| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08497855B2 |
Scan driving apparatus and driving method for the same
A scan driving apparatus, includes scan driving blocks, each including a first and a second input terminal where a frame start or a scan signal of an adjacent scan driving block is input during forward and backward direction driving, respectively, wherein each of the scan driving blocks transmits a first scan direction signal instructing forward scan driving to a first transistor adjusting a clock signal in accordance with a signal input to the first input terminal, transmits a second scan direction signal instructing backward scan driving to the first transistor in accordance with a signal input to the second input terminal, and outputs the clock signal as a corresponding scan signal, the even numbered ones of the scan driving blocks receive a first clock signal as the clock signal, the odd numbered ones of the scan driving blocks receive a second clock signal as the clock signal. |
| US08497853B2 |
Flat panel display device, controller, and method for displaying images
A flat panel display device, LCD controller and associated method is provided. The flat panel display device includes a display panel, a lamp for providing a backlight source for the display panel, a power transformation module for providing a power source for the lamp, a non-volatile storage unit for storing program code, and a display controller. The display controller includes an image processing module for processing image data and outputting processed results to the display panel, and a digital pulse width modulation module for adjusting on and off time of the power transformation module with reference to a synchronization signal. |
| US08497850B2 |
System and method for retrieving information from an information carrier by means of a capacitive touch screen
The present invention relates to a method comprising providing one or more information carrier(s) with a dielectric and/or conductive pattern and a detection device having a capacitive touch screen and inducing an interaction between the information carrier and the touch screen, wherein the interaction is based on a difference in the dielectric coefficient and/or the conductivity of the pattern and generates a touch signal and wherein the interaction is induced by relative motion between the information carrier and the touch screen. The invention further relates to a system comprising an information carrier comprising a dielectric and/or conductive pattern which encodes information and a detection device having a touch screen; the detection device is able to decode the information upon interaction between the information carrier and the touch screen, wherein the interaction is caused by a difference in the dielectric coefficient and/or the conductivity of the pattern. |
| US08497846B2 |
Touch detection method and touch detector using the same
A method for double click detection includes the following steps. Firstly whether first event is detected is determined, if so, first corresponding position is obtained, a period counting is triggered, and first flag is set. Then whether the period ends is judged; if not and the first flag exists, a counter is incremented and second flag is set when first ending event is detected; if not and the second flag exists, second corresponding position is obtained and third flag is set when second event is detected; if not and the third flag exists, the counter is incremented when second ending event is detected; if so, a double click event is determined when the incremented value is greater than a threshold and a distance between the first and the second positions is smaller a threshold. |
| US08497843B2 |
Controller driver, display device, and control method therefor
A controller driver according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a display memory that stores image data to be displayed on a display panel; a touch panel control circuit that detects a touch panel signal from the touch panel; a cursor memory that stores cursor image data; and a composition processing circuit that combines the cursor image data stored in the cursor memory with the image data stored in the display memory based on the touch panel signal, to generate composite image data. |
| US08497836B2 |
Identifying user by measuring pressure of button presses on user input device
In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, by a user identifier circuit, a button pressure signature specifying a sequence of button pressure values sampled while a corresponding identified button of a user input device is pressed by a user; the user identifier circuit identifying the user of the user input device based on the button pressure signature; and the user identifier circuit outputting a message identifying the identified button and the identified user. |
| US08497835B2 |
Electro phoretic display device including touch panel
Disclosed is an electro phoretic display (EPD) device capable of minimizing the whole thickness and weight by integrally including a photo-sensing touch panel and minimizing the number of lines such as a signal line. The EPD device includes first and second substrates facing each other, a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of common lines, and a driving voltage line formed on the first substrate in a first direction, an output line formed and a plurality of data lines defining pixel regions by crossing the gate lines in a second direction, pixel transistors formed at intersecting parts between the respective gate lines and the data lines, a pixel electrode formed at each pixel region, a sensing transistor formed between one of the common lines and the driving voltage line, an output transistor formed between one of the gate lines, adjacent to the sensing transistor, and the sensing transistor to transmit an output signal to the output line, a sensing capacitor formed between one of the common lines and a connection part between the sensing transistor and the output transistor, a common electrode formed over the entire surface of the second substrate, and an electro phoretic layer formed between the first and the second substrates. |
| US08497834B2 |
Signal output circuit, shift register, output signal generating method, display device driving circuit, and display device
A signal output circuit of the present invention is provided in a unit stage of a shift register. The signal output circuit includes a set-reset flip-flop, and a signal generation circuit for generating an output signal by loading or blocking a clock signal in accordance with a signal inputted thereto. The signal output circuit is arranged such that: the signal generation circuit receives a signal outputted from the flip-flop and the output signal fed back to the signal generating circuit; and the output signal is fed back to a reset input of the flip-flop. This makes it possible to achieve a reduction in the area of the circuit and a simplification of the circuit. |
| US08497832B2 |
Shift register with image retention release and method for image retention release
A flat panel display, a shift register with image retention release and method for releasing image retention are provided. An output end of the shift register couples to a gate line of a display panel. A first end of a first transistor couples to the output end of the shift register. A second end of the first transistor couples to a system voltage VDD or a reference voltage VSS. A first end of a capacitor couples to a control end of the first transistor. A second end of the capacitor couples to the reference voltage VSS. During a power-off period, the reference voltage VSS is pulled high for turning on the first transistor, therefore the voltage of the gate line is pulled high. |
| US08497828B2 |
Sharing switch TFTS in pixel circuits
A circuit and driving technique to improve the display resolution of an AMOLED display. Sharing of switch transistors between several sub-pixels in the display leads to improved manufacturing yield by minimizing the number of transistors used. The method also allows for conventional sequential scan driving to be used. The circuit includes a shared switch transistor connected between a voltage data line and a shared line that is connected to a reference voltage through a reference voltage transistor, a first pixel including a first light emitting device configured to be current driven by a first drive circuit connected to the shared line through a first storage device, a second pixel including a second light emitting device configured to be current driven by a second drive circuit connected to the shared line through a second storage device, and a reference current line configured to apply a bias current to the first and second drive circuits. |
| US08497821B2 |
Chiplet display device with serial control
A display device, including a substrate; an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns forming a light-emitting area over the substrate, each pixel including a first electrode, one or more layers of light-emitting material located over the first electrode, and a second electrode located over the one or more layers of light-emitting material; a first serial buss having a plurality of electrical conductors, each electrical conductor connecting one chiplet in a first set of chiplets to only one other chiplet in the first set in a serial connection, the chiplets being distributed over the substrate in the light-emitting area, each chiplet including one or more store-and-forward circuits for storing and transferring data connected to its corresponding electrical conductor; and a driver circuit in each chiplet for driving at least one pixel in response to data stored in the store-and-forward circuit. |
| US08497820B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
The present invention relates to a display device and a driving method thereof. A display device in the present invention comprises: a capacitor connected between a first node and a second node; a switching transistor controlled by a first scanning signal and transmitting a data voltage to the first node; an emission control transistor controlled by a second scanning signal and transmitting a reference voltage to the second node; a driving transistor comprising a control terminal connected to the first node, an output terminal connected to the second node, and an input terminal; a driving control transistor controlled by a third scanning signal and transmitting a driving voltage to the input terminal of the driving transistor; and a light-emitting device connected to the second node. Accordingly, display contrast of a display device may be improved. |
| US08497819B2 |
Electroluminescent display devices
In an active matrix electroluminescent display, a plurality of rows of pixels are illuminated, defining at least two bands of rows separated by a non-illuminated band. The bands of rows of pixels scroll in the column direction over time, and at most 75% of the rows are illuminated at any point in time. This method is in essence a double bar scrolling method. By scrolling two bars, the required peak brightness is reduced as the effective overall duty cycle is increased. However, the period of illumination can still remain short, so that motion perception remains improved. The scrolling speed can be halved for the same frame rate or else the frame rate can be increased to reduce flicker. |
| US08497816B2 |
Crossed monitoring device for head-up displays
A crossed monitoring device for a head-up display that can be used for displaying a representation of at least one first datum. The device includes a mechanism generating at least one first image from the at least one first datum, a mechanism receiving from the at least one second display at least one second image generated from at least one second datum, and a mechanism selecting one of the first and at least one second image. The device can further include a mechanism modifying images according to characteristics of the displays. Each display can modify the images to be displayed according to its characteristics, and each display can modify the images according to the characteristics of each display. |
| US08497808B2 |
Ultra-wideband miniaturized omnidirectional antennas via multi-mode three-dimensional (3-D) traveling-wave (TW)
A class of ultra-wideband miniaturized traveling-wave (TW) antennas comprising a conducting ground surface at the base, a plurality of TW structures having at least one ultra-wideband low-profile two-dimensional (2-D) surface-mode TW structure, a frequency-selective coupler placed between adjacent TW structures, and a feed network. In one embodiment, a 2-D surface-mode TW structure is positioned above the conducting ground surface, a normal-mode TW structure placed on top with an external frequency-selective coupler placed in between; continuous octaval bandwidth of 14:1 and size reduction by a factor of 3 to 5 are achievable. In other embodiments using at least two 2-D TW structures and a dual-band feed network, a continuous bandwidth over 100:1, and up to 140:1 or more, is reachable. In yet another embodiment, ultra-wideband multi-band performance over an octaval operating bandwidth up to 2000:1 or more is feasible. |
| US08497805B2 |
IC package with embedded phased array antenna
Aspects of a method and system for configurable antenna in an integrated circuit package are provided. In this regard, a phased array antenna embedded in a multi-layer integrated circuit (IC) package may be utilized for transmitting and/or receiving signals. An IC enabled to transmit and/or receive signals may be bonded to the multi-layer IC package and may communicate a reference signal and/or one or more phase shifted versions of said reference signal to the antenna. One or more phase shifters (fabricated, for example, in planar transmission line) may be embedded in the multi-layer IC package and may be controlled via an IC bonded to the multi-layer IC package. The phased array antenna may comprise a plurality of antenna elements which may each comprise an interconnection for communicatively coupling to an associated transmitter and/or receiver, a feeder line, a quarter wavelength transformer, and a radiating portion (e.g., a folded dipole). |
| US08497804B2 |
High dielectric substrate antenna for implantable miniaturized wireless communications and method for forming the same
An antenna structure for an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided including a lower dielectric biocompatible antenna portion positioned on a body side of the structure and a high dielectric portion including at least one dielectric substrate having a high dielectric constant positioned on a device side of the structure. The biocompatible antenna portion is derived from an antenna layer, a biocompatible surface layer, and at least one layer of biocompatible dielectric material (e.g., high temperature cofire ceramic (HTCC) material) that provides a matching gradient between the antenna and the surrounding environment. The high dielectric portion may include at least one layer of low temperature cofire ceramic (LTCC) material. The high dielectric portion may be bonded to the biocompatible antenna portion or cofired with the biocompatible antenna portion to form a single bilayer monolithic antenna structure having a lower dielectric HTCC biocompatible antenna portion and a high dielectric LTCC portion. |
| US08497803B1 |
System and method for presenting flight tracking data to a user based upon the user's access permissions to various sources
A computer-implemented system and method for the processing and presentation of flight tracking data from a number of sources, with at least one source include a user access restriction, is disclosed. Substantially real-time flight tracking data is received over a digital network from a number of different sources and is stored in at least a database. Various determined flight paths are stores for a single flight based upon the number of flight data sources contributing data regarding that flight. Upon receiving a query from a user, the user's access with respect to the available data providers in retrieved and the best flight for the selected flight which is determined only from data that the requested user is authorized to access is presented. In one form, the results may be presented to the user in the form of digital map having an aircraft image and historical flight path shown. |
| US08497799B2 |
FMCW-type radar level gauge
A level gauge using microwaves to determine a distance to a surface of a product in a tank, wherein a measurement signal comprises a first frequency sweep, and a second frequency sweep, and a mixer is arranged to mix the measurement signal with an echo signal to form a first IF signal based on the first frequency sweep, and a second IF signal based on the second frequency sweep. Processing circuitry is adapted to sample the first IF signal and the second IF signal, to form a combined sample vector including samples from each tank signal, and to determine the distance based on the combined sample vector.By combining the samples from two (or more) different sweeps, the number of samples and the bandwidth can both be increased, thus maintaining the range L. However, as the samples are obtained from two separate sweeps, the sweep time for each individual sweep does not need to be increased, and the average power consumption can be maintained. |
| US08497798B2 |
Device and method for three-dimensional positioning
A device and method for three-dimensional positioning are provided. The three-dimensional positioning of a common reference point is determined by fusion of supplied measurements, taking into account a lever arm compensation between the reference point, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver antenna, at least one radar antenna, and an inertial measuring unit. |
| US08497795B2 |
Differential successive approximation analog to digital converter
A differential successive approximation analog to digital converter including: a comparator; a first plurality of capacitors coupled between a corresponding plurality of first switches and a first input of the comparator, at least one of the first capacitors being arranged to receive a first component of a differential input signal; and a second plurality of capacitors coupled between a corresponding plurality of second switches and a second input of the comparator, at least one of the second capacitors being arranged to receive a second component of the differential input signal, wherein each of the first and second plurality of switches are each adapted to independently couple the corresponding capacitor to a selected one of: a first supply voltage level; a second supply voltage level; and a third supply voltage level; and control circuitry adapted to sample the differential input voltage during a sample phase, and to control the first and second switches to couple each capacitor of the first and second plurality of capacitors to the third supply voltage level at the start of a voltage conversion phase. |
| US08497792B2 |
Signal generation method and apparatus and test method and system using the same
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a signal generation system for generating a predetermined analog signal. The system comprises a clock generator (1) adapted for generating on the basis of an external clock signal a predetermined clock signal, a signal generator including a first gain stage (21) and a second gain stage (22) adapted for providing an overall gain of the signal generator and outputting a stepped analog signal, an analog filter (23) adapted for filtering the stepped analog signal output by the second gain stage and for outputting the predetermined analog signal, and a first and a second clock mapping units (3,4) adapted for receiving the predetermined clock signal, and respectively supplying to the first and second gain stages non-overlapped clock signal, wherein the amount of gain provided by the first and second gain stages is controlled by the non-overlapped clock signals. The present invention further relates to a signal generation method of generating discrete-time periodic analog signals suitable for a built-in self-test, as well as to a test method and system using the same. |
| US08497781B2 |
Power supply and communications controller
A power supply extracts electrical power from the electro-magnetic field surrounding a high voltage power conductor and conditions the derived input power to provide a stable power source for instrumentation and communications equipment. The communications controller is a local network router that routes serial data traffic to selected communication devices such as an instrumentation processor, a power supply processor, or a maintenance port controller. The router forwards the data to other communications equipment and forwards data from the communicating equipment to an external network providing substantially simultaneous communications between the external network and the instrumentation processor, power supply processor and maintenance port controller. |
| US08497779B1 |
Ensuring power source redundancy
Disclosed are various embodiments that are employed to ensure power source redundancy for a computing device. A plurality of power inputs of a computing device are coupled to at least one of a plurality of power sources. A determination is made as to whether at least two identifiers embodied in a corresponding at least two data signals transmitted over at least two power lines are the same. Each of the power lines is coupled to a respective one of the power inputs, and the data signals are transmitted by at least one of the power sources. |
| US08497778B1 |
Fishing line monitoring apparatus
A fishing line monitoring apparatus includes a base support to adjustably span an ice fishing hole, a tip-up rig frame rotatably mounted to the base support, a visual and an audible alarm, and a radio transmitter assembly. The tip-up rig includes a support arm having a fishing line and reel. The visual and audible alarms provide both visual and audible indication when the fishing line is tugged. The rotating tip-up rig allows the tip-up rig frame and support arm to rotate for simple positioning and use. The transmitter includes a transmitter and a power source. The audible alarm is actuated by contacts located on a support arm and the reel, such that the audible alarm emits a series of audible beeps over when the reel spins, such as from a fish moving on the line. The transmitter transmits the audible beeps over a wireless RF signal to a remote receiver. |
| US08497773B2 |
Managing advertising devices
In one general aspect, a request to determine a status of a first of a plurality of advertising devices is received. The advertising devices are spatially separated. Operating conditions of the first advertising device are identified. The status of the first advertising device is determined based, at least in part, on the operating conditions. A presentation including information indicating the status of the first advertising device is transmitted. |
| US08497770B2 |
Low profile flexible light bar tachometer
The presented invention is a low profile light bar tachometer display which includes a plurality of RGB LEDs or similar RGB color model light-emitting devices organized and arrayed in a segmented, flexible tachometer case that can be manipulated and contoured to conform to the top of the dash assembly of an automobile or any surface deemed suitable for the needs of the driver of an automobile. The lights provide a highly visible, illuminated, color changing display, so the driver can immediately assess the engine's RPM, power band, redline, or maximum torque from the change in light color or light position. The light array provides a repeatable, reliable and adjustable indication of the usable range of the engine's rpm, but does not indicate actual rpm. |
| US08497766B2 |
Key input device for remote control apparatus, key input method of key input device for remote control apparatus, program, and recording medium
A first control unit outputs, to a lighting control unit, a lighting signal that causes a plurality of light-emitting units provided for each of a plurality of keys for operating to be sequentially lighted for each of groups determined in advance. Based on a signal for selecting a group outputted from a first selection unit and an output signal from the first control unit, a first comparison/judgment unit outputs a group whose light-emitting unit had been lighted upon selection as a finalized group. A second control unit outputs a lighting signal that causes light-emitting units included in the finalized group to be respectively sequentially lighted, and based on the output signal and a signal for selecting a key outputted from a second selection unit, a second comparison/judgment unit judges that a key corresponding to a light-emitting unit that had been lighted upon selection as a finalized key. |
| US08497764B2 |
Position transmitter system
A measurement system for finding the position of a primary part of a linear motor with respect to a secondary part includes an absolute value measurement system for recording a first reference position of the primary part with respect to the secondary part, and an incremental measurement system for recording a fine position of the secondary part relative to the first reference position recorded by the absolute measurement system. The absolute value measurement system includes at least one RFID reader and at least one first RFID tag which is identifiable by the RFID reader, with the first RFID tag intended to identify the first reference position. |
| US08497763B2 |
Data carrier and data carrier system
The data carrier has a communication protocol storage unit storing a communication protocol for communicating with an external communication device, an RF analogue receiver receiving an interrogation signal from the external communication device as an RF signal, a contact communication end terminal unit performing contact communication with the external communication device, a communication command controller controlling a command used in an RF communication protocol performed via said RF analogue receiver or a contact-type serial communication protocol performed via said contact communication end terminal unit, and a connection selector selectively connecting one of said RF analogue receiver and said contact communication end terminal unit with said communication command controller. |
| US08497753B2 |
Electromagnetic connector for electronic device
An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship. |
| US08497752B2 |
Movable contactor assembly for current limiting type circuit breaker
A movable contactor assembly for a current limiting type circuit breaker comprises a movable contactor having a pair of curved protrusions having cam profiles, a shaft to rotatably support the movable contactor located therein, a pair of contact levers each having a contact surface contactable with the curved protrusion of the movable contactor and a pair of spring supporting recess portions and a pair of springs each having both end portions supported by the spring supporting recess portions, the pair of springs applying an elastic force as contact pressure for maintaining a contact state between the movable contactor and the stationary contactor when the movable contactor is located at the first position, and applying the elastic force in a direction to separate the movable contactor from the stationary contactor when the movable contactor is moved over a dead point while rotating toward the second position. |
| US08497749B2 |
Single conductor surface wave transmission line system for terminating E field lines at points along the single conductor
A low attenuation surface wave transmission line system for launching surface waves on a bare and unconditioned conductor, such as are found in abundance in the power transmission lines of the existing power grids. The conductors within the power grid typically lack dielectric and special conditioning. Accordingly, the present invention includes a first launcher, preferably including a mode converter and an adapter, for receiving an incident wave of electromagnetic energy and propagating a surface wave longitudinally on the power lines. The system includes at least one other launcher, and more likely a number of other launchers, spaced apart from one another along the constellation of transmission lines. The system and associated electric fields along any given conductor are radially and longitudinally symmetrical. |
| US08497746B2 |
Switched-capacitor band-pass filter of a discrete-time type, in particular for cancelling offset and low-frequency noise of switched-capacitor stages
A band-pass filter made up by an operational amplifier and by an input circuit. The input circuit is formed by a capacitive filtering element, connected to the input of the operational amplifier; a coupling switch, coupled between an input node and the capacitive filtering element; a capacitive sampling element, coupled between the input of the filter and the input node; and a sampling switch, coupled between the input node and a reference-potential line. The coupling switch and the input sampling switch close in phase opposition according to a succession of undesired components sampling and sensing steps, so that the capacitive sampling element forms a sampler for sampling the undesired component in the undesired components sampling step, in the absence of the component of interest, and forms a subtractor of the undesired components from the input signal in the sensing step. |
| US08497744B1 |
Lattice network for power amplifier output matching
Embodiments of circuits, apparatuses, and systems for a lattice matching network are disclosed. Embodiments may include a power amplifier to provide single-ended amplification of a radio frequency signal. A lattice matching network may be coupled with the power amplifier and may transform a source impedance associated with an output of the power amplifier to a load impedance. In some embodiments, the lattice matching network may include first and second arms coupled in parallel between the power amplifier and an output node. The first arm may include a serial high-low network and the second arm may include a serial low-high network. The serial high-low network and the serial low-high network may provide a passband response with respect to the radio frequency signal. The serial high-low network and serial low-high network may include one or more Pi networks. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08497741B2 |
High accuracy RC oscillator
A device includes an RC oscillator circuit and incorporates various features that individually and in combination can help improve the stability or accuracy of the oscillator output frequency. The oscillator circuit is operable to provide a tunable output frequency and includes a bias circuit switchable between first and second modes of operation. One of the modes has less drift in oscillator bias current relative to the other mode. The device also includes drift compensation circuitry that is operable to compensate for drift in the oscillator output frequency in a closed-loop mode of operation based on a comparison of the oscillator output frequency with a reference frequency. The device further includes a processor operable to compensate for temperature-based drift in the oscillator frequency in an open-loop mode of operation based on a measured temperature value in the vicinity of the oscillator circuit. |
| US08497737B2 |
Amplifier circuit, mobile communication device and method for adjusting a bias of a power amplifier
An amplifier circuit includes a power amplifier configured to amplify an RF input signal to obtain an RF output signal, and a bias controller configured to control a bias of the power amplifier. The bias controller is configured to determine a measure of a load impedance of a load coupled to an output of the power amplifier and provide a bias control signal to adjust the bias of the power amplifier based on the determination of the measure of the load impedance. |
| US08497733B2 |
Offset correction circuit
The present invention quickly detects an offset and prevents cutoff of low frequency signals. Offset detection circuits smooth an output of a variable gain amplifier at a predetermined time constant and detects the offset, which is a DC component. The detected offset is added to the input of the variable gain amplifier by an adder and the offset in the output of the variable gain amplifier is corrected. The time constant in the offset detection circuit is changed by the resistance values of the variable resistors. Then, the time constant is changed to a small time constant when the gain of the variable gain amplifier is changed and thereafter to a large time constant. |
| US08497730B1 |
System for and method of modifying impedance characteristics of circuit elements
A circuit includes a passive element having an impedance. An active circuit can be configured to receive an impedance signal associated with the impedance. The impedance includes a real portion and an imaginary portion. The active circuit removes at least a portion of the real portion of the impedance signal. The circuit can be utilized in a wide array of applications including radio applications. |
| US08497727B2 |
Double pole double throw switch device
A double pole double throw switch device is provided. The device includes a first path circuit, a second path circuit, a third path circuit and a fourth path circuit. The first terminals of the first and second path circuits are coupled to a first port, and the second terminals of the first and second path circuits are respectively coupled to a third port and a fourth port. The first terminals of the third and fourth path circuits are coupled to a fourth port, and the second terminals of the third and fourth path circuits are respectively coupled to the second port and the third port. Each path circuit includes a switch module and a functional switch circuit. When a switch module is turned on, its corresponding functional switch circuit is turned off, and when the switch module is turned off, its corresponding functional switch circuit is turned on. |
| US08497726B2 |
Level shifter
A level shifter is provided. The level shifter includes a signal converter connected to an external power source and a ground, first and second output terminals connected to the signal converter, the first and second output terminals being configured to output a bias voltage applied from the external power source, and a switching unit configured to switch a connection state of the signal converter according to an input signal to adjust output voltage values of the first and second output terminals, the switching unit including first and second transistors, the first transistor being of a type that is different from a type of the second transistor, the first and second transistors being connected to each other in series between an input terminal, to which an input signal is applied, and the external power source, gates of the first and second transistors being commonly connected to the second output terminal. |
| US08497723B2 |
Low-hysteresis high-speed differential sampler
A low-hysteresis high-speed latch circuit is disclosed which isolates a sample stage and hold stage from one another during a latch clock phase and simultaneously shorts the output nodes together during the latch clock phase to reduce hysteresis of the latch. |
| US08497716B2 |
Phase locked loop with phase correction in the feedback loop
A frequency synthesizer circuit is disclosed. The frequency synthesizer circuit includes a comparator circuit coupled to a reference clock and a phase-corrected output signal. The frequency synthesizer circuit also includes a loop filter coupled to the comparator circuit. The frequency synthesizer circuit also includes an oscillator coupled to the loop filter. The frequency synthesizer circuit also includes a fractional divider coupled to an output of the oscillator. The frequency synthesizer circuit also includes phase correction circuitry that corrects a phase of an output of the fractional divider to produce the phase-corrected output signal. |
| US08497711B2 |
Envelope detector and associated method
An envelope detecting method performing squelch detection on a pair of differential signal includes: by a voltage divider, providing a real-time reference signal according to a sum of the pair of differential signals; and comparing two comparison signals associated with the real-time reference signals and the pair of differential signals to generate a squelch detection signal. |
| US08497710B2 |
Low-offset current-sense amplifier and operating method thereof
A low-offset current-sense amplifier and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The low-offset current-sense amplifier includes a sense amplifier, a first current supply unit, a second current supply unit, and a processing unit. The first current supply unit is coupled to the sense amplifier, and includes a first transistor group and a first current output terminal. The second current supply unit is coupled to the sense amplifier, and includes a second transistor group and a second current output terminal. The processing unit controls the on/off of some transistors of the first transistor group and the second transistor group according to electric currents output from the first current output terminal and the second current output terminal, respectively. |
| US08497708B2 |
Fractional-rate phase frequency detector
A phase frequency detector detects the difference between the edges of a fractional-rate recovered clock signal and the edges within a serial data bit stream, where the edges within the serial data bit stream correspond with the edges of a full-rate clock signal that was used to clock the serial data bit stream. |
| US08497706B2 |
Adjustable data drivers and methods for driving data signals
Apparatuses and methods for driving input data signals onto signal lines as output data signals are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a detection circuit, a driver adjust circuit, and a data driver. The detection circuit is configured to detect a characteristic(s) of a group of input data signals to be driven onto adjacent signal lines. A characteristic could be, for example, a particular combination of logic levels and/or transitions for, the group of input data signals. The driver adjust circuit is configured to provide a driver adjustment signal based at least in part on a detection signal, that is provided by the detection circuit. A data driver is configured to drive a respective one of the group of input data signals as a respective one of the output data signals, wherein the data driver is adjusted based at least in part on the driver adjustment signal. |
| US08497702B2 |
Power control of an integrated circuit including an array of interconnected configurable logic elements
An integrated circuit (8) comprising an array (10) of interconnected configurable logic elements (12), such as an FPGA array, is provided. The logic elements are used to form a power controller (14) which separately controls the power state of different regions of the array. Each region of the array contains one or more logic elements. Each region has a corresponding region controller (16) responsive to one or more power signals generated by the power controller to switch that region into the requested power state. |
| US08497701B2 |
Integrated circuit elementary cell with a low sensitivity to external disturbances
The present invention relates to an integrated electronic circuit including elements enabling to implement a logic function and means for attenuating the sensitivity of said elements to external disturbances, said attenuation means being disconnectable during phases of intentional modification of the state of said elements. |
| US08497695B2 |
Semiconductor device with fault detection function
A semiconductor device (1) detecting damage to the peripheral part of a chip which could potentially grow into a defect includes: a wire (3) formed along the outer periphery of a semiconductor chip (2d) to detect damage; a detection circuit (4) provided in the semiconductor chip (2) to supply a detection signal to the wire (3) to detect a break in the wire (3); an output terminal (5) for outputting the detection signal having passed through the wire (3); an internal circuit (6) provided in the semiconductor chip (2); an output switching circuit (7) selecting either an output signal of the internal circuit (6) or the detection signal having passed the wire (3) for output to the output terminal (5); a heating element (15a) heating the peripheral part of the chip; a power supply circuit (16) supplying power to the heating element; and a temperature detection/control circuit (17) controlling the heating by the heating element. This configuration enables easy detection of damage to the chip by logic test without additional measurement terminals. The configuration also enables detection of chips which could develop a defect when packaged. |
| US08497694B2 |
On-chip sensor for measuring dynamic power supply noise of the semiconductor chip
An on-chip sensor measures dynamic power supply noise, such as voltage droop, on a semiconductor chip. In-situ logic is employed, which is sensitive to noise present on the power supply of functional logic of the chip. Exemplary functional logic includes a microprocessor, adder, and/or other functional logic of the chip. The in-situ logic performs some operation, and the amount of time required for performing that operation (i.e., the operational delay) is sensitive to noise present on the power supply. Thus, by evaluating the operational delay of the in-situ logic, the amount of noise present on the power supply can be measured. |
| US08497691B2 |
Oil quality sensor and adapter for deep fryers
A system for measuring the state of degradation of cooking oil or fat includes at least one fryer pot; a conduit fluidly connected to the fryer pot for transporting cooking oil from the fryer pot and returning the cooking oil back to the fryer pot. A pump for re-circulating cooking oil to and from the fryer pot; and a sensor disposed in fluid communication with the conduit that measures an electrical property of the cooking oil as the cooking oil flows past the sensor and is returned to the at least one fryer pot is provided. |
| US08497688B2 |
Non-contact arc detection apparatus and method
The present invention relates to a non-contact arc detection, recognition, and warning apparatus for the detection of arcing in an electrical system. The apparatus includes an electric field detector having first and second electric field sensors adapted to sense electric fields; a magnetic field detector having a multi-axis magnetic field sensor adapted to detect a magnetic field; and a digital signal processor. The digital signal processor compares and enhances signals obtained from the electric field detector and the magnetic field detector and creates a response to alert a user of the presence of arcing. |
| US08497687B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring electrical ground isolation in a powertrain system
A method for monitoring operation of a vehicle including a high voltage electrical system including an electrical energy storage device electrically connected to switching circuits of an inverter device via a high voltage bus, the inverter device configured to transfer electric power to an electric machine via activation of a plurality of switch devices, includes monitoring electrical ground isolation of the high voltage electrical system during ongoing operation of the vehicle, detecting an electrical ground isolation fault in the high voltage electrical system, and detecting a location of the electrical ground isolation fault associated with at least one of the electrical energy storage device, the high voltage bus, the inverter device, and the electric machine subsequent to a vehicle key-off event. |
| US08497685B2 |
Angular position sensor for a downhole tool
Aspects of this invention include a downhole tool having an angular position sensor disposed to measure the relative angular position between first and second members disposed to rotate about a common axis. A plurality of magnetic field sensors are deployed about the second member and disposed to measure magnetic flux emanating from first and second magnets deployed on the first member. A controller is programmed to determine the relative angular position based on magnetic measurements made by the magnetic field sensors. In a one exemplary embodiment, a downhole steering tool includes first and second magnets circumferentially spaced on the shaft and a plurality of magnetic field sensors deployed about the housing. |
| US08497681B2 |
Magnetic resonance method and apparatus to determine phase correction parameters
In a magnetic resonance system and operating method to determine phase correction parameters for a phase correction in MR image data, first and second phase correction data sets are thereby acquired and correlations are calculated between data of the second phase correction data set and data of the first phase correction data set. Phase correction parameters are determined, such as coefficients of a power series that approximates a curve of a phase difference between phase curves of the second and first phase correction data sets. |
