| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08917429B2 |
Document illumination device, contact-type image sensor module, and image reading device
A document illumination device includes a light-conducting member in which is formed a base surface that extends along a lengthwise direction, an irradiation surface that extends along the lengthwise direction and is tilted in the widthwise direction relative to the base surface, and a side surface that extends in the lengthwise direction and connects the base surface to the irradiation surface; a scattering member that is provided opposing the base surface and the side surface and that scatters light emitted from the base surface and the side surface; and a light source provided opposing a lengthwise direction-end surface of the light-conducting member. |
| US08917425B2 |
Image processing apparatus for executing halftone processing, image processing system, image processing method, program product, and computer-readable storage medium
An image processing apparatus includes processors which output first and second image data from input image data. The second image data is applied halftone processing of a higher resolution than halftone processing applied to the first image data. The image processing includes a unit configured to decide a mixing ratio of a pixel using a value based on a sum of an error of the pixel and a change amount of a pixel value at that pixel; and a mixing unit configured to mix pixel values of the first image data and the second image data according to the mixing ratios. When the value based on the sum is increased, the mixing ratio of the second image data decided by the decision unit remains the same or is increased. |
| US08917424B2 |
Screen printing techniques
Data processing methods provide a work flow for producing custom screen printed products based on digital images. Disclosed techniques include a work flow for receiving user-supplied images and transforming the images into color separation data and related metadata that can drive screen printing, including previewing the appearance of the products as they will appear when screen printed, for user approval; finding key color components using a filtering and grouping approach; image resolution limiting; structured error diffusion halftoning with an improved random number generator for use in adding blue noise; error diffusion dot spread correction; and others. |
| US08917421B2 |
Printing apparatus and method of controlling printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes one or more print execution units each including a plurality of storage units configured to receive and storage pieces of image data transferred from a higher level apparatus via a first transfer path, respectively, a plurality of image forming units configured to form an image on a print medium in accordance with the pieces of image data stored in the storage units, and a selection unit configured to select a path for transferring a piece of image data stored in the storage units for each of the image forming units; and a print control unit configured to control the print execution units to print the image data in accordance with control information transferred from the higher level apparatus via a second transfer path. The selection unit selects the path in accordance with configuration information indicating configuration of all of the one or more print execution units. |
| US08917417B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming method and computer-readable medium storing image forming program
A controller of an image forming apparatus is configured to judge whether a first sheet size of the first image data is larger than a size of an in-use sheet. When the first sheet size is larger than the in-use sheet size, it is judged whether the resizing operation is to be applied to the first image data, resize the image size of the first image data to meet the in-use sheet size by applying the resizing operation to the first image data when the resizing operation is to be applied to the first image data, and control the image forming device to form an image on the sheet based on the first image data to which the resizing operation has been applied. |
| US08917416B2 |
Display control apparatus, display control method, and program
An apparatus that controls a display unit to display, as a preview image, an image to be printed on a print medium by a printing apparatus that includes a function for adjusting a conveyance amount to convey a print medium in a conveyance direction by increasing or decreasing the conveyance amount as compared to a reference conveyance amount when an image of a designated size is printed acquires an adjustment amount of the conveyance amount and changes a size of the preview image with respect to the conveyance direction according to the acquired adjustment amount. |
| US08917414B2 |
Virtual printer interface node
A virtual printer interface node enables a non-cloud-ready printer to communicate with a cloud-based service, residing on an internet. The virtual printer interface node includes a housing; a communication interface to provide communication directly to the network router; and a microcontroller operatively connected to the communication interface. The microcontroller converts commands, received through the communication interface, from the cloud-based service, residing on the internet, to native protocols of the non-cloud-ready networked printer and communicates the converted native protocols to the non-cloud-ready networked printer. |
| US08917409B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming system
An image forming apparatus which can prohibit any users but a user who has made a deposit from operating the image forming apparatus for a chargeable process. A communication controller of the image forming apparatus obtains pieces of proper information of cell-phones. An ID management section issues IDs for the respective pieces of proper information, and the communication controller sends the IDs to the corresponding cell-phones. At an input section, a user of one of the cell-phones inputs the ID sent thereto. Thereafter, the communication controller receives an access from a cell-phone and receives proper information of the cell-phone. In this moment, it is judged whether the cell-phone which has made an access is identical with the cell-phone of which ID was inputted at the input section. Only when the communication controller identifies the cell-phone, the communication controller permits the image forming apparatus to communicate with the cell-phone. |
| US08917406B2 |
Image reading apparatus for determining whether a document contains a distinguishing pattern
As provided with a first reading section and a second reading section for reading both surfaces of a document, an image reading apparatus respectively calculates gamma correction values in gamma correcting sections and correction factors in color correcting sections, and corrects colors of criteria images being read by the first reading section and the second reading section in accordance with sample data stored on a storing section in order to substantially match the colors of both criteria images. In addition, the image reading apparatus utilizes an distinctive color range common for the both surfaces which defines a color about a distinguishing pattern, in order to determine whether images of both surfaces contain the distinguishing pattern or not. |
| US08917402B2 |
Power-supply control device, image processing apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium, and power-supply control method for controlling power-supply based on monitoring a movement and executing an individual recognition
A power-supply control device includes a changing unit, a monitoring unit, a commanding unit, an imaging unit, and an individual recognition unit. The changing unit changes an operation mode of a controlled subject to a power supply mode or a power cutoff mode. The monitoring unit monitors a movement of a moving body during the power cutoff mode. The commanding unit outputs a command for changing the operation mode of the controlled subject to the power supply mode if the monitoring unit determines that the moving body is approaching the controlled subject. The imaging unit is supplied with electric power in response to the approaching of the moving body and captures a characteristic image of the moving body. The individual recognition unit executes an individual recognition process based on image information of the characteristic image captured by the imaging unit. |
| US08917401B2 |
Controlling device for multi-function device
A controlling device for a multi-function device may acquire specific function information for a specific service providing server from a first storage unit, and acquire specific use information for a specific user from a second storage unit. The controlling device may determine, by using the specific function information and the specific use information, whether or not a usable function exists. The controlling device may execute a process for the multi-function device to receive a service related to the usable function from the specific service providing server in a case where it is determined that the usable function exists, and execute a process for prohibiting the multi-function device to receive a service from the specific service providing server in a second case where h is determined that the usable function does not exist. |
| US08917398B2 |
Method and apparatus for supervision of optical material production
An apparatus arranged to analyze a multi-layer optical material structure, the apparatus constituted of: a control unit, a light source outputting light; and a light receiver arranged to receive the light from the light source after interaction with the target structure, the control unit arranged to: detect the amplitude of the received light as a function of wavelength; perform a transform of a function of the detected amplitudes to the optical thickness domain; determine, responsive to a planned composition of the target multi-layer structure, optical thickness and amplitude of expected peaks of the performed transform to the optical thickness domain which correspond with interactions with single interface between layers; identify actual peaks of the performed transform to the optical thickness domain which correspond with interfaces between layers; and determine at least one physical characteristic of the target structure responsive to the determined peaks. |
| US08917397B2 |
Microscope illumination and calibration apparatus
An apparatus which provides a multiplicity of test colors and neutral tones simultaneously within a microscope's optical system that may be used to align, and/or calibrate the microscope, and the light source and any associated recording devices, automatically or with input from an operator. The test colors and neutral tones may also be used as references against which to judge specimens being viewed in the microscope.Also disclosed is a method of operating a microscope using such a such pattern. |
| US08917385B1 |
Automatic identification of volcanic ash plumes using measured spectral radiance over a plurality of field of views
Volcanic ash is identified within a field of regard (FOR) by obtaining spectral radiance data comprising brightness temperature values over a specified spectral range for each field of view (FOV) within the FOR, determining a baseline brightness temperature value over the specified spectral range that is identified as representing no volcanic ash, and assigning one or more FOVs having brightness temperature values that deviate from the baseline brightness temperature value by a predetermined amount with an indication of containing volcanic ash. |
| US08917379B2 |
Projection exposure methods and systems
Projection exposure methods, systems, sub-systems and components are disclosed. Methods can include performing a first exposure to image a first sub-pattern of the pattern, where the first sub-pattern includes a plurality of first features extending in a first direction and spaced apart essentially periodically at a predominant periodicity length P in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first exposure can be performed using a multipolar illumination mode that includes at least one substantially dipolar intensity distribution having two illumination poles positioned on a pole orientation axis substantially parallel to the second direction and spaced apart from each other. The poles of the dipolar intensity distribution can each have an azimuthal width defined by a pole angle θ, and a pole area APOLE according to: 0.6 |
| US08917375B2 |
Grey-scale holographic structure and system for generating a millimeter-wave collimated wavefront in a compact range
Embodiments of a grey-scale holographic structure and system for generating a collimated wavefront in a compact range are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the grey-scale holographic structure comprising millimeter-wave transmissive material having a surface arranged to provide differing amounts of phase-delay to an incident millimeter-wave wavefront as the incident wavefront passes through the material. The grey-scale holographic structure may comprises a plurality of layers (N) to provide a phase total delay of lambda which results from a series tuned layers, each having a thickness of a wavelength/N. Each layer provides a predetermined amount of phase delay allowing the structure to operate as a phase-delay hologram. |
| US08917374B2 |
Liquid crystal display device including arrangement of colored layer and columnar spacer
The present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device in which, even when a columnar spacer is misaligned, the columnar spacer can be light-shielded without reduction of an aperture ratio. According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystal display device which includes a pair of substrates spaced at a distance from each other by a plurality of columnar spacers, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates, and in which a pixel is formed by picture elements of a plurality of colors, the liquid crystal display device being featured in that one of the pair of substrates includes colored layers of a plurality of colors, and a light shielding layer, in that at least one of the colored layers of the plurality of colors has a region in which a colored layer of the same color is integrally arranged on respective picture elements adjacent to each other, and has a straight portion and an extension portion extending from the straight portion, in that at least one of the plurality of columnar spacers is provided at a position overlapping with the extension portion, and has a substantially rhombus-shaped surface or a substantially circular surface, which is in contact with the substrate, and the contour line of the extension portion has a shape corresponding to the contour line of the columnar spacer provided at the position overlapping with the extension portion. |
| US08917372B2 |
Method of manufacturing a display device comprising first and second polarizing plate and phase difference plate combinations and a step of simultaneously polishing a second substrate and a semiconductor chip to have the same thickness as each other
A display device including: a first substrate with a pixel switch and drivers mounted thereon; a second substrate disposed in facing relation to the first substrate; a material layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate and having peripheral edges sealed by a seal member, the material layer having an electrooptical effect; and a semiconductor chip mounted as a COG component on the first substrate, the semiconductor chip having a control system configured to control the drivers; wherein the semiconductor chip having a thickness equal to the total thickness of the seal member and the second substrate or larger than the thickness of the seal member and smaller than the total thickness. |
| US08917366B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device, which includes a backlight module and a liquid crystal panel disposed on the backlight module. The backlight module includes an optic film assembly. The optic film assembly includes a first prism plate. The liquid crystal panel includes a first polarization plate. The first polarization plate is arranged to directly confront the first prism plate. The first prism plate includes a first base plate and a plurality of parallel first prism bars formed on an upper surface of the first base plate. The first prism bars have an axial direction that forms an included angle with respect to a polarization direction of the first polarization plate. The liquid crystal display device omits the topmost diffusion plate that is conventionally used in the known the optic film assembly so as to reduce the manufacture cost. |
| US08917363B2 |
Anti-peeping privacy device
An anti-peeping privacy device is provided, including a polarizing element, a liquid crystal member and a diffusing element. The liquid crystal member is disposed on the polarizing element. The diffusing element is disposed on the liquid crystal member, comprising a transparent layer and a liquid crystal layer. The transparent layer having a refractive index and adjacent to the liquid crystal member includes a plurality of concave-convex stripe microstructures on the top side thereof, wherein the plurality of concave-convex stripe microstructure is arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the polarized light. The liquid crystal layer disposed on the concave-convex stripe microstructures of the transparent resin layer. |
| US08917362B2 |
Touch-sensitive display device
A touch-sensitive display device has an active display area and a non-active area and includes a touch-sensitive unit, a display unit and a liquid optical adhesive. The touch-sensitive unit has a touch-sensitive region substantially overlapping the active display area, and the display unit is disposed on one side of the touch-sensitive unit. The liquid optical adhesive is disposed between the touch-sensitive unit and the display unit to combine the touch-sensitive unit with the display unit, and an outer edge of the liquid optical adhesive is located in the non-active area of the touch-sensitive display device. |
| US08917359B2 |
Power supply for television and television including the same
A power supply for a television and a television including the same, the power supply including: a rectifier which rectifies input AC power; a converter which converts the rectified power into DC power through a switching control; a circuit board on which at least one of the rectifier and the converter is mounted; and an input connector which receives the AC power and is mounted on the circuit board such that a projecting height of the input connector projecting from the circuit board is substantially equal to or smaller than a projecting height of at least one of the rectifier and the converter. |
| US08917348B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, camera module, and illuminance detection method
According to one embodiment, a solid-state imaging device includes a luminance integrating unit, a luminance observation value calculating unit, and an illuminance value conversion unit. The luminance integrating unit integrates a luminance value detected for every pixel. The luminance observation value calculating unit calculates a luminance observation value based on an integration result in the luminance integrating unit. The luminance observation value is an observation result of the luminance for an entire imaging screen. The illuminance value conversion unit converts the luminance observation value to an illuminance value. The luminance integrating unit integrates the luminance value discriminated in accordance with a condition set with respect to a luminance level. |
| US08917345B2 |
Multi-display digital image processing apparatus using external display apparatus for simultaneous display of slide show at different speeds, with related method and computer readable recording medium
An apparatus that supports multi-display to reproduce images on an external display apparatus connectable to the apparatus, a method of operating the apparatus, and a computer readable recording medium recorded thereon a program for executing the method. The apparatus includes: a digital signal processor which, when a signal of a first display command is input to the apparatus, displays a screen obtained by performing the first display command on the apparatus in a continuous reproduction mode at a predetermined speed, and when a signal of a second display command corresponding to the signal of the first display command is input to the apparatus, displays a screen obtained by performing the second display command on the external display apparatus images on the external display apparatus at a speed different from the predetermined speed of the continuous reproduction mode. |
| US08917344B2 |
Highspeed image selecting method digital camera having highspeed image selecting function
In a digital camera operation method, photographic images are taken with the camera and a corresponding compressed high resolution image and also a corresponding lower resolution image is stored for each. A fast display mode of the camera sequentially displays individual lower resolution display images, using the data of one of the lower resolution images. A normal display mode displays high resolution display images by expanding and displaying one of the compressed high resolution images. When changing from the fast display mode to the normal display mode, the lower resolution display image currently displayed can be replaced with the corresponding high resolution display image. |
| US08917342B2 |
Solid-state imaging element, method for producing solid-state imaging element, and electronic device
A solid-state imaging element includes a wiring layer; a charge accumulation unit including a semiconductor layer provided on the wiring layer; and a photoelectric conversion film provided on the semiconductor layer, wherein a pinning layer of a conductivity type opposite to a conductivity type of the charge accumulation unit, the pinning layer including an opening, is provided in a region of the charge accumulation unit, the region being located at an interface between the charge accumulation unit and the photoelectric conversion film. |
| US08917341B2 |
Solid-state image pickup apparatus, driving method for solid-state image pickup apparatus and electronic device
A solid-state imaging device with a photodiode, a first charge accumulation region electronically connected to the photodiode, a second charge accumulation region electronically connected to the photodiode, where a charge generated in the photodiode is distributed into the first charge accumulation region and the second charge accumulation region based on an amount of charge. |
| US08917338B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, manufacturing method thereof, and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes a light blocking layer formed in an active pixel region of a pixel region on a light incident side so as to surround a photoelectric conversion unit of each pixel and formed in an extending manner to an optical black region, a concave portion formed so as to be surrounded by the light blocking layer in a region corresponding to the photoelectric conversion unit, a first refractive index layer formed on surfaces of the light blocking layer and the concave portion and having a relatively low refractive index, a second refractive index layer formed on the first refractive index layer so as to be buried in the concave portion and having a relatively high refractive index, and an anti-flare layer formed on the first refractive index layer in the optical black region. |
| US08917337B2 |
AD conversion circuit and imaging apparatus
A ramp section generates a reference signal. A comparison section compares an analog signal to the reference signal, and terminates a comparison process at a timing at which the reference signal has satisfied a predetermined condition for the analog signal. A main count section performs a count operation and outputs a count value. A latch section latches a second count value at a second timing related to the end of the comparison process corresponding to a second analog signal after latching a first count value at a first timing related to the end of the comparison process corresponding to a first analog signal. A column count section sequentially counts values of bits constituting the second count value retained in the latch section after an initial value has been set on the basis of values of bits constituting the first count value retained in the latch section. |
| US08917335B2 |
Image capturing apparatus with zoom function
An image capturing apparatus comprises an image capturing unit which captures image data of an object, a zoom image data generating unit which generates items of zoom image data having different zoom magnifications, a display control unit which displays through images on a display unit based on the items of the generated zoom image data, a selection unit which selects one of the zoom magnifications by selecting one of the through images displayed on the display unit, and a recording control unit which records image data corresponding to the selected zoom magnification in a storing medium. |
| US08917332B2 |
Image capturing apparatus, image processing apparatus and method, and program therefor
An image processing apparatus includes an input unit configured to receive an input image to be processed; a brightness-information extracting unit configured to extract, from the image, brightness information indicating brightness of the whole image; a luminance-value-distribution-information extracting unit configured to extract, from the image, luminance-value-distribution information indicating a distribution of luminance values in the image; and a scene determining unit configured to determine a scene of an object included in the image on the basis of the extracted brightness information and the extracted luminance-value-distribution information. |
| US08917331B2 |
Digital photographing apparatus and method of controlling the same
A digital photographing apparatus and a method of controlling the same. A method of controlling a digital photographing apparatus, the method including determining whether a condition for changing an environment setup of the digital photographing apparatus is satisfied; if the condition is satisfied, searching for an environment setup to be changed according to the condition; and changing the environment setup according to the condition. |
| US08917323B2 |
Image capture system for applications in vehicles
In an image capture system for use in vehicles as well as an optical system for use in the automotive sector, the image capture system has at least one image sensor element having a plurality of image sensors situated in an image plane and at least one micro-lens system having a plurality of micro-lenses. Optionally, at least one aperture mask having a plurality of openings is situated between the micro-lens system and the at least one image sensor element. One image sensor, one micro-lens and one opening respectively define a pick-up direction of the image sensor. The totality of the pick-up directions defines a main viewing direction, which together with the image plane encloses an angle α of less than 80°. |
| US08917316B2 |
Photographing equipment
Photographing equipment includes an image pickup portion, a display portion which displays an image acquired by the image pickup portion, an object detecting portion which detects a reference object of a predetermined size or a larger size within an image pickup range of the image pickup portion among objects in the image acquired by the image pickup portion, and a display controlling portion which displays a representation recommending 3D photographing on the display portion if the object detecting portion detects the reference object. |
| US08917315B2 |
Imaging module
An imaging module includes: a hollow lens holder open at both ends; a lens assembled in the lens holder and collecting light input from one end of the lens holder; a hollow imaging holder having an opening into which the light output from the lens is input; an optical member assembled in the imaging holder and transmitting or deflecting the light input from one end of the imaging holder; and an image sensor assembled in the imaging holder and having a light-receiving region configured to receive the light transmitted or deflected by the optical member and to perform photoelectric conversion of the received light, wherein an optical axis center of the lens and a center of the light received by the light-receiving region of the image sensor are aligned with each other by fitting a light-output-side end portion of the lens holder and the imaging holder to each other. |
| US08917310B2 |
Multiparty communications systems and methods that optimize communications based on mode and available bandwidth
Improved methods, systems, and devices for managing communications are provided. A user device may display all ongoing communications so that a user can visualize the communications network or some subset thereof (e.g., a subgroup or group of users). A system may maintain the user device in an instant ready-on mode of communication with the other user devices. A user may then initiate communications with a subgroup (e.g., a pair) or group without initiating a new connection. Accordingly, a user can simultaneously and fluidly communicate at the subgroup level, at the group level, or at the inter-group level. Moreover, users can function as independent actors that can freely form and leave subgroups as well as groups. |
| US08917306B2 |
Previewing video data in a video communication environment
In one example implementation, a request from a first endpoint is identified for a second endpoint to join a video communication session. Particular video data captured at the first endpoint is displayed at the second endpoint prior to the second endpoint joining the video communication session. In certain embodiments, the particular video data captured at the first endpoint can be displayed at the second endpoint without the user of the first endpoint being made aware that the particular video data was displayed at the second endpoint. |
| US08917301B2 |
Pressure-sensitive adhesive for pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, tape cassette, and tape printer
There is provided a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape which includes a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed by using any of different types of adhesive samples. Thereby the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is adjusted so as to satisfy conditions that, slow peel strength when a printing tape made of a PET film is peeled off from the substrate film of the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape by 5 mm at peel rate of 0.5 mm/minute is 0.45 N/20 mm or higher and storage modulus of the adhesive layer is in a range from 90.7 kPa to 435 kPa. By improving adhesiveness to the printing tape under environmental temperature from a low temperature to a normal temperature, the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive layer renders the printing tape less apt to peel off. |
| US08917299B2 |
Erasing device, image forming apparatus, and erasing method
An erasing device includes a line scanner on an upstream side in a recording medium conveying direction, includes a thermal head downstream in the recording medium conveying direction of the line scanner, and includes a platen in a position opposed to the thermal head as a heating device across a recording medium conveying path. The erasing device causes the heat generating elements of the thermal head in positions corresponding to color and density sensors in positions of an image detected by the line scanner to generate heat. The erasing device controls, according to detected colors or density, a quantity of heat to be generated. |
| US08917298B2 |
Apparatus, method and computer program product for drawing image on thermal medium
An apparatus for drawing an image on a thermal medium includes a stroke group generating unit configured to group continuous strokes forming the image of a desired character to be drawn to generate one or more stroke groups of the continuous strokes, a first overlapped part removing unit configured to detect a first overlapped part between a first combination of the strokes associated with the same stroke group to remove the first overlapped part in an arranged order of the strokes within the same stroke group, and a second overlapped part removing unit configured to detect a second overlapped part between a second combination of the strokes associated with plural of the stroke groups to remove the second overlapped part from the stroke groups. |
| US08917292B2 |
Display system for working machine
A display system for a working machine displays warning information while also displaying a high-quality camera image. The display redisplays a reduced camera image at a reduction scale of 60% according to an abnormality information signal. An open area 44 outside the area displaying the camera image. The display control device displays a warning icon (large size), corresponding to abnormality information regarding a filter of a DPF device, in the open area. The operator recognizes the warning and immediately stops the operation, moves to a place where the filter regeneration is possible while checking the safety of the surroundings by viewing the camera image, and then carries out the filter regeneration. After finishing, the operator confirms that the warning icon has disappeared, moves to the site of the operation while checking the safety of the surroundings by viewing the camera image (for normal times), and then restarts the operation. |
| US08917290B2 |
Digital image templating
Methods and devices for digital image templating are presented. According to example embodiments, a computing device may match a template image (e.g., an implant) to a target image (e.g., a bone structure). The both the target image and the template image may be displayed on an output of the computing device. The displayed template image may be oriented with respect to the displayed target image according to at least a scale (e.g., a magnification level of the template image). Based on received input, at least the scale of the displayed template image may be adjusted so that the adjusted displayed template image substantially fits the part of the displayed target image. Then, based on this fit, a physical template size may be selected from a discrete range of physical template sizes. |
| US08917289B2 |
Methods and arrangements for augmented reality
A mobile device, a method in a mobile device, a server and a method in a server for augmented reality. |
| US08917288B2 |
Methods, apparatus and systems for generating accuracy-annotated searchable electronic records of underground facility locate and/or marking operations
Generating an accuracy-referenced electronic record of a locate and/or marking operation performed by a locate technician. The locate and/or marking operation comprises locating and/or identifying, using at least one physical locate mark, a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. A location of the at least one underground facility and/or the at least one physical locate mark is electronically rendered on a display device so as to generate an electronic visual representation of the locate and/or marking operation. An accuracy of the represented location is digitally represented on the display device using at least one accuracy indicator overlaid on the electronic visual representation of the locate and/or marking operation so as to generate an accuracy-annotated representation of the locate and/or marking operation. Information relating to the accuracy-annotated representation of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to generate the accuracy-referenced electronic record of the locate and/or marking operation. |
| US08917286B2 |
Image processing device, information processing device, image processing method, and information processing method
When a single page of a newspaper article or a magazine is displayed using hierarchical data, a guidance area (indicated by a line in the hierarchical data) for each article is defined in a scenario definition file. A plurality of guidance areas are defined in the layer below, i.e., the layer having a resolution of a level that allows characters to be legible, so that the viewer can track the article from start to end. The displayed image is initially guided to the guidance area upon a user request for enlargement. Upon a further request for enlargement, the displayed image is guided to the guidance area at the head of the article. When the user having read the sentence in the guidance area provides an input by indicating a direction or pressing a predetermined button, the displayed image is guided to the guidance area showing the continuation of the sentence. |
| US08917284B2 |
Vector graphics with controlled thin-plate splines
This patent relates to thin plate spline (TPS)-based interpolation techniques for representing free-flowing vector graphics (VG) images based on user-specified features, such as points and curves. One or more features can be identified in a pixel grid. A higher-order least squares interpolating function with a TPS smoothness objective can then be utilized to interpolate individual color values to individual pixels of the pixel grid. Smoothness terms of the function that impose smoothness penalties can be interrupted in certain regions of the pixel grid based on attributes of the user-specified features. For example, a curve attribute can specify a particular color value(s), add or remove a smoothness penalty, or anisotropically impose a first derivative constraint in a particular direction. |
| US08917283B2 |
Polygon processing techniques in procedural painting algorithms
Techniques for improving the performance of vector-based, fluid motion simulation techniques in procedural painting algorithms. The techniques may be implemented in procedural painting algorithms that employ a vector-based, fluid motion simulation technique to help achieve dynamic and serendipitous behaviors of watercolor painting at good interactive rates even on relatively low-powered devices. The techniques may include resampling the vertices of pigment polygons after growth at least at some iterations of the algorithm to provide smoother, more uniform growth; rasterizing dried pigment polygons into a texture so that the dried polygons are not rendered at each iteration of the algorithm; and rendering only a subset of live pigment polygons at each iteration of the algorithm. Polygons used by the techniques may be separated into static water polygons and dynamic pigment polygons. |
| US08917281B2 |
Image rendering method and system
An image rendering method is provided, comprising comparing a current image frame with a previous image frame to detect a dynamic change in an object in the image frames, with each image frame being defined by a scene graph and each object having an associated geometric bounding volume. If a dynamic change in an object is detected, the method comprises rendering the object's geometric bounding volume to a stencil buffer for each dynamically changed object, using a stencil value assigned to the current image frame. A stencil is then applied to determine areas in the frames having non-zero stencil values. The method further comprises clearing a color buffer with respect to the areas in the previous image frame that have been redrawn and with respect to areas in the current frame that need to be overdrawn, rendering the image frame to the color buffer using a stencil test, so that only the areas with non-zero stencil values are redrawn, and then removing the stencil values from a previous image frame from the stencil buffer. |
| US08917279B2 |
Method and system to dynamically bind and unbind applications on a general purpose graphics processing unit
A system for dynamically binding and unbinding of graphics processing unit GPU applications, the system includes a memory management for tracking memory of a GPU used by an application, and a source-to-source compiler for identifying nested structures allocated on the GPU so that the virtual memory management can track these nested structures, and identifying all instances where nested structures on the GPU are modified inside kernels. |
| US08917273B2 |
Method and device for providing a bio-feedback on a muscle trainer
In a method for controlling a display device on a muscle trainer equipped with at least one force sensor for sensing a person's periodic or sustained muscular force, in which display device a currently applied muscular force is depicted in relation to a target muscular force or to a maximum muscular force, and the display device is controlled such that a force queried by the patient is always depicted in a predefined target area of a panel in the display device, a multifunctional performance profile of a trainee is achieved in a clear and rapidly recognized manner in that the target muscular force is depicted by a first panel of predefined area and the currently applied muscular force is depicted by a second, variable panel positioned within the first panel, and the area of said second panel is caused to change according to a specific relationship to the currently applied muscular force. |
| US08917270B2 |
Video generation using three-dimensional hulls
Video of a scene is generated and presented to a user. A stream of mesh models of the scene and a corresponding stream of mesh texture maps are generated from one or more streams of sensor data that represent the scene. Each of the mesh models includes a collection of faces, and each of the mesh texture maps defines texture data for one or more points on the faces. Each of the mesh models is broken down into convex sections. Each of the convex sections is surrounded with a three-dimensional hull. The texture data that is associated with each of the faces in the convex section is projected onto the three-dimensional hull, and a hull texture map for the convex section is produced. |
| US08917269B2 |
Two dimensional displays, transparent displays, and three dimensional displays
The present disclosure describes a display apparatus for displaying two and three dimensional images and video. In some embodiments, the display is at least partially transparent, allowing the viewer to receive visual information from the display and see objects and the environment behind the display apparatus. |
| US08917268B2 |
Systems and methods for performing image background selection
A method for automatically displaying an organ of interest includes accessing a series of medical images acquired from a first imaging modality, receiving an input that indicates an organ of interest, automatically detecting the organ of interest within at least one image in the series of medical images, automatically placing a visual indicator in the region of interest, and automatically propagating the visual indicator to at least one image that is acquired using a second different imaging modality. A medical imaging system and a non-transitory computer readable medium are also described herein. |
| US08917254B2 |
Touch unit
A touch unit includes multiple first axial electrodes and multiple second axial electrodes. The first axial electrodes extend in a first direction. Each first axial electrode includes multiple first sensing electrodes arranged in the first direction. Each first sensing electrode is formed with a hollow section and has a first extension end and a second extension end. The first and second extension ends defines therebetween a passageway in communication with the hollow section. Each second axial electrode includes multiple second sensing electrodes and multiple second connection lines. The second sensing electrodes are respectively disposed in the hollow sections. The second connection lines are connected with the second sensing electrodes and extend in a second direction through the passageways. By means of the design of the first and second axial electrodes, the manufacturing cost is effectively lowered and the total thickness of the touch unit is reduced. |
| US08917250B2 |
Touch panel
Disclosed herein is a structure of an FPC integrated touch panel. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, a transparent substrate configured of a flexible transparent film is provided and an extension part protruded to the transparent substrate is integrally formed with the transparent substrate, such that a separate FPC needs not to be manufactured, thereby saving process time and manufacturing costs. In addition, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention bend an inactive area unnecessarily occupying an area of the transparent substrate to a side of the touch panel, thereby implementing a touch panel widening a substantial area of an active region. |
| US08917245B2 |
Information processing apparatus and control method thereof
An information processing apparatus that has a touch panel that is able to detect a plurality of touch input positions concurrently extracts a combination consisting of a predetermined number of touch input positions from a plurality of touch input positions that concurrently exist on the touch panel, and based on a positional relationship of the touch input positions constituting the combination that is extracted, determines whether or not the combination is an area designation operation of a single user. When it is determined that the combination is an area designation operation, the information processing apparatus specifies a designated area based on touch input positions of the combination, and acquires a selected object based on a relationship between the specified area and a display position of the object. |
| US08917244B2 |
Stimuli sensitive display screen with multiple detect modes
According to an example embodiment a display screen includes a first sensor array that is operable to detect a first external stimulus that meets a first detection criteria, and a second sensor array that is operable to detect a second external stimulus that meets a second detection criteria, the second detection criteria quantitatively different from the first detection criteria. |
