing protruding outward from the coupling hole such that the bushing is secured to the casing unit, thus preventing the bushing from becoming separated from the casing unit. The step motor can be freely applied to peripheral device modules of various outer diameters using the ring member. |
| US08232686B2 |
Safety device for emergency interruption of drilling maneuvers
A safety device for the emergency interruption of the drilling maneuvering in a drilling machine is provided with a guide tower or mast (17) and a device (10) for realizing the driving in the ground of drilling elements. The device includes at least a frame (12) fixed to the mast and provided with at least an arm or a door (11) rotating around an axis (Y) with respect to the frame. A microswitch (23) is activated by the movements of rotation given to the door (11) for stopping at least some of the dangerous drilling maneuvering. |
| US08232682B2 |
High power bipolar pulse generators
A bipolar pulse generator is implemented in a simple structure while providing a high efficiency design having a relatively low total size, while still allowing access by fibers used to control a photoconductive switch that activates the generator. The bipolar pulse generator includes a stacked Blumlein generator structure with an additional transmission line connected to a load at its near end and short-circuited at its distal end. An extra transmission line is positioned between the Blumlein generator's structure and the load provides specified limited gap between positive and negative sub-pulses. The bipolar pulse generator further includes a bended Blumlein generator structure, in which an existing intrinsic “stray” transmission line is used to provide the bipolar pulse. Still further, bipolar pulse generator includes stepped transmission lines, with additional switches positioned between steps, which are charged by different voltages. |
| US08232681B2 |
Hybrid wind-solar inverters
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for providing a hybrid wind-solar inverter. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method for directing power from alternative power sources to an electrical grid is provided. The method can include: receiving at least two input DC power signals from a plurality of power sources; receiving one or more control signals from the electrical grid; directing, based at least in part on the one or more control signals, at least some of the input DC power signals to an output DC power signal; and, transforming the output DC power signal to an output AC power signal for transmission via the electrical grid. |
| US08232676B2 |
Uninterruptible fuel cell system
An exemplary method of providing electrical power is provided. A first alternating current is received from a grid. The first alternating current is converted to a first direct current using a first inverter in electrical communication with the grid. The first inverter is also in electrical communication with a fuel cell system. The first direct current is converted to a second alternating current using a second inverter, and the second alternating current is provided to a load. |
| US08232675B2 |
Method and system for power load management
A method for power load management is provided in the present invention, wherein two different standard values are determined to be a basis for regulating power consumption. When power consumption exceeds a first standard value, a monitoring procedure is started to monitor consumption status. If the power consumption exceeds a second standard value, an unloading procedure is processed to reduce the power consumption of electrical devices under operation. In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a system for power load management comprising a control unit coupled to at least one electrical device and a power meter. By means of real-time recording of power consumption in the power meter, the control unit is capable of determining the power consumption status and determining whether it is necessary to unload or reload the at least one electrical device. |
| US08232674B2 |
Multiple output isolated DC/DC power converters
Methods of regulating an output voltage of a multi-output isolated power converter are disclosed. One method includes allowing the output voltage to vary unregulated when the output voltage is below a threshold value and preventing the output voltage from increasing when the output voltage reaches the threshold value. Additional methods and multi-output power supplies are also disclosed. |
| US08232673B2 |
Power conditioner and method of managing the same
A power conditioner includes a main converter to transform a voltage outputted from a power source into a first transformed voltage and output the first transformed voltage to supply power to a power using point; and an auxiliary converter to transform the first transformed voltage outputted from the main converter into a second transformed voltage and output the second transformed voltage to supply power to balance-of-plant (BOP) elements including driving devices of the power source. The main converter includes a first winding to transform the voltage outputted from the power source into the first transformed voltage and output the first transformed voltage to supply power to the power using point; and a second winding to transform the voltage outputted from the power source into a third transformed voltage and output the third transformed voltage to supply power directly to the BOP elements, thereby bypassing the auxiliary converter. |
| US08232660B2 |
Soundproof enclosed type generator
Reduce noises emitted from inlet and outlet of cooling air of a soundproof enclosed type generator. An inlet 20 and an outlet 26 of the cooling air are provided to the front and rear of a chassis 2, respectively. An air supply duct 8 is detachably mounted to the inlet 20, and an exhaust duct 9 is detachably mounted to the outlet 26. An air taking-in opening 8a facing downward is provided to the air supply duct 8 which guides the air towards horizontally opened inlet 20. The exhaust duct 9 is equipped with wall surface and a straightening vane 27 at a position opposed to the cooling air discharged from the outlet 26 to change the cooling air flow in complicated fashion to discharge it outside. Sound-absorption materials are pasted to the interior surface of the air supply duct 8 and the exhaust duct 9. |
| US08232659B2 |
Three dimensional IC device and alignment methods of IC device substrates
Alignment methods of IC device substrates. A first IC device substrate has a first front side for defining a plurality of first IC features, a first backside opposite the first front side, and a first alignment pattern formed on the first front side or the first backside. A second IC device substrate has a second front side for defining a plurality of second IC features, a second backside opposite the second front side, and a second alignment pattern formed on the second front side or the second backside. A first optical detector and a second optical detector are applied to detect the first and second alignment patterns, so as to align the first and second IC device substrates. Specifically, the first and second alignment patterns face toward the first and second optical detectors in opposite directions. |
| US08232657B2 |
Packaged semiconductor assemblies and methods for manufacturing such assemblies
Packaged semiconductor assemblies including interconnect structures and methods for forming such interconnect structures are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a packaged semiconductor assembly includes a support member having a first bond-site and a die carried by the support member having a second bond-site. An interconnect structure is connected between the first and second bond-sites and includes a wire that is coupled to at least one of the first and second bond-sites. The interconnect structure also includes a third bond-site coupled to the wire between the first and second bond-sites. |
| US08232656B2 |
Semiconductor device
Wire bonding method for reducing height of a wire loop in a semiconductor device, including a first bonding step of bonding an initial ball formed at a tip end of a wire onto a first bonding point using a capillary, thereby forming a pressure-bonded ball; a wire pushing step of pushing the wire obliquely downward toward the second bonding point at a plurality of positions by repeating a sequential movement for a plurality of times, the sequential movement including moving of the capillary substantially vertically upward and then obliquely downward toward the second bonding point by a distance shorter than a rising distance that the capillary has moved upward; and a second bonding step of moving the capillary upward and then toward the second bonding point, and bonding the wire onto the second bonding point by pressure-bonding. |
| US08232655B2 |
Bump pad metallurgy employing an electrolytic Cu / electorlytic Ni / electrolytic Cu stack
An electroless Cu layer is formed on each side of a packaging substrate containing a core, at least one front metal interconnect layer, and at least one backside metal interconnect layer. A photoresist is applied on both electroless Cu layers and lithographically patterned. First electrolytic Cu portions are formed on exposed surfaces of the electroless Cu layers, followed by formation of electrolytic Ni portions and second electrolytic Cu portions. The electrolytic Ni portions provide enhanced resistance to electromigration, while the second electrolytic Cu portions provide an adhesion layer for a solder mask and serves as an oxidation protection layer. Some of the first electrolytic Cu may be masked by lithographic means to block formation of electrolytic Ni portions and second electrolytic Cu portions thereupon as needed. Optionally, the electrolytic Ni portions may be formed directly on electroless Cu layers. |
| US08232654B2 |
Semiconductor package through-electrode suitable for a stacked semiconductor package and semiconductor package having the same
A semiconductor package including a through-electrode for stacked a semiconductor package and a semiconductor package having the same is disclosed. The semiconductor package through-electrode includes a first electrode having a recessed portion formed therein to pass through a semiconductor chip. A second electrode is disposed within the recess of the first electrode. The first electrode of the semiconductor package through-electrode includes a first metal having a first hardness, and a second electrode comprises a second metal having a second hardness lower than the first hardness. The through-electrode passes through the semiconductor chip body and may be formed with the first metal having the first hardness and/or a first melting point and the second metal having the second hardness and/or a second melting point which are lower than the first hardness and/or the first melting point. This through-electrode allows a plurality of semiconductor packages to be easily stacked. |
| US08232649B2 |
Structure for interconnect structure containing various capping materials for electrical fuse and other related applications
A design structure is provided for interconnect structures containing various capping materials for electrical fuses and other related applications. The structure includes a first interconnect structure having a first interfacial structure and a second interconnect structure adjacent to the first structure. The second interconnect structure has second interfacial structure different from the first interfacial structure. |
| US08232647B2 |
Structure and process for metallization in high aspect ratio features
A high aspect ratio metallization structure is provided in which a noble metal-containing material is present at least within a lower portion of a contact opening located in a dielectric material and is in direct contact with a metal semiconductor alloy located on an upper surface of a material stack of at least one semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the noble metal-containing material is plug located within the lower region of the contact opening and an upper region of the contact opening includes a conductive metal-containing material. The conductive metal-containing material is separated from plug of noble metal-containing material by a bottom walled portion of a U-shaped diffusion barrier. In another embodiment, the noble metal-containing material is present throughout the entire contact opening. |
| US08232644B2 |
Wafer level package having a stress relief spacer and manufacturing method thereof
In a semiconductor device package having a stress relief spacer, and a manufacturing method thereof, metal interconnect fingers extend from the body of a chip provide for chip interconnection. The metal fingers are isolated from the body of the chip by a stress-relief spacer. In one example, such isolation takes the form of an air gap. In another example, such isolation takes the form of an elastomer material. In either case, mismatch in coefficient of thermal expansion between the metal interconnect fingers and the body of the chip is avoided, alleviating the problems associated with cracking and delamination, and leading to improved device yield and device reliability. |
| US08232642B2 |
Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board includes a body part formed with connection pads on a first surface thereof; and a warpage compensating part formed over the first surface of the body part and having a height that increases from edges toward a center of the warpage compensating part so that an upper surface of the warpage compensating part facing away from the first surface of the body part is convex upward. The warpage compensating part comprises conductive layer patterns formed over the first surface of the body part to be electrically connected to the connection pads; and a solder resist formed over the first surface of the body part so as to expose the conductive layer patterns. The height of the solder resist gradually increases from both edges toward a center of the solder resist. |
| US08232641B2 |
Wiring substrate and semiconductor device having connection pads formed in non-solder mask defined structure
A wiring substrate includes: a semiconductor chip on which a plurality of bumps are mounted, and a plurality of connection pads which are joined to the bumps mounted on the semiconductor chip in a flip chip method, wherein the connection pads of a peripheral portion of the wiring substrate are formed in a non-solder mask defined structure, and the connection pads of a center portion of the wiring substrate are formed in a solder mask defined structure. |
| US08232635B2 |
Hermetic semiconductor package
A hermetically sealed semiconductor package that includes a power semiconductor die having electrodes thereof electrically connected to the external surface mountable terminals of the package without the use of wirebonds. |
| US08232632B2 |
Composite contact for fine pitch electrical interconnect assembly
An electrical interconnect assembly for electrically interconnecting terminals on a first circuit member with terminals on a second circuit member. The electrical interconnect assembly includes a housing having a plurality of through openings extending between a first surface and a second surface. A plurality of composite contacts are positioned in a plurality of the through openings. The composite contacts include a conductive member having a central portion and at least first and second interface portions. One or more polymeric layers extend along at least the central portion conductive member. One or more coupling features on the composite contacts engage with the housing. At least one engagement feature formed in the polymeric layers proximate the first interface portion mechanically couples with the terminals on the first circuit member. |
| US08232630B2 |
Contactless communication medium
Even when a mold part of an IC module is exposed from an opening provided in a substrate of an inlay, occurrence of malfunction, communication disorders or the like of the IC module due to the influence of an external impact or the like is prevented. By combining a sealing member including an insulating layer and an adhesive layer in a stacked manner to a shape covering a mold part of the IC module, occurrence of malfunction, communication disorders or the like of the IC module is prevented even if there is an influence of an external impact or the like. Meanwhile, by providing a sealing member, concentration of stress on the mold part in a line pressure test is alleviated by limiting the size of the sealing member, and also occurrence of cracks in the mold part can be prevented. |
| US08232628B2 |
Method for manufacturing a microelectronic package comprising at least one microelectronic device
A method for manufacturing a microelectronic package (1) comprises the steps of providing two parts (13, 14) comprising electrically insulating material such as plastic; providing members (21, 22, 23) comprising electrically conductive material; providing a microelectronic device (30); positioning the electrically conductive members (21, 22, 23) and the microelectronic device (30) on the electrically insulating parts (13, 14); and placing the electrically insulating parts (13, 14) against each other, wherein the microelectronic device (30) and portions of the electrically conductive members (21, 22, 23) are sandwiched between the electrically insulating parts (13, 14). The electrically conductive members (21, 22, 23) are intended to be used for realizing contact of the microelectronic device (30) arranged inside the package (1) to the external world. An important advantage of the method having steps as mentioned is that the electrically conductive members (21, 22, 23) as such are provided, wherein it is not necessary to provide a conventional lead frame which has the disadvantage of causing considerable waste of metal material during its manufacturing process. |
| US08232625B2 |
ESD network circuit with a through wafer via structure and a method of manufacture
The present invention generally relates to a circuit structure and a method of manufacturing a circuit, and more specifically to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) circuit with a through wafer via structure and a method of manufacture. An ESD structure includes an ESD active device and at least one through wafer via structure providing a low series resistance path for the ESD active device to a substrate. An apparatus includes an input, at least one power rail and an ESD circuit electrically connected between the input and the at least one power rail, wherein the ESD circuit comprises at least one through wafer via structure providing a low series resistance path to a substrate. A method, includes forming an ESD active device on a substrate, forming a ground plane on a backside of the substrate and forming at least one through wafer via electrically connected to a negative power supply of the ESD active device and the ground plane to provide a low series resistance path to the substrate. |
| US08232624B2 |
Semiconductor structure having varactor with parallel DC path adjacent thereto
A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate having a first region of a first polarity and a second region of a second polarity adjacent to the first region; and a first terminal including: a first deep trench located in the first region, a first node dielectric abutting all but an upper portion of sidewalls and a bottom of the first deep trench; a first conductive inner electrode inside the first node dielectric and electrically insulated from the first region by the first node dielectric; and a first electrical contact electrically coupling the first conductive inner electrode to the first region. |
| US08232620B2 |
Electronic fuses in semiconductor integrated circuits
A structure. The structure includes: a substrate; a first electrode in the substrate; a dielectric layer on top of the substrate and the electrode; a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer, said second dielectric layer comprising a second dielectric material; a fuse element buried in the first dielectric layer, wherein the fuse element (i) physically separates, (ii) is in direct physical contact with both, and (iii) is sandwiched between a first region and a second region of the dielectric layer; and a second electrode on top of the fuse element, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically coupled to each other through the fuse element. |
| US08232619B2 |
Semiconductor IC having electrical fuse capable of preventing thermal diffusion
Provided is a semiconductor integrated circuit. The semiconductor integrated circuit comprises: a pair of interconnections; a fuse connecting the pair of interconnections; and one or more heat dissipation patterns connecting the pair of interconnections and are disposed around the fuse. |
| US08232617B2 |
Flexible lateral pin diodes and three-dimensional arrays and imaging devices made therefrom
Flexible lateral p-i-n (“PIN”) diodes, arrays of flexible PIN diodes and imaging devices incorporating arrays of PIN diodes are provided. The flexible lateral PIN diodes are fabricated from thin, flexible layers of single-crystalline semiconductor. A plurality of the PIN diodes can be patterned into a single semiconductor layer to provide a flexible photodetector array that can be formed into a three-dimensional imaging device. |
| US08232612B2 |
Semiconductor transistors having high-K gate dielectric layers, metal gate electrode regions, and low fringing capacitances
A semiconductor structure. The structure includes (i) a semiconductor substrate which includes a channel region, (ii) first and second source/drain regions on the semiconductor substrate, (iii) a gate dielectric region, and (iv) a gate electrode region, (v) a plurality of interconnect layers on the gate electrode region, and (vi) first and second spaces. The gate dielectric region is disposed between and in direct physical contact with the channel region and the gate electrode region. The gate electrode region is disposed between and in direct physical contact with the gate dielectric region and the interconnect layers. The first and second spaces are in direct physical contact with the gate electrode region. The first space is disposed between the first source/drain region and the gate electrode region. The second space is disposed between the second source/drain region and the gate electrode region. |
| US08232605B2 |
Method for gate leakage reduction and Vt shift control and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor device
The present invention relates to a method for gate leakage reduction and Vt shift control, in which a first ion implantation is performed on PMOS region and NMOS region of a substrate to implant fluorine ions, carbon ions, or both in the gate dielectric or the semiconductor substrate, and a second ion implantation is performed only on the NMOS region of the substrate to implant fluorine ions, carbon ions, or both in the gate dielectric or the semiconductor substrate in the NMOS region, with the PMOS region being covered by a mask layer. Thus, the doping concentrations obtained by the PMOS region and the NMOS region are different to compensate the side effect caused by the different equivalent oxide thickness and to avoid the Vt shift. |
| US08232603B2 |
Gated diode structure and method including relaxed liner
A gated diode structure and a method for fabricating the gated diode structure use a relaxed liner that is derived from a stressed liner that is typically used within the context of a field effect transistor formed simultaneously with the gated diode structure. The relaxed liner is formed incident to treatment, such as ion implantation treatment, of the stressed liner. The relaxed liner provides improved gated diode ideality in comparison with the stressed liner, absent any gated diode damage that may occur incident to stripping the stressed liner from the gated diode structure while using a reactive ion etch method. |
| US08232602B2 |
ESD protection device for high performance IC
The present invention includes a circuit structure for ESD protection and methods of making the circuit structure. The circuit structure can be used in an ESD protection circuitry to protect certain devices in an integrated circuit, and can be fabricated without extra processing steps in addition to the processing steps for fabricating the ESD protected devices in the integrated circuit. |
| US08232600B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a well 35 of a first conductivity type formed on a substrate 37; a first external terminal 10, a second external terminal 11, and a third external terminal 12 provided above the substrate 37; a first protection circuit 20 provided on an electrical path between the first external terminal 10 and the second external terminal 11; a second protection circuit 21 provided on an electrical path between the second external terminal 11 and the third external terminal 12; and a third protection circuit 22 provided on an electrical path between the third external terminal 12 and the first external terminal 10. A guard ring 40 is formed continuously in the well to surround at least two circuits among the first, second, and third protection circuits 20, 21, and 22, formed on the well 35. |
| US08232596B2 |
Semiconductor structure and fabrication method thereof
A method for fabrication of a semiconductor device is provided. A first type doped body region is formed in a first type substrate. A first type heavily-doped region is formed in the first type doped body region. A second type well region and second type bar regions are formed in the first type substrate with the second type bar regions between the second type well region and the first type doped body region. The first type doped body region, the second type well region, and each of the second type bar regions are separated from each other by the first type substrate. The second type bar regions are inter-diffused to form a second type continuous region adjoining the second type well region. A second type heavily-doped region is formed in the second type well region. |
| US08232591B2 |
Illuminating efficiency-increasable and light-erasable memory
An illuminating efficiency-increasable and light-erasable memory including a substrate, a memory device, many dielectric layers, and many cap layers is provided. The substrate includes a memory region. The memory device includes a select gate and a floating gate, and the select gate and the floating gate are disposed adjacently on the substrate in the memory region. The dielectric layers are disposed on the substrate and cover the memory device. The dielectric layers have an opening located above the floating gate. Each of the cap layers is disposed on each of the dielectric layers, respectively. |
| US08232590B2 |
Nonvolatile memory devices
Provided is a nonvolatile memory device. The nonvolatile memory device includes: a tunnel insulation layer on a semiconductor substrate; a floating gate electrode including a bottom gate electrode doped with carbon and contacting the tunnel insulation layer and a top gate electrode on the bottom gate electrode; a gate interlayer insulation layer on the floating gate electrode; and a control gate electrode on the gate interlayer insulation layer. |
| US08232589B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device with reduced leakage current
The gate tunnel leakage current is increased in the up-to-date process, so that it is necessary to reduce the gate tunnel leakage current in the LSI which is driven by a battery for use in a cellular phone and which needs to be in a standby mode at a low leakage current. In a semiconductor integrated circuit device, the ground source electrode lines of logic and memory circuits are kept at a ground potential in an active mode, and are kept at a voltage higher than the ground potential in an unselected standby mode. The gate tunnel leakage current can be reduced without destroying data. |
| US08232575B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display and method for manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display includes a display substrate including a display substrate including an organic light emitting element and a pixel defining layer having an opening defining a light emitting region of the organic light emitting element, an encapsulation substrate arranged opposite to the display substrate, a sealant arranged at an edge between the display substrate and the encapsulation substrate to seal a space between the display substrate and the encapsulation substrate from an outside and a filler filling the space between the display substrate and the encapsulation substrate, wherein the pixel defining layer has a thickness that varies by location, and a portion of the pixel defining layer closest to the sealant at edges of the display substrate having a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the pixel defining layer at all other portions of the display. |
| US08232571B2 |
Light emitting device having plurality of light emitting cells and method of fabricating the same
Disclosed are a light emitting device having a plurality of light emitting cells and a method of fabricating the same. The light emitting device comprises a plurality of light emitting cells positioned on a substrate to be spaced apart from one another. Each of the light emitting cells comprises a first conductive-type upper semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductive-type lower semiconductor layer. Electrodes are positioned between the substrate and the light emitting cells, and each of the electrodes has an extension extending toward adjacent one of the light emitting cells. An etching prevention layer is positioned in regions between the light emitting cells and between the electrodes. Each wire has one end connected to the upper semiconductor layer and the other end connected to the electrode through the etching prevention layer. |
| US08232565B2 |
Light emitting diode for AC operation
The present invention discloses a light emitting diode (LED) including a plurality of light emitting cells arranged on a substrate. The LED includes half-wave light emitting units each including at least one light emitting cell, each half-wave light emitting unit including first and second terminals respectively arranged at both ends thereof; and full-wave light emitting units each including at least one light emitting cell, each full-wave light emitting units including third and fourth terminals respectively formed at both ends thereof. The third terminal of each full-wave light emitting unit is electrically connected to the second terminals of two half-wave light emitting units, and the fourth terminal of each full-wave light emitting unit is electrically connected to the first terminals of other two half-wave light emitting units. Also, a first half-wave light emitting unit is connected in series between the third terminal of a first full-wave light emitting unit and the fourth terminal of a second full-wave light emitting units, and a second half-wave light emitting units is connected in series between the fourth terminal of the first full-wave light emitting unit and the third terminal of the second full-wave light emitting unit. |
| US08232561B2 |
Nanotube enabled, gate-voltage controlled light emitting diodes
Embodiments of the invention relate to vertical field effect transistor that is a light emitting transistor. The light emitting transistor incorporates a gate electrode for providing a gate field, a first electrode comprising a dilute nanotube network for injecting a charge, a second electrode for injecting a complementary charge, and an electroluminescent semiconductor layer disposed intermediate the nanotube network and the electron injecting layer. The charge injection is modulated by the gate field. The holes and electrons, combine to form photons, thereby causing the electroluminescent semiconductor layer to emit visible light. In other embodiments of the invention a vertical field effect transistor that employs an electrode comprising a conductive material with a low density of states such that the transistors contact barrier modulation comprises barrier height lowering of the Schottky contact between the electrode with a low density of states and the adjacent semiconductor by a Fermi level shift. |
| US08232559B2 |
Controlling diamond film surfaces and layering
A method comprising: providing at least one first diamond film comprising polycrystalline diamond, e.g., nanocrystalline or ultrananocrystalline diamond, disposed on a substrate, wherein the first diamond film comprises a surface comprising diamond asperities and having a first diamond film thickness, removing asperities from the first diamond film to form a second diamond film having a second diamond film thickness, wherein the second thickness is either substantially the same as the first thickness, or the second thickness is about 100 nm or less thinner than the first diamond film thickness, optionally patterning the second diamond film to expose substrate regions and, optionally, depositing semiconductor material on the exposed substrate regions, and depositing a solid layer on the second diamond film to form a first layered structure. Applications include for example dielectric isolation in the semiconductor industry, as well as surface acoustic wave devices, scanning probe microscope, and atomic force microscope devices. |
| US08232556B2 |
Semiconductor device
An object is to provide a semiconductor device in which damages of an element such as a transistor are reduced even when physical force such as bending is externally applied to generate stress in the semiconductor device. A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor film including a channel formation region and an impurity region, which is provided over a substrate, a first conductive film provided over the channel formation region with a gate insulating film interposed therebetween, a first interlayer insulating film provided to cover the first conductive film, a second conductive film provided over the first interlayer insulating film so as to overlap with at least part of the impurity region, a second interlayer insulating film provided over the second conductive film, and a third conductive film provided over the second interlayer insulating film so as to be electrically connected to the impurity region through an opening. |
| US08232553B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is protected from static electricity introduced through bump pads and probe test pads. The semiconductor device includes a bump pad through which data is inputted, a first electrostatic discharge unit configured to discharge static electricity introduced through the bump pad, a probe test pad through which data is inputted, the probe test pad having a larger size than the bump pad, a second electrostatic discharge unit configured to discharge static electricity introduced through the probe test pad, and an input buffer unit configured to buffer the data transferred through the bump pad or the probe test pad. |
| US08232550B2 |
Mixed solvent systems for deposition of organic semiconductors
Compositions that contain an organic semiconductor dissolved in a solvent mixture are described. More specifically, the solvent mixture includes an alkane having 9 to 16 carbon atoms in an amount equal to 1 to 20 weight percent and an aromatic compound in an amount equal to 80 to 99 weight percent. The semiconductor material is dissolved in the solvent mixture in an amount equal to at least 0.1 weight percent based on a total weight of the composition. Methods of making a semiconductor device using the compositions to form a semiconductor layer are also described. |
| US08232546B2 |
Fused polycyclic aromatic compound, process for producing the same, and use thereof
In one embodiment of the present invention, a novel fused polycyclic aromatic compound of the present invention is (a) a compound including a benzodichalcogenophenobenzodichalcogenophene (BXBX) skeleton further having an aromatic ring(s) located outside the BXBX skeleton, or (b) a compound including a BXBX skeleton in which a benzene ring is substituted with a heterocyclic ring. The compound can strengthen intermolecular interaction due to greater π electron orbits. This improves an electron field effect mobility of an organic semiconductor device that is manufactured by use of the compound as an organic semiconductor material. Further, since the number of fused rings included in the compound is small, the compound does not cause problems that generally occur in compounds having an extremely large number of fused rings, i.e., poor solubility in solvent and poor atmospheric stability due to high affinity to oxygen. As a result, the fused polycyclic aromatic compound of the present invention can be preferably used as an organic semiconductor material. |
| US08232544B2 |
Nanowire
A method comprises applying a first electric field pulse to a nanowire comprising a channel and a charge trapping region configured to control conductivity of the channel, the first electric field pulse having a first polarity and a relatively large magnitude of integral of electric field during the pulse and, thereafter, applying at least one further electric field pulse to the nanowire, each further electric pulse having a second, opposite polarity and each respective further electric field pulse having a relatively small magnitude of integral of electric field during the pulse. |
| US08232542B2 |
Phase change memory element with improved cyclability
A phase-change memory cell including, between two electrical contacts, a portion in a memory material with amorphous-crystalline phase-change and vice versa, as a stack with a central area located between two outmost areas. An interface, inert or quasi-inert from a physico-chemical point of view, is present between the active central area and each passive outmost area. Each passive outmost area is made in a material having a melting temperature higher than that of the material of the active central area. |
| US08232541B2 |
Optical sensors that reduce specular reflections
An optical sensor device comprises a light source, a light detector, and an opaque light barrier including a first portion to block light from being transmitted directly from the source to the detector. A second portion of the light barrier extends from the first portion in a direction towards the light source, such that a portion of the second portion covers at least a portion of light emitting element(s) of the source, to reduce an amount of specular reflections, if a light transmissive cover plate were placed over the sensor. Additionally, a third portion of the barrier can extend from the first portion, in a direction towards to the detector, such that a portion of the third portion covers at least a portion of light detecting element(s) of the detector, to reduce an amount of specular reflections that would be detected by the detecting element(s) of the detector, if a light transmissive cover plate were placed over the sensor. Additionally, an off-centered lens can cover a portion of the light source. |
| US08232536B2 |
Particle beam irradiation system and method for controlling the particle beam irradiation system