| US08497680B2 |
Magnetic resonance method for quantification of molecular diffusion using double echo steady state sequences
Disclosed is a magnetic resonance method for the quantification of molecular diffusion. The method uses a diffusion-weighted (dw) double echo steady state sequence (DESS). In particular, the method allows direct quantification of molecular diffusion from two steady state scans with differing diffusion weighting such as one with diffusion-weighting and preferably one without diffusion weighting. Such a quantification of molecular diffusion allows for rapid and/or quantitative measurements of physiological and/or functional parameters of living tissue. Quantitative measurements are often a prerequisite for pre-clinical and clinical research as well as for clinical trials in drug research performed at different sites. Especially for the early diagnosis of subtle or diffuse pathological changes, quantitative MR promises to have a very significant impact. |
| US08497679B2 |
Magnetic resonance method and system to create an image data set
In a magnetic resonance method and system to create a difference image, essentially only one k-space point in a k-space data set belonging to the difference image is acquired at least twice in the form of k-space measurement values after a radiation of an RF excitation pulse. The difference image is thereby created depending on acquired k-space data set by means of taking the difference of the respective at least two results acquired per k-space point. For each essentially only one k-space point shift multiple phase coding gradients are activated in respective spatial directions, followed by a first readout of the essentially only one k-space point for an acquisition of a first of the k-space measurement values. The phase coding gradients are subsequently modified such that a gradient moment for each of the phase coding gradients is zero for a time period from the first readout of the essentially only one k-space point up to a second readout of the essentially only one k-space point. The essentially only one k-space point is subsequently read out a second time. |
| US08497675B2 |
Angle detector
An angle detector includes a rotating member, a housing, a detector and an urging member. The rotating member is rotatable with a shaft inserted therethrough. The housing rotatably supports the rotating member. The detector detects a rotating angle of the rotating member with respect to the housing. The urging member urges the rotating member in a rotating direction of the rotating member. An engagement portion is provided on the housing. An engaged portion is provided on the rotating member. The engaged portion is adapted to be brought into engagement with the engagement portion by urged by the urging member. |
| US08497673B2 |
Directional resistivity antenna shield
A logging while drilling tool includes a directional resistivity antenna and an antenna shield having. The shield has at least one slot having at least one electrically open end formed therein. The antenna shield may include a base portion and a plurality of spaced apart fingers extending away from the base portion such that the finger ends are electrically isolated from the tool body and from one another. The antenna shield may alternatively include a plurality of spaced apart plates that are electrically isolated from the tool body and from one another. These antenna shields have been found to provide suitable physical protection for sensitive antenna components while at the same time being substantially transparent to both z-mode and x-mode electromagnetic waves. |
| US08497670B1 |
Charge pump regulator circuit for powering a variable load
A charge pump regulator circuit includes a voltage controlled oscillator and a plurality of charge pumps. The voltage controlled oscillator has a plurality of inverter stages connected in series in a ring. A plurality of oscillating signals is generated from outputs of the inverter stages. Each oscillating signal has a frequency or amplitude or both that are variable dependent on a variable drive voltage. Each oscillating signal is phase shifted from a preceding oscillating signal. Each charge pump is connected to a corresponding one of the inverter stages to receive the oscillating signal produced by that inverter stage. Each charge pump outputs a voltage and current. The output of each charge pump is phase shifted from the outputs of other charge pumps. A combination of the currents thus produced is provided at about a voltage level to the load. |
| US08497669B2 |
Output voltage controller, electronic device, and output voltage control method
An output voltage controller includes a first controller which controls current supply to a inductor based on an output voltage, and a second controller which controls current supply to the inductor by controlling a period when an input end to which an input voltage is inputted, the inductor, and an output end from which the output voltage is outputted are coupled based on the input voltage. |
| US08497667B2 |
Fast voltage regulators for charge pumps
A digital multilevel memory system includes a charge pump and a voltage regulator for generating regulated high voltages for various memory operations. The charge pump may include a plurality of boost circuits to boost the output of the charge pump during a fast start up. Afterwards, the boost circuits are disabled to allow the charge pump to generate high voltages without boosting. The boost circuits may be successively enabled to boost the voltage. The boost circuits may be loadless. The voltage regulator may operate in an open loop and may include a resistive divider as a reference voltage for regulating the high voltage from the charge pump. The charge pump may include spread spectrum pump clocking to reduce electromagnetic inference for capacitor or inductor on-chip charge pumping. |
| US08497664B2 |
High efficiency multi-phase generator
A generator system that includes a six-phase AC machine and an active rectifier bridge employing low on-resistance switches, such as MOSFET switches, for converting the AC current from the machine to a DC current. The system also includes a switch control circuit to switch the MOSFET switches in synchronization with the six-phase current flow. The system determines the phase-to-ground voltages of the machine for inputs to the switch control circuit. The control circuit calculates the phase-to-phase voltages from the phase-to-ground voltages. The control circuit uses a specific control scheme to determine if each of the phase-to-phase voltages is above or below first and second predetermined threshold voltages, where if the phase-to-phase voltage is above the first threshold voltage, the control circuit closes the switch, and if the phase-to-phase voltage is below the second threshold voltage, the control circuit opens the switch. |
| US08497662B2 |
Charging device
A charging device has a charging unit and a control unit. The charging unit charges a battery pack the battery pack being either a first type or a second type of battery pack. The first type of battery pack includes a single battery cell or a first plurality of battery cells connected in series. The second type of battery pack includes a single battery unit or a second plurality of battery units connected in series. Each battery unit includes at least two battery cells connected in parallel. The control unit controls the charging unit to control at least one of a charging current flowing through the battery pack and a charging voltage applied across the battery pack, depending on the battery pack to be charged. |
| US08497660B2 |
Charging system of electric vehicle and method for charging electric vehicle
A charging system of an electric vehicle and a method for charging the electric vehicle are described in the present invention. The system uses a smart card for battery management when charging a battery. Furthermore, the system can prevent the battery or the electric vehicle from being stolen. Compared to existing charging systems for electric vehicles, the present invention can save more cost for users and provide safety mechanism for battery or electric vehicle. |
| US08497655B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating rotor position in a sensorless synchronous motor
The present invention provides a simple, robust, and universal position observer for use with sensorless synchronous machines. The observer may be implemented using an equivalent EMF model of a synchronous machine or, alternately, using a sliding mode controller based on the equivalent EMF model of the synchronous machine. The observer may be used on any type of synchronous machine, including salient or non-salient pole machines such as a permanent magnet, interior permanent magnet, wound rotor, or reluctance synchronous machine. The observer provides low sensitivity to parameter variations and disturbances or transient conditions in the machine. In addition, no knowledge of speed is required as an input to the observer and an estimated position may be calculated using a subset of the machine parameters. |
| US08497652B2 |
Dynamoelectric machine assemblies operable with serial communication signals and PWM control signals
A dynamoelectric machine assembly for connection to a system controller. The assembly includes at least one input contact for receiving a control signal from the system controller and a processor coupled to the input contact. The processor is configured to operate the assembly in a pulse width modulation (PWM) mode when the control signal is a PWM control signal and to operate the assembly in a serial mode when the control signal is a serial communication signal. |
| US08497647B1 |
Motor spindle control system and method
A control system and method for a multi-phase motor substantially reduces or eliminates jitter resulting from. drive mismatch by replacing a conventional trapezoidal drive profile with a drive profile that causes the voltage applied across active phases of the motor to match the back-EMF across those phases. In an ideal motor, the back-EMF is substantially sinusoidal, and although the drive profile applied to each phase is not truly substantially sinusoidal, the drive voltage across the active phases is substantially sinusoidal. In a non-ideal motor, the back-EMF is not truly sinusoidal and the drive profiles applied to each phase are calculated to cause the drive voltage across the active phases to match the back-EMF across those phases. |
| US08497644B2 |
Refrigerator and method for controlling the same
A refrigerator and a method for controlling the same are provided. With the refrigerator and the method for controlling the refrigerator, a receiving box may be automatically drawn in and out together with a door when a user operates an input device that inputs door drawing in and out instructions, thereby increasing use convenience of children and older people. |
| US08497638B2 |
Light source device
A light source device which is used as the backlight device and does not generate sound is provided. One or more flat substrates each having a light emitting element on its surface side are supported by a chassis having a conductive flat plate surface so that back surfaces of the substrates are opposed to the flat plate surface. The substrate comprises first wiring conductive thin films on a surface side of an insulation substrate, and one or more second radiating or wiring conductive thin films on a back surface side of the insulation substrate. Two terminals of the light emitting element are connected to the two adjacent first conductive thin films. A potential of at least one of the second conductive thin films is fixed to have a constant potential difference or preferably fixed to the same potential with respect to that of the flat plate surface of the chassis. |
| US08497632B2 |
Short arc type discharge lamp
A short arc type discharge lamp includes a cathode and an anode arranged inside an arc tube to face each other. The cathode comprises a main body portion made of tungsten and an emitter portion made of thoriated tungsten that is joined at the tip of the main body portion, where a metal oxide other than thorium (Th) is contained in the main body portion of the cathode, and a tungsten carbide layer is formed on the metal oxide. |
| US08497622B2 |
Amalgam spheres for energy-saving lamps and the manufacture thereof
Energy-saving lamps contain a gas filling of mercury vapor and argon in a gas discharge bulb. Amalgam spheres are used for filling the gas discharge bulb with mercury. A tin amalgam having a high proportion by weight of mercury in the range from 30 to 70% by weight is proposed. Owing to the high mercury content, the amalgam spheres have liquid amalgam phases on the surface. Coating of the spheres with a tin or tin alloy powder converts the liquid amalgam phases on the surface into a solid amalgam having a high tin content. This prevents conglutination of the amalgam spheres during storage and processing. |
| US08497620B2 |
Piezoelectric resonator element, piezoelectric resonator, and acceleration sensor
A piezoelectric resonator element includes: a resonating arm extending in a first direction and cantilever-supported; a base portion cantilever-supporting the resonating arm; and an excitation electrode allowing the resonating arm to perform flexural vibration in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. In the piezoelectric resonator element, the resonating arm includes an adjusting part adjusting rigidity with respect to a bend in a third direction that is orthogonal to the first and second directions. |
| US08497619B2 |
Long range travel MEMS actuator
An electrostatic comb drive actuator for a MEMS device includes a flexure spring assembly and first and second comb drive assemblies, each coupled to the flexure spring assembly on opposing sides thereof. Each of the first and second comb assemblies includes fixed comb drive fingers and moveable comb drive fingers coupled to the flexure spring assembly and extending towards the fixed comb drive fingers. The comb drive fingers are divided equally between the first and second comb drive assemblies and placed symmetrically about a symmetry axis of the flexure spring assembly. When electrically energized, the moveable comb drive fingers of both the first and second comb drive assemblies simultaneously move towards the fixed comb drive fingers of the first and second comb drive assemblies. |
| US08497617B2 |
Stators with improved conductor assembly and method of making same
A stator includes a stator core, a plurality of slots, and a conductor. The plurality of slots are formed within the stator core. The conductor is disposed continuously within at least two of the plurality of openings. |
| US08497614B2 |
Winding plan for a segmented stator of a dynamo-electric machine
A segmented annular stator for a dynamo-electric machine is disclosed which simplifies transport and assembly of the machine. The segment has a cross section essentially shaped as a circular arc and includes a first and a second segment boundary configured for attachment to an additional segment, a corresponding coil associated with each phase of a three-phase system, a first conductor, and a second conductor. The first conductor is connected to the second conductor via an end connection in an area of end windings, such that a first coil associated with a first phase surrounds second and third coils associated with second and third phases of the three-phase system. |
| US08497608B2 |
Electric machine cooling system and method
Some embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module comprising an electric machine including a rotor assembly and a rotor hub. In some embodiments, the module can include a output shaft substantially circumscribed by the rotor hub and including at least one channel and at least one coolant outlet. A cavity can be formed by at least the output shaft and the rotor hub. Some embodiments can include a sleeve substantially circumscribing a portion of the output shaft with at least a portion of the sleeve positioned substantially within the cavity between the output shaft and the rotor hub. The sleeve can include at least one groove. |
| US08497606B2 |
Electromagnetic generator with free moving inner magnetic core
An energy harvesting device (EHD) and method including a hollow outer envelope (201) having an inner wall (200) with a first predetermined magnetic field distributed on an inner surface of the inner wall, at least one inner core (202), free to move in the hollow envelope (200) characterized by a second predetermined magnetic field distributed on an inner surface of the at least inner core, the inner core being characterized by one or more convex projections of magnetically active material, at least one conducting loop (203) disposed at locations selected from the group consisting of the outer envelope and the at least inner core, so as to be suffused with magnetic flux due to the magnetic field distributions of the at least one inner core and the at least one outer envelope and generating an alternating current due to movement of the inner core within the outer envelope and a rectifying circuit in electrical connection with the at least one conducting loop (203) rectifying the alternating current into a current having a DC component. |
| US08497605B2 |
Power supply arrangement for integrated circuit core
A power supply arrangement is for supplying power to a chip core. A dc-dc converter arrangement is used both for a wake-up state of the core in preparation for an active state, and for a shut down charge recycling state in which the core supplies charge to the dc-dc converter. Thus, the dc-dc converter arrangement functions both to control powering on of the core in an efficient manner and the powering down of the core to implement charge recycling. In an active state, the core is supplied with power from the high power supply line. |
| US08497602B2 |
Time delay compensation in power system control
A method and controller are provided for the compensation of time delays in remote feedback signals in power system control. The method includes converting the time delay into a phase shift and calculating four compensation angles from the phase shift. The optimal compensation angle is determined and applied to the remote feedback signals. A technique of equipping a controller with a global clock is also disclosed. |
| US08497600B2 |
Cell site power system management, including battery circuit management
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for managing battery circuits in systems such as wireless communications service base stations are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a battery circuit having multiple strings of one or more serially connected batteries. The apparatus may be configured to rotate between battery strings such that one or more strings are maintained at or near an upper threshold while other string(s) are disconnected from the maintained string(s). The apparatus may also be configured to charge the battery circuit, to test the battery circuit, and to handle power failures. |
| US08497594B2 |
Horizontal-axis hydrokinetic water turbine system
A hydrokinetic water turbine system includes two turbine assemblies each having a frame structure, a horizontally-disposed shaft supported by the frame structure, and a rotor secured to the shaft. The rotor has a plurality of spaced-apart blades so that the flowing stream of water revolves the rotor. The blades are filled with a foam material to reduce weight and increase buoyancy. The frame structure is an open frame structure and includes frame members adapted to reduce a coefficient of drag of the frame structure. The frame members are filled with a foam material to reduce weight and increase buoyancy. The two turbine assemblies are secured side by side with shafts coaxial and the rotors rotating in opposite directions. The shafts can drive electric generators located out of the water or under the water. The underwater generators can be direct drive, low speed, high output generators. |
| US08497589B2 |
Electricity production from static weight
The invention relates to an electric energy generation system based on the use of static weight. The static weight can be placed, pushed, or rolled onto a platform or shelf, controlled in its vertical motion downward, and connected to an electric generator, which transforms the vertical linear motion to electricity. A gearing system, hydraulic transmission, fluid coupling, or torque convertor to convert linear to rotational motion is employed as necessary, thereby turning the generator. A return means, of various forms, allows the platform or shelf to return to original position, and provides an opportunity to make use of vertical motion once again for energy production. A flywheel may be used to provide more sustained and smoother power over a longer period, and other amplification means may be used to increase duration or amount of power, as well as conversion means to provide electricity in usable form. |
| US08497583B2 |
Stress reduction in chip packaging by a stress compensation region formed around the chip
A stress compensation region that may be appropriately positioned on a package substrate may compensate for or at least significantly reduce the thermally induced mechanical stress in a sensitive metallization system of a semiconductor die, in particular during the critical reflow process. For example, a stressor ring may be formed so as to laterally surround the chip receiving portion of the package substrate, wherein the stressor ring may efficiently compensate for the thermally induced deformation in the chip receiving portion. |
| US08497579B1 |
Semiconductor packaging method and structure thereof
A semiconductor packaging method includes providing a substrate having a plurality of pads, each of the pads comprises a first coupling surface having a plurality of first conductive contact areas and a plurality of first non-conductive contact areas; forming a conductible gel with anti-dissociation function on the substrate, said conductible gel includes a plurality of conductive particles and a plurality of anti-dissociation substances; mounting a chip on the substrate, said chip comprises a plurality of copper-containing bumps, each of the copper-containing bumps comprises a ring surface and a second coupling surface having a plurality of second conductive contact areas and a plurality of second non-conductive contact areas, wherein the conductive particles are electrically connected with the first conductive contact areas and the second conductive contact areas, said anti-dissociation substances are in contact with the second non-conductive contact area, and the ring surfaces are covered with the anti-dissociation substances. |
| US08497577B2 |
Micro electrical mechanical system
An apparatus includes a Micro Electrical Mechanical System (MEMS) having electrical contacts and a MEMS device in electrical communication with the electrical contacts. A lid is oriented over the MEMS device and not the electrical contacts. The lid has a base region and a top region, the base region being wider in dimension than the top region and oriented in closer proximity to the MEMS device than the top region. |
| US08497574B2 |
High power semiconductor package with conductive clips and flip chip driver IC
In one implementation, a high power semiconductor package is configured as a buck converter including a control transistor and a sync transistor disposed on a leadframe, a flip chip driver integrated circuit (IC) for driving the control and sync transistors, and conductive clips electrically coupling the top surfaces of the transistors to substrate pads such as leadframe pads. The source of the control transistor is electrically coupled to the drain of the sync transistor using the leadframe and one of the transistor conductive clips. In this manner, the leadframe and the conductive clips provide efficient current conduction by direct mechanical connection and large surface area conduction, thereby enabling a package with significantly reduced electrical resistance, form factor, complexity, and cost. |
| US08497573B2 |
High power semiconductor package with conductive clip on multiple transistors
In one implementation, a high power semiconductor package is configured as a buck converter including a control transistor, a sync transistor, a driver integrated circuit (IC) for driving the control and sync transistors, and a conductive clip extending from a sync drain on a top surface of the sync transistor to a control source on a top surface of the control transistor. The conductive clip may also connect to substrate pads such as a leadframe pad for current input and output. In this manner, the conductive clip provides an efficient connection between the control source and the sync drain by direct mechanical connection and large surface area conduction, thereby enabling a package with significantly reduced electrical resistance, form factor, complexity, and cost. |
| US08497568B2 |
Monitoring pattern, and pattern stitch monitoring method and wafer therewith
A monitoring pattern for pattern stitch in double patterning is provided with a plurality of pattern cuts that include at least one line-ended cut and at least one non-line-ended cut, wherein every pattern cut has a stitching critical dimension (CD). A semiconductor wafer having at least one target pattern corresponding to the monitoring pattern is also provided. A method for monitoring pattern stitch can be preformed to check for pattern cut displacement in stitching areas and to increase reliability and printability of layouts, by comparing corresponding stitching critical dimensions of the target pattern and the monitoring pattern. |
| US08497566B2 |
Capacitors including conductive TiOxNx
A method of forming a capacitor includes forming a conductive first capacitor electrode material comprising TiN over a substrate. TiN of the TiN-comprising material is oxidized effective to form conductive TiOxNy having resistivity no greater than 1 ohm·cm over the TiN-comprising material where x is greater than 0 and y is from 0 to 1.4. A capacitor dielectric is formed over the conductive TiOxNy. Conductive second capacitor electrode material is formed over the capacitor dielectric. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated, including capacitors independent of method of fabrication. |
| US08497564B2 |
Method for fabricating a decoupling composite capacitor in a wafer and related structure
According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for fabricating a decoupling composite capacitor in a wafer that includes a dielectric region overlying a substrate includes forming a through-wafer via in the dielectric region and the substrate. The through-wafer via includes a through-wafer via insulator covering a sidewall and a bottom of a through-wafer via opening and a through-wafer via conductor covering the through-wafer via insulator. The method further includes thinning the substrate, forming a substrate backside insulator, forming an opening in the substrate backside insulator to expose the through-wafer via conductor, and forming a backside conductor on the through-wafer via conductor, such that the substrate backside conductor extends over the substrate backside insulator, thereby forming the decoupling composite capacitor. The substrate forms a first decoupling composite capacitor electrode and the through-wafer via conductor and substrate backside conductor form a second decoupling composite capacitor electrode. |
| US08497563B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for its manufacture
A semiconductor system having a trench MOS barrier Schottky diode, having an integrated substrate PN diode as a clamping element (TMBS-ub-PN), suitable in particular as a Zener diode having a breakdown voltage of approximately 20V for use in a vehicle generator system, the TMBS-sub-PN being made up of a combination of Schottky diode, MOS structure, and substrate PN diode, and the breakdown voltage of substrate PN diode BV_pn being lower than the breakdown voltage of Schottky diode BV_schottky and the breakdown voltage of MOS structure BV_mos. |
| US08497561B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, production method of the same, and imaging apparatus
A solid-state imaging device in which a pixel circuit formed on the first surface side of a semiconductor substrate is shared by a plurality of light reception regions and second surface side of the semiconductor substrate is the light incident side of the light reception regions. The second surface side regions of the light reception regions are arranged at approximately even intervals and the first surface side regions of the light reception regions e are arranged at uneven intervals. Respective second surface side regions and first surface side regions are joined in the semiconductor substrate so that the light reception regions extend from the second surface side to the first surface side of the semiconductor substrate. |
| US08497557B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor substrate, a second semiconductor substrate, and a sealing member. The first semiconductor substrate has a surface and includes a sensing portion on the surface side. The sensing portion has a movable portion. The first semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate are bonded together to form a stacked substrate. The stacked substrate defines a hermetically sealed space for accommodating the sensing portion between the first and second semiconductor substrates. The stacked substrate further defines a recess extending between the first semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate to penetrate an interface between the first semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate. The sealing member is located in the recess. |
| US08497554B2 |
Semiconductor device comprising metal gate structures formed by a replacement gate approach and efuses including a silicide
In a replacement gate approach for forming high-k metal gate electrode structures, electronic fuses may be provided on the basis of a semiconductor material in combination with a metal silicide by using a recessed surface topography and/or a superior selectivity of the metal silicide material during the replacement gate process. For example, in some illustrative embodiments, electronic fuses may be provided in a recessed portion of an isolation region, thereby avoiding the removal of the semiconductor material when replacing the semiconductor material of the gate electrode structures with a metal-containing electrode material. Consequently, the concept of well-established semiconductor-based electronic fuses may be applied together with sophisticated replacement gate structures of transistors. |
| US08497549B2 |
Method and structure for shielded gate trench FET
A shielded gate field effect transistor includes a trench extending into a semiconductor region. A shield electrode is in a lower portion of the trench, and is insulated from the semiconductor region by a shield dielectric. The shield dielectric comprises first and second dielectric layers, the first dielectric layer extending between the second dielectric layer and the semiconductor region. The second dielectric layer comprises a material which during oxidation process inhibits growth of oxide along surfaces of the semiconductor region covered by the second dielectric layer. An inter-electrode dielectric overlies the shield electrode, and a gate dielectric lines upper trench sidewalls. A gate electrode is in an upper portion of the trench over the inter-electrode dielectric. |
| US08497547B2 |
Semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a semiconductor device having, over a semiconductor substrate, a control gate electrode and a memory gate electrode which are adjacent to each other and constitute a nonvolatile memory. The height of the memory gate electrode is lower than the height of the control gate electrode. A metal silicide film is formed over the upper surface of the control gate electrode, but not formed over the upper surface of the memory gate electrode. The memory gate electrode has, over the upper surface thereof, a sidewall insulating film made of silicon oxide. This sidewall insulating film is formed in the same step as that for the formation of respective sidewall insulating films over the sidewalls of the memory gate electrode and the control gate electrode. The present invention makes it possible to improve the production yield and performance of the semiconductor device having a nonvolatile memory. |
| US08497541B2 |
Memory having buried digit lines and methods of making the same
A memory array having memory cells and methods of forming the same. The memory array may have a buried digit line formed in a first horizontal planar volume, a word line formed in a second horizontal planar volume above the first horizontal planar volume and storage devices formed on top of the vertical access devices, such as finFETs, in a third horizontal planar volume above the second horizontal planar volume. The memory array may have a 4F2 architecture, wherein each memory cell includes two vertical access devices, each coupled to a single storage device. |
| US08497537B2 |
Semiconductor device with ferro-electric capacitor
A semiconductor device has a ferro-electric capacitor with small leak current and less process deterioration even upon miniaturization. The semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor element formed in a semiconductor substrate; lamination of an interlayer insulating film and a lower insulating shielding film having a hydrogen/moisture shielding function, the lamination being formed covering the semiconductor element; a conductive adhesion enhancing film formed above the lower insulating shielding film; and a ferro-electric capacitor including a lower electrode formed above the conductive adhesion enhancing film, a ferro-electric film formed on the lower electrode and being disposed within the lower electrode as viewed in plan, and an upper electrode formed on the ferro-electric film and being disposed within the ferro-electric film as viewed in plan, wherein the conductive adhesion enhancing film has a function of improving adhesion of the lower electrode and reducing leak current of the ferro-electric capacitor. |
| US08497534B2 |
Chip package with heavily doped regions and fabrication method thereof
The invention provides a chip package and fabrication method thereof. In one embodiment, the chip package includes: a semiconductor substrate having opposite first and second surfaces, at least one bond pad region and at least one device region; a plurality of conductive pad structures disposed on the bond pad region at the first surface of the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of heavily doped regions isolated from one another, underlying and electrically connected to the conductive pad structures; and a plurality of conductive bumps underlying the heavily doped regions and electrically connected to the conductive pad structures through the heavily-doped regions. |
| US08497533B2 |
Three-dimensional semiconductor memory device
An embodiment is directed to a method of fabricating a semiconductor memory device, the method including preparing a substrate having a cell array region and a contact region, forming a thin film structure on the substrate, including forming sacrificial film patterns isolated horizontally by a lower isolation region, the lower isolation region traversing the cell array region and the contact region, and forming sacrificial films sequentially stacked on the sacrificial film patterns, and forming an opening that penetrates the thin film structure to expose the lower isolation region of the cell array region, the opening being restrictively formed in the cell array region. |
| US08497532B2 |
Semiconductor substrate with stripes of different crystal plane directions and semiconductor device including the same
Manufacturing a semiconductor device with higher operating characteristics and achieve low power consumption of a semiconductor integrated circuit. A single crystal semiconductor layer is formed so that crystal plane directions of single crystal semiconductor layers which are used for channel regions of an n-channel and a p-channel TFT and which are formed over the same plane of the substrate are the most appropriate crystal plane directions for each TFT. In accordance with such a structure, mobility of carrier flowing through a channel is increased and the semiconductor device with higher operating characteristics can be provided. Low voltage driving can be performed, and low power consumption can be achieved. |
| US08497530B2 |
Semiconductor structures including dual fins
Fin-FET (fin field-effect transistor) devices and methods of fabrication are disclosed. The fin-FET devices include dual fin structures that may form a channel region between a source region and a drain region. In some embodiments, the dual fin structures are formed by forming shallow trench isolation structures, using a pair of shallow trench isolation (STI) structures as a mask to define a recess in a portion of a substrate between the pair of STI structures, and recessing the pair of STI structures so that the resulting dual fin structures protrude from an active surface of the substrate. The dual fin structures may be used to form single-gate, double-gate, or triple-gate fin-FET devices. Electronic systems including such fin-FET devices are also disclosed. |
| US08497528B2 |
Method for fabricating a strained structure
A structure for a field effect transistor on a substrate that includes a gate stack, an isolation structure and a source/drain (S/D) recess cavity below the top surface of the substrate disposed between the gate stack and the isolation structure. The recess cavity having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion having a first strained layer and a first dielectric film. The first strained layer disposed between the isolation structure and the first dielectric film. A thickness of the first dielectric film less than a thickness of the first strained layer. The upper portion having a second strained layer overlying the first strained layer and first dielectric film. |
| US08497527B2 |
Device having active region with lower electron concentration
A device comprising a two-dimensional electron gas that includes an active region located in a portion of the electron gas is disclosed. The active region comprises an electron concentration less than an electron concentration of a set of non-active regions of the electron gas. The device includes a controlling terminal located on a first side of the active region. The device can comprise, for example, a field effect transistor (FET) in which the gate is located and used to control the carrier injection into the active region and define the boundary condition for the electric field distribution within the active region. The device can be used to generate, amplify, filter, and/or detect electromagnetic radiation of radio frequency (RF) and/or terahertz (THz) frequencies. |
| US08497519B2 |
Batwing LED with remote phosphor configuration
An LED emitter uses a molded lens with phosphor material embedded in a circumferential trench to generate a batwing beam pattern. After the lens is molded over a package substrate with connected LED dies thereon, the phosphor material is molded, injected, or dispensed into a circumferential trench. The molded lens is shaped such that a majority of the light emitted by the one or more LED dies is reflected by the top surface to the side surfaces through the phosphor material. |
| US08497518B2 |
Light emitting diode
A light-emitting diode and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The manufacturing method comprises the steps of: sequentially forming a refraction dielectric layer, a bonding layer, an epitaxy structure and a first electrode on a permanent substrate, wherein the epitaxy structure comprises a first conductivity type semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductivity type semiconductor layer stacked in sequence; and forming a second electrode on the portion surface of the second conductivity type semiconductor layer. Therefore the light-emitting diode is achieved. |
| US08497517B2 |
Arrangement of optoelectronic components
An arrangement includes at least two optoelectronic individual elements. At least two of the individual elements overlap partially in a lateral direction. Indirect or direct electrical contacting between the at least two laterally overlapping individual elements is brought about by at least one conductor track on a carrier top of the one individual element and by at least one conductor track on a carrier bottom of the other individual element. |
| US08497516B2 |
Light-emitting device and display device
Although an organic resin substrate is highly effective at reducing the weight and improving the shock resistance of a display device, it is required to improve the moisture resistance of the organic resin substrate for the sake of maintaining the reliability of an EL element. Hard carbon films are formed to cover a surface of the organic resin substrate and outer surfaces of a sealing member. Typically, DLC (Diamond like Carbon) films are used as the carbon films. The DLC films have a construction where carbon atoms are bonded into an SP3 bond in terms of a short-distance order, although the films have an amorphous construction from a macroscopic viewpoint. The DLC films contain 95 to 70 atomic % carbon and 5 to 30 atomic % hydrogen, so that the DLC films are very hard and minute and have a superior gas barrier property and insulation performance. |
| US08497507B2 |
Array substrate for liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
An array substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes a gate line on a substrate; a gate insulating layer on the gate line; a data line crossing the gate line; a gate electrode connected to the gate line; an active layer on the gate insulating layer and overlapping the gate electrode; first and second ohmic contact layers on the active layer, the first and second ohmic contact layers spaced apart from each other by a first distance; first and second barrier patterns spaced apart from each other by the first distance and on the first and second ohmic contact layers, respectively. The active layer is exposed through the first and second barrier patterns; source and drain electrodes spaced apart from each other by a second distance greater than the first distance and on the first and second barrier patterns, respectively. |
| US08497506B2 |
Protecting semiconducting oxides
In transistor structures such as thin film transistors (TFTs) in an array of cells, a layer of semiconducting oxide material that includes a channel is protected by a protective layer that includes low-temperature encapsulant material. The semiconducting oxide material can be a transition metal oxide material such as zinc oxide, and can be in an active layered substructure that also includes channel end electrodes. The low-temperature encapsulant can, for example, be an organic polymer such as poly(methyl methacrylate) or parylene, deposited on an exposed region of the oxide layer such as by spinning, spincasting, evaporation, or vacuum deposition or an inorganic polymer deposited such as by spinning or liquid deposition. The protective layer can include a lower sublayer of low-temperature encapsulant on the exposed region and an upper sublayer of inorganic material on the lower sublayer. For roll-to-roll processing, a mechanically flexible, low-temperature substrate can be used. |
| US08497505B2 |
Thin film charged body sensor
A thin film charged body sensor for sensing a contact and/or non-contact movement of a charged body based on an electric field of the charged body. The thin film charged body sensor may include a substrate, a first thin film transistor unit on the substrate, and including a gate layer, an active layer insulated from the gate layer, and source/drain layers insulated from the gate layer and connected to the active layer; and a thin film antenna unit on the substrate, and including a first film including a conductive material electrically connected to the gate layer, the thin film antenna unit adapted to generate an input current in response to an electric field of a charged body. |
| US08497498B2 |
Display device
A display device includes an array of pixels including a plurality of organic EL elements each having a pair of electrodes and an organic compound layer including a light-emitting layer and disposed between the pair of electrodes and includes a protective layer disposed on the plurality of the organic EL elements. The protective layer has a first protective layer made of an inorganic material, a second protective layer made of a resin material and disposed on the first protective layer, and a third protective layer made of an inorganic material and disposed on the second protective layer. The second protective layer includes lenses for diverging at least part of light emitted from the light-emitting layer. The lenses have an elongated concave shape. |
| US08497496B2 |
Display device and method of manufacturing the same