| US08917242B2 |
Computer with an input device having a labeled region
A computer with an input device having a labeled region including a host, a first monitor, a first touchpad and a cover is provided. The first monitor is electrically connected to the host and serves as a display media of the host. The first touchpad is electrically connected to the host and serves as an input media of the host. The first touchpad includes a touch keypad region, wherein a plurality of touch keys is disposed in the touch keypad region. The cover encloses the first touchpad and includes a labeled region. When the device is power on, the labeled region is corresponding to the touch keypad region of the first touchpad, and the user can distinguish positions of each of the touch keys of the touch keypad region when inputting data by means of the touch keypad region. |
| US08917239B2 |
Removable protective cover with embedded proximity sensors
A removable cover for a handheld electronic device, including a protective cover that at least partially covers rear and side surfaces of a handheld electronic device, a plurality of proximity sensors mounted in the cover for detecting user gestures performed outside of the electronic device, a battery, wireless communication circuitry, and a processor configured to operate the proximity sensors, and to operate the wireless communication circuitry to transmit commands to the electronic device based on gestures detected by the proximity sensors. |
| US08917238B2 |
Eye-typing term recognition
Various embodiments related to entering text into a computing device via eye-typing are disclosed. For example, one embodiment provides a method that includes receiving a data set including a plurality of gaze samples, each gaze sample including a gaze location and a corresponding point in time. The method further comprises processing the plurality of gaze samples to determine one or more likely terms represented by the data set. |
| US08917237B2 |
Information processing system, information processing apparatus, storage medium having information processing program stored thereon, and content playback control method
An example information processing system includes a stationary display device, and a portable display device on which a predetermined input can be made by a user. A content item is played and displayed on the stationary display device, and while the content item is being played, the playback image of the content item and a user interface image used for specifying a content item to be played are selectively displayed on the portable display device. |
| US08917236B2 |
Storage medium having information processing program stored therein, information processing apparatus, and information processing system
An information processing apparatus is capable of obtaining operation data according to a tilt of a predetermined object that can be moved by a user. The information processing apparatus calculates tilt information corresponding to the tilt of the object based on the operation data. The information processing apparatus calculates a specified position on a screen of a display device based on the operation data so that the specified position changes according to at least one of a position and the tilt of the object. Selection items are displayed on the screen of the display device. The information processing apparatus switches between sets of the selection items displayed on the screen according to an amount of tilt represented by the tilt information. Moreover, the information processing apparatus selects an item displayed at the specified position from among the selection items to perform an information process according to the selected item. |
| US08917229B2 |
Display device and method of driving the same
A display device and a method of driving the same are provided according to one or more embodiments. According to an embodiment, the display device includes a display panel including a plurality of display blocks arranged in the form of a matrix; a plurality of lighting blocks emitting light to the display panel, each of the lighting blocks arranged so as to correspond to at least one row of the matrix and having adjustable light luminance; and a signal control unit adapted to receive an image signal, determine display block luminance of the respective display blocks when an image is displayed on the respective display blocks in accordance with the image signal, determine the light luminance of the respective lighting blocks by using the display block luminance of some display blocks corresponding to the respective lighting blocks, correct the image signal by using the light luminance and the display block luminance, and provide the corrected image signal to the display panel. |
| US08917228B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
The invention discloses a liquid crystal display apparatus and a pixel element design thereof. The liquid crystal display apparatus includes a register, a liquid crystal display panel, a driving circuit, a dynamic frequency adjustment unit and a control circuit. The liquid crystal display panel includes a plurality of liquid crystal capacitors and a plurality of pixel units. The driving circuit includes a plurality of storage capacitors corresponding to the liquid crystal capacitors. A capacitance of the storage capacitors far exceeds a capacitance of the liquid crystal capacitors. The driving circuit casts the image information on the liquid crystal display panel. The dynamic frequency adjustment unit computes and judges based on an image characteristic classification of the image information, so as to generate a display mode control signal dynamically. |
| US08917223B2 |
Illumination unit and display apparatus
There are provided an illumination unit and a display apparatus which are capable of improving convenience for users. The illumination unit includes a light source section including a laser light source, an optical device allowing a laser beam from the laser light source to pass therethrough, a drive section allowing the optical device to oscillate, and a control section performing one or both of control of decreasing brightness of emitted light from the light source section and control of outputting to the outside information that oscillation of the optical device has been stopped when the oscillation of the optical device has been stopped during drive operation by the drive section. |
| US08917218B2 |
Circuit board and circuit module
A circuit board and a circuit module more accurately provide impedance matching between an antenna coil and an electronic component electrically connected to the antenna coil, and include a board body including board portions and a plurality of laminated insulating material layers made of a flexible material. An antenna coil includes coil conductors provided in the board portion. Wiring conductors are provided in the board portion and electrically connected to the antenna coil. The board portion has a structure that is less likely to deform than the board portion. An integrated circuit electrically connected to the wiring conductors is mounted on the board portion. |
| US08917208B2 |
System and method for efficient transmit and receive beamforming protocol with heterogeneous antenna configuration
A system and method of training antennas for two devices having heterogeneous antenna configurations in a wireless network is disclosed. The method includes communicating one or more estimation training sequences between two devices via a phased array antenna and a switched array antenna, wherein a beamforming vector of the phased array antenna is switched between phase vectors within a set of weight vectors while the switched array antenna is switched within a plurality of antenna sectors. The method further includes tuning at least one of the phase array and switched array antennas with an antenna parameter selected based at least in part on the one or more estimation training sequences. The method further includes communicating data messages via at least one of the phase array and switched array antennas so tuned. |
| US08917202B2 |
Backscatter RFID sensor with a bend transducer
A bend sensor for use in wirelessly sensing an amount of bend of a joint or other monitored object. The sensor includes a radio frequency (RF) antenna and an integrated circuit linked to the antenna. The integrated circuit or chip is passive and responds to, or is powered by, a read signal received by the antenna to transmit a reflected signal via the antenna such as to an RFID reader. The sensor also includes a transducer linked to the integrated circuit. The transducer defines reflecting impedance, which modulates amplitude and phase of the reflected signal. The transducer has impedance varying with deformation or bend. In one example, the transducer includes an upper conductor, and the amount of the deformation is defined by a bend radius of the upper conductor. The read signal may be at 5 GHz or higher such with the antenna and the transducer being microwave structures. |
| US08917200B2 |
Aircraft weather radar with reduced heading, attitude and range artifacts
An avionic weather radar system tracks aircraft orientation with respect to acquired scan radar data to correct the display of the weather radar data for range distortion and orientation changes of the aircraft between radar acquisition and display, reducing image artifacts. |
| US08917188B2 |
Method for detecting and warning against wrong-way drivers, and wrong-way driver reporting and warning system
The present invention relates to a method for detecting and warning against wrong-way drivers, the method comprising the following steps: a) establishing a radio field over a roadway section to be monitored and at least substantially transversely to a predetermined correct driving direction of the roadway section, the radio field having at least two radio field sections that are spaced apart when viewed in the driving direction and have associated reception field strengths; b) detecting attenuations of the reception field strengths of the radio field sections that occur due to radio shadowing during driving through the roadway section; c) determining the sequence of the radio field sections in which an attenuation of the respectively associated reception field strengths has been detected; d) comparing the determined attenuation sequence with the correct driving direction; and e) initiating at least one warning signal if the attenuation sequence runs opposite to the correct driving direction. |
| US08917184B2 |
Analyte testing method and system
Various systems and methods of operating an analyte measurement device is provided. The device has a display, user interface, processor, memory and user interface buttons. In one example, one of the methods can be achieved by measuring an analyte with the analyte measurement device; displaying a value representative of the analyte; prompting a user to activate a test reminder; and activating the test reminder to remind a user to conduct a test measurement at a different time. Other methods and systems are also described and illustrated. |
| US08917179B2 |
System and method for detecting presence of an object
A system for detecting the presence of an object may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to transmit a plurality of interrogation signals, a response controller that is configured to receive the plurality of interrogation signals and respond by transmitting a plurality of standard response signals, and a mixing element that is configured to generate a mixed signal when in the presence of the plurality of interrogation signals and the standard response signals. The RFID reader outputs an alert signal upon receipt of the mixed signal. |
| US08917178B2 |
RFID system and method for storing information related to a vehicle or an owner of the vehicle
A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag for use with a vehicle according to one embodiment includes a housing adapted for permanent or detachable coupling to the vehicle, control circuitry coupled to the housing, and a battery for providing power to the control circuitry. A secondary power source is also present for recharging the battery. A memory stores information relating to at least one of the vehicle and an owner of the vehicle. The capability of recharging the battery greatly extends the active (self-powered) life of the tag. Systems for tracking ownership of objects, servicing of vehicles, and other applications, as well as methods are also presented. |
| US08917177B2 |
Security structure of composite material having embedded security elements
An apparatus is disclosed including one or more security structures. The one or more security structures includes: a weldable frame; a plurality of composite panels, each panel securable to the weldable frame, each composite panel configured to form at least one joint with at least one adjoining composite panel; and a respective security element embedded within each of the composite panels. The security element is configured to detect a breach in the composite panel. |
| US08917176B2 |
Apparatus and methods for distributing and displaying emergency communications
Methods and systems are disclosed for event management, allowing authorized users or authorities to distribute and display emergency communications on digital displays. In one aspect, an emergency management communications system receives event data sent by an emergency detections system comprised of a network of sensors. The emergency management communications system processes the event data to determine an event perimeter, and then selects one or more digital displays based upon the event data or the determined event perimeter. Next, the emergency management communications system authors one or more emergency communications corresponding to the one or more digital displays and sends said one or more emergency communications to said one or more digital display, thereby allowing the one or more digital displays to display the corresponding one or more emergency communications to the affected populations. |
| US08917174B2 |
Systems and methods for indicating the presence of a mobile device within a passenger cabin
Systems and methods for indicating the presence of a mobile device within a passenger cabin are provided. A method for indicating the presence of a mobile device within a passenger cabin of a vehicle includes linking a vehicle computing device with the mobile device, determining whether a vehicle ignition is off and whether a vehicle lock has been actuated. The method further includes generating an audible mobile device search signal that is played through a cabin and waiting to receive a response from the mobile device as to whether the mobile device detected the audible mobile device search signal. The method further includes determining whether the mobile device is within the passenger cabin based on whether a response was received from the mobile device and generating a first audible indication when the mobile device is within the passenger cabin. |
| US08917170B2 |
Apparatus for measuring articulation angle between a tractor and trailer in an articulated vehicle
Apparatus for measuring the articulation angle between a tractor and trailer connected by a kingpin and fifth wheel include a transfer assembly associated with the kingpin and interacting with the fifth wheel such that the transfer assembly is rotationally moved relative to the kingpin by relative rotational movement between the kingpin and the fifth wheel. This rotational movement is read by an articulation sensing mechanism having one of a reader element and output element mounted to the transfer assembly and the other of the reader element and the output element operatively mounted to the trailer such that the reader element and the output element interact to provide a signal corresponding to the articulation angle between the tractor and trailer. This signal can be analyzed by a processor for any beneficial use, for example, outputting to a counter steering mechanism. |
| US08917163B2 |
Active electronic tag apparatus for memory card
An active electronic tag for a memory card is disclosed herein. The active electronic tag includes an antenna, a first amplifier, an automatic gain control circuit, a phase synchronization locking circuit, a decoding and TX/RX control unit and a second amplifier. The antenna receives a detecting signal transmitted from a card reader, in which the detecting signal is carried on a first carrier. The phase synchronization locking circuit generates a positive carrier and a negative carrier with a phase difference of 180 degree. The decoding and TX/RX control unit generates a response signal, which is carried on the negative carrier. By utilizing the phase difference of the first carrier and the negative carrier, the response signal cancels the first carrier on the card reader, so as to transmit the information saved inside the active electronic tag. |
| US08917161B2 |
Systems and methods for transmitting data using near field communications
A data transmission system comprising a data bridge, a reader device, and a network access system. The data bridge comprises an RFID system, a network system, a memory module, and a processor operatively connected between the RFID system and the network system. The data bridge system operates in a first mode using the RFID system and a second mode using the network system. The reader device communicates with the memory module using the RFID system. The network access system communicates with the memory module using the network system. |
| US08917160B2 |
RFID module
An RFID module including an antenna element forming an RFID antenna; an RFID circuit block to which the antenna element is connected; and a first resonance frequency adjustment circuit having an element that includes a drain terminal connected to the antenna element, a gate terminal that is grounded, and a source terminal that is grounded, wherein a pull-up resistor is connected between the drain terminal and a power supply. |
| US08917158B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of controlling the same
A mobile terminal and a method of controlling the mobile terminal are provided. The method includes displaying an operation screen on a display module; receiving a fingerprint-touch input through a user input unit capable of identifying a fingerprint; and if fingerprint information of the received fingerprint-touch input matches any one of a plurality of pieces of previously-stored fingerprint information, displaying a character corresponding to the combination of a location of the detection of the received fingerprint-touch input and the previously-stored fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the received fingerprint-touch input on the operation screen. Therefore, it is possible to enter different characters or symbols by generating different fingerprint-touch inputs using different fingers. |
| US08917150B2 |
Waveguide balun having waveguide structures disposed over a ground plane and having probes located in channels
An apparatus may include one or more conductive surfaces, waveguide structures and/or ports. One or more waveguide structures may include a portion disposed above a conductive surface, an outer conductor, and/or an inner conductor. A first portion of an outer conductor may be connected to a conductive surface. A port end of an outer conductor may be connected to an outer conductor port. An inner conductor may be disposed inside and spaced apart from an outer conductor. An inner conductor port may be connected to an inner conductor. An inner conductor of two or more waveguide structures may be connected to each other. A conductive surface may include at least one aperture portion, which may have a width substantially similar to the width of a waveguide structure. A substrate may be disposed between one or more waveguide structures and a conductive surface for a substantial portion of a waveguide structure. |
| US08917149B2 |
Rotary joint for switchably rotating between a jointed and non-jointed state to provide for polarization rotation
The present invention relates to a rotary joint for joining two waveguides for guiding electromagnetic waves, comprising a first portion adapted to receive a first waveguide, a second portion adapted to receive a second waveguide, and a third portion adapted for polarization rotation and arranged between the first portion and the second portion. The rotary joint is configured such that two portions selected from the group comprising the first portion, the second portion and the third portion are rotatable between at least two different angular positions around a central axis. Further, the rotary joint being configured to switch between a jointed state, in which the portions contact each other for electrical connection, and a non-jointed state. The present invention also relates to a method of operating such a rotary joint and a computer program and a computer readable non-transitory medium for implementing such a method. |
| US08917146B1 |
Current-controlled operational transconductance amplifier based sinusoidal oscillator circuit
A current controlled operational transconductance amplifier based sinusoidal oscillator circuit that provides oscillation based on the transconductance and parasitic capacitance of the operational transconductance amplifier without externally connected capacitances. The oscillation frequency is adjusted through a variable current source or a variable resistor with a DC voltage source. |
| US08917145B2 |
Amplifier circuit and operating method thereof
There is provided an amplifier circuit. The amplifier circuit includes an amplifying unit including at least one transistor; at least one first bias circuit unit including a resistor and connected to the at least one transistor; and at least one second bias circuit unit connected between an input terminal to which an input signal is applied and the at least one transistor so as to block an input signal having a frequency higher than a first frequency or having a frequency lower than a second frequency. The amplifier circuit according to embodiment of the present invention may prevent thermal runaway, remove a harmonic component from an input signal to be amplified and suppress oscillations. |
| US08917142B2 |
Switching circuit and envelope signal amplifier
A switching circuit 33 comprises a connection circuit cascade-connecting control terminals for controlling switching of n number of transistors M1-Mn via n−1 number of coils L1 respectively (n is an integer equal to or more than 2; and coils L3 respectively connected between one end of each of the transistors M1-Mn and other end of a coil L2, one end of the coil L2 being electrically connected to a DC power source. The transistors M1-Mn is sequentially switched with PWM signals inputted to an input terminal of the connection circuit. The switching circuit 33 further comprises a transistor M0 inserted at the one end or the other end of the coil L2 in cascade-connection. |
| US08917140B2 |
Apparatus and method for improving efficiency in power amplifier
An apparatus and method for enhancing the whole efficiency of power amplification in a supply modulated amplifier are provided. The power amplification apparatus includes a controller, a Doherty power amplifier, and a supply modulated amplifier. The controller selects a power amplifier among the Doherty power amplifier and the supply modulated amplifier. The Doherty power amplifier amplifies a power of a transmission signal when the Doherty power amplifier is selected by the controller. The supply modulated amplifier amplifies the power of the transmission signal using a supply voltage determined considering the amplitude of the transmission signal, when the supply modulated amplifier is selected by the controller. |
| US08917138B2 |
Noise filtering circuit and operating method thereof
There are provided a noise filter circuit and an operating method thereof. A noise filter circuit includes a first delay circuit, and a second delay circuit connected to the first delay circuit in series, wherein the first delay circuit and the second delay circuit each include at least one inverter and at least one delay element for generating a predetermined delay, and the first delay circuit and the second delay circuit have different filtering characteristics. |
| US08917135B2 |
Circuit with a plurality of diodes and method for controlling such a circuit
A circuit includes a diode circuit and a deactivation circuit. The diode circuit includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a plurality of diodes coupled in parallel between the first terminal and the second terminal. The diode circuit is configured to be forward biased in an on-time and reverse biased in an off-time. The deactivation circuit is configured to switch a first group of the diodes into a deactivation state at a time instant before the end of the on-time, the first group of diodes including one or more but less than all of the diodes included in the diode circuit. |
| US08917131B2 |
Slew rate modulation
Apparatus and methods may operate so that arrival times of a data signal at gates of transistors are controlled to switch the transistors at different times to modulate the slew rate of a signal on a node. Additional embodiments are also described. |
| US08917126B1 |
Charge pump operating voltage range control using dynamic biasing
A system is disclosed, which may include a differential charge pump. The differential charge pump may include a first and a second H-bridge circuit, each driving, on a respective output, an output current that is substantially similar over an output voltage operating range. The differential charge pump may be designed to receive increment, decrement and bias signals, and drive, in response to the increment and decrement signals, the output current to draw each H-bridge circuit output towards a first or a second supply voltage. The differential charge pump may also be designed to increase, in response to the bias signals, the output voltage operating range over which the output current is substantially similar. The differential charge pump may also include a bias signal generator, designed to generate bias signals in response to H-bridge circuit output voltages. |
| US08917124B1 |
Frequency multiplier jitter correction
A system and method are provided for frequency multiplication jitter correction. The method accepts an analog reference signal having a first frequency, and using the analog reference signal, derives a system clock signal having a second frequency, greater than the first frequency. A PLL using a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is one example of a frequency multiplier. The method samples the amplitude of the analog reference signal using the system clock signal and converts the sampled analog reference signal into a digitized reference signal. In response to comparing the digitized reference signal to an ideal digitized reference signal, the phase error correction for the system clock signal is derived. The phase error correction at a first instance of time can be applied to the digitized data signal, previously converted from an analog data signal sampled at a first instance of time with the system clock signal. |
| US08917123B2 |
Integrated circuit with reduced power consumption in a test mode, and related methods
An integrated circuit includes an N number of functional logic blocks, with N being greater than or equal to two, and clock staggering test circuitry. When the clock staggering test circuitry is in a shift mode, N staggered shift clock signals are generated for respective ones of the N functional logic blocks. Each of the N staggered shift clock signals has a frequency equal to a frequency of an external test clock signal divided by M, where M is greater than or equal to N. The peak power of the integrated circuit is reduced during the shift mode as a result of the staggered shift clock signals. |
| US08917117B2 |
Composite semiconductor device reducing malfunctions of power semiconductor element switching operation
To provide a composite semiconductor device capable of preventing malfunction of preventing electrical circuits and contributing to miniaturization of a power converter. A composite semiconductor device 10 has a structure in which a first power semiconductor element 13 that passes current from a second terminal C1 to a third terminal E1 according to a signal input from a first terminal G1 and a second power semiconductor element 16 that passes current from a second terminal C2 to a third terminal E2 according to a signal input from a first terminal G2 are formed in a single substrate (chip) 20. The third terminal E2 of the second power semiconductor element 16 is electrically connected to the first terminal G1 of the first power semiconductor element 13. A current path for transferring electric charge from the second terminal C1 of the first power semiconductor element 13 to the first terminal G2 of the second power semiconductor element 16 when the potential of the second terminal C1 of the first power semiconductor element 13 is increased with time is provided. |
| US08917115B2 |
Zero crossing detector (ZCD) circuit
A system for detecting a Zero Crossing point is provided. The system includes: a coupling unit connected between a high voltage side and a low voltage side of the system; and a zero crossing detector connected to the high voltage side and configured to divide a filtered mains voltage signal and to generate an output signal that indicates a zero crossing point of the filtered mains voltage signal. |
| US08917112B1 |
Bidirectional level shifter
The invention provides a bidirectional level shifter which includes: a first signal terminal; a second signal terminal; a first switch, coupled between the first signal terminal and ground; an inverter receiving a signal from the first signal terminal; a Schottky diode including an anode and a cathode, the anode receiving a signal from the second signal terminal; a second switch, coupled between the cathode of the Schottky diode and the ground; a comparing circuit, comparing a reference voltage and a voltage at the second signal terminal to control the first switch, wherein the reference voltage is lower than a forward bias voltage of the Schottky diode; a first voltage source coupled to the first common node; and a second voltage source coupled to the second common node. |
| US08917111B1 |
Configuration of programmable integrated circuits
Approaches for configuring programmable resources of a programmable IC are disclosed. A first set of configuration data is loaded using a configuration port of the programmable IC, which also includes input/output (I/O) ports. Programmable resources are configured according to the first set of configuration data to implement a master data link circuit and at least one slave data link circuit. The master data link circuit includes a hardwired communication circuit, and a set of the programmable resources arranged to form a communication control circuit configured to control the communication circuit to provide a data link for communicating data via one of the I/O ports. A second set of configuration data is loaded using the master data link circuit. Programmable resources of the programmable IC are configured according to the second set of configuration data to implement a logic circuit configured to communicate data via the slave data link circuit. |
| US08917109B2 |
Method and device for pulse width estimation
A pulse width estimation method, applied between an integrated circuit and a circuit system for generating a reference pulse with a predetermined pulse width, includes steps for the following: generating an under-test pulse with an under-test pulse width by the integrated circuit; delivering the under-test and reference pulses to the integrated circuit for multiplying the under-test pulse width and the predetermined pulse width thereof by a timing gain and thereby obtaining a gained under-test pulse and a gained reference pulse, respectively; providing, by the integrated circuit, a count pulse for sampling the gained under-test pulse and the gained reference pulse and thereby obtaining a first count number and a second count number, respectively; and estimating the under-test pulse width by using the predetermined pulse width, the first count number and the second count number. A pulse width estimation device is also provided. |
| US08917108B2 |
Apparatus for monitoring operating parameters of integrated circuits and integrated circuit with operating parameter monitoring
A device for monitoring operating parameters of integrated circuits. A signal is generated at least at one output of a comparison element by comparing switching states of input signals at the at least two inputs of the comparison element, which signal indicates that the at least one operating parameter has fallen below or has exceeded a predefined threshold. The two input signals are generated by at least two operating parameter-dependent devices, and the switching behavior thereof is subject to a time delay depending on the current value of the at least one operating parameter. A predefined time delay has a value such that when the predefined threshold of the operating parameter is exceeded, one of the input signals changes its switching state at the times predefined for the comparison element by the clock signal on the basis of the time delay. |
| US08917105B2 |
Solder bump testing apparatus and methods of use
A testing apparatus for measuring the material properties of solder balls includes a frame and a chuck base moveable in X, Y, Z dimensions, relative to the frame. A probe tip is fixed to the frame. A measuring device is mounted to the frame and maintains a spacing with relationship to the probe tip and which has an initial, known height above the chuck base. |
| US08917102B2 |
Method, capacitance meter, computer program and computer program product for improved capacitance measurement
A method for measuring a capacitance using a capacitance meter. The capacitance meter includes an AC power source with a controllable frequency which is fed to a capacitor to measure its capacitance. A first measurement of the capacitance is performed by the capacitance meter using a first frequency. When the first measurement of the capacitance indicates the capacitance is below a threshold capacitance a lower capacitance measurement is performed in the capacitance meter, using a second measurement of the capacitance using a second frequency. When the first measurement of the capacitance indicates the capacitance is above a threshold capacitance, a higher capacitance measurement is performed in the capacitance meter, using a second measurement of the capacitance using a third frequency, the third frequency being lower than the second frequency. |
| US08917101B2 |
Touch detection method and related touch control device
A touch detection method for a touch control device including a touch panel includes examining whether a charging capacity for charging a measured capacitor of the touch panel and a discharging capacity for discharging the measured capacitor are determined; charging and discharging the measured capacitor by using the charging capacity and the discharging capacity when the charging capacity and the discharging capacity are determined and receiving a count value representing the capacitance of the measured capacitor, examining whether a base count value is set, calculating a difference between the count value and the base count value when the base count value is set, for determining whether the touch panel is touched, examining whether the count value is in a predetermined range, and performing a charging and discharging capacity setting process when the count value is out of the predetermined range, for adjusting the charging capacity and the discharging capacity. |
| US08917100B2 |
Detecting and counting device for detecting a wholeness and for counting pharmaceutical/parapharmaceutical articles
A detecting/counting device for pharmaceutical/parapharmaceutical articles has a sliding support groove (15) having a first lateral wall (15A) and a second lateral wall (15B) and a bottom. A first capacitive sensor (C1) has a first armature (C1A) parallel to the first lateral wall (15A) and a second armature (C1B) parallel to the second lateral wall and connected to a first reference potential Vref1 by a first circuit (O1). A second capacitive sensor (C2) has a first armature (C2A) parallel to the first lateral wall and a second armature (C2B) parallel to the second lateral wall and connected to a second reference potential Vref2 by a second circuit (O2). A data processing unit (E) receives signals from the first circuit and the second circuit during transit of an article, indicating the shape of the articles, and compares them with reference ranges to determine whether the article is whole. |
| US08917096B2 |
Determination of isoelectric points of biomolecules using capacitive sensors
A mechanism is provided for determining an isoelectric point of a molecule. A first group of capacitance versus voltage curves of a capacitor is measured. The capacitor includes a substrate, dielectric layer, and conductive solution. The first group of curves is measured for pH values of the solution without the molecule bound to a functionalized material on the dielectric layer of the capacitor. A second group of capacitance versus voltage curves of the capacitor is measured when the molecule is present in the solution, where the molecule is bound to the functionalized material of the dielectric layer of the capacitor. A shift is determined in the second group of curves from the first group of curves at each pH value. The isoelectric point of the molecule is determined by extrapolating a pH value corresponding to a shift voltage being zero, when the shift is compared to the pH values. |
| US08917095B2 |
Vehicle system and method for detecting hydrogen sulfide
A sulfide-based solid electrolyte cell which can efficiently detect its deterioration, a cell pack equipped with the cell, a vehicle system equipped with the cell pack, and a method for detecting hydrogen sulfide. A sulfide-based solid electrolyte cell including at least one or more power generation units each including a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte present between the positive and negative electrodes, and a cell case which houses the power generation units, wherein at least one of the positive electrode, negative electrode and electrolyte includes a sulfur material, and wherein at least one of a current collector which constitutes a charging and discharging path, a lead which constitutes a charging and discharging path, and a lead which is connected to a circuit that is attached to the charging and discharging path, includes a material which chemically reacts with hydrogen sulfide to change electrical resistance. |
| US08917093B2 |
Local coil for magnetic resonance applications and a magnetic resonance system
A local coil for magnetic resonance applications includes a receiving antenna operable to receive an analog magnetic resonance signal excited in an examination subject by an excitation signal. The local coil includes an analog-to-digital converter that is supplied with the received analog magnetic resonance signal from the receiving antenna. The analog-to-digital converter converts the analog magnetic resonance signal into a digital magnetic resonance signal. The local coil includes a first transmission system that is supplied with the digital magnetic resonance signal by the analog-to-digital converter and emits the digital magnetic resonance signal via a transmitting antenna at a first data rate into the environment of the local coil. The local coil includes a second transmission system that is different from the first transmission system. The second transmission system emits data into the environment of the local coil at a second data rate that is lower than the first data rate. |
| US08917092B2 |
Method and apparatus usable for mining and mineral exploration
A method for mineral analysis of a sample based on detection of NQR and/or Local Field Magnetic Resonance (LFMR) signals from a particular substance within a sample includes: setting a frequency of RF pulses to be approximately equal to one of the NQR or LFMR frequencies of the substance; setting a set of parameters of the RF pulses to be optimal for the substance; setting a set of receiving parameters to be optimal for the substance; tuning the probe to maximum sensitivity for the signals detected at predetermined frequency and/or to maximum power transfer efficiency for RF pulses transmitted with the probe; transmitting the RF pulses with the probe at said optimal level during a transmitting period to irradiate the sample and excite an NQR or LFMR signal in the substance, if present; detecting and processing NQR or LFMR signals emitted by the substance; and calculating the concentration of the substance in the sample. |
| US08917089B2 |
Device for detecting and counting metal elements
A device for detecting metal elements in slab form such as metal plates or sheets, includes an emission coil powered by suitable control elements and generating a magnetic field, a reception coil placed so as to enable generation via induction of a voltage across the terminals of the coil under the action of the magnetic field, and elements for processing and evaluating the voltage signal delivered by the at least one reception coil, enabling delivery of an information signal indicating the absence or presence of one or more metal elements near the coils. The emission coil (3) and the reception coil (5) are both mounted in a housing or a sensor head having an active detection face having an associated detection region, and are positioned at a defined inclination one relative to the other and relative to the face. |
| US08917087B2 |
Moving magnetic field generating apparatus
A moving magnetic field generating apparatus includes a magnet array including magnets disposed at a first pitch such that N and S poles of adjacent magnets in the magnet array are alternated, and first and second magnetic pole piece arrays extending along the magnet array to interpose the magnet array therebetween with a gap from the magnet array. The first and second magnetic pole piece arrays are disposed with a predetermined phase difference therebetween. The first magnetic pole piece array includes first magnetic pole pieces disposed at a second pitch in an array and each having a length enough to face at least two adjacent magnets in the magnet array. The second magnetic pole piece array is configured similarly to the first magnetic pole piece array. One of the first and second magnetic pole piece arrays and the magnet array is relatively moved to the other at a predetermined speed. |
| US08917086B2 |
Position sensor for linear synchronous motors employing halbach arrays
A position sensor suitable for use in linear synchronous motor (LSM) drive systems employing Halbach arrays to create their magnetic fields is described. The system has several advantages over previously employed ones, especially in its simplicity and its freedom from being affected by weather conditions, accumulated dirt, or electrical interference from the LSM system itself. |
| US08917084B2 |
High voltage sensing mechanism with integrated on-off switch
The present invention is an efficient high voltage sensing mechanism that operates only when an individual needs to test the voltage across a wire. The present invention attaches around a tested wire using a jaw and a hook. The hook is tensioned using an expansion spring. The operator propels the hook outwards from the jaw, around the tested wire; thereafter, the expansion spring retracts to latch onto the tested wire against the jaw. An on-off switch is integrated into the mechanical hook device. As the hook is propelled outwards, the on-off switch moves into the “on” position, which powers the electrical processing and voltage analysis equipment. Once the hook is returned to the initial position, the on-off switch moves to the “off” position. This arrangement allows the present invention to remain unpowered for any instance a wire is not being tested. The present invention detects voltage through capacitive coupling. |
| US08917078B2 |
Frequency measuring device and odor sensor and electronic equipment which are provided with the frequency measuring device
A frequency measuring device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a first resonator provided with a first adsorption film, a second resonator provided with a second adsorption film, a first oscillation circuit which is connected to the first resonator and is provided with a first frequency regulator that can regulate the frequency of a first oscillation signal and output the first oscillation signal, a second oscillation circuit which is connected to the second resonator and is provided with a second frequency regulator that can regulate the frequency of a second oscillation signal and output the second oscillation signal, a measuring circuit which can measure the frequencies of the first oscillation signal and the second oscillation signal, and a control circuit which can control the first frequency regulator and the second frequency regulator. |
| US08917075B2 |
Switched inductor DC-DC converter
A direct current to direct current (DCDC) voltage converter is described comprising a controller and at least one converter circuit. The converter circuit comprises at least first and second inductors, each having an input and an output; a first input switch connected to the input of the first inductor; a second input switch connected to the input of the second inductor; and an output switch connected to the outputs of the inductors for selectively combining the outputs to form a parallel combination of the inductors or a series combination of the inductors. The controller generates signals for selectively connecting the first and second input switches and the output circuit between a pair of power supply input terminals and a pair of power supply output terminals. In response to appropriate signals from the controller, the converter circuit can be operated as a buck converter or a boost converter. |