There is provided a particle beam irradiation system so as to provide the dose distribution having more accuracy. An irradiation control part comprises an energy setting controller that sets the energy of a charged particle beam, a beam scanning controller that controls a beam scanner, and a beam diameter changer to control a beam diameter changer, wherein the irradiation control part sets a beam diameter of the charged particle beam to be a first beam diameter by the beam diameter changer, the charged particle beam is scanned step-wise by the beam scanning controller so as to irradiate the charged particle beam on a predetermined region of the irradiation target, after that, the beam diameter of the charged particle beam is set by the beam diameter controller to be a second beam diameter that is different from the first beam diameter, and the charged particle beam is scanned step-wise by the beam scan controller so as to control the charged particle beam to irradiate on a region that is overlapped with at least a part of the predetermined part of the irradiation target. |
| US08232535B2 |
System and method of treating a patient with radiation therapy
A radiation therapy treatment system and method of treating a patient with radiation. The system integrates positioning of the patient, treatment planning, and delivery of the plan. As a result of the integration of imaging capabilities into the treatment apparatus, and efficient processes for contouring and planning, a patient can be treated in approximately 20 minutes or less. The method includes acquiring image data from the patient, defining a target region with one or more predefined shapes, generating a treatment plan based on the defined target region, and delivering radiation to the target region. |
| US08232532B2 |
Off-axis ion milling device for manufacture of magnetic recording media and method for using the same
A tool for patterning a disk such as a magnetic media disk for use in a disk drive system. The tool includes a chamber and a first and second series of magnets, each evenly spaced about the chamber wall. An ion beam source at an end of the chamber emits an ion beam toward the disk which is held within the chamber. The first series of magnets deflect the ion beam away from center and toward the chamber wall. The second ion beam source deflects the ion beam back toward the center so that the ion beam can strike the disk at an angle. In addition, to bending the ion beam, the magnets also rotate the bent ion beam so the movement of the ion beam revolves within the chamber. |
| US08232531B2 |
Corrosion barrier layer for photoconductive X-ray imagers
Improved corrosion resistance for direct X-ray imaging detectors is obtained by providing a pixelated, electrically conductive barrier layer between the X-ray sensitive material and the pixel electrodes. Each barrier layer can cover part or all of its corresponding pixel electrode. In cases where pixel electrodes makes contact to underlying circuitry through vertical vias, it is preferred for the barrier layers to cover the via sections of the pixel electrodes. The barrier layers for each pixel electrode can be spaced apart from each other, or they can all be included within a continuous film on top of the pixel electrodes. Such a continuous film can be pixelated by spatially modulating its properties (e.g., thickness, doping) to significantly reduce lateral conductivity from pixel to pixel. |
| US08232527B2 |
Image generation method and device for emission computed tomography
A first γ-ray generating in a body, caused by a PET pharmaceutical, and a second γ-ray emitted from a γ-ray source and transmitting through the body are detected with a radiation detector. The emission image information (E image information), E0, E1 and E2, at each of patient motion phases, 0, 1 and 2, which divided a respiration period, are prepared by using information obtained from the detected first γ-ray. The transmission image information (T image information), T0, T1 and T2, at each of patient motion phases, 0, 1 and 2, respectively, are prepared, by using information obtained from the detected second γ-ray. Relative displacements, ([F10], [F20]), are determined by superimposing, on T image information T0, other T image information, T1 and T2. The E image information, E1, E2, are superimposed on the E image information E0, by using this relative displacement. |
| US08232525B2 |
Device for the detection of an electromagnetic radiation and electromagnetic radiation detector comprising such devices
The invention relates to a device for the detection of an electromagnetic radiation including: a substrate; a resistive imaging bolometer; a circuit for polarizing the bolometer at a predetermined voltage; a rejection circuit generating a common mode current, comprising a compensation bolometer thermalized in the substrate and a polarization circuit thereof; and a measuring circuit for measuring the difference between the current flowing in the imaging bolometer when it is polarized and the common mode current generated by the rejection circuit. According to the invention, the rejection circuit further comprises a current generator capable of producing a current that simulates the current induced by the self-heating of the imaging bolometer under the effect of its polarization, the sum of the current passing through the compensation bolometer and the current generated by the current generator forming the common mode current. |
| US08232524B2 |
Highly isolated thermal detector
A detector for detecting electromagnetic radiation includes a substrate and at least one microstructure including a radiation-sensitive membrane extending substantially opposite and away from the substrate. The membrane is mechanically attached to at least two longilinear, collinear retention elements, at least one of which is mechanically connected to the substrate by an intermediate post. The membrane is in electrical continuity with the substrate. At least two collinear legs are attached to each other at the level of their ends which are attached to the membrane by a mechanical connector which is substantially co-planar with the legs and membrane. The other end of at least one of the legs is integral with a rigid cross piece which is substantially co-planar with the legs and extends substantially at right angles relative to the main dimension of the legs. The cross piece is integral with the post which is integral with the substrate. |
| US08232523B2 |
SEM imaging method
A method of investigating a sample using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), comprising the following steps: Irradiating a surface (S) of the sample using a probing electron beam in a plurality (N) of measurement sessions, each measurement session having an associated beam parameter (P) value that is chosen from a range of such values and that differs between measurement sessions; Detecting stimulated radiation emitted by the sample during each measurement session, associating a measurand (M) therewith and noting the value of this measurand for each measurement session, thus allowing compilation of a data set (D) of data pairs (Pi, Mi), where 1≦i≦N, wherein: A statistical Blind Source Separation (BSS) technique is employed to automatically process the data set (D) and spatially resolve it into a result set (R) of imaging pairs (Qk, Lk), in which an imaging quantity (Q) having value Qk is associated with a discrete depth level Lk referenced to the surface S. |
| US08232522B2 |
Semiconductor inspecting apparatus
In the case of inspecting samples having different sizes by means of a semiconductor inspecting apparatus, a primary electron beam bends since distribution is disturbed on an equipotential surface at the vicinity of the sample at the time of inspecting vicinities of the sample, and what is called a positional shift is generated. A potential correcting electrode is arranged outside the sample and at a position lower than the sample lower surface, and a potential lower than that of the sample is applied. Furthermore, a voltage to be applied to the potential correcting electrode is controlled corresponding to a distance between the inspecting position and a sample outer end, sample thickness and irradiation conditions of the primary electron beam. |
| US08232520B2 |
Ionization source apparatus and method for mass spectrometry
The invention provides an ionization source for mass spectrometers named Universal Soft Ionization Source (USIS), wherein the ionization chamber combines various physical effects including InfraRed and UltraViolet normal or laser light, ultrasound, electrostatic potential and differential temperature to analyze polar, non-polar, low, medium or high molecular weight molecules, in order to ionize a variety of compounds. |
| US08232516B2 |
Avalanche impact ionization amplification devices
A semiconductor photodetector may provide charge carrier avalanche multiplication at high field regions of a semiconductor material layer. A semiconductor current amplifier may provide current amplification by impact ionization near a high field region. A plurality of metal electrodes are formed on a surface of a semiconductor material layer and electrically biased to produce a non-uniform high electric field in which the high electric field strength accelerates avalanche electron-hole pair generation, which is employed as an effective avalanche multiplication photodetection mechanism or as an avalanche impact ionization current amplification mechanism. |
| US08232515B2 |
Imaging device having a radiation detecting structure disposed at a semiconductor substrate with a thermalizing material and a first radiation-reactive material sensitive to neutron radiation
An imaging device suitable for detecting certain imaging particles and recording the detection of imaging particles, and as such can include certain recording devices such as a charge storage structure. |
| US08232511B2 |
Sensing system adapted to sense a pointer and calculate a location of the pointer
A sensing system is adapted to sense a pointer and calculate a location of the pointer. The sensing system includes a panel, a reflective element, an image sensor and a processor connected to the image sensor. The panel has a first plane and a first area located at the first plane. The first area is quadrangular and has a first boundary, a second boundary, a third boundary and a fourth boundary connected in order. The reflective element is disposed at the first boundary and located on the first plane. A second plane of the reflective element which is a reflective mirror plane is substantially perpendicular to the first plane and mirrors the first area to form a second area. The image sensor sensing the first and the second areas is disposed at a corner at which the third boundary and the fourth boundary intersects and located on the first plane. |
| US08232510B2 |
Grilling device for properly and uniformly cooking foodstuffs
A cooking device comprises a base and a heating element supported by the base. A cooking plate is heated by the heating element and includes at least a first cavity for receiving an item being cooked. At least a first temperature probe is disposed in the first cavity for piercing the item being cooked. |
| US08232508B1 |
Water heater power control device
A water heater power control device is provided, wherein the control device includes a device outlet adapted to receive an electric plug of a water heater and a timer in communication with the device outlet. The control device may further comprise an electric plug adapted to plug into a wall outlet and provide power to the device outlet and the timer. In particular aspects of the present invention, the device outlet is changeable between an on state and an off state in response to commands from the timer. |
| US08232506B2 |
Dental firing furnace
The present invention relates to a dental firing furnace having a firing space and at least one carrier for dental material, in particular a muffle, which can be loaded into the firing space, and, in particular, a pressing device for pressing a ceramic blank inserted in the muffle, at least one physical variable of the firing space and/or of the carrier and/or of the muffle and/or of the ceramic blank being detected. A processing program of the dental furnace (10) that can be set is based on the detected physical variable. |
| US08232503B2 |
Pyrometer for laser annealing system
In a laser annealing system for workpieces such as semiconductor wafers, a pyrometer wavelength response band is established within a narrow window lying between the laser emission band and a fluorescence emission band from the optical components of the laser system, the pyrometer response band lying in a wavelength region at which the optical absorber layer on the workpiece has an optical absorption coefficient as great as or greater than the underlying workpiece. A multi-layer razor-edge interference filter having a 5-8 nm wavelength cut-off edge transition provides the cut-off of the laser emission at the bottom end of the pyrometer response band. |
| US08232501B2 |
Plasma arc power supply and control method therefor
A plasma arc power supply with a simple structure and its control method enable shifting from a pilot arc to a main arc. A plasma arc power supply used in a plasma arc apparatus that processes a workpiece by forming a pilot arc between a main electrode and a nozzle electrode and subsequently forming a main arc between the main electrode and the workpiece includes N direct current power supply units (N≧2) having negative terminals connected to the main electrode and positive terminals to the workpiece, and a switch between the fourth power supply unit and the workpiece. The fourth power supply unit is connected to cause the nozzle electrode to have an opposite polarity to the main electrode. When the switch is open, the fourth power supply unit supplies a small current between the main electrode and the nozzle electrode while forming a pilot arc between them. |
| US08232500B2 |
Plasma torch assembly
This application relates to a plasma torch assembly comprising a plurality of tubes; a collar integral with at least one tube comprising a first abutment surface; a base for holding the tubes during operation of the torch comprising a portion for receiving the collar and a second abutment; and co-operating interlocking portions for removably urging the first and second abutment surfaces together by relative rotation of the interlocking portions wherein the first and second abutment surfaces comprise a complimentary taper for aligning the collar in concentric formation with at least one other tube on the base by co-operation of the interlocking portions. |
| US08232494B2 |
Keyboard
A keyboard, wherein an opposing force generated between two magnet faces of the same polarity is used to return each key button to its original position after being pressed. As a result, the keyboard can be made capable of withstanding harsh environments while offering a satisfactory tactile response for the user. |
| US08232493B2 |
Operating device
An operating device is provided having a supporting member, a button, an elastic member, and a bearing member. The supporting member has an opening which passes through the thickness direction of the supporting member. The button has a shaft and an engaging portion. The shaft is arranged such that the axial direction of the shaft is parallel to the thickness direction of the supporting member. The engaging portion projects parallel to the axial direction of the shaft. The elastic member is set onto the supporting member so as to cover the opening, and has a projecting portion which engages the end of the shaft. The bearing member is provided between the supporting member and the elastic member, which is provided around the opening and is located nearer to the shaft than the engaging portion in the direction orthogonal to the projecting direction of the shaft. The shaft may press the elastic member so that the elastic member is deformed so as to move along the thickness direction of the supporting member in the opening. |
| US08232492B1 |
Electronically balanced illuminated panel
A keypanel assembly includes a light-emitting diode (LED) attached to a substrate. A switch is attached to the substrate. A control button is configured to actuate the switch. The control button permits light from the LED to pass through the control button to an outer surface of the control button to illuminate control symbology disposed thereon. An isolating structure ensures light emitted by the LED only illuminates the control symbology on the control button. |
| US08232491B2 |
Movable contact element and switch using the same
A movable contact point made of a thin conductive metal sheet in an approximate dome shape is attached to the lower surface of a transparent base sheet, and the base sheet is provided at the upper or the lower surface with a fluorescent layer in the location above the movable contact point. Since, in the make-up, light can be made available for illumination in many colors other than that generated from a light emitting device, a movable contact element, as well as a switch formed using the contact element, that offers various illuminating modes can be implemented in a simple structure. |
| US08232484B2 |
Weighing sensor with a serial arrangement of force transfer levers to obtain a compact load cell
The above described preferred embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Various other embodiments and modifications to these preferred embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. |
| US08232482B2 |
Method and apparatus for finished installation of electrical outlet box without use of external cover plate
An electrical outlet box installation in which there is no exposed cover plate, only the operative portion of the electrical component is visible at the wall surface. The operative portion of the component may be an electrical outlet, jack, switch, knob, or light, for example. The body of the electrical component is housed within the outlet box, also referred to as a junction box, with the open side of the outlet box being covered by a plate assembly having an opening that closely surrounds the operative portion of the component. The surface of the plate assembly is covered with wallboard mud, or other wall finishing material, which is blended into the surrounding surface of the wall so that only the operative portion of the component is exposed. The wall covering may also be panelling, stone, tile or similar materials. |
| US08232479B2 |
Electronic apparatus
There is provided an electronic apparatus capable of ESL reduction. The electronic apparatus includes a capacitor and a mounting board. The capacitor includes a multilayer body, an internal electrode, and a terminal electrode. The mounting board has a connection pad formed on its upper surface and has a through conductor formed inside thereof that is connected to the connection pad. The capacitor is mounted on the mounting board by connecting the terminal electrode to the connection pad. The internal electrode has an end portion exposed at an area ranging from an end face to a middle portion of a lateral face in the multilayer body. In a planar view, the through conductor is located immediately below a part of the end portion of the internal electrode exposed at the lateral face of the multilayer body, the part lying furthermost from the end face. |
| US08232475B2 |
Nano-hole array in conductor element for improving the contact conductance
A nano-hole array for improving contact conductance of a conductor element that consists of a first layer and a second layer is provided. The nano-hole array formed between the first and second layers comprises a plurality of holes. The contact conductance of the conductor element is enhanced by reducing the hole size of the hole array, increasing the occupation rate of the hole array, and performing thermal annealing. |
| US08232470B2 |
Dilute Group III-V nitride intermediate band solar cells with contact blocking layers
An intermediate band solar cell (IBSC) is provided including a p-n junction based on dilute III-V nitride materials and a pair of contact blocking layers positioned on opposite surfaces of the p-n junction for electrically isolating the intermediate band of the p-n junction by blocking the charge transport in the intermediate band without affecting the electron and hole collection efficiency of the p-n junction, thereby increasing open circuit voltage (VOC) of the IBSC and increasing the photocurrent by utilizing the intermediate band to absorb photons with energy below the band gap of the absorber layers of the IBSC. Hence, the overall power conversion efficiency of a IBSC will be much higher than an conventional single junction solar cell. The p-n junction absorber layers of the IBSC may further have compositionally graded nitrogen concentrations to provide an electric field for more efficient charge collection. |
| US08232468B2 |
Electronic musical apparatus for reproducing received music content
A browser portion BR obtains a reproduction manner specifying file from a content distribution server 30, and delivers the same to a reproduction control portion CT. The reproduction control portion CT obtains from the content distribution server 30 a music content file designated by a reproduction content list in the reproduction manner specifying file. The reproduction control portion CT reproduces, in cooperation with a tone generating circuit 43, a music piece corresponding to the music content in a reproduction manner specified by the reproduction manner specifying file. The reproduction control portion CT displays the music content on a display device 42 in a display manner specified by a reproduction manner specifying file. When a user operates an input operation element group 41 for changing the display manner of the display device 42, the reproduction control portion CT changes the display manner of the display device 42. Stream-distributed music content is prohibited from being stored in recording medium (a non-volatile memory) 65a and from being outputted to the outside through output interface 67. |
| US08232466B2 |
Hand-mountable noise maker
A sound generating device for being removably securable to or directly about a person's hand or finger for producing sound when the hand is reciprocally moved. The device includes a sound generating portion secured or securable to an attachment portion, where the attachment portion is securable to or directly about the hand or finger. Preferably, the sound is percussive caused by components of the device striking each other upon rapid and repeated reciprocal hand movement. The device is light in weight, does not require striking the hand or finger or other portion of the body, and is shaped and contoured to conform to hand shape, and preferably includes an adjustable attachment portion to adapt to differing sizes and shapes of hands and fingers; the device also may be modular, wherein the attachment portion may comprise a plurality of differing sizes of mounting structures for the same sound generating portion. |
| US08232463B1 |
Maize variety inbred PH11VB
A novel maize variety designated PH11VB and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH11VB with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH11VB 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 PH11VB or a locus conversion of PH11VB with another maize variety. |
| US08232461B1 |
Soybean cultivar 06451223
A soybean cultivar designated 06451223 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 06451223, to the plants of soybean cultivar 06451223, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 06451223, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 06451223. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 06451223. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 06451223, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 06451223 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08232450B1 |
Purple transgenic fluorescent ornamental fish
The present invention relates to the method and use of fluorescent proteins in making purple transgenic fluorescent fish. Also disclosed are methods of establishing a population of such transgenic fish and methods of providing them to the ornamental fish industry for the purpose of marketing. Thus, new varieties of ornamental fish of different fluorescence colors from a novel source are developed. |
| US08232446B2 |
Non-human animal model for lung carcinoma
A transgenic mouse expressing JSRV Env transgene that is operably linked to a surfactant protein C promoter (SPCp) is disclosed. The transgenic mouse is prone to developing a lung tumor and serves as an animal model for human lung carcinoma. |
| US08232442B2 |
Separation method of aromatic compounds comprising simulated moving bed xylene mixture pre—treatment process and additional xylene isomerization process
Disclosed is a method for separating aromatic compounds using a simulated moving bed adsorptive chromatography and a crystallization process, comprising a sulfolan process that is a non-aromatic compound removing process, a benzene/toluene fractionation process, an aromatic compound fractionation process, a selective toluene disproportionation process, a transalkylation process, a crystallization process for para-xylene separation, a simulated moving bed para-xylene separation process and a xylene isomerization process, wherein the method is characterized by further comprising a simulated moving bed xylene mixture pre-treatment process and an additional xylene isomerization process. The separation method of aromatic compounds according to the present invention can make significant improvement in para-xylene and benzene production in the overall process, as compared to the conventional aromatic compound separation process. |
| US08232441B2 |
Process for converting gaseous alkanes to liquid hydrocarbons
A process for converting gaseous alkanes to liquid hydrocarbons wherein a gaseous feed containing alkanes is reacted with a dry bromine vapor to form alkyl bromides and hydrobromic acid vapor. The mixture of alkyl bromides and hydrobromic acid are then reacted over a synthetic crystalline alumino-silicate catalyst, such as a ZSM-5 zeolite, at a temperature of from about 150° C. to about 450° C. so as to form higher molecular weight hydrocarbons and hydrobromic acid vapor. Propane and butane which comprise a portion of the products may be recovered or recycled back through the process to form additional C5+ hydrocarbons. Various methods are disclosed to remove the hydrobromic acid vapor from the higher molecular weight hydrocarbons and to generate bromine from the hydrobromic acid for use in the process. |
| US08232440B2 |
Alternative paths to alcohols and hydrocarbons from biomass
A method of producing alcohols, hydrocarbons, or both from biomass by converting biomass into a carboxylic acid, reacting the carboxylic acid with an olefin to produce an ester and hydrogenolyzing the ester to produce alcohol. A method of producing hydrocarbons from biomass by converting at least a portion of the biomass into a carboxylic acid, a ketone, or an ammonium carboxylate salt, reacting at least one of a portion of the carboxylic acid, a portion of the ketone, or a portion of the ammonium carboxylate salt in an oligomerization reactor as at least part of a process that produces an oligomerization product and separating hydrocarbons from the oligomerization product. |
| US08232439B2 |
Use of isoalkane mixtures for dedusting construction chemistry products
The present invention relates to the use of isoalkane mixtures for reducing or minimizing the dust emission during the handling of pulverulent construction chemistry products, a process for the preparation of the pulverulent construction chemistry products, and hydraulically setting materials comprising the isoalkane mixtures according to the invention. |
| US08232436B2 |
Process for purifying a fluorine compound
Provided is a process for purifying a fluorine compound capable of yielding a highly pure fluorine compound by removing at least oxygen from a fluorine compound containing an oxygen compound as an impurity. In a process according to the present invention for purifying a fluorine compound, the following is brought into contact with the fluorine compound, which contains an oxygen compound as an impurity, thereby removing at least oxygen: carbonyl fluoride in an amount of a 0.1-fold equivalent or more and a 100-fold equivalent or less of oxygen atoms in the fluorine compound. |
| US08232435B2 |
1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene production processes
The present disclosure relates to a new and efficient manufacturing process for the production of HFC-1225ye. The process involves contacting at least one hexafluoropropane selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane and 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane with a suitable catalyst in a reactor to obtain a product mixture containing HFC-1225ye (1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene) where the pressure in the reactor ranges from about 0.5 psig to about 100 psig. |
| US08232434B2 |
Process for producing fluoroalkyl iodide telomer
A novel process for producing a fluoroalkyl iodide telomer is provided, which is able to obtain a fluoroalkyl iodide telomer having a desired chain length, efficiently.A fluoroalkyl iodide represented by the general formula RfI (wherein Rf is a C1-10 fluoroalkyl group) and tetrafluoroethylene are used as a telogen and a taxogen, respectively. These compounds are supplied to a distillation apparatus. In a reaction zone located in an intermediate part of the distillation apparatus, the compounds are subjected to a telomerization reaction in the presence of a metal catalyst with heating to generate a fluoroalkyl iodide telomer represented by the general formula Rf(CF2CF2)nI (wherein Rf is the same as defined above and n is an integer of 1-4). Thereafter, a fraction comprising the fluoroalkyl iodide telomer is separated by distillation. |
| US08232429B2 |
Methods for producing oxidized cyclic phenol sulfides
A method for producing an oxidized cyclic phenol sulfide which comprises the step of oxidizing a cyclic phenol sulfide of the following formula (1) as a raw material: wherein R represents a straight or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and m is an integer from 4 to 8, in a solvent(s) other than a halogenated hydrocarbon in an amount of 2 or more and less than 10 parts by weight per 1 part by weight of the cyclic phenol sulfide, with an oxidizing agent(s) to obtain an oxidized cyclic phenol sulfide of the following formula (2): wherein R represents a straight or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, m is an integer from 4 to 8, and n is 1 or 2. |
| US08232421B2 |
Bifunctional phenyl ISO (THIO) cyanates, processes and intermediates for their preparation
A process for preparing phenyl iso(thio)cyanates of the formula I in which a compound of the formula II or its HCl adduct is reacted with a phosgenating agent where W is oxygen or sulfur and Ar and A are as defined in claim 1 is described. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of the phenyl iso(thio)cyanates for preparing crop protection agents. |
| US08232419B2 |
Triacylglycerol purification by a continuous regenerable adsorbent process
The process utilizes the adsorbent column system as a treatment after chemical refining or before physical refining rather than water or filtration, respectively, to remove soaps and other impurities entrained in a crude triacylglycerol. The CDTAG or ORTAG is contacted with an adsorbent packed into a column, or multiple columns in series, for a sufficient amount of time to remove impurities such as, but not limited to, soaps, metals, chlorophyll, and many of the other compounds that reduce the stability of the TAG. The resulting TAG exiting the column(s) is ready for the deodorization process. Once the adsorbent no longer removes the desired amount of impurities, it is regenerated for reuse. Such a continuous regenerable adsorbent refining process substantially reduces the amount of fresh water required and the amount of waste water generated to purify TAG and reduces the amount of solid waste produced. |
| US08232415B2 |
Flow reactors for chemical conversions with heterogeneous catalysts
Improved apparatus for use in process systems which include exothermic chemical conversions of organic compounds to value added products is disclosed, more particularly, flow reactors for exothermic chemical conversions using a fixed heterogeneous catalyst with means for control of the exotherm. Flow reactors of the invention comprise a plurality of walled conduits each having an outer surface disposed for contact with a heat-transfer medium, an inlet distribution manifold adapted for flow communication with a downstream manifold through channels formed by heterogeneous catalytic material disposed within each conduit during operation in a sequence of zones for catalyst having the same or different length along the longitudinal coordinate of the conduit and within each zone essentially uniform cross-section of the conduit measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal coordinate thereby defining volume of the zone, and the sequence of zones comprising of at least two zones such that each downstream zone has a larger or smaller cross-section than the contiguous upstream zone. Another aspect of the invention includes processes which use such flow reactors, for example the continuous manufacture of maleic anhydride. |
| US08232414B2 |
Polymorphic form of rotigotine and process for production
The present invention relates to a novel polymorphic form of rotigotine characterized by at least one of the following powder X-ray diffraction peaks: 12.04, 13.68, 17.72 and 19.01±0.2 (° 2θ), measured with a Cu—Kα irradiation (1.54060 Å), and a process for production thereof, which is useful for the manufacture of a stable medicament for treating or alleviating symptoms of Parkinson's disease and other dopamine-related disorders. |
| US08232412B2 |
Diazonium-free method to make an indazole intermediate in the synthesis of bicyclic 5-(trifluormethoxy)-1H-3-indazolecarboxylic acid amides
The present invention provides novel methods for preparing 5-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-3-indazolecarboxylic acid (3), which is a useful precursor for the preparation of bicyclic-5-trifluoromethoxy-1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid amides of Formula (1). Compounds of Formula (1) are active as agonists and partial agonists of the nicotinic α-7 receptor and are being studied for their use in the treatment of disease conditions associated with defective or malfunctioning nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, especially of the brain, such as for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, as well as other psychiatric and neurological disorders. The present methods are useful for preparing compound (3) on scale up levels. |
| US08232411B2 |
Methods for making central nervous system agents that are TRPV1 antagonists
The invention discloses compounds of formula II: and methods of making the compounds, which are VR1 antagonists that are useful in treating pain, inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia, urinary incontinence and bladder overactivity. |
| US08232408B2 |
Crystalline 1-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-methyl-2-(1H)pyridone, the preparation methods, compositions and applications thereof
Crystalline pyridone compound, which is the white needle crystal containing no water and other crystallization solvents. Its unit cell belongs to monoclinic system and has space group of P21/n, wherein a=3.8512(2), b=20.2535(12), c=12.1628(6) Å, β=92.850(5)° and crystal cell volume V=947.53(9) Å3. Pyridone compound crystal of this form has the needed properties for preparing or making treatment compositions in large scale. It can be used for treating organs fibrosis of liver, kidney, lung and etc. and reducing skin scars. |
| US08232406B2 |
c-MET protein kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds useful of inhibitors of protein kinases. The invention also provides processes for preparing the compounds of this invention, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders. |
| US08232402B2 |
Quinolinone farnesyl transferase inhibitors for the treatment of synucleinopathies and other indications
Novel quinolinone farnesyl transferase inhibitors are provided. These new compounds are useful in the treatment or prevention of synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's Disease, Diffuse Lewy Body Disease, multiple system atrophy, and disorders of brain iron concentration including pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (e.g., PANK1), or other neurodegenerative/neurological diseases. Provided compounds are also useful in the treatment of proliferative diseases such as cancer, and in the treatment of neurological diseases, such as cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety. The treatment including administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of an inventive farnesyl transferase inhibitor compound. |
| US08232399B2 |
Chiral ligands, their preparation and uses thereof in asymmetric reactions
A novel class of chiral ligands represented by a structure of Formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1-10 alkyl, C2-10 alkenyl, C2-10 alkynyl, C1-10 alkoxy, C(O)R6, C(O)NHR6, Si(R6)3, benzyl and aryl; X is selected from the group consisting of OH, OR7, O-Prot and P(R7)2 where Prot represents a protecting group; and R6 and R7 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-10 alkyl, C2-10 alkenyl, C2-10 alkynyl, C1-10 alkoxy, phenyl, and aryl is disclosed herein. |
| US08232393B2 |
Aromatic AZA heterocycles, method of production and use of the material in organic electronics
An electron transport material based on fused aromatic electron-deficient compounds. The accumulation of aromatic rings with an electron deficiency allows free-radical anions to be stabilized very efficiently in these systems. |
| US08232392B2 |
Process for preparing temozolomide
Described is a new process for producing temozolomide, comprising the reaction between 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide and N-succinimidyl-N′-methyl carbamate and the subsequent reaction of the thus obtained carbamoyl 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide with sodium nitrite. Temozolomide is then purified by chromatography on adsorbent polymeric resin and subsequent crystallization from water and acetone. |
| US08232391B2 |
Bicyclic pyrazole compounds as antibacterial agents
Antibacterial compounds, compositions containing them, and methods of use for the inhibition of bacterial activity and the treatment, prevention or inhibition of bacterial infection. |
| US08232390B2 |
Pentacyclic indole derivatives as antiviral agents
The present invention relates to pentacyclic indole derivatives of formula (I): wherein A, Ar, R1, R2, W, X, Y and Z are defined herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and their use for the treatment or prevention of infection by hepatitis C virus. |
| US08232386B2 |
SiRNA targeting apolipoprotein B (APOB)
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 APOB. |
| US08232385B2 |
siRNA targeting cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (p27, Kip1) (CDKN1B)
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 CDKN1B. |
| US08232382B2 |
Avian sex identification oligonucleotides
This invention relates to a number of bird sex-identification oligonucleotides and their use in determining the sex of birds in various families. |
| US08232381B2 |
Isolated nucleic acid molecules from transgenic papaya line 18-2-4 resistant to papaya ringspot virus and use thereof
Provided is an isolated nucleic acid molecule having a right border flanking region, a left border flanking region and a transgene sequence between the right border flanking region and the left border flanking region, wherein the right border flanking region having at least 90% homology with the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30; the left border flanking region having at least 90% homology with the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 32; and the transgene sequence having a papaya ringspot virus coat protein gene and a promoter operably linked to the papaya ringspot virus coat protein gene. Primers, probes and kit derived from the isolated nucleic acid molecule are proved to be useful for identifying the transgenic papaya line 18-2-4 in a specific, reproducible, sensitive and reliable way. |