A display device includes: a pixel including a plurality of light emitting elements each formed by sequentially stacking a first electrode layer, an organic layer, and a second electrode layer, spaced apart from each other in a first direction orthogonal to the stacking direction thereof, and emitting light emission colors different from each other; and an auxiliary wiring layer electrically connected to the second electrode layer. A plurality of the pixels are aligned in the first direction so as to include a gap which is larger than a gap between the light emitting elements adjacent to each other, and the auxiliary wiring layer is provided between the pixels adjacent to each other. |
| US08497493B2 |
Growth substrate and light emitting device
Disclosed are a growth substrate and a light emitting device. The light emitting device includes a silicon substrate, a first buffer layer disposed on the silicon substrate and having an exposing portions of the silicon substrate, a second buffer layer covering the first buffer layer and the exposed portions of the silicon substrate, wherein the second buffer layer is formed of a material causing a eutectic reaction with the silicon substrate, a third buffer layer disposed on the second buffer layer, and a light emitting structure disposed on the third buffer layer, and the second buffer layer includes voids. |
| US08497489B2 |
Chamber apparatus and method of maintaining target supply unit
A chamber apparatus used with a laser apparatus may include: a chamber provided with at least one inlet for introducing thereinto a laser beam outputted from the laser apparatus; a target supply unit provided to the chamber for supplying a target material to a predetermined region in the chamber; a recovery control unit for instructing the target supply unit to execute recovery operation if a predetermined condition is met; a recovery unit for executing the recovery operation in response to the instruction from the recovery control unit; and a position measuring unit for measuring a position of the target material supplied from the target supply unit into the chamber. |
| US08497486B1 |
Ion source having a shutter assembly
An ion source includes arc chamber housing defining an arc chamber. The arc chamber housing has an extraction plate in a fixed position, and the extraction plate defines a plurality of extraction apertures. The ion source also includes a shutter assembly positioned outside of the arc chamber proximate the extraction plate. The shutter assembly is configured to block at least a portion of one of the plurality of extraction apertures during one time interval. The ion source combined with relative movement of a workpiece to be treated with an ion beam extracted from the ion source enables a two dimensional ion implantation pattern to be formed on the workpiece using only one ion source. |
| US08497484B2 |
Device for detecting highly energetic photons
A device (10) for detecting highly energetic photons, comprising one or more pixelated solid-state detectors (11) for detecting the highly energetic photons; means for providing a high voltage for polarizing said solid-state detectors; one or more pixelated readout elements (30), a readout element being connected to each of said one or more pixelated solid-state detectors (11); an input/output element (12) connected to said readout elements (30) for data input and output; and a base layer (13) for mounting the pixelated solid-state detectors (11), the readout elements (30) and the input/output element (12). |
| US08497481B2 |
Radiation detector and method for manufacturing same
According to one embodiment, a radiation detector comprises an array substrate having thereon a photoelectric conversion element for converting fluorescence into an electrical signal and having the outermost layer covered with a protective film, a scintillator layer provided on the protective film and converting incident radiation into fluorescence, and a reflective layer filmed by coating and drying paste-like material containing light-scattering particles and a binder provided on the scintillator layer, wherein the protective film is made of a thermoplastic resin having a softening point not higher than the film formation temperature of the scintillator layer and extending on the array substrate over an area of the reflective layer. |
| US08497474B2 |
Sampling system for use with surface ionization spectroscopy
In various embodiments of the invention, a device permits more efficient collection and transmission of ions produced by the action of a carrier gas containing metastable neutral excited-state species into a mass spectrometer. In one embodiment of the invention, the device incorporates the source for ionization in combination with a jet separator to efficiently remove excess carrier gas while permitting ions to be more efficiently transferred into the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. In an embodiment of the invention, improved collection of ions produced by the carrier gas containing metastable neutral excited-state species at greater distances from between the position of the analyte and the position of the mass spectrometer are enabled. |
| US08497472B2 |
Assessing the contamination in a mass-spectrometric MALDI ion source
The invention relates to a method by which the operator of a mass spectrometer with a MALDI ion source, particularly one which operates with delayed extraction of the ions, is provided with a technique for determining the degree of contamination, in particular to determine when the ion source must be cleaned. The method comprises the acquisition of at least one mass spectrum of ions which are generated in the ion source, the recording of at least one characteristic value for each of at least two mass signals in the mass spectrum, and the determination of an indicator number, derived from the characteristic values of at least two mass signals, which shows how urgently the ion source must be cleaned. The invention also relates to a mass spectrometer with a MALDI ion source which can be characterized accordingly. |
| US08497471B2 |
Mass spectrometry assay for thiopurine-S-methyl transferase activity and products generated thereby
Methods are described for measuring the amount of a methylation TPMT enzyme product in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying 6-MMP or isotopically labeled 6-MMP in a test sample utilizing mass spectrometric techniques and for using such methods to determine the activity of TPMT enzyme that is present in a sample. |
| US08497468B2 |
Encoder having an overmolded cover, encoder system with an encoder having an overmolded cover, and method for manufacturing an encoder having an overmolded cover
An encoder includes a rotor including: a shaft and a code disk attached to the shaft; a stator including a scanning unit configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to an angular position of the code disk; a cable configured to transfer the electrical signal; and a cover overmolded onto the stator, where the scanning unit is sealed from an outer environment by the cover. |
| US08497467B2 |
Optical filter control
A system and method for controlling an optical filter is provided. The system and method includes dithering a delay of an optical path within an optical filter unit cell, measuring a position of a filter zero, measuring a position of a filter pole, or measuring positions of both a filter zero and a filter pole by observing an output of the unit cell when the delay is dithered, and using the measurement as feedback for maintaining the position of the filter zero at a desired position, maintaining the position of the filter pole at a desired position, or maintaining the positions of both the filter zero and the filter pole at desired positions. |
| US08497465B2 |
Orientation sensing switch system for a head-mounted electronic device
Helmet-mounted switch systems are disclosed. A helmet-mounted switch system comprises a mount portion, an electronic device, a power source, at least one accelerometer, and a processor. The mount portion is rotatable around a rotation axis. The electronic device is mounted to the mount portion. The power source is configured to switchably supply power to the electronic device. The at least one accelerometer is operable to measure an acceleration of the mount portion. The system may also include at least one gyroscope operable to measure a rotation of the mount portion. The processor is configured to receive acceleration data. The processor is programmed to determine whether the mount portion is rotating around the rotation axis based on the acceleration data. The processor is programmed to change a power state of the electronic device when the mount portion is rotating around the rotation axis. |
| US08497461B2 |
Light sensor circuit and driving method thereof
Embodiments provide a light sensor circuit for a flat panel display which improves resolution at low luminance and increases the range of sensible ambient light by divisionally driving a frame period, in which light is sensed, into a plurality of sub-frames, and a method of driving the light sensor circuit. |
| US08497460B2 |
Solid-state image sensor having a control unit controlling a selection transistor during a reset period of a reset transistor
A solid-state image sensor has a pixel, a vertical signal line, and a control unit. The pixel has a photoelectric conversion part, a charge-voltage conversion part, a transfer transistor, an amplifying transistor, a selection transistor which selects whether or not to output a signal, and a reset transistor which resets a charge of the charge-voltage conversion part. The charge-voltage conversion part is connected to the amplifying transistor and the reset transistor by connection wiring. To the vertical signal line, a signal output from the amplifying transistor is transmitted. The control unit controls the reset transistor and the selection transistor so that the selection transistor is in the on state when the reset transistor changes from the on state to the off state during the reset period in which a charge of the photoelectric conversion part is reset. |
| US08497454B2 |
Induction hardening monitoring apparatus
An induction hardening monitoring apparatus (20) comprising: a current sensor (21) for detecting output current from a high-frequency inverter (11); a voltage sensor for detecting a voltage generated in a heating coil (14) connected between output terminals of the high-frequency inverters (11) together with a capacitor (12) in an equivalent circuit manner; and a controller (23) for monitoring a hardening processing based on a detection signal from the current sensor (21) and a detection signal from a voltage sensor (22), wherein the controller (23) monitors a hardening processing by calculating an effective value of output current from the high-frequency inverter (11) based on a detection signal from the current sensor (21) and calculating an effective value of voltage generated in a heating coil (14) based on a detection signal from the voltage sensor (22); or further calculating load impedance based on each effective value. |
| US08497451B2 |
Brittle nonmetallic workpiece and method and device for making same
An exemplary brittle non-metallic workpiece (70) is made by the laser beam (31), a cutting surface (701 ) of the brittle non-metallic workpiece has no micro cracks. A method for making the brittle non-metallic workpiece includes: focusing a laser beam on the brittle non-metallic substrate to form an elliptic beam spot; driving the laser beam to move along a predetermined curved cutting path, making a center of a major axis of the elliptic beam spot intersecting along the predetermined curved cutting path and the major axis being tangent to the predetermined curved cutting path at the intersecting point; a coolant stream following the elliptic beam spot to move, thus producing a crack in the brittle non-metallic substrate corresponding to the predetermined curved cutting path; separating the brittle non-metallic substrate along the crack. A laser cutting device (40) for making the same is also provided. |
| US08497449B1 |
Micro-machining of ceramics using an ytterbium fiber-laser
A method of micro-machining comprises the steps of selectively applying a light energy coupling substance to a substrate, the light energy coupling substance absorbing a selected level of laser light energy at a selected wavelength, directing a laser light beam at the selected wavelength against the substrate in areas to which the light energy coupling substance has been applied, and manipulating one of the laser light beam and the substrate to micro-machine selected features into the substrate with the laser light beam. |
| US08497448B2 |
Apparatus and method for working a surface of a workpiece by means of laser radiation
The present invention, among other things, relates to an apparatus (10) for working a surface (11) of a workpiece, in particular a metal workpiece, by means of laser radiation. The apparatus (10) is characterized by a scanner device (20), which is mounted in a rotationally immovable manner in the working apparatus (10) and is intended for shaping a laser beam that is to be deflected and positioned onto the surface to be worked, a control device for changing the orientation of the scanning direction of the laser beam shaped in the scanner device (20), and an optics element (40), which is movable about an axis of rotation (12), is arranged downstream of the scanner device (20) in the beaming direction of the laser beam and advantageously has a beam splitter device for splitting the laser beam into two or more beam parts (41, 42) and for deflecting and positioning the beam parts (41, 42) onto the surface (11) that is to be worked. A method for working a surface of a workpiece by means of laser radiation is also described. |
| US08497446B1 |
Encapsulated vacuum interrupter with grounded end cup and drive rod
An encapsulated vacuum interrupter with grounded end cup and drive rod is disclosed. The double break vacuum interrupter includes a first contact system including an annular stationary contact which is engaged by a primary moving contact with the moving contact drive rod extending through the primary moving contact and through the opening of the annular stationary contact. A second contact system includes a secondary moving contact placed on the end of the moving contact rod, which engages and operates a floating contact, which moves along the same axis. A mechanical adjustment system is provided for the floating contact. A coaxial moving contact drive rod system is provided. With the encapsulated vacuum interrupter, the lower portion of the vacuum envelope is insulated from the current path, which allows for the elimination of the long internal cavity in the encapsulation as the lower end cup of the vacuum envelope may be grounded. |
| US08497444B2 |
Protection device for electronic system
An electronic system including an electronic circuit, an actuation device, a spacer and a protection device. The electronic circuit has a surface on which at least two first conductive tracks are arranged. The actuation device includes at least one first bearing element. The spacer is interposed between the electronic circuit and the actuation device and includes at least one opening at least partially receiving the bearing element. The protection device is interposed between the electronic circuit and the spacer and includes at least one second conductive track having ends respectively connected to first conductive portions of first deformable regions of the protection device. Each first portion is capable of contacting one of the first conductive tracks of the electronic circuit to electrically supply the second track under the effect of a deformation of first regions. |
| US08497437B2 |
Method of switching a surgical device
Method for operating a self-powered surgical device, comprising providing a handle with a self-contained power supply and control circuit operable to carry out at least two operational conditions of the surgical device and effecting the at least two operational conditions with a two-stage switch electrically connected to the control circuit, a first stage of the switch effecting a first of the two operational conditions and a second stage of the switch effecting a second of the two operational conditions different from the first operational condition, the two-stage switch having a variable resistance such that the first stage occurs when a first depression force is applied to the switch, the second stage occurs when a second depression force greater than the first depression force is applied to the switch, and a holding force lower than the second depression force is required to maintain the switch in the second stage. |
| US08497434B2 |
Printed circuit board and manufacturing method thereof
A printed circuit board and a manufacturing method of the same are disclosed. The method includes: preparing a carrier including a primer resin layer formed thereon; forming a circuit pattern on the primer resin layer; stacking the carrier onto an insulating layer such that the circuit pattern is buried in the insulating layer; removing the carrier; forming a via hole in the insulating layer on which the primer resin layer is stacked; and forming a conductive via in the via hole. The conductive via is formed by forming a plating layer in the via hole and on the primer resin layer and removing a portion of the plating layer formed over the primer resin layer. |
| US08497430B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display panel and a touch panel disposed so as to overlap with the display panel. The display panel is connected to a first flexible wiring board on which a plurality of first wirings are arranged. The touch panel is connected to a second flexible wiring board on which a plurality of second wirings are arranged. The plurality of second wirings of the second flexible wiring board are connected to second connection terminals. The plurality of first wirings of the first flexible wiring board are connected to first connection terminals. The first connection terminals and the second connection terminals are electrically connected to each other. |
| US08497428B2 |
High performance data cable
A high performance data cable which has an interior support or star separator. The star separator or interior support extends along the longitudinal length of the data cable. The star separator or interior support has a central region. A plurality of prongs or splines extend outward from the central region along the length of the central region. Each prong or spline is adjacent with at least two other prongs or splines. The prongs or splines may be helixed or S-Z shaped as they extend along the length of the star separator or interior support. Each pair of adjacent prongs or splines defines grooves which extend along the longitudinal length of the interior support. At least two of the grooves have disposed therein an insulated conductor. The interior support can have a first material and a different second material. The different second material forms an outer surface of the interior support. |
| US08497424B2 |
Universal box system
A universal electrical box which includes a body having at least one opening for receiving an electrical device. The device can also include at least one mounting bracket coupled to the body, and at least one frame configured to be coupled to the at least one body. In addition there is at least one duplex electrical mounting plate configured to couple to the at least one frame. In this case, the duplex electrical mounting plate is configured to receive a duplex electrical device. In addition, there is at least one sealing gasket configured to be coupled to the body between the at least one frame and the body. This design allows for a universal configuration which allows for multiple different types of electrical devices to be coupled to the enclosure. |
| US08497422B2 |
Flat light concentration device with reduced thickness
A light concentration device includes: a plate including two principal faces and an edge between the two principal faces, a refractive index gradient existing between the two principal faces, and a diffraction grating functioning in reflection or semi-reflection that cooperates with one of the principal faces of the plate having the highest refractive index, the principal face having the lowest refractive index forming a front entry face for the light, at least one exit zone for the light being disposed on the edge. |
| US08497418B2 |
System and method for electronic processing of cymbal vibration
In one embodiment, an electronic cymbal system includes a first pickup configured to generate an electrical signal representative of vibrations in a first cymbal, and a controller configured to receive the first electrical signal and to process the first electrical signal to generate an output. The controller includes a digital signal processor (DSP) configured to subject a version of the first electrical signal to a digital signal processing technique. The digital signal processing technique includes one or more of dynamic range compression, expansion, frequency equalization, harmonic excitation, comb filtering, and pitch shifting. The cymbals may be any of variety of known cymbals, such as hi-hat, crash and ride cymbals, and may be of the perforated type configured to reduce noise for indoor use. Lighting control may be provided to illuminate the cymbal for functional or aesthetic purposes. |
| US08497412B2 |
Loblolly pine tree named ‘96GE0034’
A new and distinct variety of loblolly pine tree named ‘96GE0034’, particularly characterized by excellent stem straightness, high biomass production, uniform rapid growth and good fusiform rust resistance. |
| US08497398B1 |
Polyamine transporter selective compounds as anti-cancer agents
Several aromatic hydrocarbons di-substituted with a polyamine are described according to formulas selected from compounds 4, 7, 10, 15 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The novel dimeric polyamines of the present invention demonstrate enhanced penetration into cells having an upregulated polyamine transport system, such as various types of cancer cells. The disclosed aromatic polyamine dimers provide highly efficient drugs for targeting cancer cells with active polyamine transporters. |
| US08497397B2 |
Substituted acrylamide derivative and pharmaceutical composition comprising the same
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound having Formula (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient: [wherein, R1 is, for example, a C6-C10 aryl group which may be substituted with one group or more than one group selected from substituent group α; R2 is, for example, a C6-C10 aryl group which may be substituted with one group or more than one group selected from substituent group α; and X is, for example, a hydroxyl group or a C1-C6 alkoxy group]. |
| US08497395B2 |
Compound
A compound represented by general formula (c1) (R1 represents an alicyclic group of 5 or more carbon atoms which may have a substituent; X represents a divalent linking group; Y represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkylene group or an arylene group; Rf represents a hydrocarbon group containing a fluorine atom; and M+ represents an organic cation or a metal cation). |
| US08497393B2 |
Process to prepare treprostinil, the active ingredient in Remodulin®
This present invention relates to an improved process to prepare prostacyclin derivatives. One embodiment provides for an improved process to convert benzindene triol to treprostinil via salts of treprostinil and to purify treprostinil. |
| US08497391B2 |
Insulating film material, method of film formation using insulating film material, and insulating film
An insulating film material for plasma CVD represented by a chemical formula (1) shown below, a method of film formation using the insulating film material, and an insulating film. According to the present invention, an insulating film having a low dielectric constant and a superior copper diffusion barrier property suitable for an interlayer insulating film or the like of a semiconductor device can be obtained. In the chemical formula (1), n represents an integer of 3 to 6, and each of R1 and R2 independently represents one of C2H, C2H3, C3H3, C3H5, C3H7, C4H5, C4H7, C4H9, C5H7, C5H9 and C5H11. |
| US08497385B2 |
Bryostatin analogues, synthetic methods and uses
Biologically active compounds related to the bryostatin family of compounds, including methods of utilizing the same. |
| US08497383B2 |
HIV protease inhibitors
Compounds of Formula (I) are disclosed; wherein XA, k, A, B, R3A, R3B, R4 and R5 are defined herein. The compounds of Formula (I) are HIV protease inhibitors. The compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of infection by HIV and the prophylaxis, treatment, or delay in the onset of AIDS. The compounds and their salts can be employed as ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions, optionally in combination with other antivirals, immunomodulators, antibiotics or vaccines. |
| US08497380B2 |
Substituted acetophenones useful as PDE4 inhibitors
The present invention relates to a compound according to formula: (1); wherein X1, X2, X3, X4 and X5 independently of each other represent —CH— or N; or X3, X4 and X5 independently of each other represent —CH— or N, and X1 and X2 independently of each other represent C and form part of an additional 6-membered aromatic ring; R1 represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or alkylcarbonyl, all of which are optionally substituted; R2 and R3 independently represent hydrogen, —CH2, —C(O)NR—R′, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, heterocycloalkenyl, alkylaryl, alkylalkoxycarbonyl, aikylcarbonyloxy, or alkoxyalkyl, all of which are optionally substituted; R11 represents hydrogen, halogen, cyano, amino, alkoxy or alkylamino, X1-X5 represent —CH— or N, including N-oxides, enantiomers and diastereomers; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, or solvates thereof. The invention relates further to methods of treating dermal disease. |
| US08497378B2 |
Process for making quinolone compounds
The present invention relates to the field of synthesizing anti-infective compounds. More particularly, the invention relates to synthesizing a family of quinolone compounds useful as anti-infective agents. The invention includes a process for preparing a quinolone compound wherein less than about 0.40% of dimeric impurity of the quinolone is produced. |
| US08497374B2 |
Process for preparing and purifying bortezomib
A synthetic process for producing bortezomib comprising converting racemic boronic esters, such as the pinacol α-aminoboronic ester, into mixtures of diastereomers [6] by reaction with a suitably protected L-phenylalanine derivative (see Scheme 3), such as N—BOC-L-phenylalanine. The protecting group of the L-phenylalanine moiety is then removed, such as by reacting the diastereomers [6] with an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, to form a mixture of amine salt diastereomers [7] which is then subjected to conditions under which the desired diastereomer (R,S)-[7] is selectively isolated, such as by crystallization, chromatography or stereoselective hydrolysis. The separated desired diastereomer (R,S)-[7] is then converted into bortezomib or bortezomib anhydride. |
| US08497373B2 |
Phosphonic acid compounds as inhibitors of serine proteases
The present invention is directed to phosphonic acid compounds useful as serine protease inhibitors, compositions thereof and methods for treating inflammatory and serine protease mediated disorders. |
| US08497372B2 |
Use of substituted quinazoline compounds in treating age-related macular degeneration
Quinazoline derivatives of the following formula: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, X, and Z are defined herein. It also discloses a method of treating an angiogenesis-related disorder with one of these compounds. |
| US08497369B2 |
Spirocyclic heterocycles medicaments containing said compounds, use thereof and method for their production
The present invention relates to spirocyclic heterocycles of general formula (I) the tautomers, the stereoisomers, the mixtures thereof and the salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids, which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly an inhibitory effect on signal transduction mediated by tyrosine kinases, the use thereof for the treatment of diseases, particularly tumoral diseases as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), diseases of the lungs and airways, and the preparation thereof. |
| US08497367B2 |
Sucralose purification process
A process for the extraction of sucralose from an aqueous solution containing at least sucralose, other chlorinated saccharides, sodium chloride and dimethylammonium chloride into an organic solvent for sucralose by contacting said organic solvent with said solution to extract sucralose into the organic solvent. The ratio of sodium chloride to dimethylammonium chloride in the aqueous solution is increased prior to or during contact so as to increase the partition coefficient of sucralose into said organic solvent. |
| US08497361B2 |
Topoisomerase binding probe and method of use
An aminocoumarin conjugated to a fluorescent label through a secondary amine, is operative as a fluorescent polarization probe of the DNA gyrase B or topoisomerase IV E subunit. The probe is used for detecting topoisomerase inhibitor binding by fluorescence polarization, particularly in a high-through put topoisomerase inhibitor assay. |
| US08497359B2 |
Cationic electrodepositable coating composition comprising lignin
A cationic electrodepositable coating composition is disclosed. The present invention in directed to a cationic electrodepositable coating composition comprising a lignin-containing cationic salt resin, that comprises (A) the reaction product of: lignin, an amine, and a carbonyl compound; (B) the reaction product of lignin, epichlorohydrin, and an amine; or (C) combinations thereof. |
| US08497357B2 |
Degradable heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) acrylates and gels and conjugates derived therefrom
A heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) is provided having a hydrolytically degradable linkage, a first terminus comprising an acrylate group, and a second terminus comprising a target such as a protein or pharmaceutical agent or a reactive moiety capable of coupling to a target. Hydrogels can be prepared. The hydrogels can be used as a carrier for a protein or a pharmaceutical agent that can be readily released in a controlled fashion. |
| US08497350B2 |
Therapeutic compositions for age-related macular degeneration comprising a complement factor H with isoleucine at residue 62 and tyrosine at residue 402
The invention relates to Factor H gene polymorphisms and haplotypes associated with an elevated or a reduced risk of AMD. The invention provides methods and reagents for diagnosis and treatment of AMD. |
| US08497348B2 |
Agonists of guanylate cyclase useful for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, cancer and other disorders
The invention provides novel guanylate cyclase-C agonist peptides and their use in the treatment of human diseases including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation or cancer (e.g., a gastrointestinal cancer). The peptides can be administered either alone or in combination with an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent phosphodiesterase. The gastrointestinal disorder may be classified as either irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or excessive acidity etc. The gastrointestinal disease may be classified as either inflammatory bowel disease or other GI condition including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and cancer. |
| US08497347B2 |
Methods of treating medical conditions using peptides
The present invention provides peptides and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for appetite suppression and weight control. Preferred peptides are calcitonin analogs, preferably with specific amino acid changes to make the peptide more amylin-like. |
| US08497345B2 |
Device and method for degassing solvent-containing polycarbonate solutions
The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for devolatilizing solvent-containing polycarbonate solutions. By employing the inventive apparatus, polycarbonates with low residual values of volatile constituents are produced from solvent-containing polymer melts, which improved optical properties, especially yellowness index, with the aid of an apparatus combination of a flash devolatilizer and a vented extruder. |
| US08497344B2 |
Process for making DAPBI-containing aramid crumbs
A method for obtaining a composition of an aromatic polyamide containing para-phenylene terephthalamide and 2-(p-phenylene)benzimidazole terephthalamide units, the method including copolymerizing: i) a mole % of para phenylenediamine; ii) b mole % of 5(6)-amino-2-(p-aminophenyl)benzimidazole; and iii) 90-110 mole % of terephthaloyl dichloride in a mixture of N-methyl pyrrolidone and containing c wt. % of calcium chloride, wherein c is within the range from 1 to 20, and wherein the ratio a:b ranges from 1:20 to 20:1, a+b is 100 mole %, and i), ii), and iii) together comprise 1-20 wt. % of the mixture, wherein the product b·c is at least 50 and less than 215 and that the composition is a crumb with a relative viscosity ηrel of at least 4, wherein the crumb is defined as non-sticky particles at least 95% of which having an average diameter of 0.7-15 mm. |
| US08497339B2 |
Process for the continuous preparation of crosslinkable materials based on organosilicon compounds
The present invention relates to a process for the continuous preparation of mixtures containing organosilicon compound (A) and solid (B) and optionally further components in a mixing unit comprising at least one rotating mixing shaft, wherein at least one mixing shaft makes an angle of inclination with the horizontal of more than 10 degrees and the inlet opening for the solid (B) is arranged higher than the outlet opening. |
| US08497337B2 |
Process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles with improved color stability
A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, wherein at least one aliphatic aldehyde or reaction product thereof with an aliphatic alcohol, an aliphatic amine, ammonia, a hypophosphite or a phosphite is added. |
| US08497327B2 |
Hydrogenated β-pinene-based polymers and molded articles comprising the same
The present invention provides hydrogenated β-pinene-based polymers with excellent heat resistance and light resistance, low absorptivity and high transparency, as well as molded articles thereof. The polymers of the present invention contain 50% by mass or more of β-pinene units and are hydrogenated β-pinene-based polymers where the ratio of the proton integral value at 6 to 8 ppm to the total proton integral value in a 1H-NMR spectrum is 2.3×10−5 or less or the p-phenylene group content is 0.0055% by mass or less, and the ratio of the proton integral value at 4.5 to 6 ppm to the total proton integral value is 2.8×10−4 or less or the cyclohexene-1,4-diyl group content is 0.29% by mass or less. The molded articles of the present invention contain the above hydrogenated β-pinene-based polymers. |
| US08497324B2 |
Methods of increasing toughness of immiscible polymer blends
An immiscible polymer blend that includes an amount of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and an amount of poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA). A method for preparing an immiscible polymer blend by (a) identifying a first polymeric component and a second polymeric component as immiscible when blended; (b) combining the first polymeric component and the second polymeric component; and (c) mixing the first polymeric component and the second polymeric component to produce an immiscible polymer blend that includes structures in the blend having a maximum size of less than about 1,000 μm is also presented. An article that includes an immiscible polymer blend of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) and an article formed from an immiscible polymer blend prepared by the method of the present invention are also presented. |
| US08497322B2 |
Peelable polyethylene films
A homogenous blend comprising from 10% to 90% by weight of a metallocene catalyzed polyethylene (mPE) and from 90% to 10% by weight of styrene-butadiene block copolymers comprising from 5% to 40% by weight of 1,3 butadiene monomer units and from 60% to 95% by weight of styrene monomer unites. The blend of the invention is used to make peelable films for food packaging applications. |
| US08497320B2 |
Polyrotaxane, crosslinked structure comprising polyrotaxane and polymer, and processes for producing these
A process is provided by which a polyrotaxane including cyclic molecules having a relatively long graft chain is easily obtained. Also provided is a polyrotaxane which includes cyclic molecules having a radical polymerization initiation site and is for use as a raw material in the process. The polyrotaxane comprises: a pseudo-polyrotaxane comprising cyclic molecules clathrated with a linear molecule, the cavities of the cyclic molecules having been pierced by the linear molecule; and blocking groups disposed respectively at both ends of the pseudo-polyrotaxane so as not to release the cyclic molecules. The cyclic molecules in the polyrotaxane have a radical polymerization initiation site. |
| US08497319B2 |
Dispersion and aqueous coating composition comprising the dispersion
The present invention relates to a dispersion comprising an acryl-modified cellulose ester derivative (D) dispersed in an aqueous medium, wherein a hydrophobic acrylic resin (B) and a hydrophilic acrylic resin (C) are grafted onto a cellulose ester derivative (A) in the acryl-modified cellulose ester derivative (D). The dispersion has excellent long-term storage stability, and aqueous coating compositions comprising the dispersion can form coating films with excellent coating workability, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, water resistance, and excellent curability. |
| US08497317B2 |
Preparation method for aqueous polyurethane resin-pigment dispersion, aqueous polyurethane resin-pigment dispersion, and ink composition
A method of producing a polyurethane resin-bonded pigment aqueous dispersion includes causing (I) a pigment having a surface acidic group to come in contact with (II) a basic compound having two or more amino groups selected from a primary amino group and a secondary amino group in its molecule in an aqueous medium so that the pigment has an unreacted surface amino group, and causing the pigment to come in contact and react with (III) a polyurethane resin having an isocyanate end group. A polyurethane resin-bonded pigment aqueous dispersion produced by the method exhibits excellent image density, dispersibility, and storage stability. |
| US08497312B2 |
One-package dental adhesive composition
An adhesive composition comprising (A) a polymerizable monomer component containing not less than 5% by mass of an acidic group-containing polymerizable monomer, (B) a polyvalent metal ion-eluting filler, (C) a volatile organic solvent, and (D) water, wherein the polyvalent metal ion-eluting filler (B) is blended in such an amount that the amount of the polyvalent metal ions eluted out from the filler becomes 1.0 to 7.0 meq per gram of the polymerizable monomer component (A), the volatile organic solvent (C) is blended in an amount in a range of 30 to 150 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable monomer component (A) and so as to satisfy 20·X parts by mass or more (X is a number representing the amount of elution of the polyvalent metal ions), and the water (D) is blended in an amount of 3 to 30 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable monomer component (A). The composition maintains a large strength of adhesion to the teeth, can be preserved in the form of one package, and can be used as a material for pre-treating the teeth and as a dental adhesive. |
| US08497309B2 |
Gasification of carbonaceous materials and gas to liquid processes
Herein disclosed is a method of reacting one or more components in a liquid medium to form an organic product that may include feeding a carbonaceous gas and a liquid medium to a high shear device; processing the gas and the liquid medium under shearing conditions in the high shear device, resulting in an emulsion comprising at least some of the carbonaceous gas dispersed in the liquid medium, wherein the dispersed carbonaceous gas comprises gas bubbles with a mean diameter of less than about 1 μm; and reacting the emulsion to produce the organic product. |
| US08497308B2 |
Integrated microchannel synthesis and separation
A process for carrying out at least two unit operations in series, the process comprising the step of: (a) directing a feed stream into an integrated assembly which comprises a first microchannel unit operation upon at least one chemical of the feed stream to generate a distributed output stream that exits the first microchannel unit operation in a first set of discrete microchannels isolating flow through the discrete microchannels; and (b) directing the distributed output stream of the first microchannel unit operation into a second microchannel unit operation as a distributed input stream, to continue isolating flow between the first set of discrete microchannels, and conducting at least one operation upon at least one chemical of the input stream to generate a product stream that exits the second microchannel unit operation, where the first microchannel unit operation and the second unit operation share a housing. |
| US08497307B2 |
Aryl guanidine F1F0-ATPase inhibitors and related methods
The invention provides to a family of aryl guanidine—based F1F0—ATPase inhibitors, e.g., mitochondrial F1F0—ATPase inhibitors, methods for their discovery, and their use as therapeutic agents for treating certain disorders. |
| US08497306B2 |
Guanylhydrazone salts, compositions, processes of making, and methods of using
The invention relates to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of guanylhydrazone-containing compounds, for example, Semapimod. The invention also relates to pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the salts and methods for their use. |
| US08497305B2 |
Phenylcyclobutylamide derivatives and their stereoisomers, the preparation processes and uses thereof
Phenylcyclobutylamide derivatives and their optical isomers, the preparing processes and the uses thereof, which includes the compounds of formula (I), their pure stereoisomers and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. In formula (I), R is H, formacyl, acetyl, haloacetyl, benzoyl, benzyloxy carbonyl (Cbz), t-butoxy carbonyl (Boc), or 9-fluorenyl methoxyl carbonyl (Fmoc). The present novel compounds have pharmaceutical activity and are prepared by condensation reaction of racemic, levo- or dextro-demethyl Sibutramine and racemic or D/L isoleucine under a mild condition. It is demonstrated that the present compounds have effect of losing weight to obese mode rats in different level and the effect is better than Sibutramine by the animal experiments. So the medicaments prepared by the present compounds or the medicaments prepared by the compositions of the present compounds and other pharmaceutical activity compounds may be used for treating obesity. |
| US08497302B2 |
Microbiological method for synthesizing cinnamoyl amide derivatives of amino acids
Method for the microbiological production of cinnamoyl amide derivatives of amino acids, certain products that result therefrom and uses thereof, especially as antioxidants. |
| US08497298B2 |
Use of benzo-fused heterocycle sulfamide derivatives for lowering lipids and lowering blood glucose levels
The present invention is a method for the glucose related disorders and lipid related disorders comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of one or more novel benzo-fused heterocycle sulfamide derivatives of formula (I) or formula (II) as herein defined. The present invention is further directed to methods of treatment comprising co-therapy with an anti-diabetic agent, and anti-lipid agent and/or an anti-obesity agent. |
| US08497297B2 |
Dimeric IAP inhibitors
Molecular mimics of Smac are capable of modulating apoptosis through their interaction with cellular IAPs (inhibitor of apoptosis proteins). The mimetics are based on a monomer or dimer of the N-terminal tetrapeptide of IAP-binding proteins, such as Smac/DIABLO, Hid, Grim and Reaper, which interact with a specific surface groove of IAP. Also disclosed are methods of using these peptidomimetics for therapeutic purposes. In various embodiments of the invention the Smac mimetics of the invention are combined with chemotherapeutic agents, including, but not limited to topoisomerase inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, NSAIDs, taxanes and platinum containing compounds use broader language. |
| US08497292B2 |
Translational dysfunction based therapeutics
Provided are methods and compositions for inhibiting eukaryotic translation initiation factor. Such methods and compositions may be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies, such as gene therapies, for inhibiting cell proliferation and/or treating cancer. |
| US08497291B2 |
Crystalline pyrimidine nucleoside derivative suspensions in capsules
