| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08395630B2 |
Format conversion apparatus from band interleave format to band separate format
A format conversion apparatus which converts image data of a band interleave format into image data of a band separate format is provided. The apparatus includes a memory which stores image data of a band interleave format; and a converting module which reads the memory by increasing a read address of the memory for each stride, and converts the image data of the band interleave format into image data of a band separate format. |
| US08395629B1 |
Reducing data stored in a deep-frame buffer
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes generating intermediate values from an evaluation of one or more static expressions within shader programming code that is configured to modify an appearance of an image, compressing the intermediate values based on a determination of which intermediate values are duplicative, and storing the compressed intermediate values in a buffer accessible to an image rendering application. |
| US08395626B2 |
Method and system for interactive simulation of materials
A method and system for interactive simulation of materials. The method and system provide flexible simulation, the ability to combine rigid and flexible simulation, a collision-detection method for simulating objects and other entities, and a system for displaying and interacting with simulated objects which includes a harness for registering the hardware components of the simulation with respect to each other. |
| US08395624B2 |
Dynamic generation of images to facilitate information visualization
Approaches for generating a digital image that facilitates data analysis. An application may arrange values of one or more data sets into a table based on a selected set of columns. The application may apply one or more formulas to each cell to generate a second table that has a single value in each cell. The application maps, for each cell of the second table, the value stored therein to an attribute (such as a color). The application may generate a digital image by determining a color for each pixel of the digital image based on how the cells are mapped to colors. The digital image enables data analysis, such as the identification of trends, patterns, and/or anomalies, on any number of data sets in an expeditious and intuitive manner. The digital image may be dynamically updated to reflect further analysis or incremental updates to the data sets. |
| US08395620B2 |
Method and system for tracking of a subject
Method, computer program and system for tracking movement of a subject. The method includes receiving data from a distributed network of camera sensors employing one or more emitted light sources associated with one or more of the one or more camera sensors to generate a volumetric three-dimensional representation of the subject, identifying a plurality of clusters within the volumetric three-dimensional representation that correspond to motion features indicative of movement of the motion features of the subject, presenting one or more objects on one or more three dimensional display screens, and using the plurality of fixed position sensors to track motion of the motion features of the subject and track manipulation of the motion features of the volumetric three-dimensional representation to determine interaction of one or more of the motion features of the subject and one or more of the one or more objects on the three dimensional display. |
| US08395619B1 |
System and method for transferring pre-computed Z-values between GPUs
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method for pre-computing Z-values using an IGPU and, subsequently, conveying these Z-values to a DGPU. The graphics driver partitions the display into rectangular M-by-N tiles of pixels. For each tile, the graphics driver generates a quad geometry that encompasses the corresponding pixels. For each image frame, the graphics driver configures the IGPU to generate and down-sample a Z-buffer, creating a coarse Z-texture that contains a Z-value for each tile. The graphics driver transfers the coarse Z-texture to the system memory and configures the DGPU to apply the coarse Z-texture to the quad geometries, thereby generating a coarse Z-buffer in which the M-by-N pixels included in each tile are assigned the Z-value for the particular tile. Among other things, this technique enables the IGPU to pre-compute Z-values for the DGPU without straining the system memory bandwidth or defeating the Z-buffer compression techniques used by the DGPU. |
| US08395618B2 |
Method of capturing, processing, and rendering images
A computer-implemented method of capturing and processing a series of images incorporating a plurality of digitized markers is presented. A position of a first digitized marker is located in a first image frame. A second, succeeding image frame is searched for the first digitized marker. When the first digitized marker is not found in the second, succeeding image frame, a best guess position of the first marker in the second, succeeding image frame is interpolated by processing translation information of a second marker geometrically interconnected to the first marker. The first image frame may be captured with a first video camera having a first optical position to generate a first image representation. The first image frame may be captured with a second video camera having a second optical position to generate a second image representation. |
| US08395617B2 |
Method and related system for displaying 2D and 3D images simultaneously
An image display method receives a two-dimensional image data and a depth data both corresponding to a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image. The two-dimensional image data and the depth data is encoded so that the sub-pixels of the two-dimensional image data and the depth data related to the three-dimensional image have gray values whose least significant bits vary in a predetermined manner. After receiving the encoded two-dimensional image data and the encoded depth data at a receiving side, a two-dimensional display region and a two-dimensional display region are detected according to the variations in the gray values of the sub-pixels. The method can thus display the three-dimensional image in the three-dimensional display region of the frame and display the two-dimensional image in the two-dimensional display region of the frame. |
| US08395613B2 |
Display apparatus and driving method thereof
A display apparatus includes a plurality of pixels disposed in a matrix pattern, each of the pixels emitting light, an acquisition unit for acquiring degradation characteristics of an emission luminance of each pixel from a video signal or a signal output from the pixel, and a detection unit for detecting a boundary of pixels showing different degradation characteristics of the plurality of pixels based on the degradation characteristics acquired by the acquisition unit. A calculation unit calculates a correction amount of the video signal to the pixels in a periphery of the boundary such that the emission luminance is gently varied in the periphery of the boundary when the plurality of pixels in the periphery of the boundary detected by the detection unit are caused to emit light with a same video signal. In addition, a correction unit corrects the video signal based on the calculated correction amount, and a video image is displayed by the plurality of pixels based on the corrected video signal. |
| US08395606B2 |
USB image transmission system and device
A USB image transmission system is provided. The USB image transmission system may include a content source configured to be operatively coupled to a USB-enabled display device. Image data may be transmitted over the USB connection from the content source for display by the display device. In some embodiments, a USB collaboration hub may enable multiple content sources to be operatively linked through a USB connection to one or more USB-enabled display devices. |
| US08395605B2 |
Monitor chaining and docking mechanism
A circuit that supports multiple monitors, docking functions, and protected content via one cable. The circuit includes a receiver that receives multiple video streams, each including respective video data, a mux/demux, coupled to the receiver, that determines which video stream to display on a monitor, a low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) converter, coupled to the mux/demux, that generates an LVDS signal based on the video data of the determined video stream, an LVDS serializer/deserializer, coupled to the LVDS converter, that generates a signal based on the LVDS signal and sends the signal to a display panel of the monitor for display, a transmitter coupled to the mux/demux, and a transmit physical interface (TPI) coupled to the transmitter. The mux/demux sends at least a remainder of the video streams to the transmitter, which sends them to the TPI, which transmits them as output, useable as input to further instances of the circuit. |
| US08395603B2 |
Electronic device including display device and driving method thereof
An electronic device including a display device, and a driving method thereof, in which the display device includes a central processing unit, a display device, and a feedback unit. The central processing unit provides image signals and input control signals, and the display device displays an image based on the image signals and the input control signals. The feedback unit is connected between the central processing unit and the display device and transmits a signal, including information on whether static electricity is applied to the display device, to the central processing unit. The central processing unit initializes a driving condition when the static electricity is applied to the display device and a display operation error occurs. |
| US08395599B2 |
Low voltage capacitive touchscreen charge acquisition and readout systems, circuits and methods for high system noise immunity
Various embodiments of capacitive touchscreen driving and sensing circuits are disclosed, where during a first phase the mutual capacitance between a given drive electrode and a given sense electrode is charged up to a first charge value corresponding substantially to a drive voltage times the mutual capacitance. During a second phase the charge storage capacitor is charged up to a value corresponding approximately to a difference in touchscreen capacitance network charges occurring during the first and second phases. The first and second phases do not overlap in time. Dark frame signals may also be acquired from the touchscreen to calibrate differences in touchscreen capacitance network charges. |
| US08395598B2 |
Position detection apparatus
A position detection apparatus is provided, which includes a plurality of position detection systems such as an electromagnetic-type position detection system and a capacitive-type position detection system. The apparatus is configured to select a transmission conductor among a plurality of transmission conductors in a first position detection system, and to select a reception conductor among a plurality of reception conductors in a second position detection system, so as to increase the spatial distance between the selected transmission conductor in the first position detection system and the selected reception conductor in the second position detection system as much as possible, to thereby reduce interference. Further, a relationship of frequency interleave may be provided between a transmission signal to be supplied to the transmission conductor in the first position detection system and another transmission signal to be supplied to the transmission conductor in the second position detection system. |
| US08395595B2 |
Touch sensor, display device with touch sensor, and method of generating location data
A display device with a touch sensor according to the present invention includes an active matrix substrate and a transparent counter electrode. On a first surface of the active matrix substrate, multiple pixel electrodes are arranged in matrix. The transparent counter electrode is opposed to the first surface of the active matrix substrate. The display device further includes a first circuit, a second circuit and a switching circuit. The first circuit supplies a voltage or a current to the transparent counter electrode for display purposes. The second circuit detects currents flowing from a number of points on the transparent counter electrode. And the switching circuit selectively connects electrically one of the first and second circuits to the transparent counter electrode. |
| US08395589B2 |
Press on power-up detection for a touch-sensor device
A method and apparatus to determine during a power-up of an electronic system whether a conductive object is present at a sensing device at the power-up. |
| US08395588B2 |
Touch panel
A touch panel includes a light guide including a first face for detecting the position of an object in contact therewith and a second face opposite the first face, and a line sensor for receiving light emitted from a side face of the light guide plate, wherein, of light irradiated from the second face side, the light guide guides toward the side face the portion of light reflected by the object. |
| US08395583B2 |
Input apparatus, control apparatus, control system, control method, and handheld apparatus
An input apparatus, a control apparatus, a control system including those apparatuses, and a control method therefor with which a user can feel a linearity between a movement of the input apparatus and that of a pointer and an accurate pointing operation is possible are provided. An MPU of an input apparatus variably controls a gain value in a range from first threshold value to a second threshold value or first range, in which the input apparatus is within a low-velocity range, and controls the gain value to be constant in a range exceeding the second threshold value second range. The gain value is a value multiplied to a velocity value of the input apparatus that is obtained by an operation, the velocity value being obtained through detection of a movement of the input apparatus. Accordingly, in a relatively-low-velocity range, a pointer velocity value becomes smaller by a multi-degree function as movements of the input apparatus and a pointer on a screen become slower. As a result, accurate pointing becomes possible. Moreover, since a linearity is obtained when the input apparatus is in a relatively-high-velocity range, a user can obtain a linear operational feeling. |
| US08395582B2 |
Computer-readable storage medium and information processing apparatus
When a gravity center position enters a right input area, a motion of a character in a virtual game space pushing down the right pedal of a bicycle is started, and the bicycle is accelerated. Further, a reference position is moved so as to gradually approach the gravity center position, and the boundary between a non-input area and a left input area is also moved so as to gradually approach the gravity center position in conjunction with the reference position. When the gravity center position enters the left input area, a motion of the character in the virtual game space pushing down the left pedal of the bicycle is started, and the bicycle is accelerated. Further, the reference position is moved so as to gradually approach the gravity center position, and the boundary between the non-input area and the right input area is also moved so as to gradually approach the gravity center position in conjunction with the reference position. |
| US08395580B2 |
Method for driving electrophoresis display device, electrophoresis display device, and electronic apparatus
There is provided a method for driving an electrophoresis display device equipped with a plurality of pixel electrodes, each of the pixel electrode being provided for every pixel, a common electrode provided to oppose the plurality of pixel electrodes, and an electrophoresis element containing electrophoresis particles, the electrophoresis element being sandwiched by the plurality of pixel electrodes and the common electrode. The method includes driving the electrophoresis element and updating a display by a common voltage swing drive method in which a rectangular wave in which a first potential and a second potential are repeated is applied to the common electrode for not less than one cycle during a display update time in which the first potential or the second potential for moving the electrophoresis particles is applied to each of the pixel electrodes. A frequency of the rectangular wave is not less than 20 Hz. |
| US08395578B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid-crystal display device using the same
A backlight unit shortens the necessary time from the time immediately after the turn on to the time the emitted light is converged to a predetermined chromaticity while the quality of time-varying images is improved. Under the control of the backlight controller section, the Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs), which are assigned to the respective light-emitting regions of the light-emitting surface, are driven to emit lights sequentially in the predetermined scanning light-emitting periods for the scan type lighting and the additional light-emitting periods in a single frame, responsive to the write scanning of an image signal to the LCD panel. The additional light-emitting periods are outside a corresponding one of the scanning light-emitting periods. In each additional light-emitting period, the LEDs emit light in synchronization with the supply of the optical leakage preventing signal (e.g., the black inserting signal) to the LCD panel. |
| US08395577B2 |
Liquid crystal display with illumination control
A backlit display with improved dynamic range. The disclosed display illuminates a pixel of the display at respective non-zero illumination levels during each of a first frame and a second frame and decreases the illumination level of the pixel during the interval between the first frame and the second frame. |
| US08395576B2 |
Organic electro-luminescence device and method of driving the same
An organic electro-luminescence device includes a drive unit having first to fourth transistors and a capacitor, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) controlled by the drive unit, wherein the first transistor has its gate, drain and source connected to a first node, a second node and a power voltage supply line, respectively; the second transistor has its drain and source connected to the OLED and the second node, respectively; the third transistor has its gate, drain and source connected to a first select signal line, the second node and the first node, respectively; the fourth transistor has its gate, drain and source connected to the first select signal line, a data line, and the second node, respectively; and the capacitor is connected to the first node and a predetermined signal line. |
| US08395573B2 |
Liquid crystal display having sub-pixels provided with three different voltage levels
This present invention provides a liquid crystal display (LCD) device in which the sub-pixel is provided with three different voltage levels, so that image quality is improved without the configuration of additional gate lines. The present invention overcomes the reduction of aperture ratio in conventional LCD devices due to the configuration of additional gate lines. By the present invention, the white washout problem relating to the off-axis viewing angle can be overcome while the aperture ratio is not reduced. |
| US08395571B2 |
Pixel arrangement structure for organic light emitting display
A pixel arrangement structure for an organic light emitting display including a plurality of sub-pixel groups repeatedly arranged, wherein each of the sub-pixel groups includes: four first sub-pixels for emitting light of a first color and each having a hexagonal structure, two second sub-pixels for emitting light of a second color and each including two hexagonal structures sharing one side, and two third sub-pixels for emitting light of a third color and each including two hexagonal structures sharing one side. Two of the four first sub-pixels are arranged in a same column and share a symmetrical axis, and the two second sub-pixels and the two third sub-pixels are alternately arranged on either side of the symmetrical axis. |
| US08395566B2 |
Method of driving electrophoretic display
A method of driving an electro-optic display includes the following steps. First, a first frame is displayed on pixels at a first time. Next, data of a second frame predetermined to be displayed on the pixels at a second time later than the first time is determined. Next, an eliminating frame showing a first extreme gray level or a second extreme gray level is displayed on the pixels at a third time. Afterwards, a medium frame is displayed on the pixels at a fourth time later than the third time. The third and fourth times are between the first and second times. The gray level shown by each pixel at the fourth time is close to the gray level predetermined to be shown by the same pixel at the second time. Thereafter, the second frame is displayed on the pixels at the second time. |
| US08395565B2 |
Tagged multi line address driving
A circuit for a flat panel display includes an image data storage and processing block, a display and timing controller block, an image pixel matrix containing a multitude of row and column arranged pixel elements, one or more controlled row and column driver blocks, and a tagged multi line addressing (TMLA) pixel element display operation. That TMLA operation comprises a decomposition of image data by searching all lines of an image for groups of identical lines by tagging each of these lines with a unique code and thus decomposes image data into multi line and single line domain data in such a way, that lines with matching tags, indicating their common and identical contents, are outputted as image data into related groups of the multi line domain with no left over residual image data and thus the related groups in the single line domain data are all zeroes. |
| US08395564B2 |
Display, and display panel and driving method thereof
A display device includes a display area having a plurality of data lines, a plurality of first scan lines, a plurality of second and third scan lines, and a plurality of pixel areas. In addition, the display device includes a first driver, a second driver, and a third driver. At least two pixels sharing a data line and a first scan line are formed in at least one of the pixel areas. At least one of the pixels of a first group among the pixels formed in the at least one pixel area is emitted by a first emission signal in a first field, and at least another one of the pixels of a second group are emitted by a second emission signal in a second field. |
| US08395563B2 |
Method and adjusting device for projection-type display
An image display device including an image input means to which image signals are input, an image display means for forming an optical image based on the image signals, and a device adjusting means for adjusting internal conditions of the device is provided with an adjusting operation support means for supporting an operation of the device adjusting means. Because the adjusting operation support means is provided, a user may easily adjust the image display device while confirming adjusting operation support information displayed by the adjusting operation support means. |
| US08395552B2 |
Antenna module having reduced size, high gain, and increased power efficiency
A broadband integrated circulator antenna (BICA) module for receiving and transmitting signals with high efficiency and high gain. The BICA can have a bandwidth of over 70% of a radar band and can operate in frequencies from UHF to S-band and above. The BICA has a stack configuration that includes a low profile antenna, a reflecting layer or a metamaterial substrate layer, and a circulator. The circulator is placed proximal to antenna, which greatly reduces the size of the BICA. The circulator can be a stripline Y-junction ferrite circulator and the antenna can be a coaxial center fed bow-tie antenna. The reflecting layer or metamaterial substrate layer can comprise electronic bandgap metamaterial and a high permeability ferrite substrate. The high permeability ferrite substrate can be cobalt substituted Z-type barium hexaferrite. |
| US08395550B2 |
Micro strip antenna
The invention provides a micro strip antenna used for both a near-field region and a remote-field region. A micro strip antenna comprises: a first dielectric substrate; a main patch, having a triangle shape under the first dielectric substrate, configured to feed a radiation current; a second dielectric substrate over the first dielectric substrate; and a sub patch, formed under the second dielectric substrate, configured to desert a current from the main patch to provide a vertical magnetic field. |
| US08395548B2 |
Mobile apparatus
A mobile apparatus is provided. The mobile apparatus comprises a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver receives a nearby signal from a nearby mobile apparatus, wherein the nearby signal carries a nearby positioning information. The processor electrically connected to the transceiver estimates a nearby received signal strength of the nearby signal according to the nearby signal, and generates a host positioning information according to the nearby received signal strength and the nearby positioning information. |
| US08395545B2 |
Method and system for utilizing reduced functionality processing channels in a GNSS receiver
A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver comprising one or more regular channel circuits and one or more sniff channel circuits may be operable, utilizing the sniff channel circuits, to monitor power levels of currently visible GNSS satellites which are not being utilized by the regular channel circuits. An alternative GNSS satellite from the currently monitored GNSS satellites may be selected by the GNSS receiver based on the monitored power levels. GNSS signals received from the selected alternative GNSS satellite may be processed by a regular channel circuit. The GNSS receiver may be operable to detect, for example, signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) or carrier-to-noise density ratios (C/N0s) of the currently visible GNSS satellites utilizing the sniff channel circuits. The sniff channel circuits may not be utilized to generate GNSS measurements so that functionality of each of the sniff channel circuits may be reduced. |
| US08395543B2 |
Method and apparatus for mitigating multipath effects at a satellite signal receiver using a sequential estimation filter
A method and apparatus for mitigating multipath effects in a satellite signal receiver is described. In one example, measured pseudoranges are obtained from the satellite signal receiver to a plurality of satellites. For each measured pseudorange: an expected pseudorange is derived from a sequential estimation filter in the satellite signal receiver. The measured pseudorange and the expected pseudorange are differenced to compute a pseudorange residual. The measured pseudorange is applied to the sequential estimation filter only if the pseudorange residual is within a window. |
| US08395542B2 |
Systems and methods for computing vertical position
Control systems and methods that provide a high degree of vertical measurement accuracy for a body in motion are disclosed. The systems employ an inertial sensor system for vertical measurement and a Global Navigation Satellite System that includes multipath reduction or attenuation to provide corrected vertical information for a moving body to the inertial sensor system. The combination of these systems enables the maintenance of an accurate vertical position for said body. |
| US08395541B2 |
Enhanced alerting of characteristic weather hazards
A method of providing weather radar images to a flight crew of an aircraft includes obtaining raw volumetric radar data corresponding to at least one signal reflected off of a weather system. Based on the radar data, the weather system is computationally classified as being of a first type of a plurality of weather-system types. After classifying the weather system, the radar data is image processed, the image processing yielding an image representing the weather system and corresponding to the first weather-system type. The image is displayed on a display device. |
| US08395539B2 |
Double data rate (DDR) counter, analog-to-digital converter (ADC) using the same, CMOS image sensor using the same and methods in DDR counter, ADC and CMOS image sensor
In a double data rate (DDR) counter and counting method used in, for example, an analog-to-digital conversion in, for example, a CMOS image sensor and method, a first stage of the counter generates a least significant bit (LSB) of the value in the counter. The counter includes at least one second stage for generating another bit of the value in the counter. An input clock signal is applied to a data input of the first stage and a clock input of the second stage. |
| US08395536B2 |
Input system and method for electronic device based on Chinese phonetic notation
An input system and a method for an electronic device based on Chinese phonetic notation are provided. The input system includes a plurality of keys, a detecting unit, a filtering unit and a candidate character output unit. The keys are respectively arranged on two sides of a screen of the electronic device, and each of the keys respectively corresponding to two phonetic notation sets. Every time the detecting unit detects an operation on any of the keys, one of the phonetic notation sets corresponding to the operated key is chosen according to a direction of the operation. The filtering unit permutes the contents of all chosen phonetic notation sets so as to obtain at least one meaningful pronunciation. And according to a Chinese character database and the meaningful pronunciations, the candidate character output unit outputs at least one candidate character on the screen. |
| US08395534B2 |
Method and system for meteorological monitoring aboard an aircraft
A system configured for viewing meteorological data and generating said alerts in an aircraft. The system includes a navigation screen configured to display meteorological data in a monitoring plane at a determined altitude (Zs), and an altitude determination unit configured to determine the current altitude (Zp) of the aircraft. A processor is configured to determine the difference in altitude (Dz) between the aircraft's current altitude (Zp) and the altitude of the monitoring plane (Zs). The determined altitude difference (Dz) is compared with a first predetermined deviation threshold (S1), and a first alert (A1) is emitted under conditions in which the altitude difference (Dz) attains or exceeds the first predetermined deviation threshold (S1) and the altitude difference (Dz) diverges. |
| US08395533B2 |
Method of presenting anti-collision information in a head-up display for aircraft
The invention relates to a method for managing an anti-collision system for aircraft, said system comprising means of detecting collision with a threat and at least one head-up viewing device. The symbol system comprises two display modes dedicated to collision detection which are: on the one hand an “action” mode: a potential collision is detected by the system, the symbol system comprises at least one symbol representative of the limits of the disengagement path of the aircraft to avoid the collision and enabling the pilot to engage his avoidance maneuver, and on the other hand a “control” mode: this mode is displayed when the avoidance maneuver is engaged and the collision avoided, the symbol system comprises at least the symbol representative of the limits of the disengagement path of the aircraft and a plan view representing the air space around the aircraft and including at least one representation of the threat. |
| US08395528B2 |
Frequency shift compensation, such as for use in a wireless utility meter reading environment
Methods and apparatus for computing the carrier frequency of a transmitter using frequency modulated digital data to compensate for frequency shifting of the transmitter and the receiver local oscillators and for bandwidth adjustment of the receiver's filter. In particular, methods and apparatus are disclosed for binary systems transmitting “1” and “0” data using decoded or undecoded received signals. |
| US08395527B2 |
Recording device and method for monitoring device parameters
The invention relates to a recording device that is associated with an operating medium specially protected from explosions, at a minimum for the collection, recording, and transmission of device parameters, having at least one data collection device, a memory device connected to said data collection device, and a data communication interface for transmission of the stored data to an external remote station. As a result, it is possible to determine corresponding device parameters in a simpler manner and at the same time to eliminate the need for time- and cost-intensive measures for accessing the operating medium on site. |
| US08395522B2 |
Information display apparatus and method thereof
Disclosed are an information display apparatus and a method thereof capable of allowing a user to conveniently and safely drive by displaying a sender's information corresponding to a call signal, on a windshield of a vehicle, through a display unit such as a Head-Up Display (HUD) or a projector, if the vehicle is in a running state when the call signal is received.The information display apparatus comprises a communication unit configured to receive a call signal, and a controller configured to detect a vehicle speed when the call signal is received, and configured to display a sender's information corresponding to the call signal, on a display unit, based on the vehicle speed. |
| US08395519B2 |
Device and method of determining safety in a battery pack
A battery pack includes at least one battery cell that expands and contracts in relation to the chemical conditions of the battery cell. A substrate is configured to contact the at least one battery cell. A sensor is attached to the substrate and the sensor produces a signal indicative of the displacement of the substrate. A controller is communicatively connected to the sensor such that the controller receives the signal from the sensor. The controller processes the signal to produce an indication of a status of the battery cell. A method of monitoring battery safety includes movably securing a substrate across at least one cell of a battery. A displacement of the substrate is measured. The measured displacement is processed with a controller to identify a safety status of the at least one cell. An output device is operated with a controller to provide an indication of the safety status of the at least one cell of the battery. |
| US08395502B2 |
RFID system using circular polarized antenna
The present disclosure relates to an RFID (Radio frequency identification) system using circular polarized antennas, wherein a reader emits electromagnetic wave through reader antennas to recognize a tag and to read out customer information if a customer proximity is detected, where the reader antennas are installed at a kiosk body and at a rear proximity position of a floor surface on which a customer using the kiosk stands, and the reader antennas installed at the rear proximity position of the floor surface emits circular polarizing wave toward the kiosk, whereby the tag can be accurately recognized regardless of position of the tag of the customer. |
| US08395501B2 |
Dynamic alarm sensitivity adjustment and auto-calibrating smoke detection for reduced resource microprocessors
A hazardous condition detection system with a sensor package employing a reduced resource microprocessor capable of dynamic alarm sensitivity adjustment having volatile and non-volatile memory which receives periodic raw sensor readings from the sensor package and preprocesses each received periodic raw sensor reading by employing at least three distinctive filtering constants which are compared to alarm thresholds stored in memory to generate an alarm condition signal when ionization levels in the ambient environment exceed stored thresholds. |
| US08395497B2 |
Radiofrequency circuit embedded onboard in a satellite comprising a thermal control system based on an alarm signal generated by the reflection of power
A radiofrequency circuit embedded onboard a satellite, data being transmitted on several channels by radiofrequency signals, includes a channel corresponding to a frequency band, and a succession of gains being able to be associated with a channel so as to generate the radiofrequency signal to be transmitted on the latter. The succession includes at least one variable-gain amplifier, the radiofrequency signals thus generated being multiplexed by a multiplexer composed of bandpass filters. The successions of gains comprise a power load arranged so as to dissipate the power of signals which is reflected by the filters of the multiplexer, said load including means for generating an alarm signal representative of the power level of the reflected signals, the alarm signal being used to control the gain of the variable-gain amplifier. The subject of the invention is also a power load. |
| US08395495B2 |
Methods and apparatus for transmitting data relating to mobile device
A location mechanism for a mobile device, in which an electronic communication including a code is received at the mobile device and the code is parsed from within the received electronic communication. The code parsed from within the electronic communication is used to determine whether to classify the received electronic communication as a coded electronic communication, and the received electronic communication is classified as a coded electronic communication based on results of the determination. In response to classification of the electronic communication as a coded electronic communication, a process is initiated that facilitates location of the mobile device. For instance, volume control settings at the mobile device may be overridden and an audible alert at the device may be invoked, and/or a response electronic communication that includes location information indicative of a current location of the communication device may be generated and sent. |
| US08395492B2 |
Tire monitoring in vehicles
An apparatus, method, and computer program product for monitoring a tire are provided. An apparatus comprises a laser system comprising a number of lasers configured to identify a radius of a tire of a vehicle located on a ground, wherein a laser in the number of lasers is associated with an axle of the tire. The apparatus also comprises a tire monitoring system configured to identify a set of acceptable radii for the tire using a weight of the vehicle and information about the tire, determine whether the radius of the tire is within the set of acceptable radii, and generate an indication that the radius of the tire is not within the set of acceptable radii comprising the radius of the tire responsive to an absence of a determination that the radius of the tire is within the set of acceptable radii. |
| US08395490B2 |
Blind spot display apparatus
A blind spot display apparatus presents a situation at a blind spot occurring at an intersection from a driver's viewpoint, in a method of presenting the situation to a driver. The blind spot display apparatus includes: an omni-directional image storage unit storing omni-directional images obtained at different positions; a blind spot model generating unit calculating a position of the object based on each image of the object (in the blind spot) included in the omni-directional images; an own-vehicle model generating unit calculating a position of a vehicle based on images of the vehicle included in the omni-directional images; an own-vehicle viewpoint coordinate transforming unit transforming the calculated position of the object into display coordinates relative to the calculated position of the vehicle; and a display unit that performs display. |
| US08395485B2 |
Inductive evaluation of the coupling factor of an electromagnetic transponder
A method for evaluating the current coupling factor between an electromagnetic transponder and a terminal, wherein a ratio between data representative of a voltage across an oscillating circuit of the transponder and obtained for two pairs of inductive and capacitive values of this oscillating circuit is compared with one or several thresholds, the two pairs of values preserving a tuning of the oscillating circuit to a same frequency. |
| US08395484B2 |
System and method for monitoring objects, people, animals or places
An improved system and method for monitoring objects, people, animals, or places uses a passive Modulating Reflector (MR) tag where a characteristic of an antenna is modified according to a time-varying pattern by a modulating network thereby causing the reflective characteristics of the antenna to vary in accordance with the time-varying pattern. When an interrogator transmits an RF waveform that impinges on the antenna, the return signal reflecting off the antenna is modulated in accordance with the time-varying pattern allowing a remote receiver to demodulate information from the modulated return signal. The antenna is embedded in a dielectric material. The MR tag can be used with a wide variety of tag-interrogator configurations employing monostatic and/or bistatic radar techniques to allow monitoring, locating, and/or tracking of objects, people, animals, or place with which MR tags are associated. |
| US08395483B2 |
Power controller for an electronic reader device
A system and method for controlling the power of an electronic reader device is provided. The system for controlling the power of an electronic reader device may comprise a computing apparatus that may receive a command from a host system to change the power state a power controller. The system may also comprise a computing apparatus that may adjust the power state of the power controller by using one or more registers. The system may further comprise a computing apparatus that may adjust the power of one or more power supplies. The system may additionally comprise a computing apparatus that may instruct a display controller to perform an operation based on the change of the power state of the power controller. |
| US08395482B2 |
RFID systems using distributed exciter network
RFID systems are disclosed that include at least one RFID receiver system and a distributed exciter architecture. The exciters can be connected via wired and/or wireless connections to the RFID receiver system and the RFID receiver system can control the activation of the exciters to detect the presence of RFID tags within interrogation spaces defined by the exciter topology. In several embodiments, the RFID receiver system performs location estimation to determine the interrogation space in which a specific RFID tag or collection of RFID tags is located. One embodiment of the invention includes an RFID receiver system configured to detect information from RFID tags within a receive coverage area, and a plurality of exciters defining a plurality of interrogation spaces within the receive coverage area of the RFID receiver system. In addition, the RFID receiver system is configured to transmit a control signal that identifies one of the plurality of exciters and includes information indicative of an RFID tag interrogation signal, the plurality of exciters are configured to receive the control signal, and the exciter identified in the control signal is configured to illuminate an interrogation space with the RFID tag interrogation signal. |
| US08395479B2 |
Commodity management apparatus
A commodity management apparatus includes, a weighing dish on which a container having a wireless tag attached thereto is mounted, an antenna which forms a region to communicate with the wireless tag from the side part of the weighing dish to the upper part of the weighing dish, a tag reader which contactlessly reads, via the antenna, data in the wireless tag attached to the container, a weight detection unit which detects the weight of the container mounted on the weighing dish, and an output control unit which outputs the weight of the container detected by the weight detection unit and the data in the wireless tag read by the tag reader. |
| US08395475B2 |
Bearing device having position indicator