| US08232380B2 |
Shade regulatory regions
Regulatory regions suitable for directing the expression of a heterologous polynucleotide under light conditions in which the red/far red ratio is less than 1 are described, as well as nucleic acid constructs that include these regulatory regions. Also disclosed are transgenic plants that contain such constructs and methods of producing such transgenic plants. |
| US08232379B2 |
Nucleic acids encoding chimeric flavivirus immunogens comprising the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) prM signal sequence
The present invention encompasses isolated nucleic acids containing transcriptional units which encode a signal sequence of one flavivirus and an immunogenic flavivirus antigen of a second flavivirus. The invention further encompasses a nucleic acid and protein vaccine and the use of the vaccine to immunize a subject against flavivirus infection. The invention also provides antigens encoded by nucleic acids of the invention, antibodies elicited in response to the antigens and use of the antigens and/or antibodies in detecting flavivirus or diagnosing flavivirus infection. |
| US08232374B2 |
Method for decreasing biomass-biomass interactions or biomass-resin interactions
The invention includes a process for extracting a heterologous target protein from Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells that includes lowering the pH of a whole E. coli cell solution to form an acidic solution, disrupting the cells to release the protein into the acidic solution, and separating the cellular debris from the released protein to obtain a protein product enriched in the heterologous target protein. The invention also includes addition of a solubility enhancer. |
| US08232371B2 |
Modified human interferon polypeptides and their uses
Modified interferon polypeptides with at least one non-naturally-encoded amino acid and uses thereof are provided. |
| US08232365B2 |
Biomass-derived epoxy compound and manufacturing method thereof
There is disclosed a biomass-derived epoxy compound as an epoxidized product of a raw-material biomass-derived compound having a weight-average molecular weight of 300 to 10000. The biomass-derived epoxy compound has a weight-average molecular weight of 600 to 20000 and is soluble in an organic solvent for the preparation of a varnish. The epoxy compound is prepared by dissolving the raw-material biomass-derived compound in an aqueous alkali solution; adding epichlorohydrin to the solution and heating the mixture; and evaporating epichlorohydrin from the heated mixture and precipitating a biomass-derived epoxy compound, in which the aqueous alkali solution has a pH of 13.5 to 11.0. The biomass-derived epoxy compound has both high solubility in organic solvents and satisfactory heat resistance and can be manufactured in a high yield on the basis of the raw material through a less number of processes. |
| US08232360B2 |
Stereoregular ROMP polymers
The invention relates to stereoregular ROMP polymers, the monomers used to make them, and the processes used to convert the monomers to the polymers. |
| US08232359B2 |
Process for preparing ethylene homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene with α-olefin by using the transition metal compound
Provided are transition metal catalytic systems for preparing ethylene homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene with α-olefins. More specifically, provided are Group 4 transition metal catalysts, which is characterized in that the catalyst comprises around the Group 4 transition metal a cyclopentadiene derivative, and at least one aryloxide ligand(s) having a fluorenyl group or a derivative thereof (which is ready to be substituted at 9-position) that functions as an electron donor and serves to stabilize the catalytic system by surrounding an oxygen atom that links the ligand to the transition metal at ortho-position, and there is no cross-linkage between the ligands; catalytic systems comprising such transition metal catalyst and aluminoxane cocatalyst or boron compound cocatalyst; and processes for preparing ethylene homopolymers or copolymers of ethylene with α-olefins by using the same. |
| US08232358B2 |
Propylene-based polymer and production method therefor, propylene-based polymer composition and molded body made thereof
Disclosed is a production method of polypropylene having high MFR value and excellent product qualities with high productivity. The method enables to produce a propylene polymer by a gas phase process where the reaction heat is removed mainly by the heat of vaporization of liquefied propylene. The method is characterized by using a solid catalyst component (A) which is prepared by contacting components (A1), (A2) and (A3) shown below. Further disclosed are: a propylene polymer produced by the method; a propylene polymer composition; and a molded body of the composition. Component (A1): a solid component containing titanium, magnesium and a halogen as essential components. Component (A2): a vinyl silane compound. Component (A3): an organosilicon compound having an alkoxy group (A3a) and/or a compound having at least two ether bonds (A3b). |
| US08232357B2 |
Catalytic composition for producing 1-alkene and acrylates copolymer and method for producing 1-alkene and acrylates copolymer
The present invention relates to a catalytic composition for producing a 1-alkene-acrylate copolymer that includes a metal nano catalyst, and a method for producing a 1-alkene-acrylate copolymer. In the catalytic composition for producing a 1-alkene-acrylate copolymer, since the content of the polar comonomer is high, it may be used to produce the 1-alkene-acrylate copolymer that has no crystallinity and is capable of being used as an optical material. The method for producing the 1-alkene-acrylate copolymer may be produced by using a simple process of a mild polymerization condition without a polymerization condition of high temperature and high pressure, and it is easy to control physical properties. |
| US08232355B2 |
Liquid resin composition for electronic components and electronic component device
The present invention provides a liquid resin composition for electronic components, which is excellent in migration resistance and also superior in formability and reliability, as well as an electronic component device sealed therewith, and relates to a liquid resin composition for electronic components, which comprises (A) an epoxy resin, (B) a cyclic acid anhydride which is liquid at ordinary temperature and has an acid anhydride equivalent of 200 or more, and (C) a coupling agent. |
| US08232353B2 |
Processes for producing nano-space controlled polymer ion-exchange membranes
A polymer film substrate is irradiated with ions to make a large number of nano-sized through-holes and the substrate may be further irradiated with ionizing radiation so that a functional monomer may be grafted or co-grafted onto a surface of the film and within the holes; in addition, sulfonic acid group(s) may be introduced into the graft chains to produce a polymer ion-exchange membrane that may have high oxidation resistance, dimensional stability, electrical conductivity and/or methanol resistance, as well as may have an ion-exchange capacity controlled over a wide range. |
| US08232352B2 |
Rubber composition and tire using the same
There are provided a rubber composition simultaneously improving low loss factor and wear resistance as compared with the conventional ones as well as a tire using such a rubber composition.The invention lies in a rubber composition using a modified conjugated diene rubber and being excellent in the low loss factor and wear resistance as well as a tire. The rubber composition of the invention is formed by compounding a filler to a rubber component containing (A) a modified conjugated diene rubber having a cis-bond content in conjugated diene portion of not less than 87% and a vinyl bond content of not more than 2% and containing a functional group reactive with a filler and (B) a modified polymer having a modifying functional group number per 1 molecule of an unmodified polymer of not less than 0.6. |
| US08232343B2 |
Environmentally-friendly polylactic acid resin composition
An environmentally-friendly polylactic acid resin composition includes (A) a mixed resin including (a1) a polylactic acid (PLA) resin and (a2) a polycarbonate resin, and (B) a compatibilizer capable of forming a stereo-complex with the polylactic acid resin. According to the present invention, the polylactic acid resin composition is environmentally-friendly and has excellent appearance and improved welding impact strength, as well as improved mechanical strength and heat resistance. Accordingly, it can be used for manufacturing various molded products requiring heat resistance and mechanical strength, for example electronic parts, office machines, miscellaneous goods, and the like. |
| US08232339B2 |
Production of molded fibrous basic magnesium sulfate filler-containing olefin polymer composition products
A molded fibrous basic magnesium sulfate filler-containing olefin polymer composition product is produced by a process comprising the steps of preparing a fibrous basic magnesium sulfate tiller-containing master batch composition which comprises an olefin polymer, a fibrous basic magnesium sulfate filler, an elastomer, a specific lubricant and a specific filler-surface treating agent; mixing the master batch composition and a propylene polymer-containing diluent resin; kneading the resulting mixture in a molten state; and molding the molten mixture to give the molded product. |
| US08232331B2 |
Nonaqueous ink, ink set, image-forming method, image-forming apparatus and recorded article
A nonaqueous ink, having: colorant particles, the colorant particles having an average particle diameter of 1 nm or more and less than 50 nm, and the value (D90−D10) of being 100 nm or less, a dispersant; and a cationically-polymerizable compound; wherein D90−D10 is a value obtained by subtracting D10 from D90; D90 and D10 represent respectively the particle diameters at cumulative colorant particle numbers of 0.9 (90 number %) and 0.1 (10 number %) in an integral value of the distribution function dG=F(D)dD; and G represents the number of the pigment particles; and D represents the diameter of the particles. |
| US08232325B2 |
Separation membrane for direct liquid fuel cell and method for producing same
In the present invention is disclosed a method for producing a membrane for direct liquid fuel cell, which comprises polymerizing and curing a polymerizable composition containing at least a) an aromatic polymerizable monomer wherein one polymerizable group, at least one hydrogen atom, and at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of methyl group bonded at the para-position relative to the polymerizable group, alkyl group having two or more carbon atoms, halogen atom, acyloxy group and alkoxy group are bonded to the aromatic ring, b) a crosslinkable polymerizable monomer, and c) a polymerization initiator, or impregnating the polymerizable composition into a porous membrane and polymerizing and curing the polymerizable composition, and then introducing a cation exchange group into the aromatic ring derived from the aromatic polymerizable monomer. |
| US08232321B2 |
Alkylene oxide derivative and skin external preparation containing the same
The present invention is to provide a new compound having a rough skin improving effect, excellent in safety, excellent in texture in use, especially free of sticky feeling, excellent in refreshing feeling, and capable to improve the base agent stability as a component. An alkylene oxide derivative is characterized by being represented by the below-described general formula (I): (formula I) Z—{O-[(AO)a-(EO)b]-R}2 (I) (In the formula, Z is the residue obtained by removing hydroxyl groups from the dimer diol, EO is an oxyethylene group, AO is an oxyalkylene group having 3 to 4 carbon atoms, and the addition form is block-type. The symbols a and b are the average addition mole numbers of the above-described oxyalkylene group and the oxyethylene group, respectively, and they are 1≦2 a≦150 and 1≦2 b≦150. The percentage of the oxyethylene groups with respect to the sum of the oxyalkylene groups having 3 to 4 carbon atoms and the oxyethylene groups is 10 to 99 mass %. Rs may be either identical to or different from each other, and they are hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.) |
| US08232313B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions containing 1-methyl-D-tryptophan
The present invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions containing 1-methyl-D-tryptophan and its utility to enhance rejection of tumor or virus-infected cells or to delay the progression of tumor growth. The present invention shows that pharmaceutical compositions containing 1-methyl-D-tryptophan enhance the efficacy of alternative antitumor or antiviral treatments such as chemotherapy, vaccination or cytokine therapy. |
| US08232311B2 |
Tricyclic indeno-pyrrole derivatives as serotonin receptor modulators
The present invention generally relates to a series of compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and to use of the compounds and compositions as therapeutic agents. More specifically, compounds of the present invention are tricyclic indeno-pyrrole compounds. These compounds are serotonin receptor (5-HT) ligands and are useful for treating diseases, disorders, and conditions wherein modulation of the activity of serotonin receptors (5-HT) is desired (e.g. anxiety, depression and obesity). |
| US08232309B2 |
Prodrugs of compounds that inhibit TRPV1 receptor
Compounds of formula (I) wherein A, R1, R2, and R3 are defined in the specification, and which are useful as therapeutic compounds particularly for treating disorders or conditions associated with inflammation, pain, bladder overactivity, urinary incontinence, and other disorders caused by or exacerbated by TRPV1. |
| US08232304B2 |
Antifungal formulations
A topical composition and the method using the composition, which contains an antifungal agent and a low potency anti-inflammatory steroid which is safe and effective such as desonide or its derivative. The low potency steroid agent does not cause side effects such as skin atrophy, striae and hypopigmentation. In a representative example, the low potency anti-inflammatory steroid has the following structure: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 taken independently can be H, C1-C10 alkyl, C1-C10 alkenyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, and phenyl groups; R1 and R2 taken together can be C3-C10 cycloalkyl; and R3, and R4 taken independently can be H, C1-C10 alkyl, C1-C10 alkenyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, phenyl, C7-C10 phenylalkyl, carboxylate, sulfonyl, phosphoryl, and phosphonyl groups. The composition can be formulated in a dosage form such as a cream, ointment, gel, lotion, foam, powder, aerosol, spray, shampoo, or liquid solution. The composition can be used to treat a fungal disease such as tinea pedis, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea versicolor, tinea cruris, and candidiasis as well as intertriginous dermatitis complicated by candidiasis. |
| US08232303B1 |
Two-photon absorbing water soluble fluorescent probe as a near neutral pH indicator
Disclosed are fluorescent compounds useful as intracellular pH probes. In particular, the invention teaches a two-photon absorbing, water soluble, fluorescent compound, a fluorene derivative, which is effective as a near-neutral pH indicator and particularly as an intracellular probe. A method for chemical synthesis of the claimed compounds is provided. |
| US08232301B2 |
Pesticidal compositions
A pesticidal composition comprising a pesticide, an ammonium salt, and a nonionic surfactant, is provided. |
| US08232300B2 |
Tricyclic amide compound
A compound represented by the following general formula (I): [wherein R1 represents hydrogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl group, A and B represent —(CH2)2—, —(CH2)3—or —(CH2)4—, X represents —N(R2)—CO—(R2 represents hydrogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl group), —CO—N(R3)—(R3 represents hydrogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl group), —C(R4)═C(R5)—(R4 and R5 represent hydrogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl group), or —N(R6)—SO2—(R6 represents hydrogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl group), and Ar represents an aryldiyl group or a heteroaryldiyl group], which has a retinoid action and is useful as an active ingredient of a medicament. |
| US08232299B2 |
Phthalimide derivatives that influence cellular vesicular systems, pharmaceutical compositions, and use thereof
The present invention relates to compounds that are suitable for treatment of disease states and influence cellular vesicular systems, especially the formation and/or function of lipid droplets, said compound having the general formula I (I) wherein X are each independently hydrogen, halogen, —C1-20-alkyl, —C2-20-alkenyl, —C2-20-alkinyl, —C5-6-cykloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, adamantyl, heterocyclic, hydroxyl, hydroxyalkyl, Or —N—(R1, R2) group; n is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; R1 and R2 may each be independently hydrogen, straight or branching alkyl, cyclo-alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heterocyclic group, wherein each is un-substituted or halogen substituted; or R1 and R2 together with the nitrogen in between them form a 5 or 6 member ring; A is a single bond, —O—, —S—, —CH2-, or —NH—; Y is O or S; Z is O or S; R′ and R″ are each independently methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, isobuthyl, sec-butyl or terc-butyl; with the restriction that: X(n) cannot all be fluorine, and A be a single bond, and Y, as well as Z be O, and R′, as well as R″ be isopropyl, and R1 and R2 be hydrogen at the same time. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and to use of such compounds for treatment of disease states. |
| US08232297B2 |
Sulphonylpyrroles as inhibitors of HDACs novel sulphonylpyrroles
Compounds of a certain formula I, in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 have the meanings indicated in the description, as well as salts thereof are novel effective HDAC inhibitors. |
| US08232296B2 |
Salt 628
6-Methyl-5-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-N-{[5-(methylsulfonyl)pyridin-2-yl]methyl}-2-oxo-1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carboxamide 4-methylbenzenesulfonate and a novel crystalline form thereof are disclosed together with processes for preparing such salt and form, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such a salt and form, and the methods of treatment using such a salt and form. |
| US08232292B2 |
Sulfonamide compound and crystal thereof
(S)-1-(4-Chloro-5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-3-(methylamino)pyrrolidine monohydrochloride and a crystal thereof, and a crystal of the aforementioned monohydrochloride having a major peak or peaks at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of positions where 2θs are about 13.9°, 21.5°, 21.7°, 22.4°, 22.8°, 24.5° and 35.0° in a powder X-ray diffraction spectrum, which have excellent properties as active ingredient of a medicament for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of glaucoma and the like. |
| US08232291B2 |
Heterocyclic aromatic compounds useful as growth hormone secretagogues
Novel heterocyclic aromatic compounds are provided that are useful in stimulating endogenous production or release of growth hormone, said compounds having the general structure of formula I wherein R1, R1′, R2, R3, R4, Xa, Y, Z and n are as described herein. The compounds provided herein are useful in treating obesity, osteoporosis (improving bone density) and in improving muscle mass and muscle strength. |
| US08232289B2 |
Spiropiperidine compounds as ORL-1 receptor antagonists
An ORL-1 receptor antagonist of the formula: its uses, and methods for its preparation are described. |
| US08232280B2 |
Inhibitors of bruton'S tyrosine kinase
Disclosed herein are pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk. Methods for the preparation of the compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors are disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions. |
| US08232274B2 |
Pyridazinone derivatives useful as glucan synthase inhibitors
Disclosed is a set of compounds useful as glucan synthase inhibitors having the generic structure of Formula I: wherein the various moieties A, D, R6, etc., are as defined in the specification. These compounds are useful in treating or preventing fungal infections in a patient. |
| US08232272B2 |
Benzimidazoledihydrothiadiazinone derivatives as fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase inhibitors, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising same
The present invention relates to novel benzimidazole-dihydrothiadiazinone derivatives as fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase inhibitors, to processes for the preparation thereof and to the use thereof in therapy, especially for the treatment of diabetes. |
| US08232271B2 |
Heterocyclic antiviral compounds
Compounds having the formula I wherein R1, R2, R3a, R3b, R3c, R4, R5 and p are as defined herein are Hepatitis C virus NS5b polymerase inhibitors. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for treating an HCV infection and inhibiting HCV replication. |
| US08232270B2 |
Bivalent (−)-meptazinol compounds and/or their salts, and their preparation and futilization
The present invention belongs to pharmaceutical field. It relates to a novel family of bivalent (−)-meptazinol compounds and/or their salts, as well as the preparation and utilization of the compounds in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and dementias such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In the present invention, bivalent (−)-meptazinol compounds were synthesized, from the starting material (−)-meptazinol, successively by N-demethylation forming (−)-nor-meptazinol and then by acylation with α,ω-alkanediacyl dihalides or alkylation with α,ω-dihaloalkanes. Results from in vitro cholinesterase inhibiting test and AChE-induced Aβ aggregation test demonstrated that the bivalent (−)-meptazinol compounds and/or their salts were novel bivalent inhibitors of both AChE and Aβ aggregation. The most potent compound inhibited both AChE and BChE at nM level, which was 10000 and 1500 times more potent than (−)-MEP hydrochloride, respectively. It inhibited AChE-induced Aβ aggregation by a factor of 2 compared with propidium. |
| US08232263B2 |
17,20(Z)-dehydro vitamin D analogs and their uses
This invention discloses 17,20(Z)-dehydro vitamin D analogs, and specifically 17(Z)-1α,25-dihydroxy-17(20)-dehydro-2-methylene-19-nor-vitamin D3 and pharmaceutical uses therefor. This compound exhibits pronounced activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells and inducing their differentiation to the monocyte thus evidencing use as an anti-cancer agent and for the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis as well as skin conditions such as wrinkles, slack skin, dry skin and insufficient sebum secretion. This compound also may be used to treat autoimmune disorders and inflammatory diseases in humans as well as renal osteodystrophy and obesity. This compound also has significant calcemic activity making it a therapeutic agent for the treatment or prophylaxis of osteoporosis, osteomalacia, renal osteodystrophy and hypoparathyroidism. |
| US08232262B2 |
Salts of isophosphoramide mustard and analogs thereof as anti-tumor Agents
The present disclosure relates to salts and compositions of isophosphoramide mustard and isophosphoramide mustard analogs. In one embodiment the salts can be represented by the formula wherein A+ represents an ammonium species selected from the protonated (conjugate acid) or quaternary forms of aliphatic amines and aromatic amines, including basic amino acids, heterocyclic amines, substituted and unsubstituted pyridines, guanidines and amidines; and X and Y independently represent leaving groups. Also disclosed herein are methods for making such compounds and formulating pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods for administering the disclosed compounds to subjects, particularly to treat hyperproliferative disorders, also are disclosed. |
| US08232261B2 |
Method of minimizing herbicidal injury
The present invention provides a method of reducing phytotoxicity or plant injury at a crop plant locus caused by a herbicide application at the locus which method includes applying to the crop plant locus a chloronicotinyl insecticide before the herbicide application. |
| US08232260B2 |
In vivo production of small interfering RNAs that mediate gene silencing
The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vitro with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells. |
| US08232258B2 |
NK1 fragment of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) and variants thereof, and their use
The present invention relates to variants of the NK1 fragment of the polypeptide growth factor HGF/SF which act as agonists of the MET receptor and their use. The agonists comprise at least one substitution at positions equivalent to 132, 134, 170 and 181 of full length HGF/SF and these substitutions provide a variant which shows scatter factor activity and induces DNA synthesis. In vivo the variants provide protection from liver damage in a model of acute liver failure. |
| US08232257B2 |
RNA interference mediated inactivation of hepatitis B virus in a subject
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for targeted inactivation of viral genomes. In one embodiment, zinc-finger proteins in which DNA binding sites are altered such that they recognize and bind different, desired DNA sequences contained in hepatitis B virus (HBV) and that include nuclease domains are used for inactivation. Other embodiments for targeted inactivation of viral genomes use small nucleic acid molecules, such as short micro-RNA molecules or short hairpin RNA molecules capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) against the hepatitis B virus. |
| US08232253B2 |
Treatment of lung cancer
Disclosed are methods of treating lung cancer by administering to a human in need thereof effective amounts of FTS, or various analogs thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally, in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent. Chemotherapeutic agents, and combinations thereof, for use with FTS, its analogs, or its salts are also disclosed. |
| US08232251B2 |
Compounds for delivery of therapeutic and imaging moieties to nerve cells
The invention features compounds of the general formula: B-L-M where B is a binding agent capable of selectively binding to a nerve cell surface receptor and mediating absorption of the compound by the nerve cell; M is a moiety which performs a useful non-cytotoxic function when absorbed by a nerve cell, and can be a therapeutic moiety or an imaging moiety; and L is a linker coupling B to M. The invention also features methods of use of the compounds in, for example, treating conditions such as viral infections and pain, as well as in labeling nerve cells. |
| US08232247B2 |
Methods of treating cancer, arthritis and/or diabetes with angiopoietins
The present invention relates to Angiopoietin-3 (Ang-3) and Angiopoietin-4 (Ang-4). The present invention also relates to methods of modulating an activity of Ang-3 or Ang-4. The present invention further relates to methods of treating cancer, diabetes, and arthritis. |
| US08232246B2 |
Anti-viral compounds
Compounds capable of inhibiting replication of the hepatitis C virus (“HCV”) are described. This invention also relates to processes of making such compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds to treat HCV infection. |
| US08232245B2 |
Caspofungin formulations
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of caspofungin as active ingredient being useful for the prevention and/or treatment of fungal infections. The compositions additionally comprise specific bulking agents and small amounts or no amounts of an additional pH modifier and may be in a liquid or solid form, e.g. may be lyophilized compositions. The compositions show good stability and reduced amounts of sub-visible particulate matter formed in solutions which are reconstituted from the lyophilized product. |
| US08232241B2 |
Treating liver diseases
This document provides methods and materials related to treating liver conditions. For example, the methods and materials relating to the use of cAMP inhibitors to treat liver conditions are provided. |
| US08232236B2 |
Fast drying ampholytic polymers for cleaning compositions
The claims encompass hard surface cleaner and hard surface treatment compositions containing particular ampholytic polymers which impart not only good residual cleaning properties but in particular give fast drying properties to the cleaning compositions. The polymers are for example terpolymers formed from diallydialkyammonium chloride, anionic monomers and N,N di-C1-C8 alkyl(meth)acrylamides. |
| US08232235B2 |
Ternary azeotropes containing 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-3-methoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)-pentane 5 and compositions made therefrom
Compositions are provided that include blends that consist essentially of 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-3-methoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)pentane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, and a third component. The third component is selected from methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, t-butanol, and 1-propanol. The blends form ternary azeotropes. Provided compositions can be useful for cleaning electronic parts, as coating solvent components, as heat transfer fluids, and as lubricants. |
| US08232233B2 |
Lubricating oil composition for machine tools
The present invention provides a refrigerating machine oil, a compressor oil composition, a hydraulic oil composition, a metalworking oil composition, a heat treating oil composition, a lubricating oil composition for machine tools and a lubricating oil composition which comprise a lubricating oil base oil having % CA of not more than 2, % CP/% CN of not less than 6 and an iodine value of not more than 2.5. |
| US08232232B2 |
Oxide target for laser vapor deposition and method of manufacturing the same
An oxide target for laser vapor deposition, which is used when an oxide film is formed in a laser vapor deposition system, including: a fixed plate, an Ag-soldering layer bonded onto the fixed plate, an oxide-Ag mixed layer bonded onto the Ag-soldering layer; and an oxide layer bonded onto the oxide-Ag mixed layer. |
| US08232225B2 |
Production of multifunctional granular medium by partial activation of partially decomposed organic matter
A process for the production of low-temperature activated or partially activated partially decomposed organic matter for use as an ion-exchange medium comprising the steps of granulating partially decomposed moisture-bearing organic matter, drying the granules and activating the granules at a temperature of about 175-520° C., wherein the granule has a hardness and cation-exchange capacity suitable for a particular application desired. |
| US08232223B2 |
Separation of N,N,N′-trimethylbisamino-ethylether from mixtures comprising tertiary amines or tertiary aminoalkylethers
The present invention relates to a method for recovering N,N,N′-trimethylbisaminoethylether from a mixture with its amide and a method for separating N,N,N′-trimethylbisaminoethylether from mixtures comprising tertiary amines or tertiary aminoalkylether as well as a composition comprising a mixture of N,N,N′-trimethylbisaminoethylether and a transamidation agent. |
| US08232219B2 |
Dielectric ceramic composition, an electric component and a manufacturing method thereof
The present invention relates to a dielectric ceramic composition comprises a main component including a dielectric oxide having a composition shown by [(Ca1-xSrx)O]m[(Zr1-y-z-αTiyHf2Mnα)O2], note that, 0.991≦m≦1.010, 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦0.1, 0 |
| US08232211B1 |
Methods for self-aligned self-assembled patterning enhancement
Methods for producing self-aligned, self-assembled sub-ground-rule features without the need to use additional lithographic patterning. Specifically, the present disclosure allows for the creation of assist features that are localized and self-aligned to a given structure. These assist features can either have the same tone or different tone to the given feature. |
| US08232210B2 |
Double patterning process for integrated circuit device manufacturing
A method of forming an integrated circuit (IC) device feature includes forming an initially substantially planar hardmask layer over a semiconductor device layer to be patterned; forming a first photoresist layer over the hardmask layer; patterning a first set of semiconductor device features in the first photoresist layer; registering the first set of semiconductor device features in the hardmask layer in a manner that maintains the hardmask layer substantially planar; removing the first photoresist layer; forming a second photoresist layer over the substantially planar hardmask layer; patterning a second set of semiconductor device features in the second photoresist layer; registering the second set of semiconductor device features in the hardmask layer in a manner that maintains the hardmask layer substantially planar; removing the second photoresist layer; and creating topography within the hardmask layer by removing portions thereof corresponding to both the first and second sets of semiconductor device features. |
| US08232209B2 |
Processes for forming electronic devices including polishing metal-containing layers
A process of forming an electronic device can include providing a workpiece. The workpiece can include a substrate, an interlevel dielectric overlying the substrate, a refractory-metal-containing layer over the interlevel dielectric, and a first metal-containing layer over the refractory-metal-containing layer. The first metal-containing layer can include a metal element other than a refractory metal element. The process further includes polishing the first metal-containing layer and the refractory-metal-containing layer as a continuous action to expose the interlevel dielectric. In one embodiment, the metal element can include copper, nickel, or a noble metal. In another embodiment, polishing can be performed using a selectivity agent to reduce the amount of the interlevel dielectric removed. |
| US08232208B2 |
Stabilized chemical mechanical polishing composition and method of polishing a substrate
A chemical mechanical polishing composition, comprising, as initial components: water; 0.1 to 40 wt % abrasive having an average particle size of 5 to 150 nm; 0.001 to 1 wt % of an adamantyl substance according to formula (II); 0 to 1 wt % diquaternary substance according to formula (I); and, 0 to 1 wt % of a quaternary ammonium compound. Also, provided is a method for chemical mechanical polishing using the chemical mechanical polishing composition. |
| US08232205B2 |
Methods of manufacturing a honeycomb extrusion die
Methods of manufacturing a honeycomb extrusion die comprise the steps of coating at least a portion of a die body with a layer of conductive material and modifying the die body with an electrical discharge machining technique. The method then further includes the step of chemically removing the layer of conductive material, wherein the residual material from the electrical discharge machining technique is released from the die body. |
| US08232203B2 |
Methods of manufacturing memory devices
A method of manufacturing a memory device is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate, forming a number of memory sectors on the substrate, wherein each of the memory sectors is coupled to an adjacent one via a first diffused region in the substrate and is coupled to another adjacent one via at least one second diffused region in the substrate, forming a first dielectric layer on the memory sectors, forming a first conductive structure through the first dielectric layer to the first diffused region, and at least one second conductive structure through the first dielectric layer to the at least one second diffused region, forming a patterned first mask layer on the first dielectric layer, the first conductive structure and the at least one second conductive structure, the patterned first mask layer exposing the first conductive structure, and etching back the first conductive structure. |
| US08232200B1 |
Methods of forming integrated circuit devices having damascene interconnects therein with metal diffusion barrier layers and devices formed thereby
Methods of forming integrated circuit devices include forming an interlayer insulating layer having a trench therein, on a substrate and forming an electrical interconnect (e.g., Cu damascene interconnect) in the trench. An upper surface of the interlayer insulating layer is recessed to expose sidewalls of the electrical interconnect. An electrically insulating first capping pattern is formed on the recessed upper surface of the interlayer insulating layer and on the exposed sidewalls of the electrical interconnect, but is removed from an upper surface of the electrical interconnect. A metal diffusion barrier layer is formed on an upper surface of the electrical interconnect, however, the first capping pattern is used to block formation of the metal diffusion barrier layer on the sidewalls of the electrical interconnect. This metal diffusion barrier layer may be formed using an electroless plating technique. |
| US08232198B2 |
Self-aligned permanent on-chip interconnect structure formed by pitch splitting
A method of fabricating an interconnect structure is provided. The method includes forming a hybrid photo-patternable dielectric material atop a substrate. The hybrid photo-patternable dielectric material has dual-tone properties with a parabola like dissolution response to radiation. The hybrid photo-patternable dielectric material is then image-wise exposed to radiation such that a self-aligned pitch split pattern forms. A portion of the self-aligned split pattern is removed to provide a patterned hybrid photo-patternable dielectric material having at least one opening therein. The patterned hybrid photo-patternable dielectric material is then converted into a cured and patterned dielectric material having the at least one opening therein. The at least one opening within the cured and patterned dielectric material is then filed with at least an electrically conductive material. Also provided are a hybrid photo-patternable dielectric composition and an interconnect structure. |
| US08232193B2 |
Method of forming Cu pillar capped by barrier layer
A nickel barrier layer is formed on an upper sidewall surface of a Cu pillar. A mask layer with an opening for defining the Cu pillar window has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the mask layer is removed after the formation of the Cu pillar so as to expose the upper sidewall surface of the Cu pillar. The nickel barrier layer is then deposited on the exposed sidewall surface of the Cu pillar followed by removing and the lower portion of the mask layer. |
