Document Document Title
US08941168B2 Semiconductor device including a multilayered interelectrode insulating film
A semiconductor device includes an element isolation region having an element isolation insulating film therein; an active region delineated by the element isolation region; agate insulating film formed in the active region; a charge storage layer above the gate insulating film; and an interelectrode insulating film. The interelectrode insulating film is formed in a first region above an upper surface of the element isolation insulating film, a second region along a sidewall of the charge storage layer, and a third region above an upper surface of the charge storage layer. The interelectrode insulating film includes a stack of a first silicon oxide film, a first silicon nitride film, a second silicon oxide film, and a second silicon nitride film. A control electrode layer is formed above the interelectrode insulating film. The second silicon oxide film is thinner in the first region than in the third region.
US08941165B2 Methods of fabricating integrated circuit capacitors having u-shaped lower capacitor electrodes
Methods are provided for fabricating semiconductor devices having capacitors, which prevent lower electrodes of the capacitors from breaking or collapsing and which provide increased capacitance of the capacitors. For instance, a method includes forming a first insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a first hole in the first insulating layer, forming a contact plug in the first hole, forming a second insulating layer having a landing pad, wherein the landing pad contacts an upper surface of the contact plug, forming an etch stop layer on the landing pad and the second insulating layer, forming a third insulating layer on the etch stop layer; forming a third hole through the third insulating layer and etch stop layer to expose the landing pad, selectively etching the exposed landing pad, forming a lower electrode on the selectively etched landing pad, and then forming a capacitor by forming a dielectric layer and an upper electrode on the lower electrode.
US08941159B2 Color filter including clear pixel and hard mask
Embodiments of an apparatus including a color filter arrangement formed on a substrate having a pixel array formed therein. The color filter arrangement includes a clear filter having a first clear hard mask layer and a second clear hard mask layer formed thereon, a first color filter having the first clear hard mask layer and the second hard mask layer formed thereon, a second color filter having the first clear hard mask layer formed thereon, and a third color filter having no clear hard mask layer formed thereon. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US08941155B2 Fin field effect transistors including multiple lattice constants and methods of fabricating the same
A Field Effect Transistor (FET) structure may include a fin on a substrate having a first lattice constant and at least two different lattice constant layers on respective different axially oriented surfaces of the fin, wherein the at least two different lattice constant layers each comprise lattice constants that are different than the first lattice constant and each other.
US08941151B2 Patterning method, method of manufacturing organic field effect transistor, and method of manufacturing flexible printed circuit board
In the condition where a nozzle for applying a coating liquid is disposed on the lower side of a substrate and a substrate surface controlled in wettability is faced down, the nozzle and the substrate are moved relative to each other, whereby the coating liquid is applied to a desired region of the substrate, and then the coating liquid is dried, to obtain a pattern included a dried coating layer.
US08941150B2 Power routing in standard cells
An integrated circuit created from a cell library of compact cells. The cell library includes cells having a metal trace routed along the boundary of the cells for carrying a power supply voltage. The cells also include another metal trace routed along the interior of the cells for carrying another power supply voltage. A cell pin carrying an input signal or output signal of the cell is located outside of the region between the two power rails. By routing the power supply voltages and cell pins of the cell in this manner, the integrated circuit created from the cell is extremely compact while still complying with various design rules.
US08941148B2 Semiconductor device and method
A semiconductor device is disclosed. One embodiment includes a lateral HEMT (High Electron Mobility Transistor) structure with a heterojunction between two differing group III-nitride semiconductor compounds and a layer arranged on the heterojunction. The layer includes a group III-nitride semiconductor compound and at least one barrier to hinder current flow in the layer.
US08941147B2 Transistor formation using cold welding
A device and method for fabrication includes providing a first substrate assembly including a first substrate and a first metal layer formed on the first substrate and a second substrate assembly including a second substrate and a second metal layer formed on the second substrate. The first metal layer is joined to the second metal layer using a cold welding process wherein one of the first substrate and the second substrate includes a semiconductor channel layer for forming a transistor device.
US08941141B2 Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device having a corner includes a light-emitting stacked layer having a first conductivity type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer formed on the first conductivity type semiconductor layer, and a second conductivity type semiconductor layer formed on the light-emitting layer. A transparent conductive oxide layer is formed on the second conductivity type semiconductor layer. The upper surface of the transparent conductive oxide layer is textured. A first electrode is formed on the upper surface of the transparent conductive oxide layer. A second electrode is formed on the first conductivity type semiconductor layer. A planarization layer is formed on the transparent conductive oxide layer and the first conductivity type semiconductor layer, and a reflective layer is formed on the upper surface of the planarization layer. The projection of the edge of the reflective layer is not overlapped with the edge of the first electrode or the second electrode.
US08941138B2 Semiconductor structure comprising a stacked dielectric layer
A semiconductor structure includes a gate, an oxide channel layer, a gate insulating layer, a source, a drain and a dielectric stacked layer. The oxide channel layer is stacked over the gate, with the gate insulting layer disposed therebetween. The source and the drain are disposed on a side of the oxide channel layer and in parallel to each other. A portion of the oxide channel layer is exposed between the source and the drain. The dielectric stacked layer is disposed on the substrate and includes plural of first inorganic dielectric layers with a first refraction index and plural of second inorganic dielectric layers with a second refraction index that are stacked alternately. At least one of the first inorganic dielectric layers directly covers the source, the drain and the portion of the oxide channel layer. The first refraction index is smaller than the second refraction index.
US08941134B2 Leadframe-based packages for solid state light emitting devices having heat dissipating regions in packaging
A modular package for a light emitting device includes a leadframe including a first region having a top surface, a bottom surface and a first thickness and a second region having a top surface, a bottom surface and a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. The leadframe further includes an electrical lead extending laterally away from the second region, and the package further includes a thermoset package body on the leadframe and surrounding the first region. The thermoset package body may be on both the top and bottom surfaces of the second region. A leak barrier may be on the leadframe, and the package body may be on the leak barrier. Methods of forming modular packages including thermoset package bodies on leadframes are also disclosed.
US08941130B2 Semiconductor light-emitting device
A semiconductor light emitting device includes: a semiconductor chip having a growth surface that is a nonpolar or semipolar plane, and emitting polarized light; and a reflector having a reflective surface. At least part of light in a plane L90 is reflected off the reflective surface in a direction of a normal line to the growth surface, and an amount of light reflected off the reflective surface in the plane L90 in the direction of the normal line is larger than that of light reflected off the reflective surface on a plane L45 in the direction of the normal line, where the plane L90 represents a plane including the normal line and oriented at 90° to a polarization direction of the polarized light, and the plane L45 represents a plane including the normal line, and oriented at 45° to the polarization direction of the polarized light.
US08941123B2 Local interconnects by metal-III-V alloy wiring in semi-insulating III-V substrates
A structure and method of producing a semiconductor structure including a semi-insulating semiconductor layer, a plurality of isolated devices formed over the semi-insulating semiconductor layer, and a metal-semiconductor alloy region formed in the semi-insulating semiconductor layer, where the metal-semiconductor alloy region electrically connects two or more of the isolated devices.
US08941122B2 Silicon carbide semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
In a manufacturing method of a silicon carbide semiconductor device, a semiconductor substrate made of single crystal silicon carbide is prepared. At a portion of the semiconductor substrate where a first electrode is to be formed, a metal thin film made of electrode material including an impurity is formed. After the metal thin film is formed, the first electrode including a metal reaction layer in which the impurity is introduced is formed by irradiating the metal thin film with a laser light.
US08941120B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first, a second, a third, a fourth semiconductor region, a control electrode, and an insulating film. The first region contains silicon carbide. The second region is provided on the first region and contains silicon carbide. The third region is provided on the second region and contains silicon carbide. The fourth region is provided on the third region and contains silicon carbide. The control electrode is provided in a trench. The trench is formed in the fourth, the third, and the second semiconductor region. The insulating film is provided between a side surface of the trench and the control electrode. The insulating film contains a high-dielectric constant region. The high-dielectric constant region contacts with at least the third semiconductor region. The high-dielectric constant region has a higher dielectric constant than a dielectric constant of silicon oxide.
US08941116B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
In an aspect of a semiconductor device, there are provided a substrate, a transistor including an electron transit layer and an electron supply layer formed over the substrate, a nitride semiconductor layer formed over the substrate and connected to a gate of the transistor, and a controller controlling electric charges moving in the nitride semiconductor layer.
US08941110B2 E-fuses containing at least one underlying tungsten contact for programming
Semiconductor structures are provided containing an electronic fuse (E-fuse) that includes a fuse element and at least one underlying tungsten contact that is used for programming the fuse element. In some embodiments, a pair of neighboring tungsten contacts is used for programming the fuse element. In another embodiment, an overlying conductive region can be used in conjunction with one of the underlying tungsten contacts to program the fuse element. In the disclosed structures, the fuse element is in direct contact with upper surfaces of a pair of underlying tungsten contacts. In one embodiment, the semiconductor structures may include an interconnect level located atop the fuse element. The interconnect level has a plurality of conductive regions embedded therein. In other embodiments, the fuse element is located within an interconnect level that is located atop the tungsten contacts.
US08941108B2 Method to perform electrical testing and assembly of electronic devices
A method performs electrical testing and assembly of an electronic device on a wafer and comprising a pad made in an oxide layer covered by a passivation layer. The method includes connecting the electronic device to a testing apparatus; providing said electronic device with a metallization layer extending on the passivation layer from the pad to a non-active area of said wafer. The method comprises-performing the electrical testing on wafer of the electronic device by placing a probe of on a portion of the extended metallization layer; performing the cut of said wafer, reducing the extension of the metallization layer to the edge of the electronic device; embedding the device inside a package, forming on the metallization layer an electrical connection configured to connect the metallization layer to a circuit in said package.
US08941106B2 Display device, array substrate, and thin film transistor thereof
A thin film transistor is provided. In this thin film transistor, the thickness of the gate is increased. Therefore, the source and drain of this thin film transistor can be disposed on the side wall of the gate to decrease the occupied area of the thin film transistor. An array substrate and a display device using the thin film transistor are also provided.
US08941105B2 Zinc oxide based compound semiconductor light emitting device
There is provided a semiconductor light emitting device in which light emitting efficiency is totally improved in case of emitting a light having a short wavelength of 400 nm or less by raising internal quantum efficiency by enhancing crystallinity of semiconductor layers laminated and by raising external quantum efficiency by taking out the light emitted by preventing the light emitted from being absorbed in the substrate or the like, as much as possible. In case of laminating ZnO compound semiconductor layers (2 to 6) so as to form a light emitting layer forming portion (7) for emitting the light having a wavelength of 400 nm or less on a substrate (1), a substrate composed of MgxZn1-xO (0≦x≦0.5) is used as the substrate (1).
US08941102B2 Organic electroluminescent element
The organic electroluminescent element which is designed to emit white light in a range of a low color temperature to a high color temperature that is important for an illumination light source with a minor design change, and, moreover, has high color rendering property especially in an average color rendering index Ra and a special color rendering index R9 for red, while being highly efficient and long-life is obtained. The organic electroluminescent element includes: a transparent electrode; a first light-emitting unit including blue and green fluorescent light-emitting layers; an intermediate layer; a second light-emitting unit including red and green phosphorescent light-emitting layers; and a reflecting electrode. The first and second light-emitting units are stacked and the intermediate layer is interposed therebetween. The first light-emitting unit is designed to emit light by use of a phenomenon that a singlet exciton is generated by collision and fusion of two triplet excitons.
US08941094B2 Methods for adjusting the conductivity range of a nanotube fabric layer
Methods for adjusting and/or limiting the conductivity range of a nanotube fabric layer are disclosed. In some aspects, the conductivity of a nanotube fabric layer is adjusted by functionalizing the nanotube elements within the fabric layer via wet chemistry techniques. In some aspects, the conductivity of a nanotube fabric layer is adjusted by functionalizing the nanotube elements within the fabric layer via plasma treatment. In some aspects, the conductivity of a nanotube fabric layer is adjusted by functionalizing the nanotube elements within the fabric layer via CVD treatment. In some aspects, the conductivity of a nanotube fabric layer is adjusted by functionalizing the nanotube elements within the fabric layer via an inert ion gas implant.
US08941088B2 Nonvolatile memory with resistance change layer
A nonvolatile memory device includes: a first conductive layer; a second conductive layer; a first resistance change layer provided between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer and having an electrical resistance changing with at least one of an applied electric field and a passed current; and a first lateral layer provided on a lateral surface of the first resistance change layer and having an oxygen concentration higher than an oxygen concentration in the first resistance change layer.
US08941086B2 Charged particle beam irradiation apparatus
A charged particle beam irradiation apparatus includes: an irradiation section configured to irradiate an irradiated body with a charged particle beam; a gantry in which an irradiation section is disposed and which can rotate or oscillate around a central axis line; an enclosure in which the irradiated body is disposed; and a gantry-side transport line that has an inlet section on which a charged particle beam emitted from an accelerator is incident and that is supported on the gantry and configured to transport an incident charged particle beam to the irradiation section, in which the gantry has a first bearing section provided between the inlet section of the gantry-side transport line and the enclosure, and a second bearing section provided on a side opposite to the first bearing section with respect to the enclosure.
US08941082B2 Dual sided workpiece handling
A processing apparatus includes a process chamber defining an enclosed volume, and a dual sided workpiece assembly disposed in the enclosed volume. The dual sided workpiece assembly includes a base portion and a flip portion coupled to the base portion. The flip portion has a support surface configured to support at least one dual sided workpiece and is configured to rotate about a flipping axis. The processing apparatus also includes a controller configured to control the dual sided workpiece assembly to expose a first side of the at least one dual sided workpiece to accelerating ions in the process chamber during a first time interval and to expose a second side of the at least one dual sided workpiece to accelerating ions during a second time interval different than the first time interval by rotating the flip portion about the flipping axis.
US08941070B2 Portable digital image detector positioning apparatus
An imaging system is provided. In one embodiment, an imaging system includes a radiation source and a digital detector. The imaging system may also include first and second structures, each configured to receive the digital detector. Further, the imaging system may include system control circuitry configured to control exposure of the digital detector by the radiation source and to acquire image data from the digital detector. Additionally, the digital detector may be configured to communicate its location to the system control circuitry based on receipt of the digital detector by the first or second receiving structures. Additional systems, methods, and devices are also disclosed.
US08941067B2 Leadless chip carrier thermal adapter for dewar packaging
A method for cooling an imaging device includes providing, by a cold finger, a cold sink to the imaging device and conducting heat from a cold shield, a sensor chip assembly and a leadless chip carrier towards the cold finger through a plurality of parallel paths. The imaging device includes a dewar assembly having a cold shield, a sensor chip assembly disposed on a leadless chip carrier (LCC) and configured to capture an infrared image, a cold finger configured to cool the dewar assembly; and a thermal adapter. The thermal adapter is configured to draw heat from the cold shield and sensor chip assembly through a plurality of parallel paths towards the cold finger.
US08941066B2 Apparatus and methods of infrared signal processing for motion detectors
An apparatus and method of processing signals from a passive infrared sensor evaluates energy of received signals. An integration or accumulation process can be used to provide an indicator of signal energy. This indicator can be compared to a predetermined alarm threshold to determine if an alarm indication should be generated.
US08941065B2 Space perception device
Disclosed is a space perception device which includes a transceiver unit transmitting and receiving a signal; a processing unit analyzing signals transmitted and received through the transceiver unit to search location information of an obstacle at a space; and a vibration unit providing a user with location information of an obstacle at a space in response to a control of the processing unit. The vibration unit includes a plurality of vibrators having different three-dimensional coordinates.
US08941064B2 Uncooled infrared detector and methods for manufacturing the same
This disclosure discusses various methods for manufacturing uncooled infrared detectors by using foundry-defined silicon-on-insulator (SOI) complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) wafers, each of which may include a substrate layer, an insulation layer having a pixel region and a wall region surrounding the pixel region, a pixel structure formed on the pixel region of the insulation layer, a wall structure formed adjacent to the pixel structure and on the wall region of the insulation layer, a dielectric layer covering the pixel structure and the wall structure, a pixel mask formed within the dielectric layer and for protecting the pixel structure during a dry etching process, and a wall mask formed within the dielectric layer and for protecting the wall structure during the dry etching process, thereby releasing a space defined between the wall structure and the pixel structure after the dry etching process.
US08941063B2 Thermal detector, thermal detection device, electronic instrument, and thermal detector manufacturing method
A thermal detector includes a substrate; a support member supported on the substrate interposed by a cavity; a heat-detecting element formed on the support member; a light-reflecting layer formed at a position spaced apart from the heat-detecting element in at least a portion of a peripheral region of the heat-detecting element on the support member; a light-absorbing layer formed on the heat-detecting element and the light-reflecting layer; and a thermal transfer member that is connected to the heat-detecting element by a connector, the thermal transfer member including a connecting portion connected to the heat-detecting element and a thermal collecting portion disposed inside the light-absorbing layer and having a surface area larger than a surface area of the connecting portion as seen in plan view, the thermal collecting portion being optically transmissive at least with respect to light of a prescribed wavelength.
US08941057B2 Probe and method for obtaining three-dimensional compositional maps of a biological sample
The invention provides a probe and a method of obtaining a three-dimensional compositional map of one or more targets in a biological sample, or a portion thereof, comprising: (a) milling a surface layer of a biological sample with a focused ion beam, thereby creating a newly exposed surface layer of the biological sample; (b) imaging the newly exposed surface layer of the biological sample; (c) identifying the chemical composition of the newly exposed surface layer of the biological sample, or a portion thereof, with a mass spectrometer; and (d) repeating (a) to (c) until a three-dimensional compositional map of one or more targets in the biological sample, or portion thereof, is obtained. Uses of the three-dimensional map obtained from the inventive method are further provided.
US08941054B2 Selective ion mobility spectrometer formed from two consecutive mass selective filters
Ions with a predetermined range of ion mobilities are produced by filtering input ions with at least two consecutive ion mobility high pass and/or low pass filters. Each ion mobility filter is formed by entraining ions in a moving gas and applying a DC electric field to the ions which causes the ions to move in a direction opposite to the gas flow. An ion mobility high pass filter is formed when the DC electric field drives the ions against the flow of gas, whereas an ion mobility low pass filter is formed when a the gas flow drives entrained ions against an DC electric field barrier.
US08941051B2 Photosensor for position detecting device, position detecting device using same and position detecting method
An object of the present invention is to provide a position detecting device using a reflection type photosensor, which assures a small size and low cost and enables detection of a long distance of about 10 mm or more, and a position detecting method. The position of a moving body is detected by providing, on the moving body, a reflection plate (12) having reflecting surfaces (sa) and non-reflecting surfaces (sb) arranged alternately in a moving direction of the moving body, providing a light receiving element (8) of the reflection type photosensor (9) with, for example, two light receiving portions (8a and 8b) having different light receiving regions in the moving direction of the moving body, outputting output signals from these two light receiving portions (8a and 8b), and carrying out at least one calculation of adding, subtracting, dividing and function calculation of these two output signals.
US08941049B2 Readout methodology for multi-channel acquisition of spatially distributed signal
A readout apparatus and method for processing spatially distributed signals is disclosed. The readout apparatus and method may reduce/eliminate the impact gain variations among a plurality of sensing channels. This is done by continuously varying the dispersion properties of a signal distribution device, which may induce a spatial shift of the signal distribution during data acquisition, allowing the distributed signals to move across the sensor area. Shifting of the distributed signals may occur multiple times, hence eliminating the impact of gain variation across the sensor array. The accumulated data may be re-assembled subsequently to complete the readout operation.
US08941048B2 Pulse splitter with dispersion compensation
The present invention relates to a pulse splitting device (5) adapted to receive irradiation pulses (10) with a central wavelength (1) from a pulsed irradiation source (2) and output a plurality of sub-pulses (11,12,15,17) for each incoming irradiation pulse. The received irradiation pulses and the pulse splitter (5) interacts so that a first and a second sub-pulse (11,12) are temporally separated by a first optical path length (OP1) in a first region and a second optical path length (OP2) in a second region, respectively. The first optical path length (OP1) times the group velocity dispersion (GVD1) with respect to wavelength in the first material, is balanced with the second optical path length (OP2) times the group velocity dispersion (GVD2) with respect to wavelength in the second material, so that the dispersion broadening of the first and the second sub-pulses (11,12) is substantially equal. This facilitates improved subsequent dispersion compensation by both sub-pulses.
US08941043B2 Device for driving a light receiving element to track a light source
A light tracking device comprising first and second support members and at least one light receiving element supported on each support member by one or more resilient flexible beams which deform upon relative translational displacement of the first and second support members. The first and second support members are arranged such that relative translational displacement of the members generates rotational displacement of the element. One or more resilient flexible beams may comprise spiral arms extending from the first to the second support members.
US08941041B2 Cooking apparatus having a cooling system
A cooking apparatus is provided. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking cavity, an upper space formed above the cooking cavity, lateral side spaces formed to at opposite lateral sides of the cooking cavity, a rear space formed behind the cooking cavity, and a lower space formed below the cooking cavity. A fan provided in the rear space generates a cooling flow that cools components housed in the rear space. A cooling flow path extends from the rear space and into the upper space and lateral side spaces. Flow from the upper space enters the door to cool the door and is exhausted through a lower portion of the door. Flow from the lateral side spaces, which includes an exhaust flow from the cooking cavity, is guided to the lower space and exhausted. In this manner, the cooking apparatus can be completely cooled and cooking odors and heat appropriately exhausted by the cooling fan positioned in the rear space.
US08941035B2 Soldering method
A soldering method is provided. According to the method at least two sets of components are heated and soldered by heating. Each set includes a first soldering partner, a second soldering partner, and a solder. During the soldering process, the individual temperatures of each one of the sets are transmitted by a radio frequency transmitter to a receiving and control unit. The control unit controls the heating of the sets depending on the transmitted individual temperatures.
US08941034B2 Electric heater and process for manufacturing an electric heater
An electric heater (10, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 100), such as for heating surfaces of components, onto which the electric heater (10, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 100) is pushed or placed, has at least one tubular heating element (1, 11, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 82, 101), which has a metal jacket, and with at least one contact area. The tubular heating element (1, 11, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 82, 101) is at least partly embedded in at least one powder or granular material (2, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 102). The powder or granular material (2, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 102) abuts against at least parts of the at least one contact area. A process is also provided for manufacturing the electric heater having at least the steps of providing at least one contact area and at least one tubular heating element (1, 11, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 82, 101) arranged in relation to the contact area, at least partial embedding the tubular heating element in the powder or granular material (2, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 102), which abuts at least partly against the at least one contact area, and compressing at least the powder or granular material (2, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 102).
US08941032B2 Hardfacing ferroalloy materials
A method of producing a carbide-containing ferroalloy welding consumable material and a method of producing a hardfacing on a suitable substrate using the consumable material are disclosed. The method of producing the consumable material comprises the steps of forming a homogeneous melt that has a required concentration of key elements, such as carbon, chromium and manganese, for the consumable material and forming a consumable material from the melt.