| US08917074B2 |
Systems and methods for adaptive body braking control in a voltage regulator
A voltage regulator that includes a high-side and a low-side power transistor is implemented where the high-side and the low-side power transistors are operable to output power to a transient load. The voltage regulator further includes control circuitry coupled to the high-side low-side power transistors and the transient load, with the control circuitry operable to receive a control signal from the transient load or the system. The control signal may correspond to an operating voltage of the transient load. In response to a decrease in a power level, the control circuitry may turn off the high-side power transistor, turn on the low-side power transistor a first duration, and turn off the low-side power transistor for a second duration. The first duration and the second duration may be based, at least in part, on the operating voltage. |
| US08917073B2 |
Cot converter with controlled frequency and associated method
A SMPS having a switch; an output port coupled to a load, configured to provide a voltage feedback signal and a current feedback signal; an on-time generator, having an input end coupled to the current feedback signal, and having an output end providing a time signal indicating a time period; and a PWM generator, having a first input end coupled to the voltage feedback signal, a second input end coupled to the time signal, and an output end providing a PWM signal that is coupled to the control end of the switch, and wherein the PWM signal is configured to turn ON the switch when the voltage feedback signal is lower than a threshold voltage, and the PWM signal is configured to turn OFF the switch after the time period. |
| US08917072B2 |
Control circuit and method for providing a signal for a PWM voltage regulator to convert an input voltage into an output voltage
A control circuit and method for a PWM voltage regulator combine a high frequency feedback technique with a constant on-time or constant off-time topology to improve the transient performance of the PWM voltage regulator. The PWM voltage regulator generates a constant on-time or constant off-time depending on a current for generating a PWM signal, and dynamically adjusts the current according to the droop-voltage at its output during a transient period. Therefore, the PWM voltage regulator boosts its transient response without any threshold for load step detection. |
| US08917066B2 |
Method and apparatus of shunt control for multiple power converters on a shared DC bus
A system for managing shunt utilization among multiple power converters sharing a common DC bus is disclosed. Each power converter includes a shunt device, typically one or more power resistors, configured to dissipate power from the DC bus. The power converter is configured according to an initial set of configuration parameters to selectively connect the shunt device to the DC bus. Each power converter monitors the amount of power being dissipated from the DC bus via the shunt device connected to that power converter and determines a utilization rate for the shunt device. As the utilization rate increases, the configuration parameters are modified to less frequently connect the shunt device to the DC bus. As the utilization rate decreases, the configuration parameters are modified to more frequently connect the shunt device to the DC bus. |
| US08917059B2 |
Inter-module voltage balance correcting circuit of a power storage system
Provided is an inter-module voltage balance correcting circuit of a power storage system including a plurality of storage modules connected in series, each of the storage modules including a plurality of storage cells connected in series. The inter-module voltage balance correcting circuit includes a resistance voltage dividing circuit (R1-R2) that equally divides a series voltage across a first storage module and a second storage module connected in series; and a pair of transistors that are turned ON/OFF complementarily based on a voltage (Vp1-Vp2) appearing between an intermediate connecting point (p2) between the storage modules M1, M2 in series and a voltage dividing point p1 of the resistance voltage dividing circuit, and a bypass discharge resistive element is selectively connected to modules by turning ON/OFF the complementary transistors. |
| US08917057B2 |
Battery charging system
There is provided a planar inductive battery charging system designed to enable electronic devices to be recharged. The system includes a planar charging module having a charging surface on which a device to be recharged is placed. Within the charging module and parallel to the charging surface is at least one and preferably an array of primary windings that couple energy inductively to a secondary winding formed in the device to be recharged. The invention also provides secondary modules that allow the system to be used with conventional electronic devices not formed with secondary windings. |
| US08917056B2 |
Charging apparatus for electric vehicle
An electric vehicle charging apparatus. The electric vehicle charging apparatus includes an electric vehicle including a vehicle coil connected to a charging circuit connected to a storage battery, a parking stop arranged on a parking lot surface, a stop coil arranged within the parking stop to generate an induced current in the vehicle coil when the vehicle coil is arranged in a vicinity of the stop coil and an operation unit connected to the stop coil to raise the stop coil. |
| US08917055B2 |
Power recovery controller
The inventive subject matter provides a circuit and a method for efficiently charging a battery. In one aspect of the invention, the circuit includes a constant current circuit configured to provide a direct current through the battery. The circuit also includes a pulsing current circuit that works with the constant current circuit and configured to simultaneously provide a series of pulsed current to the battery. In some embodiments, the series of current pulses includes constructive resonant ringing that is constructive with respect to the charging of the battery. |
| US08917051B2 |
Integrated fuel processor and fuel cell system control method
The present invention provides a novel method of controlling a mobile, integrated fuel processor and fuel cell system that utilizes an innovative combination of feedback and feed forward control loops maintain the reformer temperature and hydrogen permeate pressure in the system with the operating parameters of the fuel reformer being adjusted to achieve rapid and more reliable load following when transient conditions occur. |
| US08917049B2 |
Motor control apparatus
When a failure of a feedback control operation of an electric motor is sensed, a control unit changes the feedback control operation to an open loop control operation. At the time of executing the open loop control operation, the control unit sequentially changes the exciting phase of the motor without executing feedback of information of the count value of the encoder counter and rotates a rotor of the motor until a count value of an exciting phase change counter reaches an open loop target count value, which corresponds to a target rotational position of the rotor. When the control unit changes the feedback control operation to the open loop control operation, the control unit sets the open loop target count value by correcting a feedback target count value based on an exciting phase deviation correction value for the count value of the encoder counter. |
| US08917048B2 |
Motor control device and motor control method
A motor control device and a motor control method are disclosed herein, where the motor control device includes a signal conversion unit, a frequency multiplication unit, a profile generation circuit and a frequency converter unit. The signal conversion unit receives a rotation speed signal from a motor and converts the rotation speed signal into a digital signal. The frequency multiplication unit generates a frequency multiplication signal based on the digital signal. The profile generation circuit performs frequency division on the frequency multiplication signal to get a profile signal. The frequency converter unit generates a reference signal and compares the reference signal with the profile signal to output a motor control signal. |
| US08917047B2 |
Converter system
The present disclosure discloses a converter system, which at least includes the first and second back-to-back converters. The first back-to-back converter includes a first rectifier module and a first inverter module. The first rectifier module is used to convert a first AC voltage to a first DC voltage. The first inverter module is used to convert the first DC voltage to a second AC voltage. The second back-to-back converter includes a second rectifier module and a second inverter module. The second rectifier module is used to convert the first AC voltage to a second DC voltage. The second inverter module is used to convert the second DC voltage to the second AC voltage. The converter system can suppress the circular current through the synchronous operation of the first and second rectifiers or the synchronous operation of the first and second inverters. |
| US08917046B2 |
Rapid reversible charging device for an electric vehicle
A device for generating electric power of a traction system of a motor vehicle powered by a battery, including a first rectifier stage configured to be connected to a power supply network or to a load to be powered, a second inverter stage configured to be connected to the battery, a mechanism regulating average current flowing between the first stage and the second stage, and a controller controlling a transfer of electric power between the power supply network and the battery or the powering of a load. |
| US08917037B2 |
Electric operating machine
The power circuit comprises a voltage conversion part converting an input voltage entered in accordance with a voltage of a power source to generate an output voltage and outputting the generated output voltage to the motor and a current detection part outputting a first signal in accordance with a current flowing through a given part of the power circuit. The voltage conversion part lowers the voltage value of new output voltage being generated when the current detection part outputs the first signal. |
| US08917031B2 |
Backlight panel circuit, back light panel and light emitting diode driver
Backlight panel circuit, backlight panel and light emitting diode driver are disclosed. The backlight panel circuit comprises: a LED driver including a plurality of voltage followers and a PWM signal transmitter; LED chains; and a plurality of switch circuit units corresponding to the plurality of voltage follows in a one-to-one relationship. Each of the switch circuit units comprises a first switch circuit with a current input terminal being connected to an output terminal of a corresponding voltage follow, a current output terminal being connected to a first LED chain, and a signal input terminal being connected to a signal output terminal of the PWM signal transmitter; and a second switch circuit with a current input terminal being connected to the output terminal of the voltage follow, a current output terminal being connected to a second LED chain, and a signal input terminal being connected to the signal output terminal of the PWM signal transmitter. The PWM signal transmitter is adapted to transmit an on-off signal so as to control an alternate turn-on of the first and second switch circuits. The disclosed technical solutions decrease the cost of the liquid crystal display by reducing the number of voltage followers. |
| US08917022B2 |
Plasma generation device and plasma processing device
A flange, which forms a portion of a vacuum container, has a rectangular opening surrounded by an insulating frame. A plate-shaped radio-frequency antenna conductor 13 is provided so as to cover the opening, with the insulating frame clamped thereby. In this structure, a radio-frequency power source is connected via a matching box to one end along the length of the radio-frequency antenna conductor, the other end is connected to ground, and electric power is supplied so that a radio-frequency current flows from one end of the radio-frequency antenna conductor to the other. By this method, the impedance of the radio-frequency antenna conductor can be lowered, and high-density plasma with a low electron temperature can be efficiently generated. |
| US08917014B2 |
Coated articles and/or devices with optical out-coupling layer stacks (OCLS), and/or methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments relate to organic light emitting diode (OLED) inclusive devices, and/or methods of making the same. A substrate supports a transparent conductive coating (TCC) based layer, and first and second organic layers disposed thereon. A reflective conductive layer is supported by the organic layers. An out-coupling layer stack (OCLS) interposed between the organic layers and a viewer of the device includes a hybrid organic-inorganic polymer matrix having scatterers dispersed throughout in a manner such that each scatterer is located in the far field of its nearest neighbor. The scatterers are dispersed to have a high Zeta potential, and promote Mie-like scattering of light passing through the OCLS. Mie-like scattering caused by the OCLS may help to frustrate the wave-guiding modes in the glass, e.g., by breaking down the in-phase coherence. |
| US08917003B2 |
Axial retention of permanent magnet rotor in high speed generator
A permanent magnet rotor for use on an electrical generator comprises a hub having an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral bore centered on an axis. The inner peripheral bore is provided with a screw thread at least over a portion of an axial dimension. Permanent magnets are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the hub. A containment band is positioned radially outwardly of the magnets, holding the magnets and the hub together. The hub, a generator rotor incorporating the permanent magnet rotor, and a generator incorporating the permanent magnet rotor are also disclosed and claimed in this application. |
| US08916998B2 |
Control circuit for an electrical drive device, having confined current loops and reduced interference emissions
An electrical drive device (1) includes a control circuit (3) connectable to a voltage source (5) on the input side and to an electric drive motor (4) on the output side. The control circuit (3) includes two separate return conductors (13, 35) connected to each other at a single connection point (36). One return conductor (13) is connected to the ground terminal (12) of the control circuit (3). The other return conductor (35) is connected to a motor converter (14), a converter control (15) and a back-up capacitor (19). Due to this arrangement, the currents (is, ia) flowing in a back-up circuit loop (31) and a control circuit loop (32) are confined to remain within the control circuit (3) and are separated from a housing (10), for example the chassis of a motor vehicle. As a result, the electrical drive device (1) has low interference emissions. |
| US08916994B2 |
Device and method for selectively controlling multiple transmission coils in wireless power transmission device
One exemplary method for selectively controlling multiple power transmission coils may include: outputting a first detection signal and a second detection signal to a wireless power receiving device through first and second power transmission coils, respectively; detecting either or both of a first response signal and a second response signal generated from the wireless power transmission device respectively in response to the first detecting signal and the second detecting signal; selecting one of the first and second power transmission coils that corresponds to the detected one of the first and second response signals if only one of the first and the second response signals is detected; selecting one of the first and second power transmission coils if both of the first and second response signals are detected; and outputting a wireless power signal via the selected one of the first and second power transmission coil. |
| US08916990B2 |
Functional high-voltage interlock system and method
Methods and apparatus are provided for a functional high-voltage interlock system. The apparatus includes an enclosure, a high-voltage terminal, a low-voltage circuit, and a control circuit. The enclosure includes an access point that may be breached. The high-voltage terminal is disposed at least partially within the enclosure, is accessible by breaching the high-voltage access point, and is configured to be energized from a high-voltage electrical power source. The low-voltage circuit is disposed within the enclosure, and is coupled to selectively receive a low-voltage electrical signal. The control circuit is coupled to, and is configured to supply the low-voltage electrical signal to, the low-voltage circuit only when the high-voltage access point is not breached. The control circuit implements a first function and a disparate second function. The first function determines whether the access point is breached and, if so, prevents the high-voltage terminal from being energized from the high-voltage electrical source. |
| US08916988B2 |
Systems and methods for use in operating power generation systems
A control system is provided. The control system includes a turbine controller that is configured to generate at least a first signal that is representative of pitch control commands for a plurality of turbine blades and a second signal that is representative of the pitch control commands for the turbine blades. A first pitch controller is coupled to the turbine controller, wherein the first pitch controller is configured to receive the first signal and to implement the pitch control commands for each of the turbine blades in response to receiving the first signal. A second pitch controller is coupled to the turbine controller and to the first pitch controller, wherein the second pitch controller is configured to receive the second signal and to implement the pitch control commands to each of the turbine blades when the first pitch controller is unable to implement the pitch control commands. |
| US08916985B2 |
Gas turbine start with frequency convertor
A method for the start of a power plant installation which includes a gas turbine, a generator coupled to the gas turbine, and a frequency converter to feed current into an electrical grid. In accordance with the method, during the start of the gas turbine, the generator is connected to the electrical grid via the frequency converter before the operating rotational speed of the gas turbine is reached, wherein the frequency converter is controlled such that it generates an output current with the grid frequency. A power plant installation can execute the above method. |
| US08916984B2 |
Wind turbine
A wind turbine including at least one generator is disclosed. The generator includes a stator with two sets of stator windings. The first set of stator windings is connected to a first electrical converter unit by a first cable connection and the second set of stator windings is connected to a second electrical converter unit by a second cable connection. The first cable connection is guided from the respective set of stator windings in the region of the side facing the drive end of the wind turbine and the second cable connection is guided from the respective set of stator windings in the region of the side facing the non-drive end of the wind turbine. |
| US08916980B2 |
Pad and circuit layout for semiconductor devices
An apparatus includes an image sensor with a frontside and a backside. The image sensor includes an active circuit region and bonding pads. The active circuit region has a first shape that is substantially rectangular. The substantially rectangular first shape has first chamfered corners. A perimeter of the frontside of the image sensor has a second shape that is substantially rectangular. The second substantially rectangular shape has second chamfered corners. The bonding pads are disposed on the frontside of the image sensor. The bonding pads are disposed between the first chamfered corners and the second chamfered corners. The first shape is disposed inside the second shape. |
| US08916979B2 |
Through-vias and methods of forming the same
An integrated circuit structure includes a substrate, a metal ring penetrating through the substrate, a dielectric region encircled by the metal ring, and a through-via penetrating through the dielectric region. The dielectric region is in contact with the through-via and the metal ring. |
| US08916974B2 |
Metal density aware signal routing
Methods and apparatus for routing signal paths in an integrated circuit. One or more signal routing paths for transferring signals of the integrated circuit may be determined. A dummy fill pattern for the integrated circuit may be determined based on the one or more metal density specifications and at least one design rule for reducing cross coupling capacitance between the dummy fill pattern and the routing paths. The signal routing paths and/or the dummy fill pattern may be incrementally optimized to meet one or more timing requirements of the integrated circuit. |
| US08916973B1 |
Semiconductor device with electrode structure including graphene pattern formed over metal pattern
A semiconductor device includes a data storage layer formed over a semiconductor substrate in which a lower structure is formed, and an electrode structure formed on at least one side of the data storage layer over the semiconductor substrate. The electrode structure includes a metal pattern, and a graphene pattern formed over the metal pattern. |
| US08916972B2 |
Adhesion between post-passivation interconnect structure and polymer
An embodiment integrated circuit structure includes a substrate, a metal pad over the substrate, a post-passivation interconnect (PPI) structure over the substrate and electronically connected to the metal pad, a thin oxide film layer directly over a top surface of the PPI structure, and a polymer layer over the thin oxide film layer and PPI structure. |
| US08916970B2 |
Method for welding gold-silicon eutectic chip, and transistor
Relating to electronic components, the present disclosure provides a method for welding a gold-silicon eutectic chip, and a transistor. The method for welding a gold-silicon eutectic chip includes: electroplating a gold layer with a thickness smaller than or equal to 1 micron on surfaces of a chip carrier; bonding multiple gold protrusions on the gold layer in a welding region; and rubbing a chip in the welding region at a eutectic temperature to form a welding layer. The transistor includes a chip, a chip carrier, and a middle layer connecting the chip and the chip carrier, where the welding middle layer is a welding layer obtained by using the above welding method. The present disclosure reduces an amount of gold in use and lowers a cost of gold-silicon eutectic welding to a relatively large extent, and, accordingly, cuts down the cost of a transistor. |
| US08916968B2 |
Multichip power semiconductor device
An electronic device includes a first chip carrier and a second chip carrier isolated from the first chip carrier. A first power semiconductor chip is mounted on and electrically connected to the first chip carrier. A second power semiconductor chip is mounted on and electrically connected to the second chip carrier. An electrically insulating material is configured to at least partially surround the first power semiconductor chip and the second power semiconductor chip. An electrical interconnect is configured to electrically connect the first power semiconductor chip to the second power semiconductor chip, wherein the electrical interconnect has at least one of a contact clip and a galvanically deposited conductor. |
| US08916966B2 |
Integrated circuit including a heat dissipation structure
One embodiment of an integrated circuit includes a discrete device that defines a top surface, an integrated circuit substrate, and a heat dissipation structure fully covering the top surface of the discrete device and being thermally connected to the integrated circuit substrate. |
| US08916964B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of producing same
A semiconductor device and a method of producing the same, wherein a joining member and a joined member are bonded by means of brazing in a way such that no voids are left inside the joining layer. The semiconductor device comprises a joined member and a joining member which is joined to the joined member by means of brazing. The joined member is provided with a through hole which is open on the joining surface with the joining member, and a path communicating with the through hole is provided on at least one of the joining surface of the joining member with the joined member or the joining surface of the member with the joining member. |
| US08916957B2 |
Package structure and package process
A package structure and a package process are provided. The package structure comprises a carrier having a carrying portion and a plurality of supporting bar remnants disposed around and extending outward from the carrying portion, a chip mounted to the carrying portion, and an encapsulant disposed on the carrier and covering the chip, wherein the supporting bar remnants are encapsulated by the encapsulant, and each of the supporting bar remnants has a distal end shrank from an outer surface of the encapsulant. A package process for fabricating the package structure is also provided. |
| US08916956B2 |
Multiple die packaging interposer structure and method
System and method for providing a multiple die interposer structure. An embodiment comprises a plurality of interposer studs in a molded interposer, with a redirection layer on each side of the interposer. Additionally, the interposer studs may be initially attached to a conductive mounting plate by soldering or wirebond welding prior to molding the interposer, with the mounting plate etched to form one of the redirection layers. Integrated circuit dies may be attached to the redirection layers on each side of the interposer, and interlevel connection structures used to mount and electrically connect a top package having a third integrated circuit to the interposer assembly. |
| US08916952B2 |
Self-aligned emitter-base in advanced BiCMOS technology
A self-aligned bipolar transistor and method of fabricating the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a substrate and an intrinsic base are provided, followed by a first oxide layer, and an extrinsic base over the first oxide layer. A first opening is formed, exposing a portion of a surface of the extrinsic base. Sidewall spacers are formed in the first opening, and a self-aligned oxide mask is selectively formed on the exposed surface of the extrinsic base. The spacers are removed, and using the self-aligned oxide mask, the exposed extrinsic base and the first oxide layer are etched to expose the intrinsic base layer, forming a first and a second slot. A silicon layer stripe is selectively grown on the exposed intrinsic and/or extrinsic base layers in each of the first and second slots, substantially filling the respective slot. |
| US08916945B2 |
Semiconductor light-detecting element
Prepared is an n− type semiconductor substrate 1 having a first principal surface 1a and a second principal surface 1b opposed to each other, and having a p+ type semiconductor region 3 formed on the first principal surface 1a side. At least a region opposed to the p+ type semiconductor region 3 in the second principal surface 1b of the n− type semiconductor substrate 1 is irradiated with a pulsed laser beam to form an irregular asperity 10. After formation of the irregular asperity 10, an accumulation layer 11 with an impurity concentration higher than that of the n− type semiconductor substrate 1 is formed on the second principal surface 1b side of the n type semiconductor substrate 1. After formation of the accumulation layer 11, the n− type semiconductor substrate 1 is subjected to a thermal treatment. |
| US08916943B2 |
MEMS devices having a plurality of cavities
An integrated circuit device includes a first layer comprising at least two partial cavities, an intermediate layer bonded to the first layer, the intermediate layer formed to support at least two Micro-electromechanical System (MEMS) devices, and a second layer bonded to the intermediate layer, the second layer comprising at least two partial cavities to complete the at least two partial cavities of the first layer through the intermediate layer to form at least two sealed full cavities. The at least two full cavities have different pressures within. |
| US08916938B2 |
Three-dimensional writable printed memory
The present invention discloses a three-dimensional writable printed memory (3D-wP). It comprises at least a printed memory array and a writable memory array. The printed memory array stores contents data, which are recorded with a printing means; the writable memory array stores custom data, which are recorded with a writing means. The writing means is preferably direct-write lithography. To maintain manufacturing throughput, the total amount of custom data should be less than 1% of the total amount of content data. |
| US08916932B2 |
Semiconductor device including FINFET structures with varied epitaxial regions, related method and design structure
A semiconductor device including a substrate; a FINFET disposed on the substrate, the FINFET including: a set of epitaxial regions disposed in a source/drain region on a set of fins, the set of epitaxial regions including: a first epitaxial region on a first inner surface of a first outer fin, the first epitaxial region having a first thickness defined as one of: a distance from the first inner surface to an edge of the epitaxial region in the case of a non-merged state of adjacent inner epitaxial regions of adjacent fins, and half of a distance from the first inner surface to an opposing inner surface of an adjacent fin in a merged state of adjacent inner epitaxial regions of adjacent fins, and a second epitaxial region with a second thickness disposed on a first outer surface of the first outer fin. The second thickness is thinner than the first thickness. |
| US08916931B2 |
LDMOS semiconductor device with parasitic bipolar transistor for reduced surge current
An N type layer made of an N type epitaxial layer in which an N+ type drain layer etc are formed is surrounded by a P type drain isolation layer extending from the front surface of the N type epitaxial layer to an N+ type buried layer. A P type collector layer is formed in an N type layer made of the N type epitaxial layer surrounded by the P type drain isolation layer and a P type element isolation layer, extending from the front surface to the inside of the N type layer. A parasitic bipolar transistor that uses the first conductive type drain isolation layer as the emitter, the second conductive type N type layer as the base, and the collector layer as the collector is thus formed so as to flow a surge current into a ground line. |
| US08916930B2 |
Trenched power semiconductor device and fabrication method thereof
A trenched power semiconductor device on a lightly doped substrate is provided. The device has a base, a plurality of trenches including at least a gate trench, a plurality of first heavily doping regions, a body region, a source doped region, a contact window, a second heavily doped region, and a metal layer. The trenches are formed in the base. The first heavily doped regions are beneath the trenches respectively and spaced from the bottom of the respective trench with a lightly doped region. The body region encircles the trenches and is away from the first heavily doped region with a predetermined distance. The source doped region is in an upper portion of the body region. The contact window is adjacent to the edge of the base. The second heavily doped region is below the contact window filled by the metal layer for electrically connecting the second heavily doped region. |
| US08916927B2 |
Vertical tunnel field effect transistor (FET)
Among other things, one or more techniques for forming a vertical tunnel field effect transistor (FET), and a resulting vertical tunnel FET are provided herein. In an embodiment, the vertical tunnel FET is formed by forming a core over a first type substrate region, forming a second type channel shell around a circumference greater than a core circumference, forming a gate dielectric around a circumference greater than the core circumference, forming a gate electrode around a circumference greater than the core circumference, and forming a second type region over a portion of the second type channel shell, where the second type has a doping opposite a doping of the first type. In this manner, line tunneling is enabled, thus providing enhanced tunneling efficiency for a vertical tunnel FET. |
| US08916926B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and method of making the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a substrate, a structure including a stack of alternately disposed layers of conductive and insulation materials disposed on the substrate, a plurality of pillars extending through the structure in a direction perpendicular to the substrate and into contact with the substrate, and information storage films interposed between the layers of conductive material and the pillars. In one embodiment, upper portions of the pillars located at the same level as an upper layer of the conductive material have structures that are different from lower portions of the pillars. In another embodiment, or in addition, upper string selection transistors constituted by portions of the pillars at the level of an upper layer of the conductive material are programmed differently from lower string selection transistors. |
| US08916925B2 |
Vertical semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A vertical semiconductor device includes a first active pillar vertically protruded from a semiconductor substrate; a first vertical gate connected to at least one side of the first active pillar and formed along a direction that crosses a buried bit line; and a first body line connected to at least one side of the first active pillar which is not connected to the first vertical gate. |
| US08916920B2 |
Memory structure with planar upper surface
A memory structure having a memory cell region and a non-memory cell region is provided. The memory structure includes a plurality of memory cells and a conductive material. The plurality of memory cells are disposed in the memory cell region, wherein a plurality of first concave portions are present in the plurality of memory cells. The conductive material extends across the memory cell region and the non-memory cell region, covers the plurality of memory cells, and extends into the plurality of first concave portions. |
| US08916919B2 |
Interdigitated vertical native capacitor
A metal capacitor structure includes a plurality of line level structures vertically interconnected with via level structures. Each first line level structure and each second line level structure includes a set of parallel metal lines that is physically joined at an end to a rectangular tab structure having a rectangular horizontal cross-sectional area. A first set of parallel metal lines within a first line level structure and a second set of parallel metal lines within a second line level structure are interdigitated and parallel to each other, and can collectively form an interdigitated uniform pitch structure. Because the rectangular tab structures do not protrude toward each other within a region between two facing sidewalls of the rectangular tab structures, sub-resolution assist features (SRAFs) can be employed to provide a uniform width and a uniform pitch throughout the entirety of the interdigitated uniform pitch structure. |
| US08916917B2 |
Solid-state imaging device
According to one embodiment, a solid-state imaging device includes a first element formation region surrounded by an element isolation region in a semiconductor substrate having a first and a second surface, an upper element isolation layer on the first surface in the element formation region, a lower element isolation layer between the second surface and the upper element isolation layer, a first photodiode in the element formation region, a floating diffusion in the element formation region, and a first transistor disposed between the first photodiode and the floating diffusion. A side surface of the lower element isolation layer protrudes closer to the transistor than a side surface of the upper element isolation layer. |
| US08916914B2 |
Field effect transistor having double transition metal dichalcogenide channels
A field effect transistor (FET) includes first and second channels stacked on a substrate, the first and second channels formed of a transition metal dichalcogenide, a source electrode and a drain electrode contacting both the first channel and the second channel, each of the source electrode and the drain electrode having one end between the first channel and the second channel, and a first gate electrode corresponding to at least one of the first channel and the second channel. |
| US08916909B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device includes two different semiconductor materials. The two semiconductor materials are arranged adjacent one another in a common plane. |
| US08916901B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor light emitting device includes a light emitting unit, a first and second conductive pillar, a sealing unit, and a first and second terminal. The light emitting unit includes a first and second semiconductor layer and a light emitting layer. The light emitting layer is provided on the first semiconductor layer. The second semiconductor layer is provided on the light emitting layer. The first conductive pillar is provided on the first semiconductor layer. The second conductive pillar is provided on the second semiconductor layer. The sealing unit covers side faces of each of the light emitting unit, the first conductive pillar, and the second conductive pillar. The first terminal is provided on the first conductive pillar and on the sealing unit. The second terminal is provided on the second conductive pillar and on the sealing unit. |
| US08916900B2 |
Optoelectronic module and method of producing an optoelectronic module
An optoelectronic module includes a radiation-emitting semiconductor component, an electrical component and a carrier substrate. The carrier substrate includes a top and a bottom, wherein first electrical connections are arranged on the bottom and second electrical connections are arranged on the top. The electrical component is arranged on the top of the carrier substrate and is electrically conductively connected with the first electrical connections. The radiation-emitting semiconductor component is arranged on the side of the electrical component remote from the carrier substrate. The radiation-emitting semiconductor component furthermore includes conductive structures electrically conductively connected with the second electrical connections. |
| US08916898B2 |
Wafer level LED package and method of fabricating the same
Disclosed are a light emitting diode (LED) package and a method of fabricating the same. The LED package includes a first substrate, a semiconductor stack disposed on a front surface of the first substrate, a second substrate including a first lead electrode and a second lead electrode, a plurality of connectors electrically connecting the semiconductor stack to the first and second lead electrodes, and a wavelength converter covering a rear surface of the first substrate. The semiconductor stack includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and an active layer disposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. |
| US08916890B2 |
Light emitting diodes with light filters
LED chips including an LED layer or layers capable of emitting light of a first wavelength, a light conversion layer on the LED capable of converting at least a portion of the light of a first wavelength to light of a second wavelength, and a filter layer therebetween that is transmissive to light of a first wavelength and reflective to light of a second wavelength. The filter layer may prevent at least some of the light of a second wavelength from entering the LED layer or layers, where it may be subject to various optical losses, such as internal reflection and absorption. LED chips may also include multiple filter and light conversion layers. Methods of fabrication are also disclosed. |
| US08916888B2 |
LED component by integrating epitaxial structure and package substrate together and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention discloses an integral LED component which integrates LED epitaxial structures electrodes and interconnect with a package substrate together and an integral manufacturing process thereof. The integral LED component can be made with multiple epitaxial structures or with just a single epitaxial structure. The integral LED component can be mounted into a hollow carrier. And by having support by the hollow carrier, the package substrate can be mounted and contacted with a heat conductive or a dissipation device. The integral LED component is fabricated by wafer level process and cut from the wafer as an independent component. By different manufacturing process, the integral LED component can be made as Vertical LED structure or Lateral LED structure. |
| US08916884B2 |
Light-emitting device
Disclosed is a light-emitting device comprising: a light-emitting stack with a length and a width comprising: a first conductivity type semiconductor layer; an active layer on the first conductivity type semiconductor layer; and a second conductivity type semiconductor layer on the active layer; a conductive layer with a width greater than the width of the first conductivity type semiconductor layer and under the first conductivity type semiconductor layer, the conductive layer comprising a first overlapping portion which overlaps the first conductivity type semiconductor layer and a first extending portion which does not overlap the first conductivity type semiconductor layer; a transparent conductive layer with a width greater than the width of the second conductivity type semiconductor layer over the second conductivity type semiconductor layer, the transparent conductive layer comprising a second overlapping portion which overlaps the second conductivity type semiconductor layer and a second extending portion which does not overlap the second conductivity type semiconductor layer; a first electrode substantially joined with only the first extending portion or a part of the first extending part; and a second electrode substantially joined with only the second extending portion or a part of the second extending portion. |
| US08916874B2 |
Sacrificial waveguide test structures
Sacrificial optical test structures are constructed upon a wafer of pre-cleaved optical chips for testing the optical functions of the pre-cleaved optical chips. The sacrificial optical structures are disabled upon the cleaving the optical chips from the wafer and the cleaved optical chips can be used for their desired end functions. The test structures may remain on the cleaved optical chips or they may be discarded. |
| US08916870B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
It is an object to provide a highly reliable semiconductor device including a thin film transistor with stable electric characteristics. In a semiconductor device including an inverted staggered thin film transistor whose semiconductor layer is an oxide semiconductor layer, a buffer layer is provided over the oxide semiconductor layer. The buffer layer is in contact with a channel formation region of the semiconductor layer and source and drain electrode layers. A film of the buffer layer has resistance distribution. A region provided over the channel formation region of the semiconductor layer has lower electrical conductivity than the channel formation region of the semiconductor layer, and a region in contact with the source and drain electrode layers has higher electrical conductivity than the channel formation region of the semiconductor layer. |
| US08916867B2 |
Oxide semiconductor element and semiconductor device
A semiconductor element having high mobility, which includes an oxide semiconductor layer having crystallinity, is provided. The oxide semiconductor layer includes a stacked-layer structure of a first oxide semiconductor film and a second oxide semiconductor film having a wider band gap than the first oxide semiconductor film, which is in contact with the first oxide semiconductor film. Thus, a channel region is formed in part of the first oxide semiconductor film (that is, in an oxide semiconductor film having a smaller band gap) which is in the vicinity of an interface with the second oxide semiconductor film. Further, dangling bonds in the first oxide semiconductor film and the second oxide semiconductor film are bonded to each other at the interface therebetween. Accordingly, a decrease in mobility resulting from an electron trap or the like due to dangling bonds can be reduced in the channel region. |
| US08916864B2 |
Heterocyclic compound and organic light-emitting device using the same
An organic light-emitting device includes an anode, a cathode, and an organic compound layer interposed between the anode and the cathode. The organic compound layer contains a heterocyclic compound having 4,10-Diazachrysene. |
| US08916863B2 |
Organic thin-film transistor and method of manufacturing organic thin-film transistor