The invention relates to a bearing device having a position indicator, comprising a bearing receptacle (2) and a bearing (3) disposed in the bearing receptacle (2) having a first bearing part (4) displaceable relative to the bearing receptacle (2), wherein the position indicator (6) comprises a potentiometer having a resistor circuit (8) and a position finger (7). The aim of providing a bearing device having a position indicator allowing reliable capture of the relative position of the bearing in the bearing device and capture of the position of the bearing parts of the bearing to each other in a simple manner is achieved according to the invention in that the resistor circuit (8) is associated with the bearing receptacle (2) and first bearing part, and that the position finger (7) is associated with the bearing receptacle and first bearing part (4). |
| US08395473B1 |
Fuse box system
A fuse box system that combines a series of specially designed fuses in a fuse box that allows an individual to see if one or more particular fuses within the fuse box are broken. The fuse has one of two different configurations, depending on whether the fuse is used in a system that is used in a polarized or non-polarized system. In each scenario, the fuse includes a number of diodes, one of which is a light emitting diode (LED) that will be lit up when the fuse is working and will not be lit up when the fuse is broken and/or not working. Another embodiment utilizes solely LEDs. |
| US08395466B2 |
Bionic telescopic matrix unit
A bionic telescopic matrix unit is disclosed, which is composed of a slide shaft (6), a metal guide pipe (7), an elastic telescopic shell (2) and an electromagnetic coil (3). In the elastic telescopic shell (2), the slide shaft (6) made of a permanent magnet extends into the metal guide pipe (7) via the front end of said pipe (7) and comes into sliding contact with the inner tube wall of the metal guide pipe (7). The rear end of the metal guide pipe (7) and the front end of the slide shaft (6) protrude out through the front and back openings respectively of said elastic telescopic shell (2), said front and back openings of said elastic telescopic shell (2) being fixedly connected to the outer peripheral wall of the metal guide pipe (7) and to the slide shaft (6) respectively, thus connecting the metal guide pipe (7) with the slide shaft (6). The elongation length of the elastic telescopic shell (2) corresponds to the reciprocating stroke of the slide shaft (6) in the guide pipe (7); the electromagnetic coil (3) wound on the outer peripheral wall of the metal guide pipe (7) is covered by the elastic telescopic shell (2). Two ends of the electromagnetic coil (3) are duly connected with the positive and negative poles of a power supply. The telescopic matrix unit can simulate the functions of movement caused by animal muscle tissue extension, thus enabling greater flexibility and freedom in the mechanical limb movements of humanoid, etc. robots. |
| US08395457B2 |
Pulse width modulation signal generator and method
A triangular wave generator in a pulse width modulation signal generator to generate a triangular wave signal and a pair of pulse signals. The first pulse signal is pulsed for a given duration of time when the triangular wave signal reaches a minimum limit thereof. The second pulse signal is pulsed for a given duration of time when the triangular wave signal reaches a maximum limit thereof. The voltage comparator generates a first pulse width modulation signal by comparing the triangular wave signal with an externally supplied direct current signal. The wave shaping circuit generates a second pulse width modulation signal by removing chattering components occurring immediately after rising and falling edges of the first pulse width modulation signal with a masking signal generated based on the first and second pulse signals and the first pulse width modulation signal. |
| US08395454B2 |
Synchronized output of multiple ring oscillators
A circuit for producing a synchronized output of multiple ring oscillators is disclosed. In one embodiment, the circuit includes a first ring oscillator configured to generate a first periodic signal and a second ring oscillator configured to generate a second periodic signal. The circuit may further include a selection unit coupled to receive the first periodic signal and the second periodic signal. The selection unit is configured to convey a first clock edge into each of the first and second ring oscillators responsive to a most recently received rising edge from one of the first and second periodic signals. The selection unit is further configured to convey a second clock edge into each of the first and second ring oscillators responsive to a most recently received falling edge from one of the first and second periodic signals, wherein the first and second clock edges are opposite in direction. |
| US08395451B2 |
Low 1/f noise high-frequency broadband amplifier (DC-12 GHz)
A N-Channel HJ-FET cascode amplifier, with a High Frequency NPN Transistor differential error amplifier, having low 1/f noise, a DC to 12 GHz bandwidth, flat frequency response, excellent transient response, high linearity, and low input and output VSWR over a wide frequency range. |
| US08395449B2 |
Network for controlling the power supply to a system of active elements
The present invention relates to a power supply control network of an amplifying active elements system enabling at least one control signal to be transmitted to N different control systems of the power supply voltage of P different composed active amplifying elements. It comprises a set of distributor elements of power supply control signals connected in cascade. |
| US08395447B2 |
Low-noise amplifier
A low-noise amplifier comprises an input terminal to which a signal is input; a transistor configured to amplify the signal input to the input terminal; an output terminal through which the amplified signal from the transistor is output; a feedback amount regulator circuit configured to regulate an amplitude of the signal output from the transistor as a feedback amount and output a voltage; a bias circuit configured to generate a bias current fed to the transistor; a differential voltage comparator configured to compare the voltage output from the feedback amount regulator circuit to a reference voltage, determine whether or not a level of the signal input to the input terminal is a level at which a gain of the transistor is suppressed, and increase the bias current fed to the transistor when the differential voltage comparator determines that the level of the signal input to the input terminal is the level at which the gain of the transistor is suppressed; a first input bias circuit configured to generate the reference voltage and apply the reference voltage to one input end of the differential voltage comparator; and a second input bias circuit configured to add a bias voltage to the voltage output from the feedback amount regulator circuit and apply the voltage added with the bias voltage to the other input end of the differential voltage comparator. |
| US08395443B2 |
Doherty amplifier
A Doherty amplifier includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, a transmission line, a synthesizer, and an output load. The first amplifier amplifies an RF input signal according to a voltage applied to a supply terminal thereof. The second amplifier amplifies a peak component of the RF input signal according to a voltage applied to a supply terminal thereof. The transmission line is coupled to an output terminal of the first amplifier. The synthesizer is coupled to an output terminal of the transmission line and an output terminal of the second amplifier. It is set such that the voltage applied to the supply terminal of the first amplifier is lower than the voltage applied to the supply terminal of the second amplifier, and that an impedance value of the transmission line is smaller than a value twice an impedance value of the output load. |
| US08395438B2 |
Switched capacitor voltage converters
An on-chip voltage conversion apparatus for integrated circuits includes a first capacitor; a first NFET device configured to selectively couple a first electrode of the first capacitor to a low side voltage rail of a first voltage domain; a first PFET device configured to selectively couple the first electrode of the first capacitor to a high side voltage rail of the first voltage domain; a second NFET device configured to selectively couple a second electrode of the first capacitor to a low side voltage rail of a second voltage domain, wherein the low side voltage rail of the second voltage domain corresponds to the high side voltage rail of the first voltage domain; and a second PFET device configured to selectively couple the second electrode of the first capacitor to a high side voltage rail of the second voltage domain. |
| US08395437B2 |
Charge pump circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit
Provided is a charge pump circuit which is preferably used for reducing noise generated when electric charges are accumulated in a capacitor of the charge pump circuit. A load driving system 1 includes a charge pump circuit 2, a clock generation circuit 4, an amplifier circuit 6, and a load 8. The charge pump circuit 2 includes capacitors C1 and C2, a transistor PTr3 which is a P-channel MOS transistor and controls current supply to the C1, switching elements SW1 to SW3, and a supply current control circuit 20. The charge pump circuit 2 switches the SW1 to SW3, to thereby perform the accumulation of electric charges to the C1 and the transfer of the accumulated electric charges to the C2 for generating a negative power source. The supply current control circuit 20 includes a transistor PTr4, a switching element SW4, and a transistor NTr6 which forms a current mirror with a transistor NTr5 which constitutes an output stage of the amplifier circuit 6. The C1 is charged with a supply current which is positively correlated with a load current via the NTr6, the SW4, the PTr3, and the PTr4. |
| US08395429B2 |
Signal generating device and frequency synthesizer
A frequency synthesizer using a PLL has a simple structure and excellent spurious characteristics. A reference frequency signal inputted into a phase comparison unit is generated based on a clock when a zero cross point of a sawtooth wave composed of a digital signal is detected. However, in this case, since the digital values are skipped values, the digital value does not always become zero when its positive/negative sign is inverted. Hence, where the clock signals reading the digital value immediately before and the digital value immediately after the zero cross time when the positive/negative sign is inverted in a region where the digital value gradually changes are P1 and P2 respectively and the clock signal at a timing next to the clock signal P2 is P3, P1 and P3 are used at a ratio corresponding to the ratio between the digital values read by P1 and P2. |
| US08395428B2 |
Reference clock sampling digital PLL
A digital phase locked loop (DPLL) operates in the frequency domain. The period (and hence frequency) of a reference frequency clock signal is determined by sampling with a (higher frequency) digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) clock. The period is compared to the period representation of a desired frequency, and the frequency error signal is integrated in a loop filter and applied as a control input to the DCO. To prevent spurious emissions resulting from the accumulation of quantization errors in the frequency determination and comparison operations, the arrival time of state transition edges of the reference frequency clock signal are randomized prior to sampling. The edge randomization control signal preferably has a triangular probability density function, and its spectrum has most significant energy outside the loop bandwidth of the DPLL; hence, the spurious emissions caused by the accumulation of quantization errors are filtered out by the loop filter. |
| US08395425B2 |
High-precision oscillator systems with feed forward compensation for CCFL driver systems and methods thereof
System and method for generating one or more ramp signals. The method includes an oscillator configured to generate at least a clock signal, and a ramp signal generator configured to receive at least the clock signal and generate a first ramp signal. Additionally, the ramp signal generator is coupled to a first resistor including a first terminal and a second terminal. The first resistor is configured to receive an input voltage at the first terminal and is coupled to the ramp signal generator at the second terminal. Moreover, the first resistor is associated with a first resistance value. Also, the clock signal is associated with at least a predetermined frequency. The predetermined frequency does not change if the input voltage changes from a first magnitude to a second magnitude. The first magnitude is different from the second magnitude. |
| US08395417B2 |
Digital noise filter
A digital noise filter circuit includes a gating clock generating circuit and a noise filter circuit. The gating clock generating circuit compares logic levels of an input signal and an output signal of the noise filter circuit. The gating clock generating circuit supplies a gating clock as an operating clock to the noise filter circuit when the logic levels of both signals do not coincide, and halts supply of the gating clock when the logic levels of both signals do coincide. The noise filter circuit removes noise from the input signal and outputting the resultant signal as the output signal. |
| US08395416B2 |
Incorporating an independent logic block in a system-on-a-chip
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a logic having a first link interface to enable communication with an intellectual property (IP) logic adapted on a single semiconductor die with the logic, where the IP logic includes a second link interface coupled to the first link interface via an on-die interconnect. In this way, the IP logic can be unmodified with respect to a standalone device having the IP logic incorporated therein. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08395409B2 |
Testing for multiplexer logic associated with a multiplexed input/output pin
An integrated circuit includes a first multiplexer (mux) with multiple inputs and configured to produce a mux output signal. The electronic circuit also includes a first gated buffer to receive the mux output signal from the first multiplexer and produce a first gated buffer output signal, a second gated buffer to receive the first gated buffer output signal and to produce a second gated buffer output signal to be provided to a pin, and a receive buffer. The receive buffer is coupled to the pin and receives an input signal from the pin. The electronic circuit operates in a test mode in which the second gated buffer is disabled preventing a test signal provided to an input of the first mux from reaching the pin. Instead, the test signal is provided through the first mux to the first gated buffer and to the receive buffer thereby testing the first mux. |
| US08395404B2 |
Electronic device including electronic part and wiring substrate
An electronic device includes an electronic part and a wiring substrate. The electronic part includes a rewiring substrate, a semiconductor chip, and solder bumps arranged in a matrix form. The wiring substrate includes a wire and lands arranged in a matrix form corresponding to the solder bumps. Each of the lands is coupled with corresponding one of the solder bumps so as to form connection portions. The connection portions include nonfunctional connection portions that do not provide an electric connection between the semiconductor chip and the wire. The lands forming the nonfunctional connection portions include a power source land and a ground land arranged next to each other in a row direction or a column direction. The lands that are arranged next to the lands forming the nonfunctional connection portions in the row direction or the column direction are set to signal lands. |
| US08395402B2 |
Frequency extension methods and apparatus for low-frequency electronic instrumentation
An electronic measuring system for extending the effective measurement input frequency range of an electronic measuring instrument includes an electronic measuring instrument and a frequency downconverting subsystem, separate from the electronic measuring instrument, having one or more cascaded (i.e., series-connected) downconverting frequency extending units (FEU-Ds). Each FEU-D of the frequency downconverting subsystem includes a downconverting circuit (e.g., a block downconverter) enclosed within a housing. The frequency downconverting subsystem operates to downconvert a test signal from a device under test (DUT) to a downconverted test signal having a frequency within the permissible input frequency range of the measuring instrument, thereby extending the effective measurement input frequency range of the electronic measuring instrument. |
| US08395398B2 |
Method of characterizing particles
Mixtures containing homogeneously-sized particles with a minimum concentration of agglomerates or larger particles are desired in various manufacturing processes such as, for example, in the manufacture and use of chemical mechanical polishing slurries, food emulsions, pharmaceutical products, paints, and print toner. The method disclosed herein provides these industries with an accurate and efficient method of screening such mixtures for such agglomerates and large particles. The method generally includes preparing a suspension of the mixture in an electrolyte, wherein the suspension includes a specified concentration of small particles per unit of electrolyte. The method further includes passing the prepared suspension, and a plurality of the particles therein, through an aperture of a device capable of characterizing particles according to the Coulter principle to obtain data on the particles. Still further, the method includes deriving a particle size distribution of the large particles from the obtained data. The suspension includes at least one small particle per aperture volume. The large particles have an average diameter that is at least five times greater than the average diameter of the small particles. The aperture has a diameter that is (i) at least 50 times greater than the average diameter of the small particles, and (ii) about 1.2 times greater than the average diameter of the large particles to less than about 50 times greater than the average diameter of the large particles. |
| US08395394B2 |
System and method for power system component testing
A method of testing a power system component is disclosed. The method includes coupling a test set to the power system component and displaying a test form on a display integral with the test set. The method also comprises inputting at least a first test control parameter into the test form using an interface integral with the test set. The method also comprises stimulating the power system component using the test set to produce a first response of the power system component, wherein the stimulating is performed based at least in part on the first test control parameter. The method also comprises displaying a first test result in the test form on the display, wherein the first test result is based on the first response. |
| US08395390B2 |
Method and apparatus for charging a battery
A method of testing a battery including several steps described herein is provided. |
| US08395389B2 |
Lamp with metering device
A generator generates electricity by non-combustion means. A battery stores the generated electricity. An electrical appliance is powered by the stored electricity. A metering device tallies an operating parameter indicative of the amount of electrical energy consumed by the appliance. A housing supports the generator, the battery, the appliance and the metering device. A device, including the generator, the battery, the metering device and the housing, is manually portable. |
| US08395386B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and RF coil unit
According to one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a correction data acquisition unit configured to perform diffusion weighted imaging to a phantom having a known apparent diffusion coefficient and measure an apparent diffusion coefficient of the phantom to acquire correction data from a measured apparent diffusion coefficient and the known apparent diffusion coefficient, and an image generating unit configured to perform diffusion weighted imaging to an object with a same parameter setting as that of the diffusion weighted imaging to the phantom to generate an apparent diffusion coefficient image from a diffusion weighted imaging data of the object and the correction data. |
| US08395383B2 |
Current sensor including magnetic detecting element
A current sensor includes a magnetic detecting element, a bridge circuit including a plurality of resistance elements, and a feedback coil placed adjacent to the magnetic detecting element and generating a cancelling magnetic field for cancelling the induced magnetic field based on the output from the bridge circuit. The wiring patterns forming the bridge circuit are routed so as not to intersect with each other when seen in a plan view. Only the resistance elements constituting each series circuit of the bridge circuit are connected to each other by the wiring pattern in an enclosed area which encloses each resistance element constituting the bridge circuit, and the wiring pattern branched from the wiring pattern is connected to the terminal which is installed in a quantity of only one, outside the enclosed area. |
| US08395381B2 |
Micromachined magnetic field sensors
A micromachined magnetic field sensor integrated with electronics is disclosed. The magnetic field sensors utilize Hall-effect sensing mechanisms to achieve 3-axis sensing. A Z axis sensor can be fabricated either on a device layer or on a conventional IC substrate with the design of conventional horizontal Hall plates. An X and Y axis sensor are constructed on the device layer. In some embodiments, a magnetic flux concentrator is applied to enhance the performance of the magnetic field sensor. In some embodiments, the magnetic field sensors are placed on slope sidewalls to achieve 3-axis magnetic sensing system. In some embodiments, a stress isolation structure is incorporated to lower the sensor offset. The conventional IC substrate and device layer are connected electrically to form a 3-axis magnetic sensing system. The magnetic field sensor can also be integrated with motion sensors that are constructed in the similar technology. |
| US08395378B2 |
Nondestructive robotic inspection method and system therefor
A method and system for inspecting components, such as a rotating component of a turbomachines having one or more slots along a perimeter thereof. The method entails mounting to a robotic apparatus a probe assembly that includes a holder assembly to which a probe tip is mounted, an eddy current coil within the probe tip and adjacent a first face thereof, a touch probe contact located at a second face of the probe tip, an element for enabling relative movement between the probe tip and holder assembly, and an element for biasing the probe tip relative to the holder assembly in a direction parallel to the movement. The probe tip is then placed in a slot and caused to travel along the surface of the slot to electromagnetically inspect the slot for cracks in its surface while the first face of the probe tip is maintained in contact with a slot surface. |
| US08395376B2 |
Method and apparatus for magnetic response imaging
An apparatus and method for identifying, measuring, and monitoring metal loss through corrosion or other deleterious factors in ferromagnetic piping and ferromagnetic objects. Drive coils secured to the object are driven to emit a magnetic field which is transmitted through the object by magnetic domains in the object. Response coils detect the magnetic domains and generate a response signal. The drive and response signals can penetrate insulating materials and non-ferromagnetic metallic coverings of the piping and vessels. The system operates reiteratively over an extended period of time, e.g., months or years, to detect loss of magnetic domains which is an important indicator of corrosion and deterioration of the object. |
| US08395373B2 |
Phasor estimation during current transformer saturation
A method, device and computer program product for determining at least one property of a current (Ip) running through the primary winding of a transformer operating in saturation using an unreliable detected current (Is) running through the secondary winding of the transformer. According to the invention a first reliable extreme point (EP1) of a cycle of the current in the secondary winding is detected and compared with an absolute time reference. Based on the comparison a first property of the current running through the primary winding in the form of the phase angle is then determined. |
| US08395372B2 |
Method for measuring current in an electric power distribution system
A method of measuring a current of a current carrying cable teaches the first step of providing an optical sensor assembly comprising a base unit, and an optical current sensor mounted on the base unit for transmitting a beam of polarized electromagnetic radiation to an optical fiber. A light detector is also provided having a first channel that operably connecting the light detector to an analog to digital converter through a programmable gain amplifier, a second channel that operably connects the light detector directly to the analog to digital converter, and a processor operably connected to the analog to digital converter. The optical sensor assembly is mounted adjacent the current carrying cable, and the fiber optic is operably connected to a light detector. A plurality of factors are then evaluated from rotation information from the light detector, by using the first and second channels for analog to digital conversion operably connected with the processor. |
| US08395369B2 |
Buck converter with delay circuit
A buck converter includes a power supply unit, two MOSFETs and a delay circuit. The PWM module is coupled to the gates of the two MOSFETs to alternatively turn on the two MOSFETs. The delay circuit is coupled between an output terminal and an input node of the PWM module for making sure that a voltage applied to the PWM module is after a voltage applied to a drain the MOSFETs. |
| US08395368B2 |
Adaptive voltage position DC-DC regulators and the method thereof
The present invention discloses an adaptive voltage position DC-DC regulator and the method thereof, the regulator comprising a main circuit and a control circuit which includes a sensing unit, a feedback unit, a comparing unit, a PWM generator and a driver. The regulator realizes the adaptive voltage position control with simple internal circuit and fewer pins. |
| US08395365B2 |
Non-linear PWM controller
In one embodiment, the controller of these teachings includes a nonlinear controller component capable of providing an amplitude determining input signal to a control signal providing component, the control signal providing component providing output having a predetermined amplitude substantially over one time interval from a number of time intervals or output having a predetermined average amplitude substantially over one time interval from a number of time intervals, the amplitude determining input signal corresponding to at least one predetermined system state variable. The nonlinear controller component is operatively connected to receive as inputs at least one predetermined system state variable. A relationship between the amplitude determining input signal and at least one predetermined system state variable is obtained by a predetermined method. |
| US08395364B2 |
Internal packaging of a semiconductor device mounted on die pads
The reliability of a semiconductor device is improved.A package of a semiconductor device internally includes a first semiconductor chip and a second semiconductor chip in which power MOS•FETs are formed and a third semiconductor chip in which a control circuit controlling the first and second semiconductor chips is formed. The first to third semiconductor chips are mounted on die pads respectively. Source electrode bonding pads of the first semiconductor chip on a high side are electrically connected with a first die pad of the die pads via a metal plate. On a top surface of the die pad 7D2, a plated layer formed in a region where the second semiconductor chip is mounted, and another plated layer formed in a region where the metal plate is joined are provided and the plated layers are separated each other with a region where no plated layer is formed in between. |
| US08395359B2 |
Charge controller
A charge controller includes a power supply circuit and a battery charge circuit. The power supply circuit converts the input voltage into an output voltage for supply to the load at the output terminal. The power supply circuit includes an output current detection circuit and an output current limiting circuit. The output current detection circuit detects an output current supplied through the power supply circuit. The output current limiting circuit limits the output current below a maximum output current limit. The battery charge circuit derives power from the power supply circuit to charge a secondary battery. The battery charge circuit includes a charge current detection circuit and a charge current setting circuit. The charge current detection circuit detects a charge current supplied to the secondary battery. The charge current setting circuit regulates the charge current to a set current value. |
| US08395357B2 |
Charging system and method for managing electric quantity of battery
A method for managing electric quantity of a battery is disclosed. The method includes charging a battery normally with a 4.2V voltage when a temperature of the battery is lower than a first threshold temperature; charging the battery continuously when the temperature of the battery is higher than the first threshold temperature and lower than a second threshold temperature and the electric quantity of the battery is lower than a first threshold voltage. On the contrary, the battery is not charged any more when the temperature of the battery is between the first threshold temperature and the second threshold temperature and the electric quantity of the battery is higher than the first threshold voltage or a first capacity. If the temperature of the battery is higher than a second threshold temperature, the battery is not charged any more regardless of the battery voltage. |
| US08395356B2 |
Electric facility operating according to galvanic principles, such as a lithium-ion cell, comprising a control for the operating conditions
A facility which operates according to galvanic principles, such as in particular a lithium-ion accumulator, and a method for monitoring and controlling an electric operating condition of the facility. The facility comprises at least one galvanic cell and an operating management system for monitoring and controlling the electric operating condition of the facility and for monitoring a representative temperature of the facility. The operating management system is designed to control the electric operating condition of the facility as a function of the temperature. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. |
| US08395355B2 |
Power supply system and vehicle with the system
A vehicle includes a charging unit receiving electric power from an external power source and externally charging a power storage unit. When a connector unit is coupled to the vehicle and a state ready for charging by the external power source is attained, a controller predicts degradation ratio of the power storage unit at the time point of completion of external charging based on degradation characteristic of the power storage unit in connection with SOC and battery temperature obtained in advance, and sets target state of charge of each power storage unit based on the battery temperatures so that the predicted degradation ratio does not exceed tolerable degradation ratio at the time point of completion of external charging. Then, the controller controls corresponding converters such that SOCs of power storage units attain the target states of charge. |
| US08395350B2 |
Method of charging a hybrid electric vehicle
A method for charging a hybrid electric vehicle having a high voltage battery that both propels the vehicle and starts the vehicle. More specifically, if the high voltage battery has a depleted or diminished charge and is unable to start an internal combustion engine, then the method described herein may be used to charge the high voltage battery with energy from a low voltage external power source. In one embodiment, the low voltage external power source is a conventional car battery that is connected to the hybrid electric vehicle by way of jumper cables. |
| US08395339B2 |
Motor control device
A motor control device that has a high-frequency component, and a DC bias component that has a magnitude which causes a motor to be magnetically saturated and take on a certain value over a predetermined period, and is positively and negatively symmetrical are impressed as an observation command on a d-axis current command. The polarity of the magnetic pole of a permanent magnet is identified based on a relationship of large and small magnitudes between a first amplitude, which is attained during a period during which a DC bias component takes on a positive certain value, among amplitudes of a high-frequency component contained in a d-axis response voltage computed based on a feedback current respondent to the observation command, and a second amplitude attained during a period during which the DC bias component takes on a negative certain value. |
| US08395338B2 |
Control system for multiphase electric rotating machine
A control system controls a multiphase rotating machine by a 120° energization process and a PWM process. In the 120° energization process, respective ones of switching elements of a high side arm and switching elements of a low side arm of a power conversion circuit are turned on. In the PWM process, the switching elements of the power conversion circuit turn on/off so that two phases that are connected to the switching elements that are in the on-state are alternately rendered conductive to the high potential side input terminal and the low potential side input terminal of the power conversion circuit. |
| US08395333B2 |
Electro magnetic ballast for a gas discharge lamp
An electro magnetic ballast (110) for a gas discharge lamp (2) comprises: input terminals (3), for receiving a mains voltage; lamp connector terminals (4), for receiving a lamp; a controllable semiconductor switch (26) coupled in parallel to the lamp connector terminals; a current sensor (127) connected in series with the controllable switch (26); and a control circuit (28) for controlling the controllable switch (26) and responsive to the current sensor (127). When operating in a normal mode, the control circuit (28) is responsive to a current sense signal received from the current sensor to switch the controllable switch (26) ON if said current sense signal indicates a current flowing in the controllable switch (26) and to switch the controllable switch (26) OFF if said current sense signal indicates that no current is flowing in the controllable switch (26). |
| US08395330B2 |
Active enclosure for computing device
A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a housing having an illuminable portion. The computing device also includes a light device disposed inside the housing. The light device is configured to illuminate the illuminable portion. |
| US08395329B2 |
LED ballast power supply having digital controller
A power supply for an LED lamp has a set of coupled coils, primary-side power circuitry including a converter power switch for conducting input power, and secondary-side power circuitry including a dimming power switch. Power control circuitry includes converter control circuitry which generates a converter control signal for the converter power switch to maintain a desired undimmed level of lamp current at a normal operating value of a lamp voltage. Dimming control circuitry generates a dimming control signal for the dimming power switch to pulse-width modulate the lamp current at a duty cycle corresponding to a desired dimming. Operation of the converter control circuitry is modified during dimming to prevent an automatic increase of the lamp voltage in response to a decrease in lamp current, avoiding undesirable overshooting of the lamp current and providing more accurate and effective control over dimming operation. |
| US08395328B2 |
Light emitting diode driver and method
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for controlling a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). A communications protocol is also provided, which comprises a START code, a first Command packet and at least one subsequent Command packet. An LED driver receives a signal according to the protocol, and separates the first Command packet from the signal and controls an LED associated with the LED driver in accordance with instructions in the first Command packet. The LED driver then outputs the remaining signal for use by one or more subsequent LED drivers. |
| US08395327B2 |
High-pressure discharge lamp lighting device and lighting fixture using the same
A high-pressure discharge lamp lighting device includes: a power converter circuit which includes a plurality of switching elements and an inductance element, converts an input from a DC power supply, and supplies a rectangular wave AC output to a high-pressure discharge lamp; and a control circuit which controls the switching elements of the power converter circuit. The control circuit performs first lighting control in which the switching elements of the power converter circuit are controlled in order to supply a current to a peak value for each switching cycle, and performs second lighting control in which desired power is supplied during steadily lighting state of the high-pressure discharge lamp; and the first lighting control and the second lighting control are switched over in response to a lighting state of the high-pressure discharge lamp. |
| US08395307B2 |
Spark plug for preventing accumulation of carbon on an insulator
A spark plug which provides reliable prevention of adhesion and accumulation of carbon on an insulator, includes a center electrode extending in the direction of an axis CL1, a ceramic insulator having an axial hole which extends in the direction of the axis CL1 and in which the center electrode is provided, a cylindrical metallic shell provided externally of the outer circumference of the insulator and having a support portion formed on the inner circumferential surface thereof, and a ground electrode extending from a front end portion of the metallic shell. The insulator has a stepped portion supported by the support portion of the metallic shell, and a leg portion formed forward of the stepped portion. A space SP formed between the leg portion of the insulator and the inner circumferential surface of the metallic shell has a volume of 100 mm3 to 300 mm3 inclusive. |
| US08395306B2 |
Light source unit and projector
A light source unit includes: an arc tube having a light-emitting portion; a secondary reflector covering part of the periphery of the light-emitting portion and being provided with a secondary reflecting surface for reflecting light emitted from the light-emitting portion; a primary reflector having a primary reflecting surface for reflecting the light emitted from the light-emitting portion and the light reflected from the secondary reflector; a first electrode; and a second electrode; wherein the second electrode is arranged at a position which causes an ionic wind to be induced by applying a voltage between the second electrode and the first electrode and causes air between the secondary reflecting surface and the light-emitting portion to flow, and either one of the first electrode or the second electrode is arranged between the arc tube and the secondary reflector. |
| US08395303B2 |
Impedance matching piezoelectric transformer
To provide a piezoelectric transformer which can reduce the capacity of an input unit and realize a impedance matching with a drive circuit of an input side. A piezoelectric transformer includes: a piezoelectric substrate (11) having both main surfaces of a rectangular shape; and input side electrodes (12, 13, 15, 16) and output side electrodes (14, 17) formed on the both main surfaces of the piezoelectric substrate (11). A pair of opposing input side electrodes (12, 13, 15, 16) are arranged on the both surfaces of the piezoelectric substrate (11) in the first input unit (A1) and the second input unit (A2). At least one of the pair of input side electrodes (12, 13, 15, 16) is a partial electrode arranged at the center portion of the main surface of the piezoelectric substrate (11) in the first input unit (A1) and the second input unit (A2). |
| US08395301B1 |
High power single crystal piezoelectric transformer
A piezoelectric transformer includes a single crystal relaxor ferroelectric element poled along a [0 11] direction and selected from the group consisting of PZN-PT, PMN-PZT, PZN-PT and PMN-PT. The element has two opposed surfaces substantially perpendicular to the [0 11] direction with an input electrode and an output electrode positioned on one surface. The output electrode is isolated from electrical communication with the input electrode. A ground electrode is positioned on the second, opposed surface. Input electrical energy results in piezoelectric change in the element that is mechanically coupled through the element to generate piezoelectric output energy. |
| US08395298B2 |
Radioisotope fueled rotary actuator for micro and nano vehicles
The invention provides an actuator apparatus and method where a source provides electrons to a target material wherein electrical work is performed. A beta emission process comprises a source material emitting electrons which are then captured by a target material. The actuator's source vanes rotate within an electric field between the target chutes' walls, generating torque. The principal providing torque and power is the change in energy as a vane gets closer to the outer walls. During the release and capture process, electrical work is performed which, in turn, is transferred into mechanical work in the form of rotation of the rotor. Specific applications include a radioisotope fueled rotary actuator for micro and nano air vehicles employed as the main form of propulsion. |
| US08395297B2 |
Electric machine having at least two pairs of carbon brushes
An electric machine has at least two pairs of carbon brushes made up of one plus and one minus carbon brush, which interact with a commutator in order to supply current to the rotor, the carbon brushes being mounted with their brush holder on a brush plate via a mount, and the mounts on the brush plate lying across from each other at 180°. The holding part on at least one brush holder is offset from the center, in particular from the axis of symmetry of the brush holder, by an angle relative to the rotor axis so as to realize an asymmetrical placement of the carbon brush, the holding part on the other brush holders being disposed on their axes of symmetry. |
| US08395295B2 |
Laminated sheet winding
Apparatuses, systems, and methods provide for high density laminated sheet windings in axial and radial flux configurations. According to embodiments described herein, motor components such as a rotor or stator include a number of stacked sheets of conductive material. The stacked sheets are electrically connected in series to create a winding. Each motor component includes a number of conductors spaced apart with apertures between. The motor components are stacked and configured with the conductors of one rotor or stator positioned within the apertures of the other rotor or stator to create a thin, high density conductor. A magnemotive force is created when the magnetic flux is positioned over the conductors. |
| US08395293B2 |
Permanent magnet rotor
A permanent magnet rotor for an brushless electric motor of the kind having an internal stator, has a supporting structure made of molded plastic that includes an essentially disc-shaped portion to which a shaft is centrally connected. The periphery of the disc is joined to an essentially cylindrical cage portion which extends coaxially around the shaft. A plurality of magnetically conductive yokes are disposed in the cage portion. The yokes are shaped as ring segments which as a whole form an essentially cylindrical wall. A plurality of ring segment permanent magnets are each disposed astride the junction of a pair of adjacent yokes. Each yoke has a dimension which increases from the circumferential ends thereof towards its circumferentially intermediate portion, such that the cross-sectional area of the yoke in a radial plane correspondingly increases from the ends thereof towards its intermediate portion. |