US08941030B2 Laser processing apparatus
A pulsed laser beam is applied to a workpiece held on a chuck table by a laser beam applying unit. The laser beam applying unit includes a pulsed laser beam oscillator, a focusing lens, and a piezoelectric motor for displacing the focusing unit in a direction inclined at a predetermined angle (α) with respect to the Z direction. A controller controls the frequency and voltage of an RF current to be applied to the piezoelectric motor in relation to the repetition frequency of the pulsed laser beam to move the focusing unit in the X direction by Δx and in the Z direction by Δz in feeding the chuck table in the X direction, thereby displacing the focal point of the pulsed laser beam to be focused by the focusing lens in the thickness direction of the workpiece held on the chuck table.
US08941028B2 System for direct engraving of flexographic printing members
A system for engraving a flexographic relief member includes a laser scanning apparatus providing a focused radiation beam. The flexographic relief member includes a laser engraveable flexographic member; a thin engraveable control layer on top of the flexographic member; and wherein the engraveable control layer has an engraving sensitivity lower than the flexographic member.
US08941026B2 Nozzle for a liquid-cooled plasma torch, nozzle cap for a liquid-cooled plasma torch and plasma torch head comprising the same
A nozzle for a liquid cooled plasma torch includes a nozzle bore for the exit of a plasma gas beam at a nozzle tip, a first section, of which the outer surface is essentially cylindrical, and a second section connecting the nozzle tip, of which the second section the outer surface tapers essentially conically towards the nozzle tip, wherein at least one liquid supply groove is provided and extends over a part of the first section and over the second section in the outer surface of the nozzle towards the nozzle tip and at least one liquid return groove separate from the liquid supply groove is provided and extends over the second section.
US08941024B2 Gouging carbon rod
A gouging carbon rod using an aluminum or aluminum alloy material as its conducting material includes a carbon rod unit, which has an elongated hollow main body internally defining a central space portion and having a first and a second open end; an aluminum/aluminum alloy unit, which is formed by high-pressure injection molding a molten aluminum or aluminum alloy material in the central space portion of the main body via the second open end, such that the aluminum/aluminum alloy unit so formed includes a shielded section located in the central space portion and an exposed section projected from the main body via the second open end. In this manner, the energy, time and labor costs for binding the aluminum material to the carbon rod are lowered, compared to the conventional carbon rod produced by metal thermal spraying technique, and the problem of uneven thickness of metal coating is solved.
US08941022B2 Switching apparatus
A switching apparatus includes: a vacuum valve which houses a fixed side electrode fixed to a fixed current-carrying shaft and a movable side electrode fixed to a movable current-carrying shaft coaxially arranged with the fixed current-carrying shaft in face-to-face relation to the fixed side electrode; and a buffering mechanism which is coaxially disposed with the fixed current-carrying shaft on the fixed side of the vacuum valve and reduces a collision load at the time when the movable side electrode is close contact with the fixed side electrode.
US08941020B2 Lead feedthrough and electrical functional unit
A lead feedthrough of an electrical functional unit, in particular a capacitor or medical electronic implant, which comprises a hollow conductive flange and a contact piece disposed in the cavity thereof and which is electrically insulated and sealed with respect to the flange, wherein the flange can be connected to a lead of a first type, and the contact piece can be connected to a lead of a second type in the functional unit, wherein, in a circumferential section of the flange, a tangentially extending gap is provided, which is delimited on one side by a flange body and on the other side by a tab integrally formed on the body, or by a separate pressure piece, for the tangential insertion and affixation of the lead of the first type.
US08941014B2 Complex adhesive boundaries for touch sensors
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a cover panel. The apparatus also includes a first optically clear adhesive (OCA) layer coupled to the cover panel. The apparatus also includes a substrate coupled to the first OCA layer. The substrate has drive or sense electrodes of a touch sensor disposed on a first side. The substrate also has a first connection pad region. The first connection pad region includes a first outer zone, a second outer zone, and a first connection pad zone. The first OCA layer extends to portions of at least one of the first outer zone of the first connection pad region, the second outer zone of the first connection pad region, and the first connection pad zone of the first connection pad region.
US08941013B2 Multilayer laminated structure for plug and connector with spring finger interconnecting feature
A spring finger interconnection system can include a plug and a receptacle. In one embodiment, the plug can include spring finger contacts configured to carry electrical signals. The receptacle can include a cavity to receive the plug and the cavity can be constructed with printed circuit board fabrication techniques. In one embodiment, the cavity can be formed, at least in part, in a pre-impregnation layer and a first and a second layer can be disposed above and below the pre-impregnation layer to further form the cavity. In one embodiment, contacts can be arranged on the first layer to contact the spring fingers when the plug is inserted into the cavity. In another embodiment, contacts can be arranged on both the first and the second layers. In yet another embodiment, the cavity can be shaped to aid in contact-to-spring finger alignment when the plug is inserted in the cavity.
US08941011B2 Flexible substrates and method of manufacturing the same
A flexible substrate includes a flexible mother substrate and a planarization layer on the flexible mother substrate. Here, the flexible mother substrate includes a transparent textile and a resin layer. The transparent textile includes a plurality of first transparent fibers and a plurality of second transparent fibers crossing the plurality of first transparent fibers, and the resin layer coats the transparent textile to fill a space between the first and second transparent fibers. The planarization layer includes an organic material having a curable contraction rate of no greater than about 20%.
US08941007B2 Electron donating polymer and organic solar cell including the same
A polymer, and an organic solar cell including the polymer, include a repeating unit A represented by Chemical Formula 1, and a repeating unit B represented by Chemical Formula 2.
US08941002B2 Oxide evaporation material, vapor-deposited thin film, and solar cell
Provided are an oxide tablet for vapor deposition (oxide evaporation material), and a vapor-deposited thin film and a solar cell formed using the same. The tablet comprises a sintered body which contains indium oxide as a main component and cerium and which is subjected to no surface grinding after sintering, in which CompS/CompA=0.9 to 1.1, where the content of cerium in a surface layer to a depth of 5 μm from a surface of the sintered body is represented by a Ce/In atomic ratio (CompS), and an average value of the content of cerium in the entire sintered body is represented by a Ce/In atomic ratio (CompA).
US08940999B1 Modular off-axis solar concentrator
A solar concentrator including a housing defining a vertical axis and including a receiving wall connected to a reflecting wall to define an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, wherein the reflecting wall defines at least one primary optical element, and wherein at least a portion of the reflecting wall includes a layer of reflective material, the housing further including a cover connected to the receiving wall and the reflecting wall to seal the opening, and at least one receiver mounted on the receiving wall such that a vertical axis of the receiver is disposed at a non-zero angle relative to the vertical axis of the housing, the receiver including at least one photovoltaic cell.
US08940994B2 Illuminated non-contact cymbal pickup
A sound pickup for musical cymbals includes an integrated assembly attachable to a cymbal stand. The integrated assembly includes a plurality of microphones arranged to achieve optimal quality and relatively constant loudness regardless of cymbal tilt. In one embodiment, two microphones are used, with signal phase from one microphone being inverted prior to combination with the signal from the other microphone. An illumination system having one or more light sources and a controller is optional. The controller includes a processor couplable to the pickup by way of a cable having at least one signal conductor for delivering audio signals from the microphone to the processor. The controller also includes an illumination control signal source delivering a DC voltage bias to the pickup for actuating the light sources.
US08940992B2 Systems and methods thereof for determining a virtual momentum based on user input
A computer-implemented method including generating a user interface implemented on a touch-sensitive display configured to generate a virtual dual flywheel system for modulating a lifecycle of a musical note or chord. The dual flywheel system (DFS) includes a first VFS and a second VFS, where the first virtual flywheel system series connected to the second virtual flywheel system such that an output of the first virtual flywheel system is coupled to an input of the second virtual flywheel system. Upon receiving a user input on the user interface, the dual flywheel system determines a virtual momentum for the first virtual flywheel based on the user input and a predetermined mass coefficient of the first virtual flywheel system, and determines a virtual momentum for the second virtual flywheel based on the virtual momentum of the first virtual flywheel system and a predetermined mass coefficient of the second virtual flywheel.
US08940990B2 Exercise music support apparatus
An apparatus temporal stops to output an exercise video, in response to determining that the request for temporal stop is received. The apparatus changes to a second audio volume of MIDI data by decreasing first audio volume by a pre-determined value and to a second exercise tempo by decreasing first exercise tempo by a pre-determined tempo value, in response to determining that a request for the temporal stop is received. The apparatus changes the second audio volume to the first audio volume, and the second exercise tempo to the first exercise tempo, in response to determining that a request for cancelling temporal stop is received. The apparatus restarts to output the exercise video representing the exercise motion based on the first exercise tempo.
US08940989B1 Percussion musical instrument
A percussion musical instrument which utilizes a cymbal plate mounted on a shaft (or rod) in a spaced relationship from a cymbal also mounted on the shaft forming an annular gap. A tip of a drumstick is to be inserted within the annular gap and then moved to strike the cymbal plate and cymbal in a single stroke producing a pair of sounds of selected pitches which is to be quickly repeated producing a musical beat.
US08940988B1 Single reed woodwind ligature system adjusts to fit most mouthpiece sizes with excellent responsiveness through isolation of ligature from reed and mouthpiece vibrations
A single reed ligature system for a woodwind musical instrument that provides a large vertical range of adjustment to enable a single ligature to be used with most sizes of saxophone and clarinet mouthpieces. Excellent responsiveness to the player is achieved through isolation of the ligature from the vibrating reed and mouthpiece.
US08940987B2 Harmonica support with magnetic cradle
A supporting frame and magnetic cradle for playing a harmonica hands-free, the frame providing two positions: a “playing” position for rigidly supporting the harmonica in proximity to the mouth and an “at-rest” position for retaining the harmonica within reach but out of the way. The frame provides means for pivoting the harmonica between the two positions and a memory hinge feature so that, once adjusted, the preferred playing position is reliably recovered at each use. A magnetic lock is used to secure the harmonica to its playing cradle, unexpectedly improving the sound quality. Multiple harmonicas may be magnetically exchanged in and out of the cradle, permitting the musician to quickly and flexibly change keys, timbre, or add tremolo, for example, during a performance. The frame does not interfere with simultaneous performance with other instruments, such as guitar or microphone, and thus finds use for a soloist musician.
US08940986B1 Tremolo and bridge device for stringed instruments
A tremolo device for a stringed instrument is described in which a base plate is configured for surface mounting to a body of the instrument. A pivot plate is pivotally coupled to the base plate along an edge of the pivot plate. Each string is associated with a string seat. The string is threaded through the string seat receiving a terminal end of the string. The string seat includes a keyed portion that slidably attaches the string seat to the pivot plate in a keyed slot provided in a bottom surface of the pivot plate. A spring disposed between the base plate and the pivot plate maintains the pivot plate in a first position relative to the base plate until a user provides an action to pivot the pivot plate relative to said base plate. The spring returns the pivot plate to the first position when the user action is terminated.
US08940984B2 Electro-mechanical musical instrument
An electro-mechanical musical instrument capable of generating a whole or partial instrument resonant frequency, said instrument comprising a body (1) having a first end (2) and a second end (3), a soundboard (4) positioned between said first and second ends adapted to generate a live frequency response and a contact microphone or sensor (5) adapted to receive said resonant frequency wherein said body includes a rigid member (6) positioned between said first and second ends of said body, said rigid member being adapted to apply tension or compression between said first and second ends of said body and simultaneously contact said soundboard between said first and second body ends such that said application of tension or compression adjusts or modifies said resonant frequency of said instrument.
US08940983B1 Maize inbred PH1T8W
A novel maize variety designated PH1T8W and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1T8W with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1T8W through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1T8W or a locus conversion of PH1T8W with another maize variety.
US08940982B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH439482
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH439482. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH439482, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH439482 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH439482.
US08940960B2 HCV entry factor, Occludin
The human Occludin protein is identified as an essential Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) cell entry factor. Occludin is shown to render murine and other non-human cells infectable with HCV and to be required for HCV-susceptibility of human cells. Associated methods for inhibiting HCV infection, transgenic animal models for HCV pathogenesis, methods of identifying compounds or agents that prevent or mitigate interaction of HCV with Occludin, and HCV inhibitory agents are also disclosed. Kits and cell culture compositions useful for identifying compounds or agents that prevent or mitigate interaction of HCV with Occludin are also provided.
US08940958B2 Remediation composition comprising alum sludge
Method for the stabilization of contaminants within a material selected from soils, mining tailings and by-products, sludge wastes and industrial wastes, by mixing the material with an alum sludge composition. The composition includes one or more aluminum compound(s) and/or complex(es) together with a reactive carbon material.
US08940949B2 Hydrothermal conversion of biomass to hydrocarbon products
A process for the conversion of biomass to hydrocarbon products such as transportation fuels, kerosene, diesel oil, fuel oil, chemical and refinery plant feeds. The instant process uses a hydrocarbon or synthesis gas co-feed and hot pressurized water to convert the biomass in a manner commonly referred to as hydrothermal liquefaction.
US08940944B2 Fluoroelastomers
VDF-based curable fluoroelastomers having glass transition temperature lower than −35° C. and an amount of —COF end groups in the polymer lower than the sensitivity limit of the method using the FT-IR spectroscopy described in the present application.
US08940940B2 Process for preparing macrocyclic ketones
The present invention relates to a process for preparing cyclic compounds having at least eight carbon atoms and at least one keto group, to the cyclic compounds obtained by this process and to the use thereof, in particular as fragrance or for providing a fragrance.
US08940930B2 Treprostinil production
The present invention is directed to a novel method for preparing a synthetic intermediates for treprostinil. Also described are methods of preparing treprostinil comprising utilizing novel intermediates described herein as well as novel intermediates useful for synthesis prostacyclin derivatives, such as treprostinil.
US08940922B2 Ester-based reactive plasticizer for plastic bonded explosives
Disclosed is an energetic reactive plasticizer for a plastic bonded explosive (PBX), and specifically an energetic reactive plasticizer for PBX which has high performance and insensitiveness without a plasticizer migration by being bonded with a polymer binder for a plastic bonded explosive.
US08940918B2 Amyloid binding agents
There are provided compounds and methods for the detection of amyloids and treatment of diseases related to amyloids including Alzheimer's disease and other related amyloid-based neurodegenerative diseases.
US08940911B2 Squarylated lactones inhibitors for bacterial biofilm formation
A library of unnatural squarylated homoserine lactones (SHLs) and squarylated lactones that bear potential to modulate biofilm formation in Gram negative bacteria. At low concentrations (˜200 μM), these small molecules inhibit biofilm formation of E. coli. Moreover, these compounds are not toxic up to 300 μM and do not significantly attenuate E. coli growth. The SHLs have potential to disperse established biofilm and demonstrate an enhanced reduction (˜50%) of the maximum biofilm thickness by use of SHLs during biofilm growth.
US08940910B2 Cleaning device for separating dilactide from mixtures, polymerisation device, method for separating dilactide from mixtures and use thereof
The present invention relates to a device for separating a biodegradable, intermolecular cyclic diester of an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid from material mixtures which contain in addition the alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid of the diester corresponding thereto. In particular, the diester is thereby dilactide and the acid lactic acid. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for separating dilactide from material mixtures, which is based on a modified, distillative method. In addition, the present invention describes a polymerization device, in particular for preparing polylactide. Likewise, purposes of use of both the devices and of the method are indicated.
US08940904B2 Use of transition metal-carbene complexes which do not comprise any cyclometallation via non-carbenes in OLEDs
The present invention relates to the use of transition metal-carbene complexes, in which the carbene ligand(s) is bonded to the transition metal exclusively via carbene carbon atoms, in organic light-emitting diodes, to organic light-emitting diodes comprising at least one aforementioned transition metal-carbene complex, to a light-emitting layer comprising at least one aforementioned transition metal-carbene complex, to organic light-emitting diodes comprising at least one inventive light-emitting layer, and to devices which comprise at least one inventive organic light-emitting diode.
US08940902B2 Treatment of central nervous system disorders
A method for treating a patient suffering from disorders and deficits of the central nervous system associated with diabetes, associated with aging and neurodegeneration, comprising attention deficit disorder in general, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment, senile dementia, AIDS dementia, neurodegeneration, depression, and schizophrenia, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of a selective inhibitor of the 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 1 enzyme activity.
US08940901B2 Process for the preparation of 3-(6-amino-pyridin-3yl)-2-acrylic acid derivatives
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of the formula I, which comprises reacting a compound of the formula IV with the compound of formula VII R15-A2-CHO and to novel intermediate compounds used therein.
US08940898B2 Piperidinyl alkyne orexin receptor antagonists
The present invention is directed to piperidinyl alkyne compounds which are antagonists of orexin receptors. The present invention is also directed to uses of the piperidinyl alkyne compounds described herein in the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The present invention is also directed to uses of these pharmaceutical compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which orexin receptors are involved.
US08940897B2 1,3,4-oxadiazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole β-lactamase inhibitors
β-Lactamase inhibitor compounds (BLIs) are disclosed, including compounds that have activity against class A, class C or class D β-lactamases. Methods of manufacturing the BLIs, and uses of the compounds in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and antibacterial applications are also disclosed.
US08940893B2 Heteroaromatic compounds as BTK inhibitors
The present invention encompasses compounds of the formula (I) wherein the groups X and Cy are defined herein, which are suitable for the treatment of diseases related to BTK, process of making, pharmaceutical preparations which contain compounds and their methods of use.
US08940892B2 Triazine derivatives for use in the treatment of malaria
The invention provides compounds of formula (I), in which R1 and R2 are independently selected from H, alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl, or R1 and R2 together form a C5-C7 ring, R3-R7 are independently selected from H, halogen, alkyl and alkoxy, X is (CH2)n in which n is 0-5, Y is selected from CH2, NR8, O or S in which R8 is H or alkyl, salts thereof and stereoisomers thereof, for the prophylaxis or treatment of malaria.
US08940888B2 Hydrazido derivatives of hyaluronic acid
Disclosed are chemically modified hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives containing hydrazido groups directly linked to the glucuronic acid residues of HA. Said hydrazido groups are used to obtain crosslinked and labeled HA derivatives. The invention further relates to methods of preparation of said HA derivatives.
US08940885B2 Cytotoxic nucleotides for targeted therapeutics
The present invention provides a method of generating a nucleic acid, which specifically binds to an extracellular surface protein expressed by a cell of interest, and which nucleic acid comprises a compound of interest to be delivered to the cell of interest.
US08940884B2 Polyunsaturated fatty acid synthase nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides, compositions, and methods of making and uses thereof
The present invention is directed to isolated nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides of thraustochytrid polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) synthases involved in the production of PUFAs, including PUFAs enriched in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or a combination thereof. The present invention is directed to vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules, compositions comprising the nucleic acid molecules or polypeptides, and methods of making and uses thereof.
US08940882B2 Multiple fluorophore detector system
A detector oligonucleotide comprises multiple pairs of a donor fluorophore and a quencher molecule, which donor fluorophores and quencher molecules are separated by a site that is capable of being cleaved when in double-stranded form. The detector oligonucleotide may be made double-stranded in a manner that depends on the presence of a target nucleic acid, allowing the cleavage sites to be cleaved. Separation of the donor fluorophores and the quencher molecules decreases fluorescence quenching and generates a detectable change in a fluorescence parameter of the fluorophores of the detector oligonucleotide. By using multiple donor/quencher pairs, the present detector oligonucleotide advantageously generates a high signal to noise ratio and high efficiency in detection of a target nucleic acid.
US08940879B2 Functional molecule, functional molecule synthesizing amidite and target substance analysis method
To provide a functional molecule including a modified nucleotide unit having a substituent introduced to a base thereof, wherein the substituent is removably introduced to the base; a functional molecule synthesizing amidite that has a substituent removably introduced to its base and that is used for the manufacture of the functional molecule; and a target substance analysis method including: preparing a random pool of functional molecules using a functional molecule synthesizing amidite; screening a functional molecule having affinity for a target substance from the random pool; amplifying the functional molecules having affinity for the target substance, wherein the method further comprises, prior to the amplification step, removing a substituent from the functional molecule having affinity for the target substance.
US08940876B2 Method for preparing recombinant glycoproteins with high sialic acid content
The present disclosure relates to a method for preparing recombinant glycoproteins with high sialic acid content. More specifically, for UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase/ManNAc kinase (GNE/MNK) enzyme where point mutation was induced by substituting arginine at position 263 by leucine only or by further substituting arginine at position 266 by glutamine, epimerase activity is constantly maintained, and overexpressed cells thereof experience an increase in intracellular cytidine monophosphate (CMP)-sialic acid content, irrespective of CMP-sialic acid concentration. Particularly, since in an glycoprotein (such as, erythropoietin and thrombopoietin)-producing host cell where point mutationinduced GNE/MNK, human alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase and a CMP-sialic acid transporter gene are simultaneously overexpressed, intracellular content of CMP-sialic acid and sialic acid in glycoprotein increases in cells, overexpression in a host cell producing a sialylated recombinant glycoprotein the three genes above may be useful for preparing glycoprotein with increased sialic acid content.
US08940871B2 Engineered anti-prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) antibodies for cancer targeting
The invention provides novel humanized antibody fragments that specifically bind prostate cell-surface antigen (PSCA), a protein which is overexpressed in variety of cancers, including prostate, bladder, and pancreatic cancer. Methods are provided for the use of the compositions of the invention for the treatment of cancer, diagnosis of cancer, to provide a prognosis of cancer progression, and for cancer imaging.
US08940870B2 Fusion proteins
A single chain, polypeptide fusion protein, comprising: a non-cytotoxic protease, or a fragment thereof, which protease or protease fragment is capable of cleaving a protein of the exocytic fusion apparatus of a nociceptive sensory afferent; a dynorphin Targeting Moiety that is capable of binding to a Binding Site on the nociceptive sensory afferent, which Binding Site is capable of undergoing endocytosis to be incorporated into an endosome within the nociceptive sensory afferent; a protease cleavage site at which site the fusion protein is cleavable by a protease, wherein the protease cleavage site is located between the non-cytotoxic protease or fragment thereof and the dynorphin Targeting Moiety; and a translocation domain that is capable of translocating the protease or protease fragment from within an endosome, across the endosomal membrane and into the cytosol of the nociceptive sensory afferent. Nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptide fusion proteins, methods of preparing same and uses thereof are also described.
US08940868B2 Elastin based growth factor delivery platform for wound healing and regeneration
The invention is based on the discovery of a potent growth factor delivery system by creating a fusion polypeptide that includes two portions: (i) keratinocyte growth factor protein, and (ii) an elastin-like peptide. This chimera can be administered directly to a wound site, accelerating recovery.
US08940864B2 Stabilized therapeutic small helical antiviral peptides
Provided are constrained peptides that inhibit HIV assembly. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the above peptides are also provided. Additionally provided are methods of inhibiting replication of a capsid-containing virus in a cell. Also provided are methods of treating a mammal infected with a capsid-containing virus. Further provided are methods of treating a mammal at risk for infection with a capsid-containing virus. Methods of making the above peptides are additionally provided, as are uses of the above peptides and pharmaceutical compositions.