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation which comprises (i) a capsule, and (ii) a core comprising crystalline 2′-cyano-2′-deoxy-N4-palmitoyl-1-β-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine and a liquid carrier. |
| US08497289B2 |
3.1.0 bicyclic GlyT1 inhibitors and methods of making and using same
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds which are useful as inhibitors of glycine type 1 transporter (GlyT1) activity; synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating disorders associated with glycine type 1 transporter (GlyT1) activity using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. |
| US08497288B2 |
Hexahydropyrroloimidazolone compounds
The invention provides novel compounds having the general formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3 and A are as described herein, compositions including the compounds and methods of using the compounds. These compounds are useful as inhibitors of hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) and may be used in the treatment of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, myocardial dysfunction, inflammation, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. |
| US08497287B2 |
Aminotetralin compounds as mu opioid receptor antagonists
The invention provides aminotetralin compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, n, and m are defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, that are antagonists at the mu opioid receptor. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat conditions associated with mu opioid receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds. |
| US08497285B2 |
Therapy of autoimmune colitis using a TIP60 inhibitor
This invention is in the fields of immunology and autoimmunity. More particularly it concerns methods of treating patients with compounds which are useful agents for inhibiting the functions of TIP60 in the treatment of an individual suffering, for example, from ulcerative colitis and other irritable bowel diseases. |
| US08497283B2 |
Autotaxin inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds according to formula (I) as autotaxin inhibitors and the use of such compounds for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of physiological and/or pathophysiological conditions, which are caused, mediated and/or propagated by increased lysophosphatic acid levels and/or the activation of autotaxin, in particular of different cancers. |
| US08497282B2 |
Method of preparing (+)-1,4-dihydro-7-[(3S,4S)-3-methoxy-4-(methylamino)-1-pyrrolidinyl]-4-oxo-1-(2-thiazolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid
Methods of preparing (+)-1,4-dihydro-7-[(3S,4S)-3-methoxy-4-(methylamino)-1-pyrrolidinyl]-4-oxo-1-(2-thiazolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid are disclosed. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising (+)-1,4-dihydro-7-[(3S,4S)-3-methoxy-4-(methylamino)-1-pyrrolidinyl]-4-oxo-1-(2-thiazolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid, and methods of treatment using such compositions. |
| US08497278B2 |
Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine compounds
Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines are disclosed. Compounds of the invention are useful therapeutic agents and their inclusion in pharmaceutical formulations and use in methods of treatment are disclosed. Many of the compounds disclosed herein may be represented by the following generic formula: in which Y is a direct bond or heteroatom and A3 is usually a nitrogenous heterocycle. |
| US08497272B2 |
Compounds for treating proliferative disorders
Disclosed are compounds and methods of using compounds of the invention for treating a subject with a proliferative disorder, such as cancer, and methods for treating disorders responsive to Hsp70 induction and/or natural killer induction. Also, disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. |
| US08497270B2 |
Macrocyclic integrase inhibitors
Compound having formula (I), wherein —W is NH—, —N(CH3)— or piperazine, —X is a bond, —C(═O)— or S(═O)2—, —Y is C3-7alkylene, and —Z is NH—C(═O)— or —O—, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their pharmaceutical formulations and use as HIV inhibitors. |
| US08497266B2 |
3-(3-pyrimidin-2-ylbenzyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine derivatives as MET kinase inhibitors
Compounds of the formula (I), in which R1, R2, R3, R3′, R4 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, in particular of Met kinase, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of tumors. |
| US08497257B2 |
Methods of use for 2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonic acid compounds for the treatment of cancer, rosacea and psoriasis
The invention describes compositions and methods of use for 2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonic acid compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention provides methods for (a) treating skin cancer; (b) treating cancer of the organs; (c) treating leukemia; (d) improving the efficacy of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or cancer immunotherapy; (e) treating rosacea; and (f) treating psoriasis by administration of a composition comprising at least one 2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonic acid compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and, optionally at least one therapeutic agent. Also disclosed are compositions comprising administration of at least one 2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonic acid compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and, at least one therapeutic agent. In the invention the 2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonic acid compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are 2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonic acid, calcium 2,5-dihydroxybenzenesulfonate, potassium 2,5-dihydroxybenzenesulfonate, magnesium 2,5-dihydroxybenzenesulfonate and diethylamine 2,5-dihydroxybenzenesulfonate. |
| US08497247B2 |
Methods for treating type I diabetes mellitus by administering a soluble CTLA4 molecule
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes, by administering to a subject a CTLA4 molecule that block endogenous B7 molecules from binding their ligands. |
| US08497245B2 |
Trypsin-like serine protease inhibitors, their preparation and use as selective inhibitors of the clotting factors IIa and Xa
The invention provides methods of making and using compounds of the formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein n is an integer between 1 and 2 inclusively; m is an integer between 0 and 2 inclusively; X is selected from the group consisting of CH or N; R1 is selected from the group consisting of —CH2NH2, and R2 is selected from the group consisting of —H, —OH, —NH2 and acetyl; R3 is selected from the group consisting of —H, benzyloxycarbonyl and benzylsulfonyl; and R4 is selected from the group consisting of —OH, wherein p is an integer between 0 and 2 inclusively, Y is selected from the group consisting of —O—, —S—, —S(═O)—, —SO2—, methylene, —CH(OH)—, —CH(NH2)—, —CH(CH2—OH)—, —CH(CH2—NH2)— or —N(R6)—, R5 is selected from the group consisting of —H or a simple (C1-C3) alkyl and R6 is selected from the group consisting of —H, a simple (C1-C3) alkyl or a simple (C1-C3) acyl. These compounds are useful as anticoagulant agents as a result of their selective dual inhibition of thrombin and prothrombinase. |
| US08497236B2 |
Implantable putty material
The present invention provides compositions for an implantable putty material for delivery of active compounds to a patient. More specifically, the present invention provides a material having a pH of between about 3 and 6 and possessing putty-like physical properties, wherein the composition of the material includes collagen and water. The present invention also provides a method for using the implantable putty material. |
| US08497235B2 |
Softener composition comprising ethoxylated esterquats
The present invention provides a softener composition containing a specific bis(polyalkoxyalkanol) type quaternary ammonium salt represented by formula (I): [wherein R1 and R2 may be the same as or different from each other and represent a hydrocarbon group having 11 to 23 carbon atoms, R3 and R4 may be the same as or different from each other and represent a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a hydroxyl group, k and l may be the same as or different from each other and represent an integer of 5 to 10 and X− represents an anion.] |
| US08497233B2 |
Stripping compositions for cleaning ion implanted photoresist from semiconductor device wafers
A composition for removal of high dosage ion implanted photoresist from the surface of a semiconductor device, the composition having at least one solvent having a flash point >65° C., at least one component providing a nitronium ion, and at least one phosphonic acid corrosion inhibitor compound, and use of such a composition to remove high dosage ion implanted photoresist from the surface of a semiconductor device. |
| US08497228B2 |
Active substance combinations with insecticidal and acaricidal properties
The present invention relates to novel active substance combinations which contain firstly at least one known compound of the formula (I) in which R1 and A have the meanings given in the description, and secondly at least one further known active substance from the class of the phthalic diamides, and which are highly suitable for controlling animal pests such as insects and undesired acarids. |
| US08497227B2 |
Diphenylsulfone bridged compound, color forming substance for thermal recording and thermal recording material
Diphenylsulfone bridged compounds of the general formula: (1) wherein n is an integer of 1 to 10. Further, there is disclosed a thermal recording material comprising a support and, superimposed thereon, a thermosensitive color forming layer containing a color forming substance for thermal recording consisting of any of the diphenylsulfone bridged compounds and a color forming substance consisting of a colorless or light-colored leuco dye. This thermal recording material excels in the storability, especially wet heat resistance and oil resistance, of image areas and further exhibits excellent characteristics in the storability, especially heat resistance, of undeveloped areas. |
| US08497226B2 |
Water absorbent and producing method of same
An object of the present invention is to provide a water absorbent having excellent gel properties and showing excellent properties when used in a water-absorbing material of a sanitary/hygienic material such as paper diaper. Moreover, another object of the present invention is to provide a water absorbent which is safe and excellent in liquid permeability, and in which an amount of liquid permeability improver for improving the liquid permeability is reduced. The water absorbent is made from a water-absorbing resin prepared by a specific polymerization method and having a high degree of cross-linking, a high liquid holding property and a high gel strength (its swelling pressure of gel layer of is 35 kdyne/cm2 or more). This water absorbent is further processed to have a particular particle size distribution (95 wt % or more of its particles are less than 850ƒÊm but not less than 106ƒÊm, and logarithmic standard deviation (ƒĐƒÄ) is in a range of 0.25 to 0.45) and then surface cross-linked. After that, a liquid permeability improver is added therein. |
| US08497224B2 |
Process for preparing a catalyst substrate
The invention comprises a process for manufacturing a catalyst substrate which is a shaped porous structure, said process comprising the steps of providing non-woven fibers with an average length in the range of 4-50 mm, an average diameter in the range of 5-300 microns, and a length over diameter ratio in the range of 50 to 500 into a mould to form a fibrous aggregate with volume (V), and compressing the fibrous aggregate to form a porous structure. The compression is carried out in such a manner that the volume of the fibrous aggregate in compressed state (Vcompressed) is at most 90% of the volume (V) of the fibrous aggregate before compression. The invention further relates to the catalyst substrate prepared and to a catalyst comprising the catalyst substrate. |
| US08497223B2 |
Process for the production of DDR-type zeolite membranes
A process for production of a DDR-type zeolite membrane, which comprises: both a seed crystal-forming step of immersing a porous substrate in a seed crystal-forming raw material solution which contains a DDR-type zeolite powder dispersed therein and performing hydrothermal synthesis to form plural DDR-type zeolite crystal particles on surface of the porous substrate, and a membrane-forming step of immersing the resulting porous substrate with DDR-type zeolite crystal particles on the surface in a membrane-forming raw material solution which is free from DDR-type zeolite powder and performing hydrothermal synthesis to form a DDR-type zeolite membrane on the surface of the porous substrate. According to the process, a dense DDR-type zeolite membrane can be formed, and the vessel used in the synthesis can be prevented from being damaged. |
| US08497221B2 |
Refractory block and a glass melting furnace
The present invention provides a fused refractory product having the following average chemical composition, as a % by weight based on the oxides and for a total of 100%; ZrO2: 30%-46%; SiO2: 10%-16%; Al2O3: complement to 100%; Y2O3≧50/ZrO2 and Y2O3≦5%; Na2O+K2O: 0.5%-4%; CaO: ≦0.5%; and other species: ≦1.5%. Application to a glass-melting furnace. |
| US08497217B2 |
Film forming apparatus and film-forming method
A film forming apparatus and a film forming method for suppressing a drop in the film forming speed caused by-product gas are provided. A film forming apparatus for forming a film on a wafer includes a chamber in which the wafer is located; a gas introducing member configured to introduce raw material gas into the chamber, in which the raw material gas turning into by-product gas and a substance which adheres to the surface of the wafer by reacting at a surface of the wafer; and a reverse reaction member configured to generate the raw material gas by causing the by-product gas to react in the chamber. |
| US08497211B2 |
Integrated process modulation for PSG gapfill
A method of depositing a phosphosilicate glass (PSG) film on a substrate disposed in a substrate processing chamber includes depositing a first portion of the PSG film over the substrate using a high-density plasma process. Thereafter, a portion of the first portion of the PSG film may be etched back. The etch back process may include flowing a halogen precursor to the substrate processing chamber, forming a high-density plasma from the halogen precursor, and terminating flowing the halogen precursor after the etch back. The method also includes flowing a halogen scavenger to the substrate processing chamber to react with residual halogen in the substrate processing chamber, and exposing the first portion of the PSG film to a phosphorus-containing gas to provide a substantially uniform phosphorus concentration throughout the first portion of the PSG film. |
| US08497210B2 |
Shallow trench isolation chemical mechanical planarization
A polishing method includes polishing, in a first polish, a wafer to remove overburden and planarize a top layer leaving a portion remaining on an underlying layer. A second polishing step includes two phases. In a first phase, the top layer is removed and the underlying layer is exposed, with a top layer to underlying layer selectivity of between about 1:1 to about 2:1 to provide a planar topography. In a second phase, residual portions of the top layer are removed from a top of the underlying layer to ensure complete exposure of an underlying layer surface. |
| US08497208B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A method for producing a semiconductor device including a first conductor disposed on a semiconductor substrate; an oxygen-containing insulation film disposed on the semiconductor substrate and on the first conductor, the insulation film having a contact hole which extends to the first conductor and a trench which is connected to an upper portion of the contact hole; a zirconium oxide film disposed on a side surface of the contact hole and a side surface and a bottom surface of the trench; a zirconium film disposed on the zirconium oxide film inside the contact hole and inside the trench; and a second conductor composed of Cu embedded into the contact hole and into the trench. |
| US08497207B2 |
Methods of forming semiconductor devices including landing pads formed by electroless plating
A semiconductor device in which an increase of contact resistance Rc between a metal contact and a plug due to misalignment between the metal contact and the plug can be reduced and the difficulty of a Cu filling process during the process of forming the plug may be reduced. The semiconductor device includes a substrate including an active area and a device isolation layer; a metal contact that is formed on the substrate and is electrically connected to the active area; a landing pad formed on the metal contact by electroless plating; and a plug that is formed on the landing pad and is electrically connected to the metal contact via the landing pad. |
| US08497204B2 |
Method for reducing dielectric overetch when making contact to conductive features
In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes: forming a plurality of conductive or semiconductive features above a first dielectric material; depositing a second dielectric material above the conductive or semiconductive features; etching a void in the second dielectric material, wherein the etch is selective between the first and the second dielectric material and the etch stops on the first dielectric material; and exposing a portion of the conductive or semiconductive features. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US08497202B1 |
Interconnect structures and methods of manufacturing of interconnect structures
Interconnect structures and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed herein. The method includes forming a barrier layer within a structure and forming an alloy metal on the barrier layer. The method further includes forming a pure metal on the alloy metal, and reflowing the pure metal such that the pure metal migrates to a bottom of the structure, while the alloy metal prevents exposure of the barrier layer. The method further includes completely filling in the structure with additional metal. |
| US08497198B2 |
Semiconductor process
A semiconductor process is described as follows. A plurality of dummy patterns is formed on a substrate. A mask material layer is conformally formed on the substrate, so as to cover the dummy patterns. The mask material layer has an etching rate different from that of the dummy patterns. A portion of the mask material layer is removed, so as to form a mask layer on respective sidewalls of each dummy pattern. An upper surface of the mask layer and an upper surface of each dummy pattern are substantially coplanar. The dummy patterns are removed. A portion of the substrate is removed using the mask layer as a mask, so as to form a plurality of fin structures and a plurality of trenches alternately arranged in the substrate. The mask layer is removed. |
| US08497194B2 |
Methods of forming doped regions in semiconductor substrates
Some embodiments include methods of forming one or more doped regions in a semiconductor substrate. Plasma doping may be used to form a first dopant to a first depth within the substrate. The first dopant may then be impacted with a second dopant to knock the first dopant to a second depth within the substrate. In some embodiments the first dopant is p-type (such as boron) and the second dopant is neutral type (such as germanium). In some embodiments the second dopant is heavier than the first dopant. |
| US08497187B2 |
Method for manufacturing SOI wafer and SOI wafer
According to the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an SOI wafer, the method configured to grow an epitaxial layer on an SOI layer of the SOI wafer having the SOI layer on a BOX layer to increase a thickness of the SOI layer, wherein epitaxial growth is carried out by using an SOI wafer whose infrared reflectance in an infrared wavelength range of 800 to 1300 nm falls within the range of 20% to 40% as the SOI wafer on which the epitaxial layer is grown. As a result, a high-quality SOI wafer with less slip dislocation and others can be provided with excellent productivity at a low cost as the SOI wafer including the SOI layer having a thickness increased by growing the epitaxial layer, and a manufacturing method thereof can be also provide. |
| US08497186B2 |
Semiconductor devices and methods for forming patterned radiation blocking on a semiconductor device
Several embodiments for semiconductor devices and methods for forming semiconductor devices are disclosed herein. One embodiment is directed to a method for manufacturing a microelectronic imager having a die including an image sensor, an integrated circuit electrically coupled to the image sensor, and electrical connectors electrically coupled to the integrated circuit. The method can comprise covering the electrical connectors with a radiation blocking layer and forming apertures aligned with the electrical connectors through a layer of photo-resist on the radiation blocking layer. The radiation blocking layer is not photoreactive such that it cannot be patterned using radiation. The method further includes etching openings in the radiation blocking layer through the apertures of the photo-resist layer. |
| US08497180B2 |
Transistor with boot shaped source/drain regions
Devices are formed with boot shaped source/drain regions formed by isotropic etching followed by anisotropic etching. Embodiments include forming a gate on a substrate, forming a first spacer on each side of the gate, forming a source/drain region in the substrate on each side of the gate, wherein each source/drain region extends under a first spacer, but is separated therefrom by a portion of the substrate, and has a substantially horizontal bottom surface. Embodiments also include forming each source/drain region by forming a cavity to a first depth adjacent the first spacer and forming a second cavity to a second depth below the first cavity and extending laterally underneath the first spacers. |
| US08497167B1 |
EDS protection diode with pwell-nwell resurf
A high voltage ESD protection diode wherein the p-n junction is defined by a p-well and an n-well and includes a RESURF region, the diode including a field oxide layer formed on top of the p-well and n-well, wherein the parameters of the diode are adjustable by controlling one or more of the junction width, the length of the RESURF region, or the length of the field oxide layer. |
| US08497165B2 |
Systems and methods for lead frame locking design features
Systems and methods for lead frame locking design features are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: fabricating a lead frame for a chip package, the lead frame having a paddle comprising a step-out bottom locking feature profile across at least a first segment of an edge of the paddle that provides an interface with a mold compound; etching the paddle to have at least a second segment of the edge having either an extended-step-out bottom locking feature profile or an overhanging top locking feature profile; and alternating first and second segments along the edge of the paddle. |
| US08497164B2 |
Semiconductor die package and method for making the same
A semiconductor die package. The semiconductor die package includes a premolded clip structure assembly having a clip structure, a semiconductor die attached to the clip structure, and a first molding material covering at least a portion of the clip structure and the semiconductor die. The semiconductor die package also includes a leadframe structure having a die attach pad, where the leadframe structure is attached to premolded clip structure assembly. |
| US08497161B2 |
Method for providing an LED chip with a peripheral protective film before cutting the same from a wafer
A method is disclosed to divide a wafer into chips. In the method, a substrate is provided. The substrate is made of an isolating material. An epitaxial laminate is provided on the substrate. At least one slit is made through the epitaxial laminate completely to form at least two chips connected to each other by the substrate only so that each of the chips includes a portion of the substrate and a portion of the epitaxial laminate. Positive and negative electrodes are formed in each of the chips. An upper protective film is provided to cover an upper side of each of the chips except the electrodes. A peripheral protective film is provided into the slit to cover the periphery of the portion of the epitaxial laminate of each of the chips. Finally, the chips are separated from each other. |
| US08497159B2 |
Method of manufacturing leadless integrated circuit packages having electrically routed contacts
A method of manufacturing a leadless integrated circuit (IC) package comprising an IC chip mounted on a metal leadframe and a plurality of electrical contacts electrically coupled to the IC chip. The IC chip, the electrical contacts, and a portion of the metal leadframe are covered with an encapsulation compound, with portions of the electrical contacts exposed on a bottom surface of the encapsulation compound. The electrical contacts of the IC package having metal traces connecting bonding areas on a top surface thereof and contact areas on a bottom surface thereof, wherein at least some of the bonding areas are laterally disposed from the contact areas connected thereto. |
| US08497158B2 |
Leadframe strip and mold apparatus for an electronic component and method of encapsulating an electronic component
A leadframe strip comprises a plurality of units arranged in a line. Each unit provides two component positions, each having a chip support substrate. The chip support substrates of the two component positions are mechanically linked by at least one support bar. The two component positions of a unit are molded at essentially the same time to produce a plastic housing for a package in each component position. The central portion of the first support bars remains outside of the plastic housing of the two packages. |
| US08497155B1 |
Planarized TCO-based anode for OLED devices, and/or methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments relate to organic light emitting diode (OLED)/polymer light emitting diode (PLED) devices, and/or methods of making the same. A first transparent conductive coating (TCC) layer is disposed, directly or indirectly, on a glass substrate. An outermost major surface of the TCC layer is planarized by exposing the outermost major surface thereof to an ion beam. Following said planarizing, the first TCC layer has an arithmetic mean value RMS roughness (Ra) of less than 1.5 nm. A hole transporting layer (HTL) and an electron transporting and emitting layer (ETL) are disposed, directly or indirectly, on the planarized outermost major surface of the first TCC layer. A second TCC layer is disposed, directly or indirectly, on the HTL and the ETL. One or both TCC layers may include ITO. The substrate and/or an optional optical out-coupling layer stack system may be planarized using an ion beam. |
| US08497154B2 |
Solar cell system manufacturing method
A method for manufacturing a solar cell system includes the following steps. First, a number of P-N junction cell preforms are provided. The number of the P-N junction cell preforms is M. The M P-N junction cell preforms is named from a first P-N junction cell preform to a Mth P-N junction cell preform. Second, the M P-N junction cell preforms are arranged along a straight line. Third, an inner electrode preform is formed between each two adjacent P-N junction cell preforms, wherein at least one inner electrode is a carbon nanotube array. Axial directions of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube array are parallel to the straight line. |
| US08497153B2 |
Integrated back-sheet for back contact photovoltaic module
A process for making a back-contact solar cell module is provided. Electrically conductive wires of an integrated back-sheet are physically and electrically attached to the back contacts of the solar cells of a solar cell array through openings in a polymeric interlayer dielectric layer using an electrically conductive binder before thermal lamination of the module. |
| US08497149B2 |
MEMS device
A method of fabricating a micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) apparatus on a substrate (10) comprises the steps of processing the substrate (10) so as to fabricate an electronic circuit (11); depositing a first electrode (15) that is operably coupled with the electronic circuit (11); depositing a membrane (16) so that it is mechanically coupled to the first electrode (15); applying a sacrificial layer (50); depositing a structural layer (18) and a second electrode (17) that is operably coupled with the electronic circuit (11) so that the sacrificial layer (50) is disposed between the membrane (16) and the structural layer (18) so as to form a preliminary structure; singulating the substrate (10); and removing the sacrificial layer (50) so as to form a MEMS structure, in which the step of singulating the substrate (10) is carried out before the step of removing the sacrificial layer (50). |
| US08497141B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing it
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device capable of largely increasing the yield and a semiconductor device manufactured by using the method is provided. After a semiconductor layer is formed on a substrate, as one group, a plurality of functional portions with at least one parameter value different from each other is formed in the semiconductor layer for every unit chip area. Then, a subject that is changed depending on the parameter value is measured and evaluated and after that, the substrate is divided for every chip area so that a functional portion corresponding with a given criterion as a result of the evaluation is not broken. Thereby, at least one functional portion corresponding with a given criterion can be formed by every chip area by appropriately adjusting each parameter value. |
| US08497138B2 |
Method for cell selection
In one aspect the present invention provides a method for selecting a cell or cell colony which produces a polypeptide of interest, comprising a) providing a medium comprising cells and a detection agent, wherein the detection agent is associated with a detectable signal and the detection agent is capable of binding to the polypeptide of interest; b) providing a solid phase having a capture agent disposed thereon, wherein the capture agent is capable of binding to the polypeptide of interest; c) contacting the medium with the solid phase; d) detecting the signal associated with the detection agent; and e) selecting a cell or cell colony associated with the signal, wherein presence of the signal is indicative of a cell or cell colony which produces the polypeptide of interest. |
| US08497135B2 |
Diagnostic kits to detect SP22 and SP22 antibodies
Oral, topical and injectable contraceptives, which are based on sperm protein 22 kDa (SP22) polypeptides and antibodies and infertility diagnostics and kits are provided. |
| US08497126B2 |
Method of making enhanced cell growth surface
A method of producing an improved cell growth surface and cell attachment surface. According to the present invention, a polymer article is molded at temperature in excess of 550° F. at the injection tip. After allowing the part to cool, a stream of plasma comprised of activated gaseous species generated by a microwave source is imparted on the article. This stream is directed at the surface of a polymer substrate in a controlled fashion such that the surface is imparted with attributes for cell adhesion superior to those of untreated polymer or polymer treated by other methods. |
| US08497123B2 |
Sterol glucoside toxins
The invention relates to the identification of sterol glucoside toxins, and provides methods for detecting and detoxifying the compounds, as well as therapeutic methods for treating subjects exposed to such toxins. In alternative embodiments, the toxins may for example include beta-sitostrol-beta-D-glucoside (5-cholesten-24b-ethyl-3b-ol-D-glucoside) or cholesterol glucoside (5-cholesten-3b-ol-3b-D-glucoside). |
| US08497120B2 |
Human trophoblast stem cells and use thereof
Existence of human trophoblast stem (hTS) cells has been suspected but unproved. The isolation of hTS cells is reported in the early stage of chorionic villi by expressions of FGF4, FGFR-2, Oct4, Thy-1, and stage-specific embryonic antigens distributed in different compartments of the cell. hTS cells are able to derive into specific cell phenotypes of the three primitive embryonic layers, produce chimeric reactions in mice, and retain a normal karyotype and telomere length. In hTS cells, Oct4 and fgfr-2 expressions can be knockdown by bFGF. These facts suggest that differentiation of the hTS cells play an important role in implantation and placentation. hTS cells could be apply to human cell differentiation and for gene and cell-based therapies. |
| US08497112B2 |
Method for producing viral vaccines
The present invention provides a method for the manufacture of a preparation comprising virus antigens comprising a) inoculation of cells with infectious virus in a fluid, b) propagation of said virus in said cells, c) collecting said propagated virus, d) inactivating said collected virus, and e) treating said inactivated virus with a detergent, resulting in a preparation comprising viral antigens. |
| US08497110B2 |
Thermophilic and thermoacidophilic biopolymer-degrading genes and enzymes from alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and related organisms, methods
Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius are provided. Further provided are methods of at least partially degrading, cleaving, or removing polysaccharides, lignocellulose, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, chitin, polyhydroxybutyrate, heteroxylans, glycosides, xylan-, glucan-, galactan-, or mannan-decorating groups using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius. |
| US08497108B2 |
Diesel fuel additive
A diesel fuel additive and synthesis method therefore is disclosed herein. The diesel fuel additive may be used in internal combustion engines including those present in cars and trucks, and reduces fuel consumption and pollutant emissions while increasing power. |
| US08497106B2 |
Immobilisation of biological molecules
A method of immobilising a biological molecule on a substrate comprises: (i) covalently attaching a substantially three-dimensional polysilane polymer to a substrate; and (ii) attaching a biological molecule onto and/or within the polymer. The method may additionally comprise the steps of coating the substrate (or the chemically protective layer) with a layer of radiation sensitive material, exposing the substrate to a source of radiation, and incubating the substrate in the presence of a first species of biological molecule. |
| US08497105B2 |
Integrated system and process for bioproduct production
Processes and systems for production of bioproducts such as biofuels are provided. The bioproduct production processes and systems utilize pretreatment of a carbohydrate-containing feedstock to produce soluble sugar molecules and continuous conversion of the pretreated feedstock to a bioproduct by an immobilized fermenting microorganism. |
| US08497103B2 |
Methods for C4-dicarboxylic acid production in filamentous fungi
The present invention relates to methods of producing C4-dicarboxylic acids, such as malic acid, comprising: (a) cultivating a host cell comprising a polynucleotide encoding a C4-dicarboxylic acid transporter; and (b) recovering the C4-dicarboxylic acid. The present invention also relates to methods for increasing C4-dicarboxylic acid production, as well as host cells comprising the polynucleotides. |
| US08497102B2 |
Mutant methylglyoxal synthase (MGS) for the production of a biochemical by fermentation
The present invention concerns a method for the production of a biochemical selected among lactic acid, acetol and 1,2-propanediol, comprising culturing a microorganism modified for an improved production of the biochemical selected among lactic acid, acetol and 1,2-propanediol in an appropriate culture medium and recovery of the desired biochemical which may be further purified wherein the microorganism expresses a methylglyoxal synthase (MGS) enzyme which activity is not inhibited by orthophosphate.The present invention concerns a mutant methylglyoxal synthase (MGS) comprising at least one amino acid residue in the protein sequence of the parent enzyme replaced by a different amino acid residue at the same position wherein the mutant enzyme has retained more than 50% of the methylglyoxal synthase activity of the parent enzyme and the methylglyoxal synthase activity of the mutant MGS is not inhibited by orthophosphate as compared to the parent enzyme. |
| US08497101B2 |
Use of a new gene coding for a new member of the MCM2-8 family in pharmaceutical compositions
The use of the human or animal MCM9 gene, or parts of the gene, or transcripts thereof, or antisense nucleic acids able to hybridize with part of the gene or transcripts, or silencing RNA derived from parts of the transcripts and able to repress the MCM9 gene, or proteins or peptidic fragments translated from the transcripts, or antibodies directed against the proteins or peptidic fragments, for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a human or animal pathology linked to a dysfunction of the expression of the MCM9 gene, or of human or animal cancers. |
| US08497098B2 |
Biochemical synthesis of 1,4-butanediamine
The invention relates to a process for biochemical synthesis of 1,4-butanediamine in a microorganism having an increased level of an ornithine decarboxylase activity (increased ODC activity) as compared to the native level of the ornithine decarboxylase activity, wherein in the microorganism also an increased activity of N-acetylglutamate formation is present as compared to the native level of activity of N-acetylglutamate formation in the microorganism and wherein 1,4-butanediamine produced in the microorganism is excreted into a fermentation broth, and is recovered from the fermentation broth. The invention also relates to vectors, plasmids and hosts carrying a corresponding increased ODC activity and an increased activity of N-acetylglutamate formation. |
| US08497094B2 |
Prevention and treatment of complement-associated eye conditions
The invention concerns the prevention and treatment of complement-associated eye conditions, such as choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), by administration of Factor D antagonists. |
| US08497092B2 |
Method of bioassaying yokukansan
The invention intends to find out a bioassay system with an in-vitro test capable of ensuring the higher quality of yokukansan, and provides a bioassay method for yokukansan, comprising adding glutamate in an amount sufficient to induce cell death and yokukansan to a medium for culturing cells, and evaluating pharmacological activity value of yokukansan from viability of the cultured cells in the medium. |
| US08497091B2 |
Method of producing compound originating from polysaccharide-based biomass
A method of producing a compound originating from a polysaccharide-based biomass includes at least one of a saccharification step that produces a sugar solution containing a monosaccharide and/or an oligosaccharide from a product obtainable by hydrolyzing the polysaccharide-based biomass; a fermentation step that ferments the sugar solution containing the monosaccharide and/or oligosaccharide originating from the polysaccharide-based biomass; and a treatment that removes a fermentation inhibitor with the use of a separation membrane having a glucose removal rate and an isopropyl alcohol removal rate which simultaneously satisfy the following relationships (I) and (II) when a 500 ppm aqueous glucose solution at pH 6.5 at 25° C. and a 500 ppm aqueous isopropyl alcohol solution at pH 6.5 at 25° C. are respectively permeated through the membrane at an operation pressure of 0.5 MPa, prior to the saccharification step and/or in the step prior to the fermentation step: Glucose removal rate≧80% (I) Glucose removal rate−Isopropyl alcohol removal rate≧20% (II). |
| US08497090B2 |
Fungal strains and a process for production of insecticide thereof
The present invention relates to fungal strains capable of producing insecticide and a process for production of insecticide. It also relates to a method of cultivation of fungal strains and a fermentation medium for culturing the fungal strains. |
| US08497088B2 |
Process for the preparation of beta-lactam compounds
The present invention describes a process for the synthesis of a semi-synthetic β-lactam compound from a nucleus and a side chain selected from the group consisting of D-phenylglycine and D-dihydro-phenylglycine in the form of a side chain ester and an enzyme catalyzing the coupling of the side chain ester to the nucleus characterized in that the side chain ester is not isolated as a solid intermediate. |
| US08497085B2 |
Method for detecting a wound infection
Described herein is a method for detecting a wound infection comprising the steps of: contacting a sample obtained from a wound with at least two substrates for at least two enzymes selected from the group consisting of lysozyme, elastase, cathepsin G and myeloperoxidase, and detecting a wound infection when a conversion of the at least two substrates with said at least two enzymes are determined. |
| US08497084B2 |
15-PGDH in colon cancer
The disclosure provides, among other things, a method of decreasing resistance to the chemopreventive properties of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, e.g., celecoxib, particularly in the prevention of cancer, e.g., colon cancer, by increasing the levels or activity of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH). The disclosure also provides a method of identifying compounds that upregulate or reactivate 15-PGDH. The disclosure also provides a method of identifying an individual suitable for treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment or prevention of colon cancer. |
| US08497083B2 |
Fructosyl amino acid oxidase
In one form, a mutant fructosyl amino acid oxidase modified at an amino acid residue involved in a proton relay system is provided. The mutant fructosyl amino acid oxidase has reduced oxidase activity while substantially maintaining its dehydrogenase activity. Other forms include an assay device and assay method for measuring glycated protein. Still, other forms include unique methods, techniques, systems and devices involving a mutant fructosyl amino acid oxidase. |
| US08497079B2 |
Glucagon detection and quantitation by mass spectrometry
Methods are described for measuring the amount of glucagon in a sample. More specifically, mass spectrometric methods are described for detecting and quantifying glucagon in a sample. |
| US08497074B2 |
Granin proteins as markers of heart disease
The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis of impaired cardiac function/heart disease. The present invention provides a method of diagnosing heart disease in a subject, said method comprising determining the level of CgB or SgII, or fragments thereof, in a body fluid of said subject. Such methods can also be used to determine the clinical severity or prognosis of heart disease in a subject. |
| US08497071B2 |
Isolation of unknown rearranged T-cell receptors from single cells
Disclosed herein are methods and materials for isolating and identifying T cell receptors from single cells. In some embodiments, genomic DNA from a single T cell is isolated using whole genome amplification (WGA). A series of PCR reactions is carried out to enrich the genomic template for sequences encoding the TCR alpha and beta chains, and then to isolate the sequences encoding the TCR alpha and beta chains. |
| US08497068B2 |
Method for detecting a position of probe on microarray
A method for detecting hybridization between a probe polynucleotide and a target polynucleotide on a microarray is presented. The method may be used to determine the accuracy of hybridization and possible causes of inaccuracy, such as insufficient washing or deterioration of the microarray. |
| US08497066B2 |
DNA methylation based test for monitoring efficacy of treatment
A DNA methylation-based test for efficiency of treatments is based on a plurality of genes. The test is suitable for monitoring treatment of subjects with neurological diseases, e.g., multiple sclerosis (MS); with cancer, e.g., breast and ovarian cancer, and with other diseases for which methylation of biomarkers differs in the diseased compared to the non-diseased state. |