| US08232191B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including forming a gate insulating film and a gate electrode over a Si substrate; forming a recess in the Si substrate at both sides of the gate electrode; forming a first Si layer including Ge in the recess; forming an interlayer over the first Si layer; forming a second Si layer including Ge over the interlayer; wherein the interlayer is composed of Si or Si including Ge, and a Ge concentration of the interlayer is less than a Ge concentration of the first Si layer and a Ge concentration of the second Si layer. |
| US08232188B2 |
High-K metal gate electrode structures formed by separate removal of placeholder materials using a masking regime prior to gate patterning
In a replacement gate approach in sophisticated semiconductor devices, the place-holder material of gate electrode structures of different type are separately removed. Furthermore, electrode metal may be selectively formed in the resulting gate opening, thereby providing superior process conditions in adjusting a respective work function of gate electrode structures of different type. In one illustrative embodiment, the separate forming of gate openings in gate electrode structures of different type may be based on a mask material that is provided in a gate layer stack. |
| US08232185B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor chip, adhesive film for semiconductor, and composite sheet using the film
There is provided a method that allows semiconductor chips to be obtained from a semiconductor wafer at high yield, while sufficiently inhibiting generation of chip cracks and burrs. The method for manufacturing a semiconductor chip comprises a step of preparing a laminated body having a semiconductor wafer, an adhesive film for a semiconductor and dicing tape laminated in that order, the semiconductor wafer being partitioned into multiple semiconductor chips and notches being formed from the semiconductor wafer side so that at least a portion of the adhesive film for a semiconductor remains uncut in its thickness direction, and a step of stretching out the dicing tape in a direction so that the multiple semiconductor chips are separated apart, to separate the adhesive film for a semiconductor along the notches. The adhesive film for a semiconductor has a tensile breaking elongation of less than 5% and the tensile breaking elongation of less than 110% of the elongation at maximum load. |
| US08232181B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device is provided, which includes a process in which a transistor is formed over a first substrate; a process in which a first insulating layer is formed over the transistor; a process in which a first conductive layer connected to a source or a drain of the transistor is formed; a process in which a second substrate provided with a second insulating layer is arranged so that the first insulating layer is attached to the second insulating layer; a process in which the second insulating layer is separated from the second substrate; and a process in which a third substrate provided with a second conductive layer which functions as an antenna is arranged so that the first conductive layer is electrically connected to the second conductive layer. |
| US08232177B2 |
Method of generating uniformly aligned well and isolation regions in a substrate and resulting structure
A solution for alleviating variable parasitic bipolar leakages in scaled semiconductor technologies is described herein. Placement variation is eliminated for edges of implants under shallow trench isolation (STI) areas by creating a barrier to shield areas from implantation more precisely than with only a standard photolithographic mask. An annealing process expands the implanted regions such their boundaries align within a predetermined distance from the edge of a trench. The distances are proportionate for each trench and each adjacent isolation region. |
| US08232173B2 |
Structure and design structure for high-Q value inductor and method of manufacturing the same
Structures with high-Q value inductors, design structure for high-Q value inductors and methods of fabricating such structures is disclosed herein. A method in a computer-aided design system for generating a functional design model of an inductor is also provided. The method includes: generating a functional representation of a plurality of vertical openings simultaneously formed in a substrate, wherein a first of the plurality of vertical openings is used as through silicon vias and is etched deeper than a second of the plurality of vertical openings used for high-Q inductors; generating a functional representation of a dielectric layer formed in the plurality of vertical openings; and generating a functional representation of a metal layer deposited on the dielectric layer in the plurality of vertical. |
| US08232172B2 |
Stress enhanced transistor devices and methods of making
Stress enhanced transistor devices and methods of fabricating the same are provided. In one embodiment, a transistor device comprises: a gate conductor disposed above a semiconductor substrate between a pair of dielectric spacers, wherein the semiconductor substrate comprises a channel region underneath the gate conductor and recessed regions on opposite sides of the channel region, wherein the recessed regions undercut the dielectric spacers to form undercut areas of the channel region; and epitaxial source and drain regions disposed in the recessed regions of the semiconductor substrate and extending laterally underneath the dielectric spacers into the undercut areas of the channel region. |
| US08232170B2 |
Methods for fabricating semiconductor devices with charge storage patterns
Provided are methods for fabricating semiconductor devices. A method may include forming a device isolation layer to define active regions on a semiconductor substrate. The active regions may protrude above an upper surface of the device isolation layer. The method may also include forming tunnel insulating layers on upper and side surfaces of corresponding ones of the active regions. The method may further include forming charge storage patterns on corresponding ones of the tunnel insulating layers. The charge storage patterns may be separated from each other. The method may also include forming a blocking insulating layer on the charge storage patterns and the device isolation layer. The method may further include forming a gate electrode on the blocking insulating layer. The blocking insulating layer may cover the device isolation layer such that the gate electrode is precluded from contact with the device isolation layer and the tunnel insulating layers. |
| US08232167B2 |
Applying epitaxial silicon in disposable spacer flow
A method of fabricating transistors on a semiconductor substrate includes forming transistor gates of first and second transistors located in first and second areas of the semiconductor substrate, respectively. The transistor gates have generally vertical sidewalls. Source and drain regions are simultaneously formed for the first and second transistors. Temporary spacers are formed on the vertical sidewalls of the first and second transistor gates. The temporary spacers of the first transistor abut a semiconductor structure such that the source and drain regions of the first transistor are vertically covered. The temporary spacers of the second transistor cover a portion of the source and drain regions of the second transistor such that a portion of the source and drain regions remain exposed. The semiconductor substrate is exposed to an implant dopant to change the dopant level of the exposed portions of the source and drain regions of the second transistors. |
| US08232162B2 |
Forming implanted plates for high aspect ratio trenches using staged sacrificial layer removal
A method of forming a deep trench structure for a semiconductor device includes forming a mask layer over a semiconductor substrate. An opening in the mask layer is formed by patterning the mask layer, and a deep trench is formed in the semiconductor substrate using the patterned opening in the mask layer. A sacrificial fill material is formed over the mask layer and into the deep trench. A first portion of the sacrificial fill material is recessed from the deep trench and a first dopant implant forms a first doped region in the semiconductor substrate. A second portion of the sacrificial fill material is recessed from the deep trench and a second dopant implant forms a second doped region in the semiconductor substrate, wherein the second doped region is formed underneath the first doped region such that the second doped region and the first doped region are contiguous with each other. |
| US08232159B2 |
Phase change memory device having buried conduction lines directly underneath phase change memory cells and fabrication method thereof
A phase change memory device having buried conduction lines directly underneath phase change memory cells is presented. The phase change memory device includes buried conduction lines buried in a semiconductor substrate and phase change memory cells arranged on top of the buried conductive lines. By having the buried conduction lines directly underneath the phase change memory cells, the resultant device can realize a considerable reduction in size. |
| US08232157B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a CMOS region and a bipolar region, a first N well and a first P well in the CMOS region, a PMOS device in the first N well and an NMOS device in the first P well, a deep P well in the bipolar region, a second N well in the deep P, a second isolation layer between the deep P well and the second N well, a third isolation in the second N well, a collector in the second N well between the second and third isolation layers, and a base formed in the second N well and having a bottom surface including first type impurities to contact the emitter. |
| US08232156B2 |
Vertical heterojunction bipolar transistors with reduced base-collector junction capacitance
Vertical heterojunction bipolar transistors with reduced base-collector junction capacitance, as well as fabrication methods for vertical heterojunction bipolar transistors and design structures for BiCMOS integrated circuits. The vertical heterojunction bipolar transistor includes a barrier layer between the intrinsic base and the extrinsic base that blocks or reduces diffusion of a dopant from the extrinsic base to the intrinsic base. The barrier layer has at least one opening that permits direct contact between the intrinsic base and a portion of the extrinsic base disposed in the opening. |
| US08232154B2 |
Method for fabricating semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. A high dielectric constant (high-k) layer and a work function metal layer are formed in sequence on a substrate. A hard mask layer is formed on the work function metal layer, where the material of the hard mask layer is lanthanum oxide. The work function metal layer is patterned by using the hard mask layer as a mask. The hard mask layer is then removed. Afterwards, a gate structure is formed on the substrate. |
| US08232149B2 |
SOI device having an increasing charge storage capacity of transistor bodies and method for manufacturing the same
An SOI device includes an SOI substrate having a stacked structure including a buried oxide layer and a first silicon layer sequentially stacked on a silicon substrate. The SOI substrate possesses grooves having a depth that extends from an upper surface of the first silicon layer to a partial depth of the buried oxide layer. An insulation layer is formed on the lower surfaces of the grooves and a second silicon layer is formed filling the grooves having the insulation layer formed thereon. Gates are formed on the second silicon layer and junction regions are formed in the first silicon layer on both sides of the gates to contact the insulation layer. |
| US08232146B2 |
Semiconductor device with resistor and fuse and method of manufacturing the same
A fuse element is laminated on a resistor and the resistor is formed in a concave shape below a region in which cutting of the fuse element is carried out with a laser. Accordingly, there can be provided a semiconductor device which occupies a small area, causes no damage on the resistor in the cutting of the fuse element, has a small contact resistance occurred between elements, and has stable characteristics, and a method of manufacturing the same. |
| US08232141B2 |
Integrated circuit packaging system with conductive pillars and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a substrate; forming a conductive pillar, having substantially parallel vertical sides, in direct contact with the substrate; mounting an integrated circuit to the substrate beside a conductive pillar location; and encapsulating the integrated circuit with an encapsulation having a top surface formed for the conductive pillar to extend beyond. |
| US08232140B2 |
Method for ultra thin wafer handling and processing
A method for thin wafer handling and processing is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a wafer having a plurality of semiconductor chips, the wafer having a first side and a second side. A plurality of dies are attached to the first side of the wafer, at least one of the dies are bonded to at least one of the plurality of semiconductor chips. A wafer carrier is provided, wherein the wafer carrier is attached to the second side of the wafer. The first side of the wafer and the plurality of dies are encapsulated with a planar support layer. A first adhesion tape is attached to the planar support layer. The wafer carrier is then removed from the wafer and the wafer is diced into individual semiconductor packages. |
| US08232139B1 |
Integrated structures of high performance active devices and passive devices
Integrated structures having high performance CMOS active devices mounted on passive devices are provided. The structure includes an integrated passive device chip having a plurality of through wafer vias, mounted to a ground plane. The structure further includes at least one CMOS device mounted on the integrated passive device chip using flip chip technology and being grounded to the ground plane through the through wafer vias of the integrated passive device chip. |
| US08232136B2 |
Method and apparatus for simultaneous lateral and vertical patterning of molecular organic films
The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for micro-patterning organic layers of OLEDs. The disclosed methods do not require applying pressure to the film, nor do they require heat treatment, surface treatment or fast release rate of a stamp from the substrate. The disclosed methods are particularly advantageous over the conventional shadow masking techniques for providing large array fabrication with small features. In one embodiment of the disclosure, one or more organic films are selected for the OLED as a function of their individual or combined sublimation temperature. The material is selected in view of the depth and shape of the features that are to be formed in the organic layer. The disclosed embodiments can provide minimum feature size of 13 μm which is suitable for high resolution OLED displays. |
| US08232133B2 |
Image sensor with backside passivation and metal layer
An image sensor includes a semiconductor layer that filters light of different wavelengths. For example, the semiconductor layer absorbs photons of shorter wavelengths and passes more photons of longer wavelengths such that the longer wavelength photons often pass through without being absorbed. An imaging pixel having a photodiode is formed near a front side of the semiconductor layer. A dopant layer is formed below the photodiode near a back side of the semiconductor layer. A mirror that primarily reflects photons of longer visible wavelengths is disposed on the back side of the semiconductor layer. |
| US08232127B2 |
Thermo-electric semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A thermo-electric semiconductor device is provided. The thermo-electric semiconductor device includes: a first electrode layer; a spacer layer formed on the first electrode layer and having a plurality of pillars with a uniform height, the plurality of pillars thermally grown and protruded on a surface of the spacer layer; and a second electrode layer formed over the spacer layer in such a manner as to contact tops of the protruded pillars. |
| US08232124B2 |
Thin-film transistor array, method of fabricating the same, and liquid crystal display device including the same
A thin-film transistor array includes an electrically insulating substrate, a plurality of thin-film transistors arranged in a matrix on the substrate, and each including a channel, a source, and a drain each comprised of an oxide-semiconductor film, a pixel electrode integrally formed with the drain, a source signal line through which a source signal is transmitted to a group of thin-film transistors, a gate signal line through which a gate signal is transmitted to a group of thin-film transistors, a source terminal formed at an end of the source signal line, and a gate terminal formed at an end of the gate signal line. The source terminal and the gate terminal are formed in the same layer as a layer in which the channel is formed. The source terminal and the gate terminal have the same electric conductivity as that of the pixel electrode. |
| US08232123B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display with improved on-current, and method for manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting device and a manufacturing method thereof, including a first signal line and a second signal line intersecting each other on an insulating substrate, a switching thin film transistor connected to the first signal line and the second signal line, a driving thin film transistor connected to the switching thin film transistor, and a light emitting diode (“LD”) connected to the driving thin film transistor. The driving thin film transistor includes a driving control electrode and a driving semiconductor overlapping the driving control electrode, crystallized silicon having a doped region and a non-doped region, a driving gate insulating layer disposed between the driving control electrode and the driving semiconductor, and a driving input electrode and a driving output electrode opposite to each other on the driving semiconductor, wherein the interface between the driving gate insulating layer and the driving semiconductor includes nitrogen gas. |
| US08232121B2 |
Zinc oxide-based semiconductor device and method for producing same
A semiconductor device that has excellent characteristics and mass productivity wherein the introduction of defects thereinto at the time of device separation is prevented, and a method for producing the semiconductor device. In particular, there is provided a high-performance semiconductor device having excellent luminous efficiency, longevity and mass productivity; and a method for producing this semiconductor device. The method for producing the semiconductor device has a step of forming, between a substrate comprising zinc oxide (ZnO) and a device operating layer, a defect-blocking layer having a crystal composition that is different from that of the substrate, and a step of forming device dividing grooves to a depth that goes beyond the defect-blocking layer, relative to the device operating layer side surface of the substrate on which the device operating layer is formed. |
| US08232115B2 |
Test structure for determination of TSV depth
A test structure for a through-silicon-via (TSV) in a semiconductor chip includes a first contact, the first contact being electrically connected to a first TSV; and a second contact, wherein the first contact, second contact, and the first TSV form a first channel, and a depth of the first TSV is determined based on a resistance of the first channel. A method of determining a depth of a through-silicon-via (TSV) in a semiconductor chip includes etching a first TSV into the semiconductor chip; forming a first channel, the first channel comprising the first TSV, a first contact electrically connected to the first TSV, and a second contact; connecting a current source to the second contact; determining a resistance across the first channel; and determining a depth of the first TSV based on the resistance of the first channel. |
| US08232111B2 |
Micropipette, micropipette system, and method for using micropipette
There is provided a micropipette, a micropipette system, and a method for using a micropipette system capable of accurately sucking a desired quantitative volume of liquid for measurement. A micropipette system comprises a micropipette 1 including a liquid-holding chamber 12 that holds a liquid for measurement sucked in by capillary action through an opening 11 provided at an end of the liquid-holding chamber 12, the liquid-holding chamber 12 having an inner surface on which a photocatalyst layer 13 exhibiting a hydrophilic property at the time of light irradiation is formed, irradiation means 2 for emitting light toward the photocatalyst layer 13, and control means 3 for controlling the range of the area irradiated with the light from the irradiation means 2 in accordance with a desired quantitative volume of the liquid for measurement. |
| US08232109B2 |
Micro-pixelated active-matrix fluid-assay performance
A method of performing a fluid-material assay employing a device including at least one active pixel having a sensor with an assay site functionalized for selected fluid-assay material. The method includes exposing the pixel's sensor assay site to such material, and in conjunction with such exposing, and employing the active nature of the pixel, remotely requesting from the pixel's sensor assay site an assay-result output report. The method further includes, in relation to the employing step, creating, relative to the sensor's assay site in the at least one pixel, a predetermined, pixel-specific electromagnetic field environment. |
| US08232106B2 |
Detection methods of proteins on polyacrylamide gels using gel background staining and organic dye compositions for the same
Disclosed are a method for detecting proteins on a polyacrylamide gel by background staining method using an organic dye composition containing eosin Y or phloxine B, and the organic dye composition for use in the method, which enables the rapid and simple detection of the protein on the polyacrylamide gel with a high sensitivity. |
| US08232105B1 |
Reagents and methods and systems using them
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a reagent that includes an effective amount of an adsorber to remove interfering species present during heavy metal level measurement in a fluid sample. In some examples, the reagent can include an effective amount of an adsorber to remove a suitable amount of glutathione from the fluid sample such that the glutathione does not interfere with measurements of lead levels in the fluid sample. |
| US08232103B2 |
Merge stop gate for an automated laboratory sample handling worksystem
A method for replacing a first sample carried on a moving secondary conveyor onto a moving primary conveyor at a potential interference point while the primary conveyor is transporting a second sample. |
| US08232099B2 |
Method for transcription/degradation dual control of protein by antibiotic
The present invention provides an expression vector, containing expressibly (a) a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein of a mutant of a repressor protein, which binds to an antibiotic, and a target protein, and (b) a polynucleotide encoding a protein controlling the transcription of the polynucleotide in (a), the transcription of the polynucleotide in (a) and the degradation of said fusion protein, which is the expression product of the polynucleotide in (a), being controlled inside a cell by the presence or absence of an antibiotic inside the cell. |
| US08232093B2 |
Apparatus and method for genetically transforming cells
A fluid containing cells and free genetic material is acoustically coupled to a propulsion surface of a diaphragm. A blast-receiving surface of the diaphragm is acoustically coupled to an explosion chamber in which an explosive material is disposed. An ignition system ignites the explosive material in the explosion chamber to create a blast wave. The diaphragm transfers momentum from the blast wave to the fluid containing cells and free genetic material sufficient to cause the cells to take up the free genetic material. |
| US08232092B2 |
Apparatus and method for digital magnetic beads analysis
A micro bead having a digitally coded structure that is partially transmissive and opaque to light. The pattern of transmitted light is determined by to decode the bead. The coded bead may be structured a series of alternating light transmissive and opaque sections, with relative positions, widths and spacing resembling a 1D or 2D bar code image. To decode the image, the alternating transmissive and opaque sections of the body are scanned in analogous fashion to bar code scanning. The coded bead may be coated or immobilized with a capture or probe to effect a desired bioassay. The coded bead may include a paramagnetic material. A bioanalysis system conducts high throughput bioanalysis using the coded bead, including a reaction detection zone and a decoding zone. Alternative method for barcode determination is based on barcode pattern image processes. Microbeads can also be settled down to the bottom of the well in a microplate, so the barcode can be decoded by image processed directly. Therefore, multiple-analyte tests can be performed in one single well. Microplate is a standard format; each plate can have 96, 384, or 1536 patient samples. The bead image is taken with a conventional microscope and optical detector from the bottom of an optically clear microplate, and barcode pattern can be decoded by image software. Therefore, the whole bead experiment can be performed in the microplate without taking the beads out. |
| US08232086B2 |
Method for preparing maltogenic alpha-amylase variants
The inventors have modified the amino acid sequence of a maltogenic alpha-amylase to obtain variants with improved properties, based on the three-dimensional structure of the maltogenic alpha-amylase Novamyl. The variants have altered physicochemical properties, e.g. an altered pH optimum, improved thermostability, increased specific activity, an altered cleavage pattern or an increased ability to reduce retrogradation of starch or staling of bread. |
| US08232085B2 |
Isoform of bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) protein
The use of compounds is described which are capable of functionally blocking at least one of the genes chosen from the group composed of EphA1, EphA2, EphA8, EphB2, CSF1R, VEGFR2, RAMP2, RAMP3, CLRN1, MAPK4, PIK3C2A, PIK3CG, GSK3alpha, GSK3beta, IRAK3, DAPK1, JAK1, PIM1, TRB3, BTG1, LATS1, LIMK2, MYLK, PAK1, PAK2, CDC2, BTK, PNRC2, NCOA4, NR2C1, TPR, RBBP8, TRPC7, FXYD1, ERN1, PRSS16, RPS3, CCL23 and SERPINE1, for the manufacture of a medicament destined to diminish the resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in the therapeutic treatment of epithelial tumor pathologies. Also described is a method for the determination of the drug resistance in tumor cells, as well as a method for the identification of tumor stem cells. |
| US08232084B2 |
Device for measuring extracellular potential and method of manufacturing device
A device for measuring an extracellular potential of a test cell includes a substrate having a well formed in a first surface thereof and a first trap hole formed therein. The well has a bottom. The first trap hole includes a first opening formed in the bottom of the well and extending toward a second face of the substrate, a first hollow section communicating with the first opening via a first connecting portion, and a second opening extending reaching the second surface and communicating with the first hollow section via a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion has a diameter smaller than a maximum diameter of the first hollow section, greater than a diameter of the second connecting portion, and smaller than a diameter of the test cell. The device can retain the test cell securely and accept chemicals and the test cell to be put into the device easily. |
| US08232082B2 |
Process for the fermentative production of ethanol from solid lignocellulosic material comprising a step of treating a solid lignocellulosic material with alkaline solution in order to remove the lignin
The present invention relates to a process for obtaining fuel ethanol by using agricultural and agroindustrial waste materials composed of lignocellulose, and especially sugar cane bagasse. These residues have significant contents of carbohydrates in the form of polysaccharides (cellulose and hemicellulose), which can be hydrolyzed by chemical and enzymic processes. The hemicellulose fraction is submitted to mild hydrolysis with sulphuric acid, and the solid material from this hydrolysis is submitted to a process of saccharification (enzymic hydrolysis) with simultaneous rapid alcoholic fermentation under conditions which allow a significant increase in conversion to alcohol in a greatly shortened time. |
| US08232081B2 |
Methods and microorganisms for production of panto-compounds
The present invention features methods of producing panto-compounds (e.g., pantothenate) using microorganisms in which the pantothenate biosynthetic pathway and/or the isoleucine-valine biosynthetic pathway and/or the coenzymeA biosynthetic pathway has been manipulated. Methods featuring ketopantoate reductase overexpressing microorganisms as well as aspartate α-decarboxylase overexpressing microorganisms are provided. Methods of producing panto-compounds in a precursor-independent manner and in high yield are described. Recombinant microorganisms, vectors, isolated nucleic acid molecules, genes and gene products useful in practicing the above methodologies are also provided. The present invention also features a previously unidentified microbial pantothenate kinase gene, coaX, as well as methods of producing panto-compounds utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate kinase activity. Recombinant microorganisms, vectors, isolated coaX nucleic acid molecules and purified CoaX proteins are featured. Also featured are methods for identifying pantothenate kinase modulators utilizing the recombinant microorganisms and/or purified CoaX proteins of the present invention. |
| US08232076B2 |
Neurogenin
The invention relates to novel neurogenin proteins, nucleic acids and antibodies. |
| US08232074B2 |
Nanoelectrodes and nanotips for recording transmembrane currents in a plurality of cells
The present invention relates to methods of measuring electrical properties of a cell using electrode devices comprising tapered nanotips having submicrometer dimensions (“nanoelectrodes”) for insertion into a cell. The devices are used to measure electrical properties of the cell and, optionally, may be used to electroporate, the cell or subcellular structures within the cell. The invention also provides arrays of electrode devices having nanotips for simultaneously or sequentially measuring the electrical properties of cells (e.g., such as surface immobilized cells). The electrodes can be used to measure properties of ion channels and in HTS assays to identify drugs which affect the properties of ion channels. The invention additionally provides microfluidic systems adapted for use with the electrode devices having nanotips. In combination with the electrodes, the microfluidic systems provide cell-based biosensors for monitoring cellular responses to conditions, such as exposure to candidate drugs. |
| US08232073B2 |
Quantification of non-reducing end glycan residual compounds
Provided herein are methods of diagnosing or monitoring the treatment of abnormal glycan accumulation or a disorder associated with abnormal glycan accumulation. |
| US08232072B2 |
Smoking cessation kit and method
Described are smoking cessation devices and kits for determining an advantageous time for a subject to quit smoking, and/or for extending the duration of smoking abstinence, based on serum levels of anti-nicotine antibodies. Related methods are also described. |
| US08232066B2 |
Peptide antibody depletion and its application to mass spectrometry sample preparation
The present invention relates, e.g., to a method for pre-processing a sample for mass spectral analysis, comprising cleaving proteins in the sample to peptides and immunodepleting highly abundant and/or well-ionizing and/or proteotypic peptides from the sample. Also described are methods for identifying well-ionizing peptides for use in this and other methods; analytic (diagnostic) methods using antibodies against highly ionizable peptides from a protein target of interest; and compositions kits and devices comprising antibodies of the invention. |
| US08232061B2 |
Method and device for examining the attachment or detachment of living or dead cells or cell-like particles or other surface accumulations on surfaces by means of plasmon resonance and use of said method and said device
A method for examining an attachment or detachment of living cells, dead cells or cell-like particles on a surface using plasmon resonance includes irradiating a measurement region with beams over the entire angle of incidence spectrum and capturing, combining and evaluating beams with identical angles of incidence reflected from different points of the measurement region with a determination of the angle of light incidence with a lowest reflected light intensity and measuring an angle of incidence shift of an intensity minimum that occurs. The evaluating includes registering different angles of incidence of two or more intensity minima occurring simultaneously to reflect a respective level of the surface accumulations. |
| US08232060B2 |
Gene defects and mutant ALK kinase in human solid tumors
In accordance with the invention, novel gene deletions and translocations involving chromosome 2 resulting in fusion proteins combining part of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) kinase with part of a secondary protein have now been identified in human solid tumors, e.g. non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Secondary proteins include Echinoderm Microtubule-Associated Protein-Like 4 (EML-4) and TRK-Fusion Gene (TFG). The EML4-ALK fusion protein, which retains ALK tyrosine kinase activity, was confirmed to drive the proliferation and survival of NSCLC characterized by this mutation. The invention therefore provides, in part, isolated polynucleotides and vectors encoding the disclosed mutant ALK kinase polypeptides, probes for detecting it, isolated mutant polypeptides, recombinant polypeptides, and reagents for detecting the fusion and truncated polypeptides. The disclosed identification of this new fusion protein enables new methods for determining the presence of these mutant ALK kinase polypeptides in a biological sample, methods for screening for compounds that inhibit the proteins, and methods for inhibiting the progression of a cancer characterized by the mutant polynucleotides or polypeptides, which are also provided by the invention. |
| US08232057B2 |
DNA sequences for the detection of and differentiation amongst pathogenic E. coli
Oligonucleotide sequences and methods for specifically detecting and differentiating amongst pathogenic E. coli in a complex sample. The complex sample can be a food sample, water sample, or selectively enriched food matrix. The methods of detection may utilize PCR amplification with, or without, an internal positive control, and appropriate primer pairs. Reagents for performing the methods can be supplied as a kit and/or in tablet form. |
| US08232050B2 |
Methods of using dyes in association with nucleic acid staining or detection and associated technology
Methods of using dyes and associated technology are provided. A dye, such as a monomeric dye or a dimeric dye, may be used in a nucleic acid gel staining application and/or a nucleic acid detection application. Such a dye and a salt that comprises an anion that is associated with a strong acid and a cation that is associated with a strong base may be used in such an application. A dimeric dye, such as a dimeric dye capable of forming a hairpin-like structure, may be used to stain and/or detect nucleic acids via a release-on-demand mechanism. A dimeric dye having low background fluorescence in the absence of nucleic acids and high fluorescence in the presence of nucleic acids, upon binding therewith, may be used to stain and/or detect nucleic acids. |
| US08232049B2 |
Method for detecting small oligonucleotides
A method for detecting small oligonucleotides includes providing a biological isolate containing at least one small oligonucleotide. The biological isolate may be contacted with at least one detection oligonucleotide having a label moiety and at least one bridge oligonucleotide under conditions such that the at least one small oligonucleotide and the at least one detection oligonucleotide are preferentially added to the bridge oligonucleotide to produce at least one labeled small oligonucleotide. At least one ligating reagent may be added to preferentially join the at least one small oligonucleotide and the at least one detection oligonucleotide. The at least one labeled small oligonucleotide may then be detected. |
| US08232044B2 |
Method of extending the shelf life of platelets using a composition comprising a short-to-ultrashort antiplatelet agent and anticoagulant and an oxygen carrier
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for storing platelets to preserve the function and freshness of the platelets. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a preservative composition having an antiplatelet agent, an anticoagulant, and an oxygen carrier, for maintaining the freshness of platelets. Additionally, the composition may also contain an ultra-short acting broad spectrum anti-microbial agents. The preservative composition may be used to store platelets in a liquid state, a frozen state, or a freeze-dried state. |
| US08232042B2 |
Storage medium, reproducing method, and recording method
According to one embodiment, a storage medium comprises a transparent resin substrate on which a groove is formed, a recording layer formed on the groove on the transparent resin substrate, the recording layer using an organic dye material and recording information with a light beam of 620 nm or less in wavelength, a reflection layer formed on the recording layer, and a prevention layer formed between the recording layer and the reflection layer, the prevention layer preventing degradation of characteristics of the reflection layer. |
| US08232038B2 |
Manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of light-emitting device
Demands such as higher definition, higher opening aperture, and higher reliability on a full-color flat panel display have been increased. Such demands are big objects in advancing higher definition (increase in the number of pixels) of a light-emitting device and miniaturization of each display pixel pitch with reduction in size of the light-emitting device. An organic compound-containing layer is selectively deposited using a laser beam which passes through openings of a mask. An irradiated substrate provided with a light absorption layer and a material layer containing an organic compound and a deposition substrate provided with first electrodes are placed so as to face each other. The light absorption layer is heated by a laser beam which has passed through the openings of the mask, and the organic compound at a position overlapping with the heated region is vaporized, and accordingly the organic compound is selectively deposited over the deposition substrate. |
| US08232035B2 |
Methods for making customized black toners