A transistor manufacturing method includes: forming a gate electrode above a substrate; forming a gate insulator above the gate electrode; forming source and drain electrodes above the gate insulator; forming a sacrificial layer above the source and drain electrodes; forming a partition wall layer above the sacrificial layer; forming an opening by patterning the partition wall layer to partly expose the sacrificial layer; removing the sacrificial layer to expose the source and drain electrodes; and forming an organic semiconductor layer to cover the source and drain electrodes and the gate insulator, wherein the source and drain electrodes occupy 50% or more of a surface area of the opening, and the source and drain electrodes are spaced apart at an interval smaller than an average granular diameter of crystals each of which is at least partly positioned above the source or drain electrode. |
| US08916862B2 |
Organic EL panel, display device using same, and method for producing organic EL panel
To increase light-extraction efficiency and simplify manufacturing process. An organic EL panel includes: first electrode reflecting incident light; second electrode transmitting incident light therethrough; organic light-emitting layer emitting light of corresponding color among RGB colors; first functional layer including charge injection/transport layer and at least one other layer, and disposed between the first electrode and the light-emitting layer; and second functional layer disposed between the second electrode and the light-emitting layer. The first functional layers of the RGB colors are equal in film thickness, the organic light-emitting layers of the RGB colors are equal in optical distance from the first electrode, the second functional layers of the RGB colors are equal in film thickness, the organic light-emitting layers of the RGB colors are equal in optical distance from the second electrode, and the organic light-emitting layers of the RGB colors differ in film thickness. |
| US08916856B2 |
Display apparatus
A display with organic electroluminescent elements each having an optical-interference structure includes; a blue-light emitting layer containing a host material and a light emitting material, where lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of a hole-transporting layer is smaller than that of the host material and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the host material is larger than that of the hole-transporting layer by 0.5 eV or lower; and a film-thickness adjustment layer disposed between a light emitting layer and the hole-transporting layer of a red-light emitting electroluminescent element or a green-light emitting electroluminescent element, where the hole-mobility of the adjustment layer is higher than the carrier-mobility of the light emitting layer of the electroluminescent element having the adjustment layer, and HOMO of the adjustment layer is not higher than that of the hole-transporting layer and not lower than that of the light emitting material in the light emitting layer thereof. |
| US08916852B2 |
Organic light emitting display having a substrate support structure and fabricating method thereof
An organic light emitting display including a substrate, a semiconductor layer formed on the substrate, an organic light emitting diode formed on the semiconductor layer, an encapsulant formed on a periphery of the substrate which is an outer periphery of the organic light emitting diode and the semiconductor layer; and an encapsulation substrate attached to the encapsulant. |
| US08916850B2 |
Light-emitting element and method for manufacturing same
The present invention provides a light-emitting element comprising: a carbon layer comprising a graphene; a plurality of fine structures having grown toward the upper side of the carbon layer; and a light-emitting structure layer formed on the surface of the fine structures. |
| US08916848B2 |
Resistance change device and memory cell array
According to one embodiment, a resistance change device includes a first electrode including a metal, a second electrode, and an amorphous oxide layer including Si and O between the first and second electrode, the layer having a concentration gradient of O and a first peak thereof in a direction from the first electrode to the second electrode. |
| US08916847B2 |
Variable resistance memory device and method for fabricating the same
A variable resistance memory device includes a plurality of first conductive lines extended in a first direction, a plurality of second conductive lines arranged over or under the first conductive lines and extended in a second direction crossing the first direction, an insulating layer disposed between the first conductive lines and the second conductive lines and having a trench extended in the second direction and defined by a first side wall and a second sidewall facing each other and a bottom surface connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and a variable resistance material layer formed on the first and second sidewalls and the bottom surface of the trench, wherein the first and second sidewalls of the trench overlap two adjacent second conductive lines, respectively. |
| US08916845B2 |
Low operational current phase change memory structures
Memory cells described herein have an increased current density at lateral edges of the active region compared to that of conventional mushroom-type memory cells, resulting in improved operational current efficiency. As a result, the amount of heat generated within the lateral edges per unit value of current is increased relative to that of conventional mushroom-type memory cells. Therefore, the amount of current needed to induce phase change is reduced. |
| US08916841B2 |
Particle therapy system
A particle therapy system is capable of reducing an increase in treatment time caused by the initialization operation of magnets in the execution of the scanning irradiation method successively changing the energy level of a beam extracted from an accelerator. An irradiation control apparatus has a scheme that calculates setting vales of excitation current for bending magnets for a transport system on every irradiation condition (energy condition), and sets appropriate excitation current values according to the irradiation sequence. The irradiation control apparatus 35 prestores in a current supply control table 1 reference current values determined corresponding to energy levels of the ion beam, prestores in current supply compenzation value tables 1, 2 compenzation current values determined corresponding to energy levels of the ion beam and numbers of times of changing the energy level, and calculates the excitation current value of the magnets by using the values prestored in the tables. |
| US08916840B2 |
Lithography apparatus, and article manufacturing method
A lithography apparatus includes a deflector configured to deflect the charged particle beam to scan the charged particle beam on the substrate in a scan direction; a detector including a shield for shielding the charged particle beam, and configured to detect an intensity of a charged particle beam not shielded by the shield; and a processor configured to process a signal obtained with the detector scanned with the charged particle beam in the scan direction by the deflector, wherein an effective region of the shield has a shape such that a position of an edge thereof in the scan direction continuously changes along the edge, and wherein the processor is configured to process the signal with respect to a plurality of positions of the edge to determine a relationship between a command value to the deflector and a scan position of the charged particle beam. |
| US08916839B2 |
Sample preparation method and apparatus
A sample preparation method is carried out using a focused ion beam and an electron beam. While displaying a SEM image of a first cross-section of a sample on a display screen, the first cross-section is subjected to etching processing by scanning and irradiation of the focused ion beam, thereby exposing a second cross-section, and while displaying a SEM image of the second cross-section on the display screen, the scanning direction of the focused ion beam is changed while performing scanning and irradiation of the focused ion beam and subjecting the second cross-section to etching processing, thereby exposing a desired cross-section of the sample. |
| US08916836B2 |
Quantum-yield measurement device
A quantum-yield measurement device 1 comprises a dark box 5; a light generation unit, having a light exit part 7, for generating the pumping light L1; a light detection unit, having a light entrance part 11, for detecting light to be measured L2; an integrating sphere 14, having a light entrance opening 15 for the light L1 to enter and a light exit opening 16 for the light L2 to exit; and a movement mechanism 30 for moving the sphere 14 within the box 5 such that a container 3 attains each of a first state of being located inside of the sphere 14 and a second state of being located outside of the sphere 14 and, causing the opening 15 and opening 16 to oppose the part 7 and part 11, respectively, in the first state. |
| US08916835B1 |
UV lamp support assembly
A fluid treatment system includes plural housings (10, 78). Each housing includes quartz tubes (16, 80) fixedly supported at an upper plate (12, 106) while being movably supported at a lower plate (14, 104). Each tube has a UV light emitter that can eradicate microorganisms in a liquid. The tube support arrangement includes a plurality of tube retainer assemblies. Each retainer assembly includes a tube holding cup (30, 90) surrounded by a coil spring (24, 94). Each cup includes an upper lip (34), a lower lip (36), and a foot (42). The lips retain the cup in a lower plate aperture (20,116) while the foot engages the tube's domed end. A cup can hold a tube in the lower plate while constraining lateral movement of the tube, providing spring-biased axial support to the tube, and allowing axially-extending thermal expansion of the tube. |
| US08916830B2 |
X-ray detector panel
An X-ray detector panel comprises: a substrate; a transistor including a gate electrode disposed on the substrate, a gate insulating layer disposed on the gate electrode, an active layer disposed on the gate insulating layer, and a source electrode and a drain electrode disposed on the active layer and separated from each other; a photodiode including a first electrode connected to the drain electrode of the transistor, a photoconductive layer disposed on the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the photoconductive layer; an interlayer insulating layer including a first interlayer insulating layer covering the transistor and the photodiode, the first interlayer insulating layer being formed of an insulating material having a band gap energy of about 8 eV to about 10 eV; a data line disposed on the interlayer insulating layer and contacting the source electrode of the transistor via the interlayer insulating layer; a bias line disposed on the interlayer insulating layer and contacting the second electrode of the photodiode via the interlayer insulating layer; and a passivation layer disposed on the data line, the bias line, and the interlayer insulating layer. |
| US08916826B2 |
Diode sensor matrix and method of reading out a diode sensor matrix
A diode sensor matrix including a multitude of diodes is configured to detect, in a first measuring cycle, a first sensor value at a first diode or at diodes of a first group of diodes while operating the first diode and/or the diodes of the first group in the flow direction and operating the diodes, which share an anode or cathode or terminal with the first diode or with any of the diodes of the first group, in the reverse direction, and to detect, in a second measuring cycle, a second sensor value at a second diode among the diodes which share an anode or cathode terminal with the first diode or with any of the diodes of the first group, while operating the second diode in the flow direction and operating the first diode or a diode from the first group in the reverse direction. |
| US08916825B1 |
Ultraviolet, infrared and terahertz photo/radiation sensors using graphene layers to enhance sensitivity
Ultraviolet (UV), Terahertz (THZ) and Infrared (IR) radiation detecting and sensing systems using graphene nanoribbons and methods to making the same. In an illustrative embodiment, the detector includes a substrate, single or multiple layers of graphene nanoribbons, and first and second conducting interconnects each in electrical communication with the graphene layers. Graphene layers are tuned to increase the temperature coefficient of resistance to increase sensitivity to IR radiation. Absorption over a wide wavelength range of 200 nm to 1 mm are possible based on the two alternative devices structures described within. These two device types are a microbolometer based graphene film where the TCR of the layer is enhanced with selected functionalization molecules. The second device structure consists of a graphene nanoribbon layers with a source and drain metal interconnect and a deposited metal of SiO2 gate which modulates the current flow across the phototransistor detector. |
| US08916824B2 |
Pyroelectric light detector, pyroelectric light detecting device, and electronic device
A pyroelectric light detector has a base unit, a support member, and a plurality of pyroelectric capacitors containing pyroelectric bodies. The support member includes a first surface and a second surface facing opposite the first surface, and has a hollow space section formed between the second surface and the base unit. The plurality of pyroelectric capacitors are supported by the support member. The plurality of pyroelectric capacitors supported by the support member are electrically connected in series in a direction matching the polarization direction. The position of the projection point for which the center of gravity of the light absorption region corresponding to the pyroelectric capacitor is projected two dimensionally with a plan view can be made to exist inside the region in which the contour line of the pyroelectric body of the pyroelectric capacitor is projected two dimensionally. |
| US08916823B2 |
Method and system for non-destructive distribution profiling of an element in a film
A method to determine a distribution profile of an element in a film. The method comprises exciting an electron energy of an element deposited in a first film, obtaining a first spectrum associating with the electron energy, and removing a background spectrum from the first spectrum. Removing the background value generates a processed spectrum. The method further includes matching the processed spectrum to a simulated spectrum with a known simulated distribution profile for the element in a film comparable to the first film. A distribution profile is obtained for the element in the first film based on the matching of the processed spectrum to a simulated spectrum selected from the set of simulated spectra. |
| US08916819B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving the throughput of a charged particle analysis system
A method of increasing ion throughput within an accumulator, an energy lift and a pulsed ion extractor, operated in that order upon a batch of ions, comprising the steps of: firstly loading a batch of ions into the accumulator; secondly changing the electrical potential of the energy lift to raise the energy of the batch of ions contained therein; and thirdly ejecting the batch of ions from the pulsed ion extractor; and wherein: the energy lift is a separate device from the accumulator and the pulsed ion extractor, and whilst changing the electrical potential in the second step a fresh batch of ions is loaded into the accumulator and/or a previous batch of ions is prepared for ejection in the pulsed ion extractor; or the energy lift is incorporated into the pulsed ion extractor and whilst changing the electrical potential in the second step a fresh batch of ions is loaded into the accumulator; or the energy lift is incorporated into the accumulator and whilst changing the electrical potential in the second step a previous batch of ions is prepared for ejection in the pulsed ion extractor. A charged particle analyzer system is also provided. |
| US08916814B2 |
Multi-directional rolling member sensor switch
A sensor switch includes a housing having a receiving chamber defined by top and bottom walls and a multi-sided chamber surrounding wall, and a light emitter and a light receiver disposed outwardly of the surrounding wall at two opposite positions. The surrounding wall is formed with two light passage holes which are aligned respectively with the light emitter and the light receiver to permit a light path to extend therethrough. The bottom wall has a bottom inclined wall face that forms an included angle of from −80 degrees to 80 degrees with respect to a first axis. A rolling member is movable in the receiving chamber to alternately block and unblock the light path when moving to and fro on the bottom wall. |
| US08916813B2 |
Background-free balanced optical cross correlator
A balanced optical cross correlator includes an optical waveguide, a first photodiode including a first n-type semiconductor and a first p-type semiconductor positioned about the optical waveguide on a first side of the optical waveguide's point of symmetry, and a second photodiode including a second n-type semiconductor and a second p-type semiconductor positioned about the optical waveguide on a second side of the optical waveguide's point of symmetry. A balanced receiver including first and second inputs is configured to produce an output current or voltage that reflects a difference in currents or voltages, originating from the first and the second photodiodes of the balanced cross correlator and fed to the first input and to the second input of the balanced receiver. |
| US08916808B2 |
Induction heating cooking device
The present invention provides an inductive heating cooking device capable of detecting a temperature of a bottom of a pan instantly without delay in detection of temperature, and precisely keeping a temperature of a cooking container constant, and control method thereof, and control program thereof. The inductive heating cooking device includes a top plate (103) on which a cooking container is placed, a heating coil (104) to which a high-frequency current is applied to generate an induction magnetic field for heating the cooking container, an input unit (114) configured to receive a command for keeping a temperature of the cooking container at a constant temperature, a control unit (105) configured to control a heating of the cooking container by controlling the high-frequency current to be applied to the heating coil, and an infrared ray sensor (106) configured to detect an infrared ray energy radiated from the cooking container through the top plate. The control unit (105) controls the high-frequency current to be applied to the heating coil based on an output of the infrared ray sensor so as to keep the temperature of the cooking container at the constant temperature according to the command received by the input unit. |
| US08916805B2 |
Heating glass and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a heating glass including a glass; a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer formed on one surface of the glass; and a thermal conductive pattern formed on the transparent conductive oxide layer, and a method of manufacturing the same. |
| US08916792B2 |
Submerged arc welding system with pressurized flux delivery and welding torch
A submerged arc welding system includes a robot having a first arm connected to a second arm, and at least one wire supply. A welding torch is connected to a first end of the second arm of the robot. A wire motor is mounted to a second end of the second arm of the robot. The wire motor moves wire from the wire supply along a wire path to the welding torch. The system further includes a flux supply and a flux delivery system configured to move flux from the flux supply along a flux path to the welding torch. |
| US08916790B1 |
Switchgear
Disclosed is a switchgear including: a vacuum chamber; a fixed electrode having a fixed contact at an end thereof, the fixed contact being disposed within the vacuum chamber; a movable electrode having a movable contact at an end thereof, the movable contact being disposed within the vacuum chamber; a linkage assembly electrically connecting or disconnecting the movable electrode and the fixed electrode; an engaging coil spring; and a disengaging coil spring. The engaging coil spring and the disengaging coil spring are provided such that centers of the diametric directions thereof are substantially coaxial and at least a part of the engaging coil spring and a part of the disengaging coil spring overlap each other. |
| US08916789B2 |
Access door with integrated switch actuator
An apparatus and method are disclosed for creating an integrated access door and switch actuator. The integrated access door and switch actuator are created from a single composite material. The composite material is flexible to allow movement, but is also durable to provide a protective covering. The integrated access door and switch actuator include a living hinge, which allows the access door to move to an open and closed position while the switch actuator is stationary in a fixed position. |
| US08916787B2 |
Apparatus and method for a switching mechanism
A switching mechanism includes a housing, an actuator retained within the housing, and an electrical switching apparatus. The actuator includes an actuation element retained by the housing, where at least a portion of the actuation element is positioned for receiving an actuation load, and a plunger substantially in contact with the actuation element and operable to translate when an actuation load is applied to the actuation element. A sealing element placed around a second cylindrical portion of the plunger contacts inner surfaces of the housing to provide a seal between a first end and second end of the housing. The actuator also includes a spring operable to apply a force to resist translation of the plunger. An electrical switching apparatus is retained by the second end of the housing. |
| US08916785B1 |
Double break disconnect switch
A double break disconnect switch with a novel drive mechanism that swings the blade open and closed in a conventional manner but the rotation with respect to its longitudinal axis is unique. This mechanism uses a unique cam to rotate the blade about a hinge axis. The blade bearings are of very small diameter to reduce friction and are offset from the blade center of gravity so as to use the blade's weight to keep the blade in disengagement with the break jaw contacts when the switch is opened. The blade bearings are not around the diameter of the blade, the friction does not increase as current rating increases. A camming mechanism is profiled to give maximum rotational torque to the blade as it compresses the contact fingers as the switch closes to its final position. |
| US08916782B2 |
Multi-layered circuit board and electro-static discharge protection structure
An electro-static discharge (ESD) protection structure includes a first insulation layer (having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a through hole), a patterned conductive layer (located on the first surface), an electro-static releasing layer (located on the second surface), and a solder mask layer. At least one portion of the patterned conductive layer surrounds the through hole. The electro-static releasing layer is electrically insulated from the patterned conductive layer. At least one portion of the electro-static releasing layer is around the through hole. The solder mask layer covers the first insulation layer and a portion of the patterned conductive layer and exposes a portion of the patterned conductive layer surrounding the through hole. A multi-layered circuit board including a second insulation layer, a power supply layer, a third insulation layer and the ESD protection structure is also provided. |
| US08916778B2 |
Light emitting device array and light system
Embodiments are about light emitting devices array. The light emitting device array according to embodiments may include a printed circuit board including a base layer, a first protection layer which is in contact with at least one surface of the base layer, an insulating layer disposed on the base layer, and a conduction layer disposed on the insulating layer and a light emitting device package mounted on the conduction layer, wherein the base layer includes iron (Fe). |
| US08916777B2 |
Dust tight and water tight seal for conduit/junction box connection
A gasket system is described for use with a conduit and junction box dust-tight seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a two-piece split clamp, each clamp having a shaft portion, a flange portion, a locknut cavity portion and lip portion. The gasket system includes one or more of a shaft gasket, a flange gasket, and a lip gasket that are mounted on and are used in conjunction with the overall seal assembly. |
| US08916771B2 |
Photovoltaic device and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a photovoltaic device. The method includes: forming a first electrode on a substrate; forming a first unit cell converting light into electricity on the first electrode; forming an intermediate reflector on the first unit cell, the intermediate reflector including metallic nanoparticles arranged therein; and forming a second unit cell converting light into electricity on the intermediate reflector. |
| US08916770B2 |
Photoelectric conversion device
A photoelectric conversion device may effectively prevent an electrolyte from leaking and have a high durability. A photoelectric conversion device includes a first substrate and a second substrate spaced from the first substrate. A plurality of first electrodes are on a side of the first substrate facing the second substrate and extend from a sealing region of the first substrate, and the first electrodes are spaced from each other. A protective layer is on the first electrodes, and an end portion of the protective layer on the sealing region extends continuously across at least two of the first electrodes. |
| US08916769B2 |
Tandem nanofilm interconnected semiconductor wafer solar cells
An energy conversion device comprises at least two thin film photovoltaic cells fabricated separately and joined by wafer bonding. The cells are arranged in a hierarchical stack of decreasing order of their energy bandgap from top to bottom. Each of the thin film cells has a thickness in the range from about 0.5 μm to about 10 μm. The photovoltaic cell stack is mounted upon a thick substrate composed of a material selected from silicon, glass, quartz, silica, alumina, ceramic, metal, graphite, and plastic. Each of the interfaces between the cells comprises a structure selected from a tunnel junction, a heterojunction, a transparent conducting oxide, and an alloying metal grid; and the top surface and/or the lower surface of the energy conversion device may contain light-trapping means. |
| US08916763B2 |
Transducer
Provided is a transducer that can be attached to a desired position and removed therefrom and that does not damage musical instruments. A first magnet member and a second magnet member are mutually attracted toward one another by magnetic force across the top board of a ukulele. Thus, a receiver unit including a piezoelectric element, which is supported by the first magnet member, can be positioned at a desired position. Because the receiver unit is kept in position only by the mutually attracting magnetic forces, the receiver unit can be moved to any desired position even after once being positioned on the top surface of the ukulele. |
| US08916760B1 |
Music notation system
An improved music notation system is disclosed. Each pitch has a discrete, highly memorable symbol and corresponding mnemonic, while still having a spatial component and mapping onto the same spot as the standard system. Thus the shape of a melody can be quickly discerned, while individual pitches can also be quickly recognized without having to learn the treble and bass clef separately. Each rhythmic symbol is also unique and most are horizontal, and so now reflect how long you hold each note, thus creating a spatial component where there was none before. This makes for each rhythmic symbol to be much more intuitive and easier to learn and understand. We've also changed minor rules that empirically give trouble to beginning learners, such as placement of sharps and flats, and the ties/dots system has also been improved. |
| US08916759B2 |
Acoustic drum
An acoustic drum 10 has a hollow cylindrical shell 11, a drumhead 12 mounted to an opening end of the shell 11 to form a striking surface, a striking surface attachment 13a provided on the entire surface of a useful movable portion of the front side of the drumhead 12, and a striking surface attachment 13b provided on the entire surface of a useful movable portion of the reverse side of the drumhead 12. Each of the striking surface attachments 13a and 13b is formed of a resin film, with respective outer areas of the striking surface attachments 13a and 13b being fixed to the drumhead 12. As a result, the acoustic drum 10 can reduce sound volume, while maintaining struck sounds having brightness and providing a player with favorable feeling of striking. |
| US08916758B2 |
Adjustable musical instrument lever
The present invention is an adjustable musical instrument lever that changes the throw, amount of leverage, and amount of resistance the lever incurs when moved. The device also adjusts to accommodate the size of the player's hand. Further, it can be retrofit to many valved musical instruments. |
| US08916751B2 |
Control of AAD dicot volunteers in monocot crops
The subject invention relates in part to the control of AAD-12 and/or AAD-13 dicot volunteers in fields planted with monocot crops such as corn. The dicots can include soybeans and cotton. |
| US08916749B2 |
Isopentenyl transferase sequences and methods of use
Methods and compositions for modulating plant development are provided. Polynucleotide sequences and amino acid sequences encoding isopentenyl transferase (IPT) polypeptides are provided. The sequences can be used in a variety of methods including modulating root development, modulating floral development, modulating leaf and/or shoot development, modulating senescence, modulating seed size and/or weight, and modulating tolerance of plants to abiotic stress. Polynucleotides comprising an IPT promoter are also provided. The promoter can be used to regulate expression of a sequence of interest. Transformed plants, plant cell, tissues, and seed are also provided. |
| US08916742B2 |
Anatomically engineered configured article
An engineered designed article providing multi-directional support. Portions of three or more overlapping, circular-like bodies are integrated on a flexible planar membrane into products, such as bandages, headgear, tool handles, lumbar pillows, backpacks, cervical supports, and back supports, to offer a multi-directional, (360° quadrant) support or pressure-concentrating area, to enhance specific support at the medial, lateral, inferior and/or superior part of a body part. The article can be made of material that is waterproof, acts as a shock absorber, and provides multi-directional support. Medicaments can be infused into the pressure-concentrating area of the support or into the membrane itself. An aperture for accepting IV needles is also provided. |
| US08916739B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for preparing normal paraffins and hydrocarbon product streams
Methods and apparatuses for preparing normal paraffins and hydrocarbon product streams are provided herein. A method of preparing normal paraffins includes providing an unsaturated feed that includes an unsaturated compound that has at least one alkenyl group. The unsaturated feed is epoxidized to convert the at least one alkenyl group in the unsaturated compound to an epoxide functional group, thereby converting the unsaturated compound to an epoxide compound that has at least one epoxide functional group. The at least one epoxide functional group in the epoxide compound is converted to at least one secondary hydroxyl functional group, thereby converting the epoxide compound to a hydroxyl-functional compound that has at least one hydroxyl functional group. The hydroxyl-functional compound is deoxygenated to form normal paraffins. |
| US08916733B2 |
Processes for hydrofluorination of 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene to 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane
A process for making 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane. The process has the step of contacting 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene with hydrogen fluoride in the presence of a catalyst having about 25 to about 99.9 mole percent antimony pentachloride and about 0.1 to about 75 mole percent of a metal of a Lewis acid under conditions sufficient to form the 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane. There is a second process for making 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane. The process has the step of hydrofluorinating about 75 to about 99.9 mole percent 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and about 0.1 to about 25 mole percent of one or more other hydrocarbons having at least one chlorine atom in the presence of a catalyst of fluorinated antimony pentachloride under conditions sufficient to form the 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane. There is yet another process for hydrofluorinating 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene to 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane. The process has the step of contacting the 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene with hydrogen fluoride in the presence of a vapor phase catalyst under conditions sufficient to form the 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane. |
| US08916732B2 |
Method for preparing chlorohydrins and method for preparing epichlorohydrin using chlorohydrins prepared thereby
A method of preparing chlorohydrins and a method of preparing epichlorohydrin using chlorohydrins prepared by using the same method are provided. The method is to prepare chlorohydrins by reacting polyhydroxy aliphatic hydrocarbon with a chlorination agent in the presence of a catalyst, and the method includes at least one combination of a series of unit operations including the following steps in the following stated order: a first reaction step; a water removal step; and a second reaction step, wherein the water removing step is performed by distillation operation based on a boiling point difference between constituents of a reaction mixture. The method of preparing epichlorohydrin includes reacting chlorohydrins prepared by using the method of preparing chlorohydrins with an alkaline agent. |
| US08916729B2 |
Compounds with (perfluoroalkyl) fluorohydrogenphosphate anions
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds with (perfluoroalkyl)fluorohydrogenphosphate anion, and to compounds containing (perfluoroalkyl)fluorohydrogenphosphate anion and to the use thereof. |
| US08916724B2 |
Method for the production of (meth)acrylic esters
The present invention relates to a process for preparing (meth)acrylates, comprising the transesterification of a low-boiling ester of (meth)acrylic acid with a reactant alcohol in the presence of catalysts, which is characterized in that the transesterification is catalysed by a basic ion exchanger. |
| US08916721B1 |
Partition coefficient ester compositions
The present invention is directed to ester compositions which result from the trans-esterification of a triglyceride having an iodine value of between 85 and 175 mg KOH/gm with a fatty alcohol having a melting point of between 35° and 75° C., followed by cooling and removal of the polar phase which results. Surprisingly, we have found the composition has unique properties when used in cosmetic applications. |
| US08916716B2 |
Process for the preparation of crystalline form II of L-malic acid salt of sunitinib
The present invention relates to stable crystalline Form II of L-malic acid salt of sunitinib and its preparation. |
| US08916708B2 |
Urea derivatives and their therapeutic use in the treatment of, inter alia, diseases of the respiratory tract
Compounds of formula (I) are p38 MAPK inhibitors, useful as anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of, inter alia, diseases of the respiratory wherein R1 is a radical of formula (IA) or (IB) or (IC): 10 Y is —O— or —S(O)p—wherein p is 0, 1 or 2; A is an optionally substituted cycloalkylene radical having 5, 6 or 7 ring atoms fused to a phenyl ring; and R2, R3b and R4b are as defined in the claims. |
| US08916706B2 |
Preparation and use of (R),(R)-2,2′-bis-methylnaltrexone
This invention relates to synthesis of (R),(R)-2,2′-bis-MNTX, as shown in Formula (I), and related methods and products. |
| US08916705B2 |
Procaspase-activating compounds and compositions
The invention provides compounds and compositions useful for the modulation of certain enzymes. The compounds and compositions can induce of cell death, particularly cancer cell death. The invention also provides methods for the synthesis and use of the compounds and compositions, including the use of compounds and compositions in therapy for the treatment of cancer and selective induction of apoptosis in cells. |
| US08916698B2 |
Post protein hydrolysis removal of a potent ribonuclease inhibitor and the enzymatic capture of DNA
The present invention concerns compositions and methods of extracting infectious pathogens from a volume of blood. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of creating a fibrin aggregate confining the pathogens and introducing a fibrin lysis reagent to expose the pathogens for analysis. The present invention also concerns materials and methods for removing aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) from a sample. |
| US08916687B2 |
Insecticidal protein, gene encoding the same and uses thereof
The invention relates to an insecticidal protein, its gene encoding and the uses thereof. The protein comprises: (a) a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence shown by SEQ ID NO:2; or (b) a protein derived from (a) consisting of an amino acid sequence by substitution, deletion, or addition of one or more amino acid residues of the amino acid sequences in (a), and having insecticidal activity; or (c) a protein generated by the expression of nucleic acid molecules containing a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1; or (d) a protein generated by the expression of nucleic acid molecules containing a complementary sequence that hybridized with SEQ ID NO:1 under stringent conditions; or (e) a protein generated by the expression of nucleic acid molecules that contain nucleotide sequences isocoding with the nucleotide sequences in (d). The insecticidal protein of the invention has high expression level and strong toxicity against pests. |
| US08916685B2 |
Fusion protein comprising small heat shock protein, cage protein formed thereby, and novel use thereof
The present invention relates to a fusion protein comprising small heat shock protein, a cage protein formed thereby, and novel use thereof, more particularly, a fusion protein comprising a small heat shock protein, a recognition site of a protease, and a histidine polymer, wherein the recognition site and the histidine polymer are sequentially linked to a carboxyl terminal of the small heat shock protein, a cage protein formed thereby, and novel use thereof. The fusion protein of the present invention, and a cage protein formed by the self-assembly properties of the fusion protein are not cytotoxic, and emits a fluorescence signal of about 20 to about 50 times higher comparing to a single peptide for the conventional molecular imaging, per unit protein. Additionally, cell permeability is very excellent, thereby to be effectively used as a biosensor or a bioactive material carrier. |
| US08916682B2 |
Lipid peptide and hydrogel
There is provided a lipid peptide that is capable of forming a hydrogel with an extremely small amount thereof over a liquid property range from acidic to alkaline, and a hydrogel having high environmental suitability, biocompatibility and biodegradability. A lipid peptide represented by Formula (1): (where R1 represents an aliphatic group having 9 to 23 carbon atoms; R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atom(s) which optionally has a branched chain having 1 to 3 carbon atom(s), a phenylmethyl group, a phenylethyl group or a —(CH2)n—X group, and at least one of R2, R3, R4 and R5 represents a —(CH2)n—X group; n represents the number of 1 to 4; X represents an amino group, a guanidine group, a —CONH2 group or a 5-membered ring, a 6-membered ring or a fused heterocyclic ring composed of a 5-membered ring and a 6-membered ring which optionally have 1 to 3 nitrogen atom(s); and in represents 1 or 2), and a hydrogel comprising the lipid peptide. |
| US08916679B2 |
Peptides binding to the dimer interface of thymidylate synthase for the treatment of cancer
Provided are peptides that bind to the thymidylate synthase protein, in particular to human thymidylate synthase (hTS) protein, for the treatment of cancer. Further provided are peptides that can bind at a binding site located at the interface of thymidylate synthase protein. These peptides range from 3 to 10, preferably 4-8 amino acids and have a sequence that binds to each subunit of the thymidylate synthase dimer at the level of dimer interface, stabilizing the dimeric inactive form of the thymidylate synthase enzyme. In addition, provided are pharmaceutical compositions including these compounds as active agents, and uses thereof for the treatment of cancer and to reverse or/and be active in cancer drug resistance. |
| US08916675B2 |
Polymer and polymerization method
A method for forming a polymer comprising the polymerization of a plurality of monomers, wherein at least one of the plurality of monomers is one or both of: a charge transporting unit and a hydrocarbon monomer in which at least one carbon atom has been substituted by an atom or group with a greater quantity of unshared valence electrons than the carbon atom it has been substituted for, and wherein at least one of the plurality of monomers comprises an end-capping compound at one end of said monomer, the end-capping compound preventing polymerization at the end, wherein the end-capping compound is not charge transporting and comprises at least two rings. The end capping compound preferably consists of or includes a structural unit having the formula: (Ar)n—X, wherein Ar in each occurrence independently represents an aryl or heteroaryl group; X represents a leaving group comprising a boron derivative group or halogen; and n is 2 or more. |
| US08916672B2 |
Transparent polyarylene ether polymer with high heat resistance and method for preparing the same
The present disclosure relates to a transparent polyarylene ether polymer with high heat resistance and a method for preparing the same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a polyarylene ether polymer and a method for preparing the same, wherein the polyarylene ether polymer has a repeating structure in which cardo-type aromatic diols having a large molecular volume, polyether sulfones which are amorphous polymers having a high glass transition temperature and superior film formability, and polyether ketones which are crystalline polymers having superior heat resistance and mechanical properties are sequentially arranged. The polyarylene ether polymer is both transparent and heat resistant and, thus, can be used, for example, for a flexible plastic substrate. |
| US08916670B1 |
Electrochemical devices based on block copolymers
The present invention relates generally to electrolyte materials. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides for a solid polymer electrolyte material that has high ionic conductivity and is mechanically robust. An exemplary material can be characterized by a copolymer that includes at least one structural block, such as a vinyl polymer, and at least one ionically conductive block with a siloxane backbone. In various embodiments, the electrolyte can be a diblock copolymer or a triblock copolymer. Many uses are contemplated for the solid polymer electrolyte materials. For example, the novel electrolyte material can be used in Li-based batteries to enable higher energy density, better thermal and environmental stability, lower rates of self-discharge, enhanced safety, lower manufacturing costs, and novel form factors. |
| US08916665B2 |
Aminosilane initiators and functionalized polymers prepared therefrom
Metallated aminosilane compounds for use as functional initiators in anionic polymerizations and processes for producing an aminosilane-functionalized polymer using the metallated aminosilane compounds to initiate anionic polymerization of at least one type of anionically polymerizable monomer. Preferred use of the metallated aminosilane compounds results in rubber compositions for use in tires comprising an aminosilane functionalized polymer. A telechelic polymer may result from use of the metallated aminosilane compound as a functional terminator. |
| US08916662B2 |
Method for preparing olefin-diene copolymer using transition metal compound containing thiophene-fused cyclopentadienyl ligand
The present invention relates to a preparation method for olefin-diene copolymer that comprises polymerizing at least one olefin-based monomer and at least one diene-based monomer in the presence of a catalyst comprising a novel transition metal compound. Using the novel transition metal compound as a catalyst, the preparation method for olefin-diene copolymer according to the present invention can not only acquire high catalytic activity for copolymerization of the olefin and diene monomers to achieve high process efficiency but allow it to easily control the fine-structure characteristics of the copolymer, thereby providing an olefin-diene copolymer having desired properties with ease. |
| US08916661B2 |
Production of polypropylene from renewable resources