| US08497060B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A manufacturing method includes forming a stacked film including first/second/third layers on a substrate, forming a first resist pattern on the stacked film, forming a first film pattern by etching the first layer through the first resist pattern, removing the first resist pattern, partially covering the first film pattern with a second resist pattern, slimming the first film pattern exposed from the second resist pattern, forming a second film pattern by etching the second layer exposed from the first layer through the first film pattern, partially covering the second film pattern with a third resist pattern, removing the first film pattern exposed from the third resist pattern, forming sidewall spacers to the second film pattern and remained second layer, removing the remained second layer portion, followed by etching the third layer through the second film pattern and sidewall spacers to form a third film pattern. |
| US08497058B2 |
Image forming method and method of recycling image forming material
An image forming method comprising the step of: forming a toner image employing toner particles containing at least a resin on an image supporting substrate having thereon a toner holding layer via a toner image holding process to form an image print, the toner image being held in the toner holding layer in the toner image holding process, wherein at least the toner particles or the image supporting substrate is separated from the image print via a separation process; and at least the separated toner particles or the separated image supporting substrate is recyclable as an image forming material. |
| US08497056B2 |
Magenta toner
A magenta toner characterized by satisfying, in DSC measurement, 40.0≦Tg(0.5)≦60.0 and 2.0≦Tg(4.0)−Tg(0.5)≦10.0, wherein when preparing a solution of which the magenta toner is dissolved in ethyl acetate, and defined the concentration of the thereof as Cm1 (mg/ml), and the light absorbance thereof at a wavelength of 538 nm as A(ethyl acetate)538, the ratio of A(ethyl acetate)538 to Cm1 satisfies the formula, A(ethyl acetate)538/Cm1<0.15, and, when preparing a solution of which the magenta toner is dissolved in chloroform, and defined the concentration of the thereof as Cm2 (mg/ml), and the light absorbance thereof at a wavelength of 538 nm as A(chloroform)538, the ratio of A(chloroform)538 to Cm2 satisfies the formula, 2.00 |
| US08497054B2 |
Toner
Provided is a toner in which faulty transfer under an extremely-low-temperature, low-humidity environment hardly occurs, including toner particles and a zeolite as an external additive, in which a ratio of the alminium atoms to a total of the silicon atoms and the aluminium atoms contained in the zeolite is 0.2 to 24.0%. |
| US08497052B2 |
Method for determining recording exposure for holographic recording medium and method for recording thereon
An optimal recording exposure is determined by varying in the first to nth stages the recording exposure with a write laser beam to record a bright pattern image and a dark pattern image in each stage as the first to nth bright pattern images and the first to nth dark pattern images, respectively; irradiating the respective pattern images with a read beam to detect the intensity of a diffracted beam from the central portion of each image of the bright and dark patterns; calculating Sa1/Sb1=SNR1, . . . , and San/Sbn=SNRn, where Sa1 to San are the intensity of a diffracted beam from the first to nth bright pattern images and Sb1 to Sbn, are the intensity of s diffracted beam from the first to nth dark pattern images; and determining a recording exposure which is given at the SNRmax being the maximum value of the resulting SNR1 to SNRn. |
| US08497050B2 |
Amorphous carbon coatings for fuel cell bipolar plates
A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a non-crystalline carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The non-crystalline carbon layer includes an activated surface which is hydrophilic. Moreover, the flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided. |
| US08497048B2 |
Fuel cell separator having airtight gasket
The present invention provides a fuel cell separator having an airtight gasket, in which a gasket is integrally injection-molded in a region that requires airtightness of a fuel cell separator to maintain airtightness of each flow field of the separator and to smoothly guide the fluid flow in each flow field.For this purpose, the present invention provides a fuel cell separator having an airtight gasket, which is integrally injection-molded on both surfaces of the separator to form a closed curve. |
| US08497044B2 |
Solid oxide fuel cell device
To provide a solid oxide fuel cell device capable of stably increasing the temperature of a fuel cell units and smoothly starting electrical generation. The present invention is a solid oxide fuel cell device (1), having a fuel cell module (2); a reformer (20); a fuel supply means (38); a reforming oxidant gas supply means (44); a water supply means (28); a generating oxidant gas supply means (45); and a control section (110) for causing reforming reactions to occur in the reformer at the temperature at which electricity can be generated, prior to the start of electrical generation, in the sequence: POX, in which only the partial oxidation reaction occurs, ATR, in which the partial oxidation reaction and the steam reforming reactions occur, and SR, in which only steam reforming reaction occurs; whereby the control section controls the fuel supply means so that the rate of change in the fuel supply flow rate versus time at the time of transition from the ATR to the SR is the smallest of the rates of change when the fuel supply flow rate is changed at the temperature at which electricity can be generated. |
| US08497041B2 |
Electrochemical cell including electrolyte containing bis(oxalate)borate salt
An electrochemical cell includes a cathode containing an aluminum current collector, a positive lead coupled to the cathode current collector an anode, and an electrolyte including from greater than 0.075 M to less than 0.2 M of a bis(oxalate)borate salt and a second lithium salt. The positive lead may include a metal selected from aluminum, titanium, and steel. The anode may include lithium, graphite, and a lithiated metal oxide. The aluminum current collector has an aluminum surface having at least one dimension greater than 1 millimeter. |
| US08497039B2 |
Cathode active material for lithium secondary battery
Provided is a cathode active material which is lithium transition metal oxide having an α-NaFeO2 layered crystal structure, wherein the transition metal is a blend of Ni and Mn, an average oxidation number of the transition metals except lithium is more than +3, and lithium transition metal oxide satisfies the Equation m(Ni)≧m(Mn) (in which m (Ni) and m (Mn) represent an molar number of manganese and nickel, respectively). The lithium transition metal oxide has a uniform and stable layered structure through control of oxidation number of transition metals to a level higher than +3, thus advantageously exerting improved overall electrochemical properties including electric capacity, in particular, superior high-rate charge/discharge characteristics. |
| US08497035B2 |
Battery cell integrated measurement sensor line and equalization resistor
A battery cell for an electric vehicle battery pack, including surface-applied wires to facilitate connecting the cell to a controller. Resistive or non-resistive wiring is printed onto or otherwise applied to the outer surface of the battery cell, to eliminate the need for separate jumper wires routed around or through the battery pack. A surface-applied wire is directly connected to each terminal of the battery cell, and each wire is routed on the outer surface of the cell to a location convenient for connecting a cell monitoring controller. The surface-applied wires can be made of a suitable resistive material, such that the resistance of each wire is known and the wires can be used for dissipating power during cell state of charge equalization. An insulating layer can be applied over the surface-applied wire to minimize the risk of short circuit. |
| US08497033B2 |
Battery and battery housing
A battery including an electrode assembly having electrode plates, a can defining a space receiving the electrode assembly, and a cap plate covering the space, wherein the cap plate is configured to deform away from the space when predetermined sides of the can are deformed toward the space. |
| US08497030B2 |
Recycling batteries having basic electrolytes
Embodiments related to recycling alkaline batteries are disclosed. In one disclosed embodiment, a method for recycling a battery having a basic electrolyte comprises rupturing the battery under anaerobic conditions and flooding the interior of the battery with carbon dioxide in an anaerobic chamber. |
| US08497029B2 |
Wetting resistant materials and articles made therewith
Ceramic materials with relatively high resistance to wetting by various liquids, such as water, are presented, along with articles made with these materials. The oxide materials described herein as a class typically contain one or more of ytterbia (Yb2O3) and europia (Eu2O3). The oxides may further contain other additives, such as oxides of gadolinium (Gd), samarium (Sm), dysprosium (Dy), or terbium (Tb). In certain embodiments the oxide, in addition to the ytterbia and/or europia, further comprises lanthanum (La), praseodymium (Pr), or neodymium (Nd). |
| US08497025B2 |
Polyimide, polyamic acid and processes for the production thereof
A novel polyimide as a high molecular weight material having a low dielectric constant, a low dielectric loss tangent and low water absorptivity, a polyamic acid capable of generating the above polyimide, the above polyimide and the polyamic acid being obtained by reacting an aromatic diamine, obtained by introducing aromatic amino groups into both terminals of a specific bifunctional phenylene ether oligomer, with an acid anhydride, a process for the production of the polyimide, a process for the production of the polyimide, a film of the polyimide, and a laminate comprising the above film. |
| US08497022B2 |
Three-metallic-component type composite nanometallic paste, method of bonding, and electronic component
Provided is a composite nanometal paste which, when a layer of the paste interposed between upper and lower bodies is sintered in an inert gas under no load until the layer turns to a metal layer, attains a shear bond strength between the upper and lower bodies of 10 MPa or higher.The composite nanometal paste contains, as metallic components, composite metallic nanoparticles comprising metal cores with an average particle diameter of X (nm) and an organic coating layer formed around the circumference, metallic nanofiller particles having an average particle diameter of d (nm), and metallic filler particles having an average particle diameter of D (nm), and satisfies the first relation X |
| US08497020B2 |
Precision wood particle feedstocks
Wood particles having fibers aligned in a grain, wherein: the wood particles are characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L; the L×H dimensions define two side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers; the W×H dimensions define two cross-grain end surfaces characterized individually as aligned either normal to the grain or oblique to the grain; the L×W dimensions define two substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces; and, a majority of the W×H surfaces in the mixture of wood particles have end checking. |
| US08497018B2 |
High temperature stable amorphous silica-rich aluminosilicates
A solid amorphous silica-rich aluminosilicate composition is stable at temperatures up to 1500° C. or above and is capable of sustained use as a coating under high to extreme temperature conditions. |
| US08497009B2 |
Honeycomb structure and method for manufacturing the same
A honeycomb structure 10 of the present invention is provided with porous partition walls 12 made of a ceramic material containing cordierite as a main crystal phase and separating and forming a plurality of cells 14 functioning as fluid passages. The partition walls 12 contain sodium at 0.08 to 0.15 mass % in terms of sodium oxide. A honeycomb structure having a large average pore size can be provided. |
| US08497004B2 |
Sterilized polyetherimide articles
A sterilized article comprising a sterilized or hydrogen peroxide vapor-sterilized polymer composition, the polymer composition comprising a polyetherimide, wherein after exposure to 100 cycles of the hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide vapor and hydrogen peroxide plasma for 30 minutes at 20 to 55° C., the color of the polymer composition of the article exhibits a color shift of delta E of 10 units or less relative to the color of the polymer composition color before the first hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization cycle, wherein delta E is measured in accordance with ASTM D2244. |
| US08497003B2 |
Glucose compound, cellulose composition, cellulose film, polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device
A glucose compound represented by Formula (I): wherein, R11 and R12 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, wherein one CH2 group or two or more non-adjacent CH2 groups in the alkyl and alkenyl groups may be replaced by O; L1 represents —OCO—*, —OCH2—* (binding to B at the * side), or a single bond; A and B each independently represent a trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group which may be substituted or a 1,4-phenylene group which may be substituted; and R13 and R14 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an acyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and a cellulose composition, a cellulose film, an optical film, a polarizing plate, a liquid crystal display device, and a retardation-increasing agent which have the glucose compound. |
| US08497002B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
An alignment film is given a 2-layer structure comprising a photoalignment film that is photoalignable and a low-resistivity alignment film whose resistivity is smaller than that of the photoalignment film. The photoalignment film is formed by a polyimide whose precursor is polyamide acid alkyl ester, the number molecular weight of the photoalignment film is large, and the stability of alignment of the photoalignment film by photoalignment is excellent. The low-resistivity alignment film is formed by a polyimide whose precursor is polyamide acid, the number molecular weight of the low-resistivity alignment film is small, and the resistivity of the low-resistivity alignment film is small. The 2-layer structure alignment film can be maintaining an excellent photoalignment characteristic, so DC afterimages can be controlled. |
| US08497001B2 |
Method of fabricating liquid crystal display
A first substrate and a second substrate are provided. An alignment process is performed on a surface of the first substrate and a surface of the second substrate respectively. A liquid crystal mixture is prepared, where the liquid crystal mixture includes a liquid crystal molecule and a liquid crystal monomer having a functional group of diacrylates, and the liquid crystal monomer having the functional group of diacrylates occupies 0.01-2 wt % of the liquid crystal mixture. The first substrate and the second substrate are assembled, and the liquid crystal mixture is filled therebetween. A polymerization curing process is performed such that the liquid crystal monomer having the functional group of diacrylates is polymerized to respectively form a liquid crystal polymer film on the aligned surfaces of the first and second substrates. The method enhances anchoring energy and reduces problems of V-T shift, surface gliding, and residual image. |
| US08496998B2 |
Producing gloss watermark on receiver
A method for producing a gloss watermark includes depositing a heat-softenable marking material onto a receiver. A heatable fixing member is surfaced in a selected region so that the surface roughness of the fixing member in the selected region is different than the surface roughness of the fixing member outside the selected region. The surfaced fixing member is heated. After the deposition step, pressure is applied to the marking-material-bearing portion of the receiver using the heated fixing member, so that the marking material flows and acquires a gloss in a differentiated region on the receiver corresponding to the selected region of the fixing member that is different than the gloss of the marking material outside the differentiated region to create the gloss watermark on the surface of the marking material. |
| US08496990B2 |
Method of repairing a coating on an article
A method of locally repairing a coating (50) on a gas turbine engine nozzle guide vane (26) or a turbine blade (30,30B) comprises removing a damaged portion of the coating (50) from a portion (53) of the article. Any oxidized layer (54) is removed from the portion (53) of the surface of the article. Material is placed on the portion (53) of the article (26,30,30B) to form a patch coating (50B). The material is heated to form a patch coating (50B) on the portion (53) of the article (26,30,30B) and to bond the patch coating (50B) to the portion (53) of the article (26,30,30B) and to the coating surrounding the patch coating (50B). A high energy beam is impinged on the coating (50) and the high energy beam is moved from the periphery (60) of the patch coating (50B) to the periphery (62) of the coating (50) in a pattern (P) to uniformly heat the periphery (60) of the patch coating (50B) and the periphery (62) of the coating (50). The advantage is that a halo effect around the patch coating (50B) is obviated. |
| US08496977B2 |
Natural extract from whole banana fruit (Musa Spp)
A natural Extract from whole Fruit of Banana (Musa Spp.), (including edible portion and peel), whether unripe or ripe, containing mainly natural Melatonin, Serotonin, Catecholamines and its precursors; amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine; minerals potassium, magnesium, phosphorous and antioxidants. The extract contains very minimal or no carbohydrates. |
| US08496975B2 |
Compositions for the treatment and prevention of infections of the oral cavity
The present invention relates to compositions comprising benzophenanthridine alkaloids, benzofuran compounds and catechin polyphenols, which are useful in the treatment and prevention of infections of the oral cavity. |
| US08496971B2 |
Treatment of osteoporosis
The present invention relates to a combination for the treatment of osteoporosis and/or the prophylaxis and treatment of bone fractures, said combination comprising collagen, an additional peptide, a calcium-containing substance and a wetting agent with a terminally functionalized oligolactone. The invention also relates to artificial bones and implants produced by the combination and to the use of said combination for fixing implants and treating osteoporosis and/or the prophylaxis and treatment of bone fractures. The invention further relates to a method for producing artificial bones and implants. |
| US08496967B2 |
Oral formulations
A solid pharmaceutical composition containing AP23573 suitable for oral administration is disclosed. |
| US08496966B2 |
Quick dissolving carrier granules
A quickly dissolving carrier granule made up of wood fibers, mineral filler, and starch-based or dextrin-based adhesive binder. The wood fibers in these granules are preferably wood fibers ranging from about 10 microns to about 2 mm in length. Typically, at least about 35 weight- % of the fibers are retained on a 50-Mesh U.S. Sieve Series screen. The wood fibers in this invention are derived from sources that are substantially free of resins such as urea-formaldehyde resin and of diphenylmethane diisocyanate resin. Typical binders are soluble dextrin binders or a viscous corn starch, wheat starch, rice starch, tapioca starch, potato starch, or sago starch binders. The granules have a Resistance to Attrition of at least 90%. Also disclosed is a method of making such granules. The disclosure also describes carrier granule compositions which are made up of from 10 to 90 weight- % of carrier granules wherein the binder is a dextrin binder and from 90 to 10 weight- % of carrier granules wherein the binder is a food-based or industrial-based native starch. |
| US08496962B2 |
Trans-adjuvant system
The present invention relates to a novel adjuvant system that generates an efficient immune response against antigens of various origins while reducing the risk of toxic side effects attendant to the use of known adjuvants. The novel adjuvant of the present invention comprises virosomes and allows antigenic molecules to be bound to or encapsulated in a variety of delivery vehicles which are easier to prepare for virosomes. |
| US08496960B2 |
Terazosin transdermal device and methods
A method of effectively treating benign prostatic hypertension in humans is achieved by administering amorphous terazosin via a transdermal formulation. Preferably, the transdermal formulation is applied to the skin of the patient and maintained in contact with the skin for at least about 24 hours, and preferably for about 3 to about 8 days. |
| US08496959B2 |
Method of promoting new tissue growth and/or wound healing using bioresorbable dressing comprising microspheres or microparticles
Methods, system and compositions for making and using a bioresorbable linked dressing made of bioresorbable microspheres in various configurations are provided for use in applying reduced pressure to a wound site. The methods include manufacture of a bioresorbable dressing comprising a casing and bioresorbable microspheres in the form of a rope shape. Further, the casing of the dressing comprises pores formed by a porogen system that may be activated by external to the wound or formed in situ within the wound site. The shape of the dressing allows the dressing to be placed into the wound site such that it fills the shape and size of the wound. Embodiments include formation of various rope dressing and their use in conjunction with reduced pressure therapy. |
| US08496957B2 |
Controlled release auris sensory cell modulator compositions and methods for the treatment of otic disorders
Disclosed herein are methods for the treatment of otic diseases or conditions with intratympanic compositions and formulations of multiparticulate auris sensory cell modulating agent administered locally to an individual afflicted with an otic disease or condition, through direct application of these compositions and formulations onto or via perfusion into the targeted auris structure(s). |
| US08496954B2 |
Coating systems for the controlled delivery of hydrophilic bioactive agents
Described are coating systems for the controlled delivery of hydrophilic bioactive agents, for example, from implantable medical devices. The coating systems of the invention comprise (a) a polymeric basecoat layer containing one or more hydrophilic bioactive agents; and (b) an elution-controlling topcoat layer that comprises a poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) copolymer. The elution rate of the hydrophilic bioactive agent can be controlled by varying the vinyl acetate concentration in the elution-controlling topcoat layer. |
| US08496951B2 |
Compositions containing aromatic aldehydes and their use in treatments
Disclosed are pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions containing aromatic aldehyde compounds. Some of the disclosed compositions are useful as topical therapeutics for treating inflammatory dermatologic conditions. Some of the compositions are useful in transdermal and other systemic dose forms for treating other inflammatory conditions in mammals. |
| US08496947B2 |
Dental whitening strips
A dental whitening strip which includes a carrier support having a whitening composition adhered to said carrier where the whitening composition comprises (a) dextrin; (b) a peroxide; (c) a non-toxic water soluble inorganic salt; (d) a acceptable hydroxy compound which is a plasticizer. |
| US08496946B2 |
Antimicrobial hydrogels, methods of preparation thereof, and articles therefrom
A covalently crosslinked hydrogel comprises a) three or more divalent poly(alkylene oxide) chains P′ covalently linked at respective first end units to a branched first core group C′, b) three or more divalent poly(alkylene oxide) chains P″ covalently linked at respective first end units to a branched second core group C″, the chains P″ comprising respective second end units which are covalently linked to between 0% and 100% of respective second end units of chains P′ by divalent linking groups L″, and c) at least one pendant cationic block copolymer chain A′-B′. A′-B′ comprises i) a divalent block A′ comprising a poly(alkylene oxide) backbone chain having an end unit covalently linked to a second end unit of one of the chains P′ by a divalent linking group L′, and ii) a monovalent block B′ comprising a first repeat unit, the first repeat unit comprising a backbone carbonate group and a cationic side chain group. |
| US08496944B2 |
Process for the manufacture of powders of inhalable medicaments
The invention relates to an improved process for the production of powders of an inhalable medicament by crystallization from a supersaturated fluid containing said medicament, the method comprising passing along a tubular reactor (a) a segmented flow of that fluid comprised of discrete volumes; or (b) a fluid mixture being separated by discrete volumes of a separating fluid which is substantially immiscible with said fluid, characterized in that the crystallization is initiated by application of ultrasound. |
| US08496943B2 |
Non-aqueous single phase vehicles and formulations utilizing such vehicles
The present invention is related to materials and methods for forming polymeric delivery vehicles that reduces risk of oxidative degradation of a carried drug and the resulting compositions. |
| US08496941B2 |
Vectors for generating pluripotent stem cells and methods of producing pluripotent stem cells using the same
Stem cell reprogramming genes cloned into a single sustained expression-type Sendai viral vector are shown to reprogram differentiated somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells without integration of vector sequences into the host cell's genome. The genes are transduced into normal differentiated somatic cells via infection with recombinant Sendai virus. After expression of the reprogramming genes and subsequent induction of pluripotency, the vector genome RNA including the reprogramming genes is removed from the cell to establish an iPS cell that is genetically identical to the parent somatic differentiated cell thus reducing the risk of tumorigenic transformation caused by random integration of vector sequences into the host genome. The method promises to provide safe, autologous iPS cells that can be used for human cell replacement and regeneration therapeutic applications. |
| US08496940B2 |
Prevention and treatment of sub-clinical PCVD
The present invention relates to the use of an immunogenic composition comprising a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) antigen for the prevention and treatment of sub-clinical PCV2 infection in animals, preferably in pigs. |
| US08496939B2 |
Injectable water-in-oil emulsions
Personal care or cosmetic oil in water emulsions include an oil emulsifier and a combination of a Xanthan polysaccharide and a polyglucomannan polysaccharide to provide enhanced stability even at low emulsifier stabilizer levels. The emulsifier stabilizer system provides stable emulsions without dominating system rheology, particularly viscosity. Thus, the emulsions can have a low viscosity suitable for formulation as milks or thin lotions, or can be thickened, desirably by thickening agents other than the Xanthans and/or polyglucomannan, to provide emulsion creams or gels. This enables the system to be used very flexibly in end use applications. The emulsifier is desirably a non-ionic emulsifier and particularly is a combination of a low HLB and a high HLB emulsifier and can be formulated with conventional alcohol ethoxylate surfactants or from non-EO surfactants e.g. sucrose ester high HLB surfactants and citrate or sorbitan ester low HLB surfactants. |
| US08496936B2 |
Antagonists of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-23P19
The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-23. Antagonists include antibodies and antibody fragments that bind IL-23 and that bind IL-17A or IL-17F, such as antibodies that are cross-reactive for IL-17A and Il-17F. Antagonists that include an antibody or antibody fragment that binds IL-23 and an antibody or antibody fragment that binds IL-17A or IL-17F on one molecule are also disclosed. Antibodies and antibody fragments that bind IL-23 and IL-17F but that do not bind IL-17A are also disclosed. IL-17 and IL-23 are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. |
| US08496934B2 |
Method for treating cachexia using antagonist antibodies against GDF-8
The disclosure provides novel molecules related to growth and differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), in particular mouse and humanized antibodies, and antibody fragments, including those that inhibit GDF-8 activity and signaling in vitro and/or in vivo. The disclosure also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, ameliorating, preventing, prognosing, or monitoring degenerative orders of muscle, bone, and insulin metabolism, etc., in particular amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In addition, the disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of such disorders by using the antibodies, polypeptides, polynucleotides, and vectors of the invention. |
| US08496930B2 |
Method of stabilizing antibody and stabilized solution-type antibody preparation
The present invention provides a method of suppressing the formation of a soluble association of an antibody in a solution; a method of suppressing the formation of a chemically degraded product of an antibody in a solution; and a method of stabilizing an antibody in a solution. The present invention also provides a solution-type antibody preparation in which the formation of a soluble association is suppressed; a solution-type antibody preparation in which the formation of a chemically degraded product is suppressed; a solution-type antibody preparation in which the formation of a soluble association, the formation of a chemically degraded product and the formation of an insoluble aggregate are suppressed; an agent for suppressing the formation of a soluble association of an antibody; an agent for suppressing the formation of a chemically degraded product of an antibody; and a stabilizing agent for an antibody. |
| US08496929B2 |
Inotropic effects of antibodies on cardiac contraction
The present invention shows that site-specific antibodies to the (Na++K+)-ATPase exert a potent biological effect in cardiac myocytes and demonstrates a key structural region of the enzyme that participates in the regulation of cardiac contractility. These results establish an important link between a biological action and a precise molecular structure of the (Na++K+)-ATPase. Furthermore, the antibody-induced positive inotropic effect is independent of inactivation of the enzyme may reveal a novel mode for (Na++K+)-ATPase to regulate cardiac function. The data provide new molecular insights into the structural and functional relationship of the ubiquitous (Na++K+)-ATPase. |
| US08496927B2 |
CD20 negatively converted B-cell malignant lymphoma cell line and utilization thereof
It is intended to provide a tool, a procedure and so on which are useful in developing a therapeutic strategy efficacious in inhibiting or overcoming the resistance against a CD20-directed molecular-targeted drug. Thus, a CD20-negatively converted B-cell malignant lymphocyte cell line is provided. Also, a model animal indicating the pathological conditions of CD20-negatively converted B-cell malignant lymphocyte is provided. Further, a method of screening a substance, which is efficacious against CD20-positive B-cell malignant lymphocyte or CD20-negatively converted B cell malignant lymphocyte, is provided. Furthermore, a drug against CD20-positive B-cell malignant lymphocyte or CD20-negatively converted B-cell malignant lymphocyte, which is characterized by being used together with a CD20-directed molecular-targeted drug, is provided. In one embodiment, a DNA methylase inhibitor or a histone deacetylase inhibitor is employed as the active ingredient. |
| US08496924B2 |
Use of lactic acid bacteria for improving food lysine absorption of pet animals
This invention relates to the selection and use of nonpathogenic, lysine-uptake stimulating lactic acid bacteria strains, and products and methods using such strains for example for improvement of fur-coat and claws quality in pet-animals. |
| US08496922B2 |
Plankton strain algae Parachlorella nurekis 1904 KIEG and his use to exterminate cyanobacteria, bacteria and fungi
An industrial strain of a unicellular green algae Parachlorella nurekis 1904 KIEG deposited in the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP), Scottish Marine Institute, Dunbeg, OBAN, Argyll, PA37 1QA, Scotland, UK, CCAP No. 259/1. A method for eradication of at least one of cyanobacteria, bacteria and fungi comprises treating the at least one of cyanobacteria, bacteria and fungi with an industrial strain of the unicellular green algae Parachlorella nurekis 1904 KIEG deposited in the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP), Scottish Marine Institute, Dunbeg, OBAN, Argyll, PA37 1QA, Scotland, UK, CCAP No. 259/1. |
| US08496915B2 |
Noncarious material and anticarious agent containing rare sugar
Object: To provide a composition for preventing periodontal diseases (prophylactic agent of periodontal diseases), the composition having an excellent cariostatic property, being safe and stable for prolonged use and having less effects on flavor.Means for Resolution: A non-cariogenic material prepared by blending a rare sugar in the D form as selected from the group consisting of D-psicose, D-sorbose and D-tagatose, a rare sugar in the L form as selected from L-fructose, L-psicose and L-tagatose, or allitol as a rare sugar derivative, singly or in combination. A cariostatic agent comprising D-psicose, D-sorbose, D-tagatose, L-fructose, L-psicose and/or L-tagatose. A cariostatic agent in combination with catechins. |
| US08496913B2 |
Compressed chewing gum tablet
The present invention relates to a compressed chewing gum tablet possessing tooth brush properties, which compressed chewing gum tablet comprises at least gum base and a) at least one whitening agent, b) at least one fresh-breath agent, c) at least one anti-plaque agent, d) at least one anti-gingivitis agent, e) at least one re-mineralization agent, and f) optionally at least one anti-calculus agent, wherein the compressed chewing gum tablet at least partly is manufactured from a compressed mixture of granules and agents. |
| US08496911B2 |
Tissue stabilization for heart failure
Methods and devices for the stabilization of heart tissue to treat congestive heart failure using a therapeutic composition are discussed. The therapeutic composition can comprise an elastin stabilization agent, a collagen stabilization agent, or a combination thereof and be applied to the pericardium, to the outer surface of the myocardium, or a combination thereof using a catheter type of device with an attached reservoir. Controlled placement and release of the therapeutic composition can be achieved using a delivery vehicle to formulate the composition. |
| US08496910B2 |
Stabilisation of radiopharmaceutical precursors
The invention relates to a method for improving stability of radiopharmaceutical precursors, and in particular non radiolabelled nucleoside derivatives which are used as precursors for production of radiolabelled nucleoside derivatives for use in in vivo imaging procedures such as positron emission tomography (PET). The invention further includes formulations of radiopharmaceutical precursors, and cassettes for automated synthesis apparatus comprising the same. |
| US08496909B2 |
Calcium looping process for high purity hydrogen production integrated with capture of carbon dioxide, sulfur and halides
A process for producing hydrogen comprising the steps of: (i) gasifying a fuel into a raw synthesis gas comprising CO, hydrogen, steam, sulfur and halide contaminants in the form of H2S, COS, and HX, wherein X is a halide; (ii) passing the raw synthesis gas through a water gas shift reactor (WGSR) into which CaO and steam are injected, the CaO reacting with the shifted gas to remove CO2, sulfur and halides in a solid-phase calcium-containing product comprising CaCO3, CaS and CaX2; (iii) separating the solid-phase calcium-containing product from an enriched gaseous hydrogen product; and (iv) regenerating the CaO by calcining the solid-phase calcium-containing product at a condition selected from the group consisting of: in the presence of steam, in the presence of CO2, in the presence of synthesis gas, in the presence of H2 and O2, under partial vacuum, and combinations thereof. |
| US08496901B2 |
Preparation method for a water-insoluble crystal form II ammonium polyphosphate with high purity and polymerization degrees
A preparation method for a water-insoluble crystal form ammonium polyphosphate includes conveying crystal H-type phosphorus pentoxide and diammonium phosphate at a molar ratio of 1:1-1.5 into a malaxator with twin screws, and injecting ammonia gas for 3-40 minutes into the malaxator at 20-25 m3/h while preheating the material at a temperature between 100° C. and 300° C. Therafter one injects ammonia gas again at 8-15 m3/h for 4-8 hours. The resulting material is transferred to another sealed container and stirred while coupling agent is added. Stirring continues until the material drops below 60° C., the material then being transferred into organic solvent for washing for 30-50 minutes. Thereafter the material is first filter pressed, then subjected to low temperature drying, and then sieved to obtain the final product. |
| US08496900B2 |
Tricalcium phosphate coarse particle compositions and methods for making the same
Methods for preparing a tricalcium phosphate coarse particle composition are provided. Aspects of the methods include converting an initial tricalcium phosphate particulate composition to hydroxyapatite, sintering the resultant hydroxyapatite to produce a second tricalcium phosphate composition and then mechanically manipulating the second tricalcium phosphate composition to produce a tricalcium phosphate coarse particle composition. The subject methods and compositions produced thereby find use in a variety of applications. |
| US08496899B2 |
Exhaust gas purifying catalyst
An exhaust gas purifying catalyst 1 has a catalyst substrate 3 and catalyst coating layers 5, 7 that are formed on the catalyst substrate 3 and contain (a) Rh, (b) Pt, (c) an alkali metal or alkaline earth element, and (d) an inorganic oxide. The catalyst coating layers 5, 7 has a layered structure including an inside layer 5 where the component (a) is substantially locally existing, and an outside layer 7 where the component (b) is substantially locally existing. The inside layer 5 also contains a zirconia oxide. |
| US08496896B2 |
Zero platinum group metal catalysts
The present invention relates improving the performance of nitrogen oxide reduction by exposing rich exhaust to catalysts systems comprising a catalyst, wherein the catalyst systems are free of platinum group metals. The present invention also relates to improving reduction of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon in exhaust by introducing air into a portion of the exhaust between a first catalyst system and a second catalyst system. The present invention also relates to improving nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon reduction by (1) exposing rich exhaust to a first catalysts system, wherein the exhaust has an R value of greater than 1.0 and the first catalyst system comprises a catalyst and is free of platinum group metals and (2) introducing air into a portion of the exhaust in between the first catalyst system and a second catalyst system, wherein the second catalyst system is free of platinum group metals. |
| US08496895B2 |
Exhaust gas treating apparatus and treating method for carbon dioxide capture process
Disclosed are an exhaust gas treating apparatus and a treating method for a carbon dioxide capture process, in which harmful substances remaining in the exhaust gas discharged from the conventional flue-gas desulfurization process are additionally removed for efficient performance of the carbon dioxide capture process. According to the exhaust gas treating apparatus for a carbon dioxide capture process, it has the effects of minimizing the installation space of desulfurization equipment and reducing the process cost. In addition, by keeping the contaminants contained in the gas introduced in the carbon dioxide capture equipment below a proper level, absorption performance can be improved as degradation of the absorbent used in the carbon dioxide capture process is prevented. After all, it has an advantage of preventing the pollution by the exhaust gas discharged into the atmosphere. |
| US08496894B2 |
Method and system for controlling mercury emissions from coal-fired thermal processes
The present disclosure is directed to the use of elemental or speciated iodine and bromine to control total mercury emissions. |
| US08496892B2 |
Hydrogenation process for fluorocarbons
Disclosed is a process and apparatus for the catalytic hydrogenation of fluoro-olefins to fluorocarbons where the reaction is carried out in a multi-tube shell and tube reactor. Reactions involving hydrogenation of fluoro-olefins are typically exothermic. In commercial processes where a fluoro-olefin CnH2n−xFx to CnH2n−x2Fx is hydrogenated (e.g., hexafluoropropylene to 236ea, 1225ye to 245eb, and the like), inadequate management or control of heat removal may induce excess hydrogenation, decomposition and hot spots resulting in reduced yields and potential safety issues. In the hydrogenation of fluoro-olefins, it is therefore necessary to control the reaction temperature as precisely as practical to overcome challenges associated with heat management and safety. |
| US08496891B2 |
Reaction container holder and analyzer
A reaction container holder capable of inhibiting the lowering of the transfer efficiency of heat transferred from a rotating member to a bottom surface of a reaction container, and an analyzer comprising the reaction container holder, are provided. In a reaction container holder comprising: a retaining member unit comprising a plurality of container retaining sections for retaining reaction containers, which house a reaction liquid containing a reagent and a specimen; and a circular rotating member for detachably fixing the unit from above and rotating, the holder keeping the container at a constant temperature by transferring heat from a heat source through the rotating member to the container, the rotating member comprises a level difference section, an upper surface of which is positioned below a bottom surface of the container retained by the unit and above a bottom part of the section, when the retaining member unit is fixed. |
| US08496885B2 |
Container having oxygen scavenging system
A polyethylene terephthalate container having a hydrogen generator and catalyst disposed or otherwise incorporated in components of the container, including the closure, closure insert, label, label glue, and/or any other portions of the final container assembly. In addition, the catalyst and the hydrogen generator can both be located in the same component. Methods for dispersing the hydrogen generator and catalyst in the container wall without affecting clarity are provided. |
| US08496881B2 |
Chemical delivery assembly
A chemical delivery system includes: a chemical storage device configured for emitting a volatilized chemical therefrom; a heating element which provides an exothermic chemical reaction; an at least substantially rigid housing element containing the heating element; a tray including a well, the well having an absence of a through-hole and defining a space which is slightly larger than the chemical storage device, the tray being attached to the housing element, the chemical storage device being mounted to the well, the heating element being in thermal communication with the chemical storage device via the well; a retainer attached to the well and including at least one hole configured for passing therethrough the volatilized chemical to an ambient environment, the retainer being configured for retaining the chemical storage device in the space; and a removable covering directly attached to the tray and covering the retainer and the well to thereby hermetically seal the chemical storage device within the space. |
| US08496876B2 |
Folded carrier tape having consumable elements
The invention relates to a carrier tape which carries a plurality of consumable elements for a system for determining an analyte concentration of a human or animal bodily fluid and is folded into a stack. According to the invention, the consumable elements are disposed on the carrier tape in groups, wherein the distance between adjacent groups in the longitudinal direction of the carrier tape is greater than that between adjacent consumable elements within a group. |
| US08496868B2 |
Polylactic acid shrink films and methods of manufacturing same