| US08395290B2 |
Connecting device for electrically connecting a three-phase motor
A connecting device for electrically connecting a three-phase motor having three windings (U, V, W) to a three-phase network. The connecting device comprises a mains connection unit (18; 68) for connecting the phase lines (L1, L2, L3) of the three-phase network, and a motor connection unit (14; 110) for connecting the six winding ends (U1, U2, V1, V2, W1, W2) of the three-phase motor. An exchangeable coupling module (16; 70, 72; 70, 72′) is furthermore provided, which is arranged between the mains connection unit and the motor connection unit and contains contacts and wiring elements electrically connecting the six winding ends (U1, U2, V1, V2, W1, W2) in a predefined manner to the three phase lines (L1, L2, L3) of the three-phase network. |
| US08395288B2 |
Electric machine with centrifugal impeller
An electrical machine having a centrifugal compressor for producing a fluid flow to cool one or more portions thereof. In one embodiment, the fluid is separated into separate flows, each of the flows flowing through only a portion of an annular gap formed between a rotor and stator of the electrical machine. According to some embodiments, the centrifugal compressor pushes a fluid through the electrical machine, whereas, in other embodiments, the centrifugal compressor pulls the fluid through the electrical machine. The centrifugal compressor includes an impeller that is attached to a shaft of the rotor. According to other embodiments, the electrical machine may include longitudinal channels formed between a housing of the electrical machine and the stator. A first flow of the fluid travels through the annular gap, and a second flow travels through the longitudinal channels. The electrical machine may also include a damper disposed in the longitudinal channels. |
| US08395286B2 |
Linear vibrator
The linear vibrator includes a base forming a hollow space, a suspension fixed on the base, and an oscillating portion suspended in the hollow space by the suspension. The suspension defines a flat part, a connecting portion bent downward from the flat part, and a spring portion extended horizontally in a direction parallel to flat part from the end of the connecting portion. The suspension is directly connected with the outside component, thereby transmitting the vibration to the outside component rapidly. |
| US08395278B2 |
Method and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine
A starting system for an internal combustion engine includes a starter motor configured to transfer torque to the engine during an engine starting event, a low-voltage power bus including a first bus segment and a second bus segment, a controllable isolation circuit including a first state wherein the first and second bus segments are electrically coupled and a second state wherein the first and second bus segments are electrically isolated, a low-voltage battery and the starter motor electrically coupled to the first bus segment, an accessory power module and a power supply for a control module electrically coupled to the second bus segment; and the control module configured to control the isolation circuit to the second state to electrically isolate the first bus segment from the second bus segment during the engine starting event. |
| US08395276B2 |
Modular array wind energy nozzle with increased throughput
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a wind energy conversion system including a plurality of wind energy conversion modules integrated into a superstructure for the conversion of wind energy to electrical energy, each one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules including a nozzle comprising: an intake having an intake length; a throat coupled in fluid communication with a wind power generating turbine, wherein the throat is downstream of the intake; a diffuser comprising a housing and having a length, the diffuser downstream from the throat, wherein a diameter of the diffuser is greater than a diameter of the throat; and a vortex-forming aerodynamic feature on at least one of the intake, the throat, the turbine, and the diffuser, wherein the aerodynamic feature acts to increase throughput through the nozzle. |
| US08395273B2 |
Wind turbine generator, active damping method thereof, and windmill tower
A wind turbine generator, an active damping method thereof, and a windmill tower in which vibrations of the wind turbine generator itself or the windmill tower can be reduced at low cost are provided. The acceleration due to vibrations of a nacelle is detected with an accelerometer attached to the nacelle. In an active damping unit, a pitch angle of windmill blades for generating a thrust on the windmill blades so as to cancel out the vibrations of the nacelle is calculated on the basis of the acceleration, and the pitch angle is output as a blade-pitch-angle command δθ* for damping. On the other hand, in a pitch-angle control unit, a pitch angle of the windmill blades for controlling the output to be a predetermined value is calculated, and the pitch angle is output as a blade-pitch-angle command θ* for output control. The blade-pitch-angle command δθ* for damping is combined with the blade-pitch-angle command θ* for output control using a subtracter. The pitch angle of the windmill blades is controlled on the basis of the resulting blade-pitch-angle command after combining. |
| US08395272B2 |
Wind-power-station control apparatus and wind-power-station control method
A wind-power-station control apparatus is provided in a wind power station having a plurality of wind turbine generators. To reduce the electrical power supplied from the wind power station to the utility grid, the wind-power-station control apparatus performs, for a wind turbine generator whose actual output electrical power is small relative to the maximum electrical power that can be output, among the plurality of wind turbine generators, output-power reduction control for reducing the output power thereof and increasing the rotational speed of the rotor thereof. Thus, even when control for reducing the output power is performed for the wind turbine generator, it is possible to suppress waste of the wind energy received by the blades and to increase the total annual amount of generated electrical power. |
| US08395264B2 |
Substrate comprising alloy film of metal element having barrier function and metal element having catalytic power
A layer having a barrier function and catalytic power and excelling in formation uniformity and coverage of an ultrathin film, a pretreatment technique making it possible to form an ultrafine wiring and form a thin seed layer of uniform film thickness and a substrate including a thin seed layer formed with a uniform film thickness by electroless plating by using the aforementioned technique. A substrate in which an alloy film of one or more metal elements, having a barrier function and a metal element or metal elements, having catalytic power with respect to electroless plating is formed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on a base to a film thickness of 0.5 nm to 5 nm with a content ratio of the one or more metal element having a barrier function from 5 to 90 at. %. |
| US08395258B2 |
Semiconductor element, semiconductor device, and fabrication method thereof
Semiconductor elements and methods for fabricating semiconductor elements that allow semiconductor elements having the same function to utilize different packaging methods. An exemplary semiconductor element includes a first semiconductor element portion, including an internal circuit, electrodes electrically connected to the internal circuit, and a first insulating layer covering the internal circuit while exposing the electrodes; and a second semiconductor element portion electrically connected to the electrodes and formed on the first insulating layer, the second semiconductor element portion including a wiring layer having a first pad and a second pad, and a second insulating layer configured to cover either one of the first pad or the second pad while exposing the other one of the first pad and the second pad. |
| US08395252B1 |
Integrated MEMS and CMOS package and method
An apparatus for packaging MEMS and ICs can include a semiconductor substrate, one or more MEMS devices, an enclosure, and one or more bonding structures. The semiconductor substrate can be bonded to a portion of the surface region. The semiconductor substrate can include one or more integrated circuits. Also, the semiconductor substrate can have an upper surface region. The one or more MEMS devise can overlie an inner region of the upper surface region formed by the semiconductor substrate. The enclosure can house the one or more MEMS devices. The enclosure can overlie a first outer region of the upper surface region. Also, the enclosure can have an upper cover region. The one or more bonding structures can be provided within a second outer region of the supper surface region. |
| US08395246B2 |
Two-sided die in a four-sided leadframe based package
A method of fabricating a leadframe-based semiconductor package, and a semiconductor package formed thereby, are disclosed. In embodiments, a semiconductor die having die bond pads along two adjacent edges may be electrically coupled to four sides of a four-sided leadframe. Embodiments relate to lead and no-lead type leadframe. |
| US08395242B2 |
Semiconductor device having backside redistribution layers
Present embodiments relate to a semiconductor device having a backside redistribution layer and a method for forming such a layer. Specifically, one embodiment includes providing a substrate comprising a via formed therein. The substrate has a front side and a backside. The embodiment may further include forming a trench on the backside of the substrate, disposing an insulating material in the trench, and forming a trace over the insulating material in the trench. |
| US08395241B2 |
Through silicon via guard ring
The present disclosure relates to forming a plurality of through silicon vias guard rings proximate the scribes streets of a microelectronic device wafer. The microelectronic device wafer includes a substrate wherein the through silicon via guard ring is fabricated by forming vias extending completely through the substrate. The through silicon via guard rings act as crack arresters, such that defects caused by cracks resulting from the dicing of the microelectronic wafer are substantially reduced or eliminated. |
| US08395236B2 |
MIM capacitor structure having penetrating vias
The semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a plurality of capacitance elements. Each capacitance element has a structure obtained by holding a capacitance film made of an insulating material between first and second electrodes made of a metallic material. The first and second electrodes are so arranged as to partially overlap each other while relatively positionally deviating from each other in a direction orthogonal to the opposed direction thereof. The plurality of capacitance elements are stacked in the opposed direction. |
| US08395235B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device may include, but is not limited to a first electrode upwardly extending, and a second electrode upwardly extending along the first electrode. The first electrode includes a lower portion and an upper portion. The second electrode covers a bottom surface and an outer side surface of the lower portion of the first electrode. The upper portion of the first electrode is positioned higher than the second electrode. |
| US08395232B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes an antifuse element. The semiconductor device includes a first well of a first conductivity type disposed in a semiconductor substrate; a first insulating film on the first well; a first conductive film of the first conductivity type on the first insulating film; and an impurity-introduced region of the first conductivity type. The impurity-introduced region of the first conductivity type in the first well is higher in impurity concentration than the first well. The impurity-introduced region includes a first portion that faces toward the first conductive film through the first insulating film. |
| US08395230B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes: a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type disposed on the side of a first electrode; and a second semiconductor region having first pillar regions of the first conductivity type and second pillar regions of a second conductivity type, the first pillar regions and the second pillar regions being provided in paired state and alternately, in a device portion and a terminal portion surrounding the device portion, along a surface on the side of a second electrode disposed on the opposite side of the first semiconductor region from the first electrode. The semiconductor device further includes a lateral RESURF (reduced surface field) region of the second conductivity type disposed at a surface portion, on the opposite side from the first semiconductor region, of the second semiconductor region in the terminal portion. |
| US08395229B2 |
MEMS-based getter microdevice
A MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) getter microdevice for controlling the ambient pressure inside the hermetic packages that enclose various types of MEMS, photonic, or optoelectronic devices. The getter microdevice revolves around a platform suspended at a height above a substrate, and which is supported by supporting legs having low thermal conductance. Layers are deposited on the platform, such layers including a properly patterned resistor element, a heat-spreading layer and, finally, a thin-film getter material. When an electrical current flows through it, the resistor element heats the thin-film getter material until it reaches its activation temperature. The getter material then absorbs the gas species that could be present in the hermetic package, such gas species possibly impairing the operation of the devices housed in the packages while reducing their lifetime. The weak thermal conductance between the platform and the substrate helps in preventing damages to the surrounding devices when the MEMS getter microdevice is heated at its activation temperature, and it reduces the electrical power required for reaching the activation temperature as well. |
| US08395228B2 |
Integration process to improve focus leveling within a lot process variation
A method of improving the focus leveling response of a semiconductor wafer is described. The method includes combining organic and inorganic or metallic near infrared (NIR) hardmask on a semiconductor substrate; forming an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer on the combined organic NIR-absorption and the inorganic or metallic NIR-absorption hardmask; and forming a photoresist layer on the ARC layer. A semiconductor structure is also described including a substrate, a resist layer located over the structure; and an absorptive layer located over the substrate. The absorptive layer includes an inorganic or metallic NIR-absorbing hardmask layer. |
| US08395225B2 |
Semiconductor device, an electronic device and an electronic apparatus
A semiconductor device 1 includes: a base 2 mainly formed of a semiconductor material; a gate electrode 5; and a gate insulating film 3 provided between the base 2 and the gate electrode 5. The gate insulating film 3 is formed of an insulative inorganic material containing silicon, oxygen and element X other than silicon and oxygen as a main material. The gate insulating film 3 is provided in contact with the base 2, and contains hydrogen atoms. The gate insulating film 3 has a region where A and B satisfy the relation: B/A is 10 or less in the case where the total concentration of the element X in the region is defined as A and the total concentration of hydrogen in the region is defined as B. Further, the region is at least apart of the gate insulating film 3 in the thickness direction thereof. |
| US08395224B2 |
Linear gate level cross-coupled transistor device with non-overlapping PMOS transistors and non-overlapping NMOS transistors relative to directions of gate electrodes
A semiconductor device includes a cross-coupled transistor configuration formed by first and second PMOS transistors defined over first and second p-type diffusion regions, and by first and second NMOS transistors defined over first and second n-type diffusion regions, with each diffusion region electrically connected to a common node. Gate electrodes of the PMOS and NMOS transistors are formed by conductive features which extend in only a first parallel direction. The first and second p-type diffusion regions are formed in a spaced apart manner, such that no single line of extent that extends perpendicular to the first parallel direction intersects both the first and second p-type diffusion regions. The first and second n-type diffusion regions are formed in a spaced apart manner, such that no single line of extent that extends perpendicular to the first parallel direction intersects both the first and second n-type diffusion regions. |
| US08395219B2 |
Semiconductor device and fabrication method for the same
The semiconductor device includes a first transistor and a second transistor formed in a semiconductor substrate. The first transistor includes: a first gate insulating film formed on the semiconductor substrate; and a first gate electrode formed on the first gate insulating film. The second transistor includes: a second gate insulating film formed on the semiconductor substrate; and a second gate electrode formed on the second gate insulating film. The first gate insulating film includes a first insulating material with a first element diffused therein, the second gate insulating film includes the first insulating material, and the amount of the first element contained in the first gate insulating film is greater than the amount of the first element contained in the second gate insulating film. |
| US08395215B2 |
Germanium field effect transistors and fabrication thereof
Germanium field effect transistors and methods of fabricating them are described. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a germanium oxide layer over a substrate and forming a metal oxide layer over the germanium oxide layer. The germanium oxide layer and the metal oxide layer are converted into a first dielectric layer. A first electrode layer is deposited over the first dielectric layer. |
| US08395211B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a first conductive type semiconductor substrate; a first conductive type semiconductor region provided thereon in which first conductive type first pillar regions and second conductive type second pillar regions alternately arranged; second conductive type second semiconductor regions provided on second pillar regions in an element region to be in contact with first pillar regions therein; gate electrodes each provided on adjacent second semiconductor regions and on one of the first pillar region interposed therebetween; third semiconductor regions functioning as a first conductive type source region provided in parts of the second semiconductor regions located under side portions of the gate electrodes; and a second conductive type resurf region which is a part of a terminal region surrounding the element region and which is provided on first pillar regions and second pillar regions in the part of the terminal regions. |
| US08395210B2 |
DMOS transistor and method of manufacturing the same
The invention provides a DMOS transistor in which a leakage current is decreased and the source-drain breakdown voltage of the transistor in the off state is enhanced when a body layer is formed by oblique ion implantation. After a photoresist layer 18 is formed, using the photoresist layer 18 and a gate electrode 14 as a mask, first ion implantation is performed toward a first corner portion 14C1 on the inside of the gate electrode 14 in a first direction shown by an arrow A′. A first body layer 17A′ is formed by this first ion implantation. The first body layer 17A′ is formed so as to extend from the first corner portion 14C1 to under the gate electrode 14, and the P-type impurity concentration of the body layer 17A′ in the first corner portion 14C1 is higher than that of a conventional transistor. |
| US08395209B1 |
Single-sided access device and fabrication method thereof
A single-sided access device includes an active fin structure comprising a source contact area and a drain contact area separated from each other by an isolation region therebetween; a trench isolation structure disposed at one side of the active fin structure, wherein the trench isolation structure intersects with the isolation region between the source contact area and the drain contact area; a sidewall gate disposed under the isolation region and on the other side of the active fin structure opposite to the trench isolation structure so that the active fin structure is sandwiched by the trench isolation structure and the sidewall gate, wherein the sidewall gate has multi-fingers that engage with the active fin structure; and a gate dielectric layer between the sidewall gate and the active fin structure. |
| US08395208B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of producing the same
It is an object to provide an SGT production method capable of obtaining a structure for reducing a resistance of a gate, a desired gate length, desired source and drain configurations and a desired diameter of a pillar-shaped semiconductor. The object is achieved by a semiconductor device production method which comprises the steps of: forming a pillar-shaped first-conductive-type semiconductor layer; forming a second-conductive-type semiconductor layer underneath the pillar-shaped first-conductive-type semiconductor layer; forming a gate dielectric film and a gate electrode around the pillar-shaped first-conductive-type semiconductor layer; forming a sidewall-shaped dielectric film on an upper region of a sidewall of the pillar-shaped first-conductive-type semiconductor layer and in contact with a top of the gate; forming a sidewall-shaped dielectric film on a sidewall of the gate; and forming a second-conductive-type semiconductor layer in an upper portion of the pillar-shaped first-conductive-type semiconductor layer and on the second-conductive-type semiconductor layer formed underneath the pillar-shaped first-conductive-type semiconductor layer. |
| US08395207B2 |
High-voltage vertical transistor with a varied width silicon pillar
In one embodiment, a vertical HVFET includes a pillar of semiconductor material a pillar of semiconductor material arranged in a loop layout having at least two substantially parallel and substantially linear fillet sections each having a first width, and at least two rounded sections, the rounded sections having a second width narrower than the first width, a source region of a first conductivity type being disposed at or near a top surface of the pillar, and a body region of a second conductivity type being disposed in the pillar beneath the source region. First and second dielectric regions are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the pillar, the first dielectric region being laterally surrounded by the pillar, and the second dielectric region laterally surrounding the pillar. First and second field plates are respectively disposed in the first and second dielectric regions. |
| US08395202B2 |
Nanoscale floating gate
A memory cell is provided including a tunnel dielectric layer overlying a semiconductor substrate. The memory cell also includes a floating gate having a first portion overlying the tunnel dielectric layer and a second portion in the form of a nanorod extending from the first portion. In addition, a control gate layer is separated from the floating gate by an intergate dielectric layer. |
| US08395200B2 |
Method and system for manufacturing copper-based capacitor
A method for manufacturing a capacitor on an integrated circuit includes providing an inter-metal dielectric layer on a substrate, a bottom layer having a first and second portions, a first insulating layer having via plug openings on the bottom layer, and via plugs disposed in the via plug openings. The via plugs include a first and second via plugs and are electrically coupled to the first portion of the bottom layer. The method further includes providing a capacitor layer having a first barrier metal layer coupled to the first via plug. The capacitor layer also has a capacitor dielectric layer overlying the first barrier metal layer and a second barrier metal overlying the capacitor dielectric layer. The method further includes defining a first and second capacitor layer portions. The first capacitor layer portion has two opposite sides and spacers disposed on their surface. |
| US08395193B2 |
Solid state image pickup device and manufacturing method therefor
A MOS-type solid-state image pickup device is provided on a semiconductor substrate and includes a photoelectric conversion unit having a first semiconductor region, a second semiconductor region, and a third semiconductor region. A transfer gate electrode is disposed on an insulation film and transfers a carrier from the second semiconductor region to a fourth semiconductor region, and an amplifying MOS transistor has a gate electrode connected to the fourth semiconductor region. In addition, a fifth semiconductor region is continuously disposed to the second semiconductor region, under the gate electrode. An entire surface of the third semiconductor region is covered with the insulation film, and a side portion of the third semiconductor region that is laterally opposite to the transfer gate is in contact with the first semiconductor region. |
| US08395192B2 |
Single mask adder phase change memory element
A method of fabricating a phase change memory element within a semiconductor structure and a semiconductor structure having the same that includes etching an opening to an upper surface of a bottom electrode, the opening being formed of a height equal to a height of a metal region formed within a dielectric layer at a same layer within the semiconductor structure, depositing a conformal film within the opening and recessing the conformal film to expose the upper surface of the bottom electrode, depositing phase change material within the opening, recessing the phase change material within the opening, and forming a top electrode on the recessed phase change material. |
| US08395191B2 |
Semiconductor device and structure
A semiconductor device including a first single crystal layer with first transistors and a first alignment mark; at least one metal layer overlying the first single crystal layer, wherein the at least one metal layer includes copper or aluminum; and a second layer including activated dopant regions, the second layer overlying the at least one metal layer, wherein the second layer includes second transistors, wherein the second transistors are processed aligned to the first alignment mark with less than 100 nm alignment error, and the second transistors include mono-crystal, horizontally-oriented transistors. |
| US08395190B2 |
Three-dimensional semiconductor memory device
Provided is a three-dimensional semiconductor memory device. The three-dimensional semiconductor memory device includes a substrate that has a cell array region including a pair of sub-cell regions and a strapping region interposed between the pair of sub-cell regions. A Plurality of sub-gates are sequentially stacked on the substrate in each of the sub-cell regions, and interconnections are electrically connected to extensions of the stacked sub-gates, respectively, which extend into the strapping region. Each of the interconnections is electrically connected to the extensions of the sub-gate which are disposed in the pair of the sub-cell regions, respectively, and which are located at the same level. |
| US08395186B2 |
Implementing vertical signal repeater transistors utilizing wire vias as gate nodes
A method and structures are provided for implementing vertical transistors utilizing wire vias as gate nodes. The vertical transistors are high performance transistors fabricated up in the stack between the planes of the global signal routing wire, for example, used as vertical signal repeater transistors. An existing via or a supplemental vertical via between wire planes provides both an electrical connection and the gate node of the novel vertical transistor. |
| US08395182B2 |
Light emitting device, light emitting device package, method of manufacturing light emitting device and illumination system
A light emitting device according to the embodiment includes a substrate; a protective layer on the substrate; a electrode layer on the protective layer; a light emitting structure disposed on the electrode layer to generate light and provided with a first semiconductor layer, an active layer under the first semiconductor layer, and a second conductive semiconductor layer under the active layer; and a first electrode having a first end disposed on a top surface of the light emitting structure and a second end disposed on the protective layer. The protective layer comes into Schottky contact with at least one of the electrode layer and the first electrode. |
| US08395181B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes a package body, a light emitting diode, a transparent resin material, and a wire. The package body includes a bottom part and a side part. The bottom part includes a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connecting the upper surface and the bottom surface of the bottom part, respectively. The side part includes an upper surface including a trench and a bottom surface being in contact with the upper surface of the bottom part, wherein the upper surface of the bottom part is lower than the upper surface of the side part such that the package body includes a cavity surrounded by the side part, and the bottom surface of the bottom part includes a second opened portion that divides the first electrode and the second electrode, and wherein a portion of the transparent resin material is disposed inside of the trench. |
| US08395176B2 |
Top-emitting nitride-based light-emitting device with ohmic characteristics and luminous efficiency
A top-emitting nitride-based light-emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same. The top-emitting nitride-based light-emitting device having a substrate, an n-cladding layer, an active layer, and a p-cladding layer sequentially formed includes: a grid cell layer formed on the p-cladding layer by a grid array of separated cells formed from a conducting material with a width of less than 30 micrometers to improve electrical and optical characteristics; a surface protective layer that is formed on the p-cladding layer and covers at least regions between the cells to protect a surface of the p-cladding layer; and a transparent conducting layer formed on the surface protective layer and the grid cell layer using a transparent conducting material. The light-emitting device and the method of manufacturing the same provide an improved ohmic contact to the p-cladding layer, excellent I-V characteristics, and high light transmittance, thus increasing luminous efficiency of the device. |
| US08395175B2 |
Light-emitting semiconductor device and package thereof
The present application discloses a light-emitting semiconductor device including a transparent layer having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sidewall; a wavelength conversion structure arranged on the upper surface; an epitaxial structure arranged on the lower surface and having a side surface devoid of the transparent layer and the wavelength conversion structure; and a reflective wall arranged to cover the sidewall. |
| US08395168B2 |
Semiconductor wafers and semiconductor devices with polishing stops and method of making the same
Semiconductor wafers, semiconductor devices, and methods of making semiconductor wafers and devices are provided. Embodiments of the present invention are especially suitable for use with substrate substitution applications, such in the case of fabricating vertical LED. One embodiment of the present invention includes a method of making a semiconductor device, the method comprising providing a substrate; forming a plurality of polishing stops on the substrate; growing one or more buffer layers on the substrate; growing one or more epitaxial layers on the one or more buffer layers; and applying one or more metal layers to the one or more epitaxial layers. Additionally, the steps of affixing a second substrate to the one or more metal layers and removing the base substrate using a mechanical thinning process may be performed. |
| US08395167B2 |
External light efficiency of light emitting diodes
A method to improve the external light efficiency of light emitting diodes, the method comprising etching an external surface of an n-type layer of the light emitting diode to form surface texturing, the surface texturing reducing internal light reflection to increase light output. A corresponding light emitting diode is also disclosed. |
| US08395162B2 |
Semiconductor device with multi-layer gate electrode
The semiconductor device of the present invention includes a semiconductor region made of a material to which conductive impurities are added, an insulating film formed on a surface of the semiconductor region, and an electroconductive gate electrode formed on the insulating film. The gate electrode is made of a material whose Fermi level is closer to a Fermi level of the semiconductor region than a Fermi level of Si in at least a portion contiguous to the insulating film. |
| US08395158B2 |
Thin film transistor having microcrystalline semiconductor layer
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device including a thin film transistor comprising a microcrystalline semiconductor which forms a channel formation region and includes an acceptor impurity element, and to a manufacturing method thereof. A gate electrode, a gate insulating film formed over the gate electrode, a first semiconductor layer which is formed over the gate insulating film and is formed of a microcrystalline semiconductor, a second semiconductor layer which is formed over the first semiconductor layer and includes an amorphous semiconductor, and a source region and a drain region which are formed over the second semiconductor layer are provided in the thin film transistor. A channel is formed in the first semiconductor layer when the thin film transistor is placed in an on state. |
| US08395155B2 |
Thin film transistors having an additional floating channel and methods of manufacturing the same
Thin film transistors (TFTs) and methods of manufacturing the same. A TFT may include a floating channel on a surface of a channel and spaced apart from a source and a drain, and an insulating layer formed on the floating channel and designed to determine a distance between the floating channel and the source or the drain. |
| US08395153B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method the same
An object is to manufacture and provide a highly reliable semiconductor device including a thin film transistor with stable electric characteristics. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including a thin film transistor in which a semiconductor layer including a channel formation region serves as an oxide semiconductor film, heat treatment for reducing impurities such as moisture (heat treatment for dehydration or dehydrogenation) is performed after an oxide insulating film serving as a protective film is formed in contact with an oxide semiconductor layer. Then, the impurities such as moisture, which exist not only in a source electrode layer, in a drain electrode layer, in a gate insulating layer, and in the oxide semiconductor layer but also at interfaces between the oxide semiconductor film and upper and lower films which are in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer, are reduced. |
| US08395151B2 |
Method of manufacturing thin film transistor, thin film transistor, and display unit
A thin film transistor having (a) an oxide semiconductor film including a channel region composed of an oxide semiconductor, and a source electrode region and a drain electrode region that are composed of the same oxide semiconductor as that of the channel region and have a higher carrier density than that of the channel region; (b) a gate insulating film; and (c) a gate electrode. |
| US08395150B2 |
Inorganic-organic hybrid thin-film transistors using inorganic semiconducting films
Inorganic semiconducting compounds, composites and compositions thereof, and related device structures. |
| US08395145B2 |
Top-emitting organic light-emitting device
A top-emitting organic light-emitting device (OLED) including a reflective first electrode layer; a semitransparent second electrode layer facing the first electrode layer; and an organic layer between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, wherein the organic layer comprises a first layer, a second layer, and an emission layer between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the sum of the thicknesses of the emission layer and the second layer is about 0.15 to about 0.30 times the thickness of the entire organic layer. The top-emitting OLED may have high efficiency, and thus driving voltage may be reduced. |
| US08395142B2 |
Infrared light detector
Provided is an infrared light detector 100 with a plurality of first electronic regions 10 which are electrically independent from each other and arranged in a specific direction, formed by dividing a single first electronic region. An outer electron system which is electrically connected to each of the plurality of first electronic regions 10 in a connected status is configured such that an electron energy level of excited sub-bands of each of the plurality of first electron regions 10 in a disconnected status is sufficiently higher than a Fermi level of each of second electronic regions 20 opposed to each of the first electronic regions 10 in a conduction channel 120. |
| US08395139B1 |
1T1R resistive memory device and fabrication method thereof
A memory structure includes an active area surrounded by first isolation trenches and second isolation trenches; a bit line trench recessed into the active area of the semiconductor substrate; a word line trench recessed into the active area of the semiconductor substrate and being shallower than the bit line trench. The bit line trench and the word line trench together divide the active area into four pillar-shaped sub-regions. A bit line is embedded in the bit line trench. A word line is embedded in the word line trench. A vertical transistor is built in each of the pillar-shaped sub-regions. A resistive memory element is electrically coupled to the vertical transistor. |
| US08395138B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory having buffer layer containing nitrogen and containing carbon as main component
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory using carbon related films as variable resistance films includes bottom electrodes formed above a substrate, buffer layers formed on the bottom electrodes and each formed of a film containing nitrogen and containing carbon as a main component, variable resistance films formed on the buffer layers and each formed of a film containing carbon as a main component and the electrical resistivity thereof being changed according to application of voltage or supply of current, and top electrodes formed on the variable resistance films. |
| US08395133B2 |
Apparatus and method of adjusting a laser light source for an EUV source device
An EUV light source device properly compensates the wave front of laser beam which is changed by heat. A wave front compensator and a sensor are provided in an amplification system which amplifies laser beam. The sensor detects and outputs changes in the angle (direction) of laser beam and the curvature of the wave front thereof. A wave front compensation controller outputs a signal to the wave front compensator based on the measurement results from the sensor. The wave front compensator corrects the wave front of the laser beam to a predetermined wave front according to an instruction from the wave front compensation controller. |
| US08395131B2 |
Method for three dimensional (3D) lattice radiotherapy
A method for high-dose Grid radiotherapy utilizing a three-dimensional (3D) dose lattice formation is described herein. The 3D dose lattice can be achieved by, but not limited to, three technical approaches: 1) non-coplanar focused beams; 2) multileaf collimator (MLC)-based intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or aperture-modulated arc; and 3) heavy charged particle beam. The configuration of a 3D dose lattice is comprised of the number, location, and dose of dose vertices. The optimal configuration of a 3D dose lattice can be achieved by manual calculations or by automating the calculations for a generic algorithm. The objective of the optimization algorithm is to satisfy three conditions via iteration until they reach their global minimum. With 3D dose lattice, high doses of radiation are concentrated at each lattice vertex within a tumor with drastically lower doses between vertices (peak-to-valley effect), leaving tissue outside of the tumor volume minimally exposed. |
| US08395128B2 |
Radiation tomography apparatus
One purpose of this invention is to provide radiation tomography apparatus with easier maintenance. A specific approach for this purpose is as follows. That is, a detector ring in the radiation tomography apparatus includes two or more rings. Moreover, a ring moves as to approach a next ring, whereby both the rings are connected. If radiation tomography is conducted while a clearance is provided between the rings, detection sensitivity of the detector ring decreases due to the clearance. On the other hand, according to this invention, the ring moves as to approach the next ring, which results in a narrower clearance. Accordingly, radiation that is not observed may be reduced as much as possible. |
| US08395124B2 |
Article inspection system and method
An inspection system and method for determining the elemental makeup of contents of an article includes a localizer for identifying at least one region of interest of the article from data representative of contents of the article, the at least one region of interest having a cross-sectional area or a volume that is less than the entire cross-sectional area or the entire volume of the article, an associated particle imaging device that produces an output that is indicative of the elemental makeup of contents of the article, a data selector for selecting a portion of the output of the associated particle imaging device that corresponds to respective identified regions of interest, and an analyzer for analyzing the portions of the output of the associated particle imaging device selected by the data selector to determine the elemental makeup of contents of the article in each identified region of interest. |
| US08395118B2 |
Infrared detector having at least one switch for modulation and/or bypass
An infrared (IR) detector including a plurality of thermal sensing elements for generating an image of an object is provided. The IR detector comprises a first thermal sensing element and includes a thermopile and a first switch. The thermopile is configured to receive at least a portion of a thermal output from the object and to provide a modulated electrical output indicative of at least a portion of the received thermal output. The first switch is operatively coupled to the thermopile and is configured to provide a bypass in the event the thermopile is damaged such that remaining thermal sensing elements of the plurality of thermal sensing elements are capable of providing an electrical output therefrom. |
| US08395113B2 |
Methods and systems for matching product ions to precursor in tandem mass spectrometry