Processes for forming low molecular weight (C2-4) olefins from renewable resources, and polyolefins formed from the olefins, are disclosed. The C2-4 olefins are produced by first converting a renewable resource, capable of being converted to syngas, to syngas. The syngas is converted, using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using a catalyst with low chain growth probabilities, to a composition comprising C2-4 olefins, which are then isolated to form a C2-4 olefin-rich stream. Propylene can be isolated from this stream, and the ethylene and butylene can be subjected to olefin metathesis to produce additional propylene. The propylene, or other olefins, can be subjected to a variety of polymerization conditions and used in a variety of products, to replace the propylene, and polypropylene, produced from crude oil. Thus, the olefins, and polymers, copolymer and terpolymers thereof, can help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign crude oil. |
| US08916660B2 |
Method for recovering polymer and apparatus therefor
Process and apparatus for recovering polymer from a gas phase reactor having a distribution plate via an outlet vessel comprising at least one apparatus for the breakup of polymeric agglomerates, the apparatus further comprising a feed pipe connecting the gas phase reactor and the outlet vessel a return gas line connecting the gas phase reactor and the outlet vessel, means for varying the flow rate through the return gas line from the outlet vessel to the gas phase reactor, and means for varying the outlet rate of polymer product from the outlet vessel. |
| US08916656B2 |
UV hardening glass printing ink and UV hardening glass printing lacquer and method for printing a glass substrate
A glass printing ink and a glass printing lacquer comprising at least one pigment, at least one photoinitiator, at least two resins and radicial photoinitiators. One resin is an epoxy resin having an average molecular weight based on bisphenol A, diluted in a UV hardening monomer. The other resin is a resin which contains free functional amino, hydroxy, epoxy, acid, acid anhydride and/or acrylate groups. Also, the use of the glass printing ink and glass printing lacquer when printing a glass substrate and to a method for printing a glass substrate. |
| US08916651B2 |
Composite materials and method for making high-performance carbon nanotube reinforced polymer composites
Nanocomposite materials and methods of making composite materials reinforced with carbon nanotubes are disclosed. The composite material includes an array of functionalized and aligned carbon nanotubes having a degree of functionalization of about 1% to about 10%; and a polymeric matrix material bonded to the array of functionalized and aligned carbon nanotubes. |
| US08916648B2 |
Polymer filament
A polymer filament comprising a polyolefin composition which comprises (percentages by weight): A) 5%-95% of a propylene homopolymer; and B) 5-95% of a butene-1 homopolymer or copolymer having a flexural modulus of 80 MPa or higher. |
| US08916645B2 |
Hyperbranched polymers containing polyhedral oligosilsequioxane branching units
The HBP Free-POSS compounds of Formula I are superior to prior HB polymers and linear polymers in space and electronic applications because they have better resistance to electrons, protons and atomic oxygen, have superior out-gassing performance, and are transparent. They are used as coatings, films, adhesives, sealants and elastomers. |
| US08916643B2 |
Water-and oil-repellent
A water- and oil-repellent includes, as an active ingredient, a fluorine-containing copolymer including as a copolymer unit (A) at least one of perfluoroalkylalkyl acrylates and corresponding methacrylates, (B) benzyl acrylate or benzyl methacrylate represented by the general formula: CnF2n+1CmH2mOCOCR═CH2 (wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; n represents 4, 5, or 6; and m represents 1, 2, 3, or 4), (C) a fluorine-free polymerizable monomer other than benzyl acrylate and benzyl methacrylate, and (D) a cross-linkable group-containing polymerizable monomer. |
| US08916640B2 |
Blended polyolefin dispersions
Blended polyolefin dispersions, including: (A) a liquid; (B) an olefin-based polymer dispersed in the liquid, the dispersed olefin-based polymer having an average particle size ranging from 0.1 to 5 microns; and (C) an alpha-beta unsaturated carboxylic acid-based polymer dispersed in the liquid, the dispersed alpha-beta unsaturated carboxylic acid-based polymer having an average particle size ranging from 0.02 microns to 1 micron. Coatings, froths, foams, toners, and other various uses for the blended dispersions are also disclosed. |
| US08916639B2 |
Paint composition and coated article using the same
A paint composition contains polyurethane paint and nano silicon dioxide. The weight percentage of the nano silicon dioxide in the paint composition is about 2% to about 10%. The surface of the nano silicon dioxide chemically bonds with a silane coupling agent having amino function groups or an aluminate coupling agent having amino function groups. |
| US08916637B2 |
Aromatic polycarbonate composition
A process for producing a circuit carrier comprising at least a molded part and a circuit carried by the molded part, wherein the molded part includes a polycarbonate composition having the following components: a) 30-97 mass % of aromatic polycarbonate, b) 0.5-20 mass % of a metal compound capable of being activated by electromagnetic radiation and thereby forming elemental metal nuclei, and c) 2.5-50 mass % of at least one rubber-like polymer, wherein the sum of a)-c) is 100%. |
| US08916636B2 |
Basecoat composition and associated paperboard structure
A basecoat composition including a carrier component and a pigment component dispersed in the carrier component, the pigment component including all pigments in the basecoat composition, wherein the pigment component has a median particle size between about 3 and about 8 micrometers, and wherein at most about 15 percent by weight of the pigment component has a particle size smaller than 1 micrometer. |
| US08916635B2 |
Functional materials with reversible crosslinking
The present invention relates to an innovative method for the reversible crosslinking of, for example, adhesives or coating materials. The reversible crosslinking method allows very rapid crosslinking even at room temperature and undoing of the crosslinks at higher temperatures, thereby regaining the capacity for thermoplastic processing and allowing the originally bonded substrates to be separated from one another again with ease. A particular aspect in this context is that a plurality of cycles of crosslinking and undoing of the crosslinks are possible with the present system. |
| US08916631B2 |
Flame-retardant poly lactic acid-containing film or sheet, and method for manufacturing thereof
Provided is a film or sheet composed of a resin composition that includes a poly lactic acid (A), an acidic functional group-modified olefinic polymer (B) including an acidic functional group and having an acid value of 10 to 70 mg KOH/g and a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 80,000, a tetrafluoroethylene polymer (C), and an aromatic-condensed phosphoric acid ester-containing flame retardant (D) including a compound of General Formula (I) and in which the aromatic-condensed phosphoric acid ester-containing flame retardant (D) is included in an amount of 10 to 80 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the poly lactic acid (A), and a method for manufacturing the film or sheet by melt film formation. Each sign in Formula is as described in the specification. |
| US08916630B2 |
Polycarbonate comprising glass fibres
The present invention relates to a thermoplastic molding composition composed of polycarbonate and inorganic fillers which comprises from 0.01 to 0.5 part by weight of at least one anhydride-modified alpha-olefin terpolymer and which has a high degree of rigidity and nevertheless exhibits good strength, as well as stress-strain characteristics corresponding to those of an unreinforced polycarbonate. Surprisingly, the molding composition additionally exhibits an improvement in flame retardancy. The invention relates in particular to flame-retardant, thermoplastic molding compositions filled with glass fibers, and to the production and use thereof. The property profile is, surprisingly, independent of the degree of interaction of the filler with the polycarbonate matrix. |
| US08916629B2 |
Compositions comprising thermoplastic starch
The invention relates to a composition comprising very low density polyethylene having a density of less than 0.905 g/cm3, ethylene acrylic acid copolymer and thermoplastic starch and/or the constituent components thereof. |
| US08916624B2 |
Dental compositions crosslinkable/polymerizable by cationic process
Improvedly storage stable dental compositions useful for the preparation of dental prostheses and for dental restoration containing a uniquely pretreated dental filler material. |
| US08916619B2 |
Method of producing porous polymer film and porous polymer film produced by the method
A porosity is freely controlled in preparation of a porous polymer film by a phase separation method. A solvent absorption sheet is used for a solvent in a polymer solution so that the coating film of the polymer solution may be covered with the sheet. After that, the solvent in the film is selectively removed. Then, the resultant is immersed in a poor solvent. Thus, a porous polymer film can be produced. |
| US08916618B2 |
Recycling an organic-matrix composite material
The invention is directed to a method for recycling an organic-matrix composite material. The organic-matrix composite material comprises a first component comprising at least one organic matrix polymer and at least one solid second component being compatible with said first component and being structurally different from said first component, wherein said at least one organic polymer has thermosetting properties at room temperature and wherein said polymer comprises thermally reversible cross-links The method of the invention comprises —heating the organic-matrix composite material to a temperature at which at least part of the thermally reversible cross-links cleave and at which temperature the first component as a viscosity of at most 500 Pa·s, as measured by oscillatory measurements on an Anton Paar MCR 301 rheometer using parallel plate geometry; and —separating the at least part of said first component from said second component. |
| US08916617B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing CO2 in a stream by conversion to a syngas for production of energy
A system and method for producing Syngas from the CO2 in a gaseous stream, such as an exhaust stream, from a power plant or industrial plant, like a cement kiln, is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes providing the gaseous stream to pyrolysis reactor along with a carbon source such as coke. The CO2 and carbon are heated to about 1330° C. and at about one atmosphere with reactants such as steam such that a reaction takes place that produces Syngas, carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). The Syngas is then cleaned and provided to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor to produce Ethanol or Bio-catalytic synthesis reactor. |
| US08916611B2 |
Pharmaceutical removal of neuronal extensions from a degenerating disc
The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically. |
| US08916606B2 |
Therapeutic compositions and methods for targeted delivery of active agents
The present invention pertains to therapeutic compositions that comprise: (1) a nanovector, (2) an active agent; and (3) a targeting agent, wherein the active agent and the targeting agent are non-covalently associated with the nanovector. The present invention also pertains to methods of treating various conditions in a subject by utilizing the above-described therapeutic compositions. Methods of making the therapeutic compositions are also a subject matter the present invention. |
| US08916604B2 |
Compositions and methods for epigenetic modification of nucleic acid sequences
Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating disorders characterized by reduced expression of anti-oxidative stress enzymes in a subject. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for inducing expression of anti-oxidative stress enzymes in a subject in need thereof. The method includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a demethylating agent. The demethylating agent includes a phytochemical that induces expression of Nrf2 and Nrf2-mediated genes expressing anti-oxidative stress. Such phytochemicals include indoles, such as 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) and indole-3-carbinol (I3C), and isothiocyanates, such as phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) and sulforaphane (SFN). |
| US08916603B2 |
Methods for treatment with bucindolol based on genetic targeting
The present invention concerns the use of methods for evaluating bucindolol treatment for a patient, particularly one with heart failure. It concerns methods for determining whether to administer or prescribe bucindolol to a patient based on whether the patient is homozygous for the Arg 389 polymorphism in the β1-adrenergic receptor (AR). |
| US08916599B2 |
1H-benz imidazole-5-carboxamides as anti-inflammatory agents
There are provided compounds of formula (I), wherein R1, R6, R8, Q2, Q3, Q3a, Q4, L and A have meanings given in the description, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases in which inhibition of the activity of a member of the MAPEG family is desired and/or required, and particularly in the treatment of inflammation and/or cancer. |
| US08916597B2 |
Use of pyraclostrobin as safener for triticonazole for controlling harmful fungi
(1) Use of pyraclostrobin of the formula I as safener for (2) triticonazole of the formula II or salts or adducts thereof for controlling harmful fungi. The use of the compounds I and II in a process for controlling harmful fungi using mixtures of the compounds I and II and the use of the compounds I and II for preparing such mixtures, and also compositions comprising such mixtures. |
| US08916596B2 |
Preventing or treating viral infection using an inhibitor of the LSD1 protein, a MAO inhibitor or an inhibitor of LSD1 and a MAO inhibitor
An embodiment of the invention provides preventing or treating a viral infection of a host, comprising administering to the host an effective amount of an inhibitor of the protein LSD1 and/or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Another embodiment of the invention provides preventing or treating reactivation of a virus after latency in a host, comprising administering to the host an effective amount of an inhibitor of the protein LSD1 and/or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Another embodiment of the invention provides preventing or treating a viral infection in a mammal that has undergone, is undergoing, or will undergo an organ or tissue transplant, comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of an inhibitor of the protein LSD1 and/or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor before, during, and/or after the organ or tissue transplant. The viral infection may be due to a herpesvirus, such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), or cytomegalovirus (CMV). The viral infection may also be due to an adenovirus, including types 1-5. |
| US08916592B2 |
Malononitrile compounds
Compounds of formula I wherein X is O or S(═O)n; n is 0, 1 or 2; R1 is optionally substituted alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, haloalkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkynyl, cycloalkyl, halocycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, halocycloalkenyl, phenyl, hetaryl, phenylalkyl, hetaryl alkyl, optionally fused to phenyl, hetaryl or heterocyclyl; A is —NRb2, —C(=G)GRb, —C(=G)NRb2, —C(═NORb)Rb, C(=G)[N═SRb2], —C(=G)NRb—NRb2, C2-C6-alkandiyl, C2-C6-alkenediyl, C1-C3-alkyl-G-C1-C3-alkyl, wherein Rb is as defined in the description, or optionally substituted phenyl, hetaryl, heterocyclyl, optionally fused to phenyl or heterocyclyl; B is an optionally substituted saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbon chain with 1 to 3 carbon chain atoms; D is an optionally substituted saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbon chain with 1 to 5 carbon chain atoms or C3-C6-cycloalkyl; G is oxygen or sulfur; or the enantiomers or diastereomers or salts or N-oxides thereof, processes for preparing the compounds I, pesticidal compositions and synergistic mixtures comprising compounds I, methods for the control of insects, acarids or nematodes by contacting the pests or their food supply, habitat or breeding grounds with a pesticidally effective amount of compounds formula I, and a method for treating, controlling, preventing or protecting animals against infestation or infection by parasites which comprises orally, topically or parenterally administering or applying to the animals a parasiticidally effective amount of compounds of formula I. |
| US08916589B2 |
Bradykinin B1-antagonists
The present invention relates to compounds of general formula I wherein n, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are defined as stated hereinafter, the enantiomers, the diastereomers, the mixtures thereof and the salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof with organic or inorganic acids or bases, which have valuable properties, the preparation thereof, the pharmaceutical compositions containing the pharmacologically effective compounds, the preparation thereof and the use thereof. |
| US08916587B1 |
Abuse deterrent and anti-dose dumping pharmaceutical salts useful for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a drug substance consisting essentially of a pharmaceutically acceptable organic acid addition salt of an amine containing pharmaceutically active compound wherein the amine containing pharmaceutical active compound is selected from the group consisting of racemic or single isomer ritalinic acid or phenethylamine derivatives and the drug substance has a physical form selected from amorphous and polymorphic. |
| US08916584B2 |
Benzisoxazoles and azabenzisoxazoles as MGLUR4 allosteric potentiators, compositions, and methods of treating neurological dysfunction
Benzisoxazole and azabenzisoxazole compounds which are useful as allosteric potentiators/positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 (mGluR4); synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of using the compounds, for example, in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders or other disease state associated with glutamate dysfunction. |
| US08916583B2 |
Therapeutic compositions for intranasal administration of zolpidem
The invention provides sprayable aqueous compositions containing zolpidem or single stereoisomer, mixtures of stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs thereof, a solubilizing agent, a water soluble polymer with bioadhesive property. When administered intranasally using a spray device, zolpidem is rapidly absorbed with prolonged intranasal residence time and improved bioavailability. The compositions can be applied for the treatment of insomnia-related disorders such as difficulties with sleep initiation or middle of the night awakenings. |
| US08916579B2 |
5-fluoropyrimidinone derivatives
This present disclosure is related to the field of 5-fluoropyrimidinones and their derivatives and to the use of these compounds as fungicides. |
| US08916578B2 |
Pesticidal pyrimidine compounds
Pyrimidine compounds and their use in controlling pests such as insects and other invertebrates are provided. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects and benefits shall become apparent from the description. |
| US08916577B2 |
Tricyclic derivatives, process for their preparation and their use as kinase inhibitors
New substituted tricyclic compounds of formula (I) are described, wherein R1, R2, X, Y, Z are herein defined, having protein kinase inhibiting activity. The invention includes methods to prepare the compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in therapy, in particular for the treatment of diseases caused by and/or associated with dysregulated activity of protein kinase. |
| US08916573B2 |
Quinazoline-2,4-dione derivatives
The invention relates to antibacterial compounds of formula (I), wherein R1 is H, halogen, (C1-C3)alkyl or (C1-C3)alkoxy; R2 is H, halogen, (C1-C3)alkyl, (C1-C3)alkoxy or pyrrolidin-1-yl; R3 is H, halogen, (C1-C3)alkyl, (C1-C3)alkoxy, vinyl or 2-methoxycarbonyvinyl or R2 and R3 together with the two carbon atoms which bear them form a phenyl ring; R4 is H, halogen, (C1-C3)alkyl or (C1-C3)alkoxy; and R5 is H, (C1-C3)alkyl or cyclopropyl, or R4 and R5form together a —CH2CH2CH2— group; A is the divalent group —CH2—, —CH2CH2—, #—CH(OH)CH2—*, #—CH2N(R6)—* and —CH2NHCH2—, wherein # indicates the point of attachment to the optionally substituted (quinazoline-2,4-dione-3-yl)methyl residue and * represents the point of attachment to the substituted (oxazolidinon-4-yl)methyl residue; R6 is H or acetyl; Y is CH or N; and Q is O or S; and salts of such compounds. |
| US08916572B2 |
Bis-quinazoline derivatives as inhibitors for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase
Novel bis-quinazoline derivatives as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, synthesis of these compounds, and novel methods for treating tyrosine kinase mediated diseases or disorders using these compounds are disclosed. In particular, the present invention provides tethered quinazoline derivative dimers as inhibitors to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and their therapeutic uses for treating EGFR kinase-mediated diseases or disorders, such as various cancers, as well as synthetic methods for preparing these novel compounds. |
| US08916568B2 |
Method of using diketopiperazines and composition containing them
The invention provides a method of inhibiting the effects of platelet activating factor (PAF). For instance, a disease or condition mediated by PAF (particularly inflammation) can be treated or platelet aggregation can be inhibited. The invention also provides a method of inhibiting the production and/or release of interleukin 8 (IL-8) by cells. The effects of PAF and the production and/or release of IL-8 are inhibited according to the invention by a compound of the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are defined in the application, or a physiologically-acceptable salt thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. |
| US08916564B2 |
Substituted pyrido[1,2-a]pyrazines for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neurological disorders
Compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds are disclosed, wherein the compounds have the structure of Formula I as defined in the specification. Corresponding pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treatment, methods of synthesis, and intermediates are also disclosed. |
| US08916563B2 |
Aldose reductase inhibitors and uses thereof
The present invention relates to novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for promoting healthy aging of skin, the treatment of skin disorders, the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, the treatment of renal disorders, the treatment of angiogenesis disorders, such as cancer, treatment of tissue damage, such as non-cardiac tissue damage, the treatment of evolving myocardial infarction, and the treatment of various other disorders, such as complications arising from diabetes with the compounds and compositions of the invention. Other disorders can include, but are not limited to, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, infections of the skin, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, and the like. |
| US08916552B2 |
Pharmaceutical combinations
The invention provides combinations comprising (or consisting essentially of) one or more ancillary compound(s) and a compound of the formula (I): or salts, tautomers, solvates and N-oxides thereof; wherein R1 is hydroxy or hydrogen; R2 is hydroxy; methoxy or hydrogen; provided that at least one of R1 and R2 is hydroxy; R3 is selected from hydrogen; halogen; cyano; optionally substituted C1-5 hydrocarbyl and optionally substituted C1-5 hydrocarbyloxy; R4 is selected from hydrogen; a group —(O)n—R7 where n is 0 or 1 and R7 is an optionally substituted acyclic C1-5 hydrocarbyl group or a monocyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic group having 3 to 7 ring members; halogen; cyano; hydroxy; amino; and optionally substituted mono- or di-C1-5 hydrocarbyl-amino; or R3 and R4 together form a monocyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring of 5 to 7 ring members; and NR5R6 forms an optionally substituted bicyclic heterocyclic group having 8 to 12 ring members of which up to 5 ring members are heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur. The combinations have activity as Hsp90 and/or glycogen synthase kinase-3 and/or cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors. |
| US08916550B2 |
Compounds for modulating TRPV3 function
The present application relates to compounds and methods for treating pain and other conditions related to TRPV3. |
| US08916546B2 |
Materials and methods for treatment and diagnosis of disorders associated with oxidative stress
The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for the prevention and treatment of disease conditions associated with oxidative stress or a compromised reducing environment, including inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Another aspect of the subject invention concerns compositions formulated for administration as an enema. The subject invention also concerns compositions formulated for oral administration. Methods of the invention include administration of compounds or compositions of the invention. In one embodiment, compounds or compositions of the invention are rectally instilled in a patient. In another embodiment, compounds or compositions are orally administered. |
| US08916543B1 |
Inhibitors of alpha-toxin
Aspects of the present invention include methods for inhibiting damage to a mammalian cornea, comprising administering an effective α-toxin inhibiting about of a composition that comprises a β-cyclodextrin and cholesterol. |
| US08916526B2 |
Flavanone derivative
Provided is a novel antimicrobial agent. More specifically, provided is a novel antimicrobial agent capable of effectively acting on various resistant bacteria such as VSSA, MRSA, VISA, VRE, and VRSA. A novel flavanone derivative having a six-membered monosaccharide derivative, specifically, a glucose derivative or a galactose derivative is capable of effectively acting on the bacteria. More specifically, a compound represented by the general formula (I) is capable of effectively acting on the bacteria. (In the formula: X represents a six-membered monosaccharide derivative; and Y is substituted by a hydroxyl group.) |
| US08916520B2 |
Microencapsulated insecticide formulations
Various microencapsulated insecticide formulations for the control of pests such as aphids and beet army worm. These formulations exhibit excellent knockdown activity towards both chewing and non-chewing pests as LD50 values for toxicity in female rats in the range of about 2,500 mgKg−1. Some of these formulations include a wall comprised of a polymer formed, for example, by an interfacial polycondensation of a water soluble monomer and a water insoluble monomer, which at least partially surround an organophosphate insecticide. In some aspects the organophosphate in the microcapsule is chlorpyrifos. The microcapsule have a diameter in the range of about 2 to about 25 micron and the wall has a thickness in the range of about 5 to about 25 nanometers. |
| US08916515B2 |
Compositions and methods for promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration
Provided herein are compositions and methods for use in promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration following tissue injury in a subject. |
| US08916513B2 |
Dioxirane compounds and uses thereof
A dioxirane-containing compound has a first substituent that is an alkyl, polyalkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl group, and a second substituent that is an electron withdrawing group, and where the first and second substituents can optionally join to form a cycloalkyl or heterocyclyl group. The dioxirane-containing compound can be used as an oxidant, surfactant, and/or an ionic liquid. |
| US08916504B2 |
Methods of RNA display
The present invention features improved methods of in vitro RNA display to allow reliable expression and selection of scFv antibody molecules from expression libraries. The improved methods, in part, involve the use of mildly reducing conditions, which favor of scFv intra-chain disulphide bond and thus correct folding of the scFv antibody molecules. Although particularly suited to expression and selection of scFv antibody molecules, the methods of the invention are also expedient for in vitro RNA display of all classes of protein. |
| US08916494B2 |
Vapor phase preparation of fluorided solid oxides
Methods for the vapor phase preparation of fluorided solid oxide activator-supports, using certain calcining temperatures and fluoriding temperatures, are disclosed. |
| US08916491B2 |
Process for producing a methanation catalyst and a process for the methanation of synthesis gas
The present invention relates to a process for producing a catalyst for carrying out methanation reactions. The production of the catalyst is based on contacting of a hydrotalcite-comprising starting material with a fusible metal salt. The compounds brought into contact with one another are intimately mixed, thermally treated so that the metal salt fraction melts and subsequently subjected to a low-temperature calcination step and a high-temperature calcination step. The metal salt melt comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of K, La, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Ce, preferably Ni. The metal salt melt more preferably comprises/contains nickel nitrate hexahydrate. The hydrotalcite-comprising starting material is preferably hydrotalcite or a hydrotalcite-like compound as starting material, and the hydrotalcite-comprising starting material preferably comprises magnesium and aluminum as metal species.The catalyst of the invention is preferably used for carrying out methanation reactions at elevated pressures (from 10 to 50 bar) and elevated temperatures. |
| US08916490B2 |
Process for the regeneration of a catalyst
Process for the regeneration of an at least partially coked molecular sieve catalyst comprising introducing the at least partially coked catalyst into a regenerator; introducing into the regenerator an oxygen-containing gas to regenerate at least part of the at least partially coked catalyst, thereby producing a gaseous mixture and at least partially regenerated catalyst; separating at least partially regenerated catalyst and at least part of the gaseous mixture; and analyzing the composition of the gaseous mixture to control the burning rate of the coke present on the at least partially coked catalyst in the regenerator by adjusting the mass flow rate of the oxygen-containing gas on the basis of the analysis of the gaseous mixture. |
| US08916487B2 |
Glass substrate for information recording medium
The present invention relates to the glass substrate for an information recording medium comprising the following glass components: SiO2: 52 to 67; Al2O3: 8 to 20; B2O3: 0 to 6, with these three oxides FMO: 70 to 85; Li2O: 0.5 to 4; Na2O: 1 to 8; K2O: 0 to 5; and with these three oxides R2O: 5 to 15; MgO: 2 to 9; CaO: 0.1 to 5; BaO: 0 to 3; SrO: 0 to 3; ZnO: 0 to 5; and with these five oxides: 5 to 15; Y2O3: 0 to 4; La2O3: 0 to 4; Gd2O3: 0 to 4; CeO2: 0 to 4; TiO2: 1 to 7; HfO2: 0 to 2; ZrO2: 0 to 5; Nb2O5: 0.2 to 5; and Ta2O5: 0 to 5, and satisfies Li2O/R2O: 0.05 to 0.35; Li2O/FMO: 0.005 to 0.035; Li2O/(MgO+ZnO): less than 2 and Nb2O5/SiO2: 0.01 to 0.075. |
| US08916486B2 |
Method of reducing the occurrence of crystalline silica in foamed glass by the introduction of chemical additives
A method of making a foamed glass body, including preparing an admixture of powdered glass, at least one carbonate based foaming agent, and at least devitrification inhibitor, heating the admixture to a first temperature to soften the glass, heating the admixture to a second, higher temperature to foam the softened glass into a foamed glass body, and cooling the foamed glass body. The crystal silica content of the so-formed foamed glass body is less than 1 weight percent. |
| US08916485B2 |
Acrylic compositions adhering to low surface energy substrates
In general, the invention features a pressure sensitive adhesive that comprises the reaction product of: (a) from about 25 to about 95 parts by weight of at least one acrylic acid ester of a monohydric alcohol whose homopolymer has a Tg less than 0° C., (b) from 0 to about 75 parts by weight of at least one non-polar ethylenically unsaturated monomer whose homopolymer has a solubility parameter of no greater than 10.50 and a Tg greater than 15° C.; and (c) from about 5 to about 35 parts by weight of at least one polar ethylenically unsaturated monomer whose homopolymer has a solubility parameter of greater than 10.50 and a Tg greater than 15° C. The pressure sensitive adhesives adhere to substrates having a low surface energy and/or high surface energy. |
| US08916482B2 |
Method of making a lithography mask
A method of making a lithography mask with a stress-relief treatment is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate and depositing an opaque layer on the substrate. The opaque layer is patterned to form a patterned mask. A stress-relief treatment is applied to the patterned mask by using an radiation exposure. |
| US08916481B2 |
Embedded wafer level package for 3D and package-on-package applications, and method of manufacture
A process for manufacturing a 3D or PoP semiconductor package includes forming a redistribution layer on a reconstituted wafer, then laser drilling a plurality of apertures in the reconstituted wafer, extending from an outer surface of the reconstituted wafer to intersect electrical traces in the first redistribution layer. A solder ball is then positioned adjacent to an opening of each of the apertures. The solder balls are melted and allowed to fill the apertures, making contact with the respective electrical traces and forming a plurality of solder columns. The outer surface of the reconstituted wafer is then planarized, and a second redistribution layer is formed on the planarized surface. The solder columns serve as through-vias, electrically coupling the first and second redistribution layers on opposite sides of the reconstituted wafer. |
| US08916477B2 |
Polysilicon etch with high selectivity
Provided are methods and systems for removing polysilicon on a wafer. A wafer can include a polysilicon layer and an exposed nitride and/or oxide structure. An etchant with a hydrogen-based species, such as hydrogen gas, and a fluorine-based species, such as nitrogen trifluoride, can be introduced. The hydrogen-based species and the fluorine-based species can be activated with a remote plasma source. The layer of polysilicon on the wafer can be removed at a selectivity over the exposed nitride and/or oxide structure that is greater than about 500:1. |
| US08916475B1 |
Patterning method
A patterning method is provided. A mask composite layer and a first tri-layer photoresist are sequentially formed on a target layer. A first etching is performed to the mask composite layer, using the first tri-layer photoresist as a mask, to form at least one first opening in an upper portion of the mask composite layer. The first tri-layer photoresist is removed. A second tri-layer photoresist is formed on the mask composite layer. A second etching is performed to the mask composite layer, using the second tri-layer photoresist as a mask, to form at least one second opening in the upper portion of the mask composite layer. The second tri-layer photoresist is removed. A lower portion of the mask composite layer is patterned by using the upper portion of the mask composite layer as a mask. The target layer is patterned by using the patterned mask composite layer as a mask. |
| US08916474B2 |
Semiconductor modules and methods of formation thereof
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor module includes a first semiconductor package having a first semiconductor die, which is disposed in a first encapsulant. An opening is disposed in the first encapsulant. A second semiconductor package including a second semiconductor die is disposed in a second encapsulant. The second semiconductor package is disposed at least partially within the opening in the first encapsulant. |
| US08916472B2 |
Interconnect formation using a sidewall mask layer
Embodiments described herein provide approaches for interconnect formation in a semiconductor device using a sidewall mask layer. Specifically, a sidewall mask layer is deposited on a hard mask in a merged via region of the semiconductor device following removal of a planarization layer previously formed on the hard mask. The sidewall mask layer is conformally deposited on the hard mask, and acts like a sacrificial layer to protect the hard mask during a subsequent via etch. This reduces the via critical dimension (CD) and reduces the CD elongation along the hard mask line direction during the via etch. |
| US08916471B1 |
Method for forming semiconductor structure having through silicon via for signal and shielding structure
A method for forming a through silicon via for signal and a shielding structure is provided. A substrate is provided and a region is defined on the substrate. A radio frequency (RF) circuit is formed in the region on the substrate. A through silicon trench (TST) and a through silicon via (TSV) are formed simultaneously, wherein the TST encompasses the region to serve as a shielding structure for the RF circuit. A metal interconnection system is formed on the substrate, wherein the metal interconnection system comprises a connection unit that electrically connects the TSV to the RF circuit to provide a voltage signal. |
| US08916470B1 |
Method of manufacturing sidewall spacers on a memory device
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing sidewall spacers on a memory device. The method comprises forming sidewall spacers on a memory device having a memory array region and at least one peripheral circuit region by forming a first sidewall spacer adjacent to a word line in the memory array region and a second sidewall spacer adjacent to a transistor in the peripheral circuit region. The first sidewall spacer has a first thickness and the second sidewall spacer has a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness. |
| US08916463B2 |
Wire bond splash containment
A splash containment structure for semiconductor structures and associated methods of manufacture are provided. A method includes: forming wire bond pads in an integrated circuit chip and forming at least one passivation layer on the chip. The at least one passivation layer includes first areas having a first thickness and second areas having a second thickness. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness. The first areas having the first thickness extend over a majority of the chip. The second areas having the second thickness are adjacent the wire bond pads. |
| US08916459B2 |
Compound semiconductor device with mesa structure
A compound semiconductor device having mesa-shaped element region, and excellent characteristics are provided. The compound semiconductor device has: an InP substrate; an epitaxial lamination mesa formed above the InP substrate and including a channel layer, a carrier supply layer above the channel layer and a contact cap layer above the carrier supply layer; ohmic source electrode and drain electrode formed on the cap layer; a recess formed by removing the cap layer between the source and drain electrodes, and exposing the carrier supply layer; an insulating film formed on the cap layer and retracted from an edge of the cap layer away from the recess; a gate electrode extending from the carrier supply layer in the recess to outside of the mesa; and air gap formed by removing side portion of the channel layer facing the gate electrode outside the mesa. |
| US08916453B2 |
Method for manufacturing an electronic component
A semiconductor wafer includes a first main face and a second main face opposite to the first main face and a number of semiconductor chip regions. The wafer is diced along dicing streets to separate the semiconductor chip regions from each other. At least one metal layer is formed on the first main face of each one of the semiconductor chip regions. |
| US08916451B2 |
Thin film wafer transfer and structure for electronic devices
A method for wafer transfer includes forming a spreading layer, including graphene, on a single crystalline SiC substrate. A semiconductor layer including one or more layers is formed on and is lattice matched to the crystalline SiC layer. The semiconductor layer is transferred to a handle substrate, and the spreading layer is split to remove the single crystalline SiC substrate. |
| US08916446B2 |
Bipolar junction transistor with multiple emitter fingers
Methods for fabricating bipolar junction transistors, bipolar junction transistors, and design structures for a bipolar junction transistor. The bipolar junction transistor may include a plurality of emitters that are arranged in distinct emitter fingers. A silicide layer is formed that covers an extrinsic base layer of the bipolar junction transistor and that fills the gaps between adjacent emitters. Non-conductive spacers on the emitter sidewalls electrically insulate the emitters from the silicide layer. The emitters extend through the extrinsic base layer and the silicide layer to contact the intrinsic base layer. The emitters may be formed using sacrificial emitter pedestals in a replacement-type process. |
| US08916439B2 |
Method for forming dual gate insulation layers and semiconductor device having dual gate insulation layers
Method of forming dual gate insulation layers and semiconductor device having dual gate insulation layers is disclosed. The method of forming dual gate insulation layers comprises forming a first thin layer of a thick gate insulation layer on a semiconductor substrate by oxidizing the semiconductor substrate, depositing a second thicker layer of the thick gate insulation layer on the first thin layer, removing a portion of the thick gate insulation layer to expose a surface area of the semiconductor substrate and forming a thin gate insulation layer on the exposed surface area of the semiconductor substrate. The method of forming dual gate insulation layers, when applied in fabricating semiconductor devices having dual gate insulation layers and trench isolation structures, may help to reduce a silicon stress near edges of the trench isolation structures and reduce/alleviate/prevent the formation of a leaky junction around the edges of the trench isolation structures. |
| US08916438B2 |
Method for fabricating trench type transistor
A method for fabricating a trench type transistor. An epitaxial layer is provided on a semiconductor substrate. A hard mask with an opening is formed on the epitaxial layer. A gate trench is etched into the substrate through the opening. A gate oxide layer and a trench gate are formed within the gate trench. After forming a cap layer atop the trench gate, the hard mask is removed. An ion well and a source doping region are formed in the epitaxial layer. A spacer is then formed on a sidewall of the trench gate and the cap layer. Using the cap layer and the spacer as an etching hard mask, the epitaxial layer is etched in a self-aligned manner, thereby forming a contact hole. |
| US08916432B1 |
Methods to integrate SONOS into CMOS flow
Methods of forming memory cells including non-volatile memory (NVM) and MOS transistors are described. In one embodiment the method includes: depositing and patterning a gate layer over a dielectric stack on a substrate to form a gate of a NVM transistor, the dielectric stack including a tunneling layer overlying a surface of the substrate, a charge-trapping layer overlying the tunneling layer and a blocking layer overlying the charge-trapping layer; forming a mask exposing source and drain (S/D) regions of the NVM transistor; etching the dielectric stack through the mask to thin the dielectric stack by removing the blocking layer and at least a first portion of the charge-trapping layer in S/D regions of the NVM transistor; and implanting dopants into S/D regions of the NVM transistor through the thinned dielectric stack to form a lightly-doped drain adjacent to the gate of the NVM transistor. |
| US08916424B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
To improve productivity of a transistor that includes an oxide semiconductor and has good electrical characteristics. In a top-gate transistor including a gate insulating film and a gate electrode over an oxide semiconductor film, a metal film is formed over the oxide semiconductor film, oxygen is added to the metal film to form a metal oxide film, and the metal oxide film is used as a gate insulating film. After an oxide insulating film is formed over the oxide semiconductor film, a metal film may be formed over the oxide insulating film. Oxygen is added to the metal film to form a metal oxide film and added also to the oxide semiconductor film or the oxide insulating film. |
| US08916421B2 |
Semiconductor device packaging having pre-encapsulation through via formation using lead frames with attached signal conduits
A semiconductor device package having pre-formed and placed through vias and a process for making such a package is provided. One or more signal conduits are coupled to a lead frame that is subsequently embedded in an encapsulated semiconductor device package. The free end of signal conduits is exposed while the other end remains coupled to a lead frame. The signal conduits are then used as through package vias, providing signal-bearing pathways between interconnects or contacts on the bottom and top of the package and the leads. |
| US08916420B2 |
Chip package and manufacturing method thereof