A heat-shrinkable polylactic acid (PLA) film and a method of its manufacture are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the PLA films exhibit heat-induced growth in the cross direction with concomitant shrinkage in the machine direction. The films may comprise any grade of PLA polymer, optionally including additives, such as antiblock, slip, viscosity enhancers and combinations thereof. A method of manufacture is disclosed which includes a post-extrusion temperature conditioning step. |
| US08496863B2 |
Method for producing a replication master, replication method and replication master
In a method for producing a replication master (10) having a surface with low roughness, comprising the steps of forming said master (10) such as to have a desired external surface shape corresponding to a counterform of a surface of an object (18, 20) to be produced by replication and treating said external surface of said master (10) to obtain a predetermined surface roughness value, it is proposed that said method furthermore comprises the step of coating at least a part of said master (10) with a soluble smoothening layer (16). The invention further relates to a replication master (10) for producing a smooth object (18, 20) having a low surface roughness, wherein at least a part of said master (10) is coated with a soluble smoothening layer (16). |
| US08496862B2 |
Collet mechanism and method of molding cannula to a syringe barrel
A collet mechanism that holds a cannula during molding of a syringe includes first and second arms that form an internal cavity. Each arm has a proximal end and a distal end. The first and second arms are in a closed position when the distal ends are moved toward the internal cavity and are in an open position when the distal ends are positioned away from the internal cavity. First and second cannula guides respectively are mounted proximate the distal ends of the first and second arms and extend into the internal cavity. The first and second cannula guides clamp a portion of the cannula to hold the cannula when the first and second arms are in the closed position. |
| US08496860B2 |
Foam-backed, hollow articles made by cold rotational molding
Systems and cold rotational molding methods are provided for making hollow, foam-backed polymeric molded articles. The molded articles can be manikins or manikin parts, or other articles, such as frames (e.g. for mirrors and pictures), urns, fixtures, furniture, display props, and garden furniture, made of a thermosetting elastomeric material. The articles are more structurally rigid than previous molded articles utilizing the same amount of polymer material, lighter in weight than previous molded articles having the same structural rigidity, and more resistant to deformation under temperatures up to 180 to 185° F. The process of making a molded manikin part, from the first injection of polymer into the mold until demolding of the finished part, can be completed in as short a time as 18 minutes without the necessity for cradling of the demolded part, even when the part requires one or more flat surfaces. |
| US08496859B2 |
Method of producing a plastic polarized lens
A method of producing a plastic polarized lens with excellent processability and the like by injecting a mixture of a specified isocyanate compound and a specified active hydrogen compound into a lens-forming mold wherein a polarized film containing a thermoplastic polyester is fixed, followed by polymerization and curing. |
| US08496857B2 |
Nanotextured surfaces
The invention describes novel compositions that include a cross linking compound, a polymer and a 1 nm to about a 25 micron sized particle optionally with an oxide layer. In particular, the particle is a silica and one which has been pretreated with a silane. |
| US08496856B2 |
Compound semiconductors and their application
Disclosed are new compound semiconductors which may be used for solar cells or as thermoelectric materials, and their application. The compound semiconductor may be represented by a chemical formula: InxCo4Sb12-n-zQ′nSez, where Q′ is at least one selected from the group consisting of O and S, 0 |
| US08496853B2 |
Corrosion inhibition of hypochlorite solutions
Corrosion inhibitor compositions and methods of use are disclosed. Zinc and calcium corrosion inhibitors combined with hypochlorite sources provide use solutions for effective corrosion inhibition for metal surfaces. |
| US08496850B2 |
Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
Disclosed is a liquid crystal composition that can satisfy at least one of properties such as a high upper limit temperature of a nematic phase, a low lower limit temperature of a nematic phase, a low viscosity, a proper optical anisotropy, a negatively high dielectric anisotropy, a high specific resistance, a high stability against ultraviolet light, and a high stability against heat, or has a proper balance between at least two of the above properties. The liquid crystal composition comprises a first component of a dicyclic compound which has a negatively high dielectric anisotropy and contains fluorines at least three of lateral positions, a second component of a specific compound having a low viscosity, and a third component of a specific compound having a negatively high dielectric anisotropy and contains a negatively dielectric anisotropy. The liquid crystal display element comprises the composition. |
| US08496849B2 |
Liquid crystal aligning agent, liquid crystal alignment film and liquid crystal display device
Disclosed is a liquid crystal orientating agent which contains a liquid crystal orientating polyorganosiloxane obtained by reacting a specified reactive polyorganosiloxane typified by the hydrolysis condensate of 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane and a reactive compound which includes a specified compound typified by stearic acid. The liquid crystal orientating agent of this invention can form liquid crystal orientating films which have excellent liquid crystal orientating properties, a high level of heat resistance and light resistance, exhibit little reduction of voltage retention even in high temperature environments and when irradiated with light of high intensity, and excellent residual image characteristics, and it also has excellent storage stability. |
| US08496848B2 |
Films and processes for producing the same
A birefringent film which comprises a compound having a proton-accepting group and a compound having a proton-donating group; and a birefringent film which comprises a compound having a proton-accepting group and a proton-donating group. The proton-accepting group and proton-donating group are combined with each other through intermolecular hydrogen bonding. |
| US08496847B2 |
Method and composition for operation of evaporative cooling towers at increased cycles of concentration
A method and chemical composition are provided which permit operation of evaporative cooling towers at increased cycles of concentration without formation of calcium scale. The method can include first determining the calcium hardness and total alkalinity of the makeup water, calculating the operating cycles of concentration using a formula developed for the specified chemical composition, then dosing the treated water to maintain a constant level of the chemical composition. The method permits scale-free operation of evaporative cooling towers at a minimum of two (2) cycles of concentration over existing technology. |
| US08496846B2 |
Phenol stabilizers for fluoroolefins
The present invention relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin and an effective amount of stabilizer that may be at least one phenol or a mixture of at least one phenol with other stabilizers. The stabilized compositions may be useful in cooling apparatus, such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, chillers, and heat pumps, as well as in applications as foam blowing agents, solvents, aerosol propellants, fire extinguishants, and sterilants. |
| US08496845B2 |
Refrigerant composition comprising difluoromethane (HFC32), pentafluoroethane (HFC125) and 2, 3, 3, 3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO1234yf)
The present invention provides a refrigerant composition that is nonflammable, and ensures low LCCP and less burden on the environment. More specifically, the present invention relates a refrigerant composition containing difluoromethane (HFC32), pentafluoroethane (HFC125), and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO1234yf), the ratio of HFC32/HFC125/HFO1234yf being in a range surrounded by points (0/21/79 mass %), (16.6/25.3/58.1 mass %), and (0/28.4/71.6 mass %) in a ternary diagram of a refrigerant composition containing HFC32, HFC125, and HFO1234yf, and the composition essentially containing HFC32. |
| US08496843B2 |
Method of polishing a substrate comprising polysilicon and at least one of silicon oxide and silicon nitride
A method for chemical mechanical polishing of a substrate is provided, comprising: providing a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises polysilicon and at least one of silicon oxide and silicon nitride; providing a chemical mechanical polishing composition, comprising, as initial components: water; an abrasive; and an alkyl aryl polyether sulfonate compound, wherein the alkyl aryl polyether sulfonate compound has a hydrophobic portion having an alkyl group bound to an aryl ring and a nonionic acyclic hydrophilic portion having 4 to 100 carbon atoms; providing a chemical mechanical polishing pad with a polishing surface; moving the polishing surface relative to the substrate; dispensing the chemical mechanical polishing composition onto the polishing surface; and, abrading at least a portion of the substrate to polish the substrate; wherein at least some of the polysilicon is removed from the substrate; and, wherein at least some of the at least one of silicon oxide and silicon nitride is removed from the substrate. |
| US08496840B1 |
Grease containment systems and methods
A grease containment apparatus arranged to receive grease discharged by a fan-type rooftop grease exhauster includes multiple sumps and at least one trough disposed between the sumps. An apparatus may be disposed along two, three, or four sides of a rooftop grease exhauster, including corner sumps assemblies and/or end sump assemblies, preferably including associated rain shields, and optionally including one or more end caps. Components may be fabricated of UV-resistant polymeric materials such as ABS. Use of grease absorbent media may be avoided. A drain conduit may receive water from a sump, with at least a portion of the drain conduit being disposed at a level above a bottom edge of the sump. |
| US08496839B2 |
Method for filtering a suspension and filter device
A filter device including at least one filter chamber between a filter plate and a counter plate when the device is closed, into which chamber a suspension can be inducted on a cake side of a filter cloth through at least one filling shoe anchored in the filter plate and clamping the cloth with the filter plate in a sealing manner. The suspension permeates the cloth to the filtrate side, wherein the suspension solid content deposits on the cloth as a filter cake, and the filter and counter plates are offset from each other when the device is open, and the cake is removable from the chamber. In order to simplify the disassembly of the cloth, the shoe is movably anchored in the filter plate, and the shoe is automatically lifted off from the filter plate and the clamping of the filter cloth is released when the device is opened. |
| US08496838B2 |
Processes employing movable particles
The invention is directed to an industrial process, for instance a process for the separation of compounds from a fluid mixture or a process for cleaning parts of equipment, using movable particles, as well as to said particles per se, which may be used in such processes. |
| US08496836B2 |
Method and device for chromatographic purification
A process for continuous or quasi-continuous purification of a multi-component mixture (F) by means of individual chromatographic columns through which the mixture is fed by means of at least one solvent(s). The multi-component mixture (F) at least comprises light impurities (A), an intermediate product (B) to be purified and heavy impurities (C), and the columns are grouped into at least four sections (α,β,γ,δ). After or within a switch time (t*) the last column from the first section (α) is moved to the first position of the second section (β), the last column of the second section (β) is moved to the first position of the third section (γ), the last column of the third section (γ) is moved to the first position of the fourth section (δ) and the last column of the fourth section (δ) is moved to become the first column of the first section (α). |
| US08496835B2 |
Anion-exchange displacement chromatography process and anionic organic compounds for use as displacer compounds in anion-exchange displacement chromatography process
A displacement chromatography process, including: loading onto a stationary phase comprising an anion-exchange material a mixture comprising one or more components to be separated; and displacing at least one of the one or more components from the stationary phase by applying to the stationary phase a mixture comprising an polyaromatic polyanionic displacer compound having a general formula Cen(Ar)w, in which Cen is a central bond or group, Ar is an aromatic nucleus, w=2 to the maximum number of sites one Cen, and Ar is substituted with a plurality of An−, in which each An− is independently defined as sulfonate, carboxylate, phosphonate, phosphate, sulfate; and Ar is further substituted with a plurality of G, in which G is defined as independently H, C1-C6 alkyl, halogen, nitro, hydroxy, or C1-C6 alkoxy. In addition, a group of polyaromatic polyanionic displacer compounds useful in the process is disclosed. |
| US08496832B2 |
Method for sewage and industrial wastewater treatment
A process for wastewater treatment, comprising aerating and mixing wastewater containing organic and/or inorganic pollutants and bentonite clay in a vessel at a first temperature and for a time sufficient to reduce the concentration of said pollutants, raising the temperature of said mixture to at least 100° C. to evaporate water vapor, passing said water vapor through a fritted membrane and into a condenser, and collecting condensed water. |
| US08496831B2 |
Dehydration processes using membranes with hydrophobic coating
Processes for removing water from organic compounds, especially polar compounds such as alcohols. The processes include a membrane-based dehydration step, using a membrane that has a dioxole-based polymer selective layer or the like and a hydrophilic selective layer, and can operate even when the stream to be treated has a high water content, such as 10 wt % or more. The processes are particularly useful for dehydrating ethanol. |
| US08496829B2 |
Method for reducing fouling in microfiltration systems
A process has been found which increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall filtration system, by reducing the fouling of the microfiltration system, thereby increasing its permeability and reducing the frequency of cleanings necessary. According to one embodiment of the invention, cationic coagulant is used to treat water in the early stages of a water treatment system, and to coagulate and flocculate the contaminants, and thereby resulting in reduced fouling of the microfiltration system, resulting in increase flux, less deposit of colloidal and particulate solids and dissolved organics on the surface of the microfiltration membrane, thereby reducing the frequency and duration of the membrane cleaning and ultimate replacement. |
| US08496827B2 |
Waste activated sludge phosphorus and magnesium stripping process and struvite production system
A method of treating a mixture of microorganisms with readily biodegradable carbon compounds (RBCs) in the form of one or more volatile fatty acids (VFAs), by first inducing the mixture microorganisms to release phosphorus and magnesium which is then tapped o as the mixture is thickened, to produce a phosphorus/magnesium-nch liquid and a phosphorus/magnesium-reduced treated mixture This treated mixture is placed in an anaerobic digester where ammonia is formed, but combines very little with phosphorus or magnesium Next the high-ammonia mixture is dewatered to produce an ammonia-rich liquid, which is combined with the phosphorus and magnesium-rich liquid and reacted to form struvite In one preferred embodiment, VFAs are formed in situ via an upstream unified fermentation and thickening (UFAT) process and added to the waste sidestream to strip phosphorus and magnesium found therein In another preferred embodiment a usable struvite product is harvested. |
| US08496826B2 |
Body fluid treating device of hollow fiber membrane type
A hollow fiber membrane type fluid treatment device having at least a body portion of tubular housing containing a hollow fiber membrane bundle. In the hollow fiber membrane type fluid treatment device, an inner surface of a body portion of the tubular housing at a side of a treatment liquid inlet has a body straight portion and an end tapered portion which increases in diameter toward an end face of the housing body portion, the hollow fiber membrane is arranged so that a distance between the hollow fiber membranes is gradually increased toward the end face on the treatment liquid inlet side along a taper of a tapered portion of the inner surface of the housing body portion, and a liquid to be treated flows within the hollow fiber membranes and a treatment liquid flows outside of the hollow fiber membranes. |
| US08496821B2 |
Systems and methods for filtering fuel
The present disclosure is directed to a capsule configured to direct fuel flow within a fuel filter assembly housing. The capsule has a tubular element configured to define a flow path between the capsule and a fuel filter assembly housing. The tubular element defines an interior chamber, a proximal end, and a distal end defining a manifold. The tubular element is configured to be removably received by the fuel filter assembly housing. The interior chamber is configured to receive a fuel filter element. The capsule is configured to direct fuel flow from the proximal end of the capsule, around the tubular element, to a point beyond the distal end of the capsule, and to receive fuel flow from the point beyond the distal end of the capsule and direct the fuel flow via the manifold to the filter element, thereby providing at least two passes of the fuel flow through filter elements within the fuel filter assembly housing. |
| US08496820B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming an homogeneous mixture of chromatography media in a vessel
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming an homogeneous mixture of chromatography media in a vessel. The invention also relates to methods and apparatus for transferring the homogeneous media from the vessel into a second vessel in preparation for packing a chromatography column. The invention can also be used directly to pack the column with homogeneous media. |
| US08496819B2 |
Separation column for liquid chromatograph apparatus and liquid chromatograph apparatus using thereof
Both a column having high-pressure resistance and capable of performing high-speed separation and analysis even with a small flow rate and a liquid chromatograph apparatus using the column are provided. A separation column according to the present invention has a monolithic rod being arranged in the center, being made of a porous material, and having a circular cross section, a filler layer arranged such that it encircles a circumferential surface of the monolithic rod, and a cylindrical support medium arranged outside the filler layer. The filler layer is formed by filling a tube-like gap between the monolithic rod and the support medium with particles or beads. |
| US08496813B2 |
Solar powered skimmer for a swimming pool
The skimmer has a conveyor belt which travels in ascending and descending paths. The lower portion of the belt is adapted to be immersed in the water in a swimming pool for skimming debris floating on the surface of the water. The debris is carried upward by the belt and separates from the belt at its upper end. Any debris which does not separate from the belt is removed by a brush which contacts the belt as it travels in the descending path. The belt has perforations through which water passes. One or more solar panels activate, in hole or in part, the operation of the conveyor belt. The solar panels can be aimed at the sum whether it is high or low in the sky and once aimed, move at a rate which equals the observed rate of movement of the sun as it crosses the sky from morning to evening such that the solar panels continuously face the sun during daylight. |
| US08496812B2 |
Oil sump having oil filter on carrier unit
An oil sump, preferably made of plastic or metal, is provided for engines or transmissions, the oil sump comprising a filter housing including a filter housing top shell, a filter housing bottom shell, a filter medium, a filter inlet, and the filter outlet, and having an oil drain opening in a floor area of the oil sump, implemented in such a way that it is closable using an oil drain screw having external thread, which comes from the oil sump outer side. The oil sump also includes a carrier unit having a frame, on which the filter housing is fastened and which is used as a seal upon fastening of the oil sump on the associated unit, in particular on an engine block or a transmission unit. |
| US08496806B2 |
Dehydrator
Provided is a dehydrator that requires no excessively large apparatus structure and achieves cost-saving while maintaining suction efficiency at a desired level by use of suction means. A dehydrator 100 for separating water from a target liquid 13 includes at least two water separation membrane units 1a and 1b which are provided in series in a flow direction of the target liquid 13. The water separation membrane unit 1a on an upstream side out of the water separation membrane units 1a and 1b is connected to suction means 7 for sucking a gas phase containing water through one condenser 4, and the one condenser 4 condenses water in the gas phase and thereby separates the water. The gas phase sucked by the suction means 7 from the one condenser 4 is transferred to at least one downstream condenser 8 provided downstream of the one condenser 4, and the downstream condenser 8 condenses water in the gas phase and thereby separates the water. The water separation membrane unit 1b on a downstream side of the water separation membrane unit 1a is connected to a steam ejector 3, and the condenser 4 for condensing water in a gas phase passed through the steam ejector 3 condenses water and thereby separates the water. |
| US08496797B2 |
Electrical deionization apparatus
Electrodeionization methods and apparatus wherein ion exchange membranes are not utilized. Instead, ion exchange materials such as beads, fibers, etc., are disposed in alternating layers of anion exchange (AIX) materials and cation exchange (CIX) materials between opposite polarity electrodes. In a regeneration stage, a current is applied across the electrodes with water splitting occurring along at least one of the interfacial areas between neighboring AIX and CIX materials. The H+ and OH− ions formed via water splitting migrate in response to the electrical current and displace the salt ions in the respective AIX and CIX. The stack is flushed during the regeneration stage to remove the concentrated salt solution. During a deionization phase, the electrical current is terminated with influent fed to the stack for deionization. The salt ions in the influent are depleted via ion exchange as the influent contacts the AIX and CIX. |
| US08496795B2 |
Electrochemical gas sensor with at least one punctiform measuring electrode
An electrochemical gas sensor with a plurality of electrodes is provided with an electrolyte, with a gas-permeable membrane (1), with a gas-permeable and conductive carrier layer (2) applied to the membrane (1) and with at least one measuring electrode (3) applied to the carrier layer (2). The measuring electrode (3) is of a punctiform design and the electrochemical potential difference of the reaction between the carrier layer (2) and the measuring electrode (3) is at least 20 mV, can be manufactured in a compact form and makes possible an especially low power consumption for measured gases in the percentage range. |
| US08496789B2 |
Electrochemical processor
An electrochemical processor may include a head having a rotor configured to hold a workpiece, with the head moveable to position the rotor in a vessel. Inner and outer anodes are in inner and outer anolyte chambers within the vessel. An upper cup in the vessel, has a curved upper surface and inner and outer catholyte chambers. A current thief is located adjacent to the curved upper surface. Annular slots in the curved upper curved surface connect into passageways, such as tubes, leading into the outer catholyte chamber. Membranes may separate the inner and outer anolyte chambers from the inner and outer catholyte chambers, respectively. |
| US08496786B2 |
Heavy feed mixer
An apparatus designed to completely vaporize an intake of heavy hydrocarbon feedstock is described. The apparatus, a so-called heavy feed mixer, is comprised of pipes being disposed coaxially about a common longitudinal axis. The inner tubular section delivers a two-phase liquid-vapor mixture of hydrocarbon feedstock and dilution steam to the apparatus. The converging/diverging tubular section has a unique structure which converges to a throat section and then diverges to an outlet section. The converging section directs a uniform shroud of superheated steam onto the hydrocarbon stream delivered by the inner tubular section. Impingement of the superheated steam with the intake stream initiates mixing and further vaporization within the throat section. The mixture traverses the converging/diverging tubular section and passes into the outlet section where vaporization is complete. The completely vaporized stream is directed out of the apparatus for further processing downstream. |
| US08496785B2 |
Combination of a press felt with a pressure roll covering and/or suction roll covering for a paper machine
A combination of a press felt with a pressure and/or suction roll covering for a papermaking machine, including a porous press felt with a carrier structure. The pressure or suction roll covering having a circumferential groove surface structure having a groove width in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, a distance between grooves in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 mm and a groove depth in the range of 1.5 mm to 4 mm. A percentage of an open surface relative to an overall surface of the pressure roll covering is in a range of 20% to 50%. The suction roll covering additionally having an arrangement of holes with a plurality of suction holes completely penetrating through the suction roll covering, whereby a percentage of an open surface in relation to an overall surface of the suction roll covering is in a range of 30% to 50%. |
| US08496783B2 |
Web substrate having optimized emboss design
The present disclosure provides for a web substrate having at least one embossed ply having a surface thereof. The surface has surface area comprising from about 10.0 percent to about 20.0 percent line embossments. |
| US08496779B2 |
Sheet goods having a large repeat length and tile with numerous patterns
Sheet goods having extremely long repeat lengths and tiles having a large number of different visual patterns are formed by printing two different print patterns having different repeat lengths. The two different print patterns are printed on two films that are laminated together, or on a substrate, or one print pattern on a substrate and one print pattern on a transparent or translucent film that is laminated to the printed substrate. |
| US08496772B2 |
Tire building method and building facility
A tire building method and a tire building facility according to the invention attains reduction of an installation space of the tire building facility and substantially equal building cycles for respective building stages to increase building efficiency and facilitate arrangement switching. For attaining these, a step for building a cylindrical carcass band, a subsequent step for building a cylindrical green case, a step for building a cylindrical belt and tread band, a step for combining the green case and the belt and tread band to build the final shape are divided as first through fourth building stages (S1) through (S4) having individual building drums (D1) through (D4) corresponding to the respective steps. Formations in the respective building stages (S1) through (S4) are simultaneously performed by shifting the carcass band built in the first building stage (S1) to the second building stage (S2), the green case built in the second building stage (S2) to the fourth building stage (S4), and the belt and tread band built in the third building stage (S3) to the fourth building stage (S4). |
| US08496771B2 |
Method of filling and sealing a fluorescent layer in a slot space defined by two optical lenses and a partition ring
A method of filling and sealing a fluorescent layer in a slot space defined by two optical lenses and a partition ring is disclosed, in which a slot space is defined by two optical glasses and a partition frame having a partition ring on the inner wall surface. The partition frame is installed with two slots diametrically opposite to each other, and the slot space is evacuated to allow filling of a fluorescent material, and then the two slots are sealed so that the moisture is prevented from permeating into the fluorescent layer, and thus the optical performance can be maintained over a long period. |
| US08496767B2 |
Anodic bonding method, anodic bonding jig and anodic bonding apparatus
An anodic bonding method for anodically bonding a first substrate and a second substrate includes: a substrate placement step in which the first substrate and the second substrate are stacked and placed on a flat surface of a base with a surface of one of the first substrate and the second substrate to be cathode in contact with the flat surface of the base; a jig placement step, following the substrate placement step, in which the anodic bonding jig is placed so as to be in contact with a surface of one of the first substrate and the second substrate to be anode, the anodic bonding jig having a visual checking area formed of a material that allows visible light to pass through; an alignment step in which the relative positional relation between the first substrate and the second substrate is adjusted based on visible light passing through the visual checking area so that pairs of marks provided on the first substrate and the second substrate will be in a predetermined positional relation; a pressurizing step in which the base and the anodic bonding jig are pressurized in the direction to move the base and the anodic bonding jig close to each other, and the first substrate and the second substrate are sandwiched; and an application step in which a DC voltage is applied between the first substrate and the second substrate. |
| US08496764B2 |
System and method for manufacturing an F-temper 7xxx series aluminum alloy
A system and a method of processing an F-temper aluminum alloy. An F-temper aluminum alloy blank may be heated and positioned in the die set such that the blank does not touch the die set. The blank may be formed into a part and quenched when the die set is closed. |
| US08496760B2 |
Method of operating a dishwasher with closed loop condenser
A dishwasher with a closed loop condenser having a moist air conduit, a dry air conduit having a portion in overlying relationship with a portion of the moist air conduit, wherein the overlying portions of the moist air conduit and the dry air conduit form a heat exchanger, and a controllable gate for selectively introducing, exhausting, or redirecting air relative to the condenser. |
| US08496751B2 |
Binder composition
This invention relates to a cement binder composition and to the use of the binder composition in construction products. The cement binder composition is based on MgO that absorbs CO2 when hardening. The binder composition of the present invention also comprises at least one magnesium carbonate (either hydrated or unhydrated) having the formula xMgCO3-yMg(OH)2-zH2O, wherein x is at least 1, and at least one of y or z is greater than 0. The binder composition may optionally comprise a hydroscopic material, for example NaCl. The MgO when mixed with water in the presence of the magnesium carbonate produces magnesium hydroxide that has a rosette-like morphology (as shown). |
| US08496748B2 |
Polymer composition and molded articles produced therefrom
The invention relates to a polymer composition formed from a biologically degradable polymer and a material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or at least two components selected from the group consisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions. The invention additionally relates to a molded article formed from the polymer composition. The molded article may be packaging material or fibrous material, in the form of fibrous material as a mixing component for the production of yarns, and in the form of fibrous material for the production of nonwoven fabrics or woven fabrics. |
| US08496747B2 |
Ink set, recording method, recording apparatus, recording system and recorded matter
It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink set which makes it possible to obtain recorded images that have a broad color reproduction range and a high saturation, as well as glossiness without conspicuous graininess caused by dot expression, and which in particular makes it possible to achieve an extreme suppression of graininess caused by dot expression in cases where the ink set is used on media that have a coating layer, and to obtain recorded images with extremely superior coloring characteristics in cases where the ink set is used on ordinary paper. The present invention provides an ink set comprising at least a yellow ink (Y), magenta ink (M), cyan ink (C) and red ink (R), wherein the L* values in the CIE-stipulated Lab display system of aqueous solutions of the respective inks diluted 1000 times by weight are in the following ranges: (Y): at least 89 but no more than 94, (M): at least 76 but no more than 93, (C): at least 74 and no more than 87, (R): at least 55 and no more than 74. |
| US08496746B2 |
Ink composition and ink jet recording method using the same
An ink composition includes: water, a compound represented by the following general formula (1) or a salt thereof, and a compound represented by the following general formula (21) or a salt thereof. (in the formula (1), n represents 0 or 1, each of R1, R2, R3, and R4 represents a substituent, Group A represents a substituted heterocyclic group represented by the following general formula (2) or (3): in the formula (2), R5 represents a substituent. in the formula (3), each of R6, R7, and R8 represents a substituent, and Group B has a substituted phenyl group or naphthyl group). (in the formula (21), each of R21, R22, R23, R24, R25, R26, R27, and R28 represents a substituent, and X represents a divalent crosslinking group). |
| US08496738B1 |
Nitrogen and oxygen separation using vacuum swing adsorption
A mixed gas is separated with collection of at least one constituent gas. An inlet leads to a blower or other gas compression element through a valve. This blower feeds a chamber which contains media which selectively adsorbs the constituent gas to be collected, such as nitrogen from air. An exhaust from the chamber leads to an exhaust through a check valve. The blower can be reversed after nitrogen has been adsorbed within the chamber to desorb nitrogen and deliver nitrogen back through the blower. The inlet valve is closed after blower reversing and a separate diversion pathway is opened so that nitrogen is delivered from the blower to a nitrogen collection region. A variant system also includes an oxygen collection region on a side of the chamber opposite the blower for collection of both nitrogen and oxygen separated from air simultaneously, or collection of other constituent gases. |
| US08496736B2 |
Hydrogen supply device
The present invention relates to a hydrogen supply device which supplies hydrogen by selectively permitting permeation of hydrogen contained in a hydrogen containing gas (G1). This device includes: a first metal layer (2) which dissociates hydrogen molecules into hydrogen ions by a catalytic reaction and has hydrogen permeability; a second metal layer (3) which creates hydrogen molecules by bonding hydrogen ions to each other using electrons and has hydrogen permeability; a hydrogen permeation layer (1) which is interposed between the first metal layer (2) and the second metal layer (3) and permits permeation of the hydrogen ions from the first metal layer (2) to the second metal layer (3) by the application of a voltage; and a voltage application (7) for applying the voltage to the hydrogen permeation layer (1) by setting the first metal layer (2) as an anode and setting the second metal layer (3) as a cathode. According to this device, even when the concentration of hydrogen is low, it is possible to dissociate hydrogen from a hydrogen containing gas, and to suppress noise during the operation of the device. |
| US08496727B2 |
Method for treating slag flowing from a metallurgical vessel and a device for carrying out said method
A steel production method in the steel and iron industry involves dividing a vertically falling solid slag stream which flows from a steelmaking furnace into individual streams, forcedly cooling the individual streams, dividing the individual streams into parts by cutting across the movement thereof, forcedly cooling the parts and transferring them to a belt conveyor on which the separate parts are forcedly cooled and transported away from the vessel. A shaped conveyor belt, on which the slag parts are crushed by means of a cylindrical roll, is used for additional crushing. |
| US08496723B2 |
Air filter arrangement
An air cleaner arrangement is shown. The air cleaner arrangement includes a serviceable filter cartridge comprising strips of media arranged in a stacked configuration. The strips of media each comprise a corrugated sheet secured to a facing sheet. A preferred filter cartridge positioned within the air cleaner arrangement, is depicted. |
| US08496722B2 |
Nonwoven for air filtration and a preparation method thereof
The present invention relates to a spunbonded filament nonwoven fabric and a method of preparing the same, and particularly to a multilayered spunbonded filament nonwoven fabric of which the fineness of the filaments decreases from an air inlet part toward an air outlet part, and a method of preparing the same. The spunbonded nonwoven fabric of the present invention can be used as an air filter for power generation equipment for a gas turbine, because it can reduce a pressure loss, promote filter efficiency, and extend the lifetime for use by using fiber layers having different denier. |
| US08496719B2 |
Cyclonic dust collector with flame arrester feature
A dust collection system has a cyclone separator in which dust is separated from an air stream and the air stream is passed from a separator and flows through a final filter back into the ambient air. A flame arrester is positioned downstream of the separator, either in advance of or after the final filter. The flame arrester defines a multiplicity of narrow channels to permit exhaust air flow but block any flame front. In a preferred embodiment the flame arrester is in the form of a sheath of a porous metal material surrounding the final filter. The sheath may comprise a metal wire mesh screen, with a guard cage surrounding the screen. |
| US08496717B2 |
Actively cooled fuel processor
A fuel processor for producing a hydrogen-containing product stream from a fuel stream and an oxidant stream is actively-cooled by a gaseous or liquid coolant which is directed to flow in contact with at least a portion of the outer shell of the fuel processor. Active cooling can improve the operating characteristics of the fuel processor as well as allowing for the use of compact fuel processor designs that would otherwise tend to have insufficient heat loss capability. |
| US08496713B2 |
Spine stabilization device and methods
An implant stabilizes two adjacent bones of a joint, while enabling a natural kinematic relative movement of the bones. Support components are connected to each bone of the joint, and a flexible core is interposed between them. The core and at least one of the support components are provided with a smooth sliding surface upon which the core and support component may slide relative to each other, enabling a corresponding movement of the bones. The surfaces may have a mating curvature, to mimic a natural movement of the joint. The core is resilient, and may bend or compress, enabling the bones to move towards each other, and or to bend relative to each other. |
| US08496704B2 |
Systems and methods for tensioning ligaments and other soft tissues
Systems, methods and devices for tensioning posterior cruciate ligaments during cruciate or bi-cruciate ligament-sparing arthroplasty. Non-limiting examples of such systems may include at least one series of tibial inserts of equal size; the at least one series of tibial inserts having at least one set of tibial inserts of equal thickness. The at least one set of tibial inserts of equal thickness may include at least two tibial inserts having different geometries in a posterior portion, the different geometries being configured to change the tension in the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The different geometries in the posterior portions of the tibial inserts are configured so as to allow the posterior cruciate ligament to be tensioned or loosened independently of the tibial insert thickness and/or size. By providing different posterior geometries for each insert within a set of a series, a surgeon may be provided with more flexibility in choosing an insert that satisfies stability requirements in a non-invasive manner. |
| US08496703B2 |
Amorphous metal alloy medical devices
This invention provides a new class of medical devices and implants comprising amorphous metal alloys. The medical devices and implants may be temporary or permanent and may comprise other materials as well, such as polymers, ceramics, and conventional crystalline or polycrystalline metal alloys.Specifically, this invention provides implantable surgical fabrics comprising amorphous metal alloys. The presence of amorphous metal alloys in these fabrics can serve a variety of purposes, including structurally reinforcing the surgical fabric and/or imparting to the fabric the ability to shield against harmful radiation. The fabric may be used inside or outside the body during medical procedures. Further, the implantable surgical fabrics may be woven or non-woven fabrics. |
| US08496702B2 |
Inflatable breast implant for inducing biological tissue growth
A tissue expansion device implanted in a non-activated state over a region of desired tissue growth. Once implanted and positioned the device is activated creating a supporting structure that creates a convex shaped dome over the underlying tissue. The convex shaped dome formed by the tissue expansion device places a tensile stress against the underlying tissue that promotes tissue growth. Alone or with the introduction of tissue enhancing agents and/or adipose tissue, new tissue within the convex shaped void grows until a balance is achieved eliminating the induced stress. Periodically the tissue expansion devices is again activated and enlarged creating an even larger void. Again, the newly enlarged void places additional tensile stress on the underlying tissue thus repeating the cycle of new tissue growth. Once the desired amount of tissue growth has been achieved the device is deactivated and removed. |
| US08496701B2 |
Accommodating intraocular lenses and associated systems, frames, and methods
An intraocular lens for providing accommodative vision to a subject includes a frame disposed about an optical axis, a first optical element, a second optical element, and a connecting element operably coupling the frame to the optical elements. The frame comprises an anterior frame element and a posterior frame element. The connecting element is configured to convert a first displacement between the frame elements in a direction that is substantially parallel to the optical axis into a second displacement between the optical elements that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. The second displacement may be translational and/or rotation. In some embodiments, the optical elements are two varifocal lenses. |
| US08496700B2 |
Aortic valve replacement