Methods of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for use in a mass spectrometer are disclosed, the methods characterized by the steps of: (a) providing a sample of precursor ions comprising a plurality of ion types, each ion type comprising a respective range of masses; (b) generating a mass spectrum of the precursor ions using the mass spectrometer so as to determine a respective mass value or mass value range for each of the precursor ion types; (c) estimating an elemental composition for each of the precursor ion types based on the mass value or mass value range determined for each respective ion type; (d) generating a sample of fragment ions comprising plurality of fragment ion types by fragmenting the plurality of precursor ion types within the mass spectrometer; (d) generating a mass spectrum of the fragment ion types so as to determine a respective mass value or mass value range for each respective fragment ion type; (e) estimating an elemental composition for each of the fragment ion types based on the mass value or mass value range determined for each respective fragment ion type; and (f) calculating a set of probability values for each precursor ion type, each probability value representing a probability that a respective fragment ion type or a respective pair of fragment ion types was derived from the precursor ion type. Some embodiments may include a step (g) of generating a synthetic MS/MS spectrum for each respective precursor ion type based on the calculated probability values. |
| US08395112B1 |
Mass spectrometer and method for using same
Apparatus including an ion trap, a controller connected to the ion trap, wherein the controller includes a memory containing computer readable instructions which, when executed, cause the controller to send control signals to the ion trap so that the ion trap produce and maintain a trapping field in the ion trap, a waveform generator to change the trapping field so that ions of a predetermined mass in the trapping chamber are selectively moved; a secondary waveform generator to change the orbits of the ions; an energy source to excite ions to emit photons, an optical detector to detect the emitted photons, and a processor which can apply fast-Fourier transform analysis of the time-domain signal of the detected emitted photons to generate a frequency or mass spectrum related to mass-to-charge ratio of the ions. |
| US08395104B2 |
Multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor with reflection surfaces
To ensure satisfactory visibility even when the light emitting area of the light emitting element for displaying the operation state is small. At least one of a light projector or a light receiver is provided with a display portion for displaying an operation state of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor at a side position in the vicinity of the light projecting portion or the light receiving portion of the front surface of the housing. The display portion includes a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction while facing the front surface of the housing in the housing, and a plurality of light guiding bodies for guiding the light emitted by each of light emitting elements to the front surface of the housing. Each of light guiding bodies is arranged with the incident end face facing the light emitting element and the exit end face facing the front surface of the housing. Each of light guiding bodies includes, in a light guiding path for guiding the light flux entered from the incident end face to the exit end face, at least two reflection surfaces for diffusing some or all of the light flux in a width direction of the housing by sequentially changing an advancing path of the light. |
| US08395102B2 |
Photoelectric conversion module with isolating groove at each gap between adjacent metallic coating layers
A photoelectric conversion module includes a photoelectric conversion element that converts an arriving optical signal transmitted via an optical fiber into an electrical signal, a signal output section that outputs a photoelectrically converted electrical signal to the exterior, an impedance matching circuit provided between an output electrode of the photoelectric conversion element and the signal output section, and a substrate upon which this impedance matching circuit is mounted, with the impedance matching circuit including a plurality of metallic coating layers formed upon the surface of the substrate with gaps being left between them, and a plurality of metallic connecting lines that electrically connect together adjacent ones of these metallic coating layers. |
| US08395101B2 |
Construct with locating feature
A construct for heating a food product. The construct comprises a first centerline extending in a first direction and a second centerline extending in a second direction, wherein the first centerline is substantially perpendicular to the second centerline, a base, a pair of opposed platforms extending upwardly from the base. The pair of opposed platforms are separated by a recess extending in the second direction. The construct comprises at least one locating feature foldably connected to the construct and being located between the opposed platforms for locating a food product on one of the opposed platforms. |
| US08395098B2 |
Induction cookware
An induction cookware comprising: a cooking body containing an inner pot inside, an insulation material disposed between the cooking body and the inner pot for maintaining the temperature of the inner pot. An induction coil is disposed in the bottom of the cooking body and with an extra magnetic field, the induction coil can generate AC current. The current flows through an electric heating tube connected to the bottom of the inner pot so as to heat the heating tube. Thereby, the heating tube directly transfer the heat to the inner pot for reducing the heat from transpiration. The structure of a cooking body with an inner pot inside can heat and slow cook the food inside the inner pot simultaneously, thus can add the delicious taste of the food and save the energy. |
| US08395094B2 |
Structure for conducting heat from cartridge heaters
A heating structure includes an opening that surrounds a heating element and a heat transfer element. Each heat transfer element is disposed between an exterior surface of the heating element and an interior surface of the opening. A clamping mechanism is used to clamp each heating element against a heat transfer element. Each heat transfer element partially surrounds a heating element and is configured to create at least two elongated and spatially separate contact regions along a length of the heating element. The at least two contact regions form a line of contact between the heating element and the interior surface of the opening when the heating element is clamped against the heat transfer element. The at least two contact regions allow the heating element to transfer heat to the opening and to the tooling device. The clamping mechanism may also be used to transfer heat to the tooling device. |
| US08395087B2 |
Heat-generating element and heating device comprising the same
A heat-generating element includes at least one PTC heating element and an insulating housing enclosing the PTC heating element, as well as electric conductors whose inner surfaces are in contact with opposed sides of the PTC heating element. The respective outer surfaces of the electric conductors are covered by an insulating layer comprising at least two interconnected plastic sheets and fixedly connected to the housing. In another aspect, a heating device includes a plurality of heat-generating elements can comprise at least one PTC element and electric conductors that contact opposed lateral surfaces of the PTC element, and heat-emitting elements arranged in parallel layers in contact with opposed sides of the heat-generating element. The heating device has heat-emitting elements which are in contact with opposed sides of the heat-generating element via an interposed insulating layer comprising at least two interconnected plastic sheets. |
| US08395086B2 |
Heater device
Isopotential heaters used in the preconcentration stage of sample detection systems are described. The heaters have at least two electrically conducting paths of which the resistances of the electrically conducting baths are substantially equal such that in use uniform heat distribution is achieved. |
| US08395085B2 |
Wire feed speed referenced variable frequency pulse welding system
A pulsed waveform welding operation is implemented by reference to a commanded wire feed speed set by an operator. The wire feed speed is set on a wire feeder, and a signal representative of the commanded wire feed speed is applied to a power supply. The power supply control circuitry references a look-up table in which pulsed waveform parameters are provided based upon wire feed speed. The parameters may include multiple parameters such as pulse frequency, peak current, background current, and current ramp rates. The control circuitry commands power conversion circuitry to generate the commanded waveform as a function of the commanded wire feed speed. |
| US08395084B2 |
Laser irradiation apparatus and laser irradiation method
A laser beam having homogeneous intensity distribution is delivered without causing interference stripes of a laser to appear on an irradiation surface. A laser beam emitted from a laser oscillator passes through a diffractive optical element so that the intensity distribution thereof is homogenized. The beam emitted from the diffractive optical element then passes through a slit so that low-intensity end portions in a major-axis direction of the beam are blocked. Subsequently, the beam passes through a projecting lens and a condensing lens, so that an image of the slit is projected onto the irradiation surface. The projecting lens is provided so that the slit and the irradiation surface are conjugated. Thus, the irradiation surface can be irradiated with the laser having homogeneous intensity while preventing the diffraction by the slit. |
| US08395083B2 |
Multiple beam drilling system
A method for laser drilling of holes in a substrate (44) with varying simultaneity including operating a laser (22) to produce a single output beam (24) whose pulses have a total energy, dividing the single output beam into plural beams (41) to an extent which varies over time and applying the plural beams to plural hole drilling locations (209, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222) on the substrate including simultaneously drilling first parts of multiple holes using corresponding ones of the plural beams having a pulse energy which is a first fraction of the total energy and thereafter drilling at least one second part of at least one of the multiple holes using at least one of the plural beams each having a pulse energy which is at least a second fraction of the total energy, the second fraction being different from the first fraction. |
| US08395076B2 |
One-piece consumable assembly
An apparatus and method of manufacturing a plasma torch consumable is disclosed. The invention includes at least two of a tip, a shielding cup, an electrode, and a swirl ring being integral to form a unitary one-piece assembly prior to being attached to the torch. Such a construction minimizes the number of parts that must be handled and orientated when connecting the consumable assembly to a plasma torch. |
| US08395074B2 |
Plasma ARC systems with cutting and marking functions
A plasma arc system includes a single-gas, gas-cooled plasma arc torch and a torch control unit. The torch control unit includes a housing and a user input device on the housing for receiving an indication of a desired cutting or marking function and for providing a responsive signal. A single gas supply both to the housing, and from the housing to the torch, is provided for cutting or marking. A current control device is located within the housing for controlling current output to the torch for either cutting or marking. A gas control device is located within the housing for controlling gas output to the torch for either cutting or marking. A controller is located within the housing for receiving the signal from the user input device indicating the desired cutting or marking function, and for sending a responsive signal to the current control and gas control devices depending on the desired cutting or marking function so that the torch operates accordingly. A related control until is disclosed. |
| US08395073B2 |
Continuous rolling method and continuous rolling apparatus
The continuous rolling method and the continuous rolling apparatus provide good product quality and product yield by successively joining pluralities of traveling hot steel pieces by flash welding, and by rolling thus prepared endless steel piece, thus preventing generation of flaws in the rolling step, thereby manufacture steel rods, wires, and the like by the continuous rolling technology. The method has: a heating step for heating billet to a specified temperature; a flash welding step for joining the trailing end of preceding billet with the leading end of succeeding billet while they are traveling using flash welding; a deburring step for removing burrs from the welded part; a trimming step for trimming corners of cross section of the deburred welded part; and a rolling step for rolling the joined billets. |
| US08395070B2 |
Electrical contact point device for use in a plasma arc cutting torch
Some embodiments relate to an electrical contact assembly for a plasma torch tip, and may include an electrical contact portion, a compressible portion in mechanical communication with the contact, and a mounting portion in mechanical communication with the compressible portion. Some embodiments may be adapted to maintain contact with an uneven substrate during translation of the torch tip. |
| US08395068B2 |
Device and method for controlling welding angle
An object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for controlling a welding angle which is capable of resolving restrictions occurred when a conventional float type welding angle control device is used to manufacture a welded pipe, and giving full play to the ability of such a float type welding angle control device, by adopting a new mechanism for supporting and adjusting a fin roll. When the welding angle is controlled by inserting the fin roll between opposing edges of a band steel at a position located in an upstream side of squeeze rolls, the fin roll is attached to a link mechanism in which two arms are coupled so as to be pivotable within a plane defined by a pipe manufacturing line direction and a perpendicular direction thereof, and positions of gripping points of the arms are changed to adjust a position of the fin roll within the plane. Not only the mechanism of the device is simplified and an installation space can be reduced, but also the usage environment of the device and burdens for the maintenance work are considerably improved. |
| US08395067B2 |
Switchgear and switchgear operating mechanism
According to an embodiment, a switchgear operating mechanism has a roller pin rotatably fixed to a leading end of a latch lever. A latch is fixed to a solenoid lever at a position different from the rotation axis of the solenoid lever, and has a leading end engageable with the roller pin. In a state where the switchgear operating state is shifted from the closed state to the cutoff state, the solenoid lever is pushed by an electromagnetic solenoid for cutoff so as to be rotated in an opposite direction to the biasing direction of the solenoid lever return spring, and the latch lever is rotated by a biasing force of the roller pin to release an engagement between the roller pin and the leading end of the latch, which causes a cutoff spring to discharge its energy to rotate the latch lever. |
| US08395060B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a housing defining an interior space with an opening, a lid, a first locking member, a restricting member, and a second locking member. The lid is coupled to the housing to close and unclose the opening. The first locking member is coupled to the lid and movable in a first direction between a closed position to lock the lid over the opening and an open position to unlock the lid from over the opening. The restricting member is mounted to the lid and movable between a restricting position to prevent the first locking member from moving to the open position and a retracted position to permit the first locking member to move to the open position. The second locking member is coupled to the lid and movable in the first direction to allow the restricting member to switch between the restricting position and the retracted position. |
| US08395059B2 |
Electromagnetic wave shielding material, and method for manufacturing same
The present invention is to provide an electromagnetic wave shielding material including a transparent substrate and a convex pattern layer composed of a conductive composition formed in a prescribed pattern on the transparent substrate, wherein the conductive composition contains conductive particles and a binder resin; and in observation of a transverse cross section of the convex pattern layer by electron microscopic photography, at least a part of the conductive particles has a fused continuation and a method for manufacturing the same. The electromagnetic wave shielding material and the method for manufacturing the same include a configuration capable of achieving a lower surface resistivity in an electromagnetic wave shielding material which is required to achieve a much more reduction in a line width of the pattern, specifically, a reduction to a line width of not more than 30 μm, and more preferably not more than 15 to 20 μm and a treatment method capable of reducing the surface resistivity by an easy and short-time treatment. |
| US08395058B2 |
Metal core circuit board with conductive pins
A metal core circuit board assembly includes a circuit board having a through hole in an embodiment. A shaft for a pin is inserted in the through hole such that cap of the pin abuts a foil layer on the circuit board. The shaft diameter is sufficiently smaller than the through hole diameter such that the shaft is electrically isolated from a metal core for the circuit board. The cap is undercut about the through hole to further isolate the pin from the non-electrically isolated portion of the metal core circuit board. |
| US08395057B2 |
Substrate-penetrating electrical connections
A wafer assembly (30) includes a substrate (71), in turn including a wafer (70) or a stack of wafers. The wafer assembly (30) further includes an electrical connection (32) arranged through at least a part of the substrate (71). The electrical connection (32) is made by low-resistance silicon. The electrical connection (32) is positioned in a hole (84) penetrating at least a part of the substrate (71). A surface (78) of the substrate (71) confining the hole (84) is electrically insulating. The electrical connection (32) has at least one protrusion (75), which protrudes transversally to a main extension (83) of the hole (84) and the protrusion (75) protrudes outside a minimum hole diameter (85), as projected in the main extension (83) of the hole (84). Preferably, the protrusion (75) is supported by a support surface (81) of the substrate (71). A manufacturing method is also disclosed. |
| US08395054B2 |
Substrate for mounting semiconductor element and method for manufacturing substrate for mounting semiconductor element
To provide a substrate for mounting a semiconductor element, in which fine-pitch wiring layers are formed to allow a semiconductor element to be mounted, while heat generated in the semiconductor element will not result in a decrease in reliability. Semiconductor-element mounting substrate sandwiches low-thermal-expansion substrate with upper interlayer resin layer and lower interlayer resin layer, and conductive circuit of organic substrate and first conductive circuit of low-thermal-expansion substrate are connected by via conductor formed in interlayer resin layer. Therefore, low-thermal-expansion substrate for mounting semiconductor element may be connected to organic substrate that is connected to outside substrates, without arranging an organic substrate and resin layers on the lower surface of low-thermal-expansion substrate, where impact from the thermal history of semiconductor element is notable. |
| US08395053B2 |
Circuit system with circuit element and reference plane
A circuit system comprising: forming a lower electrode over a substrate; forming a resistive film over the lower electrode; forming a multi-layered insulating stack over a portion of the resistive film; and forming an upper electrode over a portion of the multi-layered insulating stack. |
| US08395052B2 |
Conductive particle, anisotropic conductive film, joined structure, and joining method
The present invention aims to provide conductive particles which can reduce the stress while maintaining high hardness (hardly causing cracks even in a state of being crushed in connection process) by improving rolling properties and can ensure adequate conductive reliability not only with respect to ITO substrates, but also with respect to IZO substrates, an anisotropic conductive film provided with the conductive particles, a joined structure provided with the anisotropic conductive film, and a joining method using the anisotropic conductive film. The conductive particles of the present invention include polymer fine particles, and a conductive layer formed on surfaces of the polymer fine particles, wherein an outermost surface shell of the conductive layer is a nickel-palladium alloy layer. |
| US08395050B2 |
Flexible printed circuit and display module comprising the same
A flexible printed circuit and a display module comprising the flexible printed circuit are disclosed. The display module comprises a display panel, a printed circuit board, and a flexible printed circuit. The flexible printed circuit electrically connects the display panel and the printed circuit board, and further comprises a flexible substrate and a cover lay. The flexible substrate has an upper surface and two opposite end portions. The cover lay is disposed on the upper surface of the flexible substrate and extends along a lengthwise direction of the flexible substrate. The cover lay further has two opposite sides each also extending along the lengthwise direction of the flexible substrate. Each of the sides has at least a partially continuous contour which is formed with a discontinuous status on at least one of the end portions. |
| US08395047B2 |
Motor cable assembly and method of manufacturing cable main body of the same
A motor cable assembly connecting a motor and an inverter includes a cable main body, which can move flexibly. The cable main body is manufactured and formed into a flat shape by arranging a plurality of cables in parallel in a row, covering an outer surface of the arranged cables with a braid, and covering further an outer surface of the covered cables. The motor cable assembly includes an inverter-side protector having a vibration absorbing portion supporting the cable main body at a position near the inverter-side connecting member so as to absorb the vibrating motion of the cable main body. |
| US08395046B2 |
Network cabinet
A network cabinet is provided comprising a base member, two pairs of vertical frame rail members connected to the base member, and a top cover supported by at least one of the vertical frame rail members. The base member defines an opening and another opening is defined in the top cover. The vertical frame rail members are positioned spaced apart from four sidewalls from four corners of the cabinet formed by the four sidewalls, where each sidewall comprises a panel or a door. The two pairs of vertical frame rail members and the four sidewalls define at least one cable management pathway and at least a portion of the cable management pathway is vertically aligned with at least a portion of the opening of the base member and the opening of the top cover. The network cabinet may also comprise two front corner posts and two rear corner posts. |
| US08395042B2 |
Quantum dot solar cell with quantum dot bandgap gradients
Efficient photovoltaic devices with quantum dots are provided. Quantum dots have numerous desirable properties that can be used in solar cells, including an easily selected bandgap and Fermi level. In particular, the size and composition of a quantum dot can determine its bandgap and Fermi level. By precise deposition of quantum dots in the active layer of a solar cell, bandgap gradients can be present for efficient sunlight absorption, exciton dissociation, and charge transport. Mismatching Fermi levels are also present between adjacent quantum dots, allowing for built-in electric fields to form and aid in charge transport and the prevention of exciton recombination. |
| US08395041B2 |
Photoelectric conversion element and solor cell
Disclosed is a photoelectric conversion element comprising a conductive support and provided thereon, a semiconductor layer, a charge transporting layer and an opposed electrode, the semiconductor layer comprising a semiconductor with a dye, wherein the dye is a compound represented by the following formula (1). |
| US08395038B2 |
Pick for an instrument
The present invention provides for a pick for an instrument having a string. The pick includes a body formed of a first material and having an outer periphery. The pick further includes a tip extending from the outer periphery of the body for engaging the string of the instrument. The tip is formed of a second material different from the first material of the body. |
| US08395036B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV818609
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV818609. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV818609, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV818609 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV818609 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV818609. |
| US08395032B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X13B627
A novel maize variety designated X13B627 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X13B627 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13B627 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13B627, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13B627. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13B627. |
| US08395030B1 |
Inbred corn line NPFX7012
Basically, this invention provides for an inbred corn line designated NPFX7012, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPFX7012, with plants of another corn plant. The invention relates to the various parts of inbred NPFX7012, including culturable cells. This invention also relates to methods for introducing transgenic transgenes into inbred corn line NPFX7012, and plants produced by said methods. |
| US08395025B2 |
Soybean variety A1024249
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024249. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024249. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024249 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024249 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US08395024B2 |
Stress-inducible plant promoters
The present invention discloses and claims stress-inducible plant promoters, DNA constructs with such promoters, transgenic plants containing such promoters and DNA constructs, isolated DNAs encoding such promoters, and methods of making and using such promoters, DNA constructs, transgenic plants, and isolated DNAs. |
| US08395023B2 |
Recombinant DNA constructs and methods for controlling gene expression
The present invention provides molecular constructs and methods for use thereof, including constructs including heterologous miRNA recognition sites, constructs for gene suppression including a gene suppression element embedded within an intron flanked on one or on both sides by non-protein-coding sequence, constructs containing engineered miRNA or miRNA precursors, and constructs for suppression of production of mature microRNA in a cell. Also provided are transgenic plant cells, plants, and seeds containing such constructs, and methods for their use. The invention further provides transgenic plant cells, plants, and seeds containing recombinant DNA for the ligand-controlled expression of a target sequence, which may be endogenous or exogenous. Also disclosed are novel miRNAs and miRNA precursors from crop plants including maize and soy. |
| US08395022B2 |
Viral promoter, truncations thereof, and methods of use
The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions include a novel nucleotide sequence for a promoter. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the promoter sequence disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises stably incorporating into the genome of a plant cell a nucleotide sequence operably linked to the promoter of the present invention and regenerating a stably transformed plant that expresses the nucleotide sequence. |
| US08395020B2 |
Methods for rapidly transforming monocots
The present invention provides methods for transforming monocot plants via a simple and rapid protocol, to obtain regenerated plants capable of being planted to soil in as little as 4-8 weeks. Associated cell culture media and growth conditions are also provided, as well as plants and plant parts obtained by the method. Further, a method for screening recalcitrant plant genotypes for transformability by the methods of the present invention is also provided. Further, a system for expanding priority development window for producing transgenic plants by the methods of the present invention is also provided. |
| US08395019B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X00A012
A novel maize variety designated X00A012 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X00A012 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X00A012 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X00A012, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X00A012. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X00A012. |
| US08395017B2 |
Absorbent article having extensibility at waist panel
An absorbent article having extensibility at waist panel is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, an absorbent core disposed underneath the topsheet, and a chassis layer. A first or second waist panel includes a portion of the chassis layer. The chassis layer includes a plurality of spaced discontinuities regularly disposed in at least a portion of the first or second waist panel. The discontinuities are open to provide the chassis layer with extensibility in the transverse direction when the first or second waist panel is subjected to tension. The absorbent article also includes an extensibility controlling means to control the extensibility of the chassis layer. |
| US08395010B2 |
High speed swelling, pressure exerting hemostatic device
The present invention provides devices and methods for treating wounds. The devices may include polymer particles capable of absorbing fluid such as blood. When devices of the invention are exposed to fluid, the fluid may enter the device and cause the polymer particles to swell. Devices of the invention may also apply pressure on wound cavities to stop or restrict the flow of fluid. In some embodiments, the devices may comprise components to facilitate absorption of fluid throughout the device, such as wicking elements and/or multiple compartments. One or more of the devices can be placed directly in the wound cavity, or in a containment structure and then into the wound cavity. |
| US08395008B2 |
Process and catalyst for cracking of ethers and alcohols
A process for the production of olefins from at least one of an alcohol and ether, the process including: contacting at least one alcohol or ether with a hydrofluoric acid-treated amorphous synthetic alumina-silica catalyst under decomposition conditions to produce an olefin. Also disclosed is a process for the production of isobutylene from methyl tertiary butyl ether, the process including: feeding methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) to a reactor having at least one reaction zone containing a hydrofluoric acid-treated amorphous synthetic alumina-silica catalyst; contacting the MTBE with the hydrofluoric acid-treated amorphous synthetic alumina-silica catalyst under decomposition conditions to produce a reactor effluent comprising isobutylene, unreacted MTBE, heavies, and methanol; feeding the reactor effluent to a first distillation column; separating the isobutylene from the unreacted MTBE, heavies, and the methanol in the first distillation column to recover a first bottoms fraction comprising heavies, unreacted MTBE, and methanol and an isobutylene-rich overheads fraction. |
| US08395006B2 |
Process for making high octane gasoline with reduced benzene content by benzene alkylation at high benzene conversion
A process for the alkylation of a benzene-containing refinery stream such as reformate with light refinery olefins which is capable of achieving high benzene conversion levels operates in a fixed bed of an MWW zeolite catalyst, preferably MCM-22, in single pass mode in the liquid phase at a relatively low to moderate temperatures with pressure maintained at a value adequate to ensure subcritical operation. High levels of benzene conversion with conversions of at least 90% and higher, e.g. 92% or 95% or even higher are achievable. A high octane product is produced, comprising mono-, di- and tri-alkylbenzenes with lesser levels of the tetra-substituted products. By operating with staged olefin injection, the end point of the alkylation product can be maintained at a low value while, at the same time, achieving high levels of benzene and olefin conversion. |
| US08394999B2 |
Process for converting glycerin into propylene glycol
A process to convert glycerin into propylene glycol and purifying the produced propylene glycol is described. The glycerin-based propylene glycol production requires only one process step compared to petroleum/natural gas-based propylene glycol production requires multiple process steps, and thus represents a cost savings. |
| US08394998B2 |
Method of producing neopentyl glycol
The present invention relates to a method of producing neopentyl glycol by addition of isobutyraldehyde and formaldehyde in the presence of a tertiary alkylamine as catalyst to give the hydroxypivalinaldehyde with subsequent liquid phase hydrogenation in the presence of a nickel catalyst at a temperature of 80 to 180° C. and at a pressure of 6 to 18 MPa in the presence of an aliphatic alcohol and in the presence of water. |
| US08394997B2 |
Process for the isomerization of 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diols
Disclosed is a process for the isomerization of 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diols, such as 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol, by contacting the diol with a supported ruthenium catalyst in the presence of hydrogen at elevated pressures and temperatures. The process is carried under conditions in which there is no net production of 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol. The process may be carried out in the presence or absence of a solvent and in the liquid or vapor phase. |
| US08394996B2 |
Method for producing aldehyde functional compounds
The invention relates to a method for producing aldehyde functional compounds by a cross-metathesis reaction of an olefinic compound having at least one hydroxy group and at least one C—C double bond with at least one at least monounsaturated fatty acid or at least one at least monounsaturated fatty acid derivative, in the presence of a metathesis catalyst at a maximum temperature of 180° C. and in the presence of at least one reagent that acts as a protective group-forming compound in relation to the aldehyde group of the aldehyde functional compounds. |
| US08394994B2 |
Method for producing of 2-alkyl-2-cycloalken-1-one
The present invention relates to [1] a process for producing a 2-alkyl-2-cycloalken-1-one represented by the following general formula (2), which includes the step of subjecting a 2-(1-hydroxyalkyl)cycloalkan-1-one to dehydration and isomerization in the co-existence of an acid and a platinum group metal catalyst, and [2] a process for producing an alkyl(3-oxo-alkylcycloalkyl)acetate which is useful as a perfume material, using the 2-alkyl-2-cycloalken-1-one: wherein n is an integer of 1 or 2; and R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms with the proviso that R1 and R2 may form a ring through a carbon atom adjacent thereto. |
| US08394992B2 |
Synthesis of triethylenetetramines
Methods and intermediates for synthesizing triethylenetetramine and salts thereof, as well as novel triethylenetetramine salts and their crystal structure, and triethylenetetramine salts of high purity. |
| US08394990B2 |
Phenylurea inhibitors of the enzyme SOAT-1 and pharmaceutical/cosmetic compositions comprised thereof
Phenylurea compounds of formula (I): are inhibitors of the enzyme SOAT-1. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are useful for treating various disorders, such as acne, or have cosmetic applications. An exemplary species is 1-[1-(biphenyl-2-ylamino)cyclopentylmethyl]-3-(2,6-diisopropylpheny)urea. |
| US08394986B2 |
Phenoxiacetic acid derivatives
The invention relates to substituted phenoxyacetic acids as useful pharmaceutical compounds for treating respiratory disorders, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and processes for their preparation. |
| US08394982B2 |
Method and plant for purifying unsaturated compounds
A process for purifying an unsaturated compound, where purification is performed in a plant with evaporators. |
| US08394980B2 |
Amino acid group-modified organopolysiloxane and silane, amino acid group-containing compound, and production method thereof
An amino acid-modified organopolysiloxane is provided. It has an amino acid derivative bonded to at least one silicon atom of the organopolysiloxane segment constituting the backbone of the organopolysiloxane via an amide bond represented by the following general formula (1): wherein X and Y are independently a C1-10 divalent hydrocarbon group; m is an integer of 0 to 4; Ra is hydrogen atom, a monovalent hydrocarbon group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an organic group represented by the following general formula (2): (wherein Rb is hydrogen atom, a C1-7 monovalent hydrocarbon group, an alkaline metal, or an alkaline earth metal, and Rc is independently hydrogen atom, hydroxy group, or a C1-10 monovalent hydrocarbon group optionally containing oxygen atom, sulfur atom, or nitrogen atom); and Z is an organic group represented by the general formula (2). |
| US08394978B2 |
Sulfonated organophosphine compounds and use thereof in hydroformylation processes
A compound comprising a sulfonated triorganophosphine of formula R1R2PR3[SO3M)]n, wherein R1 and R2 are selected individually from alkyl, aralkyl, and alicyclic groups; wherein R3 represents a branched divalent or polyvalent, alkylene or alicyclic radical that is bonded to the phosphorus atom and to one or more sulfonate substituents, and further wherein R3 does not contain any aryl moieties; M represents a monovalent cation; and n is an integer representing a total number of sulfonated substituents. The compound is useful as a ligand in transition metal-ligand complex catalysts that are capable of catalyzing the hydroformylation of an olefinically-unsaturated compound with carbon monoxide and hydrogen to form one or more corresponding aldehyde products. The ligand is incapable of alkyl-aryl exchange, thereby leading to reduced ligand usage and improving ligand and transition metal, e.g., rhodium, recovery and recycling, as compared with prior art ligands. |
| US08394972B2 |
Process for controlled hydrolysis and condensation of epoxy-functional organosilanes and the cocondensation thereof with further organofunctional alkoxysilanes
The present invention relates to a process for performing a controlled hydrolysis and condensation of an epoxy-functional silane of the general formula I R1-SiR′m(OR)3-m (I) in which R1 is a (III) or (IV) group and R, R′ and R″ groups are the same or different and are each hydrogen (H) or a linear, branched or cyclic, optionally substituted alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, A and A′ groups are the same or different and are each a bivalent alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, R2 groups are the same or different and R2 is a linear, branched or cyclic, optionally substituted alkyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and m is 0 or 1, and optionally of at least one further organofunctional silane of the general formula II R2-SiR′n(OR)3-n (II) in which R2 is an organofunctional group as already defined above, R′ is methyl, R groups are each independently hydrogen or a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and n is 0 or 1, where from 0.001 to ≦5 mol of water is used per mole of alkoxy function of the silanes used, no further hydrolysis or condensation catalyst is used apart from boric acid as the hydrolysis catalyst and condensation component, and the condensates formed in the reaction are based on Si—O—B— and/or Si—O—Si bonds. |
| US08394971B2 |
Indole derivatives as selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMS)
The present invention is directed to novel indole derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders and conditions modulated by the androgen receptor. |
| US08394962B2 |
Method for the preparation of dabigatran and its intermediates
Intermediates for the preparation of dabigatran of formulae (VII-2HCl) and (VII-HCl), methods for their preparation and a method for preparation of dabigatran of formula (VIII) using these intermediates. |
| US08394956B2 |
Process for preparing pyrimidine propenaldehyde
The present invention relates to an improved process for preparing (2E)-3-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-2-(N-methyl-N-methylsulfonylamino)pyrimidin-5-yl]-propenal of formula (I), which is an useful intermediate in the preparation of Rosuvastatin. |
| US08394955B2 |
2,4 (4,6) pyrimidine derivatives
The present invention is drawn to intermediates relating to 2,4 (4,6) pyrimidine derived macrocycles, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of making said compounds. The compounds disclosed herein are inhibitors of EGF receptor tyrosine kinases and are useful for treating cell proliferative disorders, including atherosclerosis, restenosis, and cancer. |
| US08394954B2 |
Benzophenone hybrids as anticancer agents and processes for the preparation thereof
Disclosed herein are benzophenone hybrids with potent anticancer activities and processes for creation of the same. |
| US08394950B2 |
Analogues of coformycin and their use for treating protozoan parasite infections
This invention relates to compounds that are analogues of coformycin, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and methods of using the compounds for treating protozoan parasite infections, especially malaria. |
| US08394949B2 |
Multisignal labeling reagents, and processes and uses therefor
The present invention provides multisignal labeling reagents and these are useful in a number of biochemical applications, including the manufacture of biomolecular probes and their use in detecting or amplifying analyte-specific moieties. |
| US08394945B2 |
Compositions for use in identification of bacteria
The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for rapid identification and quantification of bacteria by molecular mass and base composition analysis. |
| US08394943B2 |
Anti-VEGF antibody compositions and methods
Disclosed are human antibodies that specifically inhibit VEGF binding to only one (VEGFR2) of the two primary VEGF receptors. The antibodies effectively inhibit angiogenesis and induce tumor regression, and yet have improved safety due to their specificity. The present invention thus provides new human antibody-based compositions, methods and combined protocols for treating cancer and other angiogenic diseases. Advantageous immunoconjugate compositions and methods using the new VEGF-specific human antibodies are also provided. |
| US08394935B2 |
Method for producing furanose derivative
An object of the present invention is to provide a industrially appropriate method for producing the β-anomers of ribofuranose derivatives in a highly selective manner at a high yield. The present invention provides a method for producing ribofuranose derivatives wherein β-anomers is precipitated from among the generated furanose derivatives by controlling the amount of a reaction reagent used and/or using a poor solvent in the acetolysis reactions of 2,3,5-tri-O-acyl-1-O-alkyl-ribofuranose and 2,3-di-O-acyl-1-O-alkyl-5-deoxy-ribofuranose. |
| US08394932B2 |
Survival motor neurons (SMN) gene: a gene for spinal muscular atrophy