US08940861B2 Variants of ancestral uricases and uses thereof
The present invention provides uricases and methods of their production and use in reducing the amount of uric acid in a subject. The present invention further provides methods employing a uricase of this invention in the treatment and/or prevention of hyperuricemia, gout, tumor lysis syndrome and/or hypertension in a subject.
US08940856B2 Heterocyclic compound and heterocyclic polymers
The present invention provides a heterocyclic compound of the following general formula (I): wherein X and Y are different from each other and represent a halogen atom selected from among a chlorine atom, bromine atom and iodine atom, or CF3SO3−, CH3SO3−, C6H5SO3− or CH3C6H4SO3−; R1 represents an optionally substituted monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having two or more carbon atoms; one of A1 and A2 represents —S—, —O—, —Se— or Te—, while the other represents —N═, —P═ or —Si(R2)═, wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, a halogen atom, an amino group or a carbonyl group; and one of two linkages each represented by a solid line and a dashed line is a single bond, while the other is a double bond.
US08940854B2 Curable fiberglass binder comprising salt of inorganic acid
A curable formaldehyde-free binding composition for use with fiberglass is provided. Such curable composition comprises an aldehyde or ketone and an amine salt of an inorganic acid. The composition when applied to fiberglass is cured to form a water-insoluble binder which exhibits good adhesion to glass. In a preferred embodiment the composition when applied to fiberglass provides a sufficient blackness required in facer products.
US08940848B2 Branched conjugated diene copolymer, rubber composition and pneumatic tire
The present invention relates to a branched conjugated diene copolymer which is useful for preparing a rubber composition, having high uniformity of a temperature dependence curve of a viscoelasticity tan δ, for a tire, a rubber composition comprising the copolymer, and a pneumatic tire produced using the rubber composition for a tire. The branched conjugated diene copolymer is composed of monomer components comprising a branched conjugated diene compound represented by a general formula (1): wherein R1 represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 11 carbon atoms, and an aromatic vinyl compound represented by a general formula (2): wherein R2 represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and R5 represents a hydrogen atom or the like, and a copolymerization ratio (m) of the aromatic vinyl compound (2) is 45% by mass or more.
US08940842B2 Methods for controlling dual catalyst olefin polymerizations
Methods for controlling the weight ratio of a higher molecular weight component to a lower molecular weight component of an olefin polymer are disclosed. This weight ratio can be increased as polymerization reaction temperature and/or catalyst system residence time are increased.
US08940841B2 Polyarylene compositions, methods of manufacture, and articles thereof
A crosslinked product of a polyarylene is disclosed, having high-temperature elastomeric properties and excellent chemical resistance. The crosslinked materials are useful in oil and gas downhole applications in the form of either solids or foams. Methods for the manufacture of the crosslinked product and articles comprising the product are also disclosed.
US08940839B2 Diblock copolymers prepared by cross metathesis
This invention relates to a composition comprising a multiblock polyolefin represented by the formula: PO—C(R11)(R12)—C(R13)═C(R14)—C(R15)(R16)—PO*, or isomers thereof, wherein R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16, are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted C1 through C4 hydrocarbyl group or a hydrogen; PO and PO* are polyolefins; PO and PO* are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group having 9 to 4000 carbon atoms, provided that at least one of PO and PO* are C20 or greater, said polyolefin having: 1) an internal unsaturation as shown by the 13C NMR peak at between about 128 and about 132 ppm; 2) an Mn ratio “Z”=0.1 to 10 where Z is the Mn (as determined by 13C NMR) divided by Mn (as determined according to Gel Permeation Chromotography using polystyrene standards); and 3) optionally, from 0.3(J) and 0.75(J) internal unsaturations per 1000 carbons as determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy, where J is the number of reactive groups per 1000 carbons for the mixture of vinyl terminated polyolefins that become PO and PO*, before they are coupled by an alkene metathesis catalyst.
US08940838B2 Polyisoprene, preparation method thereof, polyisoprene rubber compounds and vulcanizate therefrom
The method for preparation of polyisoprene includes conducting polymerization reaction of isoprene in a first organic solvent under the presence of rare earth catalyst I and rare earth catalyst II, to obtain polyisoprene with bimodal molecular weight distribution, wherein the polymerization reaction conditions are controlled to ensure the peak molecular weight of the high molecular weight component fraction in the polyisoprene is 1×106-2×106 and the peak molecular weight of the low molecular weight component fraction is 2×105-4×105, and the weight ratio of content of the high molecular weight component fraction to the low molecular weight component fraction is 1-25:1. The molecular weight distribution of the polyisoprene obtained with the method provided is bimodal distribution; therefore, the polyisoprene not only has the mechanical properties of polyisoprene with high molecular weight, but also has the processability of polyisoprene with low molecular weight.
US08940834B2 Partially aromatic polyamide moulding compositions and their uses
An unreinforced, halogen-free polyamide moulding composition having the following composition: (A) 62-87% by weight of a partially aromatic, partially crystalline copolyamide having a melting point of 270° C. to 320° C. and made up of 100% by weight of diacid fraction composed of: 50-100% by weight of terephthalic acid (TPA) and/or naphthalenedicarboxylic acid; 0-50% by weight of isophthalic acid (IPA), and 100% by weight of diamine fraction; (B) 5-15% by weight of ionomer; (C) 8-18% by weight of flame retardants; (D) 0-5% by weight of additives; where the components (A)-(D) add up to 100% by weight.
US08940831B2 (Meth)acrylic resin composition, imidized (meth)acrylic resin composition, and film obtained by molding them
The present invention provides a (meth)acrylic resin composition comprising a carboxylic acid group produced by heating a (meth)acrylic-based resin (C), wherein the (meth)acrylic-based resin (C) is obtained by polymerizing a monomer mixture (A) containing 80 to 99 wt % of a linear alkyl (meth)acrylate and 1 to 20 wt % of tertiary-butyl (meth)acrylate, in the presence of an acrylic acid ester-based crosslinked elastic particle (B) that is obtained by mixing and polymerizing 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of a polyfunctional monomer having at least two non-conjugated double bonds per molecule, with respect to 100 parts by weight of a monomer mixture containing 50 to 100 wt % of an alkyl acrylate monomer and 0 to 50 wt % of an alkyl methacrylate monomer. This composition can be used to produce a film having excellent chemical resistance (in particular, sun-screening agent resistance).
US08940826B2 Protective coating compositions
Described are polymer compositions that include lattices (e.g., polymer emulsions or suspensions in an aqueous phase) and that contain a gloss reducing agent and that are useful in various finish compositions such as in floor care compositions.
US08940825B2 Sealing composition for HDD motor and HDD motor fabricated using the same
There are provided a sealing composition for a hard disk drive (HDD) motor and a HDD motor fabricated using the same. The sealing composition includes: 45 to 65 parts by weight of urethane methacrylate; 35 to 50 parts by weight of methacrylate; and 2 to 4 parts by weight of acrylic acid. A sealing composition having a new composition is used as a sealing material of a flexible printed circuit (FPC) adhering part of the HDD motor, whereby a haze phenomenon due to air leak and outgas at the FPC adhering part may be improved and reliability of a HDD motor may be enhanced due to a reduction in generation of the outgas of the adhering part.
US08940823B2 Water-based coating composition
According to a water-based composition characterized by containing a colorant, water, a wetting agent, an amine compound, a hydroxyl group-containing organic solvent and a urethane resin having a polycarbonate group, there is provided a water-based coating composition being capable of easily controlling the gloss of a coating film applied on an object to be coated, having good storage stability, and being excellent in wetting properties to an object to be coated and continuous discharge stability without causing nozzle clogging.
US08940822B2 Adhesion promoter and coating composition for adhesion to olefinic substrates
A method of improving the transfer efficiency of applying a topcoat layer to a primed component includes applying an organic solventborne, carboxyl functional olefin based polymer composition to a substrate to provide a primed component before electrostatically applying a coating composition comprising principal resin and crosslinker to the primed component to form a topcoat layer, wherein the carboxyl functional olefin based polymer is neutralized with at least one amine-containing compound to form a salted carboxyl functional polymer.
US08940821B2 Inks for high speed durable inkjet printing
An inkjet ink composition comprising water, and at least one water-dispersible polyurethane/urea polymer having at least a first soft segment formed from a polyol prepolymer and at least a second soft segment formed from a polyamine prepolymer, wherein the polyol prepolymer forms urethane bonds in the polyurethane/urea and the polyamine prepolymer forms urea bonds in the polyurethane/urea, and further wherein at least about 4% by weight of the combined soft segments is formed by polyamine prepolymers that form urea bonds in the polyurethane/urea polymer.
US08940814B2 Dispersions comprising functionalized oxidic nanoparticles
Dispersion comprising functionalized metal oxide particles, polymerizable compounds and if appropriate a solvent and their use for stabilizing polymers.
US08940812B2 Silicone polymers comprising sulfonic acid groups
The present invention relates to a silicone polymer comprising a sulfonic acid component formed from reactive components comprising (i) at least one silicone component and (ii) at least one sulfonic acid-containing component, wherein the sulfonic acid-containing component is comprised of a non-polymerizable, hydrophobic cation and a polymerizable sulfonic acid.
US08940808B2 Curable coating agent composition
Disclosed is a curable coating agent composition which exhibits excellent wear resistance and weather resistance when applied as a coating agent to plastic or other substrates to be used outdoors. The curable coating agent composition comprises 95 to 65 parts by mass of a component (A) comprising an urethane adduct compound having weather resistance, 5 to 35 parts by mass of a component (B) comprising a specific organosilicon compound, 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of a component (C) which is a radical polymerization initiator, 1 to 12 parts by mass of a component (D) which is an ultraviolet ray absorber, and 10 to 1,000 parts by mass of a component (E) which is an organic solvent, with respect to 100 parts by mass of the components (A) and (B) in total.
US08940806B2 Polymerizable compositions
The invention relates to the use of triazenes of formula (I) wherein Q is a direct bond or a bivalent radical —(CR8R9)—, Z1 is —O—, —NR10—, —CH2—, —(CR11R12)— or —C(═O)— and R1 to R12 are optionally substituted hydrocarbon residues, as precursors for radicals useful in reactions triggered by free radicals, such as polymerization of unsaturated monomers and degradation of polyolefins. Most of the triazenes of formula (I) are novel and claimed, too, as well as the preparation of triazenes of formula (I) and polymerizable compositions comprising them.
US08940804B2 Acrylate-based UV-curable ink, method and an ink base for producing same
The invention relates to an acrylate-based UV-curable ink, in particular ink jet ink, having a content of pigments, radical photoinitiators, dispersing agent(s)and optionally additional additives, characterized in that said ink contains at least two radical photoinitiators of the Norrish type I and at least one radically curable monomer in the form of a polyfunctional alkoxylated and/or polyalkoxylated acrylate monomer, which comprises one or more diacrylates and/or triacrylates, wherein the mol ratio of all acrylates to all initiators is approximately 5:1 to 19:1. The invention further relates to a method for producing a UV-curable ink, in particular an ink jet ink of the aforementioned type, wherein 1) a ground product or an ink base is produced by grinding one or more radically curable monomers in the form of a polyfunctional alkoxylated and/or polyalkoxylated acryl monomer, which comprise one or more diacrylate(s) and/or triacrylate(s), with one or more pigments and dispersing agents, in particular optionally additionally with synergists, stabilizers and further additives, in a high-performance mill, in particular in a pearl mill, until a constant viscosity and/or constant particle size develops, and 2) the resulting ground product is mixed with further acrylate monomers and the radical photoinitiators in the form of the Norrish type I, and optionally other additives. Said ground product exhibits advantageous physical properties at elevated temperatures and in long-term storage.
US08940803B2 Water-blown rigid foams with improved mechanical properties at low temperatures
The present invention relates to a rigid polyurethane foam which can be obtained by mixing (a) isocyanates, (b) compounds having groups which are reactive toward isocyanates, (c) blowing agents comprising water, (d) catalysts and optionally (e) further additives to form a reaction mixture, applying the reaction mixture to a reinforcing material and curing the reaction mixture, where the isocyanates (a) have a viscosity of not more than 500 mPas at 25° C. and the compounds (b) having groups which are reactive toward isocyanates comprise a polyetherol (b1) having a functionality of 4 or more and a viscosity at 25° C. of 10 000 mPas or less, a polyetherol (b2) having a functionality of 3.5 or less and a viscosity at 25° C. of 600 mPas or less, a polyesterol (b3) having a viscosity at 25° C. of 2000 mPas or less, chain extenders (b4) comprising at least 30% secondary OH groups and optionally a crosslinker (b5). The present invention further relates to a process for producing such rigid polyurethane foams and the use of the rigid polyurethane foams for the insulation of liquefied natural gas tanks.
US08940802B2 Method for optimizing the operation of a hydrocarbon synthesis unit starting from synthesis gas, by controlling the partial pressure of CO
A method is described for optimizing the operation of a reaction section for the synthesis of hydrocarbons from a feed comprising synthesis gas, operated in the presence of a catalyst comprising cobalt, said method comprising the following steps: a) determining the theoretical partial pressure of CO in the reaction section; b) optionally, adjusting the partial pressure of CO determined in step a) to a value of 4 bar or higher; c) determining a new value for the theoretical partial pressure of CO in the reaction section.
US08940798B2 Compounds useful for treating and/or preventing disease-associated bone loss
The present invention concerns a method for treating and/or preventing a disease in a subject comprising the step of administrating an effective amount of a compound of formula I to a subject in need thereof.
US08940797B2 Foaming alcohol compositions with selected dimethicone surfactants
Foaming alcohol compositions with selected dimethicone surfactants are disclosed. The dimethicone surfactants are PEG-8 to PEG-12 linear dimethicone surfactants and in particular PEG-10 linear dimethicone surfactant. The compositions are useful as antimicrobial products and in particular handcare or skincare products.
US08940795B2 Plant disease controlling composition and method for controlling plant disease
The present invention provides a composition having an excellent controlling activity on plant disease. The composition comprising the compound represented by the formula (1) and one or more benzamide fungicidal compound selected from the group (A) shows an excellent controlling activity on a plant disease. group (A): a group consisting of flutolanil, mepronil, and zoxamide.
US08940791B2 Acetylated amino acids as anti-platelet agents, nutritional and vitamin supplements
This invention relates to pharmaceutical compounds and nutritional supplements that are acetylated derivatives of naturally occurring amino acids and acetylated derivatives of peptides derived from naturally occurring amino acids containing hydroxyl groups. They are as useful as anti-platelet drugs, and as nutritional supplements.
US08940788B2 Anti-angiogenic composition containing macrolactin A and a derivative thereof as active ingredients
The present invention relates to an anti-angiogenic composition containing macrolactin compounds such as macrolactin A, 7-O-malonyl macrolactin A, and 7-O-succinyl macrolactin A as active ingredients. The macrolactin compounds according to the present invention strongly suppress angiogenesis in in vivo experiments and can be used as a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating diseases caused by angiogenesis.
US08940785B2 Association between 4-{3-[cis-hexahydrocyclopenta[c]pyrrol-2(1H)-yl]propoxy}benzamide and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and pharmaceutical compositions containing it
Association between 4-{3-[cis-hexahydrocyclopenta[c]pyrrol-2(1H)-yl]propoxy}benzamide of formula (I): or an addition salt thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base, and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Medicinal products containing the same which are useful in the treatment of cognitive disturbances associated with cerebral ageing and with neurodegenerative diseases.
US08940779B2 Microbicidal composition
Synergistic microbicidal compositions containing N-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one.
US08940776B2 2-acylaminopropoanol-type glucosylceramide synthase inhibitors
A compound is represented by Structural Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A pharmaceutical composition comprises a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method of treating a subject in need thereof comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The subject has type 2 diabetes; renal hypertrophy or hyperplasia associated with diabetic nephropathy; Tay-Sachs; Gaucher's; or Fabry's disease. Methods of decreasing plasma TNF-α, lowering blood glucose levels, decreasing glycated hemoglobin levels, inhibiting glucosylceramide synthase, and lowering glycosphingolipid concentrations in a subject in need thereof respectively comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08940770B2 Nitropyridinyl ethyleneimine compound, the pharmaceutical composition containing it, the preparation method and use thereof
The present invention discloses a nitropyridinyl ethyleneimine compound as shown in the formula I and a preparation method of the same, as well as use of the compound in manufacture of a prodrug and in manufacture of a drug for treating a tumor.
US08940762B2 Methods for treating pain
The present invention is directed to methods of treating pain by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an α7 nAChR ligand or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a mammal in need of treatment thereof and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such a compound or salt.
US08940760B2 Pyrazolo pyridine derivatives as NADPH oxidase inhibitors
The present invention is related to pyrazolo pyridine derivatives of Formula (I), pharmaceutical composition thereof and to their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders or conditions related to Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH Oxidase).
US08940759B2 Crystalline forms of kinase inhibitors
Citrate salts of N-(4-{4-amino-7-[1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]thieno[3,2-c]pyridin-3-yl}phenyl)-N′-(3-fluorophenyl)urea and crystalline forms thereof are suitable pharmaceutical ingredients for pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of disease, for example, cancer.
US08940758B2 Fused heterocyclic compounds
The present invention provides a compound which has the effect of PDE inhibition, and which is useful as an agent for preventing or treating schizophrenia. The compound is represented by the formula (I): wherein the symbols are defined in the specification.
US08940756B2 Dihydronaphthyridines and related compounds useful as kinase inhibitors for the treatment of proliferative diseases
The invention relates to dihydronaphthyridines and related compounds; compositions comprising an effective amount of a dihydronaphthyridine or a related compound; and methods for treating or preventing proliferative diseases comprising the administration of an effective amount of a dihydronaphthyridine or a related compound.
US08940754B2 10′-fluorinated Vinca alkaloids provide enhanced biological activity against MDR cancer cells
A 10′-fluoro-vinca alkaloid compound or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt is disclosed, as are methods of its preparation and use. A disclosed 10′-fluoro-vinca alkaloid compound has better cytotoxic potency against leukemia and cancer cell lines, and is about 8-times more cytotoxic to a multiple drug resistant cancer cell line than is a parental 10′-unsubstituted vinca alkaloid.
US08940751B2 Purine compounds as prodrugs of A2B adenosine receptor antagonists, their process and medicinal applications
The present disclosure relates to purine compounds of formula (I) or formula (II) or its tautomers, polymorphs, stereoisomers, solvates or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts, or pharmaceutical compositions containing them and methods of treating conditions and diseases that are mediated by thereof as A2B adenosine receptor antagonists. The compounds of the present disclosure are useful in the treatment, prevention or suppression of diseases and disorders that may be susceptible to improvement by the mediation of adenosine A2B receptor. The present disclosure also relates to methods for the preparation of such compounds, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them.
US08940737B2 Apoptosis-inducing agents for the treatment of cancer and immune and autoimmune diseases
Disclosed are compounds which inhibit the activity of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL proteins, compositions containing the compounds and methods of treating diseases during which is expressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL protein.
US08940735B2 Metalloenzyme inhibitor compounds
The instant invention describes compounds having metalloenzyme modulating activity, and methods of treating diseases, disorders or symptoms thereof mediated by such metalloenzymes.
US08940734B2 Fused aminodihydrothiazine derivatives
The present invention relates to a fused aminodihydrothiazine derivative of formula (I): wherein X is hydrogen or fluorine; A is CH or N; Y is methyl, ethyl, monofluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, methoxymethyl or —C≡N; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; which compound has an Aβ production inhibitory effect or a BACE1 inhibitory effect and is useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a neurodegenerative disease caused by Aβ and typified by Alzheimer-type dementia.
US08940728B2 Substituted noribogaine
This invention relates noribogaine derivatives, compositions and methods of use thereof.
US08940726B2 PRMT5 inhibitors and uses thereof
Described herein are compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Compounds of the present invention are useful for inhibiting PRMT5 activity. Methods of using the compounds for treating PRMT5-mediated disorders are also described.
US08940725B2 Purinone derivative
Compounds represented by general formula (I) (all of the symbols in the formula conform to the definitions in the Description) are compounds that, in addition to having a Btk-selective inhibitory activity, exhibit an excellent metabolic stability and can avoid hepatotoxicity or the like, and as a consequence can provide safe therapeutic agents for diseases in which B cells or mast cells participate.
US08940723B2 Combination of a pyrroloquinoline compound and a beta-lactam antimicrobial agent, mupirocin or chlorhexidine
This invention relates to the use of 4-methyl-8-phenoxy-1-(2-phenylethyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinoline or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof in combination with another antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of a beta-lactam antimicrobial agent, mupirocin and chlorhexidine or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, for the prevention and/or treatment of microbial infections.
US08940722B2 Compounds for modulation of orphan nuclear receptor RAR-related orphan receptor-gamma (RORγ, NR1F3) activity and for the treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease
The invention provides modulators for the orphan nuclear receptor RORγ and methods for treating RORγ mediated diseases by administrating these novel RORγ modulators to a human or a mammal in need thereof. Specifically, the present invention provides compounds of Formula (1) and the enantiomers, diastereomers, tautomers, solvates and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US08940717B2 Plant disease controlling composition and method for controlling plant disease
The present invention provides a composition having an excellent controlling activity on plant disease. The composition comprising the compound represented by the formula (1) and one or more inorganic fungicidal compound selected from the group (A) shows an excellent controlling activity on a plant disease. group (A): a group consisting of fludioxonil, pencycuron, ametoctradin, chloroneb, chlorothalonil, oxine-copper, cyflufenamid, dichlofluanid, dicloran, diethofencarb, dinocap, dithianon, edifenphos, fenaminosulf, fentin, fluazinam, fluoroimide, flusulfamide, flutianil, fosetyl-Al, hydrargaphen, iprobenfos, metrafenon, milneb, penflufen, phosdiphen, phthalide, prothiocarb, pyrazophos, sedaxane, silthiofam, spiroxamine, tebufloquin, and tolyfluanid.
US08940716B2 Bicyclic heteroaryl compounds as GPR119 modulators
Novel compounds of structure Formula I: or an enantiomer, diastereomer, tautomer, prodrug or salt thereof, wherein A, D, Di, E, J, L, n, Q, R2 and R4 are defined herein, are provided which are GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulators. GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulators are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases requiring GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulator therapy. Thus, the disclosure also concerns compositions comprising these novel compounds and methods of treating diseases or conditions related to the activity of the GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor by using any of these novel compounds or a composition comprising any of such novel compounds.
US08940712B2 Micro-RNA family that modulates fibrosis and uses thereof
The present invention relates to the identification of a microRNA family, designated miR-29a-c, that is a key regulator of fibrosis in cardiac tissue. The inventors show that members of the miR-29 family are down-regulated in the heart tissue in response to stress, and are up-regulated in heart tissue of mice that are resistant to both stress and fibrosis. Also provided are methods of modulating expression and activity of the miR-29 family of miRNAs as a treatment for fibrotic disease, including cardiac hypertrophy, skeletal muscle fibrosis other fibrosis related diseases and collagen loss-related disease.