According to embodiments illustrated herein, there is provided a black toner having a resin, an optional additive, and at least two or more colored pigments, and the at least two or more colored pigments are selected from the group consisting of a blue pigment, a green pigment, a red pigment, a magenta pigment, a cyan pigment, a yellow pigment, a white pigment, and mixtures thereof, and the black toner has a colorimetric value L* of about less than 30. |
| US08232029B2 |
Methods of fabricating a photomask and use thereof
A method of correcting patterns includes attaining a correcting amount distribution map using a photo mask, the photo mask including a transparent substrate having first and second surfaces opposite to each other and a mask pattern on the first surface, attaining a plurality of shadowing maps based on the correction amount distribution map, each of the shadowing maps including a unit section having a different plane area, and forming a plurality of shadowing regions with shadowing elements in the transparent substrate of the photo mask using respective shadowing maps. |
| US08232024B2 |
Variable compressibility gaskets
A gasket formed of compressible material and having a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface for providing a fluid seal between a first component and a second component, a plurality of cavities provided within the gasket proximate the first and/or second sealing surfaces and extending over at least a first portion of the gasket to provide increased compressibility of the gasket in the first portion. |
| US08232021B2 |
Stack for fuel cell
A fuel cell stack including an electricity generating unit for generating electrical energy by electrochemically reacting a fuel and an oxidizing agent, the electricity generating unit including: a first separator; a second separator; a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) between the first separator and the second separator, each of the first and second separators including a channel on a surface facing the MEA and a manifold in the surface facing the MEA, the manifold communicating with the channel; and a gasket, positioned at an outer circumference portion of an area where the MEA is positioned, for sealing a space between the first and second separators and for covering an open area of a channel extension area of at least one of the first and second separators where the manifold communicates with the channel. |
| US08232020B2 |
Interconnector for a fuel cell stack and method for production
An interconnector is made of ferritic chromium steel, on which a cupriferous layer is disposed. This layer prevents interdiffusion between the chromium steel and additional components with which the interconnector has direct contact. According to the state of the art, such diffusion occurs particularly if these additional components contain nickel. In addition, the interconnector may comprise a chromium-containing oxide layer as a barrier against interdiffusion. For this purpose, the interconnector steel can also be preoxidized before applying the cupriferous layer. The interconnector has a significantly longer service life than interconnectors according to the state of the art, and it has improved electrical conductivity because the electrical contact surface thereof is free of oxides and has high transverse conductivity. |
| US08232018B2 |
Anode flowshifting with closed-injector bleeding
A fuel cell system that employs a technique for nitrogen bleeding. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack having a first sub-stack and a second sub-stack, where the hydrogen gas flow is flow-shifted between the sub-stacks. A first nitrogen bleed valve is provided in an anode gas input line coupled to the first sub-stack and a second nitrogen bleed valve is provided in an anode gas input line coupled to the second sub-stack. When the first sub-stack is receiving the anode gas, and a nitrogen bleed is requested, the first bleed valve is closed and the second bleed valve is opened to provide the nitrogen bleeding. When the second sub-stack is receiving the anode gas, and a nitrogen bleed is requested, the second bleed valve is closed and the first bleed valve is opened to provide the nitrogen bleed. |
| US08232016B2 |
Fuel cell coolant bubble control
To mitigate bubble blockage in water passageways (78, 85), in or near reactant gas flow field plates (74, 81) of fuel cells (38), passageways are configured with (a) intersecting polygons, obtuse angles including triangles, trapezoids, or (b) hydrophobic surfaces (111), or (c) differing adjacent channels (127, 128), or (d) water permeable layers (93, 115, 116, 119) adjacent to water channels or hydrophobic/hydrophilic layers (114, 120). |
| US08232014B2 |
Fuel cell operational methods for hydrogen addition after shutdown
A method for reducing the probability of an air/hydrogen front in a fuel cell stack is disclosed that includes closing anode valves for an anode side of the fuel cell stack to permit a desired quantity of hydrogen to be left in the anode side upon shutdown and determining a schedule to inject hydrogen during the time the fuel cell stack is shutdown. The pressure on an anode input line is determined and a discrete amount of hydrogen is injected into the anode side of the stack according to the determined schedule by opening anode input line valves based on the determined pressure along the anode input line so as to inject the hydrogen into the anode side of the stack. |
| US08232012B2 |
Process for operating a fuel cell in dry conditions
The invention pertains to a process for operating a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), said PEMFC comprising: (a) a membrane comprising at least one fluorinated ionomer [polymer (I)] comprising recurring units derived from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and from at least one monomer of formula (M): wherein m is an integer between 1 and 6 and X′ is chosen among halogens (Cl, F, Br, I), —O−M+, wherein M+ is a cation selected among H+, NH4+, K+, Li+, Na+, or mixtures thereof, said polymer (I) having an equivalent weight (EW) of from 700 to 850 g/eq.; (b) a cathode; (c) an anode; said process comprising: (i) feeding gaseous reactants at the electrodes at a relative humidity of at most 66%; (ii) maintaining an average current density between 0.05 and 1.5 A/cm2; and (iii) maintaining an average temperature of more than 65° C. |
| US08232011B2 |
Method of operating a fuel cell stack
One aspect of the invention includes the discovery that pinholes in the membrane of the membrane electrode assembly may be caused by hygroexpansive ratcheting. In one embodiment of the invention, a fuel cell stack including a plurality of cells each having a membrane electrode assembly each including a membrane manufactured by an extrusion method and operated so that the rate of drying during humidity cycling is sufficiently low to reduce or eliminate build up stresses in the membrane electrode assembly. |
| US08232010B2 |
Process and corresponding apparatus for continuously producing gaseous hydrogen to be supplied to micro fuel cells and integrated system for producing electric energy
A process for the production of hydrogen for micro fuel cells, comprises the successive steps of: continuously supplying a catalytic bed with an aqueous solution of sodium borohydride, the catalytic bed being made of at least one metal chosen among cobalt, nickel, platinum, ruthenium with obtainment of hydrogen and of a by-product comprising sodium metaborate, continuously recovering the hydrogen thus obtained and supplying, with said hydrogen as it is as obtained, a micro fuel cell which transforms hydrogen into electric energy. An apparatus provides continuous supply of hydrogen to a micro fuel cell. An integrated system structured for continuously producing and supplying hydrogen to a micro fuel cell and for converting the continuously supplied hydrogen into electric energy. |
| US08232004B2 |
Power storage device, and method for manufacturing power storage device
A power storage device has a stack including positive electrodes and negative electrodes that are stacked on top of each other with electrolytes interposed in-between. A positioning member is inserted into a positioning hole that is formed in the stack so as to penetrate the stack in the stacking direction. A terminal portion is formed at an end of the positioning member in the inserting direction. |
| US08232001B2 |
Battery pack
A battery pack including: a bare cell including an electrode assembly, and a can to house the electrode assembly; and a protective circuit board including a base plate, disposed on the can. The can includes a cap plate disposed in an opening thereof, including a first terminal that extends toward the protective circuit board. The protective circuit board includes a base plate, a first connection terminal connected to the first terminal, a second connection terminal connected to the cap plate, and a first opening corresponding to the first and second connection terminals. |
| US08231994B2 |
Battery cover mechanism
A battery cover mechanism used in a portable electronic device includes a housing, a battery cover and an operating member. The housing has a first surface, a receiving groove defined therefrom for receiving a battery and an elastic arm disposed thereon adjacent to the receiving groove. The battery cover is detachably mounted on the housing to cover the receiving groove and defines a notch therethrough. The operating assembly comprises a pedestal and an operating member. The pedestal is fixedly mounted on the battery cover and releasably resisted by the elastic arm. The operating member is rotatably assembled with the pedestal and accommodated within the corresponding notch of the battery cover so as to make the elastic arm release the pedestal to detach the battery cover from the housing. |
| US08231989B2 |
Method for improving FCS reliability after end cell heater failure
A method for improving fuel cell system reliability in the event of end cell heater failure in a fuel cell stack. The method includes detecting that an end cell heater has failed. If an end cell heater failure is detected, then the method performs one or more of setting a cooling fluid pump to a predetermined speed that drives a cooling fluid through cooling fluid flow channels in the fuel cell stack, limiting the output power of the fuel cell stack or the net power of the fuel cell system, limiting the maximum temperature of the cooling fluid flowing out of the stack, turning off stack anti-flooding algorithms that may be used to remove water from reactant gas flow channels in the stack, and turning off cathode stoichiometry adjustments for relative humidity control in response to water accumulating in cathode flow channels in the fuel cell stack. |
| US08231985B2 |
Aluminum-nitride-based composite material, method for manufacturing the same, and member for a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus
The aluminum-nitride-based composite material according to the present invention is an aluminum-nitride-based composite material that is highly pure with the content ratios of transition metals, alkali metals, and boron, respectively as low as 1000 ppm or lower, has AlN and MgO constitutional phases, and additionally contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a rare earth metal oxide, a rare earth metal-aluminum complex oxide, an alkali earth metal-aluminum complex oxide, a rare earth metal oxyfluoride, calcium oxide, and calcium fluoride, wherein the heat conductivity is in the range of 40 to 150 W/mK, the thermal expansion coefficient is in the range of 7.3 to 8.4 ppm/° C., and the volume resistivity is 1×1014 Ω·cm or higher. |
| US08231976B2 |
Block-resistant, radiation-curable coating systems based on high molecular mass, aqueous polyurethane dispersions
The present invention describes block-resistant, radiation-curable coating systems based on high molecular mass, aqueous polyurethane dispersions, a process for preparing them, the use of the coating systems as paints and/or adhesives, and also articles and substrates provided with these paints and/or adhesives. |
| US08231972B2 |
Fuser member coating having self-releasing fluorocarbon matrix outer layer
A self-releasing fuser member and image apparatus having the fuser member, and wherein the fuser member includes a substrate, and thereover an outer layer polymer matrix having a surface, wherein the outer layer polymer matrix includes a fluoropolymer material and fluorocarbon chains, wherein the fluorocarbon chains are bonded to said fluoropolymer material, and wherein the fuser member decreases or eliminates the need for fusing oils as it is self-releasing. |
| US08231970B2 |
Coating compositions exhibiting corrosion resistance properties and related coated substrates
Coating compositions are disclosed that include corrosion resisting particles such that the coating composition can exhibit corrosion resistance properties. Also disclosed are substrates at least partially coated with a coating deposited from such a composition and multi-component composite coatings, wherein at least one coating later is deposited from such a coating composition. Methods and apparatus for making ultrafine solid particles are also disclosed. |
| US08231964B2 |
Aluminum oxide sintered body, method for producing the same and member for semiconductor producing apparatus
An aluminum oxide sintered body is provided, including europium and nitrogen, and plate-like crystals having peaks coinciding with EuAl12O19 in an X-ray diffraction profile are dispersed over a whole sintered body. Such an aluminum oxide sintered body can be obtained by forming a mixed powder containing an alumina powder, a europium compound powder and an aluminum nitride powder into a green body having a predetermined shape, and sintering the green body under a non-oxidizing atmosphere. |
| US08231962B2 |
Coatings for drug delivery devices having gradient of hydration
A coating for an implantable medical device is provided comprising a first layer including a first polymer and a second layer including a second polymer. The second layer is disposed over at least a portion of the first layer. The second polymer has a lower degree of hydration than the first polymer. |
| US08231953B2 |
Transparent plastic container for anticounterfeit system
A transparent plastic container which is transparent, allows good design and can be used for an anticounterfeit system that determines authenticity by visual check with the use of polarization property. A transparent plastic sheet of a polystyrene-based resin having a total light transmission of 85% or higher and a haze of 7% or less is subjected to vacuum, pneumatic or vacuum/pneumatic forming at a sheet temperature ranging from a glass transition temperature plus 50 degrees C. to a glass transition temperature plus 130 degrees C., thereby obtaining a transparent plastic container having a planar portion with a strain amount of 150 nm or less. |
| US08231952B2 |
Insulated pipes
A process for the batchwise production of insulated pipes, comprising the steps: 1) provision of medium pipe and casing, the medium pipe being arranged inside the casing, 2) production of a polyisocyanurate foam by reacting an isocyanate component (a) with a polyol mixture (b) between medium pipe and casing, wherein the polyol mixture (b) comprises no polyester alcohols and has a viscosity of less than 1300 mPa·s, measured according to DIN 53019 at 20° C. |
| US08231946B2 |
Norbornene polymer comprising photoreactive functional group having halogen substituent group, process for preparing the same, and alignment layer using the same
The present invention relates to a photoreactive norbornene polymer comprising a photoreactive norbornene monomer, a process for preparing the same, and an alignment layer using the same. The photoreactive norbornene polymer includes a photoreactive functional group having a halogen, in particular, a fluorine substituent group so that it gives a compositional gradient in the alignment layer to improve an orientation rate, an orientation, and an adhesion property. |
| US08231932B2 |
Composition, film manufacturing method, as well as functional device and manufacturing method therefor
Disclosed are compositions, useful in ink jet printing methods, that prevent clogging during dispensing, achieve stable dispensing, prevent precipitating of content matter during dispensing, and prevent phase separation during film formation. Also disclosed are uniform, homogenous, functional films formed using the compositions and manufacturing methods therefor, as well as organic EL devices and other such display devices and manufacturing methods therefor. The compositions contain a functional material and a solvent comprising at least one benzene derivative having one or more substituents, whereby the substituents have at least three carbon atoms in total. |
| US08231931B2 |
Method and apparatus for accurately applying structures to a substrate
A method wherein a substrate is provided, wherein, in a scanning step, structures already applied to the substrate are detected by at least one scanning provision of a processing head, wherein the processing head is provided with at least one lighting provision, which lighting provision locally lights the applied lacquer structure in a lighting step by using the information obtained with the scanning step. Further, the invention discloses an apparatus for carrying out the method is described, which apparatus is provided with a processing head which is movable relative to a substrate carrier, wherein the processing head comprises at least one scanning provision and at least one lighting provision. |
| US08231929B2 |
Medical device coating process
Methods for coating medical devices for implantation within a body vessel are provided comprising providing a cylindrical container, placing a medical device inside the cylindrical container, and applying a polymer in liquid form inside the container. |
| US08231926B2 |
Marked precoated medical device and method of manufacturing same
A medical device, such as a medical wire, which includes a coating applied to the surface of the medical wire. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the medical wire and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated medical wire form markings which, as an example, enable a surgeon to determine the length of the medical wire inserted into a body by observing the markings on the portion of the marked medical wire located exterior to the body. |
| US08231925B2 |
Ingredient systems comprising trehalose, food products containing trehalose, and methods of making same
Methods for reducing the sodium content of finished food products comprising adding trehalose to suitable food products in an amount ranging from greater than 0% to less than 1.5% by weight of the finished food product and by optionally further adding sodium and or potassium. Ingredient systems for achieving salt (i.e. sodium) reduction in suitable food products are also provided. The ingredient systems comprise trehalose and can include sodium, potassium, or combinations thereof. |
| US08231923B2 |
Oily food material
[PROBLEMS] To develop by an easy method an oily food material which, when eaten, gives a satisfactory and novel feeling in the mouth and which has high heat resistance.[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] In the oily food material, the particle size of solid ingredients other than the fat is kept at 30 μm or more, which is larger than in ordinary oily food materials represented by chocolate, and the proportion of StUSt to all fat is regulated to 30 wt % or higher. Furthermore, the fat content in the oily food material is 20-55%. Due to this constitution, the oily food material has significantly improved meltability in the mouth while retaining high heat resistance. It can be produced by an easy method. |
| US08231922B2 |
Phosphatidylserine enriched milk fractions for the formulation of functional foods
Disclosed is a bovine milk derived phosphatidylserine source of natural composition having excellent dispersibility and organoleptic as well as physical stability. The source is useful in neutraceutical in powder, liquid or dispersion form. The source can be prepared from serum from butter oil production or from the retentate from microfiltration of whey for defatting purposes. |
| US08231919B2 |
Vertical flow french fryer
Cooking of French fried potatoes by facilitating a generally vertical arrangement of potato strips while in the frying operation is disclosed wherein the slices may be cooked within a very deep pack while oil is urged to flow upwardly through the pack and steam entrapment within the cooking slice pack is minimized. A conveyor belt carrying the slices through the cooker has a multiplicity of openings facilitating oil flow there through and the cooker is configured to permit oil discharge for reheating purposes both laterally and longitudinally of the processing path. |
| US08231918B2 |
Method for delivering faster a short coffee extract from capsule
A method for delivering a short coffee extract faster from a closed capsule containing ground coffee by injecting water under pressure within the capsule. The capsule is filled with ground coffee, has a delivery membrane and is extracted in a coffee extraction device and pressurized water is injected in the capsule under pressure. The coffee beverage is released through the beverage delivery membrane of the capsule with engaging means engaging in and/or against the membrane. The pressure loss is reduced in the coffee bed by providing ground coffee having a reduced percentage of fines (F) depending on the average particle size (D4,3). The extraction yield is maintained between 15 and 30% and the coffee extract of 25 or 40 grams is delivered in a flow time of 20 seconds or less. |
| US08231913B2 |
Angina pectoris and ischemic heart disease and synergistic phytoceutical composition for same
Phytoceutical compositions for the prevention and treatment of circulatory disorders, such as Angina Pectoris and Ischemic Heart Disease are taught. A specific combination of extracts of plants is taught, as well as principles for varying the formulations based on categorizing plants into one of three groups, Energy, Bio-Intelligence, and Organization and selecting several plants from each group. Such combinations have synergistic effects as demonstrated by gene expression levels, yet exhibits minimal side effects. |
| US08231911B2 |
Serum uric acid level-decreasing agent and food and drink with label telling that food and drink decrease serum uric acid level
The invention is a composition consisting essentially of a component from barley which has been subjected to alcohol fermentation using Aspergillus kawachii and which is a residue from a distillation of distilled spirits of the barley and wherein the component from barley is a fraction produced by ion exchange treatment using an aromatic series or methacryl series wherein the component from barley is separated into a solid fraction and a liquid fraction and wherein the liquid fraction is separated out by the ion exchange treatment and wherein the liquid fraction contains the component from barley which decreases a serum uric acid level and wherein the liquid fraction contains crude proteins at 40-60% by weight, polyphenols at 7-12% by weight, polysaccharides at 5-10% by weight, and organic acids at 4-10% by weight. |
| US08231910B2 |
Trace elements
A method of preparing a trace element solution includes the steps of providing at least one EDTA-complex, providing a sodium selenite solution, and combining the EDTA-complex(es) and the sodium selenite solution to form a trace element solution. An EDTA complex is prepared by using disodium EDTA or EDTA acid, selenium, and any other suitable mineral. |
| US08231909B2 |
Injectable composite material suitable for use as a bone substitute
The invention relates to a new injectable composite material suitable for use as a bone substitute. The composite material according to the invention comprises a reactive ceramic phase based on tricalcium phosphate and an organic phase comprising a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel. By varying the concentration of the two phases it is possible to modulate the mechanical and injectability properties of the material. |
| US08231907B2 |
Nanoparticles for delivery of active agents
Milled nanoparticles comprising a biologically active agent, at least one biopolymer and a coating containing at least one coating which is a polymer or ligand. |
| US08231905B2 |
Gastric retained gabapentin dosage form
A method of treatment for epilepsy and other disease states is described, which comprises the delivery of gabapentin in a gastric retained dosage form. |
| US08231904B2 |
Extended release formulation for pralnacasan
This invention relates to a sustained release tablet comprising at least two layers, wherein at least one layer rapidly releases pralnacasan and the other layer releases pralnacasan in a delayed manner. This tablet is particularly suitable for the treatment of a condition such as autoimmune diseases, type I and type II diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or psoriasis. |
| US08231900B2 |
Small-volume oral transmucosal dosage
Small-volume oral transmucosal dosage forms or NanoTabs® comprising a predetermined amount of a pharmaceutically active drug are provided. Exemplary applications include use of the NanoTabs® to administer a drug for the treatment of acute, post-operative or breakthrough pain. |
| US08231897B2 |
Hydrostatic delivery system for controlled delivery of agent
The present invention provides a hydrostatic delivery system including a hydrostatic couple and an agent of interest. The hydrostatic couple includes at least one hydrodynamic fluid-imbibing polymer, and at least one hydrostatic pressure modulating agent. This delivery system has the ability to control the release of one or more agents of interest within a fluid environment following zero-order kinetics. |
| US08231892B2 |
Biodegradable drug delivery system
A drug delivery system (DDS) comprised of segmented biodegradable implants sized and suitable for implantation in an ocular region or site and methods for treating ocular conditions. The segmented implants provide an extended release of an active agent at a therapeutically effective amount for a period of time between 50 days and one year, or longer, and permit the DDS to have segments that possess individual and different drug release characteristics. |
| US08231890B2 |
Hydrogels that undergo volumetric expansion in response to changes in their environment and their methods of manufacture and use
Hydrogels that expand volumetrically in response to a change in their environment (e.g., a change in pH or temperature) and their methods of manufacture and use. Generally, the hydrogels are prepared by forming a liquid reaction mixture that contains a) monomer(s) and/or polymer(s) at least portion(s) of which are sensitive to environmental changes (e.g., changes in pH or temperature), b) a crosslinker and c) a polymerization initiator. If desired, a porosigen may be incorporated into the liquid reaction mixture to create pores. After the hydrogel is formed, the porosigen is removed to create pores in the hydrogel. The hydrogel may also be treated to cause it to assume a non-expanded volume in which it remains until a change in its environment causes it to expand. These hydrogels may be prepared in many forms including pellets, filaments, and particles. Biomedical uses of these hydrogels include applications wherein the hydrogel is implanted in the body of a patient and an environmental condition at the implantation site causes the hydrogel to expand in situ. |
| US08231889B2 |
Method of forming medical devices having pyrogen removed for in vivo application
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from which pyrogen has been removed are provided for use in numerous biomedical applications. PHAs which have been chemically modified to enhance physical and/or chemical properties, for targeting or to modify biodegradability or clearance by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), are described. Methods for depyrogenating PHA polymers prepared by bacterial fermentation processes are also provided, wherein pyrogens are removed from the polymers without adversely impacting the polymers' inherent chemical structures and physical properties. PHAs with advantageous processing characteristics, including low melting points and/or solubility in non-toxic solvents, are also described. PHAs are provided which are suitable for use in in vivo applications such as in tissue coatings, stents, sutures, tubing, bone and other prostheses, bone or tissue cements, tissue regeneration devices, wound dressings, drug delivery, and for diagnostic and prophylactic uses. Properties which are selected for include degradability, elasticity, inclusion of functional groups or derivatized groups, which can in turn be used to attach targeting agents, and bioadhesion. |
| US08231887B2 |
Pesticidal compositions
The present disclosure relates to pesticidal compositions and to methods for controlling pests such as insects and other arthropods. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a pesticidal compositions containing mineral oil and one or more additional components which, when used in combination, act synergistically to control insect and pest populations. |
| US08231885B2 |
Compounds, formulations, and methods for ameliorating telangiectasis
Methods, compounds, and topical formulations for treatment of telangiectasias are disclosed. The methods comprise topically applying a composition comprising an α-adrenergic receptor agonist to telangiectatic skin. Amelioration of telangiectasia symptoms begins within minutes after topical application of a disclosed composition. A single application can significantly lessen telangiectasia discoloration for at least about 2 hours. |
| US08231882B2 |
Moisturizer
The present invention provides a moisturizer comprising, as an active ingredient, a saccharide having 3-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-D-glucose as a structural unit. The moisturizer of the present invention improves the water retention capacity of the stratum corneum, and is useful for prevention and improvement of rough skin. |
| US08231880B2 |
Simian subfamily C adenoviruses SAdV-40, -31, and -34 and uses thereof
A recombinant vector comprises simian adenovirus SAdV-31 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus SAdV-31 gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided. |
| US08231879B2 |
Treatment of diseases caused by viral infection
A method of prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of a mammal for a disease that is caused by a Ljungan virus infection, such as Myocarditis, Cardiomyopathia, Guillain Barre Syndrome, and Diabetes Mellitus, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis, Spontaneous Abortion, Intrauterine Death, Preeclampsia, Sudden infant Death Syndrome, Bell's (facial) paralysis, Addison's disease, and Pernicious anemia, is described. An antiviral compound effective against a Ljungan virus, such as a compound effective against a picornavirus, e.g. Pleconaril or a derivative thereof, is used for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a disease in a mammal that is caused by a Ljungan virus infection, to eliminate or inhibit proliferation of the virus in the mammal and at the same time prevent and/or treat the disease in the mammal. A composition for treatment of a mammal for a disease caused by Ljungan virus infection including an antiviral compound, antiserum, and an interferon. A method of treatment of a mammal for a disease caused by a Ljungan virus infection. |
| US08231876B2 |
Purified antibody composition
The invention provides a method for producing a host cell protein-(HCP) reduced antibody preparation from a mixture comprising an antibody and at least one HCP, comprising an ion exchange separation step wherein the mixture is subjected to a first ion exchange material, such that the HCP-reduced antibody preparation is obtained. |
| US08231872B2 |
Regulatory T cell mediator proteins and uses thereof
The present invention relates to novel regulatory T cell proteins. One protein, designated PD-L3, resembles members of the PD-L1 family, and co-stimulates αCD3 proliferation of T cells in vitro. A second, TNF-like, protein has also been identified as being upregulated upon αCD3/αGITR stimulation. This protein has been designated Treg-sTNF. Proteins, antibodies, activated T cells and methods for using the same are disclosed.In particular methods of using these proteins and compounds, preferably antibodies, which bind or modulate (agonize or antagonize) the activity of these proteins, as immune modulators and for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune disease, allergy, infection and inflammatory conditions, e.g. multiple sclerosis is disclosed. |
| US08231871B2 |
Perorally administrable antimicrobial composition
The invention relates to medicine and the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, in particular to antibiotic preparative forms. The inventive antimicrobial composition contains antibiotic selected from a group of lincosamides, broad-spectrum penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, tetracyclines, and lactulose at the active component ratio of 1:1-1:100. The mean particle size of lactulose ranges from 100 nm to 200 μm. Said composition is embeddable in a solid state and in the form of a syrup or a suspension. When applicable, pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are added into the composition in such a way that it takes a form acceptable for peroral administration. |
| US08231867B2 |
Dietzia bacterium for treatment of disease
This invention relates to compositions comprising a bacterium of the genus Dietzia that is useful for treating paratuberulosis in ruminants and to a method for culturing the bacterium. The invention further relates to methods of treating Johne's disease by administering to a mammal a composition of the invention. |
| US08231866B2 |
Cytokine protein family
The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for zcyto20, zcyto21, zcyto22, zycto24, and zcyto25 proteins which are most closely related to interferon-α at the amino acid sequence level. The receptor for this protein family is a class II cytokine receptor. The present invention includes methods of reducing viral infections and increasing monocyte counts. The present invention also includes antibodies to the zcyto20 polypeptides, and methods of producing the polynucleotides and polypeptides. |
| US08231862B2 |
RBP4 in insulin sensitivity/resistance, diabetes, and obesity
Methods for screening molecules that modulate the activity of Retinol Binding Protein 4 (RBP4) and their use in treatment of insulin resistance are described. Also described are methods of diagnosing insulin resistance and related conditions by detecting modulation of RBP4 activity. |
| US08231861B2 |
Pancreatitis
The present invention provides methods of identifying candidate therapeutic agents for use in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. |
| US08231860B2 |
Diagnostic microspheres
The invention provides a diagnostic composition for detecting both aspiration and gastroesophageal reflux comprising bio-degradable microspheres having a diameter of about 0.1-10 microns. |
| US08231859B2 |
Compositions for delivery of therapeutics and other materials
This disclosure relates to compositions for delivering agents to a subject, and in particular, to compositions for delivery of therapeutic agents or diagnostic agents in the presence or absence of targeting moieties. In part, this disclosure relates to compositions comprising a hydrophobic group with a first end and a second end, a first metal binding domain linked to the hydrophobic group, a metal ion capable of being chelated to the first metal binding domain, and an agent linked to a second metal binding domain capable of chelating to the metal ion. |
| US08231858B2 |
Diagnostic imaging agents with MMP inhibitory activity
The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic imaging. Specifically, the invention relates to the diagnostic imaging of diseases where specific matrix metalloproteinases are known to be involved. One embodiment of the invention is a compound having matrix metalloproteinase inhibitory activity suitable for diagnostic imaging. Also disclosed in the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the diagnostic imaging agent of the invention in a form suitable for mammalian administration. The invention furthermore discloses intermediates in the synthesis of the diagnostic imaging agents of the invention and kits for the preparation of the pharmaceutical composition of the invention. The pharmaceutical composition of the invention may be used in the diagnosis of diseases where specific matrix metalloproteinases are known to be involved. |
| US08231856B2 |
Chlorite formulations and methods of preparation and use thereof
Described herein are chlorite formulations having a pH between about 7 and about 8.5, wherein the chlorite formulations are substantially free of deleterious non-chlorite components. Described herein are chlorite formulations, including pharmaceutical formulations, which are formulated for systemic, parenteral, or intravenous administration. Described herein are methods of preparing and methods of using the chlorite formulations described herein. |
| US08231853B2 |
Method for producing of ultra-dispersed carbon
A method for producing of ultra-dispersed carbon comprises the steps of introducing gaseous methane and chlorine into passageways (3 and 4) of a burner (2) communicating with a chamber (1) of a reactor, combusting the mixture of methane and chlorine resulting in the formation of a diffusion flame, depositing products of a process of oxidative coupling of methane, separating a suspension containing solid carbon particles, and extracting a desired product. The greater part of the methane stream is fed to the outer boundary of the flame through a branch pipe (6) provided within the reactor chamber. Internal walls of the reactor chamber (1) in the combustion zone of the diffusion flame are washed by means of water stream. The desired product is extracted from the crude product through thermal processing of the solid particles suspension. Utilization of the method essentially increases the mono-dispersed carbon yield in the process of oxidative coupling of methane. |
| US08231850B2 |
Economical sequestration of carbon dioxide by the mixed gas
Provided is a fixation method of carbon dioxide. The method includes a) grinding waste gypsum to become 200˜300 mesh; b) performing reaction by supplying mixed gas while mixing the ground waste gypsum with aqueous ammonia, and c) separating solid from liquid in the manufactured slurry by centrifugation and drying separated solid and liquid portions with calcite and ammonium sulfate, wherein the mixed gas is formed of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, and the carbon dioxide provides carbon dioxide fixation method containing 5˜25 wt %. When carbon dioxide is fixed by using waste gypsum, reaction efficiency is remarkably high. The fixation method makes more than 95% of supplied carbon dioxide fixed. Also, provided is an economical method that disposes carbon dioxide as a disposal target without its separation, refinement and liquefaction processes, to thereby remarkably reduce the entire process and costs for processes. |
| US08231845B2 |
Structures for uniform capillary flow
The present invention relates to devices for efficient transport, transfer and movement of fluids. In particular, the invention provides fluidic micro-structures for controlled transport and movement of liquids in devices for analytical and other purposes. Devices of the invention include one or more features that can enhance performance of the fluid transfer, referred to as a pre-shooter stop, a butterfly structure, a cascade structure, a waste chamber inlet, a capillary driven sample inlet chamber, a capillary stop structure, a bifurcation flow-through structure, and a hydrophobic vent. |