The present invention relates to the discovery of the human survival motor-neuron gene or SMD gene, which is a chromosome 5-SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) determining gene. The present invention further relates to the nucleotide sequence encoding the SMN gene and corresponding amino acid sequence, a vector containing the gene encoding the SMN protein or a DNA sequence corresponding to the gene and transformant strains containing the SMN gene or a DNA sequence corresponding to the gene. |
| US08394931B2 |
Anti-HMGA1 monoclonal antibodies, process for their preparation and their use for the quantitative determination of HMGA1
This invention concerns a panel of monoclonal antibodies against the High Mobility Group A 1 protein (HMGA1) and a process for preparing them, as well as the use of said antibodies for the quantitative determination of HMGA1 in biological fluids or in protein Iy sates deriving from lymphocyte cells. This invention also concerns a diagnostic kit for assessing risk factors related to the expression of the HMGA1 proteins. |
| US08394930B2 |
Growth factor isoform
An isolated VEGF polypeptide having anti-angiogenic activity, said polypeptide including the amino acid sequence of SEQ.ID NO.1, or variants thereof. |
| US08394929B2 |
Nogo receptor-mediated blockade of axonal growth
Disclosed are NgR proteins and biologically active Nogo (ligand) protein fragments. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for modulating the expression or activity of the Nogo and NgR protein. Also disclosed are peptides which block Nogo-mediated inhibition of axonal extension. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful in the treatment of cranial or cerebral trauma, spinal cord injury, stroke or a demyelinating disease. |
| US08394924B2 |
Directed engagement of activating Fc receptors
The present invention features engineered proteins that include a first polypeptide that specifically binds a first target (e.g., a cellular target, such as a cell-surface antigen) and a second polypeptide that selectively binds an activating FcR. |
| US08394923B2 |
Apparatus and method for separation of liquid phases of different density and for fluorous phase organic syntheses
A simple, efficient apparatus and method for separating layers of immiscible or partially miscible liquids useful in methods of high-throughput combinatorial organic synthesis or parallel extraction of large libraries or megaarrays of organic compounds is disclosed. The apparatus and method are useful, whether as part of an automated, robotic or manual system for combinatorial organic synthesis or purification (extraction). In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus and method for separating layers of immiscible or partially miscible liquids compatible with microtiter plate type array(s) of reaction vessels is disclosed. Another application of centrifugation based liquid removal was found for washing the plates in biological assays or synthesis on modified substrates. |
| US08394921B2 |
N-terminal derivatisation of proteins with polysaccharides
The present invention relates to methods for producing N-terminal derivatives of proteins in which a polysaccharide, preferably having at least terminal sialic units and preferably consisting essentially only of sialic acid units, is reacted at the N-terminus of a protein or peptide under controlled conditions to produce an N-terminal derivative. The controlled conditions include use of acidic pH for the derivatisation step and a higher pH for purification. The derivatives are useful for improving pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of proteins and peptides. |
| US08394920B2 |
Composition for resin and optical lens obtained therefrom
According to a preferable embodiment of the present invention, a composition for a resin comprising an inorganic compound having a sulfur atom and/or a selenium atom, an episulfide compound, and a mercaptodisulfide compound can be provided. According to another preferable embodiment of the present invention, a composition for a resin having the viscosity thereof decreased to facilitate a cast polymerization operation and thus to improve the tonality of the obtained optical material can be provided. According to still another preferable embodiment of the present invention, an optical material obtained by curing the above-described composition for a resin and having a high refractive index can be provided. |
| US08394918B2 |
Five-ring fused heteroaromatic compounds and conjugated polymers thereof
Compounds having a core comprised of an aromatic ring and at least two annulated beta-substituted fused thiophene ring systems of the general formula: -(β-R2—FT2ArFT2-β-R2)—, and polymers or copolymers thereof, of the general formulas: -{-β-R2—FT2ArFT2-β-R2)-G1-}n-, or -{-G1-(β-R2—FT2ArFT2-β-R2)-G1-G2-}n-, where β-R2—FT2ArFT2-β-R2, -G1-, -G2-, and n are as defined herein. Also disclosed are compositions, articles, or devices comprising the polymers, and methods for making and using the polymers. The compositions, articles, or devices can be used, for example, for electronic applications, such as light emitting devices and semiconductor devices. |
| US08394917B2 |
Soluble alternating donor-acceptor conjugated polymer electrochromes
Embodiments of the invention are directed to alternating donor-acceptor (DA) polymers that are soluble and display a blue or green neutral state that oxidizes to a transmissive state for use as an electrochromic polymer. The D units have 3,4-dioxythiophene, 3,6-dialkoxythieno[3,2-b]thiophene or 3,5-dialkoxy-dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene groups. Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method for preparation of the alternating DA polymeric sequences of the DA polymers by a cross-condensation of a nucleophilic acceptor monomer and an electrophilic donor monomer. |
| US08394916B2 |
Method for the production of thiophene oligomers
The present invention is based on a process for oligothiophene synthesis at elevated temperatures and low catalyst concentrations. |
| US08394912B2 |
Process and apparatus for the preparation of polycarbonate
The invention relates to a process for the pretreatment of material surfaces in order to minimize the interaction between polycarbonate and metal and, in the processing and synthesis of polycarbonate, to obtain a high-quality polymer which in particular does not become discolored and is free of insoluble constituents. |
| US08394911B2 |
Phenol resin composition, production method therefor, curable resin composition, cured product thereof, and printed circuit board
A phenol resin composition used as a curing agent for an epoxy resin includes a naphthol novolac resin (a1) represented by general formula (1) (wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an alkoxy group, and n is a repeating unit and an integer of 1 or more), and a compound (a2) represented by general formula (2) (wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an alkoxy group), wherein the total ratio of compounds with n=1 and n=2 in the general formula (1) present in the composition is in the range of 10 to 35%, the average of n in the general formula (1) is in the range of 3.0 to 7.0, and the content of the compound (a2) in the composition is 1 to 6%. |
| US08394909B2 |
Silane-terminated polyurethanes with high strength and high elongation
A silane-terminated polyurethane composition is the reaction product of a silane-terminated polyurethane prepolymer component, a silane-terminated monomeric diisocyanate, and optionally at least one multifunctional trisilane or tetrasilane component. A method for making a composition includes (a) providing a silane-terminated polyurethane prepolymer component, a silane-terminated monomeric diisocyanate component, and optionally at least one multifunctional trisilane or tetrasilane component, and (b) combining the prepolymer component, monomeric component, and optional multifunctional silane component to form a silane-terminated polyurethane reaction product with a tensile strength of about 4 MPa or greater and an elongation of about 200% or greater. |
| US08394907B2 |
Polypropylene for injection molding
A polypropylene resin comprising a propylene polymer having the following features: a) melt flow rate (MFR) (ISO 1133) (230° C./2.16 kg) comprised between 120 g/10′ and 400 g/10′; b) distribution of molecular weight Mw/Mn lower than 4; c) haze measured according to ASTM D 1003 comprised between 5% and 30%; and d) flexural modulus measured according ISO 178 after 48 h comprised between 1750 N/m2 and 2300 N/m2. |
| US08394906B2 |
Ophthalmic lens having a yellow dye light blocking component
The invention is a polymeric ophthalmic lens material comprising a polymeric ophthalmic lens material comprising a) one or more lens-forming polymerizable monomers selected from the group of hydrophilic acrylate-substitute monomers, hydrophobic acrylate-substituted monomers, vinyl-substituted monomers, and platinum-catalyzed vinyl hydride addition-cured silicones, b) a polymerizable ultraviolet absorber and c) a polymerizable yellow dye. In one embodiment of the invention, the polymerizable ultraviolet absorber has the formula: and the polymerizable yellow dye has the formula: wherein R1=vinyl, R2, R3=H, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, wherein R2=vinyl, R1, R3=H, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, and wherein R3=vinyl, R1, R2=H, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl. |
| US08394903B2 |
Initiation system for the anionic polymerization of conjugated dienes, and method for preparing diene elastomers
The present invention relates to a novel initiating system for the preparation of a living diene elastomer functionalized at the chain end by an amine group by anionic polymerization. The novel initiating system comprises an organolithium compound and a tin amide.The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of modified elastomers comprising an amine group at the chain end. These modified elastomers prove to be particularly advantageous in reinforced rubber compositions for tyres as they confer improved dynamic and mechanical properties in the vulcanized state. |
| US08394901B2 |
Bi-component catalyst system for isoprene or butadiene cis 1, 4-polymerization and polymerization process
An isoprene or butadiene cis 1,4-selective polymerization catalyst system together with its polymerization method is provided. This catalyst system is composed of NCN-imine pincer type rare earth metal complex of formula [2,6-(CH═N—R1)2-4-R2-1-C6H2]LnX2(THF)n and alkylating reagent. In an hydrocarbon solvent or under bulk conditions, at a polymerization temperature in a range of −20-120° C., the conjugated diene is polymerized by using the catalyst system, to produce polyisoprene and polybutadiene having controllable number-average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution of 3.0 or less than, and cis 1,4-content of 95% or more, even 99% or more. The crude rubber and vulcanized rubber of the polyisoprene have high strength, stretching crystallization capability and transparency. |
| US08394899B2 |
Fine particle-dispersed polyol composition, method for producing polymer polyol, and method for producing polyurethane resin
A polyol composition comprising a polyol (a) and resin fine particles (b) dispersed in the polyol (a), and a method for producing the polyol composition are provided, wherein the resin fine particles (b) are particles such that an arithmetic standard deviation by volume of a particle size distribution of the particles, derived from respective values in 85 divisions of a range of 0.020 to 2000 μm determined by a laser diffraction/scattering particle size distribution analyzer, is not more than 0.6. A resin fine particle-dispersed polyol composition that, even if the resin particles dispersed in the polyol have a small particle diameter, allows the production of a polyurethane resin having an excellent mechanical strength such as elongation at break, and a method for producing the same, are provided. |
| US08394896B2 |
Liquid α-olefin vinyl acetate compounds
The present invention relates to a liquid α-olefin vinyl acetate compound containing a liquid α-olefin vinyl acetate copolymer. Compositions according to the present invention have improved resistance to premature vulcanization as well as good physical properties and aging resistance. The present invention is also directed to a vulcanized compound containing a liquid ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. |
| US08394892B2 |
High performance thermoplastic elastomer composition
The present invention provides a thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising: 100 parts by weight of component (A), 10 to 100 parts by weight of component (B), 50 to 200 parts by weight of component (C), and 5 to 30 parts by weight of component (D). Component (A) is a propylene polymer having a melting point of 155° C. or more. Component (B) is a crystalline propylene-ethylene copolymer. Component (C) is an ethylene-α-olefin rubber having Mooney Viscosity of 30 to 100(ML1+4, 125° C.). Component (D) is a hydrogenated product of block copolymer comprising blocks of aromatic vinyl compound units and blocks of conjugated diene compound units. |
| US08394887B2 |
Fluoropolymer having S-sulfate group and water/oil repellent composition containing the polymer
A fluoropolymer comprising: (A) repeating unit derived from an S-sulfate monomer having an —S—SO3— group and carbon to carbon double bond; and (B) repeating unit derived from a fluoromonomer having a fluorine atom and carbon to carbon double bond. This fluoropolymer can be a constituent of water/oil repellent agent having excellent water/oil repelling capability, and is stable in air and permits an arbitrary control of crosslinking. |
| US08394884B2 |
Coating material and container coated with the coating material
A coating material includes a first aqueous dispersion (A) and a second aqueous dispersion (B) wherein a dispersoid of the first aqueous dispersion (A) has an average particle diameter of 1 to 20 μm and a dispersoid of the second aqueous dispersion (B) has an average particle diameter 1/100 to ⅕ of that of the dispersoid of the first aqueous dispersion (A), and the mass ratio (the aqueous dispersion (A)/the aqueous dispersion (B)) of the dispersoid of the first aqueous dispersion (A) to the dispersoid of the second aqueous dispersion (B) is 2/1 to 100/1. Also provided is a container, which is coated with the coating material and has excellent properties. |
| US08394883B2 |
Vulcanizable blend comprising partially hydrogenated vinylarene-conjugated diene branched polymers
A raw elastomeric composition includes: (a1) from 30 to 90% by weight of a partially hydrogenated vinylarene-conjugated diene random elastomeric copolymer; (a2) from 10 to 70% by weight of one or more diene rubbers; (b) from 10 to 150 phr of silica; (c) from 0.1 to 20 phr of a coupling agent based on silane; (d) from 0.1 to 10 phr of a vulcanization agent; wherein the partially hydrogenated vinylarene-conjugated diene random copolymer has a structure which has nodes statistically distributed in the macromolecule, from which polymeric chains branch out, the bond between the nodes and the branches being a carbon-carbon bond. |
| US08394881B2 |
Golf ball
To provide a golf ball with excellent abrasion-resistance and resilience.A golf ball of the present invention comprises: a core; and a cover covering the core, wherein the cover is formed of a cover composition containing a (meth)acrylic polymer-modified silicate and a resin component. |
| US08394880B2 |
Flame retardant composites
A flame retardant polymer composite is disclosed. The composite includes a polymer base material and a flame retardant filler provided in the polymer base material, the flame retardant filler containing seeded boehmite particulate material having an aspect ratio of not less than 3:1. |
| US08394876B2 |
Golf ball
The invention provides a golf ball in which an intermediate layer formed of a highly neutralized resin mixture obtained by using two nonionic resins of differing weight-average molecular weights and breadths of molecular weight distribution (weight-average molecular weight/number-average molecular weight) as the base resin and adding thereto an organic acid or a metal salt thereof and a basic inorganic metal compound capable of being neutralized is combined with a cover formed of an ionic resin having a weight-average molecular weight in a specific range and a breadth of molecular weight distribution (weight-average molecular weight/number-average molecular weight) in a specific range. The golf ball material of the invention has an excellent rebound and durability. |
| US08394874B2 |
Method and aqueous adhesive composition for the production of panels made from vegetable matter
An adhesive composition, includes at least one vegetable starch the amylose content of which is between 30 and 60%. The invention further relates to the method for using the composition, including application thereof to lignocellulose materials, the forming of a panel and the hot pressing thereof. The emissions of formaldehyde vapor during the method are as low as possible. The invention further relates to the panels produced as above and in particular the panels emitting reduced amounts of formaldehyde into the atmosphere. |
| US08394873B2 |
Polysiloxane modified titanium dioxide
A particle of titanium dioxide treated with a polysiloxane is disclosed. One or more silicon atoms of the polysiloxane is substituted with an alkylene group terminating with a silyl group containing three substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halo, alkoxy, acetoxy, and mixtures thereof. These treated particles are blended with organic polymers to form a polyethylene polymer matrix having dispersed therein at least 55 wt % polysiloxane modified titanium dioxide particles. |
| US08394871B2 |
Aqueous ink for inkjet recording
The present invention provides [1] a water dispersion for ink-jet printing containing chain-like particles each containing anionic organic pigment particles and a cationic polymer, wherein the ratio of organic pigment primary particles forming the chain-like particles to all the pigment primary particles contained in the water dispersion is 10% by number or more; [2] a water-based ink for ink-jet printing containing the water dispersion; [3] a method for producing a water dispersion for ink-jet printing as described above in [1]; and [4] a water-based ink for ink-jet printing containing a water dispersion produced through the method. The water dispersion and water-based ink for ink-jet printing of the present invention realize excellent optical density. |
| US08394869B2 |
Photopolymerizable compositions useful as a dental restorative material
Disclosed are photopolymerizable compositions suitable for uses such as dental composite resins, and that comprise (A) a radical-polymerizable monomer, (B) a photopolymerization initiator that comprises (B1) an α-diketone compound, (B2) a photoacid generating agent, (B3) an aromatic amine compound, and (C) an organic filler containing a phthalate ester fluorescent agent. |
| US08394867B2 |
Polypropylene resin foamed bead and molded article therefrom
Improved polypropylene resin foamed beads that without detriment to the excellence in properties, such as compression properties and heat resistance, characterizing the polypropylene resin foamed beads, can provide a polypropylene resin foamed bead molded article with equal properties by an molding conducted at low heating temperature. There are disclosed polypropylene resin foamed beads composed of a polypropylene resin of 115 to 135° C. melting point and 500 MPa or higher Olsen flexural modulus. The amount of ash at the surface of the foamed beads is 3000 wt. ppm or less (including 0). With respect to the foamed beads, in the first DSC curve obtained by heating 1 to 3 mg of polypropylene resin foamed beads from room temperature to 200° C. at a temperature elevation rate of 10° C./min by the use of a differential scanning calorimeter, there appear not only one or more endothermic peak (Pa) having the peak temperature within a temperature zone not higher than the melting point of the resin but also one or more endothermic peak (Pb) having the peak temperature within a temperature zone exceeding the melting point of the resin and not lower than 130° C. The total calorific value of the endothermic peak (Pb) is in the range of 2 to 12 J/g. Further, there is disclosed a foamed bead molded article obtained by molding the above foamed beads. |
| US08394863B2 |
Process and apparatus for the production of useful products from carbonaceous feedstock
A carbonaceous feedstock to alcohol conversion process in which carbon dioxide is removed from the syngas stream issuing from a feedstock reformer, to yield a carbon dioxide depleted syngas stream including hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane. This carbon dioxide depleted syngas stream is then passed through a Fischer-Tropsch reactor ultimately yielding a mixed alcohol product which is preferably largely ethanol. The removed carbon dioxide stream is passed through a methane reformer along with methane, which is produced in or has passed through a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, to yield primarily carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The carbon monoxide and hydrogen stream from the methane reformer are passed through the alcohol reactor. Also disclosed are a unique catalyst, a method for controlling the content of the syngas formed in the feedstock reformer, and a feedstock handling system. |
| US08394859B2 |
Combretastatin analogs with tubulin binding activity
Analogs of combretastatin have been discovered which demonstrate impressive cytotoxicity as well as a remarkable ability to inhibit tubulin polymerization. Such compounds are excellent clinical candidates for the treatment of cancer in humans. In addition, certain of these ligands, as pro-drugs, may well prove to be tumor selective vascular targeting chemotherapeutic agents or to have vascular targeting activity resulting in the selective prevention and/or destruction of nonmalignant proliferating vasculature. |
| US08394852B2 |
Inotilone derivatives as coherent biological response modifier (cBMR)
Optimal compositions of derivatives of 5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone compounds and phenylpropanoid polyketides related to inotilone, that exert biological response modification in health and disease, and their method of preparation, are disclosed. Methods of treating degenerative conditions stemming from over-expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) using these compositions are also disclosed. |
| US08394851B2 |
Osmoprotective complexes for prevention of mitochondrial free radical damage related skin aging
The present invention discloses a method to inhibit a free radical, including a mitochondrial free radical, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising a compound of formula (I: a, b), an isomer, or a salt thereof: |
| US08394849B2 |
Use of artemisinin for treating tumors induced by oncogenic viruses and for treating viral infections
In certain aspects, the invention relates to methods of treating proliferative oropharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer and esophageal cancer by administering artemisinin-related compounds. |
| US08394848B2 |
Compounds that modulate intracellular calcium
Described herein are compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, which modulate the activity of store-operated calcium (SOC) channels. Also described herein are methods of using such SOC channel modulators, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating diseases or conditions that would benefit from inhibition of SOC channel activity. |
| US08394845B2 |
Method of using combination preparation comprising angiotensin-II-receptor blocker and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Disclosed herein is a combination therapy and a combination preparation of an angiotensin-II-receptor blocker and an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor characterized in that the angiotensin-II-receptor blocker is absorbed substantially later than the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. As the angiotensin-II-receptor blocker and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor are released at different times, the present combination therapy prevents competitive inhibition between the two drugs and side effects, as well as simultaneously provides synergistic effects for each active ingredient and convenience of taking the drugs. |
| US08394843B2 |
Substituted isoindoles as glucokinase activators
Compounds are provided which have the formula: wherein the variables are as defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture which contain such compounds, methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds, and methods of using the compounds to activate glucokinase. |
| US08394842B2 |
Benzothiazoles having histamine H3 receptor activity
Certain novel benzothiazoles and benzoxazoles, e.g., 2-(piperazin-1-yl)benzothiazoles and 2-(piperazin-1-yl)benzoxazoles, optionally substituted in the 3 and/or 4 positions of the piperazine rings,! of the general formula (1): having histamine H3 antagonistic activity can be used in pharmaceutical compositions. |
| US08394836B2 |
Indoles and their therapeutic use
Compound of formula (I) are ligands of the CRTH2 receptor, useful inter alia for treatment of inflammatory conditions. Wherein X is —SO2— or *—SO2NR3— wherein the bond marked with an asterisk is attached to Ar1; R1 is hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, CN or CF3; R2 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro; R3 is hydrogen, C1C8alkyl or C3-C7cycloalkyl; Ar1 is phenyl or a 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl group selected from furanyl, thienyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl and pyrazinyl, wherein the phenyl or heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from fluoro, chloro, CN, C3-C7cycloalkyl, —O(C1-C4alkyl) or C1C6alkyl, the latter two groups being optionally substituted by one or more fluoro atoms; and Ar2 is phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl group selected from pyrrolyl, furanyl, thienyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl and pyrazinyl, wherein the phenyl or heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from fluoro, chloro, CN, C3-C3-C7cycloalkyl, —O(C1-C4alkyl) or C1C6alkyl, the latter two groups being optionally substituted by one or more fluoro atoms. |
| US08394826B2 |
Dual mechanism inhibitors for the treatment of disease
Provided are compounds that are inhibitors of both rho kinase and of a monoamine transporter (MAT) act to improve the disease state or condition. Further provided are compositions comprising the compounds. Further provided are methods for treating diseases or conditions, the methods comprising administering compounds according to the invention. One such disease may be glaucoma for which, among other beneficial effects, a marked reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) may be achieved. |
| US08394825B2 |
Compound
The present invention involves tetrahydroisoquinoline compounds and their use in the inhibition and/or prevention of tumor growth. |
| US08394819B2 |
Indole derivatives as CRTH2 receptor antagonists
Compound of formula I are antagonists of the PGD2 receptor, CRTH2, and as such are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of CRTH2-mediated diseases such as asthma. |
| US08394815B2 |
2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles and their use as anti-microbial agents
The present invention provides therapeutically effective 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazole compounds, methods of preparing the same, and compositions comprising the compounds alone or in combination with other agents. The present invention further provides for the use of the compounds as anti-microbial agents. The anti-microbial properties of the compounds include anti-bacterial and/or anti-fungal activity. |
| US08394808B2 |
HM74 receptor agonists:xanthine derivatives, corresponding pharmaceutical compositions, treatment methods and processes
The present invention relates to therapeutically active xanthine derivative compounds of Formula (I): corresponding processes for manufacture of said derivatives, pharmaceutical formulations containing and uses of such compounds in therapy, particularly in treatment of diseases where under-activation of the HM74A receptor contributes to the disease or where activation of the receptor will be beneficial. |
| US08394806B2 |
2-phenyl pyrazines as tubulin inhibitors
Compounds of general formula (I), (II), (III) and (V) are described for use in modulating microtubule polymerisation and in the treatment of associated disease states. Use of compounds (I), (III) and (V) in the treatment of kinase-associated disease states is also described. Further described are novel compounds of formula (II), (III) and (V). |
| US08394803B2 |
Gyrase inhibitors and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, that inhibit bacterial gyrase and/or Topo IV and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds. These compounds, and compositions thereof, are useful in treating bacterial infection. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to methods for treating bacterial infections in mammals. |
| US08394802B2 |
3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-1-one derivatives for the modulation of the activity of protein kinases
Compounds which are 4,7-disubstituted derivatives of 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-1-one compounds with the formula or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their preparation process and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are disclosed; these compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases caused by and/or associated with an altered protein kinase activity such as cancer, viral infection, prevention of AIDS development in HIV-infected individuals, cell proliferative disorders, autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders; also disclosed is a process under Solid Phase Synthesis conditions for preparing the compounds of the invention and chemical libraries comprising a plurality of them. |
| US08394796B2 |
Bicyclic pyrimidine PI3K inhibitor compounds selective for P110 delta, and methods of use
Formula I (Ia and Ib) compounds wherein (i) X1 is N and X2 is S, (ii) X1 is CR7 and X2 is S, (iii) X1 is N and X2 is NR2, or (iv) X1 is CR7 and X2 is O, including stereoisomers, tautomers, metabolites and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful for inhibiting the delta isoform of PI3K, and for treating disorders mediated by lipid kinases such as inflammation, immunological, and cancer. Methods of using compounds of Formula I for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions, are disclosed. |
| US08394795B2 |
Pyrazole [3, 4-B] pyridine Raf inhibitors
Compounds of Formula I are useful for inhibition of Raf kinases. Methods of using compounds of Formula I and stereoisomers, tautomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions are disclosed. |
| US08394792B2 |
Heterocyclic derivatives
Disclosed are heterocyclic derivatives, and more particularly heterocyclic derivatives having the following Formula I which are useful for the preparation of medicaments for treating diseases related to uric acid: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, X1, X2, X3, L and Y are the same as defined in the detailed description. |
| US08394791B2 |
Crystalline, enantiomerically pure salt form of a beta-agonist, and the use thereof as a drug
This invention concerns a crystalline, enantiopure hydrochloride salt of N-(5-{2-[3-(4,4-diethyl-2-oxo-4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazin-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-2-hydroxy-phenyl)-methanesulfonamide, preferably of N-(5-{(R)-2-[3-(4,4-diethyl-2-oxo-4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazin-1-yl)-1,1-dimethyl-propylamino-1-hydroxy-ethyl}-2-hydroxy-phenyl)-methanesulfonamide and its action as a long acting beta-agonist, alone or in combination with one or multiple other active ingredients for the treatment of respiratory diseases. |
| US08394790B2 |
Psychotropic agents having glutamate NMDA activity
The invention provides novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of psychological and/or psychiatric diseases or disorders. |
| US08394789B2 |
(Dihydro)pyrrolo[2,1-α]isoquinolines
The invention relates to 5,6-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-α]isoquinoline and pyrrolo[2,1-α]isoquinoline derivatives according to general formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds can be used for the treatment of infertility. |
| US08394785B2 |
Methods for the treatment and amelioration of urticaria
The present invention relates to a method for the treatment and/or amelioration of urticaria, the method comprising the administration of a pharmaceutically active dose of a compound of formula I to a subject in need of such a treatment and/or amelioration. |
| US08394782B2 |
Polysaccharide gel formulation having increased longevity
Described herein are polysaccharide gel formulations including at least one inhibitor of polysaccharide degradation and methods of making the same. The methods described herein involve the steps of providing at least one polysaccharide and incorporating at least one inhibitor of degradation into the polysaccharide. In some embodiments, the incorporating step comprises 1) mixing the at least one inhibitor with the at least one polysaccharide at a highly hydrated state thereby encapsulating the at least one inhibitor in a polysaccharide network, and 2) dehydrating the polysaccharide network thereby controlling release kinetics or final swell ratio. In another embodiment, the incorporating step comprises 1) encapsulating at least one inhibitor into a biocompatible or biodegradable vessel and 2) combining the polysaccharide and the vessel into a gel formulation. The polysaccharide gel formulations described herein can be used for a variety of cosmetic applications. |
| US08394779B2 |
Methods of modulating angiogenesis via TRPV4
The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting capillary endothelial (CE) cell migration, the formation of CE networks and angiogenesis, and uses thereof for the purpose of treating angiogenesis-related diseases and disorders, particularly when the diseases or disorders are directly related aberrant angiogenesis. Inhibition is achieved by inhibiting TRPV4 activity, such as the levels of TRPV4 expression, calcium influx through TRPV4, and/or the intracellular signaling from TRPV4 via β1 integrin activation. |
| US08394777B2 |
Treating immunodeficiencies by intrathymic injection of nucleotide sequences
The invention relates to the use of viral vectors able to stably integrate into the genome of thymic stromal cells, or of intrathymic lymphocytes or lymphocytes precursors, for the manufacture of a medicine intended for intrathymic administration in the frame of the prevention or treatment of genetic immunodeficiencies, acquired immunodeficiencies, or for the induction of immune tolerance of the organism to self or non-self gene products, cells or tissues, or for the prevention or treatment of autoimmune diseases. |
| US08394772B2 |
Glycoside derivative and uses thereof
This invention relates to compounds represented by formula (I): wherein the variables are defined as herein above, which are useful for treating diseases and conditions mediated by the sodium D-glucose co-transporter (SGLT), e.g. diabetes. The invention also provides methods of treating such diseases and conditions, and compositions etc. for their treatment. |
| US08394770B2 |
Vm23 and Vm24, two scorpion peptides that block human T-lymphocyte potassium channels (sub-type Kv1.3) with high selectivity and decrease the in vivo DTH-responses in rats
Potassium channels Kv1.3 are known to be implicated in immunological diseases and graft rejections. Disclosed are peptides capable of blocking with high affinity and specificity potassium channels Kv1.3, their pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for their use to block Kv1.3 potassium channels, to treat various immunological conditions and to diagnostic applications. Methods for their chemical synthesis and correct folding are also disclosed. Exemplary peptides correspond to protein components (Vm23 and Vm24) isolated from the venom of the Mexican scorpion Vaejovis mexicanus smithi. Vm23 and Vm24 bind to hKv1.3 channels in an almost irreversible manner, showing a Kd value in the order of 3 picomolar range, when applied to human lymphocytes cultures in vitro. Vm24 was chemically synthesized and used in in vivo experiments to successfully treat sensitized rats (on the DTH-response). Neither Vm24 nor synthetic Vm24 is toxic to mice when injected at relatively high concentrations (assayed up to 10,000 micrograms per kilogram mouse body weight). These peptides (Vm24 and Vm23) and their functional equivalent analogs with at least 83% of sequence identity are lead compounds, candidates for the treatment of various immunological conditions and diagnostic applications. |
| US08394765B2 |
Methods of treating obesity with two different anti-obesity agents
Methods for treating obesity or obesity related disorders are disclosed. These methods include the use of anti-obesity agents directed to the forebrain in combination with anti-obesity agents directed to the hindbrain. |
| US08394763B2 |
Cyclic undecapeptides and derivatives as multiple sclerosis therapies
A method for treating a subject with multiple sclerosis is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method is provided for treating a subject with multiple sclerosis that includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a cyclosporin compound. |
| US08394761B2 |
Methods for treating congestive heart failure
The invention features methods of treating or preventing congestive heart failure by administering a polypeptide containing an epidermal growth factor-like domain encoded by a neuregulin gene. |
| US08394760B2 |
Multifunctional nanostructures, methods of synthesizing thereof, and methods of use thereof
A nanostructure and methods of synthesizing same. In one embodiment, the nanostructure includes a nanospecies, a hydrophobic protection structure including at least one compound selected from a capping ligand, an amphiphilic copolymer, and combinations thereof, wherein the hydrophobic protection structure encapsulates the nanospecies, and at least one histidine-tagged peptide or protein conjugated to the hydrophobic protection structure, wherein the at least one histidine-tagged peptide or protein has at least one binding site. |
| US08394758B2 |
Tumor-targeting peptides and uses thereof
Tumor targeting peptides and uses thereof in tumor diagnosis and treatment. |
| US08394757B2 |
Sensitization of tumor cells to radiation therapy through the administration of endothelin agonists
Methods to sensitize tumor cells to radiation therapy through the administration of an endothelin agonist such as the ETB agonist IRL1620. |
| US08394756B2 |
Methods of increasing RDCVF 1 or RDCVF 2 polypeptides in retinal cells
Disclosed are methods and compositions for early diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of retinal dystrophy, age-related macular degeneration, Bardet-Biedel syndrome, Bassen-kornzweig syndrome, best disease, choroidema, gyrate atrophy, congenital amourosis, refsun syndrome, stargardt disease and Usher syndrome. In particular, the invention relates to a protein, termed “Rdcvf1,” that is differentially transcribed and expressed in subjects suffering from retinal dystrophies and the like, such as retinal dystrophy and age-related macular degeneration compared with nonsufferers, antibodies which recognize this protein, and methods for diagnosing such conditions. |
| US08394754B2 |
Amphiphile-containing perfume compositions
Concentrated perfume compositions having an amphiphile are useful for incorporating perfume into concentrated fabric softener compositions. |
| US08394749B2 |
Pressure medium oil
The present invention provides a pressure-medium oil comprising at least one of a hydrocarbon compound and an ether compound and having the following properties (1) to (4): (1) a kinematic viscosity as measured at 40° C. of 2 to 30 mm2/s; (2) a viscosity index of 110 or higher; (3) a density as measured at 15° C. of 0.86 g/cm3 or less; and (4) a pour point of −50° C. or lower. The pressure-medium oil does not solidify under an ultra-high pressure, for example, 1.5 GPa or higher, and has a low pour point and excellent compatibility with test samples and with the material of the apparatus employed in the test. |
| US08394744B2 |
Low density cementitious compositions
A manufactured cementitious binder including a hydraulic binder in an amount in the range of from about 40 to 75% by weight of the cementitious binder; metakaolin in an amount greater than about 5% by weight of the cementitious binder; silica fume in an amount up to about 15% by weight of the cementitious binder; and cement kiln dust in an amount greater than about 10% by weight of the cementitious binder, the cement kiln dust including chlorine in an amount of at least 0.1% by weight of the cement kiln dust, the cementitious binder providing a cementitious settable composition, when added with water and without a lightweight additive, that has a density lower than about 13 pounds per gallon and greater than about 11 pounds per gallon and a 24 hour compressive strength at 100 F, as hardened, of at least 500 psi. |
| US08394743B2 |
Process fluid
A water-based, shear-thinning process fluid comprises bentonite, aluminum hydroxide particles, and salt. The median diameter (by weight) of the aluminum hydroxide particles does not exceed 2 μm. |
| US08394739B2 |
Adsorbent for adsorption of heavy metals in waste water
A method and adsorbent composition for removing heavy metals from contaminated water, including mixing a water having a concentration of one or more heavy metals with an adsorbent including granules of a mixture of 3.33 wt % bentonite clay and a siwak stick powder; and collecting water having a reduced concentration of the heavy metal(s). |
| US08394735B2 |
Catalyst for ultra-deep desulfurization of diesel via oxidative distillation, its preparation and desulfurization method
A catalyst for ultra-deep desulfurization of diesel via oxidative distillation is an amphiphilic oxidative catalyst, which is expressed as Qm[XMnOq], wherein 1≦m≦12; 9≦n≦18; 34≦q≦62; Q is a quaternary ammonium cation; X is P, Si, As or B; and M is Mo) or W. A desulfurization method comprises a) mixing well a diesel, the amphiphilic catalyst, and hydrogen peroxide, reacting for 10-300 minutes at ambient temperature and normal pressure, transforming the sulfur-containing compounds in the diesel into sulfone to obtain an oxidized diesel; b) distilling the oxidized diesel obtained in step a) under reduced pressure to obtain the ultra-low sulfur diesel having a sulfur content of less than 10 ppm; and c) separating and recovering the catalyst and sulfone. |
| US08394731B2 |
Composite woven fabric and printed wiring board
Disclosed is a printed wiring board which attains aims of printed wiring boards required for realizing high-speed, high-frequency semiconductor devices, namely a printed wiring board having low dielectric constant, low dielectric loss tangent and low linear expansion coefficient. Also disclosed is a composite woven fabric suitably used as a base material for such a printed wiring board. Specifically disclosed is a composite woven fabric containing quartz glass fibers and polyolefin fibers, in which the ratio of the quartz glass fibers to the composite woven fabric is set at 10 vol % or more and 90 vol % or less. It is preferred that the quartz glass fibers each have a filament diameter of 3 μm or more and 16 μm or less, and the composite woven fabric has a thickness of 200 μm or less. |
| US08394728B2 |
Film deposition method and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A film deposition method includes the steps of: coating a solution containing a polysilane compound on a substrate to form a coating film and then carrying out a first thermal treatment in an inert atmosphere, thereby forming the coating film into a silicon film; forming a coating film containing a polysilane compound on the silicon film and then carrying out a second thermal treatment in an inert atmosphere or a reducing atmosphere, thereby forming the coating film into a silicon oxide precursor film; and carrying out a third thermal treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere, thereby forming the silicon oxide precursor film into a silicon oxide film and simultaneously densifying the silicon film. |