An embodiment provides a chip package including a substrate, a cavity extending downward from an upper surface of the substrate, a metal layer overlying the substrate and conformally covering a sidewall and a bottom portion of the cavity, a chip having an upper surface and located on the metal layer in the cavity, wherein the upper surface is not lower than an upper surface of the metal layer outside of the cavity, and the protective layer covering the chip. |
| US08916405B2 |
Light emitting diode (LED) using carbon materials
Carbon-based light emitting diodes (LEDs) and techniques for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a LED is provided. The LED includes a substrate; an insulator layer on the substrate; a first bottom gate and a second bottom gate embedded in the insulator layer; a gate dielectric on the first bottom gate and the second bottom gate; a carbon material on the gate dielectric over the first bottom gate and the second bottom gate, wherein the carbon material serves as a channel region of the LED; and metal source and drain contacts to the carbon material. |
| US08916402B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device including substrate having protection layers providing protection against chemicals and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a compound semiconductor light emitting device including: an Si—Al substrate; protection layers formed on top and bottom surfaces of the Si—Al substrate; and a p-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and an n-type semiconductor layer which are sequentially stacked on the protection layer formed on the top surface of the Si—Al substrate, and a method for manufacturing the same. |
| US08916399B2 |
Method of manufacturing light emitting device including light emitting element and wavelength converting member
A method of manufacturing a light emitting device includes preparing a light emitting element and a wavelength converting member. The method further includes bonding the light emitting element and the wavelength converting member to each other by surface activated bonding. The light emitting element includes a semiconductor stacked layer portion formed on a substrate. The wavelength converting member includes a support member selected from the group of aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, YAG without activator, and yttrium oxide. The wavelength converting member further includes a fluorescent material contained in the support member. Bonding the light emitting element and the wavelength converting member entails bonding the substrate and the support member to each other. |
| US08916394B2 |
Method for manufacturing a carbon nanotube field emission device with overhanging gate
A carbon nanotube field emission device with overhanging gate fabricated by a double silicon-on-insulator process. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08916392B2 |
Magnetoresistive random access memory element and fabrication method thereof
A magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) element includes a bottom electrode embedded in a first insulating layer; an annular reference layer in a first via hole of a second insulating layer on the first insulating layer, the annular reference layer being situated above the bottom electrode; a first gap fill material layer filling the first via hole; a barrier layer covering the annular reference layer, the second insulating layer and the first gap fill material layer; an annular free layer in a second via hole of a third insulating layer on the second insulating layer, the annular free layer being situated above the annular reference layer; and a top electrode stacked on the annular free layer. |
| US08916390B2 |
Portable rapid diagnostic test reader
A portable rapid diagnostic test reader system includes a mobile phone having a camera and one or more processors contained within the mobile phone and a modular housing configured to mount to the mobile phone. The modular housing including a receptacle configured to receive a sample tray holding a rapid diagnostic test. At least one illumination source is disposed in the modular housing and located on one side of the rapid diagnostic test. An optical demagnifier is disposed in the modular housing interposed between the rapid diagnostic test and the mobile phone camera. |
| US08916386B2 |
Method to detect and sequence post translationally modified peptides
A method of detecting and sequencing post translationally modified peptides is disclosed wherein a negative ion precursor scan is performed. A negative ion high resolution MS scan is then performed and then MRM channels in positive ion mode are determined and monitored. A positive ion MS/MS scan is then performed. |
| US08916384B2 |
Pipelining assembly for a blood analyzing instrument
A pipelining assembly for use in a blood analyzing instrument, methods for performing parallel pipelining functions, and methods for processing a plurality of prepared blood samples through a blood analyzing instrument. The pipelining assembly presented generally includes a first sample preparation chamber, a first queuing chamber in fluid communication with the first sample preparation chamber, and a first control valve between the first sample preparation chamber and the first queuing chamber. The pipelining assembly further includes a second sample preparation chamber, a second queuing chamber in fluid communication with the second sample preparation chamber, and a second control valve between the second sample preparation chamber and the second queuing chamber. An analysis chamber is provided to receive first and second prepared blood samples from the in first and second queuing chambers. The presented methods include steps for repeated processing of prepared blood samples through the blood analyzing instrument. |
| US08916382B2 |
Defined cell culturing surfaces and methods of use
In one aspect, there is provided a cell culturing substrate including: a cell culture surface having a film attached thereto, wherein the film includes one or more plasma polymerized monomers; and a coating on the film-coated surface, the coating deposited from a coating solution comprising one or more extracellular matrix proteins and an aqueous solvent, where the total extracellular matrix protein concentration in the coating solution is about 1 ng/mL to about 1 mg/mL. |
| US08916381B1 |
Methods for treatment of cancer
The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer in a human. The invention includes relates to administering a genetically modified T cell to express a CAR wherein the CAR comprises an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, a costimulatory signaling region, and a CD3 zeta signaling domain. |
| US08916380B2 |
Embryonic stem cell-like cells
Disclosed is a method for preparing an embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like cell, which includes the steps of: (a) obtaining a first cell population from a mammalian tissue or body fluid, wherein the first cell population comprises adult stem cells; (b) obtaining a second somatic cell population from a mammalian tissue, wherein the mammalian tissue is different from the mammalian tissue in step (a) and the second cell population is different from the first cell population; (c) coculturing the first cell population and the second cell population in a medium for a period of time sufficient to form a colony from either the first cell population or the second cell population; and (d) subculturing a cell from the colony in a medium for a period time sufficient to prepare the ESC-like cell. |
| US08916377B2 |
Root-preferred promoter and methods of use
The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions include a novel nucleotide sequence for a promoter for the gene encoding Sorghum bicolor RCc3. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the promoter sequences disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises transforming a plant or plant cell with a nucleotide sequence operably linked to one of the promoters of the present invention. |
| US08916375B2 |
Integrated microfluidic analysis systems
The present invention provides an integrated microfluidic analysis system. The system contains at least a first (pre-reaction treatment) domain for treating a sample prior to subjecting the sample to a chemical reaction. The following domains are optionally added to the first domain: a second (reaction) domain for reacting the chemical of interest in the sample; and a third (post-reaction separation) domain for separating products and reactants coming out of the reaction domain. The integrated microfluidic analysis system of the present invention is most applicable to PCR analysis. |
| US08916373B2 |
Mutant human superoxide dismutase 1 variants
The present invention in the art of biochemistry claims novel and non-naturally occurring mutant human superoxide dismutase 1 (hsod1) variant polypeptides, their encoding nucleic acids, and recombinant cells thereof. The inventor rationally designed mutant hsod1 variants using structural observations and complimentary experimentation. The designed mutant hsod1 variant products claimed have multiple potential industrial applications including as novel therapeutics. |
| US08916372B2 |
Strain of Salmonella enterica s. typhimurium, its use and a method to obtain a therapeutic vaccine vector
The present invention relates to a new bacterial strain of Samonella enterica serovar Typhimurium VNP20009 deposited in the Polish Collection of Microorganisms under access no. B/00024 and its us in the production of a vaccine, especially an anti-cancer vaccine. The present invention also relates to a method of obtaining a therapeutic vaccine vector, characterized in that a genetic modification is introduced into the vector strain specific to cancer cells, resulting in the delayed over expression of a gene encoding a protein responsible for the invasive ability of this strain. |
| US08916370B2 |
Isoprene synthase variants for improved microbial production of isoprene
The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one isoprene synthase enzyme with improved catalytic activity and/or solubility. In particular, the present invention provides variant plant isoprene synthases for increased isoprene production in microbial host cells. Biosynthetically produced isoprene of the present invention finds use in the manufacture of rubber and elastomers. |
| US08916369B2 |
Trichoderma reesei α-amylase is a maltogenic enzyme
A maltogenic a-amylase from Trichoderma reesei (TrAA) and variants thereof are useful in the production of high-maltose syrups from liquefied starch. Particularly high maltose concentrations are achieved when TrAA is used in the presence of a pullulanase. Expression hosts and encoding nucleic acids useful for producing TrAA and its variants also are provided. |
| US08916363B2 |
Construction of Highly efficient cellulase compositions for enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose
This invention provides novel enzyme compositions using newly identified and isolated C. lucknowense enzymes, including CBH Ib CBH IIb, EG II, EG VI, β-glucosidase, and xylanase II in conjunction with previously identified enzymes CBH Ia, CBH IIa (previously described as Endo 43), and EG V. These enzyme compositions demonstrate an extremely high ability to convert lignocellulosic biomass (e.g., Avicel, cotton, Douglas fir wood pretreated by organosolv) to glucose. CBH Ia and IIb, which both have a cellulose-binding module (CBM) displayed a pronounced synergism with three major endoglucanases (EG II, EG V, EG VI) from the same fungus in hydrolysis of cotton as well as a strong synergy with each other. The enzyme compositions are effective in hydrolysis of the lignocellulosic biomass. |
| US08916361B2 |
Elongase gene and uses thereof
The subject invention relates to the identification of a gene involved in the elongation of polyunsaturated fatty acids containing unsaturation at the carbon 9 position (i.e., “Δ9-elongase”) and to uses thereof. In particular, Δ9-elongase may be utilized, for example, in the conversion of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) to eicosadienoic acid (EDA, 20:2n-6). The production of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3n-6) from eicosadienoic acid (EDA, 20:2n-6), and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) from dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3n-6) is then catalyzed by Δ8-desaturase and Δ5-desaturase, respectively. AA or polyunsaturated fatty acids produced therefrom may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics. |
| US08916358B2 |
Methods for control of flux in metabolic pathways through protease manipulation
The embodiments described herein pertain to cells, and methods for preparing cells, that can be used as biocatalysts by altering enzymes that compete for a substrate or product of a pathway of interest such that the targeted enzyme is sensitive to a site-specific protease, which protease is expressed but relocated in the cell to a site where it is not in contact with the targeted enzyme in the intact cell. Upon cell lysis, the protease contacts the target enzyme, which is then inactivated by protease cleavage. |
| US08916357B2 |
Dynamic monitoring of activation of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) in living cells using real-time microelectronic cell sensing technology
Methods for identifying a compound capable of interacting with a Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) including providing a device capable of measuring cell-substrate impedance, adding test cells expressing a RTK to the device, measuring first impedances, adding a compound to at least one compound well and adding a vehicle control to at least one control well, measuring second impedances of the compound well and the control well, determining the change in the impedance for the compound well and the one control well, comparing the change in impedance between the compound well and the control well, and identifying the compound interacts with the RTK if the comparison demonstrates a significant difference between the change in impedance. |
| US08916355B2 |
Pain signaling molecules
The invention relates generally to novel genes expressed in normal but not Neurogenin-1-deficient animals. The invention relates specifically to a novel family of G protein-coupled receptors and a novel family of two-transmembrane segment proteins that are expressed in dorsal root ganglia, and a method of screening for genes specifically expressed in nociceptive sensory neurons. |
| US08916354B2 |
Bladder cancer diagnosis composition containing APE1/Ref-1 and bladder cancer diagnostic kit using same
Provided are a bladder cancer diagnosis composition containing APE1/Ref-1, a bladder cancer diagnostic kit containing an antibody which specifically binds to the APE1/Ref-1, and a method of measuring APE1/Ref-1 concentration in biological samples through an antigen-antibody binding reaction using the antibody which specifically binds to the APE1/Ref-1. According to the invention, the APE1/Ref-1 protein concentration in serum of bladder cancer patients is significantly higher than in healthy subjects, and more particularly, it significantly increases in the serum of patients with stage 2 or later bladder cancer. |
| US08916353B2 |
Circovirus sequences associated with piglet weight loss disease (PWD)
The genome sequences and the nucleotide sequences coding for the PWD circovirus polypeptides, such as the circovirus structural and non-structural polypeptides, vectors including the sequences, and cells and animals transformed by the vectors are provided. Methods for detecting the nucleic acids or polypeptides, and kits for diagnosing infection by a PWD circovirus, also are provided. Method for selecting compounds capable of modulating the viral infection are further provided. Pharmaceutical, including vaccine, compositions for preventing and/or treating viral infections caused by PWD circovirus and the use of vectors for preventing and/or treating diseases also are provided. |
| US08916352B2 |
PCR reaction mixtures with decreased non-specific activity
The present invention provides methods for improving the specificity of nucleic acid amplification comprising incubating a nucleic acid molecule with a polymerase-Sso7 DNA binding domain conjugate and arginine, spermidine, or spermine. The present invention also provides reaction mixtures and kits for improving the specificity of nucleic acid amplification. |
| US08916349B2 |
Assay method for target nucleic acid by signal amplification using probe hybridization and restriction
Oligonucleotides for detection of nucleic acid in a sample that provide for an amplified signal by recycling probes and probe fragments. |
| US08916338B2 |
Processes and compositions for removing substances from substrates
Processes associated apparatus and compositions useful for removing organic substances from substrates, for example, electronic device substrates such as microelectronic wafers or flat panel displays, are provided. Processes are presented that apply a minimum volume of a composition as a coating to the inorganic substrate whereby sufficient heat is added and the organic substances are completely removed by rinsing. The compositions and processes may be suitable for removing and, in some instances, completely dissolving photoresists of the positive and negative varieties as well as thermoset polymers from electronic devices. |
| US08916337B2 |
Dual hard mask lithography process
A first metallic hard mask layer over an interconnect-level dielectric layer is patterned with a line pattern. At least one dielectric material layer, a second metallic hard mask layer, a first organic planarization layer (OPL), and a first photoresist are applied above the first metallic hard mask layer. A first via pattern is transferred from the first photoresist layer into the second metallic hard mask layer. A second OPL and a second photoresist are applied and patterned with a second via pattern, which is transferred into the second metallic hard mask layer. A first composite pattern of the first and second via patterns is transferred into the at least one dielectric material layer. A second composite pattern that limits the first composite pattern with the areas of the openings in the first metallic hard mask layer is transferred into the interconnect-level dielectric layer. |
| US08916335B2 |
Photo-curable transfer sheet, process for the preparation of optical information recording medium using the sheet, and optical information recording medium
A photo-curable transfer sheet having a photo-curable transfer layer comprising a photo-curable composition, the photo-curable composition being deformable by application of pressure and containing a reactive polymer having a photopolymerizable functional group, wherein the photo-curable transfer layer shows linearity in relationship between strain [γ] (%) and time [t] (second) measured by a creep test using a dynamic viscoelasticity measuring apparatus under the conditions of an ordinary temperature, stress of 50 Pa and a time period of 120 seconds, and satisfies a following formula: log γ=a+b·log t, in which “a” is a real number, and “b” is in the range of 0.10 to 0.53; and a process for the preparation of an optical information recording medium using the sheet and an optical information recording medium. |
| US08916334B2 |
Micro-composite material for three-dimensional printing
The present disclosure provides a micro-composite material used in the fabrication of three-dimensional objects, and associated methods and systems. In one example, a micro-composite material used in the fabrication of a three-dimensional object can comprise micronized polymeric particles; a photocurable curing agent; and a dye present in the micro-composite material in an amount at from 0.0001 wt % to 0.1 wt %, the dye having a λmax between 350 nm and 800 nm. |
| US08916330B2 |
Chemically amplified photoresist composition and method for forming resist pattern
The present invention provides a resist composition giving a resist pattern excellent in CD uniformity and focus margin. A chemically amplified photoresist composition comprises a resin (A) and an acid generator (B), and the resin (A) contains, as a part or an entirety thereof, a copolymer (A1) which is obtained by polymerizing at least: a (meth)acrylic monomer (a1) having C5-20 alicyclic hydrocarbon group which becomes soluble in an aqueous alkali solution by the action of an acid; a (meth)acrylic monomer (a2) having a hydroxy group-containing adamantyl group; and a (meth)acrylic monomer (a3) having a lactone ring, and the copolymer (A1) has a weight-average molecular weight of 2500 or more and 5000 or less, and a content of the copolymer (A1) is not less than 50 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the resin (A). |
| US08916326B2 |
Thermal image receiver elements having release agents
A thermal image receiver element dry image receiving layer has a Tg of at least 25° C. and is the outermost layer. The dry image receiving layer has a dry thickness of at least 0.5 μm and up to and including 5 μm. It comprises a water-dispersible release agent and a polymer binder matrix that consists essentially of: (1) a water-dispersible acrylic polymer comprising chemically reacted or chemically non-reacted hydroxyl, phospho, phosphonate, sulfo, sulfonate, carboxy, or carboxylate groups, and (2) a water-dispersible polyester that has a Tg of 30° C. or less. The water-dispersible acrylic polymer is present in an amount of at least 55 weight % and at a dry ratio to the water-dispersible polyester of at least 1:1. The thermal image receiver element can be used to prepare thermal dye images after thermal transfer from a thermal donor element. |
| US08916325B2 |
Carrier for developing electrostatic latent image, tow-component developer and image forming method
A carrier for developing electrostatic latent image, including a particulate magnetic core material; and a coated layer covering the surface of the particulate magnetic core material, wherein the coated layer includes a resin including a silicone resin and a methacrylic ester or an acrylic ester resin, and a filler including a substrate; and an electroconductive layer comprising tin dioxide (SnO2), overlying the substrate, and wherein the carrier includes tin (Sn) in an amount not less than 0.5% by atom and has a ratio (Sn/Si) of tin (Sn) to silicon (Si) of from 0.03 to 0.2 when subjected to an XPS analysis. |
| US08916323B2 |
Toner for electrostatic image development
The toner can obtain low-temperature fixing property, heat-resistant storability and long-term stability of charging while having excellent low-temperature fixing property. The toner is formed with toner particles containing a binder resin and a crystalline ester compound, the crystalline ester compound has a linear-chain structure, and the binder resin contains a styrene-acrylic resin including a structural unit derived from an acrylic ester monomer represented by general formula (1) below. In the general formula (1), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms. m represents 2 or 3, and n represents an integer of 1 to 25. |
| US08916322B2 |
Sustainable toner
The present disclosure describes toner that is composed substantially of biodegradable and recycled materials. |
| US08916321B2 |
Electrostatic charge image developing toner, electrostatic charge image developer, toner cartridge, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes toner particles, and an external additive containing titanate compound particles having an iron content of from greater than 1200 ppm to 6000 ppm. |
| US08916318B2 |
Black toner containing compound having azo skeleton
A toner comprising toner particles, each of which contains a binder resin, a compound in which a polymer portion is bound to an azo skeleton structure are linked, and carbon black. The polymer portion has a monomer unit represented by the Formula (2) that is bound to a structure represented by Formula (1): |
| US08916316B2 |
Reflecting mask blank, method for manufacturing reflective mask blank and method for quality control for reflective mask blank
The present invention relates to a reflective mask blank containing in this order, a substrate, a multilayer reflective film that reflects exposure light, and an absorber layer that absorbs the exposure light, in which the reflective mask blank further contains a fiducial mark indicating a reference position of the multilayer reflective film, which is formed in a concave shape or in a convex shape on a surface of the multilayer reflective film or on a surface of one layer formed between the multilayer reflective film and the absorber layer, and the fiducial mark is formed so as to have a reflectivity different from an area surrounding the fiducial mark with respect to a light with a prescribed wavelength and is transferred to a layer formed on the fiducial mark. |
| US08916315B2 |
Method for fracturing and forming a pattern using shaped beam charged particle beam lithography
In the field of semiconductor production using shaped charged particle beam lithography, a method and system for fracturing or mask data preparation or proximity effect correction is disclosed, wherein a plurality of circular or nearly-circular shaped beam shots can form a non-circular pattern on a surface. Methods for manufacturing a reticle and for manufacturing a substrate such as a silicon wafer by forming non-circular patterns on a surface using a plurality of circular or nearly-circular shaped beam shots is also disclosed. |
| US08916314B2 |
Reduced lens heating methods, apparatus, and systems
In one embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes an illuminator having a source that produces light waves having a first wavelength, and a mask. The mask includes at least one partly opaque area and at least one opening within the opaque area includes a slanted, sub-resolution feature that redistributes a portion of the light passing through the open area to an off-axis location. A method of forming a device by way of photolithography might include forming unresolvable features on a mask and projecting light through the mask. Other systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed. |
| US08916311B2 |
Ion/proton-conducting apparatus and method
A c-axis-oriented HAP thin film synthesized by seeded growth on a palladium hydrogen membrane substrate. An exemplary synthetic process includes electrochemical seeding on the substrate, and secondary and tertiary hydrothermal treatments under conditions that favor growth along c-axes and a-axes in sequence. By adjusting corresponding synthetic conditions, an HAP this film can be grown to a controllable thickness with a dense coverage on the underlying substrate. The thin films have relatively high proton conductivity under hydrogen atmosphere and high temperature conditions. The c-axis oriented films may be integrated into fuel cells for application in the intermediate temperature range of 200-600° C. The electrochemical-hydrothermal deposition technique may be applied to create other oriented crystal materials having optimized properties, useful for separations and catalysis as well as electronic and electrochemical applications, electrochemical membrane reactors, and in chemical sensors. Additional high-density and gas-tight HAP film compositions may be deposited using a two-step deposition method that includes an electrochemical deposition method followed by a hydrothermal deposition method. The two-step method uses a single hydrothermal deposition solution composition. The method may be used to deposit HAP films including but not limited to at least doped HAP films, and more particularly including carbonated HAP films. In addition, the high-density and gas-tight HAP films may be used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. |
| US08916308B2 |
Fuel cell
A fuel cell includes separators sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies. The separators each include first and second fuel gas supply sections through which a fuel gas supply passage extends centrally, first and second bridges extending radially outwardly from the first and second fuel gas supply sections, and first and second sandwiching sections connected to the first and second bridges. A fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel are provided in the first and second sandwiching sections. Each of the first sandwiching sections has pairs of fuel gas outlets and a fuel gas consumed in the fuel gas channel is discharged through the fuel gas outlets. |
| US08916304B2 |
Hydrogen generator and fuel cell system including same
A hydrogen generator includes: a reformer (102) configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas by a reforming reaction using a raw material; a combustor (104) configured to heat the reformer; an air supplying device (106) configured to supply combustion air to the combustor; a first heat exchanger (108) configured to recover heat from a flue gas discharged from the combustor; a first heat medium passage (110) through which a first heat medium flows, the first heat medium receiving the heat recovered from the flue gas in the first heat exchanger; a first pump (112) configured to cause the first heat medium in the first heat medium passage to flow; a heat accumulator (140) configured to store the heat recovered by the first heat medium; and a controller (114) configured to cause the first pump to operate in a cooling step that is a step of cooling down at least the reformer by supplying the air from the air supplying device to the combustor in a state where the combustor is not carrying out combustion during a stop processing |
| US08916299B1 |
Microbial fuel cell integrated in vehicle
A self-propelled microbial fuel cell apparatus includes a microbial fuel cell with a cathode electrode and an anode electrode wherein the anode electrode is enclosed within an enclosure that has an opening in it. The microbial fuel cell is positioned within a self-propelled delivery vehicle so that the electrodes of the fuel cell are exposed to interface with a microbial environment. |
| US08916293B2 |
Plate-like particle for cathode active material for lithium secondary battery, cathode active material film for lithium secondary battery, methods for manufacturing the particle and film, method for manufacturing cathode active material for lithium secondary battery, and lithium secondary battery
An object of the present invention is to provide a lithium secondary battery which has improved capacity, durability, and rate characteristic as compared with conventional lithium secondary batteries. A plate-like particle or a film for a lithium secondary battery cathode active material has a layered rock salt structure. The (003) plane is oriented in a direction intersecting the direction of the plate surface of the particle or film. |
| US08916291B2 |
Electrolytic solution and battery
An electrolytic solution capable of suppressing the battery swollenness and improving the battery characteristics such as the charge and discharge efficiency and a battery using it are provided. A cathode (21) and an anode (22) are layered with an electrolyte layer (24) in between. The electrolyte layer (24) is gelatinous, containing the electrolytic solution and a polymer compound. The electrolytic solution contains a compound having proton scavenging capacity such as hexamethylenetetramine and hexaethylenetetramine. Thereby, a free acid such as hydrofluoric acid is scavenged, and decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution or the like is prevented. |
| US08916289B2 |
Electrochemical element
An electrochemical element comprises a container and a sealing plate for sealing an opening of the container. The container is sealed with the sealing plate by welding a portion of the brazing material on the sealing plate and a portion of the metal film of the container which make contact with each other together in a state where a first electrode active material, a separator, a second electrode active material and an electrolyte are contained in the container. An electricity collector sheet is electrically connected to the first electrode active material or the second electrode active material, whichever is closer to the opening of the container. At least a portion of the electricity collector sheet extends to the end portion of the container so that the container and the sealing plate are welded together with the extending portion of the electricity collector sheet in between. Thus, the manufacturing process may be simplified so that the welding of the container and the sealing plate can be easily carried out even when the container and the sealing plate are reduced in size. |
| US08916287B2 |
Rechargeable battery
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator therebetween; a case that has an opening that houses the electrode assembly; a cap assembly including a cap plate that covers the opening of the case; and an electrode terminal that is electrically connected to the electrode assembly and protrudes through the cap plate to the outside of the case. The electrode terminal includes a lower terminal plate that is connected to the electrode assembly, an upper terminal plate that covers an upper part of the lower terminal plate, and a terminal fastener that is housed in a space between the lower terminal plate and the upper terminal plate that protrudes through an upper surface of the upper terminal plate. |
| US08916285B2 |
Modular high temperature battery electrical configurations
A cell module and modular cell tray apparatus for a modular electrochemical device that are more easily manufactured and serviced. A cell module is provided having a plurality of electrochemical cells. The cell module includes an electrically conductive carrier element having a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture is configured to accept a top portion of an electrode body of an electrochemical cell. A modular cell tray apparatus is provided having a plurality of the cell modules. The cell tray apparatus includes an electrically insulating tray having rows of cell receptacles to accept the cell modules. A modular electrochemical device is provided having a plurality of the cell tray apparatuses. The modular electrochemical device includes a plurality of electrical connectors configured to electrically connect the cell modules within a cell tray apparatus, and to electrically connect the cell tray apparatuses to each other. |
| US08916284B2 |
Battery cell with small groove at surface and battery pack including the same
Disclosed herein is a battery cell including an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure mounted in a receiving part of a battery case (cell case). The cell case is provided, at a predetermined region of the cell case corresponding to the upper end interface of the electrode assembly while the electrode assembly is mounted in the receiving part, with a small groove for pressing against the upper end of the electrode assembly to prevent the upward movement of the electrode assembly. The small groove is continuously formed in parallel with the upper end of the electrode assembly. |
| US08916283B2 |
Binder for separator of non-aqueous electrolyte battery comprising 2-cyanoethyl group-containing polymer and separator and battery using the same
An object of the invention is to provide a binder for a separator which can be comprised by a non-aqueous electrolyte battery with improved heat resistance, a separator comprising the binder, and a non-aqueous electrolyte battery comprising the separator. More specifically, provided are a binder for a separator of a non-aqueous electrolyte battery comprising at least a 2-cyanoethyl group-containing polymer having a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn), which is a ratio of a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to a number-average molecular weight (Mn), of 6 or less, the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 50,000 to 1,000,000, and 30% by weight or less of a low molecular weight portion having a molecular weight of 30,000 or less. |
| US08916281B2 |
Rebalancing electrolytes in redox flow battery systems
Embodiments of redox flow battery rebalancing systems include a system for reacting an unbalanced flow battery electrolyte with a rebalance electrolyte in a first reaction cell. In some embodiments, the rebalance electrolyte may contain ferrous iron (Fe2+) which may be oxidized to ferric iron (Fe3+) in the first reaction cell. The reducing ability of the rebalance reactant may be restored in a second rebalance cell that is configured to reduce the ferric iron in the rebalance electrolyte back into ferrous iron through a reaction with metallic iron. |
| US08916280B2 |
Battery pack
A battery pack that can reduce manufacturing costs and simplify an assembly structure. The battery pack includes a first case having an inner space, at least one battery cell arranged in the inner space of the first case, a second case coupled to the first case to accommodate the battery cell, and a coupling part arranged inside the coupled first and second cases. The coupling part includes a handle part and a protrusion part that is integrally formed with the handle part and protrudes outward according to a movement of the handle part. |
| US08916279B2 |
Battery assembling apparatus and battery assembling method
Provided is a battery assembling apparatus comprising a selecting section that selects as battery cells to be assembled into a battery pack, from among a plurality of battery cells, battery cells having similar charge curves that indicate a relationship between voltage and charge period, which is a time period necessary for a battery cell to be charged from a first voltage to a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage. As a result, the lifetimes of battery cells and of a battery pack assembled from a plurality of battery cells can be extended. |
| US08916277B2 |
Low embodied energy wallboards and methods of making same
Wallboards, as well as other building materials, are produced by methods which use significantly reduced embodied energy, generating far less greenhouse gases when compared with the energy used to fabricate gypsum wallboard. A novel cementitious core, consisting in one embodiment of post-industrial waste such as slag and combined with pH modifiers, provides a controlled exothermic reaction to create a gypsum-wallboard-like core which can be wrapped in a selected material such as recycled paper and manufactured on a conveyor system to appear, weigh and handle similar to gypsum wallboard, but without the large amounts of energy required to make gypsum wallboard. The manufacturing process results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than the processes used to make gypsum wallboard. |
| US08916274B2 |
Organic light emitting device
An organic light emitting device that obtains stable image qualities through prevention of any significant decrease in brightness at high temperature. The organic light emitting device includes an anode; a cathode facing the anode; an organic emitting layer interposed between the anode and the cathode; an electron transport layer interposed between the organic emitting layer and the cathode and comprising an alkali metal compound or an alkali earth metal compound; and a buffer layer interposed between the organic emitting layer and the electron transport layer. |
| US08916267B2 |
Adhesive composition for detachable adhesive bonds and modification of the encapsulation materials for a purposeful energy input
An adhesive composition for detachable adhesive bonds is based on adhesive matrices and expansion material. The particles of the expansion material are at least partially encapsulated. A bond of at least two components and an adhesive layer includes an adhesive composition based on adhesive matrices and expansion material. The bonded components may include metal, plastic, wood, glass, natural or synthetic materials or a composite material thereof. |
| US08916266B2 |
Coating composition, coating film, laminate, and process for production of laminate
Provided is a coating composition excellent in antifouling properties, transparency and hydrophilicity, wherein the coating composition contains (A) a metal oxide particle having a number average particle size of 1 nm to 400 nm; and (B) a polymer particle, in which the content of an aqueous-phase component in the component (B), represented by the expression (I), is 20 mass % or less, where (I)(%)=(dry mass of a filtrate obtained by filtering the component (B) at a molecular cutoff of 50,000)×(100−total mass of solid content)/(mass of the filtrate−dry mass of the filtrate)×100/the total mass of solid content. |
| US08916265B1 |
Multi-spectral, selectively reflective construct
A selectively reflective construct, and a method for making the construct, are described. In one embodiment reflectance, transmission and absorption properties may be controlled in multiple electromagnetic bands. A construct is described comprising a) a thermally transparent, visually opaque substrate comprising a polymeric material and a colorant, and b) a thermally reflective layer comprising a low emissivity component. |
| US08916260B2 |
Web substrates having wide color gamut indicia printed thereon
A web substrate having indicia having a unique color gamut expressed by a difference in L*a*b* color values is disclosed. |
| US08916257B1 |
Cloth-like synthetic textiles
An embossing and texturizing system capable of imparting a natural cloth-like surface to a flexible thermoplastic material or film simultaneously to either or both of its two exterior surfaces, through the use of a unique device and technique combining metal rolls, metal and rubber rolls, and embossing and texturizing fabric rolls into an embossing system creating the desired visual and tactile feel of natural fabrics as well as additional performance characteristics. The embossing and texturizing system embosses and texturizes the exterior surface of the flexible thermoplastic material or film by selectively altering the exterior surface, and therefore, the film can be embossed simultaneously on either or both of its two exterior surfaces (face and reverse) without necessitating major interruption or adjustment of the system. The use of the embossing and texturizing mechanism and its alignment to the core and stabilizing reinforcing substrate enables the exterior texturized surface and the bottom side exterior texturized surface to be identical in all manner. |
| US08916256B2 |
Fastening strap, foam article including same and method for manufacturing the fastening strap
One aspect of the present invention provides a fastening strap for used in a foam article. The sideway-bendable fastening strap for a foam article includes a substantially flat hollow helical body made from a single hook strap and having a first outer surface, a second outer surface, and a plurality of hooks integrally formed on each of the first and second outer surfaces; wherein the hook strap is formed by plastic injection process and has a substrate and a plurality of hooks integrally formed on one face of the substrate, and wherein the hollow helical body is formed by sequentially and continually folding the hook strap from one end of the hook strap toward the other end of the hook strap along a number folding lines which are parallel with each other and at an angle θ with respect to a longitudinal axis of the hook strap with the face having the hooks formed thereon facing outward such that the hook strap is plastically and permanently deformed at the folding lines to form a hollow helical body having a width w. |
| US08916252B2 |
Structural longitudinal composite joint for aircraft structure
A structural composite part made of pre-impregnated fiber plies. The edges of two adjacent fiber plies are connected via a longitudinal composite joint made structural by a nanostructure arranged within the composite joint. A method of producing a structural composite part made of pre-impregnated fiber plies. The edges of two adjacent fiber plies are connected via a longitudinal composite joint made structural by a nanostructure and an aircraft structure comprising such structural composite parts. |
| US08916248B2 |
Metal-coated polymer article
Metal-coated polymer articles containing structural substantially porosity-free, fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings/layers optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein on polymer substrates, are disclosed. The substantially porosity-free metallic coatings/layers/patches are applied to polymer or polymer composite substrates to provide, enhance or restore vacuum/pressure integrity and fluid sealing functions. Due to the excellent adhesion between the metallic coating and the polymer article satisfactory thermal cycling performance is achieved. The fine-grained and/or amorphous metallic coatings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight articles, precision molds, sporting goods, aerospace and automotive parts and other components exposed to thermal cycling and stress created by erosion and impact damage. |
| US08916244B2 |
Inkjet media and method thereof
An inkjet media includes a base substrate, an upper fluid barrier layer disposed on a side of the base substrate, a lower fluid barrier layer disposed on an other side of the base substrate, an image receiving layer disposed on the upper fluid barrier layer, a back adhesive layer disposed on the lower fluid barrier layer, an activation layer disposed on the back adhesive layer, an adhesive protection layer disposed on the activation layer. |
| US08916242B2 |
Connector system
A connector system facilitates the connection of a first tree trunk to a second tree trunk of an artificial tree system, and further protects one or more ends of a trunk when, for example, the artificial tree system is being shipped or stored. The connector system comprises a sleeve. The sleeve comprises a cylindrical shaped body. The outer of the body has a uniform cylindrical shape. The interior of the sleeve has different diameters at its top and bottom. The interior includes a notch or shoulder. The shoulder is in proximity to the top end of the sleeve. The sleeve further comprises a cutout for assisting with connecting and securing the trunks together. |