A device for replacement of a bioprosthetic valve having an annulus (104) and one or more leaflets (105), the device having an outer housing (106) and an inner shaft (108) with a distal end (110). The outer housing (106) is slideable relative to the inner shaft (108) such that a portion of the inner shaft (108) may be revealed. A cap (112) is associated with the distal end (110) of the inner shaft (108), the cap (112) movable between a first position adjacent the inner shaft (108) and a second position displaced from the inner shaft (108). The cap (112) is adapted to trap a skirted valve frame (102) between said cap (112) and the inner shaft (108) when in the first position. The skirted valve frame (102) may be released by the cap (112) upon sliding of the outer housing (106) relative to the inner shaft (108) to reveal the inner shaft (108) and upon movement of the cap (112) to the second position. Also disclosed are associated methods. |
| US08496697B2 |
Stent graft
A stent-graft including an inner stent having a wall structure including juxtaposed strut-patterns with interconnected struts and connectors connecting the strut-patterns is described. The wall structure of the inner stent has a predetermined length. An outer stent is coaxially arranged around the inner stent and has a wall structure including juxtaposed strut-patterns with interconnected struts and connectors connecting the strut-patterns. The wall structure of the outer stent has a predetermined length and a flexible stretchable material layer arranged between the inner stent and the outer stent. The wall structure of the inner stent has a design differing from the design of the wall structure of the outer stent and the length of the inner stent is equal to the length of the outer stent. |
| US08496694B2 |
Variable angle locking buttress pins
A buttress pin for fixing an implant to a bone, comprises a head at a proximal end, the head comprising a rounded outer profile and including first threading and a shaft extending distally from the head, the shaft including second threading extending over at least a portion of a length thereof, a position of a proximal end of the second threading along the shaft being spaced from a distal end of the first threading by a distance equal to a distance between a proximal end of a hole in an implant to be anchored to a bone via the buttress pin and a surface of the bone when the implant is in a target position on the bone. |
| US08496693B2 |
Bone screw retaining and removal system
A bone screw retention system is provided for a plate which defines a plurality of transversely extending bores that are configured to receive a bone screw for engaging the plate to the cervical spine. One or more retention members, having an elliptical, arcuate, straight, or other shape, can be positioned therein a cavity of the plate such that portions of the retention member(s) extend into a portion of an upper region of each bore to retain a bone screw therein. A bone screw removal device is provided, having at least one tongue member configured to selectively displace the one or more retention members to allow the bone screw to be removed from the respective bore. |
| US08496688B2 |
Flexible spine fixing structure
A flexible spine fixing structure for fixing to a first vertebra and a second vertebra includes a first flexible element and a second flexible element. The first flexible element includes a first flexible part, a first fixing part and a second fixing part. The first fixing part and the second fixing part are respectively connected to two ends of the first flexible part and used for fixing to the first vertebra, and the first flexible part includes a first through hole and a second through hole. The second flexible element includes a second flexible part, a third fixing part and a fourth fixing part. The third fixing part and the fourth fixing part are respectively connected to two ends of the second flexible part and used for fixing to the second vertebra. The second flexible part is disposed by penetrating through the first through hole and the second through hole. |
| US08496685B2 |
Spinal stabilization systems and methods
A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars. |
| US08496682B2 |
Electrosurgical cutting and sealing instruments with cam-actuated jaws
Various embodiments are directed to a surgical instrument comprising, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft may be coupled to the handle and may extend distally along an longitudinal axis. The end effector may be positioned at a distal end of the shaft and may comprise first and second jaw members, a reciprocating member, a shuttle and at least one cam pin. The first and second jaw members may define first and second longitudinal slots and first and second cam slots and may be pivotable towards one another about a pivot point. The reciprocating member may be translatable distally and proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis and through the first and second longitudinal slots. A distal portion of the reciprocating member may define a blade. The shuttle may be translatable distally and proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The cam pin may be coupled to the shuttle and positioned within the first cam slot and the second cam slots. |
| US08496681B2 |
Systems and methods for vitrectomy
A system for conducting a vitrectomy includes: a gas source; a vitrector including a cutting mechanism that opens and closes according to a pressure at the vitrector; and a pulse-generating system receiving gas from the gas source and generating pulses at the vitrector. The pulses cause the pressure at the vitrector to vary according to a cycle, and the varying pressure at the vitrector causes the cutting mechanism of the vitrector to open and close. At a first time in the cycle, the pulse-generating system, raises the pressure at the vitrector to a maximum pressure. At a second time in the cycle, the pulse-generating system reduces the pressure at the vitrector to a minimum pressure that is greater than ambient, the pressure at the vitrector being maintained at least at the minimum pressure. The difference between the maximum pressure and minimum pressure is minimized to reduce gas consumption. |
| US08496678B2 |
Rotational device with inflatable support elements and torque transmitting membrane
A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue from a vessel of a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a rotatable, flexible, hollow drive shaft having a fluid impermeable wall defining a lumen of the drive shaft and, an abrasive element mounted to a distal end portion of the drive shaft proximal to and spaced away from a distal support element formed at a distal end of the drive shaft. The distal support element is inflatable by pressurized fluid which flows in an antegrade direction through said lumen of the drive shaft and is least partially re-directed into the distal fluid inflatable support element. The distal fluid inflatable support element has an outer wall comprising an outflow opening. |
| US08496677B2 |
Methods and devices for cutting tissue
A catheter which includes a cutting element having one or more raised elements is provided. The cutting element has a cup-shaped surface at the distal end that may be smooth and continuous except for the raised elements. The raised elements have a surface that tends to direct cut particles of material towards one or more of the axis of rotation of the cutting element, the catheter axis, or a particle collection chamber. In further aspects of the invention, a cutting element oscillates in a direction roughly parallel to the axis of rotation of the cutting element. |
| US08496674B2 |
Flexible endoscopic stitching devices
An endoscopic stitching device is provided including a tool assembly having a pair of juxtaposed jaws each defining a needle receiving recess formed in a tissue contacting surface thereof; a selectively rotatably camming hub defining a helical groove formed in an outer surface thereof; a pair of axially translatable needle engaging blades slidably supported, one each, in a respective jaw, each blade having an advanced position wherein a distal end of the blade is engageable with a suture needle, and a retracted position wherein the distal end of the blade is out of engagement with the suture needle, wherein a proximal end of each blade is configured for slidable engagement in the helical groove of the camming hub; and a suture needle operatively associated with the tool assembly. |
| US08496660B2 |
Systems, devices and apparatuses for bony fixation and disk repair and replacement and methods related thereto
Disclosed is an apparatus for forming an arcuate channel in one or more segments of a bone, bony structure or adjacent vertebrae of a spine. The apparatus includes, inter alia, a base member which is positioned proximate to the surgical site, a support arm extending proximally from the base member, an arcuate guide member and a drill assembly. The arcuate guide member is slidably mounted to the support arm. The drill assembly is operatively coupled to the support arm and includes a drill bit attached to the distal end of a flexible drive cable. The flexible drive cable extends axially along the support arm and is axially and rotationally movable with respect thereto. The drill bit is operatively coupled to an end of the arcuate guide member such that when the drill assembly is moved distally, the arcuate guide member slides with respect to the support arm and forces the drill bit to traverse an arcuate path. |
| US08496657B2 |
Methods for utilizing vibratory energy to weld, stake and/or remove implants
Vibratory energy is applied using a horn applied to the fastener, and tuned to generate vibratory motion proximate the horn, or at a point distal to the horn, for example at a point along the fastener body, or at the end of the fastener. Melted or softened material of the fastener bonds to a contacting surface, which may be body tissue or another implant. The contacting surface may also include bondable material, softenable or meltable through vibratory energy derived from contact with the fastener. To improve a bond, particularly where dissimilar materials are to be bonded, one or more contacting surfaces is provided with a roughened or porous surface, or a surface including one or more cavities or projections into or onto which softened or melted bondable material may form, bonding once the bondable material has cooled. |
| US08496655B2 |
System and method for resecting a valve
A system and method for resecting a valve in a patient, in which the system includes: a proximal frame and a distal frame opposite the proximal frame, each frame including a plurality of interconnectable frame segments, in which the proximal and distal frames are separated by an adjustable distance and positionable on opposite sides of the valve; an electrode, adjacent to the valve on at least one of the proximal and distal frames, that electrosurgically resects valve tissue; a proximal chamber and a distal chamber coupled to the proximal and distal frames, respectively, that allow passage of fluid and captures at least a portion of resected valve tissue, in which each chamber selectively operates in one of a radially collapsed mode and a radially expanded mode; and a drive system that adjusts the distance between the proximal and distal frames. |
| US08496652B2 |
Balloon catheter systems and methods for treating uterine disorders
A system for treating uterine disorders includes a balloon catheter having a cannula with a proximal end and a distal end, and an inflatable balloon secured over the distal end of the cannula. The device includes a heating assembly coupled with the distal end of the cannula and disposed inside the inflatable balloon, and an impeller disposed inside the heating assembly. In one embodiment, the heating assembly includes an elongated heating tube having a heating film covering an outer wall thereof, at least one fluid inlet extending though the outer wall and a fluid outlet located at a distal end of the elongated heating tube. The impeller is rotatable for drawing fluid through the at least one fluid inlet and into the elongated heating tube for heating the fluid, and discharging the heated fluid from the fluid outlet for circulating the fluid throughout the inflatable balloon. |
| US08496651B2 |
System and method for refractive surgery with augmentation by intrastromal corrective procedure
A system and method are provided for an ophthalmic surgical procedure to provide a refractive correction for an eye. Specifically, the procedure is indicated when the desired refractive correction “dreqd” exceeds the capability of a correction achievable when corneal tissue is only ablated. In accordance with the present invention, an optimized refractive correction “d1” is accomplished by the ablation of corneal tissue (e.g. by a PRK or LASIK procedure). The optimized correction is then followed by a complementary refractive correction “d2” wherein stromal tissue is weakened with Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB). Together, the optimized refractive correction (ablation) and the complementary refractive correction (LIOB) equal the desire refractive correction (dreqd=d1+d2). |
| US08496650B2 |
Method and apparatus for photothermal therapy with adjustable spatial and/or temporal beam profile
The safe therapeutic window for laser medicine tends to decrease as pulse length decreases. This problem is addressed by use of beam shapes and/or pulse shapes that improve temperature uniformity in the treated tissue. A beam shape with an adjustable on-axis intensity minimum improves spatial temperature uniformity in treated tissue. A pulse shape with a relatively intense early part (to set the temperature rise), followed by a less intense late part having decreasing intensity with time (to maintain a constant or nearly constant temperature rise) improves temporal temperature uniformity in the treated tissue. A therapeutic window (TW) of at least 3 is often required to provide a sufficient safety margin in practice. In one experiment, it was demonstrated that the minimum pulse length to provide a TW of 3 could be decreased from 20 ms to 10 ms following these principles. |
| US08496648B2 |
Stiffening assembly
A stiffenable structure is made of longitudinal beams that are positioned around a longitudinal axis. In one state, the longitudinal beams are bendable so that the structure is bendable. As the structure bends, the longitudinal beams slide longitudinally with reference to one another. In a second state, the beams are clamped in a fixed position relative to one another so that the structure is stiffened. In some aspects the longitudinal beams are made of two or more longitudinal laminar elements. As each beam bends, the laminar elements slide longitudinally with reference to one another. Each beam, and accordingly the structure, is stiffened by preventing the laminar elements from sliding longitudinally relative to one another. |
| US08496647B2 |
Ribbed force sensor
In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and a strain gauge positioned over each of the plurality of radial ribs, a proximal end of the tube portion that operably couples to a shaft of a surgical instrument that operably couples to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal end of the tube portion that proximally couples to a wrist joint coupled to an end effector. |
| US08496646B2 |
Infusion pump assembly
A wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid, and an external infusion set configured to deliver the infusible fluid to a user. A fluid delivery system is configured to deliver the infusible fluid from the reservoir to the external infusion set. The fluid delivery system includes a volume sensor assembly, and a pump assembly for extracting a quantity of infusible fluid from the reservoir and providing the quantity of infusible fluid to the volume sensor assembly. The volume sensor assembly is configured to determine the volume of at least a portion of the quantity of fluid. The fluid delivery system further includes a first valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the pump assembly from the reservoir, and a second valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the volume sensor assembly from the external infusion set. |
| US08496644B2 |
Drainage catheter tip shape configuration
A percutaneous catheter includes a longitudinal catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a hollow portion, and a wall portion, a wire embedded within said wall portion at said distal end wherein said wire forms a pigtail curve when in a relaxed state, and a stylet capable of entering said hollow portion of said longitudinal catheter at said proximal end wherein said stylet substantially straightens said longitudinal catheter at said distal end. |
| US08496643B2 |
Cap assembly for use with a prefilled lock solution syringe
A cap assembly is disclosed for use with a lock solution delivery device. The cap assembly includes a housing defining a receptacle and having an inlet end and an outlet end. A plunger is movable axially within the receptacle from a retracted position to an advanced position and is rotatably supported within the receptacle from a first position to a second position. The plunger includes an axial extension configured to non-rotatably engage a syringe connected to the inlet end of the housing. The plunger is positioned to move from the first position to the second position in response to rotatable detachment of a syringe from the inlet end of the housing. |
| US08496640B2 |
Release tape-free fasteners and disposable absorbent articles utilizing the same
Disclosed herein are fasteners for disposable absorbent articles and disposable absorbent articles that include the fasteners. The disclosed fasteners generally are free of release tape and adhesives requiring those tapes. At the same time, the disclosed fasteners can be maintained in a closed position prior to the fastener's (and the disposable absorbent article's) use and during the process by which the article is manufactured. While maintainable in this closed position, the fastener may be easily opened by the consumer such that the fastener can be then used for its intended purpose, such as, for example to form a side closure on a diaper around the waist and legs of an infant. |
| US08496636B2 |
System and method for unfolding and dispensing diapers
The present invention relates to a system for unfolding and dispensing diapers. The system includes a dispenser and a folded diaper that is within the dispenser. The folded diaper includes a first longitudinal fold that is between a main portion and a first side portion and a second longitudinal fold that is between the main portion and a second side portion. The dispenser includes a first projection that unfolds the first longitudinal fold as the diaper is removed from the dispenser and a second projection that unfolds the second longitudinal fold as the diaper is removed from the dispenser. The system may make it easier for care givers to perform multiple diaper changes per day. |
| US08496634B2 |
Colonic lavage catheter
A colonic lavage catheter includes a head attached at an end of a suction tube and having both rearward and lateral fluid discharge openings. A pair of tubes extend along the suction tube with their ends attached to the head to place the rearward and lateral fluid discharge openings in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid. The suction tube includes a plurality of suction orifices through the outer wall along its length proximate the catheter head. A cleaning process may be performed by inserting the catheter head into the colon and then discharging fluid through the rearward openings to advance the catheter. At points along the colon, pressurized fluid may be discharged through the lateral discharge openings to lavage the adjacent walls of the colon, with suction being applied to draw the dislodged material into the suction tube through the suction orifices. |
| US08496631B2 |
Apparatus and method for increasing flow resistance around a probe
An apparatus is provided for decreasing or eliminating flow of fluid between a probe and an incision during surgical procedures. The apparatus may comprise a deformable layer on the probe. The deformable layer may be comprised of a polymer foam, which may be covered with a surface layer. In another embodiment, baffles on a base layer are provided. The deformable layer or baffles may be on a slidable base surrounding the probe. |
| US08496630B2 |
Transendoscopic medical instrument
There is provided a transendoscopic medical instrument which can insert, remove and latch a plurality of medical items including a flexible guide unit with respect to a transendoscopic sheath which is selectively inserted into a body cavity such as a bronchial branch. |
| US08496625B2 |
Safe needle methods, apparatus, and systems
A bandage can be used to secure a needle to an access site so as to prevent unintended movement or withdrawal of the needle from the access site during administration of a treatment to a patient. After treatment, the needle can be removed by manipulating a portion of the bandage. Another portion of the bandage can be maintained in position over the access site during needle removal and can be used to promote clotting of the site after needle removal. The bandage may include a clotting agent, a hemostasis pad, and/or a clot-promoting structure. Additionally or alternatively, finger pressure can be applied to the access site through the bandage. For example, the bandage may include a viewing window without any adhesive to allow visual monitoring of the access site during treatment. Finger pressure may be applied to the viewing window and thereby to the access site during and after needle removal to encourage hemostasis. |
| US08496622B2 |
Catheterization system
The present disclosure relates to catheterization systems and components thereof. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a catheterization system is disclosed that includes a catheter including a body with proximal and distal ends and defining first and second lumens extending therethrough, and a stylet. The stylet includes first and second stylet portions each having proximal and distal end regions, wherein the distal end regions of the first and second stylet portions together define a tapered penetrating portion. The first and second stylet portions are configured and dimensioned to be slidably positioned within the first and second lumens of the catheter, respectively. The first and second stylet portions extend from the proximal end of the catheter and beyond the distal end of the catheter, and are independently movable in relation to each other to facilitate selective removal of the first stylet portion and/or the second stylet portion from the catheter. |
| US08496618B2 |
Activity guard
The fluid infusion system is disclosed that includes a pump housing that has a reservoir cavity and is designed to be pocketable. The reservoir cavity has a rim and helical coupling features formed on an interior face of the reservoir cavity. The fluid infusion system further has a reservoir that is removable from the reservoir cavity and the reservoir also has an open end. A removable cap coupled to the pump housing is also included in the fluid infusion system. The cap has corresponding coupling features, an exterior surface and a tab. The corresponding coupling features are defined to couple the cap to the pump housing while the tab is defined as a ridge that extends away from the exterior surface. The tab further has a port to accommodate fluid flow from the reservoir where the port defines and axis of rotation such that torque applied to the tab about the axis of rotation disengages the coupling between the cap and the pump housing. Further included in the infusion system is a guard that is removably coupled to the pump housing. The guard has a slot defined to immobilize rotation of the tab about the axis of rotation. |
| US08496617B2 |
Balloon inflation device
The balloon inflation device comprises a syringe (2) having a syringe barrel (4) and a syringe piston (6) slidably and rotatably movable. The piston (6) has an exterior threading. The syringe barrel also comprises a retractable mechanism (30) for retaining the piston (6) in the syringe barrel, which mechanism (30) is switchable between a retracted state in which the piston (6) is free to slide in the syringe barrel and an active state in which the free sliding of the piston (6) is impossible and in which the piston (6) can be screwed or unscrewed.The device comprises a pressure gauge (104) for measuring the output pressure of the syringe barrel (4).The pressure gauge (104) is mounted angularly movable with respect to the syringe barrel (4) and around the axis of the syringe barrel (4). |
| US08496616B2 |
Medical device employing liquid crystal block copolymers and method of making the same
A medical device, at least a portion of which is formed from a polymer composition including at least one liquid crystal block copolymer having at least one A block and at least one B block wherein the A block is formed of mesogenic repeat units and the B block is a soft block. |
| US08496613B2 |
In situ tubing measurements for infusion pumps
An infusion pump having a tubing clamping section including a movable and a stationary portion. The infusion pump includes at least one sensor for detecting a contact length of tubing within the movable and/or the stationary portion. The infusion pump includes a shuttle having a shuttle stationary and a shuttle moveable portion, and is configured to squeeze a length of the tubing between the shuttle portions. The infusion pump includes a motor connected to the shuttle moveable portion via a shaft. The motor moves the shuttle moveable portion towards and away from the shuttle stationary portion. The infusion pump includes a controller and an encoder that detects a position of the shaft. The controller converts the detected position into a travel distance of the shuttle moveable portion, and calculates a diameter and a thickness of the tubing based on the travel distance and the contact length of the tubing. |
| US08496611B2 |
Gastrointestinal lavage system
An apparatus having a tube section and an expanded end. The tube section is flexible while the end section is rigid. The apparatus has a central bore, large enough to loosely receive an endoscope tube, and the end section has two peripheral bores which communicate with the central bore. There is a collar around the central bore which allows formation an air- and water-tight seal with the head of an endoscope. The tube may be fenestrated at its proximal end and may include medial pleats. This apparatus is mainly used by: sliding an endoscope into the central bore until the endoscope head forms an air- and water-tight seal with the central bore; connecting a lavage tube to one peripheral bore and a vacuum tube to the other peripheral bore; inserting the endoscope and the apparatus into a GI tract; and manually controlling the apparatus to apply lavage and vacuum. |
| US08496610B2 |
Device for flow-through ultraviolet light decontamination of microbial contaminants
A device for administering a fluid includes a sterilization cassette having a shell, a fluid chamber, and an ultraviolet light transmitting window. An input tube directs fluid into the chamber. An ultraviolet light source is positioned to direct ultraviolet light through the window into the fluid chamber at an intensity sufficient to kill or render non-reproducible at least one species of a microorganism in the fluid while the fluid is in the chamber. An outlet tube receives fluid from the cassette and directs the fluid to a destination. The fluid is substantially uniformly exposed to the light while in the chamber. The cassette and light source are contained in a housing that prevents ultraviolet light from escaping the housing. |
| US08496605B1 |
Spinal traction device
A traction device includes a base panel having a frame member pivotally attached to an edge thereof. The frame member is formed of a telescoping leg with a telescoping arm extending from its upper end. The frame member supports a tensioning cable having a neck harness at a distal end for fastening to a patient's head. A proximal end of the cable is attached to a tensioning mechanism slidably mounted on the leg. The tensioning mechanism includes a telescoping, pneumatic cylinder that is extended with a compressible bulb. The cylinder engages a pivotal lever that pulls the cable downwardly when the cylinder is extended, thereby applying tension to the harness. |
| US08496602B2 |
Apparatus for acquiring and analyzing a blood sample
An automatic apparatus for obtaining and analyzing a blood sample contains a supply of lancets and test strips, which are located alternately on a carrier band. A lancet or alternatively a test strip may be clamped on a holder, which is mounted so it is movable. The movement controller of the holder comprises a three-dimensional control curve and a guide element, which engages at different depths in the control curve as a function of its relative position. The control curve comprises two guide paths, which run on different parallel planes. The contour of the first guide path determines the movement path of the lancet and the contour of the second guide path determines the movement path of the test strip. The test strip executes a transverse offset perpendicular to the puncture axis of the lancet. |
| US08496600B2 |
Non-reusable collection device for bodily fluids
A non-reusable device for collecting bodily fluids such as vascular blood from a patient, the device being configured for example to receive a blood collection tube and having a retractable needle attached to a rearwardly biased needle holder that is constrained prior to needle retraction by a rotatably mounted lug ring and that is released during retraction by depressing a trigger pivotably connected to the body of the device to rotate the lug ring, whereby the needle holder is driven into a retraction cavity disposed inside the trigger and the front tip of the needle is retained inside the body of the device. |
| US08496594B2 |
Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow
Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model. |
| US08496593B2 |
Needle guide
A needle guide for an ultrasound guidance system. The needle guide may be included as part of a sterile kit for an ultrasound probe. The kit includes a shell and a sheath which form a sterile cover for the ultrasound probe. The needle guide is used to guide a needle into a body using the ultrasound probe. |
| US08496591B2 |
Perfusion assessment method and system based on bolus administration
A perfusion assessment system is proposed. The system includes means for providing an echo-power signal indicative of a perfusion of a contrast agent in a body-part under analysis, the contrast agent being administered as a bolus and undergoing a significant destruction during a passage of the contrast agent in the body-part, means for associating the echo-power signal to a model function including the product between a bolus function indicative of the passage of the contrast agent without said destruction and a reperfusion function indicative of a reperfusion of the contrast agent in the body part following the destruction corresponding to a substantially constant inflow of the contrast agent, and means for estimating at least one perfusion indicator from the bolus function and/or the reperfusion function. |
| US08496590B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment and ultrasonic image processing apparatus
According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic equipment which executes ultrasound scanning over a two-dimensional or three-dimensional region in a subject, includes a cross-section detecting unit which detects an MPR position corresponding to at least one predetermined reference cross-section of the heart by use of at least one volume data obtained by executing ultrasound scanning over the three-dimensional region containing at least a portion of the heart of the subject, an image generating unit which generates an MPR image corresponding to the MPR position, a display unit which displays the MPR image, and an image acquisition unit which executes ultrasound scanning over the two-dimensional region in the subject under the reference of the MPR position to obtain at least one two-dimensional image regarding the two-dimensional region. |
| US08496589B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnosis device and ultrasonic diagnosis system
An ultrasonic diagnosis device includes a diagnostic image generation unit (7) that generates an ultrasonic image from ultrasonic data obtained by transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves; an input unit (1) for receiving an input of a reference image, and hardware configuration and control parameter information data that is associated with the reference image, which are to be used by the diagnostic image generation unit; a parameter setting unit (3) that sets parameter information necessary for generating the ultrasonic image based on the input data that has been input; and a storage unit (8) that stores the ultrasonic image in association with the parameter information, and supplies ultrasonic image data with which the parameter information is associated, as a reference image. This enables easy setting of the parameters to be used in new diagnostic image acquisition so as to be set the same as the parameters used in reference image acquisition. |
| US08496588B2 |
Procedures for an ultrasonic arc scanning apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods of rapidly obtaining ultrasonic images of the eye using a set of procedural options that can be automated by a positioning mechanism that can be controlled by software. |
| US08496587B2 |
Therapy system for depositing energy
A therapy system includes a therapy module, e.g., a high-intensity-focused ultrasound transmitter, to perform successive deposits of energy in a target zone. The successive deposits being separated by a cool down period. The therapy system further includes a thermometry module, e.g. by a magnetic resonance examination system, configured for thermometry to measure temperature in a measurement field. A control module regulates the cool down period in dependence of the measured off-focus maximum temperature during the energy deposit preceding the cool down period. |
| US08496585B2 |
High frame rate imaging system
A system for producing an image using an imaging system includes a) transmitting at least one signal of energy toward an object to be imaged by using two transmitters having the same output amplitude but of an opposite sign, or by using one transmitter to perform the task; b) exciting at least one transducer element to produce limited-diffraction array beams or their square-wave approximations with two levels of quantitations for both sine and cosine functions, c) weighting the received signals spatially with limited-diffraction array beams, their square-wave approximations, or spatial Fourier transform, and d) digitizing and then transferring received signals through high-speed optical fibers to a system for image reconstructions. |
| US08496575B2 |
Measuring endoscope apparatus, program and recording medium
The present invention provides a measuring endoscope apparatus which includes an endoscope that photoelectrically converts an image of an object to generate an imaging signal, a signal processing section that processes the imaging signal to generate image data, a distance measuring section that calculates an object distance based on a principle of triangulation using the image data, and a display section that displays the image of the object based on the image data. The measuring endoscope apparatus further includes a measuring section that calculates a size of the mark indicating a size of the object based on the object distance and a view angle of the endoscope. The display section also displays a mark along with the image of the object based on the image data. |
| US08496573B2 |
Steerable capsule apparatus and method
A capsule includes a main body with at least one tail connected to the main body. At least two coils are disposed on each tail such that the coils are responsive to a magnetic field interacting with the coils such that a force is exerted on the tail. The capsule is controlled through application of a varying magnetic field with a constant current in the coils and/or by providing varying a current in the coils that interact with a constant magnetic field. The capsule can be disposed in a cavity, and the magnetic field can be provided from outside the cavity to affect movement of the capsule. An MRI device can be configured to control and image the capsule. |
| US08496572B2 |
Massage device having serial vibrators
A mechanized dildo having a body with a plurality of vibrator assemblies, each vibrator assembly comprising a motor and a housing; a processor electrically coupled to each of the plurality of vibrator assemblies; a battery electrically coupled to the processor; at least one mode control switch electrically coupled to the processor; a phallic sleeve comprising an elastic material covers the plurality of vibrator assemblies; and a housing containing the processor, the battery and the at least one control switch; wherein the processor is configured to operate separate vibrator assemblies in different combination modes, such modes being selected using the at least one mode control switch. |
| US08496570B2 |
Bone growth stimulator
A bone growth stimulator is provided. In one embodiment, the device has an elliptically shaped transducer coil. The coil provides increased therapeutic benefit to a wearer. An elliptically shaped housing supports and contains the coil. The housing includes a curvature when viewed in profile, such that a first surface of the housing is convex. The convex surface is adapted to be positioned against a wearer's lower back, to nest within the natural curvature thereof. |
| US08496569B2 |
Manufacturing machine for producing combination cigarette filters
A manufacturing machine includes a group-forming unit for forming filter portion groups, each group having at least two different filter portions aligned axially and contacting at the ends; a winding unit that receives a succession of groups from the group-forming unit, winds a strip of wrapping material about the groups to form a continuous filter rod, and cuts combination filters off the rod by cyclically cutting the rod transversely; and a transfer unit that transfers the groups from the group-forming unit, in which the groups travel transversely, to the winding unit, in which the groups travel axially. The transfer unit has at least one spider that feeds the groups successively into a forming beam of the winding unit, and at least one release drum that releases the groups successively to the spider. The release drum is mounted to move between a work position and a maintenance position. |
| US08496561B2 |
Fluid coupling for a hybrid powertrain system
A hybrid powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine coupled to a transmission, a fluid coupling including an impeller and a turbine wherein the impeller is mechanically coupled to a rotatable member of the electric machine and the turbine is mechanically coupled to a rotatable member of the internal combustion engine. The fluid coupling is effective to fluidically couple torque from the electric machine to the internal combustion engine when the impeller and turbine are not mechanically locked. |
| US08496554B2 |
Continuously variable transmission
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed. |
| US08496553B2 |
Power transmission system for use in vehicle
The power transmission system for use in a vehicle includes a power split device to perform power distribution among a flywheel for storing rotational energy as mechanical energy, an internal combustion engine and an electric rotating machine. The power transmission system is provided with an interrupting device configured to interrupt power transmission between a group of the flywheel and the electric rotating machine and a group of the internal combustion engine and drive wheels of the vehicle when rotational energy stored in the flywheel is transmitted to the electric rotating machine through the power split device under condition that power is transmitted between the internal combustion engine and the drive wheels. |
| US08496547B2 |
Collapsible goal post for American football
A collapsible goal post includes a lower support extending from a playing field; a upper support having a first end and a second end, and a pivot assembly attaching the first end of the upper support to the lower support; an upper assembly comprising two uprights and a crossbar having two ends. The crossbar is attached to the second end of the support at about the midpoint of the crossbar. One of the two uprights is attached to each end of the crossbar. The upper support is configured to pivot about the pivot point assembly to move the upright assembly from a raised position to a lowered position. The two uprights are substantially perpendicular to the playing field in the raised position, and are substantially parallel to and contacting the playing field in the lowered position while the upper assembly and upper support remain attached to the lower support. In another embodiment, the goal post includes a hydraulic cylinder system coupled to the upper support and the lower support to hinder a rate of pivoting of the goal post about the pivot assembly. |
| US08496543B2 |
Golf club with stable face angle
A golf club having a golf club head 20 with a keel zone that makes the actual face angle of the golf club appear differently when the golf club is at address. The golf club head 20 has a keel zone that is preferably 0.5 inch wide in the fore- aft direction and 1.0 inch wide in the heel-toe direction, which changes the appearance of the face angle while the golf club is at address. |
| US08496539B2 |
Adjustable length golf clubs and methods of manufacturing adjustable length golf clubs
Embodiments of adjustable length golf clubs and methods of manufacturing adjustable length golf clubs are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08496538B1 |
Tilting golf practice platform
A tilting platform assembly comprises a base member having a dome shaped upper surface portion, and a platform member having an upper playing surface and a concave shaped lower surface portion, the concave shaped lower surface portion corresponding substantially with the dome shape upper surface portion of the base member and being movable relative thereto. A mechanism is provided for selectively fixing and releasing the dome shaped upper surface portion of the base member relative to the concave shaped lower surface portion of the platform member to permit the top playing surface to be disposed at a plurality of different orientations. |
| US08496537B1 |
Golf putting training device
A golf putting-training device attachable to a golf club having a deformable rod member that is be shaped into a triangular configuration with a rod insert end then placed into a rod receptacle affiliated with a golf club fastener element forming a spaced apart triangular guide from said golf club wherethen the user forms a similar triangle extending from their hands, through the arms and between the shoulders and uses the guide to identify unwanted joint flexure or rotation during a putt thereby enabling corrective action. |
| US08496534B2 |
Group of taps with prepared hole cutting tools
In FIG. 2, a diameter Dd of drilling edges of a drill is selected smaller than a valley diameter d1 of a male thread of a tap portion, and an inner diameter D1 of a female thread is defined by the valley diameter d1 of the male thread. Therefore, a predetermined radial gap is formed between the male thread 30 formed by the tap portion and the drill. When a tap with the drill is reversely rotated to be pulled out from the female thread after cutting the female thread, the tap released from the restriction may deflectively displace in the diameter direction upon pulling out the male thread of the tap portion from the female thread. However, the drill hardly contacts with the female thread, so that the occurrence of the defective product due to the contact is suppressed. |
| US08496533B2 |
Journal bearing with dual pass cooling for air machine
A compressor rotor compresses air and delivers the compressed air to a downstream inlet and across a turbine rotor. A shaft rotates with the turbine rotor and the compressor rotor. The shaft is hollow with an inner bore and an outer periphery. At least one journal bearing supports a portion of the shaft, and has an inner bore spaced from the outer periphery of the shaft. A cooling air path is provided between the shaft outer periphery and the bearing inner periphery, and along a length of the bearing to at least one connection hole. The connection hole provides cooling air from an outer periphery of the shaft to the inner bore of the shaft. In a separate feature, a shaft for use in an air supply machine includes a hollow interior, with such a connection hole. |
| US08496531B2 |
Interactive hybrid asynchronous computer game infrastructure with dynamic difficulty adjustment