| US08394722B2 |
Bi-layer, tri-layer mask CD control
A method for controlling critical dimension (CD) of etch features in an etch layer disposed below a functionalized organic mask layer disposed below an intermediate mask layer, disposed below a patterned photoresist mask, which forms a stack is provided. The intermediate mask layer is opened by selectively etching the intermediate mask layer with respect to the patterned photoresist mask. The functionalized organic mask layer is opened. The functionalized organic mask layer opening comprises flowing an open gas comprising COS, forming a plasma, and stopping the flowing of the open gas. The etch layer is etched. |
| US08394720B2 |
Plasma processing method and resist pattern modifying method
A plasma processing method includes modifying a resist pattern of the substrate; and trimming the modified resist pattern through a plasma etching. The modifying includes: supplying the processing gas for modification from the processing gas supply unit to the inside of the processing chamber while the substrate having a surface on which the resist pattern is formed is mounted on the lower electrode; supplying the high frequency power from the high frequency power supply to generate a plasma of the processing gas for modification; and supplying the negative DC voltage from the DC power supply to the upper electrode. |
| US08394713B2 |
Method of improving adhesion of bond pad over pad metallization with a neighboring passivation layer by depositing a palladium layer
A semiconductor device structure has a semiconductor die that has a bond pad with a passivation layer surrounding a portion of the bond pad. A nickel layer, which is deposited, is on the inner portion. A space is between a sidewall of the nickel layer and the passivation layer and extends to the bond pad. A palladium layer is over the nickel layer and fills the space. The space is initially quite small but is widened by an isotropic etch so that when the palladium layer is deposited, the space is sufficiently large so that the deposition of palladium is able to fill the space. Filling the space results in a structure in which the palladium contacts the nickel layer, the passivation layer and the bond pad. |
| US08394712B2 |
Cavity-free interface between extension regions and embedded silicon-carbon alloy source/drain regions
A gate stack is formed on a silicon substrate, and source/drain extension regions are formed around the gate stack. A dielectric spacer is formed around the gate stack. A pair of trenches is formed around the gate stack and the dielectric spacer by an etch so that sidewalls of the source/drain extension regions are exposed. Within each trench, an n-doped silicon liner is deposited on the sidewalls of the trenches by a first selective epitaxy process so that the interface between the dielectric spacer and the source/drain extension region is covered. Within each trench, an n-doped single crystalline silicon-carbon alloy is subsequently deposited to fill the trench by a second selective epitaxy process. A combination of an n-doped single crystalline silicon liner and an n-doped single crystalline silicon-carbon alloy functions as embedded source/drain regions of an n-type field effect transistor (NFET), which applies a tensile stress to the channel of the transistor. |
| US08394702B2 |
Method for making dual gate oxide trench MOSFET with channel stop using three or four masks process
A semiconductor device and fabrication methods are disclosed. The device includes a plurality of gate electrodes formed in trenches located in an active region of a semiconductor substrate. A first gate runner is formed in the substrate and electrically connected to the gate electrodes, wherein the first gate runner surrounds the active region. A second gate runner is connected to the first gate runner and located between the active region and a termination region. A termination structure surrounds the first and second gate runners and the active region. The termination structure includes a conductive material in an insulator-lined trench in the substrate, wherein the termination structure is electrically shorted to a source or body layer of the substrate thereby forming a channel stop for the device. |
| US08394701B2 |
Dielectric spacers for metal interconnects and method to form the same
A plurality of metal interconnects incorporating dielectric spacers and a method to form such dielectric spacers are described. In one embodiment, the dielectric spacers adjacent to neighboring metal interconnects are discontiguous from one another. In another embodiment, the dielectric spacers may provide a region upon which un-landed vias may effectively land. |
| US08394697B2 |
Methods of forming capacitors for semiconductor memory devices
A capacitor of a semiconductor memory device, and methods of forming the same, are disclosed. A pad interlayer insulating layer is disposed on a semiconductor substrate of an active region. Landing pads and a central landing pad are disposed in peripheral portions and a central portion of the active region, respectively, to penetrate the pad interlayer insulating layer. The upper surface of the central landing pad has a different area from the upper surfaces of the landing pads. A buried interlayer insulating layer is formed on the pad interlayer insulating layer to cover the landing pads and the central landing pad. Buried plugs are formed on the respective landing pads to penetrate the buried interlayer insulating layer. Lower electrodes are formed on the buried plugs. |
| US08394696B2 |
Semiconductor device with reduced capacitance tolerance value
A semiconductor device includes a capacitance, the numerical value of which is relevant for a device function. The capacitance is formed from a parallel connection of at least a first and a second capacitor element, wherein the first and second capacitor elements are formed in respective manufacturing steps that exhibit uncorrelated process fluctuations. |
| US08394692B2 |
Integrating a first contact structure in a gate last process
A method is provided that includes providing a substrate; forming a transistor in the substrate, the transistor having a dummy gate; forming a dielectric layer over the substrate and transistor; forming a contact feature in the dielectric layer; and after forming the contact feature, replacing the dummy gate of the transistor with a metal gate. An exemplary contact feature is a dual contact. |
| US08394691B2 |
Semiconductor devices having stressor regions and related fabrication methods
Apparatus for semiconductor device structures and related fabrication methods are provided. One method for fabricating a semiconductor device structure involves forming a gate structure overlying a region of semiconductor material, wherein the width of the gate structure is aligned with a <100> crystal direction of the semiconductor material. The method continues by forming recesses about the gate structure and forming a stress-inducing semiconductor material in the recesses. |
| US08394690B2 |
Semiconductor device and fabrication method thereof
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device having a Ge- or SiGe-fin structure includes a convex-shaped active area formed along one direction on the surface region of a Si substrate, a buffer layer of Si1-xGex (0 |
| US08394688B2 |
Process for forming repair layer and MOS transistor having repair layer
A repair layer forming process includes the following steps. Firstly, a substrate is provided, and a gate structure is formed on the substrate, wherein the gate structure at least includes a gate dielectric layer and a gate conductor layer. Then, a nitridation process is performed to form a nitrogen-containing superficial layer on a sidewall of the gate structure. Then, a thermal oxidation process is performed to convert the nitrogen-containing superficial layer into a repair layer. Moreover, a metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor includes a substrate, a gate dielectric layer, a gate conductor layer and a repair layer. The gate dielectric layer is formed on the substrate. The gate conductor layer is formed on the gate dielectric layer. The repair layer is at least partially formed on a sidewall of the gate conductor layer. |
| US08394686B2 |
Dry etching method of silicon compound film
A silicon compound film is dry etched by parallel-plate type dry etching using an etching gas including at least COF2. |
| US08394684B2 |
Structure and method for stress latching in non-planar semiconductor devices
Techniques are discloses to apply an external stress onto the source/drain semiconductor fin sidewall areas and latch the same onto the semiconductor fin before releasing the sidewalls for subsequent salicidation and contact formation. In particular, the present disclosure provides methods in which selected portions of a semiconductor are subjected to an amorphizing ion implantation which disorients the crystal structure of the selected portions of the semiconductor fins, relative to portions of the semiconductor fin that is beneath a gate stack and encapsulated with various liners. At least one stress liner is formed and then stress memorization occurs by performing a stress latching annealing. During this anneal, recrystallization of the disoriented crystal structure occurs. The at least one stress liner is removed and thereafter merging of the semiconductor fins in the source/drain regions is performed. |
| US08394683B2 |
Methods of forming semiconductor constructions, and methods of forming NAND unit cells
Some embodiments include methods of forming semiconductor constructions. Alternating layers of n-type doped material and p-type doped material may be formed. The alternating layers may be patterned into a plurality of vertical columns that are spaced from one another by openings. The openings may be lined with tunnel dielectric, charge-storage material and blocking dielectric. Alternating layers of insulative material and conductive control gate material may be formed within the lined openings. Some embodiments include methods of forming NAND unit cells. Columns of alternating n-type material and p-type material may be formed. The columns may be lined with a layer of tunnel dielectric, a layer of charge-storage material, and a layer of blocking dielectric. Alternating layers of insulative material and conductive control gate material may be formed between the lined columns. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions, and some embodiments include NAND unit cells. |
| US08394678B2 |
Semiconductor chip stacked body and method of manufacturing the same
A plurality of chip sealing bodies stacked on a wiring substrate with a connection terminal. The chip sealing body includes a semiconductor chip having a semiconductor integrated circuit, a pad and a conductive connecting material, and a resin sealing the semiconductor chip. The chip sealing body is shaped into a cubic form in which a portion of the conductive connecting material except an end portion located on an external device side and all surfaces of semiconductor chip is sealed by the resin and the end portion of the conductive connecting material located on the external device side is exposed from the cubic form. A conductive bonding wire connects the end portions of the conductive connecting materials and the connection terminal respectively. A resin sealing material seals the plurality of chip sealing bodies, the conductive bonding wire, and the wiring substrate. |
| US08394672B2 |
Method of manufacturing and assembling semiconductor chips with offset pads
A semiconductor chip device includes a first semiconductor chip adapted to be stacked with a second semiconductor chip wherein the second semiconductor chip includes a side and first and second conductor structures projecting from the side. The first semiconductor chip includes a first edge, a first conductor pad, a first conductor pillar positioned on but laterally offset from the first conductor pad toward the first edge and that has a first lateral dimension and is adapted to couple to one of the first and second conductor structures, a second conductor pad positioned nearer the first edge than the first conductor pad, and a second conductor pillar positioned on but laterally offset from the second conductor pad and that has a second lateral dimension larger than the first lateral dimension and is adapted to couple to the other of the first and second conductor structures. |
| US08394670B2 |
Vertical diodes for non-volatile memory device
A steering device. The steering device includes an n-type impurity region comprising a zinc oxide material and a p-type impurity region comprising a silicon germanium material. A pn junction region formed from the zinc oxide material and the silicon germanium material. The steering device is a serially coupled to a resistive switching device to provide rectification for the resistive switching device to form a non-volatile memory device. |
| US08394669B2 |
Resistance variable element and resistance variable memory device
A resistance variable element (100) used in a through-hole cross-point structure memory device, according to the present invention, and a resistance variable memory device including the resistance variable element, includes a substrate (7) and an interlayer insulating layer (3) formed on the substrate, and have a configuration in which a through-hole (4) is formed to penetrate the interlayer insulating layer, a first resistance variable layer (2) comprising transition metal oxide is formed outside the through-hole, a second resistance variable layer (5) comprising transition metal oxide is formed inside the through-hole, the first resistance variable layer is different in resistivity from the second resistance variable layer, and the first resistance variable layer and the second resistance variable layer are in contact with each other only in an opening (20) of the through-hole which is closer to the substrate. |
| US08394667B2 |
Methods of forming memory cells, and methods of patterning chalcogenide-containing stacks
Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Chalcogenide is formed over a plurality of bottom electrodes, and top electrode material is formed over the chalcogenide. Sacrificial material is formed over the top electrode material. A plurality of memory cell structures is formed by etching through the sacrificial material, top electrode material and chalcogenide. Each of the memory cell structures has a cap of the sacrificial material thereover. The etching forms polymeric residue over the sacrificial material caps, and damages chalcogenide along sidewalls of the structures. The sacrificial material is removed with an HF-containing solution, and such removes the polymeric residue off of the memory cell structures. After the sacrificial material is removed, the sidewalls of the structures are treated with one or both of H2O2 and HNO3 to remove damaged chalcogenide from the sidewalls of the memory cell structures. |
| US08394665B2 |
Organic thin film transistors, organic light-emissive devices and organic light-emissive displays
A method of manufacturing an organic thin film transistor, the method comprising: depositing a source and drain electrode; forming a thin self-assembled layer of material on the source and drain electrodes, the thin self-assembled layer of material comprising a dopant moiety for chemically doping an organic semi-conductive material by accepting or donating charge and a separate attachment moiety bonded to the dopant moiety and selectively bonded to the source and drain electrodes; and depositing a solution comprising a solvent and an organic semi-conductive material in a channel region between the source and drain electrode. |
| US08394660B2 |
Free-standing two-sided device fabrication
Devices having features deposited on two sides of a device substrate and methods for making the same. The devices are useful, for example, as the components in a macroelectronic system. In a preferred embodiment, the devices are photosensors having a plurality of electrodes patterned on a first side of the device and an electromagnetic interference filter patterned on a second side of the device. The method facilitates the fabrication of two-sided devices through the use of an immobilizing layer deposited on top of devices patterned on a first side of a device substrate; flipping the device substrate; processing the second side of the device substrate to produce patterned features on the second side of the device substrate; and releasing the devices having patterned elements on two sides of each device. |
| US08394659B1 |
Nitrogen reactive sputtering of Cu-In-Ga-N for solar cells
Methods for forming Cu—In—Ga—N (CIGN) layers for use in TFPV solar panels are described using reactive PVD deposition in a nitrogen containing atmosphere. In some embodiments, the CIGN layers can be used as an absorber layer and eliminate the need of a selenization step. In some embodiments, the CIGN layers can be used as a protective layer to decrease the sensitivity of the CIG layer to oxygen or moisture before the selenization step. In some embodiments, the CIGN layers can be used as an adhesion layer to improve the adhesion between the back contact layer and the absorber layer. |
| US08394657B2 |
Biosensor using nanodot and method of manufacturing the same
A biosensor using a nanodot and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. A silicon nanowire can be formed by a CMOS process to reduce manufacturing costs. In addition, an electrically charged nanodot is coupled to a target molecule to be detected, in order to readily change conductivity of the silicon nanowire, thereby making it possible to implement a biosensor capable of providing good sensitivity and being manufactured at a low cost. |
| US08394652B2 |
Method for manufacturing substrate for semiconductor light emitting element and semiconductor light emitting element using the same
A light emitting element having a recess-protrusion structure on a substrate is provided. A semiconductor light emitting element 100 has a light emitting structure of a semiconductor 20 on a first main surface of a substrate 10. The first main surface of the substrate 10 has substrate protrusion portion 11, the bottom surface 14 of each protrusion is wider than the top surface 13 thereof in a cross-section, or the top surface 13 is included in the bottom surface 14 in a top view of the substrate. The bottom surface 14 has an approximately polygonal shape, and the top surface 13 has an approximately circular or polygonal shape with more sides than that of the bottom surface 14. |
| US08394651B2 |
Auger rate suppression in confined structures
The present invention is generally directed to a method of suppressing the Auger rate in confined structures, comprising replacing an abrupt confinement potential with either a smooth confinement potential or a confinement potential of a certain size found by increasing the confinement potential width until the Auger recombination rate undergoes strong oscillations and establishes a periodic minima. In addition, the present invention provides for the design of structures with high quantum efficiency. |
| US08394649B2 |
Method of production of a magnetoresistance effect device
A magnetoresistance effect device including a multilayer structure having a pair of ferromagnetic layers and a barrier layer positioned between them, wherein at least one ferromagnetic layer has at least the part contacting the barrier layer made amorphous and the barrier layer is an MgO layer having a highly oriented texture structure. |
| US08394647B2 |
Reducing non-covalently bound polysaccharide on supports
Methods and reagents are disclosed for reducing an amount of non-covalently bound polysaccharide on a support. The method comprises contacting a support comprising both covalently bound polysaccharide and non-covalently bound polysaccharide with an aqueous solution comprising an amount of a chaotropic agent effective to remove non-covalently bound polysaccharide from the support. |
| US08394643B2 |
Fluoranthene copolymers and methods of making and using the same
The present application relates to copolymers having at least one optionally substituted fluoranthene as a first monomer unit and at least one optionally substituted pyrrole as a second monomer unit. The copolymer may, for example, emit green light when exposed to a blue or ultraviolet radiation. Methods of making the copolymer are also disclosed, as well as methods and apparatuses for producing light and detecting nitroaromatics using the copolymer. |
| US08394642B2 |
Universal sample preparation system and use in an integrated analysis system
The invention provides a system that can process a raw biological sample, perform a biochemical reaction and provide an analysis readout. For example, the system can extract DNA from a swab, amplify STR loci from the DNA, and analyze the amplified loci and STR markers in the sample. The system integrates these functions by using microfluidic components to connect what can be macrofluidic functions. In one embodiment the system includes a sample purification module, a reaction module, a post-reaction clean-up module, a capillary electrophoresis module and a computer. In certain embodiments, the system includes a disposable cartridge for performing analyte capture. The cartridge can comprise a fluidic manifold having macrofluidic chambers mated with microfluidic chips that route the liquids between chambers. The system fits within an enclosure of no more than 10 ft3. and can be a closed, portable, and/or a battery operated system. The system can be used to go from raw sample to analysis in less than 4 hours. |
| US08394639B2 |
Biomarkers for renal disease
The invention provides methods and kits for diagnosing a renal disease in a patient or for predicting the risk of a patient for developing a renal disease. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for diagnosing a renal disease in a patient, comprising determining the level of a ubiquitin fragment having a mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of 6188 (ubiquitin m/z 6188), or the level of a nucleic acid encoding ubiquitin m/z 6188, in a sample derived from said patient, wherein the substantial absence or a reduced level of less than 25% of ubiquitin m/z 6188 or the nucleic acid encoding ubiquitin m/z 6188 compared to a control is indicative of the renal disease in said patient. |
| US08394638B2 |
Administering a therapeutic agent with more than one taggant
A system may include a means for administering a therapeutic agent to a subject; a means for administering a first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant to the subject at least substantially concurrent with the therapeutic agent, the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant having a pharmacokinetic profile; and a means for administering a second pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant to the subject with the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant, the second pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant having a pharmacokinetic profile different from the pharmacokinetic profile of the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant. |
| US08394629B2 |
Use of vinca alkaloids and salts thereof
An agent containing a vinca alkaloid or its pharmacologically acceptable salt as an active ingredient can induce insulin production and/or secretion of non-neoplastic cells derived from the pancreas. |
| US08394626B2 |
Specimen collection and assay container
The present invention includes but is not limited to a specimen collection device that includes a chamber capable of collecting a specimen, a specimen passage slot, a reservoir, a reservoir seal, and a test device. A sample or specimen added to the chamber flows through the specimen passage slot into the reservoir. Flow into the reservoir may be limited by the reservoir seal. The test device positioned within the reservoir detects the presence or concentration of an analyte within the sample or specimen. |
| US08394622B2 |
Yeast strains for improved ethanol production
Novel strains of yeast and methods for improved ethanol production utilizing the yeast strains are disclosed. In particular, the novel yeast strains Saccharomyces cerevisae YE1358 and YE1615 provide for increased fermentation temperature tolerance, as well as tolerance to increased levels of glucose and ethanol, and thereby provide increased ethanol production as compared to ethanol industry standard strains of Saccharomyces cerevisae. The novel yeast strains also generate decreased residual glucose than the ethanol industry standard yeasts. |
| US08394621B2 |
Modified photosynthetic microorganisms for producing triglycerides
This disclosure describes genetically modified photosynthetic microorganisms, including Cyanobacteria, that contain one or more exogenous genes encoding a diacylglycerol acyltransferase, a phosphatidate phosphatase, and/or an acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and which are capable of producing increased amounts of fatty acids and/or synthesizing triglycerides. |
| US08394620B2 |
Two-component genome flavivirus and uses thereof
The present invention discloses a two-component genome flavivirus and a method for propagating such virus. Since the genetic material of this flavivirus is distributed between two genomes, the flavivirus is deficient in replication, incapable of causing disease but capable of inducing an immune response. Nevertheless, the design of the replication deficient flavivirus discussed herein allows propagation of these flaviviruses at industrial level. |
| US08394616B2 |
Perhydrolase variant providing improved specific activity
An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications. |
| US08394613B2 |
Polyhydroxyalkanoic acid copolymer and process for preparing same
A PHA copolymer comprising (R)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl valeric acid units and a production method thereof are provided.A polyhydroxyalkanoic acid copolymer comprising at least (R)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl valeric acid units; and a method of producing a polyhydroxyalkanoic acid copolymer comprising at least (R)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl valeric acid units, wherein in the presence of a carbon source and a precursor of (R)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl valeric acid, a transformant in which the gene of polyhydroxyalkanoic acid-polymerizing enzyme has been introduced in a microorganism selected from Escherichia coli, Ralstoniau sp., and Pseudomonas sp. is cultured, and from the culture obtained a polyhydroxyalkanoic acid copolymer comprising at least (R)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl valeric acid units is collected. |
| US08394611B2 |
Process for the treatment of lignocellulosic biomass
A process for the treatment of biomass to render structural carbohydrates more accessible and/or digestible using concentrated ammonium hydroxide with or without anhydrous ammonia addition, is described. The process preferably uses steam to strip ammonia from the biomass for recycling. The process yields of monosaccharides from the structural carbohydrates are good, particularly as measured by the enzymatic hydrolysis of the structural carbohydrates. The monosaccharides are used as animal feeds and energy sources for ethanol production. |
| US08394610B2 |
Method for constructing an operon containing translationally coupled genes
The present invention provides a method for constructing recombinant translationally coupled operons, a method for producing useful metabolites using the bacterium containing the coupled operons, and a method for monitoring gene expression. |
| US08394607B2 |
Anti-CD22 antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of use
Anti-CD22 antibodies and immunoconjugates thereof are provided. Methods of using anti-CD22 antibodies and immunoconjugates thereof are provided. |
| US08394596B1 |
Antibodies and assays for beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine
Antibodies against β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (“BMAA”) their production, use and related kits; also the immunogens and methods used to obtain the antibodies. |
| US08394593B2 |
Use of an IL-12 receptor splice variant and molecular assay to quantify expression thereof
The present invention describes compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates a vaccine formulation comprising an antigen and IL12Rβ1 isoform 2. In some embodiments, this invention relates to a method of quantifying the ratio of IL12Rβ1 transcript and a splice variant thereof in a sample, including but not limited to at the cDNA level. In other embodiments, this invention relates to a method of augmenting an immune response by administering, inhibiting and/or inducing IL12Rβ1 isoform 2. |
| US08394592B2 |
Methods for assessing cancer susceptibility to carcinogens in tobacco products
The present invention demonstrates the differential sensitivity of PBLs from lung cancer patients and healthy controls to NNK-induced genetic damage. The data provide convincing evidence that the preferred CBMN assay is a robust test for detection of this sensitivity and yields results that are a good predictor of, for example, lung cancer risk. The simplicity, rapidity, and sensitivity of the CBMN test make it a valuable tool for screening and, for example, prioritizing potential cases for early detection of the disease. |
| US08394590B2 |
Capture agents and related methods and systems for detecting and/or sorting targets
Polynucleotide-encoded capture agents for target detection and in particular modular polynucleotide-capture agents comprising a target binding component, a scaffold component and an encoding component formed by standardized molecular units that can be coupled and decoupled in a controlled fashion, and related compositions methods and systems. |
| US08394588B2 |
Methods to fix and detect nucleic acids
In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for fixing a short nucleic acid in a biological sample. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for detecting a target short nucleic acid in a biological sample. The method includes contacting the biological sample with an aldehyde-containing fixative, and subsequently contacting the sample with a water-soluble carbodiimide. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a kit for fixing a short nucleic acid in a biological sample. The kit includes a support substrate for holding the sample; an aldehyde-containing fixative; and a water-soluble carbodiimide. |
| US08394578B2 |
Method of forming resist pattern and negative tone-development resist composition
A method of forming a resist pattern, including: forming a resist film on a substrate using a resist composition containing a base component (A) which exhibits decreased solubility in an organic solvent under action of an acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates an acid upon exposure, conducting exposure of the resist film, and patterning the resist film by a negative tone development using a developing solution containing an organic solvent, wherein the base component (A) includes a resin component (A1) containing a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate ester containing an acid decomposable group which exhibits increased hydrophilicity by the action of an acid and a structural unit (a0) derived from an acrylate ester containing an —SO2— containing cyclic group. |
| US08394576B2 |
Method for patterning a photosensitive layer
The method of patterning a photosensitive layer includes providing a substrate including a first layer formed thereon, treating the substrate including the first layer with cations, forming a first photosensitive layer over the first layer, patterning the first photosensitive layer to form a first pattern, treating the first pattern with cations, forming a second photosensitive layer over the treated first pattern, patterning the second photosensitive layer to form a second pattern, and processing the first layer using the first and second patterns as a mask. |
| US08394573B2 |
Photoresist compositions and methods for shrinking a photoresist critical dimension
A method for reducing a photoresist critical dimension, the method comprising depositing a photoresist film on a substrate, wherein the photoresist film includes a thermal base generator; patterning the photoresist film to form a first patterned film possessing a first critical dimension; depositing a crosslinkable film over the first patterned film; heat-activating the first patterned film, either before or after depositing the crosslinkable film, to release a base in the first patterned film and cause crosslinking in the crosslinkable film in contact with the first patterned film; and developing the crosslinkable film to remove non-crosslinked soluble portions therein to form a second patterned film possessing a reduced critical dimension compared to the first critical dimension. |
| US08394570B2 |
Sulfonium salt, acid generator, resist composition, photomask blank, and patterning process
A sulfonium salt has formula (1) wherein R1 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group except vinyl and isopropenyl, R2, R3, and R4 are alkyl, alkenyl, oxoalkyl, aryl, aralkyl or aryloxoalkyl or may bond together to form a ring with the sulfur atom, and n is 1 to 3. A chemically amplified resist composition comprising the sulfonium salt is capable of forming a fine feature pattern of good profile after development due to high resolution, improved focal latitude, and minimized line width variation and profile degradation upon prolonged PED. |
| US08394568B2 |
Synthesis and emulsification of resins
The present disclosure provides processes for producing resins suitable for use in forming toner compositions. In embodiments, the processes described herein comprise formation of latexes, including latexes for use in toners, produced without use of solvents. |
| US08394562B2 |
Toner compositions
Coated phosphorescent pigments are provided which may be utilized in toner compositions. In embodiments, the phosphorescent pigment may be coated by a powder coating process. The large pigment particles may be dry blended with dried resin latex particles, thereby coating the pigment surface, followed by heating and shearing in a rotary kiln or extruder to melt the toner resin and fuse it to the pigment surface. The resulting coated particles may be utilized with other toners, in embodiments color toners, to provide phosphorescent images. |
| US08394559B2 |
Coating liquid for forming undercoat layer, photoreceptor having undercoat layer formed of the coating liquid, image-forming apparatus including the photoreceptor, and electrophotographic cartridge including the photoreceptor
Provided are a coating liquid for forming an undercoat layer exhibiting high stability, a process for forming the coating liquid, a high-performance electrophotographic photoreceptor that is capable of forming a high-quality image under various use environments and exhibiting reduced image defects such as black spots and color spots, and an image-forming apparatus and electrophotographic cartridge including the electrophotographic photoreceptor. In the coating liquid for forming an undercoat layer of an electrophotographic photoreceptor containing metal oxide particles and a binder resin, the metal oxide particles have a number average particle diameter of 0.10 μm or less and a 10% cumulative particle diameter of 0.060 μm or less which are measured by a dynamic light-scattering method in the coating liquid for forming an undercoat layer. |
| US08394558B2 |
Reflection type photomask blank, manufacturing method thereof, reflection type photomask, and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A reflection type photomask blank includes: a substrate; a multilayer reflection film formed on the substrate for reflecting exposure light; a protection film formed on the multilayer reflection film for protecting the multilayer reflection film; an absorber layer for absorbing the exposure light on the protection film; and a shock absorbing film formed between the absorber layer and the protection film, with a resistance to etching which is performed when an exposure transfer pattern of the absorber layer is formed, in which the protection film is: a compound including Zr and Si; a compound including Zr, Si, and at least either one of O and N; or a single element or a compound including at least any one of Ru, C, and Y. |
| US08394555B2 |
Membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cell and fuel cell system comprising same
A membrane-electrode assembly constructed with an anode and a cathode facing each other, and a polymer electrolyte membrane disposed therebetween. At least one of the anode and the cathode includes an electrode substrate that includes a carbon fiber based sheet coated with micro-carbons and a catalyst layer disposed on the electrode substrate with the micro-carbons contacting the catalyst layer. |
| US08394551B2 |
Membrane electrode assembly for use in electrochemical devices
The invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) for electrochemical devices, in particular for membrane fuel cells. The membrane-electrode assembly has a semi-coextensive design and comprises an ion-conducting membrane, two catalyst layers and gas diffusion layers of differing sizes on the front side and rear side. The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, while the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane. As a result, the ion-conducting membrane has a surface which is not supported by a gas diffusion layer on the front side.The membrane-electrode assembly has, owing to the particular construction, a stable structure which can be handled readily and displays advantages in the sealing of the reactive gases from one another and also in terms of the electrical properties. In particular, the hydrogen penetration current is significantly reduced.New processes for producing the MEA of the invention are described, in particular the method of heat pulse welding.The membrane-electrode assembly is used in PEM fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, electrolysers and other electrochemical devices. |
| US08394550B2 |
Nano-patterned electrolytes in solid oxide fuel cells
A nano-patterned membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is provided, which includes an electrolyte membrane layer having a three-dimensional close-packed array of hexagonal-pyramids, a first porous electrode layer, disposed on a top surface of the electrolyte membrane layer that conforms to a top surface-shape of the three-dimensional close-packed array of hexagonal-pyramids, and a second porous electrode layer disposed on a bottom surface of said electrolyte membrane layer that conforms to a bottom surface-shape of the three-dimensional close-packed array of hexagonal-pyramids, where a freestanding nano-patterned MEA is provided. |
| US08394548B2 |
Seal for PEM fuel cell plate
A seal structure is disclosed for forming a substantially fluid tight seal between a UEA and a plate of a fuel cell system, the seal structure including a sealing member formed in one fuel cell plate, a seal support adapted to span feed area channels in an adjacent fuel cell plate, and a seal adapted to cooperate with a UEA disposed between the fuel cell plates, the sealing member, and the seal support to form a substantially fluid tight seal between the UEA and the one fuel cell plate. The seal structure militates against a leakage of fluids from the fuel cell system, facilitates the maintenance of a velocity of a reactant flow in the fuel cell system, and a cost thereof is minimized. |
| US08394547B2 |
Fuel cell bipolar plate exit for improved flow distribution and freeze compatibility
A fuel cell assembly is disclosed that utilizes a water transport structure extending from fuel cell plates of the assembly into fuel cell assembly manifolds, wherein the water transport structure facilitates the transport of liquid water from the fuel cell plates thereby minimizing the accumulation of liquid water and ice in the fuel cell stack. |
| US08394542B2 |
System and method to operate a fuel cell in the exhaust of an internal combustion engine
A system for a vehicle having an engine with an exhaust comprises a fuel cell coupled in the engine exhaust wherein the fuel cell has an output circuit; a battery coupled with the fuel cell; and a controller receiving a signal indicative of an electric output of the fuel cell output circuit, and adjusting one of the fuel amount and the air amount supplied to the engine in response to said signal to affect air-fuel ratio of the exhaust of the engine. |
| US08394540B2 |
Anode and method of manufacturing same, secondary battery and method of manufacturing same, and sulfone compound
A secondary battery capable of improving the cycle characteristics is provided. The secondary battery includes a cathode and an anode oppositely arranged with a separator in between, and an electrolytic solution. At least one of the cathode, the anode, the separator, and the electrolytic solution contains a sulfone compound having a carbonate group and a sulfonyl group. |
| US08394538B2 |
Electrode plate for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, method for producing the same, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
An electrode plate for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a current collector, and an electrode active material layer formed on at least part of the surface of the current collector. The electrode active material layer contains a particulate electrode active material, a binding material, and carbonic matter distinct from conductive materials. The binding material is a amourphous metal oxide that does not cause alkaline metal ion intercalation and deintercalation reactions. |
| US08394537B2 |
Electrode plate for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, method for producing the same, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
An electrode plate for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a current collector, and an electrode active material layer formed on at least part of the surface of the current collector. The electrode active material layer contains a particulate electrode active material, a binding material, and carbonic matter distinct from conductive materials. The binding material is a crystalline metal oxide that does not cause alkaline metal ion intercalation and deintercalation reactions. |
| US08394536B2 |
Electrode plate for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, method for producing the same, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprises a current collector, and an electrode active material layer formed on at least part of the surface of the current collector. The electrode active material layer contains a particulate electrode active material and a binding material. The binding material is made of a crystalline metal oxide that does not cause alkaline metal ion intercalation and deintercalation reactions. |
| US08394528B2 |
Lithium polymer battery
A lithium polymer battery where the corrosion or the electrical short resulting from contact of the metal film of the cut region of external material with the connecting lead or the terminal of the adjacent protective circuit cover can be prevented. The lithium polymer battery comprises: a chargeable and dischargeable bare cell; a protective circuit cover installed on one side surface of the bare cell so as to be electrically coupled to the bare cell; and a holder cap installed between the protective circuit cover and the bare cell so as to block contact between the bare cell and a terminal of the protective circuit cover. |
| US08394525B2 |
Support assembly for an array of battery cells
A battery includes a plurality of stacking supports including retaining flanges and support surfaces; and a plurality of generally cylindrical cells. Each cell is supported on a pair of the support surfaces. Each cell has an annular notch defined in a side wall with the annular notch mating with one retaining flange. The cells are arranged upon the stacking supports in a plurality of cell rows. The support surfaces are arranged on the stacking supports in such a manner so that the cells are arranged in a close-packed array and to maintain at least a predetermined distance between adjacent cells. |
| US08394521B2 |
Battery system having assembled battery