| US08916240B2 |
Porous organic polymeric films and preparation
Porous organic polymeric films having multiple discrete cavities can be prepared using an water-in-oil emulsion that includes a cavity stabilizing hydrocolloid on the inner walls of the multiple discrete cavities. The multiple discrete cavities can also include organic catalytic materials for various catalytic reactions, markers materials for security applications, or the multiple discrete cavities can be used to increase opacity, hydrophobicity, or other desirable properties compared to nonporous organic polymeric films composed of the composition and dry thickness. |
| US08916237B2 |
Thin film deposition apparatus and method of depositing thin film
A method of manufacturing a thin film on a substrate including: disposing the substrate to be separated from a thin film deposition apparatus by a preset distance; passing vaporized deposition material through first slits of a first nozzle, the first slits arranged in a first direction; passing the vaporized deposition material received from the first slits through second slits of a second nozzle of the thin film deposition apparatus; using an adjusting member including an actuator set to adjust an orientation of the second nozzle relative to a deposition target area on the substrate on which the deposition material from the second nozzle is to be deposited; and depositing the deposition material from the second nozzle onto the deposition target area while the thin film deposition apparatus or the substrate is moved relative to the other, the second nozzle defining a pattern of deposition material on the substrate, is disclosed. |
| US08916236B2 |
Method of forming a (rutile) titanium dioxide-coated platelet-like pigment
The invention relates to a method of forming (rutile) titanium dioxide-coated platelet-like pigments in which hydrous titanium dioxide is deposited on platelet-like particles followed by calcining, comprising (a) effecting the titanium deposit in the presence of an α-hydroxy carboxylic acid, especially glycolic acid, or oxalic acid, and an amino acid, especially glycine, alanine, valine, aspartic acid (α-, β- and γ-form); or an amino acid; to the pigments obtained by the method and the use thereof. The method can work in the absence of exogenous metal and Ti(III). The rutile TiO2-coated substrate of the present invention has at least the same advantages and characteristics of a tin containing product which includes luster, color, color homogeneity and few small particle formation during manufacture. |
| US08916232B2 |
Method for barrier interface preparation of copper interconnect
The embodiments fill the need of improving electromigration and reducing stress-induced voids of copper interconnect by enabling deposition of a thin and conformal barrier layer, and a copper layer in the copper interconnect. The adhesion between the barrier layer and the copper layer can be improved by making the barrier layer metal-rich prior copper deposition and by limiting the amount of oxygen the barrier layer is exposed prior to copper deposition. Alternatively, a functionalization layer can be deposited over the barrier layer to enable the copper layer being deposit in the copper interconnect with good adhesion between the barrier layer and the copper layer. An exemplary method of preparing a substrate surface of a substrate to deposit a functionalization layer over a metallic barrier layer of a copper interconnect to assist deposition of a copper layer in the copper interconnect in an integrated system in order to improve electromigration performance of the copper interconnect is provided. The method includes depositing the metallic barrier layer to line the copper interconnect structure in the integrated system, wherein after depositing the metallic barrier layer, the substrate is transferred and processed in controlled environment to prevent the formation of metallic barrier oxide. The method also includes depositing the functionalization layer over the metallic layer in the integrated system. The method further includes depositing the copper layer in the copper interconnect structure in the integrated system after the functionalization layer is deposited over the metallic barrier layer. |
| US08916225B2 |
Method for coating inner surface of medical tube made from vinyl chloride with anti-thrombotic material
The present invention provides a method for coating an inner surface of a polyvinyl chloride medical tube containing a plasticizer with an antithrombogenic material composed of a specific (meth)acrylate copolymer. The simple method of the present invention is capable of evenly and efficiently coating an inner surface of a polyvinyl chloride medical tube with a sufficient amount of an antithrombogenic material without causing appearance deterioration or uneven coating due to elution of the plasticizer. The method is performed by passing through a tube a solution that is prepared by dissolving an antithrombogenic material in a solvent composed of water and at least one alcohol that is adjusted to dissolve the copolymer of the antithrombogenic material but does not dissolve the plasticizer, then subsequently passing water through the tube, and finally drying the tube. |
| US08916224B2 |
Production of shredded or flaked whole grain-containing composite food products
Shredded or flaked whole grain-containing composite food products, such as ready-to-eat cereals, and sweet and savory snacks, are continuously produced by pelletizing cooked, tempered, whole cereal grain particles in the presence of vegetables, fruit, or dairy cheese. In another aspect, an enrobing coating containing chocolate is applied to a baked shredded laminate product of the pelletization, wherein the shredded product may further optionally include fruit added and present during pelletization. |
| US08916222B2 |
Method and device for producing shaped meat portions from whole natural meat pieces
A device for producing shaped meat portions, the device including a sorting device for sorting meat into a first set of pieces having a weight which is below a desired weight, a second set of pieces having a weight which corresponds to a desired weight, and a third set of pieces having a weight which is above a desired weight. The device further includes a cutting device which cuts each of the third set of pieces to a desired weight so that the cut pieces having a desired weight define a set of selected meat pieces. A transport device transports the set of selected meat pieces and a freezing facility through which the transport device conveys the set of selected meat pieces and which freezes the set of selected meat pieces. The device further including a shaping device which presses or presses and punches the frozen set of selected meat pieces in a mold and thus transforms the frozen set of selected meat pieces into a final shape or a plurality of final shapes, wherein the shaping device produces in a controlled manner meat portions having a predefined weight and a predefined three-dimensional shape. |
| US08916221B2 |
Method for producing cheese
A method for producing cheese and a device therefore, in particular what is known as a cassette press with round or angular cheese molds. The method is intended in particular to achieve gentle and hygienic de-molding of the cheese blocks after removal of whey. A raw cheese mass is first poured into molds of a cassette press, then pressed to remove liquid and emptied out of the mold after a turning process. Directly after turning, the raw cheese mass in the mold is subjected to a shaking movement, so the pressed raw cheese mass is detached gently from the inner wall of the mold. |
| US08916219B2 |
Method and apparatus for the energy-saving production of confectionery masses
A method and an apparatus (1) serve for the automatic batch-wise production of a slurry containing a sugar component, i.e. sugar or a sugar substitute, for producing confectioneries. A liquid is fed into a weighing and mixing container (2) in a batch-wise and weight-accurate way. A sugar component as a dry material is fed into the container (2) in a batch-wise and weight-accurate way to produce a mixture. The liquid and the dry material are fed into container (2) and the mixture is mixed such that a slurry having a share of dry substance of at least 85% is produced. The liquid, the dry material, the mixture and/or the slurry is/are heated such that the slurry has a temperature of at least 70° C. |
| US08916218B2 |
Spray dispensing device
One exemplary aspect comprises: inserting a device into a skin of a fruit to collect juice, said device comprising a juice extractor having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the juice extractor having an edge that is inserted into said skin, the juice extractor containing a cavity, said edge enclosing a substantially closed external surface having openings through which some solids do not pass and juice flows and collects in said cavity; and a spray dispenser comprising a top portion and bottom portion and a spray pump, the spray dispenser detachably coupled with the juice extractor, the spray pump comprising a spray outlet connected to a tube; directing said spray outlet in a desired direction; and activating said spray pump to cause juice collected within said cavity to flow within the tube through the spray outlet to spray the juice in the desired direction. |
| US08916216B2 |
Decorative apparatus to hold candy
An apparatus used to arrange and display decorative items or candy. A narrow stem comprises a plurality of holes running throughout the stem. A plurality of metal rods are inserted into respective holes in the stem. Each metal rod has is attached to a plastic petal, which also comprises a clip. A piece of candy can be attached to each clip and can be supported by each respective petal. The plurality of metal rods arranged in this manner create a visually appealing arrangement of decorative items or dispenser of candy. |
| US08916215B2 |
System, set of capsules and method for preparing a beverage by centrifugation
A capsule system for preparing beverages by centrifugation of a capsule in a centrifuging brewing device comprising: a set of different capsules (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E), each of the capsules for selectively delivering a beverage, each capsule (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) containing at least one beverage substance, each capsule of the set comprising a body (2) having an enclosure (6) containing the beverage substance, an upper wall (4) for closing the body (2) and optionally a flange-like rim (3), wherein the capsule is designed to form, alone or in cooperation with the centrifuging brewing device, a restriction or restriction valve of the centrifuged liquid, wherein the back pressure of the restriction or restriction valve differs for at least two capsules of the set. |
| US08916210B2 |
Extractor having pottery with a dark brown glaze and the method for extracting using thereof
Disclosed are an extractor having a “pottery with dark brown glaze” called “Onggi” in Korean, and a method of extracting using the same. The extractor includes a body, a body cover, a heating part, a pottery and a gas valve. The pottery is located within the body. The extractor extracts by injecting nitrogen gas, etc. into the body through a gas valve, thereby rendering the inside of the body to be high pressure state during extraction. Thus, the inside of the body is maintained under high pressure during extraction. Accordingly, an extract is located only within the pottery, and thus changes that can be caused while an extract contacts with the body can be prevented. |
| US08916201B2 |
Controlled-release granular compositions containing mesalazine and process for the manufacture thereof
The present invention refers to controlled release granular compositions of mesalazine and their use in the treatment of inflammatory pathologies of the intestinal tract. The aforesaid granular compositions comprise: a) a central core comprising an inert substrate; b) an intermediate layer comprising mesalazine and one or more physiologically acceptable excipients; c) a gastro-resistant coating. The present invention then refers to a process for obtaining the aforesaid granular compositions. |
| US08916198B2 |
Mesoporous calcium silicate compositions and methods for synthesis of mesoporous calcium silicate for controlled release of bioactive agents
Mesoporous calcium silicate compositions for controlled release of bioactive agents and methods for producing such compositions are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, mesoporous calcium silicate is synthesized by acid modification of wollastonite particles using hydrochloric acid. A hydrated silica gel layer having abundant Si—OH functional groups can be formed on the surface of wollastonite after acid modification. Bruhauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area increased significantly due to acid modification and, in one arrangement, reached over 350 m2/g. Acid modified mesoporous calcium silicate compositions show a higher ability to adsorb protein compared to unmodified particles and demonstrate controlled release kinetics of these proteins. |
| US08916196B2 |
Method for the production of emulsion-based microparticles
The apparatus and methods of the present invention are of use for the production of emulsion-based microparticles containing a biological or chemical agent. In particular, the apparatus provides a vessel; packing material situated inside such vessel and may further provide material capable of insertion into both ends of said vessel for enclosure of the packing material. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus is a packed bed apparatus. The methods include production of emulsion based microparticles containing a biological or chemical agent. The usefulness of the present invention is that the apparatus and methods of the present invention provide for a low-shear, non-turbulent, production of emulsion-based microparticles that provides a narrow, reproducible, particle size distribution, capable of use with both large and small volumes that is capable of being conveniently scaled up while providing predictable emulsion properties. |
| US08916195B2 |
Sustained release formulation of naltrexone
A sustained-release oral dosage form of naltrexone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is provided. The oral dosage form may be administered with another compound. Administration of the oral dosage form may reduce a side effect, which may be a side effect at least partially attributable to a weight-loss treatment. The oral dosage form may be administered to treat a weight-loss condition. |
| US08916187B2 |
Poly(amide) and poly(ester-amide) polymers and drug delivery particles and coatings containing same
The current invention relates to poly(amide) and poly(ester-amide) polymers, coatings including the polymers, and narrow polydispersity drug delivery particles including the polymers. |
| US08916185B2 |
Immobilizing particles onto surfaces
A method for immobilizing micro-particles, nano-particles or combinations thereof onto a surface is disclosed. The method includes distributing the micro-particles, nano-particles or combinations thereof onto the surface. The surface and the particles are exposed to thermal treatment, vapor treatment or combinations thereof, thereby adhering at least some of the micro-particles, nano-particles or combinations thereof to the surface. Materials including such immobilized micro-particles, nano-particles or combinations thereof are also disclosed herein. |
| US08916182B2 |
Composition comprising oligogalacturonans and polycationic saccharides
A ‘bioactive’ composition that has one or more oligogalacturonans ((1→4)-α-D-galacturonan) or any other oligosaccharides (oligoguluronans) that may present an ‘egg box’ conformation, this conformation being further stabilized by one or more polycationic saccharide(s), preferably either a chitosan oligosaccharide or a chitosan polysaccharide. A method prepares this composition and it is used, in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, nutraceutical, food, feed, textile, cosmetic, industrial and/or environmental applications. |
| US08916181B1 |
Glitter aerosol coating composition
An aerosol glitter composition for achieving the “sugar” glitter effect comprises a solvent, binder, square polyester glitter, optionally a rheology modifier, and propellant. |
| US08916180B2 |
Cosmetic treatment system and methods
A cosmetic treatment system is provided having ingredients that may prevent signs of aging, improve the aesthetic appearance of skin, and promote recovery from environmental stresses. The composition includes natural ingredients, including at least one ingredient or extract from rosemary; at least one ingredient or extract from Centella, Echinacea, Alpinia or mixtures thereof; a DNA repair enzyme; and at least one pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable vehicle. The treatment system may further include a patch for applying the cosmetic ingredients and/or a packaging system for holding the components of the cosmetic treatment system. |
| US08916177B2 |
Method for treating premature ejaculation with a botulinum neurotoxin
Methods for prolongation of climax time in a patient in need thereof are presented, as are methods for treating premature ejaculation by local administration of a Clostridial neurotoxin, such a botulinum neurotoxin, to the patient, are provided. |
| US08916172B2 |
MVA expressing modified HIV envelope, gag, and pol genes
The invention provides modified virus Ankara (MVA), a replication-deficient strain of vaccinia virus, expressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) env, gag, and pol genes. |
| US08916170B2 |
Methods of producing antibodies against morphine-heroine
Provided are bivalent immunogenic composition against morphine-heroin addiction comprising a carrier protein (“CP”) and a morphinic product, wherein the CP and the morphinic product are connected by a spacer-linker arm having a total molecular size of 16-21 Å, and methods of using the same. |
| US08916169B2 |
Enhanced immunogenicity of tumor associated antigens by addition of alphagal epitopes
The invention relates to methods and compositions for causing the selective targeting and killing of tumor cells. The present invention describes prophylactic or therapeutic cancer vaccines based on purified TAA proteins or TAA-derived synthetic peptides altered by chemical, enzymatic or chemo-enzymatic methods to introduce αGal epitopes or αGal glycomimetic epitopes, in order to allow for enhanced opsonization of the antigen by natural anti-αGal antibodies to stimulate TAA capture and presentation, thereby inducing a humoral and cellular immune response to the TAA expressed by a tumor. The animal's immune system thus is stimulated to produce tumor specific cytotoxic cells and antibodies which will attack and kill tumor cells present in the animal. |
| US08916168B2 |
Leishmania sterol 24-c-methyltransferase compositions for the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of leishmaniasis
Compositions and methods for preventing, treating and detecting leishmaniasis are disclosed. The compositions generally comprise Leishmania sterol 24-c-methyltransferase (SMT) polypeptides, portions, variants and/or fusions, as well as polynucleotides encoding SMT polypeptides, portions, variants and/or fusions. |
| US08916164B2 |
Methods of enhancing adjuvaticity of vaccine compositions
The immunogenicity of vaccines is enhanced by co-administering a synthetic glycolipid, designated PBS-57, with the vaccine. PBS-57 has the ability to stimulate both a cell-mediated and humoral immune response. Co-administration of PBS-57 with a vaccine may be used in methods to stimulate one or more of a humoral immune response, a CD4+ T cell response, and a CD8+ cytotoxic T cell response. |
| US08916162B2 |
Botulinum neurotoxin antigenic compositions and methods
Methods and compositions pertaining to botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) light chain epitopes are provided. In particular, the methods and compositions relate to the use of real and mimetic BoNT light chain epitopes for generating an immune response in a subject, and for immunization against BoNT toxicity. Methods and compositions for detecting, isolating, and purifying BoNT epitopes and anti-BoNT antibodies are also provided. |
| US08916161B2 |
Method of treating or preventing benign prostatic hyperplasia using modified pore-forming proteins
The present invention provides a method of treating BPH using modified pore-forming proteins (MPPs). These MPPs are derived from naturally occurring cytotoxic proteins (nPPs) that kill cells by forming pores or channels in the cell membrane, resulting in cell death. The MPPs are generated by modification of the nPPs such that they are capable of being selectively activated at normal prostate cells. Such modification may include the addition of a prostate-specific protease cleavage site to the activation sequence, and/or the addition of a prostate-specific targeting domain to allow selective targeting of prostate cells. These MPPs are capable of selectively targeting and killing normal prostate cells in vivo. The MPPs may be used either alone or in combination with other therapies for the treatment of BPH. |
| US08916160B2 |
Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of influenza
The present invention provides compositions, vaccines, and methods for diagnosing, treating, and preventing influenza infection using a combination of antibodies raised against the influenza hemagglutinin and the matrix 2 ectodomain polypeptides. |
| US08916155B2 |
Method for the treatment of T cell mediated conditions by depletion of ICOS-positive cells in vivo
The present invention relates generally to binding agents useful in the selective depletion of T cells in vivo. More specifically, the invention relates to ICOS-binding agents which once bound to ICOS expressed on the surface of cells, in particular ICOS-bearing activated T cells, result in the in vivo depletion of cells to which they are bound. Methods of treating T cell related diseases using said ICOS-binding agents, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said ICOS-binding agents, a method of identifying an ICOS-binding agent, and monoclonal anti-ICOS antibodies capable of eliminating cells in vivo which express ICOS on their surface are also provided. |
| US08916152B2 |
S100A4 antibodies and therapeutic uses thereof
The invention relates to antibodies against S100A4, methods for the preparation of these antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these antibodies, and therapeutic and diagnostic uses thereof. |
| US08916147B2 |
Universal donor-derived tolerogenic cells for inducing non-syngeneic transplantation tolerance
The present invention provides a method of treating a disease in a subject in need thereof via non-syngeneic graft administration without or with reduced concomitant graft rejection. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective graft being non-syngeneic with the subject, and a dose of tolerogenic cells being non-syngeneic with both the subject and the graft for preventing or reducing graft rejection in the subject, thereby treating the disease in the subject. |
| US08916144B2 |
Proangiogenic compositions, method for preparing same, and uses thereof
The invention relates to novel proangiogenic compositions, to the method for preparing same, and to the uses thereof, particularly for preventing or treating any disease causing ischemic-type complications. |
| US08916141B2 |
Hyaluronidase inhibitor containing poly-gamma-glutamic acid as an effective component
The present invention relates to a hyaluronidase inhibitor containing poly-gamma-glutamic acid (PGA) as an active ingredient, a composition for maintaining skin elasticity and a composition for improving allergy, wherein each of the compositions contains PGA as an active ingredient. The inventive compositions containing PGA are effective in maintaining skin moisturization and skin elasticity by effectively inhibiting the activity of hyaluronidase which is an enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid present in the skin dermis. Also, the compositions can relieve allergic symptoms by inhibiting the permeability of inflammatory cells. |
| US08916140B2 |
Polymeric compositions for sustained release of volatile materials
A polymeric composition comprising a copolymer of ethylene with at least another monomer comprising at least a heteroatom, a tackifier, less than 10% of a compatible plasticizer or blend of plasticizers and a volatile material. The compositions are able to deliver effectively the volatile material incorporated for a long time and also have good adhesion properties on most substrates. |
| US08916136B2 |
Glucose biosensor system coupled with an anti-inflammatory module and methods for using the same
Disclosed are apparatuses for detecting glucose levels in a subject. The apparatuses include a glucose sensor coupled with an anti-inflammatory module. The apparatus is configured to monitor blood glucose by detecting the fluorescence generated by the sensor and simultaneously reduce the tissue inflammation reaction. Also disclosed are biosensor systems including the apparatuses and methods of using the biosensor systems. |
| US08916135B2 |
Lanthanide nanoparticle conjugates and uses thereof
The present disclosure is directed generally to lanthanide nanoparticle conjugates, such as gadolinium nanoparticle conjugates, nanoparticle conjugates including polymers, conjugation to targeting agents and therapeutic agents, and their use in targeting, treating, and/or imaging disease states in a patient. |
| US08916130B2 |
Synthesis of MSE-framework type molecular sieves
A method of synthesizing a crystalline molecular sieve having an MSE framework type comprises crystallizing a reaction mixture comprising a source of water, a source of an oxide of a tetravalent element, Y, selected from at least one of silicon, tin, titanium, vanadium, and germanium, optionally a source of a trivalent element, X, a source of an alkali or alkaline earth metal, M, and a source of organic dications, Q, such as 3-hydroxy-1-(4-(1-methylpiperidin-1-ium-1-yl)butyl)quinuclidin-1-ium, 3-hydroxy-1-(5-(1-methylpiperidin-1-ium-1-yl)pentyl)quinuclidin-1-ium, 1,1′-(butane-1,4-diyl)bis(1-methylpiperidin-1-ium), 1,1′-(pentane-1,5-diyl)bis(1-methylpiperidin-1-ium), 1,1′-(hexane-1,6-diyl)bis(1-methylpiperidin-1-ium), and 1,1′-((3as,6as)-octahydropentalene-2,5-diyl)bis(1-methylpiperidin-1-ium). |
| US08916125B2 |
Graphite material for synthesizing semiconductor diamond and semiconductor diamond produced by using the same
A method for producing a semiconductor diamond containing boron by the high pressure synthesis method, wherein a graphite material to be converted to the semiconductor diamond is mixed with boron or a boron compound, formed and fired, in such a way that the resultant graphite material contains a boron component uniformly dispersed therein and has an enhanced bulk density, a high purity and a reduced content of hydrogen. |
| US08916119B2 |
System using selective catalytic reduction for improving low-temperature De-NOx efficiency and reducing yellow plume
The present disclosure relates to a method for removing nitrogen oxides (NOx) more effectively at 300° C. or below in boilers, gas turbines, incinerators, diesel engines, glass melting furnaces, etc. by selective catalytic reduction (SCR). To this end, an oxidation catalyst is mounted in front of a NOx-reducing device based on selective catalytic reduction and the NOx composition, i.e. the ratio of NO:NO2, in the exhaust gas is adjusted to about 1:1, such that de-NOx catalytic reaction is carried out under optimized fast SCR condition and de-NOx efficiency at low temperature can be maximized. |
| US08916116B2 |
Separation of iron from value metals in leaching of laterite ores
The invention provides a process for the leaching of a laterite ore, concentrate, tailings or waste rock for the recovery of value metals, at least one value metal being nickel. The laterite ore or concentrate is subjected to a leaching step with a lixiviant comprising hydrochloric acid to leach nickel from the laterite ore, followed by a liquid/solids separation step. The liquid obtained is subject to solvent extraction with a dialkyl ketone, to obtain a solution rich in iron and a raffinate. Separation of iron from cobalt and nickel is obtained. |
| US08916115B2 |
Nickel recovery loss reduction method, hydrometallurgical method for nickel oxidized ore, and sulfuration treatment system
A nickel recovery loss reduction method that makes it possible to reduce nickel recovery loss by lowering the concentration of fine floating solid components in overflow liquid in precipitating and separating treatments, and consequently to further reduce a nickel recovery loss, a hydrometallurgical method for nickel oxidized ore to which the nickel recovery loss reduction method is applied, and a sulfurizing treatment system. The present invention is a nickel recovery loss reduction method in a sulfurizing step for blowing hydrogen sulfide gas into a nickel containing sulfuric acid aqueous solution to generate nickel-containing sulfides and a barren liquid, and the nickel-containing sulfides with the average particle size adjusted to a predetermined size or larger are added as seed crystals to the sulfuric acid aqueous solution. It is more preferable to adjust the average particle size of the nickel sulfides to be added as seed crystals to 55 μm or more. |
| US08916111B2 |
Fluid container composed of two plates
The invention relates to a miniaturized fluid container with microchannels (11, 12) which are bordered by ridges (13, 14), wherein the crests of the ridges (13, 14) are glued to a cover plate (20). Additional stability may be achieved by distributing glue (33) in cavities between the microchannels (11, 12), the spreading of said glue being driven by capillary forces. |
| US08916110B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating constituent parts of a sample liquid
A device and a process are proposed for separating constituents of a sample fluid, wherein the sample fluid is supplied by capillary force to a receiving region (7) for metering, stopping or delaying the sample fluid and the sample fluid is pre-treated with a soluble chemical (13) in the receiving region (7) before the sample fluid is supplied to a separating device (5) for separating off constituents of the sample fluid. |
| US08916109B2 |
Diagnosis support method, diagnosis support system, and diagnosis support apparatus
A diagnosis support method comprising: obtaining first blood glucose level information at a first time point and/or second blood glucose level information at a second time point which is later, by a predetermined period, than the first time point; placing a collection member, which is configured to collect a tissue fluid, on the skin of the subject for the predetermined period from the first time point to the second time point; obtaining glucose information about an amount of glucose contained in the tissue fluid collected by the collection member; and generating diagnosis support information for supporting a diagnosis of presence or absence of hypoglycemia in the subject, based on the first blood glucose level information and/or the second blood glucose level information and the glucose information. A diagnosis support system and a diagnosis support apparatus are also disclosed. |
| US08916102B2 |
Mounting mat and pollution control device with the same
Non-woven mat including magnesium aluminum silicate glass fibers and amorphous refractory ceramic fibers, bio-soluble ceramic fibers, and/or heat-treated silica fibers. Embodiments of the nonwoven mat surprisingly have a Resiliency Value after three thermal cycles from 25° C. to 700° C./400° C. of the Real Condition Fixture Test at least 1.1 times greater than the Resiliency Value of a comparable non-woven mat consisting of any individual type of fibers of the non-woven mat. The non-woven mats are useful, for example, in pollution control devices and other thermal insulation applications. |
| US08916098B2 |
Continuous emulsification-aggregation process for the production of particles
A continuous emulsion aggregation process for the production of particles is presented including a plurality of continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTR). The plurality of continuous stirred-tank reactors includes at least one feed tank of raw materials, at least one reactor for facilitating cold addition, at least two reactors for facilitating an aggregation process, at least one reactor for facilitating a shell addition process; at least one reactor for facilitating a freeze process, at least one reactor for facilitating a chelating process, at least one reactor for facilitating a ramp-up process and at least one reactor for facilitating a coalescence process, wherein the reactors are sequentially assembled in a series configuration and separated by short conduits to produce toner particles that are narrowly distributed. |
| US08916095B2 |
Automatic analyzer
The automatic analyzer stores: a predetermined period from the opening of a reagent vessel to the deterioration of the reagent; a reagent production lot number, reagent vessel unsealing time, and reagent expiration date as reagent information kept on a reagent-set-by-set basis; and relevant calibration curve factor information. The automatic analyzer judges whether a calibration curve factor for a reagent set is applicable or not to another reagent set of the analyzer with the same production number based on the predetermined period from the reagent vessel unsealing time and on the reagent expiration date. |
| US08916089B2 |
Method and apparatus related to nanoparticle systems
This publication discloses a method and apparatus for functionalizing nanoparticle systems. The method comprises treating a nanoparticle-containing layer so as to produce a pattern of structurally transformed zones, the treatment comprising applying an electric field through the nanoparticle layer. According to the invention an AC-field capacitively coupled to the nanoparticle-containing layer is used as said electric field. The treatment preferably results in at least partly sintered structures, which can be used as conductors, for example. The document discloses several realizations for utilization of the disclosed functionalization in mass-fabrication lines. |
| US08916084B2 |
Ultra-violet curable gellant inks for three-dimensional printing and digital fabrication applications
A method for fabricating a three-dimensional object including depositing a first amount of an ultraviolet curable phase change ink composition comprising an optional colorant and a phase change ink vehicle comprising a radiation curable monomer or prepolymer; a photoinitiator; a reactive wax; and a gellant upon a print region surface; successively depositing additional amounts of the ultraviolet curable phase change ink composition to create a three-dimensional object; and curing the ultraviolet curable phase change ink composition. |
| US08916083B2 |
Method and device for manufacturing materials from hydrophobic hollow natural fibres, and use thereof
The invention relates to a method for processing hydrophobic hollow natural fibers, in particular vegetable hollow natural fibers and more particularly kapok fibers, to form material, and to a material obtainable by such a method. The invention furthermore relates to “the use of such aτnaterial as absorption medium for apolar substances and a device for performing the method. |
| US08916082B2 |
Heat resistance using titanium dioxide nanofibers
A composite structure includes a resin and a plurality of titanium dioxide fibers provided in the resin. |
| US08916081B2 |
Method for using a poisson ratio material
A method for using a Poisson's ratio material includes a carbon nanotube film structure is provided. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. A first part of the carbon nanotubes are aligned a first direction, a second part of the carbon nanotubes are aligned a second direction. The first direction is substantially perpendicular to second direction. When the Poisson's ratio material is stretched or compressed substantially along the first or second direction, a Poisson's ratio value is negative. |
| US08916078B2 |
Method for producing a vessel closure
The invention relates to a method for producing a vessel closure for vessels comprising an opening that is to be closed by the vessel closure, an inner diameter of more than two cm and surrounds a polymer-based sealing element that is arranged in the vessel closure in such a manner that it sealingly rests on the opening of the vessel in the closed state. A polymer material becomes sufficiently free-flowing by warming and is applied to the vessel closure in the region of the sealing element that is to be produced, and optionally, is mechanically formed into the desired shape which it maintains after cooling. The invention also relates to a metal or plastic vessel closures for vessels for receiving drinks or food, and comprises a sealing insert, the material thereof being selected so that the migration of material components into the drink or food, that are a health risk, is prevented. The invention also relates to corresponding materials for said type of sealing inserts and to the use of specific polymers for producing the above-mentioned sealing inserts. |
| US08916077B1 |
Self-retaining sutures with retainers formed from molten material
Provided herein are sutures to be used in a procedure applied to tissue, and methods for forming such sutures. A suture can include an elongated suture body having a periphery, and a plurality of retainers formed from molten material applied to portions of the periphery. The retainers can extend from and be arranged along at least a segment of the elongated suture body. The retainers can be formed by applying molten material to portions of the periphery of the elongated suture body and cooling the material to form the retainers. |
| US08916074B2 |
Method for making resin hollow body and air flow measuring device
According to a method for making a resin hollow body, in a primary-formation process, molten resin is injected into spaces defined by dies to form resin components. In a die-moving process, each component is held in at least one die. Joining edges of the components are brought close through relative movement of the dies to make a predetermined arrangement of the components. In a secondary-formation process, molten resin is injected into a region where the edges are adjacent. The edges are joined to form an outer wall, partition wall, and hollow portion of the hollow body. At least one of the edges constituting the partition wall includes a linear groove. In the die-moving process, the partition-wall-constituting edges are brought into contact to define by the groove a linear hollow cavity surrounded with the edges. In the secondary-formation process, the cavity is filled with molten resin to join the partition-wall-constituting edges. |
| US08916072B2 |
Gradient-index (GRIN) lens fabrication employing laser pulse width duration control, and related components, systems, and methods
Gradient-index (GRIN) lens fabrication employing laser pulse width duration control, and related components, systems, and methods are disclosed. GRIN lenses can be fabricated from GRIN rods by controlling the pulse width emission duration of a laser beam emitted by a laser to laser cut the GRIN rod, as the GRIN rod is disposed in rotational relation to the laser beam. Controlling laser pulse width emission duration can prevent or reduce heat accumulation in the GRIN rod during GRIN lens fabrication. It is desired that the end faces of GRIN lenses are planar to facilitate light collimation, easy bonding or fusing of the GRIN lens to optical fibers to reduce optical losses, polishing to avoid spherical aberrations, and/or cleaning the end faces when disposed in a fiber optic connector, as non-limiting examples. |
| US08916067B2 |
Carbonaceous nano-scaled materials having highly functionalized surface
A method and composition wherein carbonaceous nano-scaled filler material is subjected to atmospheric plasma treatment using carbon monoxide as the active gas. The treatment with carbon monoxide plasma has been found to significantly increase the incorporation of oxygen groups on the surface of the filler material without degrading the surface and thus serves to increase wettability and dispersion throughout the matrix. The composite that incorporates the treated filler material has enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. |
| US08916066B2 |
Polymeric fused thiophene semiconductor formulation
A formulation including: an organic semiconducting material; and a carrier liquid including at least one of: a first liquid of the formulas (III) or (II): or mixtures of formulas (III) and (II); and a second liquid of a saturated or unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbylene compound of the formula (I): where the respective R1-8, x, and n are as defined herein, and optionally a tertiary liquid carrier, as defined herein. Also disclosed are semiconducting articles prepared with the formulations as defined herein. |
| US08916065B2 |
Phosphite compositions
Solid phosphite compositions comprising tris(4-t-alkylphenyl)phosphites and selected hydroxyalkyl amines exhibit surprising performance compared with other phosphite stabilizers in the stabilization of polymers, such as polyolefins and the like, particularly in the prevention of color formation during high temperature processing or when exposed to certain gasses during storage, e.g., “gas fading”. |
| US08916064B2 |
Functionalized matrices for dispersion of nanostructures
Matrixes doped with semiconductor nanocrystals are provided. In certain embodiments, the semiconductor nanocrystals have a size and composition such that they absorb or emit light at particular wavelengths. The nanocrystals can comprise ligands that allow for mixing with various matrix materials, including polymers, such that a minimal portion of light is scattered by the matrixes. The matrixes are optionally formed from the ligands. The matrixes of the present invention can be used as refractive index matching components, filters and antireflective coatings on optical devices and as down-converting layers. Processes for producing matrixes comprising semiconductor nanocrystals are also provided. Nanostructures having high quantum efficiency, small size, and/or a narrow size distribution are also described, as are methods of producing indium phosphide nanostructures and core-shell nanostructures with Group II-VI shells. |
| US08916063B2 |
Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal composition and an AM liquid crystal display device are described. The liquid crystal composition has a negative dielectric anisotropy, contains a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a two-ring compound having a small viscosity as a second component, and may further contain a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a third component, a specific compound having a small viscosity as a fourth component and a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a fifth component. The AM liquid crystal display device includes the liquid crystal composition. |
| US08916060B2 |
Lubricant for compression refrigerating machine and refrigerating apparatus using the same
The present invention provides a lubricating oil for a compression type refrigerator including a polyvinyl ether-based compound containing an alkylene glycol or polyoxyalkylene glycol unit and a vinyl ether unit in a molecule and having a molecular weight in a range of 300 to 3,000, and a dehydrating agent. The lubricating oil for a compression type refrigerator of the present invention has high miscibility and high viscosity index, and excellent in stability without degradation and alteration due to hydrolysis under carbon dioxide atmosphere. |
| US08916059B2 |
Fluorinated ketones as high-voltage insulating medium
A switching device for medium, high, or extremely high voltage, wherein at least one voltaged component of the switching device is enclosed in an enclosure and the enclosure is filled with a filling medium. The filling medium includes at least one compound from the group of fluorinated ketones, or consists of the same. |
| US08916056B2 |
Biasing system for a plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing apparatus includes a process chamber housing defining a process chamber, a platen positioned in the process chamber for supporting a workpiece, a source configured to generate plasma in the process chamber, and a biasing system. The biasing system is configured to bias the platen to attract ions from the plasma towards the workpiece during a first processing time interval and configured to bias the platen to repel ions from the platen towards interior surfaces of the process chamber housing during a cleaning time interval. The cleaning time interval is separate from the first processing time interval and occurring after the first processing time interval. |
| US08916051B2 |
Method of forming via hole
The present invention provides a method of forming via holes. First, a substrate is provided. A plurality of first areas is defined on the substrate. A dielectric layer and a blocking layer are formed on the substrate. A patterned photoresist layer is formed on the blocking layer. The patterned photoresist layer includes a plurality of holes arranged in a regular array wherein the area of the hole array is greater than those of the first areas. The blocking layer in the first areas is removed by using the patterned photoresist layer as a mask. Lastly, the dielectric layer is patterned to form at least a via hole in the dielectric layer in the first area. |
| US08916047B2 |
Accelerated bioremediation using supplemental compositions and oxygenated water