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a gaming method, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving, from a live participant, a request for game play, the request including desired opponent information; (b) in response to the request, evaluating prior game play data associated with the live participant to assess the live participant's recent success in gaming, forming a satisfaction score; (c) in further response to the request, causing another user's prior game play data to be selected and retrieved based on the following (i) a substantial match with the desired opponent information; and (ii) a substantial match with the satisfaction score; and presenting a multi-player game environment where the live gaming participant can play against and have two-way interactions with an apparently live opponent, the apparently live opponent's interaction being based on the other user's prior game play data. |
| US08496529B2 |
Game system
A game system for a game where plural players partake and are combined on the basis of subjective data on the players. A game machine comprises a game control device for controlling a game executed with a game machine operated by a player who is combined with a player operating the game machine itself, an evaluation obtaining device for obtaining evaluation data which is evaluation to the player P4 by the player, a history evaluation updating device for, when obtaining the evaluation data to the player, updating the history evaluation information included in player information of the player by information based on the evaluation data. The server comprises a combination determining device for determining based on the history evaluation information, a combination of game machines partaking the game. |
| US08496525B2 |
Systems and methods of playing a progressive game
A computer-implemented method of playing a game on a plurality of networked terminals comprises receiving a plurality of requests to play the first game, facilitating play of the first game on at least one of the plurality of networked terminals, triggering play of a second game at a particular point in time, determining eligible players whom are eligible to play the second game from a plurality of players submitting requests to play the first game, in response to receiving each of the plurality of requests from the eligible players that occur after the particular point in time, facilitating a play of the second game concurrently with a respective play of the first game, determining which plays of the second game result in a prize, and decrementing a second game total prize pool by an amount of each prize that results from each play of the second game. |
| US08496524B2 |
Methods of enhanced interaction and play for community-based bonusing on gaming machines
A plurality of gaming machines is linked, such as via a local bank controller. The gaming machines present base wagering games and, at one or more times, a community bonus event or game involving multiple of the linked gaming machines and their associated players. The community bonus comprises an event or game where awards, information, attributes and/or other features may be exchanged between players, thus fostering interaction/camaraderie between the players. Such features may be exchanged as part of cooperation or competition between players. Player may share in community bonus awards. |
| US08496519B2 |
Gaming system and method for providing a bonus event triggered by a continuous communal game
A communal game is displayed by a gaming system. A plurality of gaming devices each enable a player to wager on plays of a primary game and determine an eligibility status. The communal game repeatedly generates at least one communal game symbol from a plurality of communal game symbols regardless of whether any player is wagering on plays of a primary game. The communal game triggers a bonus event based on the generated symbols. Any eligible gaming devices may participate in the bonus event. For each eligible gaming device, the gaming system applies at least one symbol or gaming element from the communal game to the primary game of the eligible gaming device. Each eligible gaming device provides an award based on any winning symbol combinations generated by application of the communal game symbol or gaming element. |
| US08496518B2 |
Method and apparatus for player stimulation
A gaming apparatus includes a value input device, a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a light array, an audio output device, and a controller operatively coupled to said value input device, said display unit, said light array and said audio output device, said controller including a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor. The controller is programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause a video image representing a game to be generated on said display unit, to determine a game event mode, to selectively perform one of: (i) to cause a sound segment to be generated on said audio output device and synchronize a light pattern to be generated on said light array with the sound segment and (ii) to control said light array directly to cause a light pattern to be generated on said light array according to the game event mode, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of said game. |
| US08496517B2 |
Number guessing game
One example embodiment includes a method of playing a game. The method includes providing a first player and a second player with a sum of money. Each sum of money is within predetermined minimum and maximum thresholds. The sum of money provided to the first player is the first player's current balance. The sum of money provided to the second player is the second player's current balance. The method also includes allowing the first player to guess the second player's current balance and adjusting the first player's balance based on the first player's guess. Adjusting the first player's balance can be based on whether the first player's guess is too high or too low relative to the second player's current balance. |
| US08496515B2 |
Apparatus to protect a radon fan from mechanical failure due to damage from falling objects from within the radon mitigation system
This apparatus protects a radon fan from damage due to falling water, ice, birds and animals and debris and is installed above the radon fan and protects the fan in several ways.It is installed just above the radon fan, thus taking advantage of warm “Earth Temperature” air to reduce ice build-up. Its screen replaces the birds and animals screen often installed at the top of the exhaust pipe where ice is formed. The screen additionally prevents ice and debris from falling into the fan.The water bypass catches back-flowing water and directs it around the fan. The access port serves as an opening for testing, observations and cleaning of any debris that is collected by the screen and the access port is sealed with a removable plug.This apparatus protects and extends the life of a radon fan and is made part of the radon mitigation system. |
| US08496511B2 |
Cathodically-protected pad conditioner and method of use
A cathodically-protected pad conditioner for chemical mechanical planarization includes: an abrasive member including a metallic substrate, a support carrier, and an anode affixed to the peripheral edge of the support carrier. A cathodic protection circuit is configured to provide a cathodic protection current from the anode to the abrasive member if contacted with an electrolyte solution. A method of using the cathodically-protected pad conditioner is also disclosed. |
| US08496509B2 |
Voice activated bubble blower
There is disclosed a bubble generating apparatus including a body portion, a bubble ring, a blower and a sound sensor. The bubble generating apparatus is designed to generate bubbles in response to sounds detected by the sound sensor. When sound is detected by the sensor, the blower is activated thereby directing air through the bubble ring in response to those sounds. |
| US08496506B2 |
Breaststroke swimming training paddles with fins
A training paddle for use by a swimmer comprises a base configured to accommodate a hand of the swimmer. A strap holds the base to the hand. A raised fin that extends upward from the base directs water away from flowing between the hand and the base. |
| US08496504B2 |
Crimp terminal, terminal-equipped electric wire with the crimp terminal, and methods for producing them
Provided is a crimp terminal designed to be crimped onto an end portion of an electric wire to form a terminal-equipped electric wire, achieving both of ensuring mechanical strength of the terminal-equipped electric wire and reducing a contact resistance between the electric wire and the crimp terminal. The crimp terminal comprises an electric contact section and an electric-wire crimp section to be crimped onto a conductor in the end portion of the electric wire, the crimp terminal being formed of a metal plate which has a copper-containing plate body and a tin-plating layer covering a surface of the plate body. In the crimp terminal, the tin-plating layer has a smaller thickness in a crimp surface region where the electric-wire crimp section is to make contact with the end portion of the electric wire is less than that in an electrical contact surface region where the electric contact section is to make contact with a counterpart terminal. |
| US08496502B2 |
Coaxial cable connector
A coaxial cable connector includes a shell that extends between a mating end and a cable end. The cable end is configured to be terminated to an end of a coaxial cable. A dielectric insert is held within the shell. An inner contact is held within the dielectric insert. The inner contact has a spring loaded pin that is configured to be spring loaded against a center conductor of the coaxial cable. |
| US08496500B1 |
Terminal holder structure for RJ45 dual-port jack
A terminal holder structure installed in a RJ45 dual-port jack is disclosed to include a plastic intermediate bracket mounted on a middle part of a circuit board to hold the 3rd and 5th terminals of a first set of terminals numbered from 1st through 8th and the 3rd and 5th terminals of a second set of terminals numbered from 1st through 8th in reversed directions so that the distance' between the 3rd and 5th terminals of the first set of terminals and the 3rd and 5th terminals of the second set of terminals is extended for crosstalk compensation to avoid crosstalk interference in the RJ45 dual-port jack. |
| US08496498B2 |
Lighting connector devices and uses thereof
A lighting connector which includes (a) an upper housing having plural connector pins, and one or more interlocking grooves; and (b) a lower housing, the lower housing having a plurality of connector pin guide holes, and one or more interlocking tongue portions. The lower housing is connectable with the upper housing to form the lighting connector by coupling at least one of the one or more interlocking grooves with at least one of the one or more interlocking tongue portions, and by coupling at least one of the plural connector pins with at least one of the connector pin guide holes. |
| US08496497B2 |
Mounting apparatus for flash drive
A mounting apparatus is used to fix a flash drive mounted on a circuit board with a connector. The mounting apparatus is mounted on the circuit board and receives the flash drive and connector. The mounting apparatus includes a base board, and a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to each other. The second sidewall defines a receiving space. The first sidewall is pivotably connected to the first sidewall, and includes a deformable engaging portion, away from the first sidewall, to be engaged in the receiving space. |
| US08496493B2 |
Fixing frame and fixing apparatus for storage device
An apparatus for fixing a storage device includes a metal bracket, and a fixing frame slidably received in the bracket. The bracket includes two side plates, and one of the side plates forms a resilient tab. The fixing frame includes two opposite fixing arms each defining a latching hole, two resilient members, and two metal fasteners. Each resilient member includes a pad clinging to an inner surface of a corresponding one of the fixing arms, and a projection engaging in the latching hole of the corresponding fixing arm. Each fastener includes a head, and a pin. The heads are received in the corresponding latching holes and abut against outer sides of the corresponding projections. The pins extend through the corresponding through holes for engaging with the storage device. A protrusion extends outwards from one of the heads to contact the resilient tab and connect the storage device to ground. |
| US08496488B2 |
Power input terminal block housing and cover
An apparatus includes a housing and a cover. The housing can include a surface to receive a terminal block to transmit power to an electrical component. A shroud to be inserted within the electrical component can extend away from the housing surface. The cover can have an end for hingedly attaching to the housing. Another cover end can be configured to releasably lock to the housing. The housing and the cover can have notches. The cover is pivotable relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover and the housing together form an enclosure for the terminal block, and the notches of the housing and the cover cooperatively define passageways configured to receive external wires to connect to the terminal block. |
| US08496485B2 |
Wiring harness for towing a vehicle
A wiring substrate connects an electrical system of a towed vehicle to an electrical system of a towing vehicle and includes a wiring connector configured to connect to a connector from a wiring harness of the towed vehicle, a first set of connections to connect to tail light assemblies in the towed vehicles, a second set of connections to connect to vehicle signal connections in the towed vehicle, the first and second sets of connections electrically coupled on the wiring substrate by at least one diode, and a third set of connections to connect to the towing vehicle. A towing connector connects an electrical system of a towed vehicle to an electrical system of a towing vehicle and includes a first connector configured to provide connection to a native vehicle wiring harness of the towed vehicle, a second connector arranged to provide connection to wires of the towing vehicle, a wiring substrate having conductive traces connecting selected wires from the first connector to the second connector, and diodes residing on the wiring substrate in an electrical path form by the conductive traces. |
| US08496482B2 |
Handwriting instrument
A handwriting instrument to provide visual and tactile cues to teach and improve handwriting includes a writing medium, a rectangular writing box on the writing medium. The rectangular writing box consists of first and second vertical end lines connecting ends of an upper horizontal line, a lower raised horizontal line and a dashed line located between the upper and lower horizontal lines extending from the first vertical line to the second vertical line. The area between the lower raised horizontal line and the dashed horizontal line is shaded a different color than the writing medium to provide further visual cues for handwriting. |
| US08496481B2 |
Teaching and training head model for haircutting and hairdressing
A teaching and training head model for haircutting and hairdressing includes a soft and flexible synthetic resin casing, a shape keeping arrangement mounted in the casing to keep the shape of the casing and a support stand for supporting the shape keeping arrangement. The support stand includes: a base board; and a guiding bar, a pushing cylinder for lifting plates and a pressing cylinder which are centered about the center of the base board and sequentially positioned on the base board from inside to outside. A fixing ring for fixing the casing is provided at the periphery of the pressing cylinder. The shape keeping arrangement includes components fitted with the support stand and umbrella-shaped supporting components for supporting the casing. The shape keeping arrangement has a simple structure, and it will expand to keep the shape of the casing when the shape keeping arrangement mounted in the casing is inserted into the supporting stand. The shape keeping arrangement is simple to assemble. |
| US08496476B2 |
Endodontic instruments for preparing endodontic cavity spaces
Methods and apparatus providing a critical set of endodontic instruments. The set includes a first endodontic instrument, a second endodontic instrument, and a third endodontic instrument. Each endodontic instrument includes a working portion that has a cone-like shape. Each working portion having an effective contact area defined by the exposed surface area of the working portion's respective cone-like shape. The difference between the effective contact areas of the first endodontic instrument and second endodontic instrument being substantially the same as the difference between the effective contact areas of the second endodontic instrument and third endodontic instrument. |
| US08496475B2 |
Integrated, lighted ultrasonic inserts
Embodiments of a magnetostrictive device, a dental lighting system, a method of illuminating a lighting apparatus and a lighting apparatus are disclosed. The embodiments may include a lighting apparatus with a light source, an electrical power storage device and a switch. When the switch detects a magnetic field, the switch may complete an electrical connection between the electrical power storage device and the switch, thus illuminating the light source. The magnetic field may be magnetostrictively or non-magnetostrictively generated, and maybe be produced by a receptacle, a hand-piece or the lighting apparatus itself. A user may switch the light source on and off. In a magnetostrictive device, the light may be illuminated even when a tip is not activated, and the electrical power storage device may be inductively re-charged. The lighting apparatus may be included in an insert of a magnetostrictive device, such as a magnetostrictive ultrasonic hand-held dental device. |
| US08496474B2 |
Computer automated development of an orthodontic treatment plan and appliance
A computer is used to create a plan for repositioning an orthodontic patient's teeth. The computer receives an initial digital data set representing the patient's teeth at their initial positions and a final digital data set representing the teeth at their final positions. The computer then uses the data sets to generate treatment paths along which the teeth will move from the initial positions to the final positions. |
| US08496471B2 |
Pilot light gas line connector assembly
Pilot light gas line connector assemblies and methods for cleaning a pilot light orifice are disclosed herein. An exemplary connector assembly for coupling to a pilot light gas line and cleaning a pilot orifice has a first fitting end, a second fitting end, and a passageway therebetween. The first fitting end is adapted to receive a first end of the pilot light gas line and the second fitting end is adapted to receive a valve capable of directing forced air from a forced air source into the second fitting end. Methods of cleaning a pilot orifice of a pilot light system include removing the pilot light gas line from a gas port and coupling the pilot light gas line to a pilot light gas line connector assembly. Then forced air is directed into the connector assembly and through the pilot light gas line, thereby cleaning the pilot orifice. |
| US08496469B2 |
Closure assembly for an injection unit of plastic material with micrometrical regulation of the closure rod, and corresponding device for regulating micrometrically and fixing a threaded element
Closure assembly (10), for an injection unit (11) of plastic material (MP), comprising: a closing rod (16); a driving piston (15) adapted to drive an axial movement (f1) of the closing rod (16) between an open position (P1), in which the closing rod (16) opens an injection hole (13′) of a mold (13), and a closed position (P2), in which the closing rod (16) closes the injection hole (13′); an adjustment element or nut (20, 21), provided of a fine-pitch threading (21a), that is adapted to be screwed or unscrewed in one sense or the other (f2) in a corresponding threaded portion (22b) of an internal seat (22), formed in the driving piston (15), in order to regulate axially, in a micrometric way, the closing rod (16) in the closed position (P2); and an elastic washer (30, 31) that is provided for cooperating with a plurality of projections and notches (23a, 23b), formed in such internal seat (22, 22a), in order to fix the adjustment element (21) with respect to the body (15a) of the driving piston (15), once the closing rod (16) has been exactly regulated in the desired closed position (P2). Advantageously the adjustment element (21) is entirely housed in the internal seat (22) formed in the driving piston (15), whereby it does not protrude from the body (15a) of the latter. |
| US08496468B2 |
Blow valve
A blow valve of a blow-molding machine for containers, having a valve seat which is arranged in a valve chamber between an inflow channel mouth and an outflow channel mouth and has assigned thereto a valve piston which is shiftable linearly between a shut-off position and a lifted open position and which with a piston extension carrying a closing surface passes sealingly shiftably through a bore of a wall defining the valve chamber, wherein a flow path which extends through the valve chamber between the mouths is shut off in the shut-off position and released in the open position, at least one guide surface which is generally inclined relative to the shifting direction of the valve piston is provided for the lateral forced deflection of the flow on the wall and/or on the piston extension. |
| US08496467B2 |
Process and device for producing hollow bodies
A device and method are disclosed for the production of hollow bodies, especially plastic bottles, wherein a section of a plastic flexible hose is placed in a cavity of a blow mold by an extruder head according to a predefined clocked pulse. The plastic flexible hose is inflated inside the blow mold by a blow mandrel by overpressure according to the blow mold cavity. The manufactured inflated hollow body is subsequently removed from the mold. The plastic hose can be continually held on opposite sides of the blow mold arrangement during the entire extrusion and blow cycle. |
| US08496466B1 |
Press system with interleaved embossing foil holders for nano-imprinting of recording media
Recording media press systems and methods of operating such press systems. Press system embodiments include a first foil holder coupled to a first die, the first foil holder including a plurality of first tabs extending radially inward from the first die to clamp first portions of an outer perimeter of a first embossing foil against a surface of the first die and a second foil holder coupled to a second die, the second foil holder including a plurality of second tabs extending radially inward from the second die to clamp second portions of an outer perimeter of a second embossing foil against a surface of the second die. In an embodiment, the first and second outer perimeter portions are complementary arc segments to interdigitate the plurality of first tabs with the plurality of second tabs when the press is closed. |
| US08496465B2 |
Suture containing barbs
Methods and systems of forming barbed sutures from blown films are provided. A method for forming a barbed suture includes providing a blown film, cutting slits into an outer edge of the blown film, and twisting the blown film such that the slits protrude from the twisted blown film to form a barbed suture. A system for forming a barbed suture includes a set of heating rollers configured for stiffening an outer edge of a blown film, a set of cutting rollers configured for forming slits in the outer edge, a set of twisting rollers configured for twisting the blown film into a suture, and a heat source to set the suture. |
| US08496454B2 |
Unloader system and method for a compressor
An apparatus is provided and may include a compression mechanism, a valve plate having a plurality of ports, a header, and a plurality of cylinders disposed within the header. A plurality of pistons may be respectively disposed in the plurality of cylinders and may be movable between a first position separated from the valve plate and permitting flow through the plurality of ports and into the compression mechanism and a second position engaging the valve plate and restricting flow through the plurality of ports and into the compression mechanism. A chamber may be disposed within each of the cylinders and may receive a pressurized fluid in a first mode to move the piston into the second position and may vent the pressurized fluid in a second mode to move the piston into the first position. One of the chambers may include a different diameter than the other of the chambers. |
| US08496452B2 |
Bearing spacer and housing
An exemplary center housing rotating assembly includes a turbine wheel (260); a compressor wheel (240); a center housing (210) that includes a through bore (215), extending from a compressor end to a turbine end along a bore axis, and a recess (217), adjacent the bore, in a plane orthogonal to the bore axis; a bearing assembly (230) positioned in the bore that includes a keyway (233); and an anti-rotation component (280) seated in the recess and at least partially in the keyway to restrict rotation of the bearing assembly in the bore. Various other exemplary devices, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08496451B2 |
Pump diaphragm
A diaphragm assembly for a fluid driven diaphragm pump includes a piston having an inflexible core. This core includes a hub with a plate extending radially from about the periphery of the hub. The piston further includes a unitary diaphragm body molded with the inflexible core in situ. The unitary diaphragm body has a plurality of connective tendons extending through the plate. A thermoplastic coating extends about the inflexible core between the core and the molded unitary diaphragm body having a thermally miscible surface with the thermoplastic coating. An inflexible backing plate extends in juxtaposition with the diaphragm. |
| US08496450B2 |
Compressor system for supplying compressed air to a commercial vehicle, and method for operating the compressor system
A compressor system supplies compressed air to a commercial vehicle. The compressor system includes a compressor, a clutch, and a hydraulic pump and can be driven by way of a drivetrain. The compressor can be completely disconnected from a driving engine by way of the clutch. The drivetrain encompasses a geared drive mechanism which allows the hydraulic pump to be driven, and the clutch is arranged between the geared drive mechanism and the compressor. A method for operating the compressor system is provided. |
| US08496444B2 |
Water-lifting pump apparatus and method of controlling operation thereof
A water-lifting pump apparatus which is free of a discharge valve and a check valve, is low in cost, and is capable of reducing vibration and noise due to a waterfall after the end of water pumping operation. The water-lifting pump apparatus has a suction tank (10), a discharge tank (20), a pump (30) for pumping water in the suction tank (10) into the discharge tank (20), and a discharge piping (50) connected to a discharge side of the pump, an actuator (60) for actuating the pump (50), a reverse flow preventing mechanism (80) for preventing a reverse flow of water pumped into the discharge tank (20) toward the discharge piping (50), and a back flow rate control (90) for controlling the flow rate of a waterfall falling from the discharge piping (50) into the suction tank (10) when pumping operation is finished. |
| US08496443B2 |
Modular turbine airfoil and platform assembly with independent root teeth
A turbine airfoil (22E-H) extends from a shank (23E-H). A platform (30E-H) brackets or surrounds a first portion of the shank (23E-H). Opposed teeth (33, 35) extend laterally from the platform (30E-H) to engage respective slots (50) in a disk. Opposed teeth (25, 27) extend laterally from a second portion of the shank (29) that extends below the platform (30E-H) to engage other slots (52) in the disk. Thus the platform (30E-H) and the shank (23E-H) independently support their own centrifugal loads via their respective teeth. The platform may be formed in two portions (32E-H, 34E-H), that are bonded to each other at matching end-walls (37) and/or via pins (36G) passing through the shank (23E-H). Coolant channels (41, 43) may pass through the shank beside the pins (36G). |
| US08496436B2 |
Torque compensation for propeller pitch change mechanism
A propeller assembly has a plurality of propeller blades, and a pitch change mechanism including at least one motor. A drive input drives the plurality of propeller blades to rotate about a central drive axis. The pitch change mechanism is operable upon driving of the motor to move the propeller blades relative to the drive input. The drive input includes a drive input gear transmission to change a pitch angle of the blades when the blades are moved relative to the drive input by the pitch change mechanism. Further, a method of operating a propeller assembly to change a pitch angle is disclosed and claimed. |
| US08496425B2 |
Reconfigurable end-effectors with articulating frame and indexable master boom
The end-effector includes an articulating frame mounted on an indexable boom. Tool modules mount on the end-effector and connect to a workpiece. Each tool module includes a flexible dress package including a cable carrier. A channel rail is supported by the end-effector frame and guides the cable carrier. A setup tool and associated process can reconfigure the positions of the tool modules and the frame and boom of the end-effector. |
| US08496423B2 |
Windmill conveyance system and method for using same
A conveyance system and method for delivering at least one component of a windmill to a location is provided. The system is provided with a transporter and a transfer system. The transporter is positionable adjacent a base at the location. The transfer system is provided with a plurality of rails, a support and at least one slider. The rails are positionable on the base and the transporter. The support has a first portion of the rails of the transporter thereon. The support is positionable along a second portion of the rails on a surface of the transporter, and slidably movable between a retracted and an extended position whereby the support is selectively positionable adjacent the base. The slider carries the component(s) of the windmill. The slider is slidably movable along the rails of the transporter and the base whereby the component(s) is/are slidably transferrable between the transporter and the base. |
| US08496422B2 |
Threaded stud with locking pawl
A threaded fastener-nut combination for attaching two work pieces together has means for preventing the intrusion of the fastener threads into the bores of each work piece, thus preventing damage to the work piece which may result from such intrusion. The stud member has a pawl member which extends radially outward to engage an aperture in the nut member, which locks the nut member to the stud member. The engagement of the nut member to the threaded portion of the stud member produces both audible and tactile feedback to indicate that the fastener is properly placed and engaged. Tactile feedback is returned through the emergence of the pawl through the aperture in the nut, and by the rotation of the entire fastener assembly upon the provision of further tightening effort. Auditory feedback is provided through a “click” or similar sound produced when the pawls engages the aperture of the nut. |
| US08496420B2 |
Clip
According to embodiments of the present invention, a clip includes: a plate spring member having a leg portion and flange portions; a pin member having a shaft portion and a head portion. The leg portion has: inclined portions outwardly extending from a bent portion; engagement portions inwardly extending from the inclined portions; and abutting portions connected between the inclined portions and the flange portions. The shaft portion has: a proximal-side diameter-expanded portion; and a distal-side diameter-reduced portion. When the plate spring member is assembled with the pin member and flange portions abut a front side circumference of the mounting hole, the diameter-expanded portion abut the abutting portions to expand the leg portion through a further pushing operation of the pin member thereby engaging the engagement portions with a back side circumference of the mounting hole. |
| US08496418B2 |
Fastening device for at least partially securing a first and a second freight item
Fastening elements are known in which locking elements can be swivelled out of a non-operative position and into a fixing position. Usually, each of these locking elements has a locking lug. The known fastening devices are mostly very complex in their structure.The some embodiments of present application propose the provision of a fastening device for at least partially securing a first and a second freight item, which fastening device comprises a frame and comprises a locking claw having a first locking lug and a second locking lug. The locking lugs in this case are aligned along a longitudinal direction of the fastening device, for the purpose of encompassing and holding partial portions of the freight items. The locking claws are pivotally fastened to the frame of the fastening device in such a way that the locking claw can be swivelled out of a fixing position, for securing the freight items, into a non-operative position. The locking claw can comprise at least one ramp portion and be realized in such a way that the locking claw can be swivelled out of the fixing position and into the non-operative position by a freight item approaching in the transverse direction.This appliance is not only easy to operate, but can achieve considerable savings in weight in the configuration of the freight deck. |
| US08496417B1 |
Adjustable binding belt set
An adjustable binding belt set includes a binding belt, a fastening component and a handling bar. The handling bar has a spine tube which is passing through an axial rod. A gear on the spine tube is engaged with a switching component. A first spring hole is defined on a handling component. The first spring hole has a spring component placed into and controls the engagement between the gear and the gear tuner. The fastening component includes a fastening base and a fastening slice. The fastening base has an assembling groove defined thereon. The fastening slice is pivoted on the assembling groove. A gear stopper is extruded from the fastening slice and engaged with the gear. The fastening slice further has a resisting part extruded therefrom. Thus, the binding belt is automatically or manually to fasten the goods on a cart when a user operates the handling bar. |
| US08496416B1 |
Method and apparatus for drilling operations
An apparatus may include a housing, a spindle system located in the housing, a tool guide associated with the housing, and a magnetic unit associated with the housing. The spindle system may be capable of rotating a tool about an axis of rotation. The tool guide may be capable of engaging a receptacle at a location on a workpiece. The magnetic unit may be capable of securing the tool guide in the receptacle when the tool guide is engaged with the receptacle. |
| US08496415B2 |
Negative insert having double-positive clearance surface
A negative insert has double-positive clearance surface. |
| US08496405B1 |
Mitred grate and drain cover
A drain cover and pipe combination comprises a drain cover including a substantially elliptical frame portion defining a space, the space having an axis substantially normal to the frame, and at least one cross piece located in the space so as to define a plurality of openings in the drain cover. The pipe comprises a substantially tubular member having a longitudinal axis, with the pipe having a substantially elliptical shaped rim at one end thereof with a rim axis which is other than parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Securing means are provided for securing the drain cover over the rim of the pipe. |
| US08496404B1 |
Reinforcement system for increased lateral stability of flood wall
Reinforcement system for concrete panel wall, such as I-type flood wall, includes high tensile strength textile attached to wall by adhesive and reinforced by mechanical fasteners. Most preferred embodiment comprises a strip of fiber reinforced plastic spanning multiple panels, with the grain of the textile material extending horizontally. Alternative embodiment includes vertical FRP with bias-grain textile. Fasteners are preferably ductile fiber anchors. |
| US08496402B2 |
Paddle style land fill compactor wheel tip
A compactor wheel tip for a landfill or soil compactor comprises a bottom wall having a wheel engaging surface, a top wall having a ground engaging surface, oppositely disposed front and rear walls having concave surfaces, and oppositely disposed side walls. The ground engaging surface of the top wall may be generally planar and have a “bow-tie”-shaped cross-section, or the top wall may define a pair of shoulders each extending inwardly from one of the side walls, and a rib extending between the shoulders and having a depth that is less than the depth of shoulders. The ground engaging surface may further define a pair of exterior pockets disposed on opposite sides of the rib and extending downwardly between the rib and corresponding portions of the front and rear walls. |
| US08496401B1 |
Feeder floor protection system for paving machine
A feeder floor protection system for a paving machine includes at least a first pair of wear plates covering a majority of a feeder floor. Each wear plate has at least two frame abutment features and at least two plate abutment features. Each plate abutment feature includes at least two non-contiguous lateral movement restriction surfaces offset from a centerline of the paving machine and at least one fore and aft movement restriction surface in a plane perpendicular to the centerline. The lateral movement restriction surfaces of a first plate of the pair of wear plates abut the lateral movement restriction surfaces of a second plate of the pair of wear plates. The fore and aft movement restriction surface of the first plate abuts the fore and aft movement restriction surface of the second plate. |
| US08496400B2 |
Slipform paver
A self propelled slipform paver apparatus includes a chassis, a plurality of ground engaging supports, and a plurality of lifting columns extending between the chassis and the ground engaging supports. A chassis mounting unit is connected to the chassis. A mold for flowable material is also included. A mold mounting unit is connected to the mold. One of the chassis mounting unit and the mold mounting unit includes at least one front claw-like fastening member and at least one rear claw-like fastening member. The claw-like fastening members are open in the same direction either in the direction of operation or opposite to the direction of operation. The other of the chassis mounting unit and the mold mounting unit includes at least one front mating member and at least one rear mating member. The mating members are shaped and arranged to be received in the claw-like fastening members. |
| US08496399B2 |
Longitudinal pavement joint and apparatus for making
A longitudinal pavement joint for joining pavement lanes, the longitudinal pavement joint comprising: one or more joining surfaces having respective slope angles between about 0 and about 45 degrees; and optionally, one or more wall surfaces having respective slope angles between about 45 and about 90 degrees, the joining surfaces and the wall surfaces being disposed adjacent one another, and one or more of the joining surfaces comprising a respective joining surface feature. |
| US08496398B2 |
Rebar sleeve unit
A rebar sleeve device comprising a tubular unit with an opening at least one end thereof for receipt of a rebar dowel is described. The tubular unit is typically positioned horizontally and can be elevated by a back extension component and a front extension component secured to the base unit. The front extension component comprises an opening through which the rebar dowel is inserted. The opening of the front extension component comprises a protective covering. The protective covering prevents concrete from filling in the opening, but allows for the insertion of a rebar dowel. A connection component connects a plurality of the rebar sleeve devices together to form a single unit. |
| US08496392B2 |
Writing instrument with sheet dispenser
A writing instrument is provided. The instrument has (a) a body having opposing first and second ends, the body comprising a marking element extending from one or both ends, and (b) a sheet dispenser coupled to a first cap that is able to engage the first or the second end of the body portion, the dispenser comprising (i) a base disposed on the first cap; and (ii) a cover removably, e.g., slideably, engageable with the base, wherein the dispenser is disposed axially along a centerline of the writing element. |
| US08496388B2 |
Ferrule transfer method and ferrule holder including a fusion-splicing operation element that fuses ends of opposing optical fiber segments to form a spliced optical fiber
A fusion-splicing device, including a fusion-splicing operation element that fuses ends of opposing optical fiber segments to form a spliced optical fiber; a ferrule holding device that receives and holds a ferrule holder in a predetermined position, the ferrule holder having an open end that receives a ferrule therein and an opposite end from which a string-like stem extends. The ferrule having an optical fiber segment that extends away from the open end of the ferrule holder when the ferrule is disposed in the ferrule holder, one end of the ferrule holding device being open to allow an end of the optical fiber segment of the ferrule to be held at a position to be fused to an end of an opposing optical fiber, and an opposite end of the ferrule holding device being shaped to accommodate the stem. |
| US08496385B2 |
Connector with built-in module
A connector incorporating a module, in which an incorporated electrical component may be cooled efficiently and reliably, is provided. A transmission apparatus disposed inside a main body cover of a module-incorporating connector is provided with a ceramic board at which an electrical component and such are mounted. A metal cover touches an upper face of the electrical component. A portion of the metal cover is disposed in an insertion portion of the main body cover. Heat generated by the electrical component is propagated via the metal cover to the insertion portion of a first cover member. When the module-incorporating connector is connected to a socket of a device, the insertion portion is disposed inside an exterior case, in which temperature is controlled by an air conditioner, and cooling is performed reliably and efficiently. |
| US08496383B2 |
Bump stop and associated MacPherson strut
The bump stop device, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprises a bearing 6 forming an axial stop, a bottom support cover 5 of the bearing and a bottom retainer 7 for a spring comprising at least one stiffening strut. The support cover 5 and/or the retainer 7 comprises at least one axial securing means 15 of the bottom retainer and of the bottom support cover, the said means being situated axially set back from a bottom end of the retainer. |
| US08496380B2 |
Medical radiological device and radiological system
A medical radiological system has a radiological device with at least one element that can be electrically adjusted in order to allow an adaptation of the radiological device to body dimensions of a patient to be examined. The radiological device has a controller with an interface that receives a patient parameter set from a computer, with which patient data are processed and stored. The controller calculates a desired position of the element from the received patient data set, and automatically controls positioning of the element by electrically adjusting the element to the desired position. |
| US08496378B2 |
Dram temperature measurement system
A converter comprising a comparator having a first input operable to receive a first signal, a second input operable to receive a second signal, and an output, a switch for sinking a portion of the first signal, wherein the switch is responsive to the output, and an integrator connected to the first input, wherein the first signal is a voltage developed by the integrator when a current proportional to the absolute temperature is applied thereto. A method for measuring temperature of a device using a comparator and converting the bitstream of the comparator to a digital output is also given. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims. |
| US08496370B2 |
Light guide plate, light guide plate mold insert and method for making light guide plate
A light guide plate mold insert includes a molding surface and a number of uniformly distributed dot-shaped recesses. The molding surface is used for forming a reflective surface of a light guide plate. The uniformly distributed dot-shaped recesses are formed in the molding surface. The molding surface includes a number of frosted regions formed by machining the molding surface using a sand-blasting process. Each of the frosted regions includes a number of dot-shaped micro recesses. A distribution density of the micro recesses are greater than that of the recesses. |