US08940710B2 Human monoclonal antibody
The present invention provides an anti-CD81 antibody usable as a pharmaceutical product for human. Specifically, the present invention provides an anti-human CD81 antibody capable of binding to a peptide region consisting of the amino acid sequence of the amino acid numbers 80 to 175 in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:22.
US08940709B2 Therapeutic alteration of transplantable tissues through in situ or ex vivo exposure to RNA interference molecules
The present invention, at least in part, relates to the discovery of efficacious delivery of an RNAi agent (in preferred aspects of the invention, an siRNA) to a transplantable tissue. Organ rejection, transplantation-mediated transmission of viral infection, and triggering of apoptosis in transplanted tissues can each be minimized by the methods and compositions of the instant invention. The RNAi agent(s) of the instant invention can be delivered as “naked” molecules, or using liposomal and other modes of delivery, to transplantable tissues. Such delivery can occur via perfusion of the RNAi agent in solution through the vasculature of a whole or partial organ; or tissues including transplantable cells and cell lines may be bathed, injected or otherwise treated with RNAi agents. Preferred transplantable tissues include, for example, pancreas, liver, kidney, heart, lung, and all cells and cell lines derived from such tissues (e.g., pancreatic islet cells that may, e.g., be transplanted as a treated population).
US08940707B2 Maribavir isomers, compositions, methods of making and methods of using
The invention relates to novel compositions and methods of using maribavir which enhance its effectiveness in medical therapy, as well as to maribavir isomers and methods of use thereof for counteracting the potentially adverse effects of maribavir isomerization in vivo in the event it occurs.
US08940702B2 Mutants PF4 polypeptides exhibiting an increased anti-angiogenic activity
The present invention pertains to PF4 muteins which comprise a substitution at position 67, e.g. a L67H substitution, compared to the sequence of the wild-type PF4 protein. Such PF4 muteins exhibit an increased anti-angiogenie activity and a reduced affinity for proteoglycans compared to the wild-type PF4 protein.
US08940701B2 Compounds for, and methods of, treating cancer and inhibiting invasion and metastases
Invasion-inhibiting peptides comprising either a modified cysteine (where the sulfur atom is modified with a alkyl group or other suitable group), and/or b) D-amino acids, for the treatment “cancer” in humans and animals. Such peptides can be used together with other therapies (e.g. radiation) to enhance the therapeutic benefit and reduce invasiveness.
US08940700B2 E-selectin compositions and use thereof for inducing E-selectin tolerance
The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating or preventing vascular dementia in a mammal comprising mucosal administration of an amount of E-selectin polypeptide sufficient to induce bystander immune tolerance in the mammal. Another aspect of the invention relates to compositions useful for treating or preventing vascular dementia.
US08940697B2 Compositions and methods for the treatment of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury with Annexin A1 short peptide
The present invention provides a method of treating, ameliorating or preventing myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in a subject in need thereof, by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an annexin A1 short peptide (ANXA1sp).
US08940696B2 Methods for prevention and treatment of acute renal injury
The disclosure relates to a method for protecting a kidney from renal injury. For example, acute renal injury may be associated with decreased or blocked blood flow in the subject's kidney or exposure to a nephrotoxic agent, such as a radiocontrast dye. The methods include administering to the subject an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide to a subject in need thereof.
US08940692B2 Cartilage material
Cartilage materials such as cartilage fluff and a cartilage composition comprising a particulate material are disclosed. These are suitable for stimulating chondrogenesis and/or producing cartilage regeneration. Also disclosed are processes for their preparation. Methods for regenerating articular cartilage are also disclosed, which involve, for example, placing the cartilage fluff or cartilage composition into a cartilage defect.
US08940691B2 Method for treating metabolic disorders including type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus
A supramolecular insulin assembly and supramolecular exendin-4 assembly, which is useful as a protein therapeutic agent for the treatment of metabolic disorders particularly diabetes. The supramolecular assemblies disclosed in the present invention consists of insoluble and aggregated oligomers the protein. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the supramolecular assembly.
US08940690B2 Synthetic conjugates and uses thereof
The present disclosure provides a cross-linked material comprising conjugates which include two or more separate affinity ligands bound to a non-polymeric framework, wherein the molecular weight of the non-polymeric framework is less than 10,000 Da; and multivalent cross-linking agents that non-covalently bind the affinity ligands of the conjugates and thereby cross-link the conjugates to form a cross-linked material, wherein the non-covalent bonds between the multivalent cross-linking agents and the affinity ligands are competitively dissociated in the presence of excess amounts of a target molecule. The present disclosure also provides methods of making and methods of using these materials. In other aspects, the present disclosure provides exemplary conjugates including conjugates for use in glucose responsive cross-linked materials.
US08940689B2 Method for weight loss and ketogenic compositions
The present disclosure relates to a weight-loss composition including protein and fat and methods of use. The weight loss composition is substantially free of carbohydrates. The composition induces body weight loss when administered to a subject as the only source of nutrition for at least 12 hours.
US08940686B2 Cytokine
A novel cytokine, U83A, is described, as are variant forms of the cytokine, having a wide range of agonistic and antagonistic activity against chemokine receptors. Uses of the chemokine in treatment of a range of diseases, including cancers and HIV/AIDS, are described.
US08940682B2 Peroxygen catalyst-containing fabric and use for in situ generation of alkalinity
The invention discloses compositions and methods for generating alkalinity in situ. The compositions and methods relate to the use of a fabric source containing a decomposition agent to catalyze the decomposition of a dilute peroxygen source. The methods provide a highly alkaline cleaning composition produced at a desired time and place of use. Methods of cleaning are also disclosed.
US08940681B2 Color protection detergent
The present invention improves dye transfer inhibition in the washing of textiles by the use of SO3M substituted urea derivatives of aromatic amines.
US08940679B2 Cleaning and deodorizing compositions and methods
The present invention relates to compositions for deodorizing and cleaning, in particular solid compositions in the form of effervescent tablets which can be reconstituted in water to obtain solutions for cleaning and deodorizing. The compositions comprise one or more Bacillus subtilis strain(s), one or more surfactant(s), one or more fragrance(s), one or more descaling agent(s), and one or more effervescent agent(s). The invention further relates to a kit comprising such tablets, as well as methods for obtaining cleaning and deodorizing tablets and solutions and their use for cleaning and deodorizing.
US08940678B2 Method for producing a solid with sufficiently low hygroscopicity which comprises glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) or a derivative thereof
The present invention relates to a solid with sufficiently low hygroscopicity which comprises glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) or derivatives and/or salts thereof, and a method for its production.
US08940676B2 Detergent products, methods and manufacture
A water-soluble pouch suitable for use in machine dishwashing and which comprises a plurality of compartments in generally superposed or superposable relationship, each containing one or more detergent active or auxiliary components, and wherein the pouch has a volume of from about 5 to about 70 ml and a longitudinal/transverse aspect ratio in the range from about 2:1 to about 1:8, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:4. The water-soluble pouch allows for optimum delivery of dishwashing detergent. A process for the manufacture of multi-compartment pouches and a pack to contain the pouches are also disclosed.
US08940675B2 Cleansing composition and a wet wipe comprising the same
The present disclosure includes cleansing compositions for removing soils from surfaces. Tee cleansing composition may be loaded ones a substrate to form a wet wipe. The cleansing composition may include a glucomannan and a synergy enhancing agent. The synergy enhancing agent may include xanthan gum. The synergy enhancing component may include xanthan gum and carrageenan. The wet wipe may be used to assist in the removal of soils such as feces, menses, and urine from skin.
US08940674B2 High alcohol content foaming compositions
This invention relates to a “high lower alcohol content”(>40% v/v of a C1-4 alcohol) liquid composition able to be either dispensed as a stable foam with the use of non-propellant foam dispensing devices from non-pressurized containers or as an alcohol gel composition which does not use thickener and gelling agents that leave undesirable deposits or a sticky after-feel and that has a final viscosity less than 4,000 cps. The liquid compositions comprise an alcohol, C1-4 (>40% v/v), a fluorosurfactant of at least 0.001% by weight to prepare a foamable composition or from 0-2.0% to prepare a gel-like composition of a final viscosity less than 4,000 cps, 0-10% w/w of additional minor components added to obtain the desired performance (a foamable composition or a gel-like composition with a viscosity less than 4,000 cps), and the balance being purified water.
US08940665B2 Oil release with amino acid-based compounds having a long chain N-acyl group
Chemical compounds that are N-acyl amino acids or derivatives thereof having long chain N-acyl groups were found to have oil-releasing activity. Solutions containing these compounds may be introduced into oil reservoirs or onto oil-contaminated surface sites to release oil from oil-coated surfaces. The released oil may be recovered for further processing or waste disposal.
US08940662B2 Methods for controlling pests
Ready-to-use foamable pesticide compositions that contain a particulate pesticide suspended therein and applicators for dispensing such compositions. Methods for treating pests such as arthropods by contacting pests with such compositions are also provided.
US08940660B2 Simultaneous warm gas desulfurization and complete CO-shift for improved syngas cleanup
The present invention involves both separated beds (or physical mixture) and a process for treating a fuel gas comprising sending the fuel gas to a separated bed (or physical mixture), in which the separated beds comprise a first bed of a sulfur sorbent and a second bed of a water gas shift catalyst (a physical mixture of a sulfur sorbent and a water gas shift catalyst). The process comprises first sending the fuel gas to the first bed to remove sulfur compounds from said fuel gas and then the fuel gas goes to the second bed to undergo a water gas shift reaction in which carbon monoxide is converted to carbon dioxide and water is converted to hydrogen. (or sending the fuel gas simultaneously to the physical mixture to remove simultaneously the sulfur compounds and to react CO with water to CO2 and hydrogen).
US08940659B2 Gas purifying catalyst for internal combustion engine
Disclosed is a gas purifying catalyst for an internal combustion engine comprising: a carrier and a catalyst layer formed on the carrier, the catalyst layer including a first catalyst, a second catalyst and a third catalyst. The first catalyst comprises Pd supported in a first support, the first support comprising alumina. The second catalyst comprises Rh supported in a second support, the second support comprising a complex oxide of ceria-zirconia. The third catalyst comprising Pd supported in a third support, the third support comprising a complex oxide of ceria-zirconia.
US08940657B2 Exhaust emission control catalyst
An exhaust emission control catalyst disclosed herein is equipped with a rhodium catalytic layer and a platinum catalytic layer, and is characterized in that a relationship between a mole average (X) of a Pauling's electronegativity that is calculated as to elements included in the rhodium catalytic layer except platinum group elements and oxygen and a mole average (Y) of a Pauling's electronegativity that is calculated as to elements included in the platinum catalytic layer except platinum group elements and oxygen is 1.30≦X≦1.45 and 1.47≦Y≦2.0. According to this exhaust emission control catalyst, an interlayer transfer of platinum and/or rhodium and the alloying of platinum and/or rhodium are suppressed during use of the catalyst, and high exhaust gas purification performance can be exerted.
US08940652B2 Phosphorus modified cracking catalysts with enhanced activity and hydrothermal stability
A phosphorus modification of an FCC catalyst is provided by reducing the sodium content of the as formed catalyst, a first treatment with a phosphate solution, a second ammonium exchange to further reduce the sodium content of the phosphorus solution treated catalyst and a second treatment with a phosphate solution.
US08940650B2 Methods for fabricating integrated circuits utilizing silicon nitride layers
A method of fabricating an integrated circuit includes the steps of providing a semiconductor substrate comprising a semiconductor device disposed thereon and depositing a first silicon nitride layer over the semiconductor substrate and over the semiconductor device using a first deposition process. The first deposition process is a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process that operates over a plurality of cycles, each cycle having a first time interval and a second time interval. The PECVD process includes the steps of generating a plasma with a power source during the first time interval, the plasma comprising reactive ionic and radical species of a silicon-providing gas and a nitrogen-providing gas, and discontinuing generating the plasma during the second time interval immediately subsequent to the first time interval. The method further includes depositing a second silicon nitride layer over the first silicon nitride layer after the plurality of cycles.
US08940647B2 Method for surface treatment on a metal oxide and method for preparing a thin film transistor
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for surface treatment on a metal oxide and a method for preparing a thin film transistor. The method for surface treatment on a metal oxide comprises: utilizing plasma to perform a surface treatment on a device to be processed; the plasma comprises a mixture gas of an F-based gas and O2, and the device to be processed is a metal oxide or a manufactured article coated with a metal oxide. The embodiments provided by the present invention can reduce the contact resistance between a metal oxide and other electrodes, and improve the effect of ohmic contact of the metal oxide.
US08940646B1 Sequential precursor dosing in an ALD multi-station/batch reactor
Disclosed herein are methods of depositing layers of material on multiple semiconductor substrates at multiple processing stations within one or more reaction chambers. The methods may include dosing a first substrate with film precursor at a first processing station and dosing a second substrate with film precursor at a second processing station with precursor flowing from a common source, wherein the timing of said dosing is staggered such that the first substrate is dosed during a first dosing phase during which the second substrate is not substantially dosed, and the second substrate is dosed during a second dosing phase during which the first substrate is not substantially dosed. Also disclosed herein are apparatuses having a plurality of processing stations contained within one or more reaction chambers and a controller with machine-readable instructions for staggering the dosing of first and second substrates at first and second processing stations.
US08940644B2 Method of producing a semiconductor substrate product and etching liquid
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate product having: providing an etching liquid containing water, a hydrofluoric acid compound and an organic solvent, and applying the etching liquid to a semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate having a silicon layer and a silicon oxide layer, the silicon layer containing an impurity, and thereby selectively etching the silicon oxide layer.
US08940641B1 Methods for fabricating integrated circuits with improved patterning schemes
Methods for fabricating integrated circuits with improved patterning schemes are provided. In an embodiment, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes depositing an interlayer dielectric material overlying a semiconductor substrate. Further, the method includes forming a patterned hard mask overlying the interlayer dielectric material. Also, the method forms an organic planarization layer overlying the patterned hard mask and contacting portions of the interlayer dielectric material. The method patterns the organic planarization layer using an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography process. The method also includes etching the interlayer dielectric material using the patterned hard mask and organic planarization layer as a mask to form vias in the interlayer dielectric material.
US08940640B2 Source/drain structure of semiconductor device
The disclosure relates to a semiconductor device. An exemplary structure for a field effect transistor comprises a substrate comprising a major surface and a cavity below the major surface; a gate stack on the major surface of the substrate; a spacer adjoining one side of the gate stack; a shallow trench isolations (STI) region disposed on the side of the gate stack, wherein the STI region is within the substrate; and a source/drain (S/D) structure distributed between the gate stack and STI region, wherein the S/D structure comprises a strained material in the cavity, wherein a lattice constant of the strained material is different from a lattice constant of the substrate; and a S/D extension disposed between the substrate and strained material, wherein the S/D extension comprises a portion extending below the spacer and substantially vertical to the major surface.
US08940634B2 Overlapping contacts for semiconductor device
A method of forming overlapping contacts in a semiconductor device includes forming a first contact in a dielectric layer; etching the dielectric layer to form a recess adjacent to the first contact and removing a top portion of the first contact while etching the dielectric layer, wherein a bottom portion of the first contact remains in the dielectric layer after the recess is formed in the dielectric layer; and forming a second contact in the recess adjacent to the bottom portion of the first contact and on top of a top surface of the bottom portion of the first contact.
US08940633B2 Methods of forming semiconductor device with self-aligned contact elements and the resulting devices
One method discloses performing an etching process to form a contact opening in a layer of insulating material above at least a portion of a source/drain, region wherein, after the completion of the etching process, a portion of a gate structure of the transistor is exposed, selectively forming an oxidizable material on the exposed gate structure, converting at least a portion of the oxidizable material to an oxide material, and forming a conductive contact in the contact opening that is conductively coupled to the source/drain region. A novel transistor device disclosed herein includes an oxide material positioned between a conductive contact and a gate structure of the transistor, wherein the oxide material contacts the conductive contact and contacts a portion, but not all, of the exterior surface of the gate structure.
US08940631B1 Methods of forming coaxial feedthroughs for 3D integrated circuits
Methods of forming coaxial feedthroughs for 3d integrated circuits that provide excellent isolation of signal paths from the substrate and from adjacent feedthroughs. One method is to form a recess in a substrate and deposit alternate layers of insulation and conductive layers and then thin the substrate to make the layers available from both sides of the substrate, with the first metal layer forming the coaxial conductor and the second metal layer forming the central conductor. Alternatively the coaxial feedthroughs may be formed using a modified pillar process to form the coaxial conductor at the same time as the center conductor is formed so that the coaxial feedthrough is formed without requiring extra steps. Both processes are low temperature processes.
US08940626B2 Integrated circuit and method for fabricating the same having a replacement gate structure
A method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes forming a first layer of a workfunction material in a first trench of a plurality of trench structures formed over a silicon substrate, the first trench having a first length and forming a second layer of a workfunction material in a second trench, the second trench having a second length that is longer than the first length. The method further includes depositing a low-resistance fill material onto the integrated circuit to fill any unfilled trenches with the low-resistance fill material and etching the low resistance fill material, the first layer, and the second layer to re-expose a portion of each trench of the plurality of trenches, while leaving a portion of each of the first layer, the second layer, and the low-resistance fill material in place. Still further, the method includes depositing a gate fill material into each re-exposed trench portion.
US08940620B2 Composite wafer for fabrication of semiconductor devices
A composite wafer includes a first substrate having a first vertical thickness and a top surface, the top surface being prepared in a state for subsequent semiconductor material epitaxial deposition. A carrier substrate is disposed beneath the first substrate. The carrier substrate has a second vertical thickness greater than the first vertical thickness. An interlayer bonds the first substrate to the carrier substrate.
US08940619B2 Method of diced wafer transportation
Methods of dicing semiconductor wafers, and transporting singulated die, are described. In an example, a method of dicing a wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits thereon involves dicing the wafer into a plurality of singulated dies disposed above a dicing tape. The method also involves forming a water soluble material layer over and between the plurality of singulated dies, above the dicing tape.
US08940618B2 Method and device for cutting semiconductor wafers
A method for cutting a semiconductor wafer into semiconductor chips that reduces defects at the semiconductor chip corners. The method includes a pre-cutting processing step of trimming the semiconductor chip corners so that mechanical stress is reduced at the corners. The method includes dicing channels on a semiconductor wafer thereby defining the geometrical shape of one of the semiconductor chips, modifying the corners of the one of the semiconductor chips, and cutting the semiconductor wafer to separate the one of the semiconductor chips from other semiconductor chips.
US08940614B2 SiC substrate with SiC epitaxial film
A method of forming an epitaxial SiC film on SiC substrates in a warm wall CVD system, wherein the susceptor is actively heated and the ceiling and sidewall are not actively heated, but are allowed to be indirectly heated by the susceptor. The method includes a first process of reaction cell preparation and a second process of epitaxial film growth. The epitaxial growth is performed by flowing parallel to the surface of the wafers a gas mixture of hydrogen, silicon and carbon gases, at total gas velocity in a range 120 to 250 cm/sec.
US08940605B2 Method of fabricating a high-voltage transistor with an extended drain structure
A method for fabricating a high-voltage transistor with an extended drain region includes forming in a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, first and second trenches that define a mesa having respective first and second sidewalls; then partially filling each of the trenches with a dielectric material that covers the first and second sidewalls. The remaining portions of the trenches are then filled with a conductive material to form first and second field plates. Source and body regions are formed in an upper portion of the mesa, with the body region separating the source from a lower portion of the mesa. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08940603B2 Method of making semiconductor device
A semiconductor device and method of making a semiconductor device are disclosed. A semiconductor body, a floating gate poly and a source/drain region are provided. A metal interconnect region with a control gate node is provided that capacitively couples to the floating gate poly.
US08940597B2 In-situ metal gate recess process for self-aligned contact application
A method of producing a metal gate structure. The method includes forming a gate structure above a semiconductor substrate and performing one or more chemical metal planarization (CMP) processes to planarize the formed gate structure using a CMP tool. An in situ gate etching process is performed in a CMP cleaner of the CMP tool to form a gate recess. A contact etch stop layer (CESL) can then be deposited in the formed gate recess and one or more CMP processes performed to planarize the CESL.
US08940596B2 Method of making structure having a gate stack
A method includes removing a first portion of a gate layer of a structure. The structure includes a drain region, a source region, and a gate stack, and the gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer, a gate conductive layer directly on the gate dielectric layer, and the gate layer directly on the gate conductive layer. A drain contact region is formed on the drain region, and a source contact region is formed on the source region. A conductive region is formed directly on the gate conductive layer and adjacent to a second portion of the gate layer. A gate contact terminal is formed in contact with the conductive region.
US08940592B2 Memories and methods of forming thin-film transistors using hydrogen plasma doping
Methods of forming thin-film transistors and memories are disclosed. In one such method, polycrystalline silicon is hydrogen plasma doped to form doped polycrystalline silicon. The doped polycrystalline silicon is then annealed. The hydrogen plasma doping and the annealing are decoupled.
US08940591B2 Embedded silicon germanium N-type filed effect transistor for reduced floating body effect
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a gate stack on an active region of a silicon-on-insulator substrate. The active region is within a semiconductor layer and is doped with an p-type dopant. A gate spacer is formed surrounding the gate stack. A first trench is formed in a region reserved for a source region and a second trench is formed in a region reserved for a drain region. The first and second trenches are formed while maintaining exposed the region reserved for the source region and the region reserved for the drain region. Silicon germanium is epitaxially grown within the first trench and the second trench while maintaining exposed the regions reserved for the source and drain regions, respectively.
US08940587B1 Die seal design and method and apparatus for integrated circuit production
Novel die seals control contact of a mold material with the surfaces of a semiconductor die during encapsulation, reducing stresses due to a mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the encapsulant and the semiconductor die, thereby reducing cracking of the semiconductor die, resulting in increased yields and lower costs.
US08940585B2 Single layer BGA substrate process
The present disclosure provides semiconductor packaging techniques that form a substrate using metal and insulating materials. The substrate includes a first surface that is bonded to a semiconductor device and a second surface that is bonded to a printed circuit board. The substrate is formed using several techniques that minimize the amount of mask levels used to form the substrate. For example, a metal substrate is patterned to form a three dimensional pattern on the surface. A dielectric material is deposited on the three dimensional pattern. Using several patterning and polishing embodiments described herein, the metal/dielectric substrate is patterned and polished to form a substantially flush surface that is bonded to the semiconductor device. In one embodiment, the top surface of the metal/dielectric substrate is patterned to expose the underlying metal substrate and the bottom surface of the metal substrate is polished to be substantially flush with the dielectric material.