A method for bioremediation of contaminants, comprising contacting a contaminant with composite particles including at least one microbial available nutrient species and at least one fatty acid species, and contacting the contaminant with oxygenated water including greater than about 4 parts per million dissolved oxygen. Water may be oxygenated on-site using various oxygenating devices, such as an aspirator, aerator, impeller and diffuser. Optionally, the oxygenated water may be prepared with wastewater that is being remediated. The method may be used to maintain a dissolved oxygen concentration of greater than a setpoint concentration, such as at least 4 ppm. A preferred oxygenated water stream or source has a dissolved oxygen concentration of greater than 50 ppm. Where the contaminant is in a wastewater, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the remediation zone or the oxygenated water stream may be measured with a dissolved oxygen sensor. |
| US08916043B2 |
Coal conversion process and products, comprising two direct ebullated bed liquefaction stages and a fixed bed hydrocracking stage
A process for the conversion of coal into fuel bases comprises two successive direct liquefaction stages in ebullated bed reactors followed by a fixed bed hydrocracking stage. This process can produce excellent quality fuel bases (kerosene and diesel). |
| US08916040B2 |
System and method for measuring an analyte in a sample
Methods of determining a corrected analyte concentration in view of some error source are provided herein. The methods can be utilized for the determination of various analytes and/or various sources of error. In one example, the method can be configured to determine a corrected glucose concentration in view of an extreme level of hematocrit found within the sample. In other embodiments, methods are provided for identifying various system errors and/or defects. For example, such errors can include partial-fill or double-fill situations, high track resistance, and/or sample leakage. Systems are also provided for determining a corrected analyte concentration and/or detecting some system error. |
| US08916039B2 |
Aluminum or aluminum alloy barrel electroplating method
To provide a barrel electroplating method which is less prone to bare spots and adhesion failure such as blisters and peeling, and which makes it possible to obtain uniform plated coatings free from burnt deposits and poor brightness, irrespective of the amount of workpieces.The present invention provides a method for performing barrel electroplating by use of an aluminum or aluminum alloy plating bath, the method comprising rotating, swinging, or vibrating an anode (6) placed inside a barrel (4) receiving workpieces, and simultaneously rotating, swinging, or vibrating the barrel, with a voltage being applied between the anode and a cathode provided on an inner wall surface of the barrel. |
| US08916034B2 |
Thin-film forming sputtering system
A thin-film forming sputtering system capable of a sputtering process at a high rate. A thin-film forming sputtering system includes: a vacuum container; a target holder located inside the vacuum container; a target holder located inside the vacuum container; a substrate holder opposed to the target holder; a power source for applying a voltage between the target holder and the substrate holder; a magnetron-sputtering magnet provided behind the target holder, for generating a magnetic field having a component parallel to a target; and radio-frequency antennae for generating radio-frequency inductively-coupled plasma within a space in the vicinity of the target where the magnetic field generated by the magnetron-sputtering magnet has a strength equal to or higher than a predetermined level. The radio-frequency inductively-coupled plasma generated by the radio-frequency antennae promotes the supply of electrons into the aforementioned magnetic field, so that the sputtering process can be performed at a high rate. |
| US08916027B2 |
Prepreg
A prepreg for further processing to form a decorative paper is obtainable by impregnation of a decorative base paper with an impregnating resin solution that contains at least one styrene-alkylacrylate-hydroxyethylmethacrylate copolymer and at least one water-soluble polymer, wherein alkyl stands for methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl and the prepreg is notable for improved resistance to splitting as well as better adhesion and flatness. |
| US08916022B1 |
Plasma generator systems and methods of forming plasma
Systems and methods of forming plasma are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a plasma generation system includes a container comprising an insulating material, a means for forming a first plasma within the container from a processing gas, the first plasma including charged particles, a means for extracting a portion of the charged particles from the first plasma and storing the portion of extracted charged particles on the insulating material, and a means for forming a second plasma from the extracted portion of the charged particles and a second portion of the processing gas. |
| US08916021B2 |
Electrostatic chuck and showerhead with enhanced thermal properties and methods of making thereof
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide chamber components with enhanced thermal properties and methods of enhancing thermal properties of chamber components including bonding materials. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fabricating a composite structure. The method includes applying a bonding material to a first component, and converting the bonding material applied to the first component to an enhanced bonding layer by heating the bonding material to outgas volatile species from the bonding material. The outgassed volatile species accumulates to at least 0.05% in mass of the bonding material. The method further includes contacting a second component and the enhanced bonding layer to join the first and second components. |
| US08916019B2 |
Method for manufacturing solar cell module and precursor structure for solar cell module
The present invention aims to provide a method for manufacturing a solar cell module capable of improving positioning accuracy of solar cell elements relative to a light reflection plate. When a solar cell module is manufactured, a corrugated light reflection plate 4 is first prepared by bonding a thermoplastic resin film 7 to a plastic substrate 6. Subsequently, the light reflection plate 4 is set on a lower mold 10, and a thick resin sheet 12 made from an encapsulation resin is arranged on the light reflection plate 4. Then, vacuum suctioning and hot-press processing are performed sequentially, whereby a precursor assembly 13 is formed with the light reflection plate 4 and the resin sheet 12 attached together. Subsequently, a plurality of solar cell elements 2 is placed on an upper surface of the precursor assembly 13. Then, a thin resin sheet 14 made from the encapsulation resin is arranged on the solar cell elements 2, and a front surface plate 3 is arranged on the resin sheet 14. Subsequently, a cross-linking reaction of the encapsulation resin proceeds with a dry laminator, thus the respective solar cell elements 2 are laminated. |
| US08916009B2 |
Endodontic instruments and methods of manufacturing thereof
A method for manufacturing a nonlinear superelastic file comprising the steps of: providing a superelastic file having a shaft and a file axis; providing a fixture including a file groove being defined by one or more displacement members, the file groove configured for receiving the shaft; inserting at least a portion of the shaft into the fixture along the file groove, the portion of the shaft including a first portion of the shaft; contacting the first portion of the shaft with a first displacement member of the one or more displacement members such that the first portion of the shaft is displaced from the file axis thereby forming a first offset portion of the shaft; heating the portion of the shaft while inserted in the fixture to a temperature of at least about 300° C. for a time period of at least about 1 minute to shape-set the portion of the shaft thereby forming a shape-set nonlinear file. |
| US08916008B2 |
Steel part for machine structural use and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a steel part for machine structural use whose fatigue strength and toughness are improved and a manufacturing method thereof. A steel part made of a steel containing, in mass %, C: 0.05 to 0.20%, Si: 0.10 to 1.00%, Mn: 0.75 to 3.00%, P: 0.001 to 0.050%, S: 0.001 to 0.200%, V: 0.05 to 0.20%, Cr: 0.01 to 1.00%, Al: 0.001 to 0.500%, and N: 0.0080 to 0.0200%, and a balance being composed of Fe and inevitable impurities, in which a steel structure contains a bainite structure having an area ratio of 95% or more, a bainite lath width is 5 μm or less, V carbide having an average grain diameter of not less than 4 nm nor more than 7 nm dispersedly exists in the bainite structure, and an area ratio of V carbide in the bainite structure is 0.18% or more. |
| US08916007B2 |
Composition for chemical conversion treatment and member having a chemical conversion coating formed by the treatment
The object of this present invention is to provide novel means for inhibiting elution of hexavalent chromium from a chemical conversion coating. A composition for chemical conversion treatment comprises at least 0.1 g/L of a polyphenol and at least 1.5 g/L in chromium ion equivalent of an aqueous trivalent chromium compound and has a pH of 6 or less. A chemical conversion coating formed on a metallic surface of a member by contacting the surface with the composition for chemical conversion treatment has a hexavalent chromium content of 0.04 μg/cm2 or less after exposure to an environment having a temperature of 80 degrees C. and a relative humidity of 100% for 120 hours. The content of hexavalent chromium is measured by a method compliant with EN15205. A composition containing at least 0.1 g/L of a polyphenol can be used as a composition for post-coating treatment of a chemical conversion coating obtained by conventional chemical conversion treatment. |
| US08916006B2 |
Method of treating surface of metal base metallic material treated by the surface treatment method and method of coating the metallic material
A metal surface treatment method for a metal base material in order to improve the uniformity of a cathodic electrodeposition coating film, the method including: a surface treatment step for forming a chemical conversion film on a metal base material by contacting the metal base material with a metal surface treatment composition including zirconium and/or titanium ions and an adhesive imparting agent characterized in being at least one selected from the group consisting of (A) silicon-containing compound, (B) adhesive imparting metal ion, and (C) adhesive imparting resin; and a heating/drying step to heat and dry the metal base material, on which the chemical conversion film is formed, at 60° C. to 190° C. for at least 30 seconds. |
| US08916003B2 |
Wafer scrubber
A wafer scrubber is disclosed, including a chamber, and a holder connecting to a spindle disposed in the chamber, wherein the holder supports a wafer, and the wafer spins to remove water on the wafer, and a meshed inner cup comprising a plurality of through holes disposed between the holder and a wall of the chamber, wherein the meshed inner cup receives water from a surface of the wafer and rotates around the spindle to release the water through the through holes. |
| US08916000B2 |
System and method for producing carbon nanotubes
A system for producing carbon nanotubes includes a reaction chamber in which a process is performed for producing a carbon nanotube on a synthetic substrate; a station part disposed at one side of the reaction chamber and provided with a first transporter for loading/unloading the synthetic substrate to/from the reaction chamber; a first transporter installed inside the station part for loading/unloading synthetic substrates to/from the reaction chamber; a substrate accommodating part in which a substrate to be loaded to the reaction chamber is accommodated or a synthetic substrate unloaded from the reaction chamber waits; a retrieve part for drawing out a synthetic substrate from the substrate accommodating part to retrieve a carbon nanotube produced on the synthetic substrate; a catalyst coating unit configured for coating a synthetic substrate with a catalyst before the synthetic substrate is accommodated in the substrate accommodating part of the station part; and a second transporter for transporting a synthetic substrate between the retrieve part and the substrate accommodating part and between the catalyst coating unit and the substrate accommodating part. |
| US08915997B2 |
Durable concrete and method for producing the same
A concrete mix for producing freeze-thaw durable concrete having enhanced strength properties, like compressive strength, abrasion resistance, impact strength, toughness, is disclosed. The novel concrete mix contains deformable solid elements in place of 4-8% entrained air for good durability of concrete under freeze-thaw cycles. |
| US08915990B2 |
System and method for removing hydrogen sulfide from a natural gas stream
A refining system for refining a feed gas comprising hydrocarbons and hydrogen sulfide having a first concentration of hydrogen sulfide including a first part for producing a stream of a first processed feed gas, and a second part for producing a second stream of a second processed feed gas from the stream of the first processed feed gas using a separation process for H2S removal. |
| US08915988B2 |
Method for separating a medium mixture into fractions
The invention relates to a device for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density. The device comprises an inlet for the medium mixture to be separated, which connects to first separating means for separating the flowing mixture in at least a first and a second fraction, and that connect to first and second outlet means for discharging the first and second fractions. The device further comprises a feedback loop comprising second separating means between the second outlet means and the inlet means of the first separating means. The invention also relates to a method for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density, using the claimed device. The device and method allow to obtain a more selective separation, particularly in purifying natural gas. |
| US08915984B2 |
Isolator device
An isolator device having a work chamber, air supply means for supplying air of a unidirectional airflow traveling from an upper part to a lower part in the work chamber, and air discharge means for discharging air of the unidirectional airflow from a lower part of the work chamber are provided, and moreover, a bulkhead provided in parallel with a peripheral wall portion of the work chamber along the air of the unidirectional airflow and longitudinal air outlets opened along a width direction of a lower end portion in a lower part of the lower end portion of the bulkhead and attached so as to oppose an air inlet portion by a filter unit for air purification is provided. |
| US08915974B2 |
Method for manufacturing capacitor element
A capacitor element is obtained by chemically converting an anode body comprising a niobium or niobium alloy in an electrolyte solution, which is obtained by dissolving an oxygen supply agent such as hydrogen peroxide, a freezing point depressant such as ethylene glycol, and an electrolyte such as phosphoric acid in water, at a solution temperature lower than the freezing point of a solution having the composition of the electrolyte solution excluding the freezing point depressant, for forming a dielectric layer in the surface of the anode body or repairing a dielectric layer formed in the surface of the anode body. An electrolytic capacitor is obtained by forming a cathode on the dielectric layer of the capacitor element, electrically connecting the anode body and the cathode respectively to external terminals, and then sealing them. |
| US08915970B2 |
Transdermal prosthesis
A transdermal implant assembly including a transdermal bone fixator configured for anchoring into a bone. The fixator includes a longitudinally extending shaft configured to be received into a recess of the bone, and a spindle defining a cavity. A compliant biasing member is disposed within the cavity and an end cap is removably coupled to the spindle to seal the cavity. The compliant biasing member is accessible for adjustments from the external environment. |
| US08915969B2 |
Hydraulic prosthetic joint
The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and to joints for the same. In particular, the present invention provides hydraulic functional units (35), generally classified as damping devices as connected between artificial limbs whereby to enable movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In the provision of realistic joints, as used in prosthetic limbs, an important aspect in attempting to achieve a realistic movement is to provide a different operating characteristic to the joint when under load. Indeed, one of the more important characteristics of an artificial leg for achieving a natural-looking walking gait correspond with those of a so called stabilized knee, i.e. a knee which resists flexion when under load, that is when it is bearing at least some of the weight of the amputee. In accordance with the invention, there is provided hydraulic damper control elements for prostheses which utilize a pressure differential due to the presence a fluid flow as a direct control input for a at least one hydraulic valve (47). The valve can comprise a vortex flow arrangement (47f) to cause fluid flow to circulate about aperture. The valve can comprise a moveable element which abuts a resiliently mounted element which reduces the size of an aperture as the force increases. |
| US08915968B2 |
Prosthetic and orthotic devices and methods and systems for controlling the same
Prosthetic and/or orthotic devices (PODS), control systems for PODS and methods for controlling PODS are provided. As part of the control system, an inference layer collects data regarding a vertical and horizontal displacement of the POD, as well as an angle of the POD with respect to gravity during a gait cycle of a user of the POD. A processor analyzes the data collected to determine a locomotion activity of the user and selects one or more control parameters based on the locomotion activity. The inference layer may be situated between a reactive layer control module and a learning layer control module of the control system architecture. |
| US08915965B2 |
Anterior stabilized knee implant
A posterior cruciate ligament retaining knee implant prosthesis comprising a femoral component including a medial condyle and a lateral condyle separated from one another by an intercondylar channel adapted to accommodate throughput of a native cruciate ligament, both the medial condyle and the lateral condyle posteriorly terminate individually, the medial condyle including a medial condyle bearing surface and the lateral condyle including a lateral condyle bearing surface, the femoral component including an anterior cam, and a tibial component including a medial condyle receiver having a medial condyle receiver bearing surface, the tibial component also including a lateral condyle receiver having a lateral condyle receiver bearing surface, the tibial component also including an anterior post. |
| US08915964B2 |
Flexible dampening intervertebral spacer device
A flexible dampening intervertebral spacer (100) to replace a spinal disc comprising upper and lower plates (101,103), an articulation element (102) and optional intermediate members (804,805). The articulation element has a plurality of interposed, concentric ring shaped segments (202) separated by one or more spaces (201) and one or more bridging elements (203) connecting the interposed segments. A first portion of the articulation element, preferably an innermost segment, is preferably fixedly connected to the upper plate while a second portion of the articulation element, preferably the outermost segment, is preferably connected to the lower plate to permit relative movement of the endplates by elastic deflection or flexing of the articulation element without opposed surfaces rubbing against each other. |
| US08915962B1 |
Facet joint fixation device
A device for fixing the positions of proximate bone elements including an inter-bone implant adapted to be implanted between suitably prepared proximate bone elements, the inter-bone implant having an internally threaded aperture, a bone fixation apparatus including a base having an eyelet and a means connected to the base for mechanically fixing the positions of the proximate bone elements relative to each other, the eyelet being substantially aligned with the internally threaded aperture, and a screw having a head and a threaded shaft extending therefrom, wherein the shaft is operatively arranged to extend through the eyelet and threadingly engage the internally threaded aperture, and the screw is operatively arranged to secure the bone fixation apparatus to the inter-bone implant. |
| US08915959B2 |
Endovascular aortic valve replacement
The subject invention relates to a valve replacement system together with methods of preparation and use, are provided for endovascular replacement of a heart valve in a host. The valve replacement system includes up to five components: a prosthetic valve device, a valve introducer device, an intraluminal procedure device, a procedure device capsule, and a tissue cutter. The system provides for endovascular removal of a malfunctioning valve and subsequent replacement with a permanent prosthetic heart valve. |
| US08915956B2 |
Prosthesis with moveable fenestration
An endoluminal prosthesis with a moveable fenestration including a tubular graft body having a proximal end, a distal end, a surface plane at least one fenestration having a perimeter disposed in a sidewall of the tubular body between the proximal end and the distal end, a first biocompatible graft material, and a second biocompatible graft material adjacent to and surrounding the perimeter of the at least one fenestration. The second biocompatible graft material has at least one characteristic different from the first biocompatible graft material and is more flexible than the first biocompatible graft material and is movable relative to the surface plane of the tubular graft body. |
| US08915955B2 |
Stent graft fixation coupling
A small vessel stent graft with a fixation coupling that has a hyperboloid shape positioned at or near the proximal end of the graft. The coupling may be deployed within the fenestration of a fenestrated graft to provide multi-directional movement without compromising the integrity of the sealing zone. |
| US08915952B2 |
Method for treating aneurysms
A method for treating a bifurcation aneurysm, the aneurysm having an aneurysm neck, by positioning a first mechanically expandable device in a first bifurcation branch proximate to the aneurysm neck; positioning a second mechanically expandable device in a second bifurcation branch proximate to the aneurysm neck; and expanding the mechanically expandable devices to constrict the aneurysm neck such that blood circulation to the bifurcation aneurysm is reduced. |
| US08915947B2 |
Surgical access system
A portal for accessing a desired lamina portion of a desired cervical vertebra to perform a laminoplasty. In one aspect, a laminoplasty portal is presented that defines an interior conduit and has a first sidewall section and a second sidewall section. |
| US08915942B2 |
Skin wound closure apparatus
The invention discloses a skin wound closure device capable of promoting skin wound healing and characterized by being capable of randomly adjusting stitching force for a wound. The skin wound closure device includes a support structure respectively arranged at both sides of a skin wound, at least one locking device is arranged above the support structure, the locking device includes a locking bar and a locking buckle arranged on the support structure, the locking bar is movably connected within the locking buckle, and a locking member is arranged on the locking buckle and can lock or loosely fit the locking bar in the locking buckle. Arrangement of the locking member allows doctors to loosely fit the locking bar in the locking buckle by controlling the locking member, randomly move the support structure and the locking device towards the direction close to the skin wound or the direction away from the skin wound, and lock the locking bar in the locking buckle by the locking member after proper movement, thus achieving the purpose of randomly adjusting the stitching force for the skin wound. The skin wound closure device is suitable for widespread application to healing treatment of skin wounds. |
| US08915941B2 |
Fistula closure devices and methods
Described are methods and systems for treating fistulae and other passageways and openings in the body. In certain aspects, an anchored suture is provided that extends from at or near a first fistula opening and through a fistula tract toward a second fistula opening. Various modes of anchoring may be used in this regard including, in some modes, having the suture extend from a deployed anchoring member positioned in and/or around the first opening. The anchored suture, which has a more slender cross sectional dimension relative to the fistula tract through which it extends, is capable of receiving an optional fill substance therealong in the tract. A fill substance can be or include a variety of biodegradable and/or non-biodegradable objects and materials including flowable and non-flowable materials. |
| US08915940B2 |
Surgical tool
A surgical tool for minimally invasive surgery. The surgical tool in one embodiment includes a manipulator as a user interface, a proximal universal joint mounted to the manipulator, a hollow elongated member such as a tube mounted to the proximal universal joint, and a distal universal joint mounted to the other end of the elongated member. An end effector is mounted to the distal universal joint second end. Pivoting of the first end of the proximal universal joint causes the second end of the distal universal joint to move in a corresponding motion, and cabling operatively couples the proximal and distal universal joints. The proximal and distal universal joints may each include two yokes and a center block. Cabling may include four cables that each engage two round elements at the proximal and distal universal joints mounting locations to the center block. |
| US08915938B2 |
Apparatus and method for treatment of sinusitis
A method of treating a constricted sinus passageway of a patient includes traversing the canine fossa region of the patient so as to form a passageway in the sinus cavity. A cannula is positioned in the passageway. A visualization tool such as an endoscope is passed through a lumen or channel in the cannula to aid in visualization of the anatomical site of interest. A balloon dilation catheter is then deployed through or along the cannula so as to place the balloon within or across the constricted anatomical space (e.g., ostium). The balloon is then expanded so as to expand at least a portion of the constricted anatomical space. Alternative embodiments include the use of an optional guide wire and incorporating a endoscope lumen through the balloon dilation catheter. |
| US08915937B2 |
Puncture needle cartridge
A puncture needle cartridge including a puncture needle, a lancet body adapted to cover part or all of a tip of the puncture needle, a cylindrical puncture needle holder disposed on an outer surface of the lancet body to permit the lancet body to move in an axial direction of the puncture needle; and a protective cap that is separable from the puncture needle holder. The protective cap includes a base adapted to cover an opening in the puncture needle holder, a shaft protruding from the base, and arms mounted on the shaft and configured to abut an inner circumferential surface of the opening in the puncture needle holder by spreading in the opening. A space between tips of the arms is larger than an inside diameter of the opening in the puncture needle holder, and is reduced by elastic deformation when the arms are housed in the opening. |
| US08915936B2 |
Discectomy instrument
The present invention provides a discectomy instrument that is capable of removing portions of the spinal disc between adjacent vertebrae in a controlled manner that is efficient and easy to use. In an exemplary embodiment, the discectomy instrument includes a handle, a rotary scraper, a barrel, a drive shaft, an outer sleeve and a retaining clip. |
| US08915934B2 |
Anastomosis system with anvil entry hole sealer
A system for connecting the end of a graft vessel to the side of a target vessel may include an anvil configured to enter the target vessel through an anvil entry hole in the wall of the target vessel; a holder movable relative to the anvil, where that holder may deploy at least one connector through the graft vessel and into the target vessel at a location spaced apart from the anvil entry hole; and at least one sealer that may be detachably connected to the anvil and/or said holder; where at least one sealer may be configured to substantially close the anvil entry hole in the target vessel. A method for performing anastomosis between a graft vessel and a target vessel may include inserting an anvil through the wall of the target vessel into the lumen of the target vessel from outside of the target vessel through an anvil entry hole; connecting an end of the graft vessel to the side of the target vessel with a plurality of connectors at a location spaced apart from the anvil entry hole; creating an opening in the side of the target vessel, where the opening is located within a perimeter defined by the connectors and spaced apart from the anvil entry hole; withdrawing the anvil through the anvil entry hole; and substantially sealing the anvil entry hole. |
| US08915927B2 |
Systems, methods and devices relating to delivery of medical implants
Implant delivery systems are disclosed. In general overview, an exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in suprapubic, prepubic, transvaginal, trans-obturator and other approaches are also disclosed. |
| US08915924B2 |
Drill guide system
A drill guide includes a first bone plate that extends along a first middle plane, and a second bone plate that extends along a second middle plane. The drill guide further includes a first articulation and a second articulation that is connected to the first articulation. The first and second articulations are arranged between the first and the second bone plate. Each of the first and second articulations is releasably lockable. |
| US08915922B2 |
Method of planning and performing a spherical osteotomy using the 3-dimensional center of rotation of angulation (CORA)
A pre-surgical planning method for performing a spherical osteotomy for the surgical sectioning of a bone includes obtaining a CT scan of a bone. Subsequently manipulating the scan into a three-dimensional CAD format. Utilizing the scan to identify one or more centers of bone correction or 3D CORAs. A surface, configured in the shape of a portion of a sphere, e.g., a semisphere, is then superimposed on the computer representation of the bone. The center of the surface is positioned at a respective center of bone correction. The intersection of the surface and the bone defines a sectioning surface along which the bone is to be cut. Simulating a sectioning of the bone along the sectioning surface and the subsequent realignment of the bone in an optimal configuration using the computer is then performed. The computer simulation is then utilized as a guide for actually sectioning the bone. |
| US08915921B2 |
Autologous bone harvest during osteotomy and bone drilling procedures
An apparatus and method for collecting particulate bone from the operating site during an osteotomy or bone drilling procedure so that it can be used subsequently to augment the bone fusion process. A bone cutting or drilling tool is provided with a module for collecting particulate bone simultaneously with cutting or drilling the bone. The collected particulate bone is transferred continuously to a sterile containment module and maintained under sterile conditions until it is prepared for re-use in the patient. |
| US08915920B2 |
Medical device
An attachment for a surgical instrument including a drive input hub for connection to a power source; a drive output hub for connection to a surgical instrument; and a body connecting the drive input hub to the drive output hub, the body including a mechanism for transferring drive from the input hub to the output hub, and wherein the body, the drive input hub and the drive output hub are at least in part not coaxial. A method for surgically preparing a bone using the attachment is also provided. |
| US08915919B2 |
Bone rifling system and method of preparing a bone using such system
A bone rifling system for use in prosthesis, which allows improved prosthetic bone fixation. The system comprises orthopedic undercut reamer, which can cut controlled internal groove circles or spiral grooves on the internal surface of host bone. The system converts the commonly reamed smooth bone to grooved or rifled bony tube. Used together with bone cements, the bone rifling system ensures prosthetic bone fixation by significantly increasing the pull out strength, and decreasing the rate of clinical loosening and failure of replacement joints. Also disclosed is a method for preparing a bone for a prosthesis using such a bone rifling system to cut grooves in a host bone for increased prosthetic bone fixation. |
| US08915916B2 |
Intramedullary fixation device for small bone fractures
A fracture fixation system particularly useful for bones of the hand and foot is disclosed. The system uses curved shape-memory alloy (e.g., Nitinol) wires that have a predetermined radius of curvature to accommodate different sized bones. These shape-memory alloy wire forms can be inserted into phalanx, metacarpal or metatarsal bones via a percutaneous technique. The technique uses small skin incisions; a specialized drill guide that has holding K-wires to maintain fixation of the drill guide to the bone so that it does not lose the insertion point; a specialized drill as well as a specialized wire cutter and advancement tool to make sure that the level of the wire is below the level of the outer cortical bone. Shape-memory alloy (e.g., Nitinol) based wires with a pre-bent curve have an advantage over the typical standard K-wire in that they can spring back to their predetermined memory shape when inserted into the intramedullary canal of the bone and heated, i.e., a more aggressive curve. By increasing their bending or flexion to increase the arc of curvature, this allows fixation points for the wire, essentially locking it to bone. |
| US08915913B2 |
Electrosurgical instrument
An electrosurgical instrument for minimally invasive surgery, the instrument including two gripping parts which can be brought together into a gripping direction or moved apart counter to the gripping direction. At least one gripping part includes three or more electrically conductive sections, electrically insulated relative to each other. Each electrically conductive section may be separately connected to a high frequency (RF) current generator such that each electrically conductive section can be configured in various electrical configurations by the RF current generator. |
| US08915910B2 |
Electrosurgical system
Phase end point determination is provided to automatically halt the application of energy to tissue. Prior to the application of energy, the phase end point determination is identified by measuring the product of permittivity and conductivity of the tissue to be treated. An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances. |
| US08915907B2 |
Tattoo removal with two laser beams via multi-photon processes
A method for removing tattoos using two laser beams and a multi-photon process is disclosed. A 0.1 to 100 nsec pulse secondary laser beam focused to 108 W/cm2 creates a temporary channel from the skin surface to the tattoo pigment. A 100 fsec pulse main laser beam is then guided through the channel to the pigment and focused to sufficient intensity, i.e., 1012 W/cm2 or more, to initiate a multi-photon process that breaks up the pigment, disrupting its light reflecting properties. The channel allows the main laser beam unobstructed passage to the pigments, resulting in efficient use of the main laser. The pigment fragments escape through the temporary channel or diffuse into the blood stream. A suitably configured Ti/Sapphire laser beam is split into two components, with an uncompressed component used as the secondary laser beam, and a compressed component as the main laser beam. |
| US08915901B2 |
Fastening and carrying device for a disposable absorbent incontinence pad
A fastening and carrying device (2) for a disposable absorbent incontinence pad (4) has a belt (6) which is closed on itself in a detachable manner by means of belt closure elements (22), thus forming a continuous hip opening in the circumferential hip direction (8). The belt (6) has one flap section (32, 34) each proceeding from the back region (16) and the abdominal region (14) extending in a longitudinal direction in direction (38) on the crotch region of the user, having preferably mechanically acting closure elements (40, 42) on the side thereof facing the body, which interact in a detachably adhering manner with complementary, preferably mechanically acting, closure elements on the side of the incontinence pad (4) facing away from the body. |
| US08915900B2 |
Disposable pants-type diaper
A disposable diaper having front and rear waist regions that comprise an upper elasticized region extending in a vicinity of a waist-opening periphery, lower elasticized regions, intermediate elasticized region extending between the upper elasticized region and the lower elasticized regions and outside longitudinally opposite ends of a liquid-absorbent structure. At least in the front waist region of the front and rear waist regions, there is a non-elasticized region opposed to a central zone of a liquid-absorbent core wherein a tensile stress of the intermediate elasticized region is lower than a tensile stress of the upper elasticized region. |
| US08915899B2 |
Absorbent article with raised body conforming structure
An absorbent article includes a body side liner, a back sheet, an absorbent body positioned between the body side liner and the back sheet, and a body conforming structure positioned in direct facing relation with the body side liner. The body conforming structure length is at least 50% the absorbent body length and is aligned with a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article. The median anterior portion width of the body conforming structure is greater than the median central portion width of the body conforming structure which is greater than the median posterior portion width of the body conforming structure. The anterior portion includes a well, the central portion includes a channel, and the posterior portion includes a taper. The well transitions into the channel via a first convex transition and a concave transition. The channel transitions into the taper via a second convex transition. |
| US08915898B2 |
Absorbent article with recessed body conforming structure
An absorbent article includes a body side liner, a back sheet, an absorbent body positioned between the body side liner and the back sheet, and a distribution layer positioned between the absorbent body and the back sheet. The absorbent body defines a first opening having an opening length that is at least 50% the absorbent body length. The first opening has a median anterior portion width that is greater than a median central portion width that is greater than a median posterior portion width. The first opening includes a well, a channel, and a taper. The well transitions into the channel via a first convex transition and a concave transition. The channel transitions into the taper via a second convex transition. |
| US08915892B2 |
T-piece for creating turbulence
Extracorporeal blood treatment methods are usually performed with anticoagulation of the blood. In regional anticoagulation with citrate, sometimes a blood clot is observed in the extracorporeal circulation at the point of addition of the calcium substitution solution. In such a case, the treatment must be interrupted. To prevent such an interruption, the point of addition is configured as a T-piece having a spiral structure for generating turbulence. |
| US08915891B2 |
Integrated catheter securement and luer access device
A Luer securement device comprising a Luer adapter having a septum and a catheter hood, the Luer adapter further having a wedge seal for receiving a base portion of a catheter. The Luer securement device further includes an inserter body in which is slidably housed a catheter threader having a probe which is configured to advance a base portion of a catheter through the septum thereby seating the base portion of the catheter into the wedge seal of the Luer adapter as a tip portion of the catheter is inserted into a patient. The catheter threader further includes a needle adapter having a needle which is threaded through the probe and the catheter to assist in inserting the catheter into the patient. Following insertion of the catheter, the catheter threader is retracted within the inserter body thereby withdrawing the needle from the catheter and shielding a sharpened tip of the needle within at least one of the inserter body and the catheter threader. The inserter body is then detached from the Luer adapter and discarded. |
| US08915888B2 |
Dosing and drive mechanism for drug delivery device
The present invention relates to drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices, in particular pen-type injectors, wherein a number of pre-set doses of medicinal product can be administered. In particular, the present invention relates to such drug delivery devices where a user may activate the drug delivery device. |
| US08915887B2 |
Medical injection device with large, mechanical cipher dose display
An injection device is disclosed which comprises a housing (10) with a display for showing the size of a set dose. The display is formed from a number of individual ciphers (11, 40) which each comprises a plurality of segments (13, 14) extending horizontally and vertically. At the end of the injection device a dose setting element (20) is provided for allowing the user to set the size of the dose to be injected. Further, the display mechanism comprises a first pattern (35) for showing the vertical segments (14), and a second pattern (25) for showing the horizontal segments (13). The patterns (25, 35) are associated with the dose setting button (20) and arranged to be moved when the dose setting button (20) is operated. The injection device disclosed can have any number of ciphers (11, 40) which is coupled to each other in order to show to the user the size of any dose set. |
| US08915884B2 |
Access device
An access device places a medical article within a body space of a patient. The device has a needle section that includes an elongated body and a needle hub. The device further includes a dilator portion that has a dilator and a dilator hub. The dilator is coaxially disposed and slideable over the elongated body of the needle section. The device further includes a sheath section that has a sheath and a sheath hub. The sheath is coaxially disposed and slideable over the dilator. The device further includes a first locking mechanism operably disposed between the needle hub and the dilator hub to inhibit at least unintentional axial movement between the needle section and the dilator portion and a second locking mechanism operably disposed between the dilator hub and the sheath hub to inhibit at least unintentional axial movement between the dilator portion and the sheath section. |
| US08915882B2 |
Needle assembly for drug pump
A needle assembly adapted for fluid communication with a cartridge containing a substance to be delivered to a subject, the needle assembly characterized by a biasing device (70) arranged to apply a biasing force on a needle (28, 116) to cause the needle (28, 116) to protrude outwards of a housing (30, 112) to pierce the subject, and biasing device release apparatus (60) including a biasing device arrestor (62) that initially blocks movement of the biasing device (70) and which releases the biasing device (70) when the safety latch (32, 122) moves to a position that permits moving the needle holder (26, 118) to cause the needle (28, 116) to protrude outwards of the housing (30, 112). |
| US08915881B2 |
Injection device with holding means to prevent unintentional movements of piston rod
The invention relates to a injection device, comprising a housing being adapted to receive in its proximal housing portion a container with an injection fluid and to receive in its distal housing portion a dose setting and injection mechanism, wherein the mechanism includes a piston rod being axially displaceable with respect to the housing for dispensing injection fluid from the container, wherein the piston rod has an outer thread and is arranged torque proof with respect to the housing, dose setting means comprising a threaded element, which threaded element has an inner thread being in engagement with the outer thread of the piston rod, is designed so that its axial position relative to the housing is changeable and is rotatable relative to the piston rod and relative to the housing during setting of an injection dose, wherein the dose setting means are designed such that the threaded element is held in torque proof manner relative to the piston rod and to the housing during the injection of the beforehand set injection dose in such a manner that the threaded element and the piston rod are axially displaceable together with respect to the housing, wherein the mechanism further comprises holding means being in contact with the piston rod and being designed such that the axial displacement of the piston rod can be substantially immobilized during use of the device except for the dispensing of the injection dose. It is proposed according to the invention that the holding means are axially fixed with respect to the housing. |