A battery system includes: an assembled battery having battery cells with a pair of electrodes, wherein one electrode of one cell is coupled with another electrode of another cell via a bus bar so that the cells are coupled in series with each other; a fluid supply element for supplying fluid to the bus bar and the electrodes so that the fluid conducts heat to and absorbs heat from the bus bar and the electrodes; and a partition for partitioning the bus bars and for providing multiple passages. The bus bar and the electrodes protrude from the cell. The passages are disposed outside of the assembled battery. The fluid is branched into the passages. |
| US08394518B2 |
Galvanic electrochemical cells for generating alternating current electricity
Galvanic electrochemical cells (100, 300, 700, 900) for converting chemical energy into electrical energy, such as batteries, flow cells and fuel cells with a cylindrical rotating filter (120X, 326, 726, 910) having ion-porous (120P, 326P, 726P, 910P) and ion-non-porous filter (120N, 326N, 726N, 910N) for use with both thixotropic and non-conducting electrolytes that generates fluid flows in electrolytes between static cylindrical current collector segments (106, 304X, 306X, 710X, 902X; 108, 314X, 316X, 712X, 906) and the filter (120, 326, 726, 910) are disclosed that generate electric currents varying in amplitude that can be converted into alternating current electricity. |
| US08394515B2 |
Glass substrate for information recording medium and method for producing the same
There is provided a glass substrate which has the properties required in the use as a substrate for an information recording medium of the next generation such as a perpendicular magnetic recording system, and can be applied as a substrate for an information recording medium of the next generation particularly on the premise of using the glass substrate in a dynamic environment. More particularly, there is provided a glass substrate for an information recording medium which has sufficiently high surface hardness, has a good balance between specific gravity and mechanical strength, and has high strength to withstand high speed rotation or drop impact, and which can be produced with a high productivity adequate for a direct press method, without the occurrence of bubbles in the glass blank or reboil upon pressing even if arsenic components or antimony components are not substantially used. A glass substrate for an information recording medium, includes, as expressed in terms of percent by mass on the oxide basis: 52 to 67% of SiO2, 3 to 15% of Al2O3, and 0.2 to 8% of P2O5, the glass substrate having a Young's modulus of 85 GPa or greater, a specific gravity of 2.60 or less, and a ratio of Young's modulus to specific gravity (Young's modulus/specific gravity) of 33.0 or greater. |
| US08394514B2 |
Method for producing magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus
A method for producing a magnetic recording medium having a magnetically partitioned magnetic recording pattern on a surface of a nonmagnetic substrate, which comprises the following steps. Step (A) of forming a magnetic layer on a non-magnetic substrate, step (B) of forming a carbon layer on the magnetic layer, step (C) of forming a resist layer on the carbon layer, step (D) of forming a negative pattern of magnetic recording pattern on the resist layer, step (E) of removing the portions of resist layer and carbon layer in regions corresponding to the negative pattern, step (F) of removing at least a surface layer portion of the magnetic layer in the regions corresponding to the negative pattern, and optional step (G) of removing the residual resist layer and carbon layer. The produced magnetic recording medium has a recording/reproducing property equal to or better than conventional ones and exhibits a high recording density. |
| US08394513B2 |
Body coated with hard material
The invention relates to a body which is coated with hard material and has a plurality of layers applied by means of CVD, wherein the outer layer comprises Ti1-xAlxN, Ti1-xAlxC and/or Ti1-xAlxCN where 0.65≦x≦0.9, preferably 0.7≦x≦0.9, and this outer layer has compressive stresses in the range from 100 to 1100 MPa, preferably from 400 to 800 MPa, and a TiCN or Al2O3 layer is arranged under this outer layer. |
| US08394512B2 |
Phosphaphenanthrene compounds and organic light emitting diode using the same
The present invention relates to new phosphaphenanthrene compounds with excellent light emitting property and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) using the same. |
| US08394510B2 |
Aromatic amine derivative and organic electroluminescence device using the same
An aromatic amine derivative with a specific structure having a carbazole skeleton to which a diarylamino group bonds via a bonding group. An organic electroluminescence device which is composed of one or more organic thin film layers including at least one light emitting layer sandwiched between a cathode and an anode, wherein at least one of the organic thin film layers contains the aromatic amine derivative singly or as its mixture component. Organic electroluminescence devices with enhanced efficiency of light emission and a compound realizing the devices are provided. |
| US08394509B2 |
Surface-treated copper foil
Object is to provide a surface-treated copper foil free from chromium in the surface-treatment layer and excellent in peel strength of a circuit and chemical resistance against to degradation of the peel strength after processing into a printed wiring board. To achieve the object, the surface-treated copper foil having a surface-treatment layer on a bonding surface of a copper foil for manufacturing a copper-clad laminate by laminating it to an insulating resin substrate has the surface-treatment layer formed by depositing a metal component having high melting point not lower than 1400° C. by dry process film formation method to the bonding surface of the copper foil after the cleaning treatment and further depositing a carbon component to the surface. |
| US08394507B2 |
Metal-clad polymer article
Metal-clad polymer articles containing structural fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings/layers optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein, are disclosed. The fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight articles, precision molds, sporting goods, automotive parts and components exposed to thermal cycling although the CLTE of the metallic layer and the one of the substrate is mismatched. The interface between the metallic layer and the polymer is suitably pretreated to withstand thermal cycling without failure. |
| US08394506B2 |
Helical substituted polyacetylene structure, method for producing the same, device structure, ion transport film and gas separation film
A helical substituted polyacetylene structure including a substrate and a substituted polyacetylene with a periodic main chain having a helical periodic structure, wherein the substituted polyacetylene is disposed inclined on the surface of the substrate with the inclination angle between the main helical axis of the substituted polyacetylene and the surface of the substrate falling in a range of 60° or more and 90° or less. A device structure in which a first electrode, the substituted polyacetylene with the periodic main chain having a helical periodic structure and a second electrode are sequentially disposed on a substrate. |
| US08394503B2 |
Resin-metal bonded article and method for producing the same
Disclosed is a resin-metal bonded article which is improved in adhesion between a copper component and a PPS or PBT resin. Also disclosed is a method for producing such a resin-metal bonded article. The resin-metal bonded article is obtained by bonding the resin component onto the surface of the copper component through a copper component bonding surface where there is copper oxide in the following range: 10%≦Cu2O/(Cu2O+CuO)≦75%. Preferably, this resin-metal bonded article further contains a triazine thiol derivative in the resin-component-side bonding surface of the copper component. |
| US08394501B2 |
Polyurethane resin composition
The present invention provides a polyurethane resin composition containing an active hydrogen compound (A) formed by adding m-xylylene diisocyanate and/or hexamethylene diisocyanate to a specific compound (C) at a reaction equivalent ratio ([the number of isocyanate groups]/[the number of hydroxyl groups]) of 0.80 to 0.10; and an organic polyisocyanate compound (B) formed by adding a specific compound (D) to m-xylylene diisocyanate and/or hexamethylene diisocyanate at a reaction equivalent ratio ([the number of isocyanate groups]/[the number of hydroxyl groups]) of 2 to 10; an adhesive and a coating material containing the resin composition; and a multi-layer film and a packaging bag containing any of these. |
| US08394493B2 |
Bonding film composition for semiconductor assembly, bonding film therefrom, and dicing die bond film comprising the same
A die bonding film composition for semiconductor assembly may include an elastomer resin containing a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, or an epoxy group. The die bonding film composition may also include a film forming resin having a glass transition temperature (Tg) in the range of about 0 to 200° C., an epoxy resin, a phenol resin, a hardener, a silane coupling agent, and a filler. |
| US08394491B2 |
Prepreg and carbon fiber reinforced composite materials
A prepreg containing a carbon fiber [A] and a thermosetting resin [B], and in addition, satisfying at least one of the following (1) and (2).(1) a thermoplastic resin particle or fiber [C] and a conductive particle or fiber [D] are contained, and weight ratio expressed by [compounding amount of [C] (parts by weight)]/[compounding amount of [D] (parts by weight)] is 1 to 1000.(2) a conductive particle or fiber of which thermoplastic resin nucleus or core is coated with a conductive substance [E] is contained. |
| US08394490B2 |
Structural color body
A film-like structural color body comprises a front surface layer disposed on a front surface side, a back surface layer disposed on a back surface side, and an intermediate layer disposed between the front surface layer and the back surface layer, the front surface layer, the back surface layer and the intermediate layer contain block copolymers and have micro-phase separated structures including lamellar micro domains, each of the micro domains has a wave-like shape having amplitudes in the thickness direction of the structural color body, a maximum value of predetermined distances in the micro domains of the front surface layer and a maximum value of predetermined distances in the micro domains of the back surface layer are larger than the wavelength in the visible light range, and predetermined distances in the micro domains of the intermediate layer are equal to or less than the wavelength in the visible light range. |
| US08394489B2 |
Highly thermally conductive resin molded article
An object of the present invention is to industrially easily mold a molded article which is excellent in thermal conductivity, electric insulation property, low density, and an injection moldability and has a thermal conduction anisotropy. The present invention relates to a highly thermally conductive resin molded article having a thermal diffusion anisotropy, the highly thermally conductive resin molded article comprising a resin composition, the resin composition containing at least resin (A) and plate-like hexagonal boron nitride powder (B) in a (A)/(B) volume ratio falling within a range of 90/10 to 30/70, the resin (A) including a thermoplastic polyester resin and/or a thermoplastic polyamide resin, the highly thermally conductive resin molded article having a thickness of not more than 1.3 mm in a part of or all over a three-dimensional shape of the highly thermally conductive resin molded article, a thermal diffusivity measured in a plane direction of the highly thermally conductive resin molded article, being (i) two or more times higher than a thermal diffusivity measured in a thickness direction of the highly thermally conductive resin molded article and (ii) not less than 0.5 mm2/sec. |
| US08394488B2 |
Bioabsorbable device having composite structure for accelerating degradation
A medical device has a structure made of a first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material and a second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. The first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material has a degradation rate that is faster than a degradation rate of the second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. And, the structure experiences a period of accelerated degradation upon exposure of the first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. |
| US08394485B2 |
Compound mold and structured surface articles containing geometric structures with compound faces and method of making same
Structured surface articles such as molds or sheeting are formed on a compound substrate including a machined substrate and a replicated substrate. In one embodiment, the structured surface is a cube corner element on a compound substrate. In another embodiment, the structured surface is a geometric structure that has a plurality of faces, where one face is located on the machined substrate and another face is located on the replicated substrate. In yet another embodiment, at least some of the faces include a compound face with a portion formed on the machined substrate and a portion formed on the replicated substrate. |
| US08394484B2 |
High purity zirconia-based thermally sprayed coatings
This invention relates to thermally sprayed coatings of a high purity yttria or ytterbia stabilized zirconia powder, said high purity yttria or ytterbia stabilized zirconia powder comprising from about 0 to about 0.15 weight percent impurity oxides, from about 0 to about 2 weight percent hafnium oxide (hafnia), from about 6 to about 25 weight percent yttrium oxide (yttria) or from about 10 to about 36 weight percent ytterbium oxide (ytterbia), and the balance zirconium oxide (zirconia). Thermal barrier coatings for protecting a component such as blades, vanes and seal surfaces of gas turbine engines, made from the high purity yttria or ytterbia stabilized zirconia powders, have a density greater than 88% of the theoretical density with a plurality of vertical macrocracks homogeneously dispersed throughout the coating to improve its thermal fatigue resistance. |
| US08394483B2 |
Two-dimensional arrays of holes with sub-lithographic diameters formed by block copolymer self-assembly
Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale microstructures in two-dimensional square and rectangular arrays utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided. |
| US08394479B2 |
Write-once optical recording medium and process for manufacturing the same
A write-once optical recording medium includes an inorganic recording layer and a protective layer provided on at least one surface of the inorganic recording layer. This protective layer contains indium oxide and tin oxide as main components. |
| US08394477B2 |
Vision control panel assembly with a contrasting colored liner
An assembly includes a light-permeable film layer, a release liner, and a print pattern. The print pattern includes a base layer. The print pattern sub-divides the film layer into a plurality of discrete base layer areas and/or a plurality of transparent areas. The base layer includes a design imaging surface of a first color. The release liner includes an imperforate material. The release liner includes a release surface. The imperforate material when viewed through said light permeable film layer is a second color contrasting with said first color by the graytone of said second color differing from the graytone of said first color by at least 10%. This contrast may provide a more realistic perception of how the assembly will look in situ (e.g., on a window). |
| US08394475B2 |
Industrial polyolefin piping system
Industrial polyolefin piping system with improved stiffness, impact strength for use at high service temperature, comprising single or multilayer pipes, fitting, chambers, valves and vessels, consisting of β-nucleated propylene homopolymers with an IRτ≧0.98 having a tensile modulus ≧1500 MPa, a Charpy impact strength, notched, at +23° C.≧30 kJ/m2 and a Vicat B temperature >90° C. and a Heat Distortion Temperature >100° C. The industrial polyolefin piping system is suitable for chemical plant constructions comprising single or multilayer pipes, fittings, chambers, valves and vessels with improved stiffness, impact strength and high service temperature, preferred for conveyance of natural gas, dangerous liquids and/or toxic liquids. |
| US08394472B2 |
Structural component with tubular section
A structural component with a tubular section, particularly a structural component of a fluid line, has at least two materials with different stiffness and/or creeping strength, wherein the materials include thermoplastic synthetic materials and wherein the material having the greater stiffness and/or creeping strength is embedded in the other material. The tubular section has a continuous annular surface which extends coaxially with the longitudinal center axis of the structural component and has the same material which has been injection molded over the annular surface in a predetermined quantity ratio relative to the outer material, or between 40% and 100% of the annular surface are composed of the same injection molded material and are distributed in uniform spacings in circumferential direction of the annular surface. |
| US08394469B2 |
Exhaust pipe for internal combustion engine
An exhaust pipe for an internal combustion engine includes a metal tube enclosing a passage through which an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine passes, and a ceramic film covering the metal tube from the outside. The ceramic film contains no more than about 0.5 atomic % of a metallic element which is dominantly present in a surface of the metal tube. |
| US08394463B1 |
Crosslinking compounds at negative pressures and materials made by such methods
Embodiments of the invention provide methods of crosslinking various compounds and materials made by these methods. Materials made by embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes. |
| US08394462B2 |
Methods for applying coating compositions to an article and articles produced thereof
Described herein are methods for applying multiple layers of a composition to an article. Also presented are articles produced by the methods described herein. The methods include applying a first composition to the outer surface of a game card to produce a first layer, applying a second composition to the outer surface of the first layer to produce a second layer, applying an ink to the outer surface of the first layer, or the outer surface of the second layer, or both, so as to form an image, and applying a third composition to the outer surface of the second layer to produce a third layer. |
| US08394459B2 |
Pre-conversion coating composition
The present invention is directed to a coating composition comprising (i) a corrosion inhibitor and the (ii) reaction product of a calcium compound with an acid compound. The coating composition is deposited onto a substrate prior to the application of a pre-treatment coating composition (conversion coating) onto the substrate. The present invention is also directed to a substrate that comprises a coating system that comprises such a coating composition. |
| US08394458B2 |
Method for disposing a component
In order to increase the probability that the component is disposed on the hydrophilic region, used is a substrate comprises a water-repellant region, a hydrophilic region, and a hydrophilic line, wherein the water-repellant region surrounds the hydrophilic region and the hydrophilic line, the hydrophilic region and the hydrophilic line are disposed along the +X direction in this order, the value of D1/D2 is not less than 0.1 and not more than 1.2, the value of D3 is not less than 5 micrometers, the value of D4 is less than the minimum length of the component. |
| US08394457B2 |
Precursor composition for porous thin film, method for preparation of the precursor composition, porous thin film, method for preparation of the porous thin film, and semiconductor device
Disclosed is a precursor composition comprising: a compound selected from a compound represented by the formula: Si(OR1)4 and a compound represented by the formula Ra(Si)(OR2)4−a (in the formulas R1 represents a monovalent organic group; R represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom or a monovalent organic group; R2 represents a monovalent organic group; and a is an integer ranging from 1 to 3, provided that R, R1 and R2 may be the same or different from one another) a thermally degradable organic compound; an element having a catalyst activity; urea; and the like. A porous thin film produced from the precursor composition is irradiated with ultraviolet ray, and then subjected to gas-phase reaction with a hydrophobic compound. A porous thin film thus prepared can be used for the manufacture of a semiconductor device. |
| US08394451B2 |
Connection elements comprising a molded adhesive bar
The invention relates to connection elements comprising a tongue (3) and a groove (10), and an additional locking element (6) which is connected thereto in a non-positive manner, which consists of a plastic or adhesive material and is especially embodied as a bar. |
| US08394450B2 |
Process for producing magnet
The process for producing a magnet according to the invention is characterized by comprising a first step in which a heavy rare earth compound containing Dy or Tb as a heavy rare earth element is adhered onto a sintered compact of a rare earth magnet and a second step in which the heavy rare earth compound-adhered sintered compact is subjected to heat treatment, wherein the heavy rare earth compound is a Dy or Tb iron compound. |
| US08394448B2 |
Flexible and plastic radiopaque laminate composition
A flexible laminate composition and methods for manufacturing same are provided. The flexible laminate composition includes one or more discrete and separate layers of a radiopaque material wherein the radiopaque layer is applied via a solvent to a layer that is composed of a plastic material. The laminate composition can be formed into a radiopaque marker band that can be used with a medical device, such as a catheter, for radiographic imaging. The laminate composition as an alternative can also be utilized to form the catheter or other suitable medical device. |
| US08394442B2 |
Process for the preparation of a flavoring concentrate, and a flavoring concentrate
The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of a flavoring concentrate, to a flavoring concentrate which can be prepared by a process according to the invention, to products comprising one or more flavoring concentrates according to the invention, and to processes for the concentration of flavoring and/or aromatic substances. |
| US08394438B2 |
Molded meat jerky
A molded animal chew toy including a resin, a fluid such as water, and meat jerky, particularly chicken jerky, is provided. Processes for forming such resin/water/jerky composition into shapes by direct injection molding, including a desired screw design, are also disclosed. |
| US08394435B2 |
Preparation of dough-based product
A xylanase from Bacillus halodurans can increase the shelf life of baked products. More specifically, the xylanase in combination with a maltogenic amylase further improves the softness of bread crumb without having detrimental effects on elasticity. |
| US08394434B2 |
SCF extract containing cardiac glycoside
A supercritical fluid (SCF) extract of a cardiac glycoside-containing plant mass is provided. The extract can be included in a pharmaceutical composition containing an extract-solubilizing amount of solubilizer. Oleandrin is included within the extract when a cardiac glycoside-containing plant, such as Nerium oleander, is extracted by SCF extraction. The extract can also contain one or more other SCF extractable pharmacologically active agents. The composition can be used to treat a wide range of disorders that are therapeutically responsive to a cardiac glycoside. |
| US08394432B2 |
Effects of Xylopia aethiopica on various cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome
Methods of improving a variety of health related factors including, but not limited to weight, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and HDL levels, is provided. In one embodiment, a method of reducing body weight in a mammal is provided; the method comprises administering a composition containing an effective amount of Xylopia aethiopica, to the mammal, whereby the administering of the composition to the mammal is effective in reducing bodyweight in the mammal. |
| US08394430B2 |
Herbal medicinal composition and extract thereof for inhibiting growth of cancer cells
The present invention relates to herbal medicinal compositions and extracts thereof for inhibiting growth of cancer cells. One of the examples described in the present invention comprises Forsythiae fructus, Menthae Herba, Gardeniae Fructus, Scutellariae Radix, Lophatheri Folium, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Rhei Rhizoma, Na2SO4, and Atractylodis Rhizoma. The residual examples are described herein. |
| US08394428B1 |
Formulations and methods for preventing eyebrow hair loss
Compositions comprising from about 0.5 to about 40 percent by weight of black cohosh extract, from about 0.5 to about 20 percent by weight of nonionic surfactant, and from about to 40 about 99 percent by weight of hydroxylated solvent are effective in reducing and preventing eyebrow hair loss in patients undergoing chemotherapy. |
| US08394427B2 |
Paxillin stimulating compositions and cosmetic uses thereof
Cosmetic compositions comprising one or more paxillin stimulators and methods of using such compositions to impart anti-aging benefits to the skin are disclosed. The paxillin stimulators and combinations thereof are believed to have modulatory activity against at least one biochemical pathway implicated in skin aging. |
| US08394426B2 |
Composition comprising an extract of hardy kiwi for preventing or treating baldness disorders or seborrheic skin disorders
The present invention relates to a use of a crude extract, non-polar solvent soluble extract or purified extract of the hardy kiwifruit for the preparation of therapeutic agent for treating and preventing baldness disorder and seborrheic skin disease in human and mammal, and health care food, food additives, feed additives, cosmetic composition comprising the same. The hardy kiwifruit reduced blood DHT level, promoted the formation of hair root in mouse model experiment, and inhibited the falling out of hair and improved seborrheic skin disease of volunteers such as keratigenous skin, seborrhea etc. |
| US08394424B2 |
Topical phytotherapeutic compound for the treatment of herpes based on Uncaria tomentosa and extraction process for obtaining a vegetal extract from Uncaria tomentosa
The present invention concerns a phytotherapic compound for the treatment of herpes based on Uncaria tomentosa characterized by the presence of: (a) A therapeutically efficient amount of an Herbal Extract from Uncaria tomentosa (Willd) DC Rubiaceae, (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, (c) at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, and, (d) optionally, pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvants. It also concerns a process of extraction for obtaining the Herbal Extract from Uncaria tomentosa (Willd) DC Rubiaceae, active ingredient of the phytotherapic compound for the treatment of herpes of the present invention. |
| US08394417B2 |
Method of producing a dry earthworm powder
Provided is a simple and easy method of producing an innoxious dry earthworm powder, while suppressing inactivation of the enzymes contained in earthworms. In the method, a homogenate obtained by grinding living earthworms is freeze-dried and the dried product is heat-treated at a temperature of 110° C. or higher but lower than 130° C. Preferably, the method according to the present invention comprises further a process for preparation of the living earthworms, which precedes the grinding step, comprising the steps of: standing the living earthworms under light for 10 to 50 hours; removing the dirt formed on the skin thereof, bringing the earthworms into contact with an organic acid for 30 seconds or less; diluting the acid with addition of water to adjust the pH of the aqueous acidic solution to a pH in the range of 2 to 5; standing the earthworm mixture under the pH condition for 3 to 180 minutes; and then washing the earthworms with water. |
| US08394414B2 |
Method for drug delivery to the pulmonary system
Drug delivery to the pulmonary system has been achieved by encapsulation of the drug to be delivered in microparticles having a size range between 0.5 and ten microns, preferably in the range of two to five microns, formed of a material releasing drug at a pH of greater than 6.4. In a preferred embodiment, the drug delivery system is based on the formation of diketopiperazine microparticles which are stable at a pH of 6.4 or less and unstable at pH of greater than 6.4, or which are stable at both acidic and basic pH, but which are unstable at pH between about 6.4 and 8. Other types of materials can also be used, including biodegradable natural and synthetic polymers, such as proteins, polymers of mixed amino acids (proteinoids), alginate, and poly(hydroxy acids). In another embodiment, the microparticles have been modified to effect targeting to specific cell types and to effect release only after reaching the targeted cells. |
| US08394413B2 |
Spherical ferrite nanoparticles and method for producing the same
Spherical ferrite nanoparticles produced by a method that includes the steps of: preparing a first aqueous solution containing a disaccharide, an alkaline, an oxidation agent, seed particles and divalent iron ions; and conducting particle growth in the first aqueous solution to produce the spherical ferrite nanoparticles. |
| US08394410B2 |
Soft polylactides
Biodegradable polymeric compositions that are liquids or pastes at temperatures below 37° C. are described. Immersion of the compositions in aqueous medium, such as body fluids, increases the viscosity of the composition resulting in the formation of a semisolid material. The polymeric material is a hydroxyalkanoic acid polyester derived from the copolymerization of at least one unsaturated hydroxy fatty acid copolymerized with hydroxyalkanoic acids of 2-6 carbons. |
| US08394406B2 |
Once daily formulations of tetracyclines
Disclosed are once-daily formulations containing tetracyclines, especially doxycycline. Such formulations are useful, for instance, for the treatment of collagenase destructive enzyme-dependent diseases, such as periodontal disease and acne, and acute and chronic inflammatory disease states, such as rosacea and arthritis. |
| US08394403B2 |
Wound care device having fluid transfer properties
This disclosure relates to wound care devices which are capable of one-way, directional flow of fluids and contaminants away from the wound site to the opposite side of the wound care device, which functions as a fluid reservoir. This fluid transport mechanism generally aids in reducing wound maceration by removing excess fluid, and potentially even bacteria, and is carried out without loss of physical integrity of the wound care device itself. In addition to providing a uni-directional fluid transport mechanism, the wound care device may contain a topically applied silver-based antimicrobial finish which provides certain levels of antimicrobial agent to the wound in order to clear infection from the wound site and control bacterial growth in the wound care dressing. Exemplary topical antimicrobial finishes include silver ion-releasing compounds. |
| US08394402B2 |
Compositions and methods for the sustained release of beta-alanine
Methods and compositions are provided for increasing the anaerobic working capacity of muscle and other tissues. Also provided are compositions formulated for the sustained release of free beta-alanine. Also provided is a dietary supplement formulated, for example, as a solid food product, an edible suspension, liquid or semi-liquid as described herein. |
| US08394398B2 |
Methods of administering rapamycin analogs with anti-inflammatories using medical devices
A medical device comprising a supporting structure capable of including or supporting a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient, which carrier or excipient may include one or more therapeutic agents or substances, with the carrier including a coating on the surface thereof, and the coating including the therapeutic substances, such as, for example, drugs. Supporting structures for the medical devices that are suitable for use in this invention include, but are not limited to, coronary stents, peripheral stents, catheters, arterio-venous grafts, by-pass grafts, and drug delivery balloons used in the vasculature. Drugs that are suitable for use in this invention include, but are not limited to, This drug can be used in combination with another drug including those selected from anti-proliferative agents, anti-platelet agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-thrombotic agents, cytotoxic drugs, agents that inhibit cytokine or chemokine binding, cell de-differentiation inhibitors, anti-lipaedemic agents, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, cytostatic drugs, or combinations of these drugs. |
| US08394397B2 |
Adhesive antineoplastic compositions
A method of treatment for preventing or inhibiting growth of cancer cells utilizes an antineoplastic composition including an antineoplastic-effective amount of a methylol transfer agent (MTA) in combination with biodegradable adhesive capable of adhering to tissue of a living subject. |
| US08394396B2 |
Method of making inorganic porous particles
Sol-gel inorganic porous particles are composed of an inorganic compound that provides an inorganic solid phase including an external particle surface. They also have a first set of pores wherein the pores have an average diameter of less than 100 nm and a second set of pores wherein the pores have an average diameter of at least 100 nm, which second set of pores contains stabilizing organic microgel particles. These inorganic porous particles are prepared using a first oil phase comprising a first water-immiscible aprotic solvent having a dielectric constant of less than 10 and having dissolved therein organic microgel particles. An aqueous phase comprising a polar solvent, an inorganic gel precursor, a catalyst, and a dispersing surfactant is neutralized to initiate condensation of the inorganic gel precursor. An oil-in-water emulsion is then formed with the organic microgel particles in the first oil phase, which is dispersed as first oil phase droplets in the aqueous phase. A second oil phase is combined with the oil-in-water emulsion with the second oil phase to form an oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion comprising the first oil phase droplets in the aqueous phase. |
| US08394395B2 |
Use of a cosmetic composition for the care of fatty skin
The present invention relates to the use of chrysin in a cosmetic composition for the care of fatty skin. The present invention also relates to a cosmetic treatment method for the prophylaxis or therapy of fatty skin that comprises the application onto the skin of a chrysin-containing cosmetic composition. |
| US08394392B2 |
Antibacterial agent composed of silver-containing aluminum sulfate hydroxide particles and use thereof
An antibacterial agent composed of silver-containing aluminum sulfate hydroxide particles represented by the following formula (X-I) or (Y-I). (AgaBb-a)bAlcAx(SO4)y(OH)z.pH2O (X-I) [AgaBb-a]b[Ti3-cAlc](SO4)y(OH)z.pH2O (Y-I) The above antibacterial agent of the present invention provides antibacterial molded articles and further antifungal agents, cosmetics, antibacterial paper, antibacterial deodorizing sprays and agricultural chemicals when it is mixed with a resin. |
| US08394388B2 |
Mycobacterial mutants affecting host apoptosis
Provided are recombinant mycobacteria having a mutation in an nlaA gene or in a nuoG gene. Also provided are isolated and purified nlaA proteins and nuoG proteins from a mycobacterium. Additionally provided are isolated and purified nucleic acids comprising a recombinant nlaA gene or a recombinant nuoG gene. Further provided are methods of inducing an immune response in a mammal and methods of making a recombinant mycobacterium using the nlaA gene or the nuoG gene. |
| US08394387B1 |
Recombinant modified Bacillus anthracis protective antigen for use in vaccines
The invention relates to improved methods of producing and recovering sporulation-deficient B. anthracis mutant stains, and for producing and recovering recombinant B. anthracis protective antigen (PA), especially modified PA which is protease resistant, and to methods of using of these PAs or nucleic acids encoding these PAs for eliciting an immunogenic response in humans, including responses which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of, B. anthracis bacterial infections and which are useful to prevent and/or treat illnesses caused by B. anthracis, such as inhalation anthrax, cutaneous anthrax and gastrointestinal anthrax. |
| US08394385B2 |
Optimized early-late promoter combined with repeated vaccination favors cytotoxic T cell response against recombinant antigen in MVA vaccines
The invention is drawn to compositions and methods for the induction of a strong CD8 T cell response to a specific antigen(s). The combination of an early/late hybrid promoter directing strongly enhanced early expression of a neoantigen with at least three immunization rounds resulted in a highly efficient neoantigen-specific CD8 T cell response. This combination reversed the immunodominance hierarchy and converted a moderately immunogenic and subdominant CD8 T cell epitope into the immunodominant epitope. |
| US08394384B2 |
Recombinant avian influenza vaccine and uses thereof
The present invention encompasses influenza vaccines, in particular avian influenza vaccines. The vaccine may be a subunit vaccine based on the hemagglutinin of influenza. The hemagglutinin may be expressed in plants including duckweed. The invention also encompasses recombinant vectors encoding and expressing influenza antigens, epitopes or immunogens which can be used to protect animals against influenza. It encompasses also a vaccination regimen compatible with the DIVA strategy, including a prime-boost scheme using vector and subunit vaccines. |
| US08394383B2 |
Allergens from Aspergillus versicolor, and method of detecting a mold allergy caused by interior rooms
The invention relates to seven allergens of Aspergillus versicolor which are suitable for specific diagnostics of this mold which predominantly pollutes the interior. The invention is also directed to an immunological method of detecting a sensitization to A. versicolor, especially an allergy, wherein one or more of the above-mentioned seven allergens found are employed as diagnostic markers. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition which includes one or more of these seven allergens as active substance, and to the use of one or more of these seven allergens for the desensitization to A. versicolor. |
| US08394380B2 |
Compositions and methods for alzheimer's disease
The present invention concerns methods and compositions of use for treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In certain embodiments, the methods concern preparation of phage-display single chain antibody libraries and screening against amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein or peptide. Anti-Aβ antibodies are selected and sequenced. In certain embodiments, synthetic Aβ binding peptides are designed and prepared, using portions of the anti-Aβ antibody sequences. The antibodies and peptides are of use for treatment of AD or for treatment of individuals at risk of developing AD. Compositions comprising anti-Aβ antibodies or Aβ binding peptides are also disclosed. |
| US08394377B2 |
Methods for treating cancer using combination therapy
The invention relates to methods for treating a subject by manipulating HER-2 on a cell as well as related products. The methods include methods of treating cancer using fatty acid oxidation inhibitors and HER-2 binding molecules such as antibodies and fragments thereof. |
| US08394373B2 |
ADAMTS13 genes and proteins and variants, and therapeutic compositions and methods of utilizing the same
The present invention relates to a disintegrin and metalloproteinase containing thrombospondin 1-like domains (ADAMTS) and in particular to a novel ADAMTS13 protease and to nucleic acids encoding ADAMTS13 proteases. The present invention encompasses both native and recombinant wild-type forms of ADAMTS13, as well as mutant and variant forms including fragments, some of which posses altered characteristics relative to the wild-type ADAMTS13. The present invention also relates to methods of using ADAMTS13, including for treatment of TTP. The present invention also relates to methods for screening for the presence of TTP. The present invention further relates to methods for developing anticoagulant drugs based upon ADAMTS13. |
| US08394366B2 |
Thermosensitive polymers for therapeutic use and methods of preparation
A process for preparing a thermosensitive polymer from a microemulsion is provided. The microemulsion comprises a monomer capable of forming a thermosensitive polymer and a polymerizable surfactant. Additional comonomers may be included in the microemulsion to vary the properties of the polymers produced. The resulting thermosensitive polymers may be nanoporous. The polymers according to the invention are suitable for use in medical applications, including use as a wound dressing and for delivery of cells to a graft site. |
| US08394362B2 |
Gem difluorinated C-glycopeptides, their preparation and their use for the preservation of biological materials and/or in cryosugery
The invention concerns a gem-difluorinated C-glycopeptide compound of formula (I) in which N is an integer between 1 and 5, R4=H, AA1, AA1-AA2 and R5=OH, AA1, AA1, AA2, with AA1, and AA2 are independents groups and represent amino acids with a non-functionalized side chain and R1, R2, R3 are independent groups and one of them is equal to formula (II), in which n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′=H, OR, N3, NR′R″, SR″′, where R=H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, acetate group, R′, R″′═H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, C(═O)−Bn, R″′=H, alkyl, acetate group, R6 is notably a group H, CH3, CH2OH, CH2-Glycoside group, CH2-OGP in which GP is a protector group such as an alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tertbutyldiphenylsilyl, acetate group,; and R7=OH, OGP′, NH2, N3, NHGP′, NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ is or not a protector group such as an alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, acetate group, and RB is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function. It applies notably to preservation of biological materials and to cryosurgery. |
| US08394357B2 |
Optical determination of glucose utilizing boronic acid adducts
The present invention concerns an improved optical method and optical sensing device for determining the levels of polyhydroxyl-substituted organic molecules in vitro and/or in vivo in aqueous media. The range of detection is between about 400 and 800 nm. In particular, a sensory devise is implemented in a mammal to determine sugar levels. Specifically, a dye is combined with a conjugated nitrogen-containing heterocyclic aromatic boronic acid-substituted bis-onium compound in the presence of a sugar, such as fructose or glucose. The viologens are preferred as the aromatic conjugated nitrogen-containing boronic acid substituted compounds. The method is useful to determine sugar levels in a human being. |
| US08394355B2 |
Use of UTP for the diagnosis of stenoses and other conditions of restricted blood flow
The present invention relates to methods for determining whether blood flow is restricted in a blood vessel of an individual suspected of compromised blood flow in the vessel, the method comprising the steps of delivering UTP, a derivative thereof, or a salt thereof to the vessel, assessing blood flow quantitatively in the vessel by obtaining a value that correlates to blood flow in said vessel, comparing the obtained value with a reference value, and determining whether the individual has compromised blood flow based on the results of the comparison. The invention also provides for methods of diagnosing atherosclerotic and ischemic heart diseases using UTP, a derivative thereof, or a salt thereof, as well as methods for inducing maximal hyperemia for diagnostic purposes. |