| US08231842B2 |
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 main portion (13) of the pressure channel (12) is located inside of the pump cylinder (2) or pump piston (7) and extends, at least in a foremost position of the pump piston (7), from a cylinder bottom (5) beyond or to an opening (11,11′) in the cylinder wall (4) or pump piston (7). |
| US08231841B2 |
Chromium-free indicating device for chloride detection
A chemical indicating device (10) for detection of chloride ions in a sample is provided. The chemical indicating device (10) includes a carrier matrix (12) and an indicator (14) having silver and vanadate supported on the carrier matrix (12). A method for detecting chloride ions is also provided. |
| US08231839B2 |
Gas detection system
The present invention provides a colorimetric gas detector comprising a substrate bearing a material that can react with a gas in an atmosphere being monitored and wherein the reaction causes the material to change the radiation at which the material absorbs or radiates radiation (the color-change material). The material is located in at least one discrete area of the substrate. By providing the color change material in discrete areas, the amount of such material can be reduced and different types of color-change material can be included on a common substrate to detect two or more gases simultaneously. |
| US08231834B2 |
Process for regenerating catalyst for a hydrocarbon conversion zone
In one exemplary embodiment, a unit for regenerating a hydrocarbon conversion catalyst for a hydrocarbon conversion zone can generally include passing the hydrocarbon conversion catalyst through, sequentially, a catalyst-disengaging zone having a first atmosphere, an adsorption zone having a second atmosphere, and a regeneration zone including a combustion zone; introducing an inert gas between the first atmosphere and the second atmosphere; and passing a flue gas from the combustion zone to the adsorption zone. |
| US08231832B2 |
Analyte concentration detection devices and methods
Arrangements for the detection of the presence and/or concentration of an analyte in a sample of bodily fluid include diffuse transmission, diffuse reflection and edge or waveguide illumination arrangements. A vertical flow assay arrangement and/or technique is also disclosed, and includes a detection component that can be in the form of an array of optical detection elements. A number of assay pad constructions are described which may include at least one or more of the following components: a prefilter component, a reflective component, a membrane component, a reagent component, a mesh component, and a component to prevent lateral spreading. |
| US08231827B2 |
Method of manufacturing powder metal plates
A method of manufacturing powder metal plates comprising feeding a predetermined mass of metal powder onto a moving tape (101), restricting the metal powder by surrounding the metal powder with vibrating boundary walls (201, 202) extending parallel to the direction of movement of the tape, rolling the metal powder at an ambient temperature to form a green compact strip (GS), continuously sintering the green compact strip in a furnace (400), forming the green compact strip to a net shape part (NS) while in the furnace, and cooling the net shape part in a non-oxidizing environment (404) at a temperature in excess of 1000 degrees Celsius. |
| US08231826B2 |
Hot-strip cooling device and cooling method
A hot-strip cooling device and a cooling method are provided wherein uniform cooling of a hot-rolled steel strip using coolant is possible from the leading end to the trailing end of the steel strip. A cooling device (10) includes a plurality of round nozzles (15) disposed obliquely in such a manner as to eject rod-like flows of coolant at an ejection angle θ toward the upstream side in a direction in which a steel strip (12) travels, and a pinch roll (11) disposed on the upstream side with respect to the round nozzles (15) and configured to pinch the steel strip (12) in combination with a roller table (8). |
| US08231825B2 |
Method of producing a dental product
Methods of producing a dental product are disclosed. Certain methods include the steps of providing a pre-sintered blank made from a green body of ceramic material, performing a machining operation on the blank, and subsequently sintering the blank to its final density in a sintering operation performed at a temperature in the range of 1300° C. to 1650° C. The pre-sintered blank that is provided may have a strength in the range of 53-107 MPa. |
| US08231821B2 |
Substrate alignment
Systems and methods for imprinting a patterned layer on a substrate are described. Features of patterned layer may be concentrically imprinted in relation to a shaft positioned on a substrate chuck. The substrate may be biased using a radius difference between a diameter of the shaft and an inner diameter of the substrate in relation to a point on an inner edge of the substrate. |
| US08231820B2 |
Epoxy resin composition
A process for making a molded composite comprising the following steps: reacting a reaction mass containing a polyepoxide, in the proportion of about 20% to 50% with respect to the reaction mass, a diol, in the proportion of about 10% to 20% with respect to the reaction mass, a hardener, in the proportion of about 20% to 50% with respect to the reaction mass, in the presence of an accelerator in the proportion of about 0.5 to 10.0% with respect to the reaction mass either alone or in solution with compatible diluents, to obtain an epoxy resin mix having intrinsic viscosity in the range of 100 to 850 cPs, pouring the resin mix in a mold having an in-situ glass fiber scaffold at a mold temperature in the range of 45 to 50 C. and applying pressure to the resin mix in the mold to form a compressed green composition: partially curing the compressed green composition at a temperature in the range of 60 to 80 C. to obtain a partially cured composite; and further curing the partially cured composite at a temperature in the range of 80 to 90 C. to obtain a fully cured composite. The composite is used for structural applications like windmill blades, yachts, domes, ships made from a composite made in accordance with the process as mentioned herein. |
| US08231819B2 |
Movable injection passages during the manufacturing of laminates
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a laminate with the formation of underpressure between a mold (103) and a vacuum foil (105) and supply of resin from injection areas to the layers of the laminate situated in the mold. The novel aspect according to the invention comprises movement of the injection areas while the resin is supplied, This is accomplished by use of a movable suction unit (200) which is arranged on top of the vacuum foil and which, by means of an underpressure between the suction unit and the vacuum foil, forms injection areas for supply of the resin, which can be moved by moving the suction unit. The invention further relates to such movable suction unit and the use thereof in the manufacture of laminates. |
| US08231812B2 |
ZnO vapor deposition material, process for producing the same, and ZnO film
A ZnO vapor deposition material for formation of a transparent conductive film or the like consists mainly of a porous ZnO sintered body containing one or more first additive elements selected from Ce, La, Y, Pr, Nd, Pm, and Sm, and second additive elements selected from Al, Ga, Sc, and B. The content of the first additive elements is higher than the content of the second additive elements. The content of the first additive elements is in a range of 0.1 to 14.9% by mass, and the content of the second additive elements is in a range of 0.1 to 10% by mass. The sintered body has a porosity of 3 to 50%. |
| US08231809B2 |
Use of rylene derivatives as photosensitizers in solar cells
Rylene derivatives useful in solar cells, where the rylene derivatives are represented by formula I where each X group is joined to form a six-membered ring, one Y group is an amine group, one Y group is a hydrogen atom, each R group is an alkoxy group, m is 1, n is 4, and P is 0. |
| US08231807B2 |
Liquid-crystalline polyester blend compositions
A liquid-crystalline polyester blend composition includes 100 parts by weight of a liquid-crystalline polyester blend and 0.1-300 parts by weight of calcium titanate and/or barium titanate, wherein the liquid-crystalline polyester blend can be obtained by combining liquid-crystalline polyester (A) (LCP A) and liquid-crystalline polyester (B) (LCP B) such that the ratio by weight of (LCP A)/(LCP B) is 99/1 to 80/20, wherein LCP A and LCP B are as defined in the specification, provided that at least one of LCP A and LCP B includes one or two repeating units that come from corresponding minor copolymerizing components selected from aromatic diol, aromatic dicarboxylic acid, aromatic monocarboxylic acid and aromatic monohydroxy compound. |
| US08231805B2 |
Liquid crystalline polyester composition for connector and connector using the same
The present invention provides a liquid crystalline polyester composition comprising a liquid crystalline polyester, a fibrous filler, a plate-like filler and a granular filler. The connector obtained using the liquid crystalline polyester composition has poor filling suppressed and is excellent in warp resistance and crack resistance. |
| US08231798B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus and plasma processing method
A tray for a dry etching apparatus includes substrate accommodation holes penetrating a thickness direction and a substrate support portion supporting an outer peripheral edge portion of a lower surface of a substrate. A dielectric plate includes a tray support surface supporting a lower surface of the tray, substrate placement portions inserted from a lower surface side of the tray into the substrate accommodation holes and having a substrate placement surface at its upper end surface. A dc voltage applying mechanism applies a dc voltage to an electrostatic attraction electrode. A heat conduction gas supply mechanism supplies a heat conduction gas between the substrate and substrate placement surface. The substrate is retained on the substrate placement surface with high degree of adhesion. Cooling efficiency of the substrate is improved and processing is uniform at the entire region of the substrate surface. |
| US08231796B1 |
Method and system for providing a magnetic recording transducer having side shields
A method and system provide a magnetic transducer that includes an underlayer and a nonmagnetic layer on the underlayer. The method and system include providing a trench in the nonmagnetic layer. The trench has a plurality of sides. The method and system also include providing a separation layer in the trench. A portion of the separation layer resides on the sides of the trench. The method and system include providing the main pole. At least part of the main pole resides in the trench on the portion of the separation layer and has a plurality of pole sides. The method and system further include removing at least a portion of the second nonmagnetic layer, thereby exposing the portion of the separation layer. The method and system also include providing a side shield. The separation layer magnetically separates the pole sides from the side shield. |
| US08231784B2 |
Continuous process batch-operated reverse osmosis system with in-tank membranes and circulation
A reverse osmosis system and method for operating the same includes a pressure tank having a first end and a second end, the pressure tank has a first volume adjacent to the first end and a second volume adjacent to the second end and a third volume between the first volume and the second volume and a fluid passage fluidically coupling the second volume to the first volume. The reverse osmosis system also includes a plurality of membranes disposed within the third volume generating permeate and a permeate manifold receiving permeate from the membranes and fluidically communicating permeate out of the pressure tank. A feed line couples feed fluid into the pressure tank. A first pump pressurizes the feed line. A second pump is disposed within the tank and circulates brine fluid from the second volume through the fluid passage. |
| US08231780B2 |
Floating skimmer and filter apparatus
The present invention is a storm water filter system for filtering floatable debris and non-floating pollutants from storm, water passing through a storm water drain system vault. The storm water filtering system has a vault having chamber having a floating skimmer panel between the inlet thereto and the outlet therefrom. The skimmer panel has a filter passageway therethrough for filtering the storm water while the floatable skimmer panel captures floatable debris and trash from the storm water. Storm water entering the vault inlet passes through a filter element in the skimmer panel and out the vault outlet and also can pass under the floating skimmer panel when the floatable skimmer panel is floated to a raised position to thereby prevent storm water from accumulating on the inlet side of the wall. |
| US08231779B2 |
Filtering device for fluids, in particular for fuel
A filtering device for fluids features a filter element located in a filter housing and a heating device located in the flow path of the fluid. The heating device comprises a heating element that is held by a heating support which is located at the inner surface of the cover, with a water outlet connection being designed as one-piece with the heating support, the water outlet connection being directed outwards through a recess in the cover. |
| US08231778B2 |
Hydrocracking processes yielding a hydroisomerized product for lube base stocks
Methods are disclosed for hydrocracking processes that convert a significant portion of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock such as vacuum gas oil (VGO) to lower molecular weight, lower boiling hydrocarbons. In addition to molecular weight reduction, the processes also substantially reduce the pour point of a recovered higher boiling fraction or unconverted oil, all or a portion of which may be used as a lube base stock, optionally after one or more further treatment steps such as hydrofinishing. The ability to reduce the pour point, through hydroisomerization, of the higher boiling fraction greatly improves the quality of this fraction, or unconverted oil, for use in lube base stock preparation. Advantageously, separate, conventional hydroisomerization and/or dewaxing steps, often requiring a noble metal catalyst, may be avoided in particular embodiments disclosed herein. |
| US08231776B2 |
Hydrotreating processes for fabricating petroleum distillates from light fischer-tropsch liquids
A method for obtaining a petroleum distillate product is provided, the method includes subjecting an untreated light Fischer-Tropsch liquid to a two-step hydrogenation process, each step to be carried in the presence of a catalyst comprising an amorphous substrate having a metallic composition embedded therein. After the first step of hydrogenation, an intermediate hydrotreated light Fischer-Tropsch liquid is obtained, followed by the second step of hydrogenation thereof, obtaining the petroleum distillate product as a result. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided. |
| US08231773B2 |
Method of treating nanoparticles using an intermittently processing electrochemical cell
A method of treating electrically conductive nanoparticles using a dynamic processing electrochemical cell. |
| US08231770B2 |
Nanoporous carbon actuator and methods of use thereof
An electrochemically driveable actuator according to one embodiment includes a nanoporous carbon aerogel composition capable of exhibiting charge-induced reversible strain when wetted by an electrolyte and a voltage is applied thereto. An electrochemically driven actuator according to another embodiment includes a nanoporous carbon aerogel composition wetted by an electrolyte; and a mechanism for causing charge-induced reversible strain of the composition. A method for electrochemically actuating an object according to one embodiment includes causing charge-induced reversible strain of a nanoporous carbon aerogel composition wetted with an electrolyte to actuate the object by the strain. |
| US08231767B2 |
Magnetic field generating apparatus and plasma processing apparatus
A magnetic field generating apparatus which generates a cusped magnetic field on an electrode includes a magnet mechanism which is attached to the electrode and includes a plurality of magnets held on a holding plate, and a rotation mechanism which rotates the holding plate. The plurality of magnets (61) are regularly arrayed to be point-symmetrical about a specific point. The specific point is at a position shifted from the center of rotation of the holding plate by the rotation mechanism. |
| US08231759B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber, a sample stage for mounting an object to be processed, a power supply, and at least one induction coil connected to the power supply. The induction coil is formed by connecting at least two identical coil elements in a parallel circuit-like arrangement so that current flows in each of the plurality of identical coil elements in a same direction when viewed from the sample stage. The induction coil is positioned so that a center thereof corresponds to a center of the object, and input ends of the coil elements are displaced circumferentially at equal angular intervals calculated by dividing 360° by the number of identical coil elements. |
| US08231758B2 |
Acrylic adhesives
The present invention relates to two-part, curable, (meth)acrylic adhesives containing naturally occurring fillers which inhibit free radical cure, such as wood flour, and oxygen scavenging components. Also provided are methods of preparing such adhesive compositions and methods of bonding substrates together with such adhesive compositions. |
| US08231751B2 |
Repair technique for lightning strike protection
A method for reworking an electrically conductive layer of a composite skin is disclosed in which a patch replaces the altered section of the electrically conductive layer. The method is performed by removing a portion of the electrically conductive layer to reveal the underlying composite skin. A patch is formed, having an electrically conductive section coupled to an adhesive having a low dielectric breakdown strength, and is then introduced over the underlying composite skin such that the adhesive layer covers the underlying composite skin and overlaps an unremoved portion of the electrically conductive layer. The patch is applied such that the electrically conductive section within the patch covers the adhesive layer and overlaps the unremoved section of the electrically conductive layer. The adhesive layer preferably has a low dielectric breakdown strength, so that electricity from lightning which strikes the composite skin may be conducted through the adhesive. |
| US08231749B2 |
Apparatus and methods for dispensing pre-filled containers with precisely-applied patient-specific information
Apparatus and methods for fulfillment of patient prescription orders by adapting a standard or stock container pre-filled with medication or the like for use as a patient-specific container through precise application of patient-specific information to the pre-filled container. Precise placement of the patient-specific information to the pre-filled container enables pharmacy management to fully utilize valuable information provided with the pre-filled container, thereby improving the quality of service to the patient while making the process of prescription order fulfillment more efficient. In general, preferred embodiments comprise control apparatus and information-application apparatus. In embodiments, the information-application apparatus is adapted to place a patient-specific label on the container. Preferred forms of the information-application apparatus include a label printer and a positioner. The preferred printer applies patient-specific information on a label. The preferred positioner orients the pre-filled container to receive the label from the printer such that information provided with the container is available for use. |
| US08231748B1 |
Scalable low-energy modified ball mill preparation of nanoenergetic composites
A large-scale synthetic method that enables the preparation of nanoenergetic composites in kilogram scales which forms superior materials as compared to the ultra-sonicated nanoenergetic composites and at a lower cost for use in explosive, pyrotechnic, agent defeat, ammunition primers, and propellant applications. |
| US08231746B1 |
Method and device for detection of a nitroaromatic explosive
Detecting a nitroaromatic explosive via an exothermic chemical reaction of the nitroaromatic explosive with a polyamine or polyamine functional group is accomplished by depositing a polyamine or polyamine-functionalized coating on a microelectrode array and a semiconductor substrate, introducing a nitroaromatic explosive to an exposed surface of the polyamine or polyamine-functionalized coating, and measuring changes in electrical properties of the polyamine or polyamine-functionalized coating associated with the introducing of the nitroaromatic explosive. The nitroaromatic explosive detector comprises a microelectrode array formed on a semiconductor substrate, a polyamine or polyamine-functionalized coating deposited on and contiguous with the microelectrode array and the semiconductor substrate, and a measuring device for measuring any of resistance, conductance, and capacitance across the microelectrode array. |
| US08231744B2 |
Tantalum and niobium billets and methods of producing the same
Extruded tantalum billets and niobium billets are described having a substantially uniform grain size and preferably an average grain size of about 150 microns or less and more preferably an average grain size of about 100 microns or less. The extruded billet can then be forged or processed by other conventional techniques to form end use products such as sputtering targets. A process for making the extruded tantalum billets or niobium billets is also described and involves extruding a starting billet at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to at least partially recrystallize the billet and form the extruded billet of the present invention. |
| US08231738B2 |
Dishwasher tub having integral hinge support member, and dishwasher incorporating same
A dishwasher comprises a tub formed as a molded plastic structure having a bottom wall joined to a plurality of vertical walls, and a top wall joined to upper ends of the vertical walls, so as to define a wash chamber, a front side of the tub defining an opening for access to the wash chamber; (b) a door for closing the opening in the front side of the tub; (c) a hinge support member integrally molded with the tub and located proximate the front edge of the bottom wall of the tub; and (d) a pair of hinge plates respectively secured to the opposite side edges of the door and pivotally engaged with the hinge support member on the tub to enable the door to pivot relative to the tub about a horizontal pivot axis defined by the hinge support member. |
| US08231737B2 |
Dish washer/dryer
A dish washer/dryer includes a washing tub for accommodating an object to be washed, a washing section for washing the object to be washed, a heater for heating washing water, an exhaust port for discharging moisture inside the washing tub, an air blower for blowing outside-air, a mixing section disposed at an upstream side of the exhaust port and mixing the outside-air with washing-tub-inside-air, and an air volume distribution section for changing the feeding ratio of outside-air into the washing tub and the mixing section. This configuration provides a dish washer/dryer, in which a sufficient amount of outside-air is mixed with exhaust air in the washing tub so as to promote the temperature reduction of the exhaust air and the reduction of the moisture content in the exhaust air during drying operation, thereby enhancing the comfort of the exhaust air. |
| US08231736B2 |
Wet clean process for recovery of anodized chamber parts
A cleaning process for recovering an anodized aluminum part is particularly useful when the part has been exposed to a fluorine-containing plasma in etch reactor. The part is bathed in an agitated solution of a fluoride acid, such as ammonium fluoride, which converts aluminum fluoride to a soluble fluoride. The part is rinsed in water. The pores of the cleaned anodization may be resealed by a submerging the part in hot agitated deionized water. |
| US08231734B2 |
Porous material for insertion cleaning of instruments
A porous material for insertion cleaning of instruments is provided, such porous material including an at least partially open-cell foam body and a surface configured to enable an instrument having contaminants to be inserted into the body. The body may be configured to substantially grip the instrument to remove a substantial portion of the contaminants from the instrument. |
| US08231733B2 |
Aqueous stripping and cleaning composition
The present invention relates to a method used to remove post etch organic and inorganic residue as well polymeric residues and contaminants from semiconductor substrates. In one aspect, the method involves contacting the substrate with a composition are comprised of a water soluble organic solvent, a sulfonic acid and water. |
| US08231730B2 |
Combustion deposition burner and/or related methods
Certain example embodiments relate to a burner for use in combustion deposition depositing a coating on a substrate. First and second spaced-apart combustion gas manifolds are configured to respectively produce first and second flames (which may effectively combine to form a single flame front beyond the outer face of the burner in certain example embodiments). The first and second combustion gas manifolds form a precursor reaction zone therebetween. An adjustable precursor delivery manifold located between the first and second combustion gas manifolds is configured to receive a precursor used in forming the coating. The precursor delivery manifold is positioned so as to substantially directly provide the precursor to a desired or predetermined portion of the precursor reaction zone. The precursor delivery manifold includes first and second cooled walls arranged to reduce the occurrence of precursor pre-reactions upstream of the precursor reaction zone. The burners of certain example embodiments may be used to combustion deposition deposit metal oxide coatings onto glass substrates. |
| US08231729B2 |
Apparatus for producing nitride single crystal
It is disclosed an apparatus for growing a nitride single crystal using a flux containing an easily oxidizable substance. The apparatus has a crucible for storing the flux; a pressure vessel for storing the crucible and charging an atmosphere containing at least nitrogen gas; furnace materials disposed within the pressure vessel and out of the crucible; heaters attached to the furnace material; and alkali-resistant and heat-resistant metallic layers covering the furnace material. |
| US08231726B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting element, group III nitride semiconductor substrate and method for manufacturing such group III nitride semiconductor substrate
An object of the present invention is to obtain, with respect to a semiconductor light-emitting element using a group III nitride semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor light-emitting element having an excellent light extraction property by selecting a specific substrate dopant and controlling the concentration thereof. The semiconductor light-emitting element comprises a substrate composed of a group III nitride semiconductor comprising germanium (Ge) as a dopant, an n-type semiconductor layer composed of a group III nitride semiconductor formed on the substrate, an active layer composed of a group III nitride semiconductor formed on the n-type semiconductor layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer composed of a group III nitride semiconductor formed on the active layer in which the substrate has a germanium (Ge) concentration of 2×1017 to 2×1019 cm−3. The substrate is produced in a nitrogen-containing atmosphere using a melt comprising at least a group III element, an alkali or alkaline earth metal, and germanium (Ge) and nitrogen. |
| US08231725B2 |
Semiconductor wafers of silicon and method for their production
Semiconductor wafers of silicon are produced by pulling a single crystal growing on a phase boundary from a melt contained in a crucible and cutting of semiconductor wafers therefrom, wherein during pulling of the single crystal, heat is delivered to a center of the phase boundary and a radial profile of a ratio V/G from the center to an edge of the phase boundary is controlled, G being the temperature gradient perpendicular to the phase boundary and V being the pull rate. The radial profile of the ratio V/G is controlled so that the effect of thermomechanical stress in the single crystal adjoining the phase boundary, is compensated with respect to creation of intrinsic point defects. The invention also relates to defect-free semiconductor wafers of silicon, which can be produced economically by this method. |
| US08231724B2 |
Reactor for polycrystalline silicon and polycrystalline silicon production method
The reactor for polycrystalline silicon is a reactor for polycrystalline silicon in which a silicon seed rod installed inside the reactor is heated by supplying electricity, a raw material gas supplied inside the reactor is allowed to react, thereby producing polycrystalline silicon on the surface of the silicon seed rod, and specifically, the reactor for polycrystalline silicon is provided with a raw material gas supply port installed on the bottom of the reactor and a raw material gas supply nozzle attached to the raw material gas supply port so as to be communicatively connected and extending upward, in which the upper end of the raw material gas supply nozzle is set to a height in a range from −10 cm to +5 cm on the basis of the upper end of the electrode which retains the silicon seed rod. |
| US08231717B2 |
Apparatus and method for purifying oxidizing gas in a fuel cell
An oxidizing gas purification apparatus (1) for a fuel cell (7) has a compressor (2) that compresses oxidizing gas and sends the oxidizing gas; a cooling apparatus (4), disposed downstream from the compressor (2), that cools the oxidizing gas passing therethrough; an adsorbent unit (5b), disposed downstream from the cooling apparatus (4), that houses an adsorbent (5a) that adsorbs impurities included in the oxidizing gas sent from the cooling apparatus (4) at a prescribed adsorption temperature and releases the adsorbed impurities at a prescribed thermal regeneration temperature that is above the prescribed adsorption temperature by control of the operation of the cooling apparatus (4) to cool the oxidizing gas that has a temperature above the prescribed adsorption temperature and that is sent from the compressor (2). |
| US08231714B2 |
Combined pumping and separating machine for the oil circuit of a turbojet
A combined machine for pumping and separating into two distinct and purified phases a two-phase liquid/gas mixture or fluid, is provided. A first stage of the combined machine is equipped with an intake for the two-phase fluid, in which the two-phase fluid is sucked, pumped and partially separated into two distinct phases. One phase is mainly liquid and the other phase is mainly gaseous. A second stage of the combined machine includes two zones, which includes a first zone and a second zone. In the first zone, the mainly liquid phase extracted from the first stage is degassed. In the second zone, the mainly gaseous phase extracted from the first stage is dried. In a third stage of the combined machine, the degassed liquid is forced back and pressurized. |
| US08231709B2 |
Method of separating a syngas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide but also at least carbon dioxide and water vapor
A process for separating a gas mixture in a separation unit of the type in which the gas mixture comes from a reaction unit and comprises, as main constituents, hydrogen (H2) and/or carbon monoxide (CO). |
| US08231706B2 |
Method and device for separating methane and carbon dioxide from biogas
A method for separating methane and carbon dioxide from biogas and a device are intended for purifying biogas, wherein carbon dioxide is separated off from the biogas. The method is distinguished by an energetically favorable mode of operation. The biogas is passed under atmospheric pressure and standard temperature into an absorption column. While the biogas ascends through a packed bed, which has a surface area of 600 to 1200 m2/m3, and at a space velocity of 5 to 40 Nm3/m3h, carbon dioxide present in the biogas is bound in a wash liquid by chemosorption. The purified methane gas is taken off at the top of the absorption column at a defined flow velocity. Carbon dioxide bound in the wash liquid is removed by desorption at a relatively high pressure of 2 to 30 bar and a temperature of at least 120° C. Biogas may be separated into methane and CO2. |
| US08231705B2 |
Firmly adhering silicon nitride-containing release layer
The invention relates to a slip for producing a durable, firmly adhering release layer on a substrate, comprising a suspension of solid particles, wherein the solid particles comprise 67-95% by weight of silicon nitride and 5-33% by weight of an SiO2-based high-temperature binder and the SiO2-based high-temperature binder is derived from SiO2 precursors and has been pretreated by heat treatment in a temperature range of 300-1300° C.The invention further provides shaped bodies comprising a substrate having a durable, firmly adhering release layer and also processes for producing them. The shaped bodies of the invention are suitable for use in the field of corrosive nonferrous metal melts. |
| US08231701B2 |
Particulate filters and methods for regenerating particulate filters
A particulate filter may comprise an inlet end, an outlet end, and a plurality of channels disposed and configured to flow fluid from the inlet end to the outlet end, wherein the channels are defined by porous walls configured to trap particulate matter. The porous walls may have a cell density less than about 200 cpsi, a wall thickness of less than about 14 mils, a median pore size that ranges from about 13 micrometers to about 20 micrometers, a total porosity greater than about 45%, and a pore size distribution such that pores less than 10 micrometers contribute less than about 10% porosity. |
| US08231700B2 |
Pleated filter with tridirectional scrim
Herein is disclosed a pleated filter comprising an upstream face and a downstream face and comprising at least one flexible inextensible tridirectional scrim in discontinuous contact with the downstream face of the pleated filter and bonded to the pleat tips of the downstream face of the pleated filter. In additional embodiments, an additional tridirectional scrim may be provided in discontinuous contact with the upstream face of the pleated filter and bonded to the pleat tips of the upstream face of the pleated filter. In further embodiments, at least one continuous, substantially nonlinear adhesive strand may be provided on at least one face of the pleated filter. |
| US08231695B2 |
Fuel compositions comprising hydrocarbon oil carriers and methods for using the same
The use of fuel compositions comprising selected hydrocarbon oils as carriers for detergents has been found to reduce deposit formation as well as prolong the functionality of fuel injectors. The selection and utilization of particularly characterized hydrocarbon oils as detergent carriers reduces intake valve deposits and combustion chamber deposits, in comparison to conventionally used carrier fluids. |
| US08231693B2 |
5-substituted 2-(alkoxymethyl)furans
The present invention concerns a method for the manufacture of a 5-substituted 2-(alkoxymethyl)furan (or a mixture of such furans) by reacting a starting material comprising at least a 5-substituted furfural with hydrogen in the presence of an alcohol and a catalyst system. |
| US08231692B2 |
Method for manufacturing an electronic device
During manufacture of an electronic device, an aerogel coating is applied to a first side of an IC substrate of a first IC. A bonding procedure is initiated, during which IC interconnects are either placed on the coated side of the substrate or on the opposite side of the substrate. The first IC is connected on a carrier to a second IC with the coated side of the first IC facing the second IC to reduce heat transmission to the second IC during operation of the first IC. The aerogel coating reduces thermal stress to the circuit board and surrounding components, reduces the risk of overheating of critical circuit components, provides chemical and mechanical insulation from contamination during subsequent wafer handling operations, and provides a thermal isolator between IC regions of dissimilar power dissipation, which isolator facilitates efficient thermal extraction from localized hotspots. |
| US08231691B2 |
Azo dyes
The present invention relates to disperse azo dyes based on a phthalimido-substituted aniline coupling component and an aromatic-carbocyclic or an aromatic-heterocyclic diazo component, to a process for the preparation of such dyes and to their use in the dyeing or printing of semi-synthetic and, especially, synthetic hydrophobic fiber materials, more especially textile materials. |
| US08231687B2 |
Actuated leg prosthesis for above-knee amputees
The actuated leg prosthesis comprises a knee member, a socket connector provided over the knee member, an elongated trans-tibial member having a bottom end under which is connected an artificial foot, and a linear actuator. A first pivot assembly allows to operatively connect the trans-tibial member to the knee member. A second pivot assembly allows to operatively connect an upper end of the actuator to the knee member. A third pivot assembly allows to operatively connect a bottom end of the actuator to the bottom end of the trans-tibial member. The prosthesis can be provided as either a front actuator configuration or a rear actuator configuration. |
| US08231686B2 |
Stent
A bioabsorable stent is disclosed. The stent is made of a bioabsorable material and has an elongated body having a proximate end, a distal end, and at least one open channel formed on the exterior surface of the elongated body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. Also disclosed is a bioabsorable stent having an elongated center rod having a proximate end and a distal end and a plurality of leaflets extending outward from the center rod and forming channels between two neighboring leaflets to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. |
| US08231680B2 |
Anterior cervical instrumentation systems, methods and devices
Anterior cervical instrumentation systems, methods, and devices are disclosed. Systems may facilitate immobilizing or providing support for the cervical portion of the vertebral column of a patient. A device may comprise a plate having two channels located in a proximal to distal direction, and may further comprise at least one aperture. The device may further comprise attachment elements such as attachment cross-links and spacer cross-links, and fasteners. The plate and the attachment elements may be secured to the vertebrae by passing fasteners through apertures and channels. The length of the plate, position and number of the attachment cross-links, position and number of spacer cross-links and degree of movement may be intraoperatively selected by the surgeon to provide an optimal application and procedural outcome. Uniform components of the devices and systems allow for a more streamlined and simplified method of treating spinal conditions. |