US08940581B2 Packaged microelectronic devices and methods for manufacturing packaged microelectronic devices
Packaged microelectronic devices and methods for manufacturing packaged microelectronic devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a packaged microelectronic device can include a support member, a first die attached to the support member, and a second die attached to the first die in a stacked configuration. The device can also include an attachment feature between the first and second dies. The attachment feature can be composed of a dielectric adhesive material. The attachment feature includes (a) a single, unitary structure covering at least approximately all of the back side of the second die, and (b) a plurality of interconnect structures electrically coupled to internal active features of both the first die and the second die.
US08940580B2 Textured multi-junction solar cell and fabrication method
A method for forming a multi junction photovoltaic device includes providing a germanium layer and etching pyramidal shapes in the germanium layer such that (111) facets are exposed to form a textured surface. A first p-n junction is formed on or over the textured surface from III-V semiconductor materials. Another p-n junction is formed over the first p-n junction from III-V semiconductor materials and follows the textured surface.
US08940578B2 Low-temperature fabrication of metal oxide thin films and nanomaterial-derived metal composite thin films
Disclosed are new methods of fabricating metal oxide thin films and nanomaterial-derived metal composite thin films via solution processes at low temperatures (<400° C.). The present thin films are useful as thin film semiconductors, thin film dielectrics, or thin film conductors, and can be implemented into semiconductor devices such as thin film transistors and thin film photovoltaic devices.
US08940576B1 Methods for n-type doping of graphene, and n-type-doped graphene compositions
The present invention provides practical methods for n-type doping of graphene, either during graphene synthesis or following the formation of graphene. Some variations provide a method of n-type doping of graphene, comprising introducing a phosphorus-containing dopant fluid to a surface of graphene, under effective conditions to dope the graphene with phosphorus atoms or with phosphorus-containing molecules or fragments. It has been found that substitutional doping with phosphine can effectively modulate the electrical properties of graphene, such as graphene supported on Si or SiC substrates. Graphene sheet resistances well below 200 ohm/sq, and sheet carrier concentrations above 5×1013 cm−2, have been observed experimentally for n-doped graphene produced by the disclosed methods. This invention provides n-doped graphene for various electronic-device applications.
US08940575B2 Method of producing semiconductor device, solid-state imaging device, method of producing electric apparatus, and electric apparatus
There is provided a method of producing a semiconductor device. The method includes the steps of: forming a first hard mask having an opening above a substrate; forming a sacrificial film above a side surface of the opening of the first hard mask; forming a second hard mask in the opening having the sacrificial film above the side surface; removing the sacrificial film after the second hard mask is formed; ion implanting a first conductivity-type impurity through the first hard mask; and ion implanting a second conductivity-type impurity through the first and second hard masks.
US08940572B2 Method for forming structures in a solar cell
A conductive contact pattern is formed on a surface of solar cell by forming a thin conductive layer over at least one lower layer of the solar cell, and ablating a majority of the thin conductive layer using a laser beam, thereby leaving behind the conductive contact pattern. The laser has a top-hat profile, enabling precision while scanning and ablating the thin layer across the surface. Heterocontact patterns are also similarly formed.
US08940567B2 Method for fabricating a III-nitride semiconductor device
A III-nitride semiconductor device which includes a barrier body between the gate electrode and the gate dielectric thereof.
US08940562B1 Fully-printed carbon nanotube thin film transistor backplanes for active matrix organic light emitting devices and liquid crystal displays
The present disclosure provides the ability to produce backplanes for AMLCD and AMOLED. Specifically, each and every component of the backplanes can be printed. Depending on the resolution and screen size of the displays, backplanes can include over a million different components that must be printed that include components of the thin film transistor (TFT) and electrodes to address each of those TFTs. Even a slight misregistry of components during printing can lead to failure of one or more pixels, potentially rendering the entire display unsuitable for use. The present disclosure provides the ability to reproducibly and accurately print each and every component of the backplane for both AMLCD and AMOLED. The ability to completely print backplanes provides numerous advantages, such as reduced costs, improved throughput, more environmental friendliness, and the like.
US08940561B2 Systems and methods for application of optical materials to optical elements
Methods are disclosed including heating an optical element. An optical material is applied to the heated optical element to provide a conformal layer that is cured via the thermal energy in the heated optical element.
US08940560B2 Method for manufacturing touching-type electronic paper
The present invention relates to a touching-type electronic paper and method for manufacturing the same. The touching-type electronic paper includes a TFT substrate and a transparent electrode substrate which are disposed as a cell. The transparent electrode substrate includes a common electrode, microcapsule electronic ink and light guiding poles as light transmitting passages, all of which are formed on a first substrate. The TFT substrate comprises displaying electrodes, first TFTs for driving the displaying electrodes, second TFTs for detecting lights transmitting through the light guiding poles and for producing level signals, and third TFTs for reading the level signals and sending the level signals to a back-end processing system, all of which are formed on a second substrate. The light guiding poles are opposite to the second TFTs respectively. The present invention makes the natural lights or other lights outside transmitted to the second TFTs through the light guiding poles by disposing the light guiding poles as light transmitting passages and disposing the second TFTs as light sensor units. The present invention has many advantages such as simple structure, simple manufacturing process and low cost, so as to have a wide application prospect.
US08940553B2 Flat panel display device and method for manufacturing flat panel display
A flat panel display device includes a pixel circuit provided on a substrate, a pixel wiring, an inspection pad connected to the pixel circuit through the pixel wiring, a main wiring separated from the inspection pad by a gap, and a common electrode covering substantially the entire substrate and electrically connecting the inspection pad to the main wiring.
US08940551B2 Method for monitoring contact hole etching process of TFT substrate
The present invention provides a method for monitoring a contact hole etching process of a TFT substrate, which includes: (1) providing a substrate having a first metal layer and a monitoring machine; (2) providing a target value of reflection rate of the substrate having the first metal layer; (3) applying a masking operation to patternize the first metal layer for forming a gate terminal; (4) forming a gate insulation layer on the gate terminal; and (5) forming a contact hole in the gate insulation layer through etching and simultaneously operating the monitoring machine to measure the reflection rate of a bottom of the contact hole, whereby when the reflection rate of the bottom of the contact hole is substantially equal to the target value, the etching operation is stopped. The variation of reflection rate of the metal layer is monitored to identify if the insulation layer is completely etched away.
US08940548B2 Sensor for biomolecules
A method for sensing biomolecules in an electrolyte includes exposing a gate dielectric surface of a sensor comprising a silicon fin to the electrolyte, wherein the gate dielectric surface comprises a dielectric material and antibodies configured to bind with the biomolecules; applying a gate voltage to an electrode immersed in the electrolyte; and measuring a change in a drain current flowing in the silicon fin; and determining an amount of the biomolecules that are present in the electrolyte based on the change in the drain current.
US08940547B2 Evidence collector with integral quantified reagents and method of modulating specimen drying time
Apparatus and methods are provided for evidence specimen collection having integral reagent holders to hold reagent vials and having drying agent or desiccant holding areas that permit the renewal of the desiccant and permit the introduction of variously size desiccant qualities to allow modulation of the specimen drying time to achieve early stabilization of specimens while holding the specimen in an isolated drying area during storage and shipment and for simultaneous collection of multiple evidence samples with simultaneous storage, drying, marking, evidence security and shipping provided and with the provision for simultaneous storage, drying, marking, evidence security and shipping provided for a control specimen.
US08940544B2 Antioxidant protection of a chemical sensor
Analyte sensors having antioxidant protection are disclosed. By combining antioxidant and/or scavenger agents into polymer matrices that contain sensor moieties, the sensor moieties are protected from reactive oxygen species. Also disclosed are methods of making analyte sensors and methods of inhibiting oxidative degradation of sensing components in hydrated, polymerized analyte sensor systems.
US08940541B2 Device, system and method for storing and sorting cellular samples
The present invention discloses a sample sorter system adapted to receive and sort samples according to predetermined criteria. The sample sorter system comprises a receptacle that is adapted to receive and retain fluid and samples. The receptacle is operatively coupled with a drive and with a power source such that actuation of the drive causes the rotation of at least one circular component, which in turn causes the development of a flow regime in the receptacle such that the samples suspended in the fluid are conveyable along a closed path to at least one sample handling site that are positioned along said closed path.
US08940538B2 Apparatus and method for quantifying binding and dissociation kinetics of molecular interactions
The present invention relates to an apparatus for quantifying the binding and dissociation kinetics of molecular interactions of small molecular bio materials with high sensitivity almost without the influence of a change in the reflective index resulting from a buffer solution by making polarized incident light incident on the binding layer of a bio material, formed in a thin dielectric film, so that the polarized incident light satisfies a p-wave non-reflecting condition and a quantifying method using the same.
US08940531B2 System for culturing and recovering micro algae
A system for culturing and recovering micro algae comprises a photo-bioreactor, a floatation separator, a centrifugal separator, and a micro bubble generator. The photo-bioreactor unit is configured to culture micro algae by a photochemical reaction to produce a micro algae precipitate. The precipitated micro algae is separated by the floatation separator. The separated micro algae is concentrated by the centrifugal separator. The micro bubble generator generates process water containing micro carbon dioxide bubbles and supplies the generated process water to the photo-bioreactor unit and the floatation separator. With this system, micro algae can be cultured and recovered in a simpler and more cost-effective manner.
US08940523B2 Pipette tip, pipette system and method for performing analysis with the pipette tip and system
The present invention relates to a pipette tip (100, 200, 201, 300) comprising a tip body (110) having an inner surface and an outer surface (112). The inner surface (111) defines an inner cavity (120, 320), which has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end has an upper opening (131); and the lower end has a lower opening (141). At least a part of the inner surface (111) is provided with capturing agents (151) of at least one type forming at least one capturing-agent region (150) on the at least one inner surface. The at least one capturing agent region (150) is capable of selectively binding target substances (152) of at least one type comprised in a sample to form at least agent-target conjugates (155), the arrangement of which define at least one agent-target region (156).
US08940522B2 Optical detector for use in therapy
Activation of an enzyme in a bodily fluid is detected based on the amount of cleavage of a substrate for the enzyme. The substrate is tagged with two fluorescent dyes—a donor and an acceptor. The tagged substrate is presented to the bodily fluid. A device emits energy at a first wavelength into the bodily fluid, and detects energy at second and third wavelengths emitted by the dyes in response to the energy at the first wavelength. Prior to enzymatic cleavage of the substrate, the acceptor emits energy at the third wavelength in response to energy at the second wavelength received through fluorescent resonant energy transfer (FRET) from the donor. After enzymatic cleavage of the substrate, the donor emits energy at the second wavelength. The device can determine the concentration of activated enzyme within the bodily fluid based on the relative intensities of energy at the second and third wavelengths.
US08940520B2 Process for growing biomass by modulating inputs to reaction zone based on changes to exhaust supply
There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone includes an operative reaction mixture. The operative reaction mixture includes the phototrophic biomass disposed in an aqueous medium. Gaseous exhaust material is produced with a gaseous exhaust material producing process, wherein the gaseous exhaust material includes carbon dioxide. When an indication of a change in the molar rate of supply of carbon dioxide, from the gaseous exhaust material producing process, to reaction zone is sensed, at least one input to the reaction zone is modulated.
US08940516B2 Method for the synthesis of chiral cyanohydrins via a hydroxynitrile lyase from brassicaceae
The invention concerns a polypeptide which can be isolated from the Brassicaceae family and which has at least the activity of a hydroxynitrile lyase (HNL). The hydroxynitrile lyase of the invention is the first HNL from the Brassicaceae family. The plants (Arabidopsis) from which this enzyme or its gene is isolated is also described as non-cyanogenic. All HNL-containing plants described so far are cyanogenic plants and so it has until now been assumed that only cyanogenic plants contain hydroxynitrile lyases. Surprisingly, it transpires that a polypeptide (AtHNL) of the invention is (R)-selective. The amino acid sequence gives a theoretical molecular weight of 29.2 kDa for the AtHNL subunit. The calculated molecular mass of the protein of approximately 30 kDa can be confirmed by SDS gel electrophoresis.
US08940515B2 Polypeptides having xylanase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US08940514B2 Thioesterase and a method of producing fatty acids or lipids using the thioesterase
A thioesterase comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, a thioesterase gene encoding the thioesterase, a transformant comprising the gene, and a method of producing fatty acids or lipids using the transformant.
US08940513B2 Manufacture of active highly phosphorylated human N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase and uses thereof
This invention provides compositions of active highly phosphorylated human N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS), and pharmaceutical compositions and formulations thereof, methods of producing and purifying GALNS, and its use in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, or treatment of diseases and conditions, including particularly lysosomal storage diseases that are caused by, or associated with, a deficiency in the GALNS enzyme, e.g., Mucopolysaccharidosis IVa (MPS IVa or Morquio A syndrome).
US08940512B2 Processes for synthesizing alkaline phosphatase conjugates
Methods for synthesizing an ALP conjugate are provided. The methods may include activating a carboxyl group of the ALP with a carbodiimide, to generate an active ester; and adding the substance to be conjugated such that a synthetic reaction occurs between the active ester and the substance to be conjugated, to generate an ALP conjugate.
US08940507B2 Real-time sequencing methods and systems
The present invention is generally directed to compositions, methods, and systems for performing single-molecule, real-time analysis of a variety of different biological reactions. The ability to analyze such reactions provides an opportunity to study those reactions as well as to potentially identify factors and/or approaches for impacting such reactions, e.g., to either enhance or inhibit such reactions. In certain preferred embodiments, RNA templates are used in single-molecule real-time sequencing reactions.
US08940502B2 Nucleic acid constructs and methods of making protein
The present invention relates to methods for producing a polypeptide, comprising: (a) cultivating a fungal host cell in a medium conducive for the production of the polypeptide, wherein the fungal host cell comprises a first polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide operably linked to a copper-inducible promoter sequence comprising a copper-responsive upstream activation sequence activated by a copper-dependent trans-acting transcription factor and a second polynucleotide comprising one or more (several) additional copper-responsive upstream activation sequences operably linked upstream to the promoter sequence, wherein the promoter sequence is foreign to the nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide and the copper-responsive upstream activation sequences are responsible for copper-induced transcription of the promoter sequence, and a third polynucleotide comprising at least one copy of a gene encoding the copper-dependent trans-acting transcription factor; and (b) isolating the polypeptide from the cultivation medium.
US08940499B2 Reagent for blood analysis and method of use thereof
The present disclosure provides a reagent for blood analysis which may include: (1) a compound having the general formula I as a fluorescent dye, wherein n, X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and Y− are as defined in the specification; (2) a surfactant selected from cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants and anionic surfactants. The present disclosure also provides a method to perform blood analysis including the following steps of: (a) mixing the blood sample with the reagent for blood analysis disclosed to form a cell suspension; (b) detecting the scattered light signals and fluorescence signals from the cells; and (c) differentiating and counting the cells in the blood in terms of the scattered light signals and fluorescence signals.
US08940498B2 Biological assays for the characterization of cells using single-cell tracking and uses thereof
The invention relates to the field of medicine. More particularly, described herein are biological markers associated with phenotypical and/or genotypical alterations in a cell and to methods for assessing mammalian cells. Also described are methods for assessing the condition of a population of cells, methods for assessing carcinogenicity of compounds and methods for quantitatively determine the quality of cell populations.
US08940497B2 Enzyme regulating ether lipid signaling pathways
A multidimensional profiling strategy that combines activity-based proteomics and metabolomics was used to determine that an active protein, which is a previously uncharacterized enzyme highly elevated in aggressive cancer cells, serves as a central node in an ether lipid signaling network that bridges platelet-activating factor and the lysophospholipids. Biochemical studies confirmed that the active protein regulates this pathway by hydrolyzing the metabolic intermediate 2-acetyl monoalkylglycerol. Inactivation of the active protein disrupted ether lipid metabolism in cancer cells and impaired cell migration and tumor growth in vivo.
US08940494B2 Microfluidic assay in idealized microvascular network for characterization of leukocyte adhesion cascade
Methods of assaying the leukocyte adhesion cascade (LAC) and monitoring leukocyte rolling, adhesion, and/or migration can be implemented with an apparatus that includes an idealized microvascular network (IMN) of one or more interconnected idealized flow channels in fluid communication through a porous wall with a tissue space (e.g., idealized tissue space). The methods of assaying the LAC can be implemented with means for quantifying modulation of the leukocyte adhesion cascade. Methods of assaying the LAC can be implemented with the device and one or more active agents to monitor leukocyte rolling, adhesion, and/or migration in the presence of absence of the active agent. Migration can be through the idealized flow channels, through the porous wall, and/or into the tissue space.
US08940491B2 Genotoxicity as a biomarker for inflammation
The invention provides a method for detection of inflammatory disease in a subject that comprises assaying a test sample of peripheral blood from the subject for a marker of DNA damage. An elevated amount of marker present in the test sample compared to control sample is indicative of inflammatory disease activity, including sub-clinical inflammation. The method can be adapted for quantitatively monitoring the efficacy of treatment of inflammatory disease in a subject. Markers of DNA damage include single- and/or double-stranded breaks in leukocytes, oxidative DNA damage in leukocytes, or a marker of nitric oxide oxidative activity (protein nitrosylation in leukocytes). The inflammatory disease can be inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease). The invention may also be used for detection of other types of inflammatory disease, such as non-immune intestinal inflammatory disease (diverticulitis, pseudomembranous colitis), autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, uveitis, vasculitis), or non-immune lung diseases (asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, and interstitial pneumonitis). This unexpected discovery of markers of genotoxicity present in circulating leukocytes enables detection of inflammation occurring at a localized site with a relatively simple and minimally invasive assay using peripheral blood.
US08940489B2 Monoclonal antibody against D-dimer and diagnosis agent for detecting D-dimer, crosslinked fibrin and its derivatives containing D-dimer by using the antibody
Disclosed are a monoclonal antibody against human D-dimer produced in a mouse and high molecular weight cross-linked fibrin including a corresponding epitope, a cell line secreting the monoclonal antibody, and methods for producing the same. The anti-D-dimer monoclonal antibody of the present invention may be effectively used as a diagnotic agent for screening and detecting in-vivo D-dimer, and high molecular weight cross-linked fibrin and its derivatives containing the D-dimer since the monoclonal antibody specifically reacts with D-dimer, and cross-linked fibrin and its derivatives containing the D-dimer, which do not bind to human fibrinogen or fibrin.
US08940488B2 Cancer diagnosis and treatment of cancer using anti-robo 1 antibody
A method for diagnosing cancer comprising detecting ROBO1 protein is disclosed. In addition, a method for treating a disease caused by abnormal cell growth comprising administrating an antibody that binds to ROBO1, as well as a pharmaceutical composition, a cell growth inhibitor and an anticancer agent comprising an antibody that binds to ROBO1 as an active ingredient are disclosed. Further, a method for inducing cell damages in a ROBO1 expressing cell and a method for inhibiting the growth of a ROBO1 expressing cell by bringing a ROBO1 expressing cell into contact with an antibody that binds to ROBO1, are disclosed. Furthermore, a method for monitoring progression of hepatitis by detecting ROBO1 protein is disclosed.
US08940485B2 Methods for genotyping mature cotton fibers and textiles
Methods for distinguishing between cotton cultivars of a specific species by analyzing a sample of mature cotton fibers from raw cotton materials or from textile goods are disclosed. DNA is extracted from the mature cotton fiber sample and subjected to PCR techniques which enable the identification of the cultivar of a particular cotton species utilized in the textile or cotton material of interest.
US08940482B1 N-end rule protease activity indication methods and uses thereof
A cell based assay for detection for protease activity is disclosed. In the assay a cell is engineered to express a protease substrate with at least one label, preferably on its C-terminus. Cleavage of the substrate by the protease that recognizes it results in a C-terminal fragment and a N-terminal fragment, where the fragment having the label is subject to ubiquitin proteasome degradation. The assay measures the disappearance of the label due to degradation of the fragment to which it is attached. A cell free assay is also described for detection of protease activity. In the cell free assay, the protease substrate is expressed in a solution that includes the elements of the ubiquitin proteasome pathway for degradation of the fragment. The assay measures the disappearance of the label attached to the fragment that results from cleavage by the protease.
US08940479B2 Methods for modulating de novo hepatic lipogenesis by modulating XBP-1 activity
The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the expression, processing, post-translational modification, stability and/or activity of XBP-1 protein, or a protein in a signal transduction pathway involving XBP-I to treat dyslipidemias and steatosis disorders. The present invention also pertains to methods for identifying compounds that modulate the expression, processing, post-translational modification, and/or activity of XBP-I protein or a molecule in a signal transduction pathway involving XBP-1.
US08940476B2 Pattern forming method, actinic-ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, and resist film
Provided is a pattern forming method that is excellent in resolving power such as pre-bridging dimension, a roughness performance such as line edge roughness, and development time dependency, and an actinic-ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition and a resist film used for the pattern forming method.The pattern forming method includes (1) forming a film using an actinic-ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition that contains a resin (A) and a compound (B) which has a polymerizable group and generates an acid by being irradiated with actinic rays or radiations; (2) exposing the film; and (3) developing the exposed film using a developer that contains an organic solvent, wherein a pattern formed in this method is a negative pattern.
US08940475B2 Double patterning with inline critical dimension slimming
A method for double patterning a substrate is described. The double patterning method may include a litho/freeze/litho/etch (LFLE) technique that includes a first (critical dimension) CD slimming process to reduce the first CD to a first reduced CD and a second CD slimming process to reduce the second CD to a second reduced CD.
US08940472B2 Coating compositions suitable for use with an overcoated photoresist
Organic coating compositions, particularly antireflective coating compositions, are provided that comprise that comprise a diene/dienophile reaction product. Preferred compositions of the invention are useful to reduce reflection of exposing radiation from a substrate back into an overcoated photoresist layer and/or function as a planarizing, conformal or via-fill layer.
US08940470B2 Photosensitive resin and process for producing microlens
A material for a microlens having heat resistance, high resolution and high light-extraction efficiency is provided. A positive resist composition comprises an alkali-soluble polymer containing a unit structure having an aromatic fused ring or a derivative thereof, and a compound having an organic group which undergoes photodecomposition to yield an alkali-soluble group. The positive resist composition has coating film properties of a refractive index at a wavelength of 633 nm of 1.6 or more and a transmittance at wavelengths of 400 to 730 nm of 80% or more. A pattern forming method comprises applying the positive resist composition, drying the composition, exposing the composition to light, and developing the composition.
US08940467B2 Toner
A toner is provided that, even in a small amount thereof, gives a satisfactory image density and that is free of image problems, e.g., fogging and offset resistance, even during long-term use and in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment. The toner contains a binder resin, a pigment, and a prescribed azo compound wherein, designating as (A) the solubility of the azo compound in a toluene-hexane solubility test and as (B) the solubility of the binder resin constituting the toner in the toluene-hexane solubility test, the (A) and the (B) satisfy the relationship |(B)−(A)|≦60.
US08940465B2 Electrophotographic photosensitive member, method for producing electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, electrophotographic apparatus, and imide compound
An undercoat layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive member contains a polymerized product of a composition that contains an isocyanate compound having a specific structure, a resin having a specific structure, and an electron transporting substance having a specific structure.