| US08394351B2 |
Synthesis of triazole-based and imidazole-based zinc catalysts
Various methods and structures of complexes and molecules are described herein related to a zinc-centered catalyst for removing carbon dioxide from atmospheric or aqueous environments. According to one embodiment, a method for creating a tris(triazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule includes contacting a pentaerythritol molecule with a propargyl halide molecule to create a trialkyne molecule, and contacting the trialkyne molecule with an azide molecule to create the tris(triazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule. In another embodiment, a method for creating a tris(imidazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule includes alkylating an imidazole 2-carbaldehyde molecule to create a monoalkylated aldehyde molecule, reducing the monoalkylated aldehyde molecule to create an alcohol molecule, converting the alcohol molecule to create an alkyl halide molecule using thionyl halide, and reacting the alkyl halide molecule with a pentaerythritol molecule to create a tris(imidazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule. In another embodiment, zinc is bound to the tris(triazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule to create a zinc-centered tris(triazolyl)pentaerythritol catalyst for removing carbon dioxide from atmospheric or aqueous environments. |
| US08394346B2 |
Method for treating spent nuclear fuel
A method for treating spent nuclear fuel, which includes first decontaminating the uranium, plutonium and neptunium found in a nitric aqueous phase resulting from dissolving the nuclear fuel in HNO3. The uranium, plutonium and neptunium found in the solvent phase is then split in a first aqueous phase and a second aqueous phase. Next, the first aqueous phase is stored. Following, the plutonium or other mixtures found in the first aqueous phase is purified relative to the fission products still found in said phase, in order to obtain, at the end of said purification, an aqueous solution containing a mixture of Pu and U or Pu, U and Np. Finally the resulting mixture of Pu and U or the mixture of Pu, U and Np is co-converted into a mixed oxide. |
| US08394345B2 |
Process for preparing at least one organic target compound by heterogeneously catalyzed gas phase partial oxidation
A process for preparing an organic target compound by heterogeneously catalyzed gas phase partial oxidation of an organic precursor compound with molecular oxygen in two oxidation reactor lines operated in parallel and removal of the target compound from the mixture of the product gas streams in a workup line, wherein the catalysts charge of one of the oxidation lines comprises a portion of catalyst over which the heterogeneously catalyzed gas phase partial oxidation has already been carried out for longer than over the portions of catalyst of the catalyst charge of the other oxidation reactor line. |
| US08394344B2 |
Vial presence indicator for vial-bearing rack
An indicator for enabling an analytical instrument to positively detect the presence of a vial in respective vial-receiving rack position regardless of whether the vial is oriented in a manner necessary for a code reader to read a code printed on the vial. Translation of a leaf spring upon insertion of a vial into a rack position causes a flag to obscure a code provided adjacent the rack position. An instrument into which the rack is installed interprets the failure of the code reader to detect this code as positive indication that a vial is disposed within the respective rack position. |
| US08394342B2 |
Density phase separation device
A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases is disclosed. The mechanical separator includes a float having a passageway extending between first and second ends thereof with a pierceable head enclosing the first end of the float, a ballast longitudinally moveable with respect to the float, and a bellows extending between a portion of the float and a portion of the ballast. The bellows is adapted for deformation upon longitudinal movement of the float and the ballast, with the bellows isolated from the pierceable head. The float has a first density and the ballast has a second density greater than the first density. The bellows is structured for sealing engagement with a cylindrical wall of a tube, and the pierceable head is structured for application of a puncture tip therethrough. The separation device is suitable for use with a standard medical collection tube. |
| US08394340B2 |
Microfluidic test module with low mass electrochemiluminescent probe spots
A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe spots in contact with each of the electrode pairs respectively, the ECL probe spots containing ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the mass of the ECL probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms. |
| US08394339B2 |
LOC device with on-chip semiconductor controlled incubation section
A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving a fluid sample, an incubation section in fluid communication with the sample inlet, the incubation section having at least one heater, and, CMOS circuitry between the supporting substrate and the incubation section, wherein, the CMOS circuitry is connected to the at least one heater for maintaining the fluid sample at an incubation temperature for an incubation period. |
| US08394338B2 |
Process for hydrophilizing surfaces of fluidic components and systems
A process for producing a film of a hydrophilic polymer on the inner surfaces of a fluidic component is provided comprising subjecting the inner surfaces of the fluidic component to a physicochemical pre-treatment, contacting the inner surfaces of the fluidic component with a solution of the hydrophilic polymer, replacing the solution of the hydrophilic polymer with a gaseous medium in such a manner that firstly the inner surfaces of the fluidic component remain wetted with part of the polymer solution, and removing the solvent to produce a film of the hydrophilic polymer on the inner surfaces of the fluidic component. The hydrophilic polymer used has a surface wettability for aqueous solutions which is higher than the surface wettability of the inner surfaces of the fluidic component itself. |
| US08394329B2 |
Optical device for detection of agent
An agent sensing system may comprise an emitter optical resonator, a functionalized optical resonator, and a reference optical resonator. The emitter optical resonator may be configured to emit light at one or more system peak wavelengths. The functionalized optical resonator may be optically coupled to the emitter optical resonator and configured to propagate the emitted light in the absence of a particular agent, and filter the emitted light in the presence of the particular agent. The reference optical resonator may be optically coupled to at least one of the emitter optical resonator and the functionalized optical resonator such that an intensity of light propagated by the reference optical resonator is based at least on whether light emitted by the emitter optical resonator is filtered or propagated by the functionalized optical resonator. |
| US08394327B2 |
Manufacturing method for acoustic wave sensor realizing dual mode in single chip and biosensor using the same
Disclosed is a method of realizing a dual mode acoustic wave sensor capable of being operated in both a gas environment and a liquid environment in a single chip by disposing a surface acoustic wave filter and a surface skimming bulk wave filter perpendicular to each other on the same wafer using the peculiar cut-orientation of an piezoelectric element, i.e. ST-cut quartz. An acoustic wave biosensor can realize optimum detection performance by detecting the characteristics of a detection environment and a detection target in real time during the operation of a dual mode sensor, and automatically switching between an SAW mode and an SSBW mode. |
| US08394325B2 |
Magnetic beads for reducing leukocyte interference in immunoassays
Methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in an analyte immunoassay are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of amending a biological sample with magnetic sacrificial beads opsonized to leukocytes, binding leukocytes in the sample to the magnetic sacrificial beads, and magnetically retaining the beads out of contact from an immunosensor. |
| US08394324B2 |
Microchip large-volume PCR with integrated real-time CE detection
A microfluidic device is provided with appropriate integrated structures to conduct large volume PCR and end-point or real-time capillary electrophoresis detection. The microfluidic device includes a substrate having an amplification chamber of a volume of nucleic acid, wells disposed on the substrate, flow channels connecting the wells and the chamber in the substrate to allow for solution flow through the chamber, and one or more separation channels provided in the substrate and connected to the chamber for separating and detecting a fraction of the amplified nucleic acid. The chamber, the flow channels, and the one or more separation channels are configured such that the hydrodynamic flow resistance of the chambers and the flow channels combined is at least 10Λ3 times smaller than the hydrodynamic flow resistance in the one or more separation channels. The microfluidic device can achieve a very high sensitivity in detection while being highly cost effective. |
| US08394322B2 |
Histological tissue specimen treatment
A tissue processor for processing tissue samples for histological analysis. The processor comprises two retorts, wax baths, reagent containers, a pump and valve. The vale distributes the reagent from one container to either retort. Separate reagent lines connect the wax baths to the retorts. A method of infiltrating a sample containing a reagent such as a dehydrating reagent like an alcohol, where the infiltrating material is heated to a temperature at or above the boiling point of the reagent, to boil off the reagent when the tissue sample is contacted by the infiltrating material. The pressure in the retort may be reduced to lower the boiling point of the reagent. |
| US08394320B2 |
Method of preserving biomaterial
A method of preserving a biomaterial according to the present invention includes the step of simultaneously applying negative DC voltage and AC voltage to a biomaterial (O). It is preferable that in the simultaneous voltage application step, the biomaterial (O) is stored in a container (1) that surrounds at least the periphery of the biomaterial (O), and a voltage application plate (2) supplied with negative DC voltage and AC voltage in a superposed manner is placed along one outer surface of the container (1), so that the voltage is indirectly applied to the biomaterial (O). |
| US08394316B2 |
Method for making a fibrous article
The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for a making a formed fibrous article and more specifically to method and apparatus for making a formed fibrous article useful as an absorbent core structure in a disposable sanitary article such as a sanitary napkin, panty liner, diaper or the like. The present invention also relates to a disposable sanitary article including a formed fibrous article according to the present invention as a core structure thereof. |
| US08394306B2 |
Method for producing microporous thermoplastic resin membrane
A method for producing a thermoplastic resin micro-porous film wherein a thermoplastic resin and a solvent (A) are melted and kneaded together to prepare a solution, the solution is extruded and cooled to prepare a formed product in a gel state, and the residual solvent (A) is removed from the formed product, characterized in that in the step of removing the solvent (A) use is made of a non-aqueous solvent (B) which is compatible with the solvent (A) and not compatible with the thermoplastic resin, and has a boiling point of 100° or higher and a flashing point of 0° or higher. The use of the non-aqueous solvent (B) provides a production method which allows the removal of a solvent with good efficiency and also with the reduction of a fear of environmental pollution and catching fire. |
| US08394305B1 |
Cellulose-based masterbatch with networked structure, application thereof and method for preparing the same
Disclosed herein is a thermoplastic cellulosic composition for preparing a cellulose-based masterbatch and/or a cellulose-based fiber with a networked structure. In one example, the thermoplastic cellulosic composition includes an esterified cellulose present in a range of about 80 wt % to about 95 wt %, polyethylene glycol present in a range of about 4.5 wt % to about 12 wt %, a tri-functional cross-linking agent present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 3 wt %, an initiator present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 0.15 wt %, and a dispersing agent present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 5 wt %. |
| US08394302B2 |
Method and installation for producing a wood-fiber board
A method for producing a wood-fiber board, which has a pattern on the top, in that glued wood fibers are scattered at least one layer to form a fiber cake, and the fiber cake is subsequently compressed under pressure and temperature to form a board of the desired thickness, is characterized in that the pattern is applied to the fiber cake before compression. An installation for producing a wood-fiber board with a scattering device, by means of which a fiber cake comprising at least one layer of wood fibers glued with resin is scattered, and a conveyor device, which conveys the fiber cake in a process direction to a pressing device in which the fiber cake is pressed to form a board of the desired thickness, is characterized in that a printing device is arranged above the conveyor device between the scattering device and the pressing device. |
| US08394296B2 |
Electroconductive fiber, a fiber complex including an electroconductive fiber and methods of manufacturing the same
An electroconductive fiber, a method of manufacturing an electroconductive fiber, and a fiber complex including an electroconductive fiber are provided, the electroconductive fiber includes an electroconductive polymer, an elastic polymer that forms a structure with the electroconductive polymer, and a carboneous material on at least one of the electroconductive polymer and the elastic polymer. |
| US08394288B2 |
Use of solid betaine product and method for its manufacture
The invention relates to the use of solid betaine for de-icing and/or preventing slipperiness. The solid betaine comprises at least one non-betaine compound affecting water and/or moisture movement in said solid betaine. The invention further relates to a process for the manufacture of solid betaine. A suspension comprising betaine crystals is prepared from a feed liquid and the betaine crystals are separated and washed. The amount of wash liquid is adjusted in order to leave 0.5 to 10 w-% of at least one non-betaine compound in said solid betaine. |
| US08394283B2 |
Manufacturing method of 3D shape structure having hydrophobic external surface
The present invention relates to a three-dimensional structure manufacturing method for performing surface treatment processes, and a replication step to provide hydrophobicity on an external surface of the three-dimensional structure. In the manufacturing method, the hydrophobicity may be provided to the external surface of the three-dimensional structure, a high cost device required in the conventional MEMS process is not used, the manufacturing cost is reduced, and the manufacturing process is simplified. In addition, it has been difficult to provide the hydrophobicity on an external surface of a three-dimensional structure having a large surface due to a spatial limitation, but in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hydrophobicity may be provided to the external surface of the three-dimensional structure having a large surface, such as a torpedo, a submarine, a ship, and a vehicle, without the spatial limitation. |
| US08394276B2 |
Chromatography column and maintenance method
A chromatography column and method of maintenance is described which does not require the use of a hoist or crane for disassembly. The method provides improved operator safety by reducing the need for the operator to work below a suspended or supported load within the column. Furthermore, the removal or replacement of column components is facilitated by providing access to the interior of the column and by the provision of a handling device. |
| US08394275B2 |
Liquid-chromatography conduit assemblies having high-pressure seals
A method for making a liquid-chromatography apparatus includes inserting two inner conduits into an intermediate tube, inserting the intermediate tube into an outer tube, forming a proximal seal between the intermediate tube and at least one of the inner conduits, and forming a distal seal between the intermediate tube and at least one of the inner conduits. A liquid-chromatography apparatus includes an outer tube, an intermediate tube disposed in the outer tube, two inner conduits disposed in the intermediate tube, a proximal seal between the intermediate tube and at least one of the inner conduits, and a distal seal between the intermediate tube and at least one of the inner conduits. |
| US08394272B2 |
Method for removing the contamination of C,N utilizing heterotrophic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria
This invention relates to a method that uses heterothrophic ammonia oxidation bacteria (HAOB) to remove carbon and nitrogen pollutants in wastewater. The method includes the cultivation of the heterotropic bacteria in an activated sludge environment and the removal of carbon and nitrogen from the wastewater. According to the physiological characteristics of HAOB and the principles of combined oxidation of carbon and nitrogen, the method is able to achieve simultaneous removal of carbon and nitrogen under the condition that the cells do not grow. The process is able to be carried out in the temperature range of 6-40° C. No excess sludge is produced in the process. The invention is able to control the process and product composition of anaerobic ammonia oxidation through the control of organic carbon source, and is able to realize zero-accumulation of NO3−N in the nitrification process. The invention can fully utilize existing activated sludge systems to remove carbon and nitrogen. Therefore there is no need to build new facilities, and all carbon and nitrogen removal processes can be finished in a single reactor. |
| US08394267B2 |
Water treatment equipment for recovering phosphorus from water
According to one embodiment, in order to eliminate impurities, and the like, water to be treated is passed through each of reactor vessels, phosphorus contained in the water to be treated is removed by using an adsorbent, and thereafter the liquid held in each of the reactor vessels is discharged through each of first to third treated water discharge paths, thereby eliminating the impurities, and the like derived from the water to be treated. It is possible to eliminate the influence of the impurities in the water to be treated on the discharged desorption agent liquid containing phosphorus from the phosphorus adsorbent can be eliminated, and hence it is possible to obtain a phosphorus-containing liquid containing no substance other than the recovered phosphoric matter material. |
| US08394266B2 |
Rolling cleaner apparatus for a submerged surface with a combined hydraulic and electric drive, and corresponding method
The invention relates to a rolling cleaner apparatus for a submerged surface, comprising rolling drive members, at least one motor (20a, 20b) for driving at least one rolling drive member, a filtration chamber formed in the hollow body and having a liquid inlet into the hollow body, a liquid outlet from the hollow body, a hydraulic circuit for circulating liquid between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet through a filtering device, a motorized pumping device (12) designed to generate a flow of liquid between each liquid inlet and each liquid outlet, characterized in that it comprises a control unit (90) designed to modulate the flow of liquid circulating between each liquid inlet and each liquid outlet. |
| US08394260B2 |
Petroleum upgrading process
A process for upgrading a heavy oil stream by completely mixing the heavy oil stream with a water stream prior to the introduction of an oxidant stream. A mixture of the heavy oil stream and the water stream are subjected to operating conditions, in the presence of the oxidant stream, that are at or exceed the supercritical temperature and pressure of water. The resulting product stream is a higher value oil having low sulfur, low nitrogen, and low metallic impurities as compared to the heavy oil stream. |
| US08394257B2 |
Addition of a reactor process to a coking process
A reactor process added to a coking process to modify the quantity or yield of a coking process product and/or modify certain characteristics or properties of coking process products. |
| US08394251B2 |
Control of chemical reactions using isotachophoresis
Isotachophoresis (ITP) is exploited to control various aspects of chemical reactions. In a first aspect, at least one of the reactants of a chemical reaction is confined to an ITP zone, but the resulting product of the chemical reaction is separated from this ITP zone by the ITP process. In a second aspect, one or more reactants of a chemical reaction are confined to an ITP zone, and one or more other reactants of the chemical reaction are not confined to this ITP zone. In a third aspect, ITP is employed to confine at least one reactant of a chemical reaction to an ITP zone, and at least one reactant of the chemical reaction is delivered to the ITP zone in two or more discrete doses. These aspects are especially relevant to performing polymerase chain reactions using chemical denaturants as opposed to thermal cycling. |
| US08394249B2 |
Methods for manipulating droplets by electrowetting-based techniques
Methods are provided for manipulating droplets. The methods include providing the droplet on a surface comprising an array of electrodes and a substantially co-planer array of reference elements, wherein the droplet is disposed on a first one of the electrodes, and the droplet at least partially overlaps a second one of the electrodes and an intervening one of the reference elements disposed between the first and second electrodes. The methods further include activating the first and second electrodes to spread at least a portion of the droplet across the second electrode and deactivating the first electrode to move the droplet from the first electrode to the second electrode. |
| US08394248B2 |
Gas sensor control device and nitrogen oxide concentration detection method
There is provided a control device for a gas sensor. The gas sensor is formed with first and second oxygen pumping cells to define first and second measurement chambers. Under the control of the sensor control device, the first and second oxygen pumping cells effect oxygen pumping actions against the first and second measurement chambers, respectively. The sensor control device is configured to detect currents through the first and second oxygen pumping cells, calculate a correction coefficient by comparison of a detection value of the first oxygen pumping cell current at a known oxygen concentration period with a previously stored reference value, correct the first oxygen pumping cell current by the correction coefficient and determine the concentration of nitrogen oxide in the gas under measurement based on the corrected first oxygen pumping cell current and the detected second oxygen pumping cell current. |
| US08394245B2 |
Production apparatus for electro-deposited metal foil, production method of thin plate insoluble metal electrode used in production apparatus for electro-deposited metal foil, and electro-deposited metal foil produced by using production apparatus for electro-deposited metal foil
An object of the present invention is to provide a production apparatus for electro-deposited metal foil or the like that can reduce thickness fluctuation of electro-deposited metal foil. To achieve the object, a production apparatus for electro-deposited metal foil or the like in which a cathode and an insoluble anode apart from each other, supplying an electrolytic solution through a gap between the cathode and the anode, making the cathode move along to the insoluble anode, electrodepositing a metal component on an electro-deposition surface of the moving cathode is applied. Wherein the insoluble anode is a thin plate insoluble metal electrode provided with a conductive electrode material coating layer on a surface of a substrate made of a corrosion-resistant material, and detachably mounted to an electrode base by using predetermined fixing means, and the conductive electrode material coating layer of the thin plate insoluble metal electrode is provided with a conductive electrode material stripped belt in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the cathode, and the fixing means is provided in the conductive electrode material stripped belt. |
| US08394244B1 |
System and method for laser patterning an integrated circuit etching mask
A method is provided for laser patterning an integrated circuit (IC) etching mask. The method provides an IC packaged die with a first region underlying a backside surface of a bulk silicon (Si) layer. An etch-resistant film is formed overlying the backside surface. Alternately, the entire IC die package is conformally coated. A semi-transparent film is formed overlying the etch-resistant film, semi-transparent to light having a first wavelength. In response to irradiating the semi-transparent film with light having a first power density, an IC die first region is located. In response to irradiating the semi-transparent film with a laser light having a second power density, greater than the first power density, an area of etch-resistant film overlying the first region is decomposed. More explicitly, an area of semi-transparent film overlying the first region is ablated, and the etch-resistant film underlying the ablated semi-transparent film is heated. |
| US08394242B2 |
Wet quenching tower for quenching coke
A wet quenching tower for quenching coke is disclosed. A lower housing portion defines a lower interior and a portal sized to allow ingress and egress of a coke laden receptacle. A plurality of quenching sprayers for directing water onto the lower interior of the lower housing portion are supported above the lower interior. An upper housing portion is removably secured to an upper edge of the lower housing portion and supports a plurality of baffles. The upper housing portion defines an open upper end and cooperates with the lower housing portion to allow steam to rise from the lower interior upward through the housing portions. Each baffle defines a surface for allowing condensation of the portion of the steam. A plurality of washing sprayers are supported above the baffles for washing the baffles. |
| US08394239B2 |
Industrial fabric including spirally wound material strips
An industrial fabric, belt or sleeve and a method of making the fabric, belt or sleeve are disclosed. The industrial fabric, belt or sleeve is produced by spirally winding strips of polymeric material, such as an industrial strapping or ribbon material, and joining the adjoining sides of the strips of material using ultrasonic welding or laser welding techniques. The fabric, belt or sleeve may then be perforated using a suitable technique to make it permeable to air and/or water. |
| US08394235B2 |
Removal of inhibitory compounds during pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass
A process for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass, in particular during the production of ethanol from biomass. The process including a cooking step where the biomass is exposed to steam at elevated temperatures and pressures for a preselected period of time in a treatment vessel. During the process, volatile and liquid compounds are purged from the treatment vessel. |
| US08394226B1 |
Composite friction elements and pultrusion method of making same
A composite friction unit of a three dimensional composite body is formed of a substantially uniform array of predominately glass strands of primary reinforcing fibers in matrix of phenolic resin material, the reinforcing fibers in the form of fabric distributed throughout the body forming a friction unit having a predetermined size and configuration and uniform distribution and alignment of fibers throughout. An alternate friction unit includes a substantially rigid or rigid backing co-pultruded in forming the unit. The units are produced in a pultrusion process wherein the reinforcing fibers and matrix are pulled through a forming die. |
| US08394221B2 |
Method of making chamber with tensile member
A fluid-filled may include including an outer barrier, a tensile member, and a fluid. The tensile member may be located within barrier and formed from a textile element that includes a pair of spaced layers joined by a plurality of connecting members. A method of manufacturing the chamber may include locating a textile tensile member between two polymer elements. Pressure and heat are applied to the tensile member and the polymer elements in a first area and in a second area. The pressure is greater in the first area than in the second area. In addition, the polymer elements are bonded together around a periphery of the tensile member. |
| US08394219B2 |
Method of manufacturing a molded door skin from a flat wood composite, door skin produced therefrom, and door manufactured therewith
A method of manufacturing a hollow core door is disclosed, as well as a corresponding hollow core door. The method includes the steps of providing a solid flat door skin, moisturizing the flat skin, applying a conditioning resin thereto, pre-heating the flat door skin, and thereafter pressing the flat door skin between a pair of heated platens in a press in order to reform the flat skin into a molded skin including a plurality of panels defined therein. The press continuously closes in order to reform the flat skin into the molded skin, with the rate of press closure being a function of the determined hardness of the flat skin to be reformed. The resulting door skins have an improved bond strength, and are efficiently manufactured. |
| US08394216B1 |
System and method for detecting features on a laminated veneer lumber billet
The disclosure relates to systems and methods for detecting features on billets of laminated veneer lumber (LVL). In some embodiments, an LVL billet is provided and passed through a scanning assembly. The scanning assembly includes an x-ray generator and an x-ray detector. The x-ray generator generates a beam of x-ray radiation and the x-ray detector measures intensity of the beam of x-ray radiation after is passes through the LVL billet. The measured intensity is then processed to create an image. Images taken according to the disclosure may then be analyzed to detect features on the LVL billet. |
| US08394213B2 |
Process for coating a hot- or cold- rolled steel strip containing 6−30% by weight of MN with a metallic protective layer
A method for coating hot-rolled or cold-rolled steel strip containing 6-30 wt %. Mn with a metallic protective layer, includes annealing the steel strip at a temperature of 800-1100° C. under an annealing atmosphere containing nitrogen, water and hydrogen and then subjecting the steel strip to hot dip coating. The method provide an economical way of hot dip coating a high manganiferous sheet steel in that, in order to produce a metallic protective layer substantially free from oxidic sub-layers on the steel strip, the % H2O/% H2 ratio of the water content % H2O to the hydrogen content % H2 in the annealing atmosphere is adjusted as a function of the respective annealing temperature TG as follows: % H2O/% H2≦8·10−15·TG3.529. |
| US08394208B2 |
Carboxylate-containing polymers for metal surface treatment
The present invention relates to a composition for treating surfaces, comprising a copolymer as component A, synthesized from (meth)acrylic acid or salts thereof, a carboxylate-containing monomer and/or monomers containing groups containing phosphoric and/or phosphoric acid or salts thereof, and further comonomers if desired, to a passivating layer on a metal surface, which comprises component A, to a process for forming said passivating layer, and to the use of the composition of the invention to passivate a metal surface. |
| US08394202B2 |
Method for manufacturing sugar from sugarcane
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing sugar from sugarcane. The method consists of steps of dosing biocides on sugarcane during cane preparation and milling to kill about 90% of microbes; heating juice, obtained from a mill to 70° C.; subsequently, neutralizing the juice; subsequent to the neutralizing step, heating the neutralized juice to about 105° C.; subsequent to the neutralizing step, passing the heated neutralized juice through clarifiers or settling tanks; concentrating the neutralized juice by evaporating to boil-off water from the neutralized juice to obtain syrup of the neutralized juice having about 60% solids; crystallizing the syrup, obtained in the concentrating step, to obtain a liquor; separating the sugar from the liquor obtained in the crystallizing step; and washing and drying the sugar obtained in the separating step. The sugar thus produced is about neutral and contains substantially zero amount of sulfur. |
| US08394201B2 |
Atomic layer deposition apparatus
An atomic layer deposition apparatus and an atomic layer deposition method increase productivity. The atomic layer deposition apparatus includes a reaction chamber, a heater for supporting a plurality of semiconductor substrates with a given interval within the reaction chamber and to heat the plurality of semiconductor substrates and a plurality of injectors respectively positioned within the reaction chamber and corresponding to the plurality of semiconductor substrates supported by the heater. The plurality of injectors are individually swept above the plurality of semiconductor substrates to spray reaction gas. |
| US08394199B2 |
Processing device
A processing device is provided, including a base which holds a processing target. A gas providing passage having a circular cross section is formed in the base, and provides gas to an outer circumference of the base. |
| US08394198B2 |
Silica glass crucible for pulling up silicon single crystal and method for manufacturing thereof
A silica glass crucible for pulling up a silicon single crystal including a wall part, a corner part and a bottom part is provided with an outer layer formed from an opaque silica glass layer which includes many bubbles, and an inner layer formed from a transparent silica glass layer which substantially does not include bubbles, wherein at least one part of an inner surface of the wall part and the corner part being an uneven surface formed with multiple damaged parts having a depth of 50 μm or more and 450 μm or less, and wherein a region among the inner surface of the bottom part within a certain range from the center of the bottom part being a smooth surface which does is substantially not formed with damage. |
| US08394194B1 |
Single crystal reo buffer on amorphous SiOx
A method of forming a layer of amorphous silicon oxide positioned between a layer of rare earth oxide and a silicon substrate. The method includes providing a crystalline silicon substrate and depositing a layer of rare earth metal on the silicon substrate in an oxygen deficient ambient at a temperature above approximately 500° C. The rare earth metal forms a layer of rare earth silicide on the substrate. A first layer of rare earth oxide is deposited on the layer of rare earth silicide with a structure and lattice constant substantially similar to the substrate. The structure is annealed in an oxygen ambience to transform the layer of rare earth silicide to a layer of amorphous silicon and an intermediate layer of rare earth oxide between the substrate and the first layer of rare earth oxide. |
| US08394191B2 |
Rheology modifying additive for cementitious compositions
A cementitious composition including cement, water, and a rheology modifying additive (RMA) is provided. The inclusion of the RMA improves the cementitiuous composition's response to vibration, and dampens out differences due to minor fluctuations in initial slump of the composition. The RMA may include a dispersant for cementitiuous compositions. The cementitious composition may optionally include other admixtures or additives known in the industry. A method for making the cementitious composition is also provided. |
| US08394190B2 |
Carbon black granulate, method for producing carbon black granulate, and use thereof
The invention relates to carbon black granulates having an APC value, measured at a conveying speed of 8 m/s and a solid load of 27 g/kg, less than or equal to 20 and a 25 [mu]m pressure filter value of less than 5 bar cm2/g. The carbon black granulate is produced by carbon black powder being pre-granulated in a first mixing granulator with addition of a granulation liquid with or without binders and being granulated to a finished state in a second mixing granulator without further addition of granulation liquid. The carbon black granulate can be used as a filler, reinforcing filler, UV stabilizer, conductive carbon black, pigment, or reducing agent. |
| US08394184B2 |
Absorbent material for low-molecular-weight organic gas and fuel vapor treatment apparatus using same
Provided are a low-molecular-weight organic gas absorbent material including a porous material having an average pore size of 10 to 200 nm impregnated with one or more organic compounds having 10 or more carbon atoms in a proportion of 10 wt % or more based on the porous material, and a fuel vapor treatment apparatus for an internal combustion engine using this low-molecular-weight organic gas absorbent material. This low-molecular-weight organic gas absorbent material sufficiently absorbs and removes low-molecular-weight organic gases even for a porous material having large pores which cannot adsorb low-molecular-weight organic gases such as butane and the like. |
| US08394183B2 |
Asymmetric membrane and air-conditioning system using the same
An asymmetric membrane contains a porous layer and a dense layer adjacent thereto. The porous layer and the dense layer are formed of a polymeric material. The porous layer and/or dense layer contains a filler. The amount of the filler is 11 parts by mass or more per 100 parts by mass of the polymeric material contained in the asymmetric membrane. |
| US08394173B2 |
Method for the sorption of gaseous contaminants by means of nanostructured sorbers in the form of a fiber
There is described a method for the removal of gaseous contaminants from the housings of devices sensitive to the presence of such contaminants by means of nanostructured sorbers, wherein the sorber is in the form of a fiber containing an active material at its inside. Nanostructured sorbers and their manufacturing method are also described. |
| US08394171B2 |
Methods for controlling impurity buildup on adsorbent for pressure swing adsorption processes
Embodiments of methods for controlling impurity buildup on adsorbent for a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process are provided. The method comprises the steps of operating the PSA process including performing (a) a first depressurizing equalization step, and (b) a providing purge step. Impurities are sensed in an effluent from the PSA process. If the impurities sensed in the effluent have reached a predetermined upper impurity level, then the PSA process is operated including performing (b) and not (a). |
| US08394170B2 |
Use of powder-metallurgical pre-material for producing an NB alloy that is free of inclusions
One aspect is a method for producing an alloy, whereby the alloy consists of a first metal, a second metal, a third metal, and a fourth metal, and the first metal, the second metal, the third metal, and the fourth metal are selected from the group consisting of the metals, niobium, zirconium, tantalum tungsten. The method includes the steps of grinding the first metal to form a first metal powder and grinding the second metal to form a second metal powder; mixing the first metal powder and the second metal powder to form a first blended powder; generating a first blended body from the blended powder by a powder metallurgical route; and generating the alloy by melting the first blended body and the remaining metals by a melt metallurgical route. |
| US08394169B2 |
Cemented carbide body containing zirconium and niobium and method of making the same
A sintered cemented carbide body (e.g., a cutting tool) and a method of making the same. The sintered cemented carbide body includes tungsten carbide, a binder phase of at least one metal of the iron group or an alloy thereof, and one or more solid solution phases. Each one of the solid solution phases has at least one of the carbides and carbonitrides of a combination of zirconium, niobium, and tungsten. The method includes the steps of providing a powder mixture that contains tungsten carbide, a binder metal powder comprising at least one metal of the iron group or an alloy thereof, and at least one of the carbides and carbonitrides of both zirconium and niobium including a powder of the carbides or carbonitrides of zirconium and niobium, forming a green compact of said powder mixture, and vacuum sintering or sinter-HIP said green compact at a temperature of from 1400 to 1560° C. |
| US08394161B2 |
HEPA filter cartridge for canister vacuums
The present disclosure generally provides systems and methods for easily replaceable, high efficiency particulate air or HEPA-quality filtration for vacuum systems in an effective, efficient, and cost-sensitive manner. As an example, the HEPA filter cartridge could include a minimizer and connecting structures associated with an exhaust of such a HEPA filter cartridge. The surface area of the minimizer or the connecting structures could be increased or decreased to control, restrict, or otherwise maintain a predetermined, preferable, or allowable amount of backpressure subjected to the HEPA filter cartridge or other suitable performance characteristic. |
| US08394160B2 |
Filter device, especially air filter for an internal combustion engine
A filter device (10), especially an air filter for an internal combustion engine, includes a main filter element (22) arranged in a filter housing (12). The main filter element is flown through by a fluid to be filtered. The main filter element (22) is a multi-bellows filter having radially nested filter bellows (32, 34). Between the filter bellows (32, 34) a flow space (44) for the fluid is formed communicating with an end face of the main filter element (22), wherein each one of the filter bellows (32, 34) is embodied as a star-shaped filter with filter folds arranged in a star shape. On at least one end face of the main filter element (22) there is a seal (36) between one of the filter bellows (32, 34) and the filter housing (12). The main filter element (22) is forced seal-tightly against the filter housing (12) by a lateral insert (38) insertable into a housing receptacle (66) of the filter housing (12), or the main filter element (22) is seal-tightly forced by means of a locking device (74) against the filter housing (12), or the main filter element (22) is sealed by means of a two-component synthetic seal (36, 96, 98) relative to the filter housing (12,104). |
| US08394158B2 |
Air cleaner
An air cleaner is provided with: a case in which a filter element is housed and which has an opening; a cover that covers the opening of the case to be opened or closed; a hinge structure having a hinge formed to the cover and a hinge receiver formed to the case to be engaged with the hinge in a detachable manner such that the cover is pivotal around the hinge with respect to the case; and an engagement maintaining mechanism provided to side surfaces of the case and the cover so as to maintain the engagement between the case and the cover in a range in which the cover closes the case and in a range in which the cover is opened by a predetermined angle. |