| US08231674B2 |
Bone-tendon-bone suture button constructs and methods of tissue fixation
A continuous loop and button construct and technique for ligament repair and fixation, including bone to bone, or soft tissue to bone. The continuous loop, which is attached to the button, is formed of a flexible material and is provided with at least one joined region (a bridged, stitched, bonded or knotted region) to form a closed loop figure-8 construct with proximal and distal openings with respect to the fixation device. The figure-8 construct (either bridged, stitched, bonded or knotted) is adapted for attachment to a bone block of a BTB graft, for example, and used for ligament reconstruction. |
| US08231662B2 |
Bone fixation with a strut-stabilized bone plate
A system and a method for bone fixation are provided. A bone plate may be secured to at least one bone. A monolithic region of the bone plate may be bent to a bent configuration. A strut may be connected to the bone plate. In some embodiments, the strut may be connected at spaced positions of the bone plate that opposingly flank the monolithic region, such that the bent configuration is stabilized. |
| US08231661B2 |
Systems and methods for minimally invasive facet fusion
Apparatus and methods for facet fusion include an insertion tool and a guide tool coupled to one another. The insertion tool has a proximal end portion and an opposite distal end portion. The distal end portion of the insertion tool is configured to retain an interbody implant, such as, for example, an inter-facet implant configured for placement between a superior facet and inferior facet of a facet joint. The proximal end portion of the insertion tool includes a handle. The guide tool includes an elongated body with a passage extending between and opening at its distal and proximal ends. A linking member extends between and adjustably connects the guide tool to the insertion tool so that the passage of the guide tool is alignable with the interbody implant retained on the insertion tool while the insertion tool and guide tool are in substantially orthogonal relation to one another. |
| US08231659B2 |
Anchoring mechanism
A system for anchoring at least a portion of material to a vertebral body is disclosed. The anchoring system comprises a base configured to affix to the vertebral body and configured to receive the at least a portion of material, and an anchoring mechanism configured to engage with the base and configured to anchor the at least a portion of material, wherein the mechanism comprises at least one elastic element configured to apply pressure to the at least a portion of material so as to anchor the at least a portion of material to the base. Also, a method for attaching at least a portion of material to bone is disclosed. |
| US08231658B2 |
Introducer device with locking adaptor
Introducer Device comprises (a) Housing including (1) Housing Lumen sized and shaped to slidably receive a visualization device therein and (2) Slot sized to receive therein a projection extending from visualization device received in Lumen radially away from Lumen; (b) Sheath extending distally from handle and being sized and shaped for insertion through a natural body opening into a hollow body organ, Sheath including a fluid delivery lumen delivering heated fluid to the organ and a fluid return lumen withdrawing the fluid after it has been circulated through the organ; (c) Connector including Connector Lumen aligned with Lumen and sized and shaped to slidably receive therein visualization device; (d) Locking arrangement movably coupled to Housing, movement relative to the housing opening and closing Slot; and (e) Adjustment mechanism moving Connector relative to Housing to adjust distance between a proximal end of Connector Lumen and a distal end of Sheath. |
| US08231655B2 |
Prostheses and methods for replacement of natural facet joints with artificial facet joint surfaces
Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra. In some embodiments, the prosthesis is attached with a non-invasive support member, such as a clamp. In other embodiments, a translaminar screw may be used for additional fixation. |
| US08231651B2 |
Guided filter with support wire and methods of use
A guided filter system for temporary placement of a filter in an artery or vein is disclosed. The system includes a guidewire slideable through a wire guide included in a distal region of a support wire. The support wire has an expandable filter, which is operable between a collapsed or enlarged condition. A variety of endovascular devices, including angioplasty, atherectomy, and stent-deployment catheters, are insertable over the guidewire and/or the support wire. Methods of using the guided filter system to direct and exchange endovascular devices to a region of interest, and to entrap and remove embolic material from the vessel are also disclosed. |
| US08231645B2 |
Lancet device
The present invention relates to lancet device by which a lancet is displaceable along a piercing path to generate a piercing wound in a skin surface, in particular to obtain body fluid for diagnostic purposes. To achieve performance of a piercing movement which is low in noise and shock, the lancet drive may include a control unit for regulating the piercing depth of the lancet and the lancet may be implemented to oscillate freely out in the piercing direction without delimitation by a mechanical piercing depth stop. |
| US08231642B2 |
Intestinal anastomotic surgery aid
An intestinal anastomotic surgery aid 1 is constituted with a cylindrical portion 40 for covering the proximal end side of an engaging rod 28, and a cover portion 41 that extends from the cylindrical portion 40 towards the distal end side of the engaging rod 28. The proximal end part of the cylindrical portion 40 is inserted to a recessed portion 26 of a device main body 21 to be held to the device main body 21. The anus-side piece of the intestine is tied with a suture to be held to the outer face of the cylindrical portion 40. |
| US08231639B2 |
Systems and methods for attaching a prosthesis within a body lumen or hollow organ
Systems and methods introduce and deploy prosthesis into a blood vessel or hollow body organ by intra-vascular access. The prosthesis is secured in place by fasteners which are implanted by an applier that is also deployed by intra-vascular access. The applier is configured to permit controlled, selective release of the fastener in a step that is independent of the step of implantation. |
| US08231634B2 |
Methods of predetermining the contour of a resected bone surface and assessing the fit of a prosthesis on the bone
Methods for predetermining a contour of a resected bone surface and assessing a fit of a prosthesis on the resected bone surface, for designing prostheses to fit discrete patient populations, and for designing customized prostheses. |
| US08231631B2 |
Distractor system
A medical instrument includes a base; an upper member; and a linkage mechanism coupled to the base and the upper member and being operable to maintain the upper member in a variable fixed position that is substantially parallel to the base and spaced a predetermined, variable distance therefrom, wherein the linkage mechanism includes at least three linkage elements that are arranged at angles relative to one another such that when one link element opens, the other link elements open with at an equal angle resulting in the upper member being constrained to remain parallel to the base. |
| US08231630B2 |
Humeral rotating burr guide
A bone cutting assembly includes a guide pin that may be securely inserted into a bone to define a cutting axis. The bone cutting assembly also includes a housing having a cam surface and features for temporarily fastening the housing to the bone. The bone cutting assembly also includes a burr mounting arm that rotatably and slidably fits onto the guide pin so that the arm can swing around the cutting axis and also translate up and down the guide pin. A user may move the burr mounting arm about the cutting axis so that the arm follows along the cam surface of the housing. |
| US08231624B1 |
Dynamic surgical implant
A surgical implant device capable of conforming to a variety of surface topographies facilitates the growth and regeneration of site to which the device is applied. The device employs a plurality of elongate members supporting a column of discrete, rotatable elements in contact with each adjacent element. Anchor plates secure the respective ends of the elongate members, such anchor plates attachable to bone. The implant device provides and ordered array of individually rotatable elements to form a surface that permits bodily fluids to pass therethough. |
| US08231623B1 |
Bone reduction and plate clamp assembly
A pair of clamps are attached to a damaged bone one each side of a fracture site during a surgical reduction, one clamp on each side of the fracture site, after which the two clamps are slidably engaged to a single pivotal alignment bar, with the clamps then being adjusted to properly align the bone for a surgical attachment using a bone plate which is secured between the respective bone and each respective clamp, holding the bone in place with the bone in proper alignment for the attachment of screws through the plate into the bone, stabilizing the fracture site during the plate attachment procedure. |
| US08231622B2 |
Bipolar coagulation instrument
The invention relates to a bipolar coagulation instrument having a hollow shaft configured as a suction and/or flushing tube and having two electrodes that are electrically insulated with respect to one another and extend beyond the distal end of the shaft. To provide a bipolar coagulation instrument that is both of simple structure and ensures an effective suction/flushing capacity, it is proposed with the invention that the hollow shaft should consist of two electrically conductive tubes coaxially mounted on one another that are electrically insulated with respect to one another and from the outside, so that the tubes constitute the electrodes. |
| US08231621B2 |
Method of and apparatus for positioning and maintaining the position of endoscopic instruments
The present invention provides an apparatus for, and a method of, accurate positioning of endoscopic instruments. Accurate positioning of the instruments is accomplished through the inclusion of a steering ability within the device. After the endoscopic instrument is properly positioned, the present invention may use rapid exchange technology, soft locks, and mechanical locks to maintain the position of the endoscopic instrument. Rapid exchange technology is used to minimize displacement forces present on the guidewire or catheters. Soft locks and mechanical locks resist movements caused by displacement forces. |
| US08231620B2 |
Extension cutting blade
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, a system, and a method of electrosurgery to maximize the manipulability of instrumentation inserted at a single access point. |
| US08231619B2 |
Sterilization device and method
Sterilization devices and methods for deploying porous implants within the fallopian tubes are disclosed. The devices include a catheter component including an external electrode sheath containing at least two deployable implants and a positioning member. Sliding the external sheath proximally disposes the implants within the fallopian tubes, while sliding both the positioning member and external electrode sheath distally reloads a second implant into the external electrode sheath. The devices further includes a handle component, which houses a chassis, external electrode sheath carrier, reciprocating shaft, positioning member carrier and first and second engaging members. The reciprocating shaft may be operated by a motor to slide distally and proximally along a long axis. The reciprocating shaft, external electrode sheath and its carrier, upon selective actuation, move together proportionally to deploy and reload the implants to facilitate occlusion of the fallopian tubes and complete sterilization. |
| US08231617B2 |
Radio-frequency thermal balloon catheter
A radio-frequency thermal balloon catheter includes a catheter tube including an outer tube and an inner tube, a balloon connected to an end part of the outer tube and an end part of the inner tube, and capable of coming into contact with a target diseased part when inflated, a radio-frequency electrode placed in the wall of the balloon or inside the balloon to transmit radio-frequency current, a lead wire electrically connected to the radio-frequency electrode, a temperature sensor capable of measuring temperature inside the balloon, and a swirling current producing means for making a fluid contained in the balloon swirl in a vertical plane in the balloon so as to reduce an upper-lower temperature difference between an upper part and a lower part of the interior of the balloon due to convection of the fluid to naught. |
| US08231613B2 |
Deflectable sheath catheters
The present invention provides devices and methods for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. In one embodiment a deflectable sheath catheter includes an elongate catheter body having proximal and distal ends, the distal end having a distal tip region that includes a plurality of flexible segments with varying degrees of stiffness. A handle portion can be located at the proximal end of the catheter body to provide a steering mechanism that causes the distal tip region to deflect according to a compound curve. |
| US08231611B2 |
Shaft rotating device
A shaft rotating device for rotating a shaft of a medical instrument about its longitudinal axis relative to a handle of the medical instrument comprises an operating element for rotating the shaft. The operating element is arranged at a proximal portion of the shaft and it is in driving connection with the shaft such that the shaft is rotatable relative to the handle against frictional forces. The shaft rotating device further comprises a frictional element with a surface. The surface of the frictional element is in frictional contact with the surface of a counterpart for keeping the shaft and the handle rotationally stationary with respect to each other and movable against the frictional forces. The operating element and the frictional element are in operational connection with respect to one another such that a torque applied to the operating element decreases the frictional forces. The shaft and the frictional element are in operational connection with one another such that a torque applied to a distal portion of the shaft increases the frictional forces. |
| US08231606B2 |
Method and device for removing fluid material from the airway above an endotracheal tube cuff
A minimally invasive tracheal fluid removal device and corresponding method of use for removing accumulated subglottic secretions in an intubated patient's endotracheal tube. The device may be configured as a dual-track or single-tube suction guidance system. This device presents a significant improvement over the art as it eliminates the need to reintubate the patient each time the suction mechanism is removed to be cleaned. |
| US08231605B2 |
Dialysis catheter
A catheter assembly includes catheter having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending between the ends. At least one end of the catheter is formed from a material that can be trimmed to achieve a selected length for the catheter. A tubular connector is telescoped over the catheter and a hub is joined to the tubular connector. Proximal portions of the hub are configured for connection to a medical apparatus. A cuff is mounted around the tubular connector or the catheter. The cuff is formed from a material that will permit or promote the growth of scar tissue for anchoring the catheter device at least on a semi-permanent basis in a patient. |
| US08231604B2 |
Air embolization prevention system
The invention generally relates to an intravascular catheter that includes a proximal hub and a distal elongated tubular member. In one embodiment, the hub is designed to mitigate the introduction of air into a patient's vasculature during the delivery of a second device through the catheter into the patient's body. |
| US08231591B2 |
Absorbent article with lengthwise, compact-fold
A personal care article (20) has a longitudinal-direction (22), a lateral cross-direction (24), a first end-section (72), a second end-section (72a), and an intermediate-section (76) interposed between the first end-section (72) and the second end-section (72a). At least a portion of the first end-section has been folded along or otherwise includes a first end-fold-region (64) which is substantially convex along a backsheet-side of the article. At least a portion of the second end-section has been folded along or otherwise includes a second end-fold-region (66) which is substantially convex along the backsheet-side of the article. In other aspects, the article can include a first, lengthwise-fold-region (58) in the first end-section, a second, lengthwise-fold-region (62) in the second end-section, and a third, lengthwise-fold-region (68) in the intermediate section. Additionally, the first lengthwise-fold-region can have a first, fold-direction that is opposite a third, fold-direction of the third lengthwise-fold-region. |
| US08231588B2 |
Methods for ameliorating pain and devices for delivering a medicament
A method for delivering medicament such as for ameliorating pain in a patient includes introducing an injector through a nasal passage of the patient into a region substantially medial and/or posterior and/or inferior to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the patient; and delivering a medicament from the injector superiorly and/or laterally and/or anteriorly towards the SPG. A device for delivering a medicament to a patient in need thereof includes (a) an injector containing a first end configured to remain outside a nasal passage of the patient and a second end configured for entry into the nasal passage of the patient; and (b) an introducer configured for engagement with a nostril of the patient and containing a passageway configured for slidably receiving the injector. The injector is moveable between a storage position preceding the engagement and an engaging position pursuant to the engagement. |
| US08231586B2 |
Cerebrospinal fluid collection tubes and methods
A cerebrospinal fluid (“CSF”) collection tube includes a bottom end portion and a tubular sidewall portion. The tubular sidewall portion has a first end and a second end, the first end being sealed to the bottom end portion and the second end defining an open end portion of the CSF collection tube. The CSF collection tube further includes a filament element that is attached to an interior surface of the tubular sidewall portion and projects through the open end portion of the CSF collection tube. The CSF collection tube may further include a removeable cap. |
| US08231584B2 |
Contrast fluid delivery system
A disposable set (5) for establishing a fluid connection between a fluid dispensing unit (17) and a dosing device adapted to dispense a fluid into a patient's vein. The disposable set comprises a length of tubing (15) having a first (1) and a second (10) tubing part. The first tubing part (1) having a one-way valve (3) which permits a fluid flow from the dispensing unit (17) towards the dosing device and to prevent a backward fluid flow from the dosing device towards the dispensing unit. The first and second tubing part are in fluid connection with each other by means of a releasable connection device (11, 12), which is adapted to permit a back flow from a patient in a released position of the releasable connection device and to prevent a back flow from the patient in a closed position. |
| US08231583B2 |
Safety needle assembly with passive pivoting shield
A blood collection assembly includes a needle cannula, a hub mounted on the needle cannula, and a spring biased pivoting shield pivotably mounted to the hub and moveable about a pivot axis between a retracted position and a shielded position encompassing a distal end of the needle cannula. A needle holder is mated at a first end with the hub, and is adapted for receiving a blood collection container such as an evacuated tube through the opposing end. A retaining member is attached to the pivoting shield and is releasably engageable with the hub to maintain the pivoting shield in the retracted position against the spring bias. Insertion of a blood collection tube into the needle holder causes the retaining member to release from engagement with the hub, thereby causing the pivoting shield to move toward the shielded position due to the spring bias. |
| US08231582B2 |
Device for removing a Huber needle from a patient
A one-piece connector of plastic is provided for removing a housing and needle of a Huber needle assembly from a patient. The connector has a rectangular frame that can be positioned about a gripping surface on the housing of the needle assembly and a pair of wings that pivot upwardly to contact each other to provide a gripping surface for a user to pull the connector and housing of the needle assembly from the patient. |
| US08231579B2 |
Cannula sealing apparatus
A cannula sealing apparatus includes a housing having a central axially facing aperture. A surgical instrument of 10.5 mm may seal with that aperture. Alternatively, a sealing member having an aperture that will seal with a 12 mm surgical instrument can be swung up to be aligned with the aperture. If a 10.5 mm instrument is required then a seal member can be swung up to have its seal aperture located over the central aperture. Each seal member is pivotal about a common axis. |
| US08231577B2 |
Disposable infusion device with automatically releasable cannula driver
An infusion system comprises a disposable wearable infusion device having a body arranged to be adhered to a patient's skin and a reservoir for holding a liquid medicament to be infused into the patient through a cannula extending from the device body to beneath the patient's skin. The system further includes a cannula driver arranged to be detachably joined with the infusion device and including the cannula. The cannula driver is arranged to drive the cannula into a deployed position extending from the device body to beneath the patient's skin. The cannula driver includes a release mechanism that separates the cannula driver from the infusion device after the cannula is in the deployed position. |
| US08231576B2 |
Single-dose syringe driver
Various methods and devices for driving fluid from a syringe are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a syringe driver is provided having a frame that is adapted to seat a syringe, a driver that is slidably disposed within the frame and that is adapted to seat a plunger of a syringe, and a puller that is slidably disposed within the frame and that has a latch formed thereon for mating to an engagement element on the frame. The device can also include a force-delivery element, such as a constant force spring, that is coupled to and extends between the driver and the puller. In use, the puller is movable between a first position, in which the force-delivery element is in a resting position, and a second position, in which the latch on the puller mates to the engagement element on the frame to expand the force-delivery element thereby causing the force-delivery element to pull the driver and drive a plunger into a barrel of a syringe seated within the frame to deliver fluid from the syringe to a patient at a constant rate. |
| US08231575B2 |
Fluid delivery device
A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, oncolytics, hormones, steroids, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from prefilled containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser uniquely includes a stored energy source that is provided in the form of a compressible-expandable elastomeric member of novel construction that provides the force necessary to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The device further includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient. |
| US08231572B2 |
Disposable infusion device with reuse lock-out
A wearable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, an outlet port that delivers the liquid medicament to a patient, a pump that displaces a volume of the liquid medicament to the outlet port when actuated, and a control that actuates the pump. A lock-out disables the device when a predefined amount of medicament has been delivered to the outlet. |
| US08231561B2 |
Under cast air sleeve
An air sleeve for stimulating blood flow and providing aeration around, under and within a cast includes a base film with an array of nodal air cells, at least some of which are perforated on a skin side of the base film. A spacer fabric layer, which is at least partially air permeable, is disposed on the skin side of the base film, and a valve is extendable through the cast and is in fluid communication with the air cells. |
| US08231559B2 |
Pneumatic massage device
A light-weight pneumatic massage apparatus with low operation noise is provided. This apparatus includes a pneumatic massage device and a pump separated from the massage device. The apparatus further includes electromagnetic valves for controlling supply and discharge of pressurized air to and from air chambers of the pneumatic massage device, respectively. Each of the electromagnetic valves includes a displaceable valve member having an armature, and a solenoid for attracting the armature to move the displaceable valve member when a voltage is applied to the solenoid. The apparatus further includes an electromagnetic valve control unit which controls a voltage supplied to the solenoid to open the electromagnetic valves such that the voltage increases from gradually with the passage of time. The armature is attracted onto the end surface of the solenoid within the time period. Then, in a state in which the voltage is reduced to, the armature is maintained attracted onto the solenoid to keep the open state. After that, voltage supply is stopped to close the valve. |
| US08231556B2 |
Obtaining baseline patient information
The disclosure relates to a method and system for obtaining baseline patient information. In some examples, a method may include acquiring first patient data, wherein the first patient data comprises at least one of first posture state data indicative of a plurality of posture states of a patient during a first time period or first therapy adjustment data indicative of a plurality of patient therapy adjustments made during the first time period; generating baseline patient information based at least in part on the first patient data; and comparing the baseline patient information to patient information generated based on second patient data. Therapy is not delivered to the patient according to a detected posture state of the patient during the first time period, and therapy is delivered to the patient according to the detected posture state of the patient during the second time period. |
| US08231553B2 |
Method for wireless control of electrosurgery
The present disclosure relates to a method for performing electrosurgery. The disclosed method includes providing a wireless, bite-activated switch configured for use within a surgeon's mouth. The disclosed switch includes an activator, a transponder, and an antenna. The switch communicates with an electrosurgical energy source, such as without limitation, an electrosurgical RF or microwave generator, to convey the state of the switch and activate the generator. The disclosed method provides providing the wireless switch with a unique identifier and associating the generator with the unique switch to ensure only the intended switch can control the electrosurgical generator. |
| US08231552B2 |
Urethral blockage diagnosis
A system and method are provided for the determination of urethral blockage. The system comprises a transducer arrangement for locating in the vicinity of the patient's urine flow, and a control unit in communication with the transducer arrangement. The transducer arrangement has at least one acoustic transducer capable of at least receiving acoustic waves, generated by the patient's urine flow, and producing an output signal indicative thereof. The control unit receives and processes the output signal and determines a change in the output signal indicative of the urethral blockage. |
| US08231551B2 |
Elongate medical device with continuous reinforcement member
An elongate medical device including an inner elongate member, a reinforcing member, and an outer tubular member is described. The reinforcing member may be a helically wound continuous wire including a first portion having a first cross-sectional profile, a second portion having a second cross-sectional profile, and a transition region located between the first portion and the second portion. The first cross-sectional profile may be different from the second cross-sectional profile. In some embodiments, the first cross-sectional profile may be circular or non-circular and the second cross-sectional profile may be circular or non-circular. |
| US08231550B2 |
Guide wire loading method and apparatus with towel attachment mechanism
A device for loading a guide wire into the open end of a tubular instrument, such as a catheter. The device can be a block of material having a groove in its surface. The ends of the guide wire and the tubular instrument are placed into the groove and moved toward each other. When the ends meet, the groove guides the guide wire into the open end of the tubular instrument. The groove, or at least a portion of the groove, can have a cross-sectional contour that closely matches the outside radius of the tubular instrument. The groove can have a substantially vertical wall and a substantially non-vertical wall. A variety of attachment mechanisms may be provided for attaching the device to a towel draping a patient. |
| US08231549B2 |
Methods and apparatus for sampling and analyzing body fluid
A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An on-site analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision. |
| US08231544B2 |
Vacuum assisted biopsy needle set
A needle set for a biopsy device is disclosed. The needle set includes an outer member, a cylinder lumen within said outer member, an inner member having a cannula and an inner lumen. The inner member is slidably disposed within the cylinder lumen. The biopsy device also includes a cylinder seal member that is disposed within the cylinder lumen and a cannula seal member attached to the outer surface of the cannula. The cylinder seal member and the cannula seal member define a vacuum chamber therebetween. |
| US08231542B2 |
System for analyzing thermal data based on breast surface temperature to determine suspect conditions
A portable computing device or microprocessor/storage system including temperature sensors used to collect temperature readings of a breast tissue of a subject. The device would collect data from the sensors at regular time intervals over a period of time. All of the generated temperature data is stored in the portable computing or storage device. The sensors are placed on the greatest areas of interest on the breast, based on where most cancers develop, by using a sensor placeholder. The sensor placeholder would be lobate shaped, with the sensor placeholder aligning with the glandular regions of the breast where cancers are most likely to develop. The temperature data is then analyzed by one or more classifier systems and classified as either suspect or non-suspect tissue. |
| US08231538B2 |
Perivascular pressure sensor and sensing system
An embodiment of the invention is an in-vivo blood pressure sensor device including a strain transducer and flexible biocompatible material that carries the strain transducer. The flexible biocompatible material is configured to encircle the outside of a blood vessel when surgically installed. A preferred embodiment in-vivo blood pressure sensor device of the invention includes a strain transducer carried by a flexible biocompatible ring that is configured to be surgically installed to encircle a blood vessel. The device also includes passive circuitry encased in biocompatible material for sensing strain in the strain transducer and for providing data to an external reader. The passive circuitry is also configured to be surgically installed in a subject. The device further includes a telemetry coil encased in biocompatible material and configured to be surgically installed in a subject, to receive power via inductive coupling to an external reader, to supply power to the passive circuitry and to act as an antenna for communications with an external reader. |
| US08231537B2 |
Combination sensor guidewire and methods of use
The present invention provides for an improved combination sensor tip that includes a pressure sensor and a second sensor other than a pressure sensor, both disposed at or in close proximity to the distal end of the combination sensor tip. The present invention also provides for an improved connector to couple a guide wire to a physiology monitor that reduces torsional resistance when maneuvering the guide wire. |
| US08231536B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting respiratory effort in a medical device
A medical device for determining a respiratory effort having a pressure sensor to sense pressure signals, a housing having system components positioned therein, and a microprocessor positioned within the housing, wherein the microprocessor detects an inspiration and an expiration in response to the pressure signals, detects a breath in response to the detected inspiration and the detected expiration, and determines the respiratory effort in response to the detected breath. |
| US08231533B2 |
Ultrasound coupling device
An ultrasound coupling device for transmitting ultrasound waves from an ultrasound transducer to a test specimen, especially to a human or animal body, the coupling device having (a) a gel pad (2) for transmitting the ultrasound waves, (b) a support (3) having i) a transducer side (T), ii) a body side (B), and iii) an aperture (11) through the transducer side and the body side of the support (3), (c) the support (3) being provided with an adhesive element (13) on the body side, and (d) the gel pad (2) being received within the aperture (11) such that the gel pad (2) is adapted to contact the human or animal body when the body side of the support contacts the human or animal body. |
| US08231532B2 |
Analyte monitoring device and methods of use
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor. |
| US08231531B2 |
Analyte sensor
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. |
| US08231527B2 |
Roll-up wound protector with asymmetric ring
A roll-up wound protector has a distal ring, a proximal ring, and a flexible sleeve extending between the proximal and distal rings. The proximal ring is rollable to gather the flexible sleeve around the proximal ring and shorten the length of the flexible sleeve. The cross-sectional geometry of the proximal ring may be generally s-shaped. The cross-sectional geometry may be asymmetric about the longitudinal axis and asymmetric about the lateral axis. The height along the longitudinal axis may be greater than the width along the lateral axis. The proximal ring may comprise a medial surface having a circumferential recess and a lateral surface having a circumferential recess, the two recesses being longitudinally staggered relative one another. |
| US08231526B2 |
Medical apparatus
A medical apparatus includes: a first illumination window through which a first illumination light from a first light source is irradiated to a subject; a second illumination window at different position than the first illumination window, through which a second illumination light from a second light source is irradiated to the subject; an electronic image pickup section which picks up subject images; an image creation section which generates observation images based on image pickup signals obtained by the electronic image pickup section; a light adjustment section which synchronously adjusts respective amounts of illumination lights irradiated from the first and second illumination windows; and a control unit which controls the light adjustment section or image creation section to maintain color tone of the observation image to a predetermined one according to increase/decrease of the illumination light amount from the first illumination window. |
| US08231520B2 |
Round window driving transducer for easy implantation and implantable hearing device having the same
The present invention relates to a round window driving transducer for easy implantation and an implantable hearing device having the same. The round window driving transducer is implantable in the round window of the cochlea in the middle ear cavity, and has excellent high frequency characteristics, which can assist patients with sensorineural hearing loss to hear sound better. The round window driving transducer can be placed inside the middle ear cavity, radiate sound with high efficiency, and be implanted by surgery using a fixing part formed with shape memory alloy, shape memory resin, or a bendable spring structure. Further, the round window driving transducer can overcome problems of the prior art, such as a difficult surgery and low vibration efficiency, which would inevitably occur when floating mass transducers are implanted in a drilled groove in the bone or when various types of piezoelectric transducers are implanted in the round window. |
| US08231516B2 |
Device for applying and monitoring of endovascular brachytherapy
Device for implementing endovascular brachytherapy, whereby in the region of the catheter tip, a beta or gamma radiator used to prevent restenosis after the removal of plaque from vessel walls emits radioactive radiation in order to suppress the structural vessel alteration, with simultaneous OCT-monitoring, whereby a brachytherapy is combined with an OCT catheter in an integrated unit. |
| US08231513B2 |
Fully enclosed carton
A fully enclosed paperboard carton having a top, a base, a pair of oppositely disposed sides and a pair of oppositely disposed end panels. Each end panel being substantially planar and perpendicular to the base and top. Each side having a lower portion that is substantially planar and perpendicular to the base and an upper portion that is substantially planar and tapers inwardly towards its edge connection with the top. |
| US08231510B2 |
Contour elongated exercise weight and method of use
An exercising device includes an elongated tube with a central axis that is filled with a particulate material of a selected weight. The particulate material shifts within the elongated tube to provide flexibility along the length of the tube and wherein the elongated tube compresses when pressure is applied thereto. |
| US08231509B2 |
Weight lifting power machine with slave rack
A weight lifting power cage for use by a weight lifter includes a floor frame assembly including a pair of side floor frames, a front lateral floor frame member, and a rear lateral floor member. A carriage is carried by the side floor frames and is movable simultaneously vertically and front to back. The carriage retains a weight bar mount for retaining a weight bar spanning between each side frame. The weight bar is movable by the carriage vertically and front to back. The movable carriage also carries a pair of vertical weight rack bars. An engagement mechanism enables the weight lifter to rack the weight bar from a weight lifting position without stepping forward or backward. |