US08940463B2 Method and apparatus for EUV mask having diffusion barrier
A photomask is provide. The photomask includes a substrate having a multi-layer stack disposed over the substrate. The multilayer stack has alternating first second and third layers disposed over each other, wherein the first, second and third layers are composed of first, second and third materials, respectively, and wherein at least the second layer is formed through an atomic layer deposition process. A capping layer is disposed over the multilayer stack; and an absorber layer disposed over the capping layer. A method for evaluating materials, unit processes, and process sequences for manufacturing a photomask is also provided.
US08940459B2 Alkaline fuel cell electrode catalyst, alkaline fuel cell, manufacture method for alkaline fuel cell electrode catalyst, and manufacture method for alkaline fuel cell
An alkaline fuel cell electrode catalyst includes a first catalyst particle that contains at least one of iron (Fe), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni), a second catalyst particle that contains at least one of platinum (Pt) and ruthenium (Ru), and a carrier for supporting the first catalyst particle and the second catalyst particle.
US08940453B2 Electrode catalyst for fuel cell, method of manufacturing the same, and fuel cell using the electrode catalyst
An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell includes a complex support including at least one metal oxide and carbon-based material; and a palladium (Pd)-based catalyst supported by the complex support. A method of manufacturing the electrode catalyst includes dissolving a precursor of a palladium (Pd)-based catalyst in a solvent and preparing a mixture solution for a catalyst; adding a complex support including at least one metal oxide and a carbon-based material to the mixture solution for a catalyst and stirring the mixture solution to which the complex support is added; drying the mixture solution for a catalyst, to which the complex support is added, in order to disperse the precursor of the Pd-based catalyst on the complex support; and reducing the precursor of the Pd-based catalyst dispersed on the complex support. A fuel cell includes the electrode catalyst.
US08940447B2 Oxygen cell
An oxygen cell capable of minimizing overvoltage increases is provided. An oxygen cell 1 comprises a positive electrode 2 that uses oxygen as an active material, a negative electrode 3 that uses metallic lithium as an active material, and an electrolyte layer 4 sandwiched between the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3, wherein the positive electrode 2 contains a lithium compound.
US08940446B1 Solid state lithium-air based battery cell
In an example, the present invention provides a solid state battery device, e.g., battery cell or device. The device has a current collector region and a lithium containing anode member overlying the current collector region. The device has a thickness of electrolyte material comprising a first garnet material overlying the lithium containing anode member. The thickness of electrolyte material has a density ranging from about 80 percent to 100 percent and a porous cathode material comprising a second garnet material overlying the thickness of electrolyte material. The porous cathode material has a porosity of greater than about 30 percent and less than about 95 percent and a carbon bearing material overlying a surface region of the porous cathode material. In an example, the carbon bearing material comprises substantially carbon material, although there can be variations.
US08940445B2 Vanadium-zinc battery
A storage battery is provided comprising a positive electrode of vanadium, a negative electrode of zinc, and an electrolyte of potassium hydroxide dissolved in alcohol or glycol. Upon charging, the vanadium oxidizes to vanadium pentoxide and zinc oxide is reduced to the metal. The reverse reactions occur during discharge.
US08940439B2 Secondary battery, electronic device, electric power tool, electrical vehicle, and electric power storage system
A secondary battery capable of suppressing resistance rise even after repeated charge and discharge is provided. The secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolytic solution. The anode contains titanium-containing lithium composite as an anode active material, and the electrolytic solution contains cyclic disulfonic acid anhydride.
US08940434B2 Electrolyte additive and electrolyte and lithium rechargeable battery including same
Disclosed are an additive for a rechargeable lithium battery electrolyte including an aromatic compound having an isothiocyanate group (—NCS), and an electrolyte and rechargeable lithium battery including the same.
US08940433B2 Thiazole compounds as additives in electrolyte solutions in electrochemical cells and batteries
The present invention relates to an electrolyte solution comprising at least one solvent as component A, at least one electrolyte as component B and from 0.1 to 20% by weight, based on the total electrolyte solution, of at least one heteroaromatic compound of the general formula (I) as component C, the use of such a compound in electrolyte solutions, the use of such an electrolyte solution in an electrochemical cell or for metal plating, and also electrochemical cells comprising a corresponding electrolyte solution.
US08940432B2 Method for preventing erroneous loading of component-to-be-loaded on main body side apparatus, component-to-be-loaded and battery pack
A battery apparatus of the type having a length, a width and a height, top and bottom surfaces substantially perpendicular to the height direction. First and second side surfaces, that include curved surfaces, are disposed between the top and bottom surfaces, and front and rear end portions are disposed between the top and bottom surfaces and also disposed between the first and second side surfaces. A plurality of electric contact portions are exposed through terminal windows; and a battery cell is electrically connected to at least one of the electric contact portions. The front end portion includes first and second level surfaces, with the second level surface being lower than the first level surface; and wherein the terminal windows are disposed in the second level surface.
US08940424B2 Accumulator assembly for a battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle, provided with a deformable connector support
The accumulator assembly comprises a plurality of electrical energy accumulator elements 12 each comprising connecting electrodes 18, 20, assembly means 22, 24, 50, 52, 54 linking said electrodes, a connector 35 for connecting an external component to the assembly, and a connector support 67. The support 67 comprises a mounting base 64 borne by the assembly means and a fixing lug 65 supporting the connector and configured in such a way as to allow a movement of the connector relative to the mounting base in response to an external stress exerted on said connector and/or on the fixing lug.
US08940422B2 Sealed battery
A battery cell includes a battery housing case formed with a through hole communicating with an interior space, a hollow rivet, and a seal rubber. The hollow rivet has a seal surface annularly extending outside the battery housing case, and a hollow portion formed with an exhaust port continuous to the inner edge of the seal surface and positioned at the through hole to allow gas in the interior space to flow out through the exhaust port. The seal rubber has a contact unit extending annularly facing the seal surface to press the seal surface and is provided so as to close the exhaust port. The contact unit is formed to project toward the seal surface so as to contact the seal surface at a position away from the inner edge of the seal surface. Such an arrangement prevents an electrolyte leakage over a long period of time.
US08940420B2 Rechargeable battery
A battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode and a second electrode, a first electrode terminal, and a first current collecting member electrically connecting the first electrode terminal and a first electrode uncoated region of the first electrode. The first current collecting member includes a first terminal connection region, a side plate extending downwardly from the first terminal connection region towards the first electrode uncoated region, a first current collecting piece extending from the side plate, the first current collecting piece being in contact with the first electrode uncoated region, and a fuse between the side plate and the first current collecting piece.
US08940417B2 Environmental barrier for a refractory substrate containing silicon
In order to protect a substrate having at least a portion adjacent to a surface that is made of a refractory material containing silicon, while the substrate is in use at high temperature in a medium that is oxidizing and wet, there is formed on the surface of the substrate an environmental barrier that contains no boron and that has at least one layer that is essentially constituted by a system of oxides formed by at least one rare earth oxide, silica, and alumina, and that is capable of self-healing by maintaining the presence of at least one solid phase in a temperature range extending up to at least 1400° C. approximately.
US08940416B2 Triarylamine derivative, light-emitting substance, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device
A triarylamine derivative represented by a general formula (G1) given below is provided. Note that in the formula, Ar represents either a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted biphenyl group; α represents a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl group; β represents either hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl group; n and m each independently represent 1 or 2; and R1 to R8 each independently represent any of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a phenyl group.
US08940414B2 Biscarbazole derivative, material for organic electroluminescence device and organic electroluminescence device using the same
A biscarbazole derivative of the invention is represented by a formula (1A) or (1B) below. In the formula (1A) or (1B): A1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group having 1 to 30 ring carbon atoms; A2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 30 ring carbon atoms, or substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group having 1 to 30 ring carbon atoms; X1 and X2 each are a linking group; Y1 to Y4 each represent a substituent; p and q represent an integer of 1 to 4; and r and s represent an integer of 1 to 3.
US08940409B2 Organic light emitting material and organic light emitting device using the same
Disclosed is an organic light emitting material having the following chemical formula, for improving luminous efficiency, where R1, R2, R3 and R4 denote materials selected from an aromatic group with 6-24 carbon atoms (C6-C24), the group being independently substituted or unsubstituted, preferably, an aromatic group with 6-24 carbon atoms (C6-C24), the group consisting of trimethylsilane (TMS), CN, halogen (F, Cl, Br) alkyl groups with 1-4 carbon atoms (C1-C4).
US08940407B2 Organic electroluminescent device
The present invention relates to the improvement of organic electronic devices, in particular electroluminescent devices, by using compounds which can have a plurality of isomers, where one of these isomers is present in excess.
US08940406B2 Automobile body part
The present invention relates to an automotive clad sheet product comprising a core layer and at least one clad layer wherein the core comprises an alloy of the following composition in weight %: Mg 0.45-0.8, Si 0.45-0.7, Cu 0.05-0.25, Mn 0.05-0.2, Fe up to 0.35, other elements (or impurities) <0.05 each and <0.15 in total, balance aluminum; and the at least one clad layer comprises an alloy of the following composition in weight %: Mg 0.3-0.7, Si 0.3-0.7, Mn up to 0.15, Fe up to 0.35, other elements (impurities) <0.05 each and <0.15 in total, balance aluminum. The clad automotive sheet product provides excellent hemmabtlity which does not substantially change over time and yet also provides a good age-hardening response after bake hardening.
US08940405B2 Copper alloy and electrically conductive material for connecting parts, and mating-type connecting part and method for producing the same
A copper sheet is adjusted to have arithmetic mean roughness Ra of from 0.5 μm to 4.0 μm in a direction parallel to a sliding direction upon connection, mean projection-depression interval of from 0.01 mm to 0.3 mm in the direction, skewness of less than 0, and protrusion peak portion height of 1 μm or less. A Sn surface coating layer group X as a plurality of parallel lines is included, and a Cu—Sn alloy coating layer is adjacent to each side of each Sn coating layer. Maximum height roughness is 10 μm or less in a direction of part insertion. The sheet is surface-roughened by pressing when stamped, thereby forming depressions as a plurality of parallel lines in its surface. The sheet is then plated with Cu and Sn, followed by reflowing.
US08940404B2 Tin-plated copper-alloy material for terminal and method for producing the same
Tin-plated copper-alloy material for terminal having: a substrate made of Cu or Cu alloy; an Sn-based surface layer formed on a surface of the substrate; and a Cu—Ni—Sn alloy layer including Ni formed between the Sn-based surface layer and the substrate, in which the Cu—Ni—Sn alloy layer is made of: fine Cu—Ni—Sn alloy particles; and coarse Cu—Ni—Sn alloy particles, an average thickness of the Sn-based surface layer is not less than 0.2 μm and not more than 0.6 μm, an area ratio of the Cu—Ni—Sn alloy layer exposed at a surface of the Sn-based surface layer is not less than 10% and not more than 40%, and a coefficient of kinetic friction of the tin-plated copper-alloy material for terminal is not more than 0.3.
US08940398B2 Barrier layers comprising Ni-inclusive alloys and/or other metallic alloys, double barrier layers, coated articles including double barrier layers, and methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments relate to Ni-inclusive ternary alloy being provided as a barrier layer for protecting an IR reflecting layer comprising silver or the like. The provision of a barrier layer comprising nickel, chromium, and/or molybdenum and/or oxides thereof may improve corrosion resistance, as well as chemical and mechanical durability. In certain examples, more than one barrier layer may be used on at least one side of the layer comprising silver. In still further examples, a NixCryMoz-based layer may be used as the functional layer, rather than or in addition to as a barrier layer, in a coating.
US08940390B2 Ceramics composite
The present invention relates to a ceramics composite including an inorganic material which includes: a matrix phase including a translucent ceramics; and a phosphor phase including YAG containing Ce, in which a content of the phosphor phase is from 22% by volume to 55% by volume based on the whole phase including the matrix phase and the phosphor phase, a content of Ce in the YAG is 0.005 to 0.05 in terms of an atomic ratio of Ce to Y (Ce/Y), and the ceramics composite has a thickness in a light outgoing direction of 30 μm to 200 μm.
US08940383B2 Blocks of wood agglomerate
The invention relates to compressed blocks of wood agglomerate, comprising wood particles and a hydraulic binder, produced by a method in which an initial mixture comprising wood particles and a hydraulic binder is held under pressure for the duration of the hardening of the binder. The invention further relates to a method for production of said blocks and the use thereof in particular, as construction elements for buildings.
US08940382B2 Waterproof coating system and method of application
A coating comprises a resin solution including a solution of neoprene latex and liquid asphalt emulsion and an accelerator solution including an aqueous solution of zinc sulfate powder and water. A spray system for applying the coating includes a spray gun having first and second nozzles, a first pump fluidly connected between the first nozzle and a resin solution reservoir for delivering the resin solution to the first nozzle at a first fluid pressure, and a second pump fluidly connected between the second nozzle and an accelerator solution reservoir for delivering the accelerator solution to the second nozzle at a second fluid pressure different from the first pressure. The accelerator solution may be aerated by a source of compressed air prior to discharge from the second nozzle.
US08940381B2 Composite materials
A curable prepreg or semipreg material comprising a layer of fibers and a substantially non-flowable curable resin having a layer of porous sheet material on an outer surface, the material allows automatic lay-up of high fiber content prepregs or semiprepregs typically used in industrial applications such as wind turbine blades.
US08940379B2 Polyamide resin composition
A polyamide resin composition contains a resin component containing at least a polyamide, a fatty acid metallic salt having from 10 to 50 carbon atoms, and an additive. The polyamide is obtained through melt polycondensation of a diamine component containing 70% by mol or more of m-xylylenediamine and a dicarboxylic acid component containing 70% by mol or more of an α,ω-linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. The additive is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a diamide compound obtained from a fatty acid having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms and a diamine having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, a diester compound obtained from a fatty acid having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms and a diol having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and a surfactant.
US08940377B2 Multi-layered bags with discrete non-continuous lamination
Multi-layer bags may be formed to include first and second sidewalls joined along a first side edge, an opposite second side edge, and a closed bottom edge. The first and second layers may be non-continuously laminated together in discrete sections to include bonded regions in which the layers are bonded and unbonded regions in which the layers are not bonded. Such a bag may be described as a “bag-in-a-bag” type configuration in which the inner bag is non-continuously bonded to the outer bag. The inventors have surprisingly found that such configurations of non-continuous bonding provides increased and unexpected strength properties to the multi-layer films and bags.
US08940371B2 Polymeric composition for cement based substructures
The present invention is directed to a composition capable of inhibiting moisture vapor emission from concrete structures and enhancing adhesion of a finish material to the concrete structure comprising an aqueous mixture of a first copolymer of mer units formed from vinylidene halide and a C1-C2 alkyl acrylate with a second copolymer of mer units formed from vinylidene halide and a C4-CS alkyl acrylate and to the method of forming a moisture barrier/adhesion promoter coating on concrete comprising applying from 2.8 to 5.6 liters (0.75 to 1.5 gallons) of an aqueous carrier having from 10 to 50 weight percent of the mixture of copolymers stated above per 14 m2 (150 square feet) of the free surface of a concrete structure.
US08940367B2 Coating device and coating method
A coating installation includes at least one recipient which can be evacuated and which is provided to receive a substrate, at least one gas supply device which can introduce at least one gaseous precursor into the recipient, and at least one activation device which contains at least one heatable activation element, the end thereof being secured to a securing point on a support element. A shielding element which can protect at least the securing point at least partially against the effect of the gaseous precursor is provided. The shielding element has a longitudinal extension having a first side and a second side, the first side being arranged on the support element and a locking element being arranged on the second side of the shielding element, the locking element having at least one outlet. At least one separation wall is arranged inside the shielding element, the wall separating the inner volume of the shielding element into a first partial volume and into a second partial volume.
US08940365B2 Coating method, coating device, and storage medium
A device to form a coating film which can quickly coat a substrate of a follow-up lot after coating a preceding lot. The device is configured such that nozzles for a preceding lot and a following lot are integrated into a common movement mechanism and moved between an upper side of a liquid processing unit and a standby area. A coating method includes sucking air into the nozzle for the preceding lot to form an upper gas layer, sucking a solvent for the preceding lot in the standby area to form a thinner layer, and sucking air into the nozzle for the preceding lot to form a lower gas layer within the nozzle, and thus forming a state that a solvent layer is interposed between the upper gas layer and the lower gas layer.
US08940364B2 System, formulation and method for producing ceramic vacuum microspheres
A system, formulation and method for producing ceramic vacuum micro spheres utilizing a spray dryer having a top mounted atomizer rotary wheel and a side or bottom mounted dual fluid nozzle, forming microspheres by spraying solution from the top mounted atomizer rotary wheel and simultaneously coating the microspheres by spraying solution from the side or bottom mounted dual fluid nozzle, transferring the microspheres to a secondary heating unit, and drying the microspheres, all under vacuum of between 1 to 5 millibars.
US08940363B2 Preparation of hollow polymer microspheres
The present invention of three-stage process relates to preparing hollow particles with a buffer layer, exhibiting integrity of particle structure and uniformity of particle size, used in plastic or paper coating, and showing superior characteristics of gloss, whiteness, high opacity, high printing color density and good water resistance.
US08940362B2 Method for manufacturing porous particles with non-porous shell
A method of manufacturing porous core-shell polymer particles having a nonporous shell including: providing a first organic solvent containing a dissolved polymer; dispersing the organic solvent in an aqueous phase containing a stabilizer to form an emulsion; adding the emulsion to a second organic solvent wherein the second organic solvent is miscible with water and the first organic solvent, and a non-solvent for the polymer; and evaporating the first and second organic solvents from the emulsion to form core-shell polymer particles. The method results in core-shell polymer particles comprising a common binder polymer for the core and the shell wherein the core has a porosity and the shell is non-porous. The particles have a porosity from 10 to 70 percent.
US08940352B2 Frozen aerated confection and method of production
Frozen aerated packaged ice confection with very high softness at −18° C. which keeps this property without shrinkage or layering up to the final consumer over the product shelf life contains polyol and vegetable fiber.
US08940348B2 Coffee pod having a flexible microporous or microperforated casing
A coffee pod which can be used for machines for preparing and dispensing coffee beverages that comprise at least one extraction chamber, and at least one piston for compacting a predetermined amount of ground coffee inserted into the extraction chamber. The pod includes: a predetermined amount of ground coffee compacted into an aggregate of ground coffee beans, having an outer shape suitable for rolling, and preferably a substantially spherical ball shape; and a filter casing formed of at least one pervious, microporous or microperforated sheet or film, trapping and matching the shape of the compacted coffee aggregate. The sheet or film is flexible, having stretchability properties with an elongation at rupture of at least 30% and an ultimate tensile strength of less than 2,000 N/m, and a thickness of at least 150 μm.
US08940347B2 High shear application in processing oils
Herein disclosed is a method of processing oil, comprising providing a high shear device comprising at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; contacting a gas with an oil in the high shear device, wherein the gas is an inert gas or a reactive gas; and forming a product, wherein the product is a solution, a dispersion, or combination thereof. Herein also disclosed is a high shear system for processing oil, comprising; at least one high shear device, having an inlet and at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; a gas source fluidly connected to the inlet; an oil source fluidly connected to the inlet; and a pump positioned upstream of a high shear device, the pump in fluid connection with the inlet and the oil source.
US08940339B2 Microemulsions and its use for preventing airway diseases
The invention relates to novel microemulsions comprising a non-polar lipid, at least one polar solvent, a surfactant, and a polar lipid. A microemulsion of these ingredients provides an environment that substantially encloses airborne particles, and it can be used for entrapping such particles. The inventive microemulsions are especially adapted for the prevention of symptoms in mammals, which are indirectly or directly caused by airborne particles. The invention further provides compositions comprising such microemulsions and methods of treatment comprising administering the same.
US08940336B2 Polymer particles prepared from polymerisable alkylene glycol (meth) acrylate monomers
The invention provides polymer particles that are obtainable by a method selected from emulsion methods, diffusion methods and evaporation methods carried out in the presence of surface-engineering surfactant which is one or more polymer that displays a lower critical solution temperature, in aqueous media, that is between 10 to 90° C., this polymer being the polymerization product of one or more monomer selected from polymerisable alkyleneglycol acrylate monomers and polymerisable alkyleneglycol methacrylate monomers. The polymer particles can be used in controlled release applications, such as flavour release applications, fragrance release applications and biomedical applications. The invention also provides a cell support matrix comprising the polymer particles.
US08940333B2 Amphiphilic block copolymers and nanoparticles comprising the same
An amphiphilic block copolymer is disclosed. The amphiphilic block copolymer includes one or more hydrophilic polymers, one or more hydrophobic polymer, and one or more zwitterions. The invention also provides a nanoparticle and carrier including the amphiphilic block copolymer for delivery of water insoluble drugs, growth factors, genes, or water insoluble cosmetic substances.
US08940331B2 Hydrogels, methods of making hydrogels, methods of using hydrogels, and methods of isolating, trapping, attracting, and/or killing cancer cells
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for hydrogels, methods of making hydrogels, methods of using hydrogels, methods of isolating, trapping, attracting, and/or killing cancer cells, and the like.
US08940327B2 Agent for enhancing anti-tumor effect comprising oxaliplatin liposome preparation, and anti-tumor agent comprising the liposome preparation
An object of the present invention is to further enhance the antitumor effect when oxaliplatin is administered in combination with a combination drug containing tegafur, gimeracil and oteracil potassium. According to the present invention, by using oxaliplatin encapsulated in a liposome preparation, combination therapy of oxaliplatin plus a combination drug containing tegafur, gimeracil and oteracil potassium, is revealed to show remarkably enhanced antitumor effect without increasing side effects.
US08940325B2 Use of synthetic polysulphated oligosaccharides as cleaning agents for a wound
The present invention relates to the use of at least one compound selected among the synthetic polysulphated oligosaccharides having 1 to 4 ose units and to the salts and complexes thereof as cleaning agents for a wound. The invention can be used in particular for preparing bandages intended for cleaning wounds.
US08940323B2 Tissue products having a cooling sensation when contacted with skin
Wiping products, such as facial tissues, contain a temperature change composition that can provide a cooling sensation when contacted with the skin of a user. The temperature change composition, for instance, can contain one or more phase change agents that undergo a phase change at slightly elevated temperatures. The phase change agents, in one embodiment, can have a relatively high heat of fusion. When undergoing a phase change, the phase change agents absorb heat and thereby provide a cooling feeling to the skin of a user. In one embodiment, the phase change agent comprises a straight chain hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons useful as phase change agents include an octadecane, a nonadecane, a heptonoate, or mixtures thereof.
US08940318B2 Hydrogel contact lens for sustained drug release and drug release method using hydrogel contact lens for sustained drug release
Disclosed is a sustainedly drug-releasing hydrogel contact lens which can sustainedly release an anionic medicament such as an allergy-treating agent in a mildly irritating and effective manner while achieving vision correction. Specifically disclosed is a hydrogel comprising ionic monomers composed of at least a cationic monomer and an anionic monomer, wherein the component ratio of the ionic monomers is 5 to 20 mol % inclusive relative to the total amount of monomers that constitute the gel, and the content of the anionic monomer is 15 to 25 mol % inclusive relative to the content of the cationic monomer.
US08940317B2 Continuous matrix with osteoconductive particles dispersed therein, method of forming thereof, and method of regenerating bone therewith
The present disclosure provides compositions useful in regeneration of connective tissue, particularly bone. The compositions comprise a continuous matrix formed of a polypeptide crosslinked with a second polymer and further comprise particles of a porous, osteoconductive material dispersed in the continuous matrix. The composition can be provided in a dehydrated form. The disclosure further provides methods of preparing the composition in a clinically useful form, methods of using the composition in regenerating bone, and kits including the composition.
US08940316B2 Osmotic delivery comprising an insulinotropic peptide and uses thereof
A suspension formulation of an insulinotropic peptide (e.g., glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) or exenatide) is described. The suspension formulation comprises (i) a non-aqueous, single-phase vehicle, comprising one or more polymer and one or more one solvent, wherein the vehicle exhibits viscous fluid characteristics, and (ii) a particle formulation comprising the insulinotropic peptide, wherein the peptide is dispersed in the vehicle. The particle formulation further includes a stabilizing component comprising one or more stabilizers, for example, carbohydrates, antioxidants, amino acids, and buffers. Devices for delivering the suspension formulations and methods of use are also described.
US08940312B2 Composition containing polyunsaturated fatty acid
An object of the present invention is to provide a composition for external use comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid having higher stability over time. The present invention provides the following composition, in which the stability over time of a polyunsaturated fatty acid is high.A composition comprising a component (A) and a component (B) shown below, the component (B) being dispersed in a continuous phase that contains the component (A): (A) at least one member selected from the group consisting of tocopherol and phytic acid; and (B) liposomes containing a polyunsaturated fatty acid or a derivative thereof.
US08940308B2 Methods for treating depression
Disclosed is a method for decreasing depression in a patient by local administration of a botulinum neurotoxin to the frontalis, corrugator, procereus, occipitalis, temporalis, trapezius and cervical paraspinal muscles.
US08940307B2 Lectin compositions and methods for modulating an immune response to an antigen
The present invention also relates to a method of reducing metastases in a subject comprising administering to the subject a composition comprising a multifunctional molecule comprising a first part which is capable of binding to an antigen bearing target and a second part which is capable of binding to a cell.
US08940305B2 Formulation of human antibodies for treating TNF-α associated disorders
A liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation is described which has a high protein concentration, a pH of between about 4 and about 8, and enhanced stability.
US08940300B2 Humanized antibodies targeting the EC1 domain of Cadherin-11 and related compositions and methods
The present invention relates to humanized antibodies that specifically bind an EC1 domain of a mammalian Cadherin-11 protein and compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) comprising such antibodies. The invention also relates to methods for treating Cadherin-11-mediated disorders in a mammalian subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a humanized antibody of the invention. Cadherin-11-mediated disorders suitable for treatment by the methods of the invention include inflammatory disorders (e.g., inflammatory joint disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis), fibrosis and cancer.
US08940296B2 Kits for segregating target nucleic acid from mixed nucleic acid samples
The invention provides methods, compositions and kits for segregating a target nucleic acid from a mixed nucleic acid sample. The methods, compositions and kits comprise a non-processive endonuclease (e.g., a restriction enzyme) or an antibody that binds the target nucleic acid (e.g., has methylation specificity). The mixed nucleic acid sample can comprise prokaryotic and eukaryotic nucleic acid and/or nucleic acid from more than one prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms.
US08940290B2 Simian adenoviruses SAdV-43, -45, -46, -47, -48, -49, and -50 and uses thereof
A recombinant vector comprises simian adenovirus 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 or 50 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 or 50 gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.
US08940289B2 Fusion molecules and IL-15 variants
The instant invention provides soluble fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants that have therapeutic and diagnostic use, and methods for making such proteins. The instant invention additionally provides methods of stimulating or suppressing immune responses in a mammal using the fusion protein complexes and IL-15 variants of the invention.
US08940285B2 Shampoo composition containing a conditioning gel network
Conditioning shampoo composition with an oil selected from polyalphaolefin oils, ester oils, triglyceride oils, hydrocarbon oils and mixtures thereof dispersed therein, the composition comprising from 1-26% wt. cleansing phase, a conditioning gel network, a polymeric suspending agent and a cationic deposition polymer.
US08940280B2 Stannous salt and sodium tripolyphosphate oral care compositions and methods
Oral care compositions containing a stannous salt and sodium tripolyphosphate are provided where stannous tripolyphosphate ionic intermediates comprise less than about 1% of the compositions Tetrasodium pyrophosphate, a methylvinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer and/or a silica oral polishing agent may be added for further efficacy. In a single phase blend, the oral care composition may be effectively limited to comprise less than about 10% water. In a dual-phase blend, a mixture having the stannous salt in a first phase and the sodium tripolyphosphate in a second phase may be generated from a dual chamber storage tube (with each phase provided from a separate chamber) immediately prior to dental care usage.
US08940279B2 Biguanide preservation of precipitated calcium carbonate
Biguanide-preserved precipitated calcium carbonate oral care compositions and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed.
US08940278B2 Oral hygiene compositions
Oral hygiene compositions suitable for use as dentifrice compositions comprising a silicon abrasive agent are provided.
US08940273B2 Tricarbonyl complexes with tridentate chelators for myocardium imaging
Chelators of the formulae (I), (II) and (III) and tricarbonyl complexes of radioisotopes of Tc and Re bound to them, for use in myocardial imaging.
US08940272B2 Human anti-tau antibodies
Provided are novel human tau-specific antibodies as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof as well as methods related thereto. Assays, kits, and solid supports related to antibodies specific for tau are also disclosed. The antibody, immunoglobulin chain(s), as well as binding fragments, derivatives and variants thereof can be used in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions for tau targeted immunotherapy and diagnosis, respectively.
US08940267B2 Method of purifying nanodiamond powder and purified nanodiamond powder
A method of purifying a nanodiamond powder includes preparing the nanodiamond powder, heating the nanodiamond powder at between 450° C. and 470° C. in an atmosphere including oxygen, performing a hydrochloric acid treatment on the heated nanodiamond powder, and performing a hydrofluoric acid treatment on the nanodiamond powder obtained after performing the hydrochloric acid treatment.
US08940266B2 Large diamond crystal substrates and methods for producing the same
The present invention provides a method for producing a large substrate of single-crystal diamond, including the steps of preparing a plurality of single-crystal diamond layers separated form an identical parent substrate, placing the single-crystal diamond layers in a mosaic pattern on a flat support, and growing a single-crystal diamond by a vapor-phase synthesis method on faces of the single-crystal diamond layers where they have been separated from the parent substrate.According to the method of the invention, a mosaic single-crystal diamond having a large area and good quality can be produced relatively easily.
US08940261B2 Contaminant-tolerant solvent and stripping chemical and process for using same for carbon capture from combustion gases
A contaminant-tolerant hybrid scrubbing solvent is provided for post-combustion CO2 capture and removal, the scrubbing solvent including an amine and a low fraction of ammonia. A stripping carrier having a low latent energy is included for solvent regeneration. In one embodiment, the amine is MEA and the stripping chemical having low latent energy is pentane or an isomer thereof. Processes and apparatus for CO2 removal from post-combustion gases and for solvent regeneration are described.
US08940254B2 Apparatus for recovering hydroprocessed hydrocarbons with two strippers
An apparatus is disclosed for recovering hydroprocessing effluent from a hydroprocessing unit utilizing a hot stripper and a cold stripper. Only the hot hydroprocessing effluent is heated in a fired heater prior to product fractionation, resulting in substantial operating and capital savings.
US08940253B2 Process and apparatus for producing diesel from a hydrocarbon stream
A process and apparatus are disclosed for hydrotreating a hydrocarbon feed in a hydrotreating unit and hydrocracking a second hydrocarbon stream in a hydrocracking unit. The hydrocracking unit and the hydrotreating unit may share the same recycle gas compressor. A make-up hydrogen stream may also be compressed in the recycle gas compressor. The second hydrocarbon stream may be a diesel stream from the hydrotreating unit. The diesel stream may be a diesel and heavier stream from a bottom of a hydrotreating fractionation column.
US08940252B2 Rack apparatus for a sample distribution system
A rack device for a sample distribution system includes a rack having receptacles for sample carriers and a rack carriage. The rack carriage and the rack can be solidly connected to one another by a latching device that can be released without the use of tools.
US08940248B2 Kit
A kit comprising a carrier and vessels arranged on the carrier, wherein different reagents are contained in different vessels, the vessels are arranged with an openable closing device on top of the carrier, the carrier has a footprint on the bottom side for being placed on a base, and the carrier has bottom positioning means for being positioned on at least one workplace of an automated laboratory system for microtiter plates according to the SBS standard.
US08940246B2 Method and apparatus for coding diagnostic meters
A system for diagnostic testing may include a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to a test media, the meter having a housing and an interface for receiving a signal representing coding information, and a container configured to contain test media compatible with the meter, the container having a coding element associated therewith. Additionally, the system may provide a mechanism for removing the meter from an interconnected test container and reattaching it to a new container using on-container coding methods that can recalibrate the meter for the new container of test strips.
US08940245B2 Apparatus and method for sterilizing items
A sterilizing apparatus (10, 80) includes an enclosure (18, 84) defining an interior chamber (20, 86) and a door (22) for accessing the interior chamber (20, 86). A fluid source (42, 88) communicates with the chamber (20, 86) to supply a working fluid thereto. A heater (64, 102) heats the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) and a pump (62, 82) moves the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) by the heater (64, 102). A valve (50, 150) communicates with the chamber (20, 86) and with the exterior of the chamber (20, 86) and is configured to vent the fluid in the chamber (20, 86) to the exterior at a pressure of approximately one atmosphere. Such provides superheating and concentrating of the working fluid in the chamber (20, 86). A method of sterilization includes introducing a working fluid into an interior chamber (20, 86) and circulating the fluid through at least one recirculation loop (54, 96) having a heater (64, 102) for heating the fluid to an operational temperature suitable for killing microorganisms. The method further provides venting of the fluid from the chamber (20, 86) so as to maintain the pressure at approximately one atmosphere. The method further provides for killing of very high temperature resistant microorganisms.
US08940244B2 High thermal stable hollow mesoporous nanotubes, preparation and application for the same
The present invention relates to hierarchical structured nanotubes, to a method for preparing the same and to an application for the same, wherein the nanotubes include a plurality of connecting nanotubes for constituting a three-dimensional multi-dendrite morphology; and the method includes the following steps: (A) providing a polymer template including a plurality of organic nanowires; (B) forming an inorganic layer on the surface of the organic nanowires in the polymer template; and (C) performing a heat treatment on the polymer template having the inorganic layer on the surface so that partial atoms of the organic nanowires enter the inorganic layer.
US08940242B2 Multi-zoned catalyst compositions
Exhaust gas treatment substrates, and systems and methods including the same are provided. Catalyst substrates having flow properties where in configuring an outer, peripheral zone, more exhaust gas flows through a central zone as compared to the outer, peripheral zone. The outer, peripheral zone can have a trapping or adsorbing material on surfaces of its passages, or it can have a longer axial length as compared to the inner zone, or its passages can have smaller openings as compared to the inner zone. In one embodiment, an overcoat containing a trapping material such as a hydrocarbon trap is applied to an inlet end. In another embodiment, catalyst having an oxygen storage component is applied to an outlet end.
US08940232B2 Automated micro-volume assay system
An automated assay system is described with stations for placement of materials to be used in an assay of materials inside capillaries and an automated gripper for manipulating capillaries. The system includes a separation and immobilization station where reactions inside the capillaries take place and a detector station where photoemissions from the capillary reactions are detected. The photoemissions from the capillaries may be displayed as line graphs or in columns of a pseudo-gel image resembling the familiar Western gel blot. An automated control system has a user interface by which an operator can select a run protocol and define the locations of samples and reagents to be used in the protocol run: Following the setup the control system will cause the automated system to execute the protocol, then display the results in a selected display format.
US08940229B2 Device for irradiating surfaces
In various embodiments, a device for irradiating surfaces is provided. The device may include a radiation emitter having a radiation emitter vessel, wherein the radiation emitter vessel has at least one tunnel-like passage; and a structure configured to allow a process gas to flow through the at least one tunnel-like passage.
US08940228B2 Slidable clamp for port isolation
Embodiments described herein generally relate to an apparatus and methods for preventing the recontamination of a pathogen-reduced fluid by pathogens trapped in one or more ports of an inactivation fluid container. Through the use of a slidable clamp positioned in an area of the container immediately adjacent to a port to be isolated, the port may be sealed to prevent any liquid product from entering the port and associated tubing when liquid product is added to the container. The slidable clamp includes a slot, in which the distal end of the slot has a larger width than the proximal end of the slot. The width of the slot at the narrowest, most proximal portion allows for a fluid-tight seal to be created when the slidable clamp is slid into the closed position with respect to the port to be isolated.
US08940226B2 Arrangement for burning blast furnace off-gas from a bleeder valve and corresponding bleeder valve
The invention proposes an arrangement for burning blast furnace off-gas from a bleeder valve. It comprises a bleeder valve (20) having a fixed hollow valve body (22) defining an outlet (26) and a valve seat and a movable obturator (24) that cooperates with the valve seat for closing the bleeder valve and releasing blast furnace off-gas through the outlet. The arrangement includes an apparatus for combustion of blast furnace off-gas released by the bleeder valve (20). This apparatus is characterized by an ignition device (32, 38, 40, 42, 44) that is arranged on or adjacent the valve body or the moveable obturator of the bleeder valve (20) itself. The ignition device (32, 38, 40, 42, 44) has its spatial ignition range located downstream the outlet in a region where blast furnace off-gas released through the outlet mixes with ambient air when the obturator is in an open position so as to allow open-air combustion of blast furnace off-gas released into ambient air at the location of the bleeder valve.
US08940225B2 Nozzle for cutting steel workpieces and workpieces made of iron alloys
A nozzle for cutting steel workpieces and workpieces made of iron alloys comprising a nozzle body with an axial hole for the outflow of cutting oxygen and a cylindrical free space at the outlet surface of the nozzle forming the cutting flame. Furthermore, the nozzle has a plurality of heating gas holes and a plurality of heating oxygen holes that are arranged in an external or internal concentric circle around the axial hole. In addition, a number of cooling oxygen holes arranged in at least one concentric circle around the axial hole are provided that run from the inlet side of the nozzle body to the outlet surface of the nozzle and open outside of the pot-shaped, cylindrical free space.
US08940222B2 High flow edge breather and method
A breather for vacuum bag processing of a part comprises a sleeve of resilient material placed around the part.
US08940221B2 In-mould labelling process
There is disclosed a process for manufacturing an in-mold labelled article, the process comprising the steps of: placing a label comprising a polyvinylidene chloride coated film (15) into a mold for injection molding, thermoforming, or blow molding; holding the label in position; injecting a polymeric melt into, or thermoforming or blowing a polymeric preform in said mold so as to bind with the label; and removing the article from the mold. A process of in-mold labelling using a label comprising a polyvinylidene chloride coated film is also disclosed.
US08940217B1 Apparatus and method for molding brassiere cups
An apparatus and method are provided for molding breast cups in a seamless circularly-knitted brassiere having a breast-covering portion and a torso encircling band, the apparatus comprising a base, a rear wall extending upwardly from the base, an upper mold plate extending outwardly and substantially horizontally from the rear wall, the upper plate having a pair of spaced openings formed therethrough, the openings spaced and dimensioned to correspond to a pair of breast cups, and a plate intermediate to the base and the upper mold plate, and being vertically moveable between a first, upper position and a second, lower position for securing a brassiere blank in position against the upper plate for the molding of breast cups therein.
US08940214B2 Method for the manufacture of one or more pairs of components in composite material
Method of manufacture of one or more pairs of components in composite material (11, 13; 11′, 13′) intended to form part of aerofoils located on both sides of the axis of symmetry of an aircraft whose shape has a conical tendency in the longitudinal direction, the angle of conicity being less than 10°, that comprises the following stages: a) Lay-up of layers on a flat tape lay-up table forming the laminate of a hypothetical component formed by all of the components of said pairs (11, 13; 11′, 13′), the components of each pair being arranged adjacently and the first components (11, 11′) and the second components (13, 13′) of each pair being arranged alternately, and the whole being arranged symmetrically relative to a hypothetical horizontal axis X-X of the tape lay-up jig; b) Cutting of the flat laminates corresponding to each of said components); c) Forming and curing said components.
US08940213B2 Resin infusion of composite parts using a perforated caul sheet
Resin infused composite parts are fabricated using a caul sheet having perforations therein for optimizing the flow of resin through the parts and allowing a simplified tooling and consumable arrangement for complex parts while achieving a smooth, aerodynamic caul-side or bag-side finish.
US08940211B2 Plastic object for use in personal hygiene
A unitary two component article for personal hygiene, such as a toothbrush, wherein the same is formed by injection molding of two differing plastic materials. The plastics do not adhesively or chemically bond to each other. The two differing plastic parts of the toothbrush are mechanically connected, such as by interfitting portions of the two plastic components or by shrinking one plastic component about the other.
US08940210B2 Methods for manufacturing three-dimensional devices and devices created thereby
In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, three-dimensional micro-mechanical devices and/or micro-structures can be made using a production casting process. As part of this process, an intermediate mold can be made from or derived from a precision stack lamination and used to fabricate the devices and/or structures. Further, the micro-devices and/or micro-structures can be fabricated on planar or nonplanar surfaces through use of a series of production casting processes and intermediate molds. The use of precision stack lamination can allow the fabrication of high aspect ratio structures. Moreover, via certain molding and/or casting materials, molds having cavities with protruding undercuts also can be fabricated. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08940208B2 Fabricating method of flexible display and flexible display
A fabricating method of a flexible display is provided. A release layer is formed on a carrier substrate. The release layer is patterned to form a patterned release layer. A flexible substrate is formed on the patterned release layer, wherein the flexible substrate covers the patterned release layer and a portion of the flexible substrate contacts the carrier substrate. An adhesive force between the patterned release layer and the flexible substrate is larger than an adhesive force between the patterned release layer and the carrier substrate. A device layer is formed on the flexible substrate. A display layer is formed on the device layer. The flexible substrate and patterned release layer are cut simultaneously. The patterned release layer being cut is separated from the carrier substrate, wherein the flexible substrate, the device layer and the display layer which have been cut are sequentially disposed on the separated patterned release layer.
US08940204B1 Method of manufacturing rubber and polyolefin sole assembly
A sole assembly is formed by preheating a mold assembly, placing a quantity of rubber in a first portion of a lower recess of a mold assembly; placing a middle plate in contact with a bottom plate, and an upper plate in contact with the middle plate; subjecting the top, middle, and bottom plates to heat to semi-cure the rubber in the lower recess to form an outsole member; separating the top plate, the middle plate, and the bottom plate; placing the top plate in contact with the bottom plate, with polyolefin forming a midsole above the semi-cured rubber; moving the movable insert upwardly with respect to the top plate; subjecting the top and bottom plates to heat such that the polyolefin expands within the sole recess and the polyolefin and rubber in the sole recess fully cure, cross-link, and bond to one another to form a sole assembly; cooling the top and bottom plates; and removing the sole assembly.
US08940198B2 Conductive adhesive, and circuit board and electronic component module using the same
A conductive adhesive includes 10 to 90 wt % of Sn—Bi system solder powder and the remainder of an adhesive containing organic acid, and the Sn—Bi system solder powder is composed of solder particles having a particle size L1 of 20 to 30 μm and solder particles having a particle size L2 of 8 to 12 μm, and a mixing ratio of the Sn—Bi system solder powder is such that the solder particles having a particle size of 20 to 30 μm occupy 40 to 90 wt % with respect to the whole solder powder, and the remainder is occupied by solder particles having a particle size of 8 to 12 μm.
US08940195B2 Conductive paste, and electronic device and solar cell including an electrode formed using the same
A conductive paste includes a conductive powder, a metallic glass, and an organic vehicle. The metallic glass includes a first element, a second element having a higher absolute value of Gibbs free energy of oxide formation than the first element, and a third element having an absolute value of Gibbs free energy of oxide formation of about 1000 kJ/mol or less at a baking temperature and a eutectic temperature with the conductive powder of less than about 1000° C. An electronic device and a solar cell may include an electrode formed using the conductive paste.
US08940192B2 Process for producing carbon particles for electrode, carbon particles for electrode, and negative-electrode material for lithium-ion secondary battery
Provided is a method of producing carbon particles for an electrode, each containing particles of a metal capable of forming an alloy with lithium, being formed by an aggregation of numerous fine particles composed of carbon, and having a hollow open-cell structure in which cells among the fine particles form a plurality of interconnected pores. The method includes mixing together a monomer having a low compatibility with a polymer to be formed, an organic solvent having a low compatibility with the polymer to be formed, and particles of a metal capable of forming an alloy with lithium, to prepare a monomer-containing mixture; dispersing the monomer-containing mixture in an aqueous phase to prepare a suspension containing, dispersed therein, oil droplets of the monomer-containing mixture; polymerizing the oil droplets in the suspension to prepare resin particles; and curing the resin particles. The carbon particles find use for negative-electrode in lithium-ion secondary batteries.
US08940188B2 Carbon absorbing system used in the production of synthesis gas
A system for the production of synthesis gas and, for the production thereof, where the system is preferably a net carbon dioxide absorber. The invention covers both the methodology for the development of the process and the system for the implementation of the process, inclusive of the required utility systems.
US08940187B2 Ceramic composite for light conversion, process for production thereof, and light-emitting devices provided with same
Provided are a ceramic composite for light conversion, which is capable of maintaining a high radiant flux even when the proportion of Gd and Ce is increased to tune the fluorescence peak wavelength to the longer wavelength side, a process for producing the ceramic composite, and a light emitting device including the ceramic composite. The ceramic composite for light conversion is a solidification product including a composition that is represented by a specific formula, and has a texture of continuously and three-dimensionally mutually entangled oxide phases including at least two phases of a first phase and a second phase, characterized in that the first phase is a Y3Al5O12 fluorescent phase activated with Ce, and the second phase is an Al2O3 phase, and the first phase and second phase account for 97% by area or more of a cross section of the solidification product, or characterized in that the first phase is a Y3Al5O12 fluorescent phase activated with Gd and Ce, and the second phase is an Al2O3 phase, and the first phase and second phase account for 97% by area or more of a cross section of the solidification product.
US08940183B2 Method of making a nano-particle photocatalyst
A novel composition for a photocatalyst Fe doped ZnO nano-particle photocatalyst that enables the decontamination process by degrading toxic organic material such as brilliant cresyl blue, indigo carmine and gentian blue by using solar light is described. In the current disclosure method of making a specific size of the nano photocatalyst is described. Characterization of the photocatalyst, optimal working conditions and efficient use of solar light has been described to show that this photocatalyst is unique. The process described to use the photocatalyst to degrade toxic organic material using the solar light to activate the photocatalyst is cost efficient and cheap to clean our water resources.