| US08231507B2 |
Device for strengthening tongue muscle
To provide a tongue muscle-strengthening device which can prevent or recover a poor posture that is attributed to no development of lingual adhesion in the mandible to the skull due to the decreased function of tongue muscles, stress-induced disorder that is attributed to the hyperfunction of the masticatory muscle group and tongue muscles in the cerebral cortex motor area, as well as the dysfunction and an aesthetic impairment of the mouth and which can actualize lingual adhesion. The tongue muscle-strengthening device in the invention of this application is composed of the part of maxillary teeth contact that is in contact with the maxillary teeth, the parts of dorsum of tongue and palate contact that are respectively in contact with the dorsum of tongue and palate, as well as the part of connection that connects the part of maxillary teeth contact with the parts of dorsum of tongue and palate contact. The user brings the part of palate contact into contact with the palate by inserting the part of maxillary teeth contact into the maxillary teeth, by bringing the part of dorsum of tongue contact into contact with the dorsum of tongue, by bringing the lingual apex into contact with the part of lingual apex contact, and by elevating the dorsum of tongue, and maintains the condition for a while. The elasticity of the part of connection places a sustained and strong burden on tongue muscles and strengthens tongue muscles. Furthermore, the tongue muscle-strengthening device in the invention of this application has good usability because it is an intraoral device. |
| US08231504B2 |
Powertrain with dual rotor motor/generator
A powertrain is provided that includes an engine as well as a transmission having an input member and an output member. The powertrain also includes a motor/generator that has an energizable stator, a first rotor and a second rotor (i.e., a dual rotor motor). Both of the rotors are rotatable via energization of the stator. A first torque-transmitting mechanism, referred to as the engine clutch, is selectively engagable to connect the engine for common rotation with one of the first and the second rotors. A second torque-transmitting mechanism, referred to as the motor clutch, is selectively engagable to connect the first rotor for common rotation with the second rotor. The transmission input member is continuously connected for common rotation with the other of the first and second rotors. |
| US08231503B2 |
Torque balancing gearbox
A gearbox comprising a gearset is able to transmit high output torques at high numerical reduction ratios at a power-to-weight ratio higher than previously attainable with existing designs. A distributor gear is disposed relative to a spur gear in order to produce automatic torque balancing. The distributor gear can be advantageously configured as an input floatring gear, for which support in all directions is provided by gear tooth mesh forces rather than bearings. Automatic torque balancing is achieved by configuring the distributor gear with first and second rows of helical teeth on the external circumference, and with a set of double helical teeth disposed on the internal circumference of the distributor gear. This allows for the placement of up to 50 or more planet gears in a countershaft arrangement with one end having helical teeth and the other end having spur teeth. |
| US08231498B2 |
Eight speed automatic transmission
An eight speed automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets and five torque transmitting devices. Three of the planetary gear sets are simple and one planetary gear set is compound. Each of the plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members: a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet carrier having a plurality of planet gears rotatably disposed thereon. Three of the torque transmitting devices are clutches and two of the devices are brakes. Eight embodiments of the transmission having different arrangements of the planetary gear sets, clutches and brakes are disclosed. |
| US08231494B2 |
Active control center differential with front output
A coupling device (16) for use in a motor vehicle has an input member (45), a first and a second output member (46, 47), and a planetary gear set (54, 56, 58, 62) having gears (56, 58, 62) and a planetary gear carrier (54). Each of the input member (45) and the first and second output members (46, 47) are coupled to one of the planetary gear carrier (54) and a gear (56, 58, 62) of the planetary gear set (54, 56, 58, 62). A modulating biasing clutch assembly (70) selectively applies a biasing force to two of the three members. The modulating biasing clutch assembly (70) has an electrical clutch operator (72, 78, 84), a first clutch plate (92) coupled to one of the three members and a second clutch plate (94) coupled to another of the three members. |
| US08231493B2 |
Differential having improved torque capacity and torque density
A locking differential for an automotive vehicle including a housing and a differential mechanism supported in the housing. The differential mechanism includes a pair of clutch members where each of the clutch members presents an inwardly directed face. Each face includes a groove disposed in spacing relationship with respect to the other. A cross pin is received in the grooves and is operatively connected for rotation with the housing. The clutch members are axially moveable within the housing so that they may engage respective clutch members coupled to a pair of axle half shafts. Each of the grooves in the clutch members defines a first predetermined radius of curvature. The cross pin defines a second radius of curvature wherein the first radius of curvature of the groove is greater than the second radius of curvature of the cross pin such that contact between the cross pin and the groove defines a line extending along the axis of the cross pin. |
| US08231492B2 |
Torque transmitting device
A torque transmitting device includes a plurality of clutch plates, a ramp member that is selectively rotatable about an axis and that defines a ramp surface, a worm gear that is operatively connected to the ramp member for rotation therewith about the axis, and a roller element contacting the ramp surface. The ramp surface is configured such that, when the ramp member is rotated about the axis, the roller element exerts a reaction force on the ramp surface that urges the ramp member to move in a first axial direction and thereby transmit the reaction force to the clutch plates. |
| US08231491B2 |
Power output apparatus and hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, motors configured to input and output power, a power distribution integration mechanism, and a transmission. The power distribution integration mechanism has a sun gear connected with one of the motors, a carrier connected with the other motor, and a ring gear connected with the engine. The transmission includes a first speed change mechanism and a second speed change mechanism. The first speed change mechanism has a first speed gear train and a third speed gear train arranged to connect the carrier of the power distribution integration mechanism with a driveshaft. The second speed change mechanism has a parallel shaft-type gear train that is not used alone to set the speed ratio. |
| US08231490B2 |
Power train of hybrid vehicle
A power train according to an embodiment of the invention includes two sets of planetary gear set, one clutch, and two brakes and provides one electric vehicle mode, two hybrid modes, and one engine mode The power train has a simple configuration, high power performance, and reduced weight and fuel consumption. In particular, the power train makes it possible to reduce a significant amount of fuel consumption especially when a vehicle is traveling at a constant high-velocity. |
| US08231488B2 |
Transmission joint pulley assembly
A pulley assembly comprising a hub with an axis and adapted to be rigidly connected to a rotating shaft of an engine assembly, a turning annular pulley of ferromagnetic material supported at least indirectly on the hub, a ring of electrically conducting material rotationally connected to the hub, and at least a pair of magnets rigidly connected to the pulley and facing the ring. The pulley defines a cavity accomodating accommodating said ring. |
| US08231480B2 |
Releasable and interchangeable connections for golf club heads and shafts
Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: (a) a shaft engaging member including a rotation-inhibiting structure; (b) a club head engaging member including a shaft-receiving chamber and a retaining structure for engaging the rotation-inhibiting structure; and (c) a securing system for releasably securing the shaft engaging member with respect to the club head engaging member. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. Furthermore, the shaft may be bent or otherwise extend at an angle from the shaft engaging member so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head. |
| US08231479B1 |
Putter Grip for reading a golf green
A putter grip and blade assembly for a golf putter including a grip having a distal end and a proximal end with the grip having an opening at the proximal end for a shaft of a putter and additionally a recess in the length of the grip for a blade; the blade being rotatable for the blade to extend from the recess of the grip; and where the majority of the sides of the blade are within the recess when the blade is in a closed position. |
| US08231470B2 |
Network-based contests having multiple participating sponsors
Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for conducting a contest. One embodiment provides a contest that is played by multiple players across a communications network, in which the players compete to earn points awarded by a central contest administrator and the individual players are ranked based on their total number of points. In addition, individual ones of the players are allowed to select a sponsor from a set of previously identified sponsors, and the players also can earn points, which contribute to their totals for ranking purposes, from the sponsors they have selected. For this purpose, individual ones of the sponsors in the set are allocated points and have flexibility regarding how to award their allocated points to the players that have selected them. |
| US08231469B1 |
Method and system for tracking drop-out events in a wireless gaming system
A game server stores data pertaining game players prematurely dropping out from games during the occurrence of the games, either voluntarily, involuntarily, or both. The games involve use of the wireless devices, such as cell phones, PDAs, or other types of devices. The game server includes a processor and machine instructions executable by the processor making available the data, or a ranking for each game player derived from the data, to the game players. Thus, the game players can access the data and make an informed decision as to whether to include a particular game player in a future game, based on their past history of prematurely dropping out of games. |
| US08231468B2 |
Game control program, game machine, and game control method
The present invention provides a game device with enhanced entertainment capabilities.In a game device, a slope controller controls the inclination of the ground on which a character is placed, based on an operation instruction input by a player via a controller. An independent mode controller controls the character so that the character performs an action determined by an artificial intelligence unit, when the inclination of the ground is smaller than a certain value. A dependent mode controller controls the character so that the character rolls on the ground, when the inclination of the ground is greater than a certain value. The player tilts the ground to roll the character in a desired direction so as to lead the character to the goal. |
| US08231466B2 |
Game apparatus, game program and information recording medium
It is an object of the present invention to provide a game apparatus capable of image processing with effective use of having a plurality of screens. The game apparatus according to the present invention has a specific object display controller. The game apparatus according to the present invention executes the processing of displaying a specific object in a 3D game space on one display screen and hiding it on the other display screen. This enables effective use of having a plurality of screens and the image processing that attracts users. |
| US08231465B2 |
Location-aware mixed-reality gaming platform
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates location-aware, mixed-reality gaming platform. During operation, the system determines a layout of a user's surrounding. The system further detects the user's location and/or nearby objects. Next, the system associates virtual content to the determined layout and associates a set of game rules with the virtual content. Subsequently, the system produces a visual and/or audio representation of a game based on the game rules and virtual content to the user, thereby allowing the user to play a game that corresponds to his surrounding and location. |
| US08231461B2 |
Jackpot system
A jackpot system comprising at least two jackpot controllers including a first jackpot controller arranged to act at least as a master jackpot controller and a second jackpot controller arranged to act as either a master or a slave jackpot controller, the first jackpot controller arranged to act as the master jackpot controller by conducting at least one jackpot during which the master jackpot controller aggregates jackpot data and at least periodically communicates the aggregated data to at least the second jackpot controller, and the second jackpot controller arranged to act initially as the slave jackpot controller and communicate jackpot data to the first jackpot controller for aggregation, the second jackpot controller arranged to store the aggregated data received from the first jackpot controller and to act as the master controller if the master jackpot controller fails by continuing to conduct the at least one jackpot based on the stored aggregated data and by aggregating further jackpot data. |
| US08231459B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for facilitating a negative credit balance of a gaming device
Apparatus, systems and methods for a gaming device operable to support a negative credit balance. For example, in some embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to: (i) determine a current credit balance, (ii) determine a wager amount, (iii) determine whether the wager amount would result in a negative balance of credits, (iv) determine if it is permissible to allow a negative balance of credits, and if so (v) adjust a current balance such that is equal to the negative balance, and (vi) display an indication of the negative credit balance. |
| US08231456B2 |
Gaming device and method providing side bet for winning free activations
A gaming device and method is disclosed which enables a player to win one or more free spins in a primary game after placing an optional side wager. The primary game has a plurality of symbols including at least one free spin symbol on a plurality of reels. If the player places the side wager, the free spin symbol is associated with a quantity of free spins. If the player places the side wager, the gaming device provides the player with the quantity of free spins for each free spin symbol that occurs on the reels in the primary game. The gaming device accumulates any free spins won during the primary game as additional free spins for a bonus or secondary game. The player can selectively (i) use the additional or accumulated free spins in the bonus or secondary game, (ii) store the additional or accumulated free spins, or (iii) convert the additional or accumulated free spins to an award. |
| US08231454B2 |
Gaming system and method providing a primary game with accumulated secondary game elements
One embodiment provides a Blackjack game where one or more players play against a dealer. The Blackjack game employs a designated set of cards, which includes one or more designated decks of cards. In addition to standard card symbols of rank and suit, each card in each designated deck of cards includes one of a plurality of secondary symbols associated with a secondary game. Each player makes a primary game wager on a play of the Blackjack game. Each player also has the option of placing an optional second wager. For each player who placed the optional second wager, if that player's hand in the play of the Blackjack game includes a designated outcome, the player accumulates one or more of the secondary symbols indicated by the cards in the player's hand. In a next play of the Blackjack game, regardless of whether that player makes the optional second wager, if any of the secondary symbols listed on the cards in the dealer's hand have a designated relationship to any of the secondary symbols that the player previously accumulated, the player wins a secondary award. The player can continue accumulating secondary symbols in each play of the Blackjack game. In certain embodiments, if the player loses a play of the Blackjack game, after any secondary awards are paid out, the player loses one, more or all of the previously accumulated secondary symbols. |
| US08231449B2 |
Instant-win ticket lottery game
A method and system for implementing an instant-win lottery game includes receiving a player's wager and selection of a game at a point-of-sale (POS) lottery location. The player receives a lottery ticket corresponding to the selected game, with the lottery ticket including a unique identification code that dictates the outcome of the game. The player accesses the lottery authority system via a wireless internet enabled mobile device to display and play and instant-win game to reveal the outcome of the lottery ticket. |
| US08231448B2 |
Gaming system and method for providing purchasable bonus opportunities
A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming devices, each of the gaming devices including a primary game operable upon a primary game wager. The gaming devices of the gaming system enable a plurality of players to place primary game wagers on plays of the primary games. In one embodiment, each of the players is enabled to place optional second wagers on shared random determinations which occur independently of the primary games. The gaming devices display the primary game outcomes and provide the players with any awards associated with the primary game outcomes. The gaming system determines an outcome for the shared random determinations. In one embodiment, for each of the shared random determinations which results in a designated outcome, the gaming system provides a bonus award to each of the players who placed the second wager on the shared random determination. |
| US08231445B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing detonation damage resistance in ductwork
A ductwork system including a duct having a plurality of ducting panels joined together to define a flow passage extending therethrough, and the duct having structure for resisting damage thereto caused by a detonation within the duct. The structure for resisting damage can include an internal bracing within and extending across the flow passage of the duct to tie at least two sides of the duct together. For example, the internal bracing can be a reinforcement panel including a mounting frame with one or more elongated members extending from one side of the frame attached to a ducting panel to another side of the frame attached to an opposite ducting panel. Alternatively or in addition to the above structure, the duct can have structure for resisting damage that includes providing the duct with at least one curved or faceted side along an axial length of the duct. |
| US08231443B1 |
Method and apparatus for processing a neck bone
A system and method that is adapted to remove portions of a neck-bone that are useful for meat recovery systems. These most useful portions of the neck bone structure are the outer edges distal from the core of the bone that have meat attached to them. The useful portions on the outer edges distal from the core can be safely removed and subsequently processed in downstream processes such as mechanical separators (bone cannons) or hand trimmed. The overall system contains series sub systems to process neck-bones. The subsystems includes, a Product Infeed; a Chain Drive System; a Cutting Apparatus; a Cat Chain; a Core Extractor System; and a Conveyor Washing System. |
| US08231441B2 |
Stuffing apparatus and casing breakage detecting device for stuffing apparatus
A stuffing apparatus includes: a stuffing nozzle for discharging a stuffing material from a discharge port into a casing; a stuffing pump for feeding the stuffing material into the stuffing nozzle; a casing pushing device which has a casing pusher and a fluid cylinder having a cylinder, a piston, and a rod, and which is adapted to push in a direction toward the discharge port of said stuffing nozzle a trailing end portion of a casing which is yet to be stuffed and is in a shirred state; and a movement stop detecting device (casing breakage detecting device) for detecting stoppage of the casing pushing device in the course of its movement. |
| US08231434B2 |
Grinding machine, particularly a high-speed grinding machine
In order to be able to economically carry out machining of a turbine rotor having blades consisting of different materials, by a high-speed grinding machine, a magazine for the grinding wheels and an automatically operating grinding wheel changer are provided. A plurality of different grinding wheels to be held are made available, which different grinding wheels are adapted to the respective blade materials. A flat-construction coupling is developed in order to be able to couple the grinding wheels with the receiving devices in the grinding wheel changer. |
| US08231432B1 |
Optical polishing pitch formulations
Optical polishing pitch formulations include synthetic polymers or other synthetic resins. As alternatives to traditional optical pitches, these materials offer improved stability in use, storage, and processing. In addition, these pitch compositions may be masterbatched and manufactured with precision to ensure superior reproducibility and quality control in polishing performance. |
| US08231431B2 |
Solar panel edge deletion module
The present invention generally relates to an edge deletion module positioned within an automated solar cell fabrication line. The edge deletion module may include a grinding wheel device for removing material from edge regions of a solar cell device and cleaning the edge regions of the solar cell device after removing the material. The edge deletion module may also include an abrasive element, a portion of which is ground as it is periodically, laterally advanced toward the grinding wheel device. A controller is provided for controlling the operation and function of various facets of the module. |
| US08231429B2 |
Slow speed spindle for micropunch grinding
An apparatus has a motor, a shaft attached to the motor arranged to be turned by the motor when the motor operates, an attachment at an end of the shaft opposite the motor arranged to allow mounting of components to be ground, a loading block arranged under the end of the shaft having the attachment to support the components to be ground, and an interface to a grinding tool arranged adjacent to the loading block. An apparatus has a motor mounted on a slide, a shaft attached to the motor arranged to spin when the motor operates, an attachment on the end of the shaft to allow attachment of a component, a loading block at least partially supporting the shaft, an interface to a manufacturing tool, the motor and shaft arranged to insert the shaft into the interface when moved along the slide to an engaged position. |
| US08231427B2 |
Trim adjustment for toy vehicle steering
A toy vehicle includes a chassis, a right turning member that supports a right steerable road wheel and a left turning member that supports a left steerable road wheel. A rigid steering link extends across the chassis and has right and left ends that are operably connected to the right and left turning members. An actuator provides a pivoting motion on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally forward and rearward in the vehicle. The motion provided by the actuator moves the steering link side to side across the vehicle. The right and left road wheels are pivoted by the motion of the steering link. An adjustable trim mechanism includes a bias member that helps to maintain a neutral position of the steering link and a trim adjustment that modifies a position on the chassis at which the steering link and road wheels are maintained in the neutral position. |
| US08231426B2 |
Gearbox assembly for toy vehicle
A gearbox for a toy vehicle is provided that is adapted to transmit rotational power from a motor to a first drivetrain system adapted to drive a wheel and a second drivetrain system adapted to actuate an accessory feature. A swing mechanism is provided to alternatively translate rotational motion from the motor to the first drivetrain or the second drivetrain. |
| US08231421B1 |
Inflatable wet suit
Wet suits used by water sports enthusiasts (e.g., surfers) are provided with the ability to be inflated during emergency situations to provide life-saving buoyancy and floatation aid. The inflatable wet suit will preferably include a torso section having a back pocket and a bladder assembly having an inflatable bladder bag and an inflator valve adapted for operative connection with a compressed gas canister positioned within the back pocket. A rip cord has one of its ends connected to the inflator valve and extends over a shoulder region of the torso section so that the other end thereof is graspably positioned adjacent a front portion of the torso section. A canister pouch within the back pocket of the torso section is provided for receiving the gas canister therein. The canister pouch includes a front wall attached to the torso section along side and bottom edges. |
| US08231417B2 |
Electrical connector having contacts with multiple soldering portions
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts is received in the housing. The insulative housing defines a mounting face, a mating face perpendicular to the mounting face and a number of passageways opening to both the mounting face and the mating face. Each contact includes a contacting portion located in front of the mating face of the insulative housing, and a first soldering portion and a second soldering portion adjacent to the mounting face. The second soldering portion is closer to the mating face relative to the first soldering portion. |
| US08231416B2 |
Spring contact assembly
A spring contact assembly having a first plunger with a tail portion having a flat contact surface and a second plunger having a tail portion with a flat contact surface wherein the flat contact surfaces are overlapping and are surrounded by an external compression spring such that the sliding engagement of the flat surfaces increases during compression of the spring. |
| US08231415B2 |
High speed backplane connector with impedance modification and skew correction
Disclosed is an electrical connector that includes a dielectric leadframe housing and a differential signal pair of electrical contacts extending through the leadframe housing. The leadframe housing defines an air pocket adjacent to the pair of electrical contacts. The size of the air pocket may be predetermined to provide for no more than a predefined amount of signal skew between the pair of electrical contacts. The size of the air pocket may be predetermined to provide for a predefined connector impedance. |
| US08231413B2 |
Connector and method for producing the same
A connector having a plurality of terminals that are integrally incorporated in a connector housing, in a given arrangement, with a high degree of accuracy. The connector includes a prealigner having a plurality of terminal holding recesses, a plurality of terminals fitted into and held in the terminal holding recesses in a given alignment, and a housing main body molded so that the prealigner is interposed in the housing main body as an insert element. |
| US08231411B1 |
Card edge connector
A card edge connector is provided for mating with a printed circuit board (PCB) having a card edge. The connector includes a housing having an elongate card slot and a mounting side. The card slot extends a slot length and is configured to receive the card edge of the PCB therein. The mounting side extends a side length and a width. The side length of the mounting side extends in a direction that extends along a direction of the slot length of the card slot. Signal contacts are held by the housing. The signal contacts include first signal contacts and second signal contacts. The first and second signal contacts have respective first and second signal mounting segments that are arranged in first and second signal rows, respectively, that extend along the side length of the mounting side of the housing. The first and second signal rows are spaced apart from each other along the width of the mounting side. Ground contacts are held by the housing. The ground contacts include ground mounting segments arranged in a ground row that extends along the side length of the mounting side. The ground row extends between the first and second signal rows along the width of the mounting side of the housing. |
| US08231410B2 |
Electrical connector with surfaces with exposed grooves permitting contacts to be assembled in a direction perpendicular to a mating direction
An electrical connector includes a metallic shell defining a mating frame and a shielding portion, a bracket assembled to the shielding portion of the shell and defining an opening therethrough, and a mating member securely assembled to the bracket and having a front portion accessible from the opening. The mating member includes a first housing having opposite first and second surfaces and defined with first and second receiving grooves respectively, and a plurality of first contacts attached to the first receiving grooves, and a plurality of second contacts attached to the second receiving grooves, before the first housing is inserted into the bracket. |
| US08231405B2 |
Connector assembly
A connector assembly includes a resilient mounting panel and a connector. The resilient mounting panel includes a panel body and a mounting protrusion. The connector includes a connector body and a mounting portion extending from the connector body. The connector body is configured to connect to an electronic device, and the mounting portion is configured to be secured to the mounting protrusion and to space the connector from the panel body. |
| US08231404B2 |
Electronic connection box
An electric connection box includes: a case and a wired insulating plate with electric wires laid thereon and accommodated in the case. The electric wires are respectively connected to a plurality of press-contact terminals secured on the wired insulating plate, the plurality of press-contact terminals project to the outside through the case on the side of a front surface of the wired insulating plate. The case integrally includes connector peripheral wall portions configured to surround the plurality of press-contact terminals projecting to the outside. The electric connection box also includes joining and fixing portions positioned on both sides of an alignment of the plurality of press-contact terminals in the longitudinal direction that fix the wired insulating plate and the case with respect to each other. |
| US08231403B2 |
Quick mounting device
A quick mounting device for appliances that is quickly and easily engaged and disengaged mechanically and electrically without the use of tools and furthermore has two mechanical engagement mechanisms. |
| US08231399B2 |
Device for latching a connector device
A latching device for latching a first front connector to a complementary second rear connector. The latching device comprises at least a front latching element supported by the front connector, the front latching element comprising a rear latching segment. The latching device further comprises a rear latching element supported by the rear connector, the rear latching element comprising a front latching segment and being mounted moveable axially from a rear unlatching position to a front latching position in which the front and rear connectors are immobilize axially together, characterized in that the latching device comprises an axial sleeve supported by the rear connector, the sleeve being opened axially towards the front and the rear, the rear latching element being mounted movable axially into the sleeve from its rear unlatching position to its front latching position. |
| US08231397B2 |
Hybrid universal distribution system comprising electrical, fluid, and communication functions
A distributor for supplying consumers of an industrial plant with electricity and with fluid and for transmitting communication signals from and to the consumers has separate feed connections for supplying electricity and fluid as well as a collective line for communication signals. It further has a plurality of identical hybrid plug connectors which include plug connector elements for electric power supply, for fluid supply, and for communication signals and which are in communication with the corresponding feed connections and with the collective line, respectively. |
| US08231394B2 |
Button device having a separable operation part and an electronic device having such a button device
A button device includes a button operations part; a button base part connected to a mechanism part, the mechanism part being operated by operating the button operations part; and a connecting part configured to connect the button base part and the button operations part to each other at least based on the operation of the button operations part. The connecting part includes a mechanism configured to break connection between the button operations part and the button base part in a case where an external force equal to or greater than strength of the button base part is applied to the button operations part. |
| US08231390B2 |
System and method for controlling impedance in a flexible circuit
A flexible circuit is provided. The flexible circuit includes a circuit board mating end and a flexible body extending from the circuit board mating end. A conductive pathway extends through the flexible body to electrically couple circuit boards. A connector pad is positioned on the circuit board mating end. The conductive pathway electrically engages the connector pad. The connector pad is configured to electrically couple the flexible circuit to one of the circuit boards. A layer of uncured material extends between the connector pad and the conductive pathway. The layer of uncured material increases an impedance of the connector pad. |
| US08231389B1 |
Real-time observation assessment with phoneme segment capturing and scoring
A real-time observation assessment system includes an assessment application that enables an assessor to administer a probe to a student, and to capture responses of the student, and to automatically score the captured responses. The assessment system includes a user interface of the assessment application. The user interface includes a first area of the user interface that displays a character sequence that is divided into multiple segments, where at least two of the multiple segments of the character sequence are separately selectable and a second area of the user interface that is divided into multiple segments corresponding to each segment of the character sequence in the first area, where each segment in the second area is separately selectable to enable capturing of different combinations of student responses reflecting selection of one or more of the segments in the second area. A scoring module enables a score to be calculated based on the selected segments according to scoring rules for the probe. |
| US08231388B2 |
Dental implant
A tooth implant assembly has a base plate, a base attachment fastener, a collar, a crown attachment fastener, and a tooth crown. The base plate has a central opening and a coronal surface. The base attachment fastener is adapted for insertion into and engagement with the central opening in the base plate. The base attachment fastener also has a head with a central bore extending longitudinally into the head. The crown attachment fastener has a threaded distal end adapted for threaded engagement with the central bore of the base attachment fastener. |
| US08231387B2 |
Porous implant with non-porous threads
An implant which includes a shaft made of a first material and having an exterior surface, and at least one thread made of a second material different from the first material, engaging the exterior surface, and extending outwardly from the exterior surface for engaging bone. After implantation of the implant, bone tissue may osseointegrate into the porous shaft to anchor the implant within the surrounding bone. The first material may be a porous metal and include tantalum while the second material is non-porous. |
| US08231385B2 |
Dental handpiece with pressure regulating mechanism
The present dental handpiece has a burr sleeve, a head section, an air supply passage for introducing compressed air into the head section for driving the burr sleeve, and an air discharge passage for discharging the compressed air. The air supply passage includes a through hole axially extending through the rear terminal part of the handpiece, and a tubular pressure regulating member and an air supply tube connected in series between the through hole and the head section. The pressure regulating member has an aperture for allowing communication with the air discharge passage, and an annular valve body arranged axially slidably for opening/closing the aperture. When the pressure of compressed air passing through the air supply passage exceeds a predetermined level, the valve body is slid to open the aperture to discharge the compressed air for regulating the pressure of the compressed air to be supplied to the burr sleeve. |
| US08231381B2 |
Processing system for process object and thermal processing method for process object
To provide a processing system for a process object capable of preventing a transport arm mechanism from being thermally damaged, so as to effectively perform a transport operation of the process object. A processing system 2, which takes out a process object W from a storage box 6 for process object, and thermally process the process object, includes: a vertical processing unit 24; a process-object transport area 10 disposed below the processing unit; a plurality of process-object boats 20 configured to hold the process objects; a boat elevating means 68 configured to vertically move the process-object boat 20; a boat table for transport 52, on which the process-object boat can be placed; and a transport arm mechanism configured to transport the process objects between the storage box 6 and the process-object boat 20 placed on the boat table for transport 52. The transport arm mechanism 56 is vertically moved by an arm elevating means 58. A temperature measuring means 86 is disposed in an upper part in the process-object transport area. The transport arm mechanism 58 and the arm elevating means 58 are controlled by a transport control part 88 based on a measured value of the temperature measuring means 86, so that a transport operation of the transport arm mechanism is controlled. |