US08940182B2 Compositions for etching and methods of forming a semiconductor device using the same
Etching compositions are provided. The etching composition includes a phosphoric acid, ammonium ions and a silicon compound. The silicon compound includes a silicon atom, an atomic group having an amino group combined with the silicon atom, and at least two oxygen atoms combined with the silicon atom. Methods utilizing the etching compositions are also provided.
US08940176B2 Method and a device for extracting a liquid phase from a suspension
A method of extracting a liquid phase from a suspension, the method comprising: injecting said suspension into a duct presenting a first section that is straight and a second section that is curved; and at the outlet from said curved section of the duct, extracting a liquid-enriched fraction of said suspension that is spatially separated from a particle-enriched fraction of the suspension; the method being characterized in that the injection flow rate of the suspension and the geometry of the duct are selected in such a manner that: in the straight section, lift forces cause particles to be superconcentrated in a ring around the longitudinal axis of the duct; and in the curved section, Dean secondary flows deform said ring and give rise to spatial separation between said liquid-enriched fraction and said particle-enriched fraction. A device for implementing such a method.
US08940172B2 Super-macroporous polymeric microspheres and preparation method thereof
The invention provides a preparation method of super-macroporous polymeric microspheres and a product thereof. The method is characterized in that adding high content of surfactant into an oil phase containing a monomer and dispersing the oil phase containing the monomer and the surfactant into an aqueous phase. Super-macroporous microspheres are obtained by means of suspension polymerization. In the interior of the microspheres, 10-60% of the pores are distributed in a range of 500-900 nm. The microspheres have a particle diameter of 1-200 μm and a porosity of 30%-90%. The product is suitable for being used as a stationary phase matrix in liquid chromatography, a carrier for high performance catalysts and a high performance adsorbent, and especially, being used as a separation medium for separating biomacromolecules.
US08940168B2 Axial bypass sleeve
The present disclosure describes an axial bypass sleeve for use with a spiral wound membrane element. The axial bypass sleeve has a protrusion and an opening that defines a flow path to provide fluid flow communication through the axial bypass sleeve. In use, the axial bypass sleeve is wrapped around a spiral wound membrane element and both are placed in a pressure housing. A pressurized feedstock is introduced into the pressure housing. A portion of the pressurized feedstock flows through the spiral wound membrane element to produce a permeate stream and a retentate stream. A portion of the pressurized feed stock flows around the spiral wound membrane element, called bypass flow. The protrusion extends into the annular space to restrict the bypass flow. A portion of the bypass flow passes through the opening and enters into the spiral wound membrane element to increase permeate production.
US08940167B2 Spiral wound filter assembly
The invention relates to a filter assembly for membrane filtration—of liquids, and more in particular a spiral wound filter assembly with improved filtration performance. Provided is a spiral wound filter assembly comprising a permeate channel (5; 305, 325) for transporting permeate to the permeate outlet (12), said permeate channel being provided with at least one flow restriction (13; 113, 120; 213; 333) in form of check or control valves or ridges, for increasing the pressure in at least part of the permeate channel. The invention further relates to an apparatus comprising such a filter assembly, and to methods for using this apparatus.
US08940166B2 Electrocoagulation apparatus having integrated clarifier and sludge control
An electrocoagulation apparatus is disclosed integrated with a plate clarifier and sludge chamber for effluent treatment. The clarifier includes first and second tanks, an electrocoagulation reactor positioned in the first tank. The sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a selectively openable outlet.
US08940164B2 Arrangement of filter assembly for water dispensing-storage device
The assembly arrangement comprises a reservoir (10) on which a filling container (20) having a bottom wall (21) is mounted; and a filter(30) mounted to said bottom wall (21) which presents a seat portion (24) provided of one or more windows (25a) and bearing a stopper element (40) provided of at least one opening (41 a) and moveable between a closed position and an open position of the seat portion (24). The filter (30) is upwardly seated against the bottom wall (21) and coupled to the stopper element (40), allowing the filter (30) to be moved between a release and assembly position, with the stopper element in the closed position, and an assembled position, moving the stopper element (40) to its open position and to which remains axially hold against said bottom wall (21), communicating inlet orifices (31a) of the filter (30) to the interior of the filling container (20).
US08940156B2 Thermochemical structuring of matrix components for FCC catalysts
A catalyst particle which comprises a metallic oxide such as kaolin is provided with the unique structure by mixing small amounts of a polyphosphate structuring agent with the metallic oxide and heating the mixture of metallic oxide and polyphosphate to allow reaction of the structuring agent with the metallic oxide.
US08940155B2 Ebullated-bed process for feedstock containing dissolved hydrogen
An improved system and method for processing feedstocks in an ebullated-bed hydroprocessing reactor is provided in which hydrogen gas is dissolved in the fresh and recycled liquid feedstock by mixing and/or diffusion of an excess of hydrogen, followed by flashing of the undissolved hydrogen upstream of the reactor inlet, introduction of the feed containing dissolved hydrogen into the ebullated-bed hydroprocessing reactor whereby the dissolved hydrogen eliminates or minimizes the prior art problems of gas hold-up and reduced operational efficiency of the recycle pump due to the presence of excess gas in the recycle stream when hydrogen gas was introduced as a separate phase into the reactor.
US08940154B2 System and process for producing high quality gasoline by catalytic hydrocarbon recombination
A system and process for the preparation of high quality gasoline through recombination of catalytic hydrocarbon includes fractionator and extractor. The upper part of the fractionator is equipped with light petrol pipeline, the lower part of the fractionator is equipped with heavy petrol pipeline, the middle part of the fractionator is equipped with medium petrol pipeline. The medium petrol pipeline is connected with a medium petrol extractor, the upper part of the medium petrol extractor is connected with the medium petrol raffinate oil hydrogenation unit through the pipeline, the lower part of the medium petrol extractor is connected with the medium petrol aromatic hydrocarbon hydrogenation unit through the pipeline. The medium petrol aromatic hydrocarbon hydrogenation unit is then connected with the light petrol pipeline in the upper part of the fractionator through the pipeline, the lower part of the heavy petrol extractor is connected with the medium petrol aromatic hydrocarbon hydrogenation unit through the pipeline, the upper part of the heavy petrol extractor is connected with the medium petrol raffinate oil hydrogenation unit through the pipeline.
US08940153B2 Test sensor reagent having cellulose polymers
A test sensor reagent for measuring the concentration of analytes in body fluids includes cellulose polymers for improving the stability of the test sensor and reducing the total assay time. The test sensor reagent also includes an enzyme, an electron transfer mediator and a rheological additive.
US08940152B2 Electrochemical process
A process is provided for producing electrolytic decomposition products of water by effecting a DC potential across a membrane comprising ripstop nylon interposed between an anode and a cathode. In electrolyzer mode, the electrochemical process produces hydrogen as well as oxygen products. In fuel-cell mode, the electrochemical process produces electricity from hydrogen and oxygen.
US08940149B2 Gallium electrodeposition processes and chemistries
Solutions and processes for electrodepositing gallium or gallium alloys includes a plating bath free of complexing agents including a gallium salt, an indium salt, a combination thereof, and a combination of any of the preceding salts with copper, an acid, and a solvent, wherein the pH of the solution is in a range selected from the group consisting of from about zero to about 2.6 and greater than about 12.6 to about 14. An optional metalloid may be included in the solution.
US08940147B1 Microfluidic hubs, systems, and methods for interface fluidic modules
Embodiments of microfluidic hubs and systems are described that may be used to connect fluidic modules. A space between surfaces may be set by fixtures described herein. In some examples a fixture may set substrate-to-substrate spacing based on a distance between registration surfaces on which the respective substrates rest. Fluidic interfaces are described, including examples where fluid conduits (e.g. capillaries) extend into the fixture to the space between surfaces. Droplets of fluid may be introduced to and/or removed from microfluidic hubs described herein, and fluid actuators may be used to move droplets within the space between surfaces. Continuous flow modules may be integrated with the hubs in some examples.
US08940133B2 Product and processes from an integrated forest biorefinery
An omnibus process of pulping and bleaching lignocellulosic materials in which a charge of a lignocellulosic material is biopulped and/or water extracted prior to pulping and bleaching. The lignocellulosic material may be mechanically pulped and bleached in the presence of an enzyme that breaks lignin-carbohydrate complexes. The aqueous extract in embodiments including a water extract step is separated into acetic acid and hemicellulose sugar aqueous solutions.
US08940125B2 Structural element and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a method for producing a structural element comprising a fiber-reinforced plastic. According to the invention, a flexible hose is provided with a tubular woven fabric and shaped into the desired form. A plastic that is preferably in liquid form is applied to the tubular woven fabric and is subsequently cured.
US08940124B2 Process and apparatus for producing a decorated plate coated on both sides
In the production of decorated plates coated on both sides, the supporting material has to be provided with the coatings for the top side and the bottom side in a plurality of passes. This is simplified significantly by firstly coating both sides with a liquid glue, applying webs of the decorative paper or, if appropriate, of a backing paper or of a nonwoven to these layers, applying, after the glue has dried, a pulverulent composition comprising a resin which can be melted and cured by heating to the top side of the first web on the top side of the plate, partially melting or melting this composition and finally curing the glue and resin composition under pressure and heat.
US08940118B2 Belt attachment process for an absorbent article
A method and device for assembling diapers of intentionally varied size. The method may comprise providing a series of waist belts having a fixed longitudinal length, and a series of chassis having a fixed longitudinal length. The waist belts may be aligned with the chassis with varying degrees of overlap, such that diapers having different lengths are manufactured by varying only the relative placement of the waist belts and chassis. The method may be used to vary diapers within a production run (e.g., to produce packs of diapers in a range of sizes) or between production runs (e.g., to produce different size diapers on the same line with reduced equipment changes or adjustments). A diaper produced according to the method is also described.
US08940111B2 Method of achieving trip microstructure in steels by means of deformation heat
In a first step of the method of achieving TRIP microstructure in steels by deformation heat, steel feedstock is heated to a temperature below the temperature at which austenite begins to form in the steel in question, i.e. below AC1. In a next step, the feedstock is formed into a final product, using applied severe plastic deformation whereby deformation energy causes the temperature of the material to increase to the final temperature between AC1 and AC3, and whereupon the ferrite-pearlite microstructure transforms into austenite. In a third or last process step, the final product is cooled down from the final temperature to the temperature of the bainite nose of the material (B). The cooling is then interrupted and the material is held at the temperature of the bainite nose (B). Consequently, the TRIP microstructure forms. Finally, the product is cooled down to ambient temperature.
US08940108B2 Conduit cleaning apparatus
An apparatus (1) for controlling the flow of fluid in a conduit comprises a main body (2) including a bore, having a first open end (3) and a second end (5), a fluid inlet for coupling said first open end (3) of said main body to a source of fluid, a fluid outlet (19) adapted to direct at least a portion of the fluid entering via the fluid inlet in a direction so as to propel the apparatus through the interior of the conduit. The apparatus comprises a control element (15) movable between (a) a first position in which at least one fluid path exists between at least one said fluid inlet and at least one said first fluid outlet (19); and (b) a second position in which at least one fluid path exists between at least one said fluid inlet and at least one said second fluid outlet (17). The fluid paths formed comprise at least one curvilinear portion.
US08940103B2 Sequential stage mixing for single substrate strip processing
Provided is a method for a resist removal system comprising a processing chamber and treatment liquid delivery system for single substrate processing. A primary stripping chemical is flowed in the treatment liquid delivery system at a primary temperature and flow rate; a secondary stripping chemical is injected at a first mixing point at a secondary temperature and flow rate. A tertiary stripping chemical is injected at a second mixing point at a tertiary temperature and a tertiary flow rate. The treatment liquid is dispensed onto a portion of the surface of the substrate wherein one or more of the primary temperature, secondary temperature, tertiary temperature, the primary flow rate, the secondary flow rate, and the tertiary flow rate are adjusted to meet a target strip rate and selectivity of strip over etch of silicon nitride and silicon oxide.
US08940099B2 Reflow oven and methods of treating surfaces of the reflow oven
A reflow oven includes a chamber housing including surfaces that are in contact with heated air mixed with contaminants, including flux, and a water-soluble layer selectively applied to the surfaces of the chamber housing. Embodiments of the reflow oven include an acrylic-based layer, such as an acrylic paint. In one embodiment, the acrylic paint includes a water-soluble polymer, a polymer emulsion, and water. The water-soluble polymer includes butyl benzyl phthalate. In some embodiments, the acrylic paint includes 1-10% by weight butyl benzyl phthalate, 30-55% by weight acrylic polymer emulsion, and balance water. In a certain embodiment, the acrylic paint includes 1-5% by weight butyl benzyl phthalate, 35-50% by weight acrylic poly emulsion, and balance water. Methods of treating surfaces of the reflow oven are further disclosed.
US08940094B2 Methods for fabricating a semiconductor wafer processing device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor processing device includes providing a susceptor including a substantially cylindrical body portion having opposing upper and lower surfaces. The body portion has a diameter larger than a wafer diameter. The method also includes providing a set of holes circumferentially disposed at a first susceptor diameter, the set of holes being evenly spaced with respect to adjacent holes and extending through the upper and lower surfaces in an area. The first susceptor diameter is larger than the wafer diameter, and holes are omitted along the first diameter in a set of predetermined orientations.
US08940090B2 Wax compositions and methods of preparing wax compositions
Described are morphology stable wax compositions comprising the (trans)esterification product of a wax-forming composition comprising: (a) a triglyceride stock, a fatty acid stock, or a mixture thereof; and (b) a glycerol-based composition comprising glycerol, polyglycerol, or a mixture thereof. Methods of making the waxes are also described. The wax compositions may be used in candles, stack waxes, jell candles, cosmetics, food coatings, adhesives, board manufacturing (e.g., particle board and oriented strand board), urethane foams or coatings, alkyd coatings, coating formulation additives, printing additives, polymer processing agents, extrusion processing aids, polymer plasticizers, mold releases, polishes, and stick markers.
US08940089B2 Binders
An un-reacted substantially formaldehyde free curable binder solution for binding loose matter consists essentially of a solution obtainable by dissolving a reducing sugar, an ammonium salt acid precursor, optionally a carboxylic acid or a precursor thereof and optionally ammonia in water.
US08940080B2 Dust filter assembly attachable to office equipment
The present invention relates to a dust filter assembly attachable to office machines such as printers and copiers that employs toner, and computers and fax machines that require cooling. The dust filter assembly includes a contact plate attached to a vent hole of an office machine and sealing the periphery of the vent hole, a filter case connected to the contact plate and having a filter accommodation space, and a filter disposed in the filter case and including a plurality of layers, at least one of which is charged with static electricity.
US08940078B2 Air filter sensor and alarm
A filter sensor to monitor an air filter in an air conditioning system is disclosed. The filter sensor includes a housing having an interior passage. The housing is located in relation to an air vent of the air conditioning system. A propeller is mounted in the interior passage. The propeller is rotated by the filtered air flow of the air conditioning system. A motion sensor is provided in proximity to the propeller or its shaft. A controller is coupled to the motion sensor to determine the rotational speed of the propeller and correlate the rotational speed of the propeller with the condition of the filter. An indicator is coupled to the controller to indicate a status of the air filter.
US08940069B2 Interior air filter, filter holder and filter arrangement
An interior air filter for a motor vehicle has a fold pack having a first side. A material with a first leg and a second leg is disposed on the first side. The first leg is attached to the first side and the second leg has a width that is greater than a height of the fold pack. The material strip forms at least partially a head band or a side band of the fold pack. A filter receptacle for the interior air filter has a slanted wall and a mounting and removal opening through which the interior air filter is inserted or removed from the filter receptacle in a mounting and removal direction. The slanted wall extends at an angle that corresponds to an angle defined by the second leg of the material strip of the interior air filter and a contact surface of the filter receptacle.
US08940068B2 Magnetically driven rotating separator
A gas-liquid rotating separator has first and second sets of magnetically permeable members magnetically interacting with each other to effect rotation of a separator element. A nonauthorized replacement separator element missing the second set of magnetically permeable members will not effect designated operation, thus ensuring, at maintenance servicing, installation of an authorized replacement separator element.
US08940063B2 Coated abrasive backings with cloth treated with colloidal silicon oxide
A cloth backing for an abrasive article is treated by combining a phenolic resin, a latex and a colloidal silicon oxide composition to prepare a colloidal formulation, which is then applied to the cloth backing and cured. Coated abrasive articles are formed by applying a make coat formulation to the treated cloth backing, applying an abrasive and then curing the make coat formulation.
US08940062B2 Method and apparatus for controlling temperature in combustion furnace in gasification equipment
A char 7 feed rate at a rated point determined from a relationship between a current water vapor 3 flow rate and a current raw material 5 charge rate to a gasification furnace 1 is multiplied by a proper number determined from a relationship between a current gasification furnace 1 temperature and a current bed material 4 circulated rate to calculate an actual char 7 feed rate. A subtraction is performed between a gross heat value of the char 7 flowing into the combustion furnace 2 determined on the basis of the calculated char 7 feed rate and a heat value required for keeping a top of the combustion furnace 2 at a commanded temperature determined from a relationship between the commanded temperature and an air flow rate in the furnace 2 to determine a heat value required for keeping the combustion furnace 2 at the commanded temperature. An auxiliary fuel operation rate is determined from the determined heat value to perform an advanced control for an auxiliary fuel feeder 21 and is regulated such that a difference as a result of subtraction between the commanded and detected temperatures in the top of the furnace 2 becomes zero to perform a feedback control for the feeder 21.
US08940054B2 Shoulder arthroplasty system
An implant system for total shoulder arthroplasties, hemi shoulder arthroplasties, and “reverse” total shoulder arthroplasties including a humeral stem having an enlarged head portion with interfaces adapted to removably receive various modular interchangeable components, such as articulating liners, spacers, and adapter inserts. The humeral stem functions as a universal platform that may be used in either conventional or “reverse” total shoulder arthroplasties, as well as hemi shoulder arthroplasties, and may remain implanted in place during a revision in which the implant system is converted between the foregoing configurations, for example.
US08940047B2 Intervertebral spacer device having recessed notch pairs for manipulation using a surgical tool
Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes static trials and a dynamic trial for determining the appropriate size of disc to be implanted, static trial holders for manipulating the static trials, inserter/impactors for inserting and removing the static trials and for inserting the artificial intervertebral discs, repositioners/extractors for repositioning and extracting the static trials or the artificial intervertebral discs, and a leveler for setting the proper position of the artificial intervertebral disc. Methods for using the same are also disclosed. Features for artificial intervertebral discs and intervertebral spacer devices useful for manipulation by the instrumentation are also disclosed.
US08940046B2 Method of implanting a prosthesis device using bone cement in liquid form
The present invention relates to a method of implanting a prosthesis device in a subject. In one embodiment, this method involves: (i) providing a prosthesis device to be attached to an exposed surface of a bone; (ii) applying bone cement in liquid form to a bone-implant interface region, the bone-implant interface region including a region between the exposed surface of the bone and an outer surface of the prosthesis device; and (iii) contacting the bone cement to the exposed surface of the bone and the outer surface of the prosthesis device under conditions effective to allow the bone cement to cure, thereby resulting in attachment of the prosthesis device to the bone of the subject. The present invention also relates to a kit for implanting a prosthesis device in a subject, a method of performing a joint arthroplasty surgical procedure, and other methods of using bone cement in liquid form.
US08940044B2 Closure element for use with an annuloplasty structure
Apparatus and methods are described including an implant structure configured to treat a native atrioventricular valve of a patient, the implant structure including a sleeve having a lumen and at least one end, the at least one end being shaped so as to define an opening. A closure element is disposed in a vicinity of the at least one end, the closure element being configured to facilitate closure of the opening. A contracting mechanism is coupled to the implant structure and configured to contract at least a contraction-facilitated portion of the implant structure. Other applications are also described.
US08940039B2 Reinforced vascular prosthesis with long-term antimicrobial action
A vascular prosthesis includes a prosthesis wall whose outer surface has at least one reinforcing means, the surface of the prosthesis wall and the surface of the at least one reinforcer being coated, at least in part, with an antimicrobial layer.
US08940034B2 Wound care method and system with one or both of vacuum-light therapy and thermally augmented oxygenation
A combination therapy pad that includes a first layer and a second layer operatively coupled to the first layer. A fiber-optic array is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. A third layer is operatively coupled to the first layer. The third layer includes a vacuum tube in fluid communication with a vacuum source and a therapeutic fluid tube in fluid communication with a therapeutic fluid source. The third layer provides at least one of vacuum therapy and therapeutic fluid treatment to a wound area.
US08940033B2 Method and apparatus for whitening teeth
An apparatus for whitening teeth comprises a mouth tray comprising a horseshoe-shaped trough sized to accommodate a dental ridge. A planar projection extends from the outer side of the trough so that its far end is external of the mouth. A light box containing a plurality of LEDs couples with the external end of the projection and illuminates the projection end. The mouth tray and projection are formed of a light-transmissive material to irradiate a peroxide gel in the trough to whiten the user's teeth.
US08940032B2 Connection assembly
An orthopedic connection assembly is described that comprises a housing member for receiving an implant that is operably connected to a receiving member for receiving an anchor member. The connection assembly is configured to have a locking mechanism that secures and fixes the relative orientation between the implant and the anchor member. The connection assembly can comprise a plate member receivable within the housing member. When a securing member such as a set screw is introduced downwardly into the housing member to secure the implant, the securing member applies a lateral force to the plate member, which presses against an interference member within the receiving member. The interference member presses against the anchor member, such that the anchor member is fixed in a position relative to the implant.
US08940029B2 Variable locking bone plating system
An apparatus can include a plate member having a top surface, a bottom surface and a hole extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The plate member hole can have a spherically shaped sidewall. A right-hand helical thread can be formed in the sidewall of the plate member hole, and a left-hand helical cut can be formed in the sidewall of the plate member hole intersecting the right-hand helical thread. The left-hand helical cut can be configured to reduce a portion of a contact surface area of the right-hand helical thread and the sidewall of the plate member hole.
US08940028B2 Systems and methods for using polyaxial plates
Embodiments of the present invention provide a bone fixation assembly that can provide polyaxial fixation. The polyaxial fixation may be provided by fins that protrude from an opening in a bone plate or fins that protrude from a fastener head.
US08940025B2 Hybrid spinal plates
Various spinal plating systems for use in treating spinal pathologies are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, the spinal plating systems can be configured to allow a surgeon to select a bone screw construct having a particular range of motion for attaching a spinal plate to bone as needed based on the intended use. In one exemplary embodiment, the spinal plating system includes a first bone screw that is polyaxially movable relative to the spinal plate, and a second bone screw that has a range of motion that is substantially limited to a single plane.
US08940022B2 Artificial functional spinal unit system and method for use
A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include two dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may be inserted into a disc space using a posterior approach. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit.
US08940020B2 Rod connector
A connector for engaging two or more rods is disclosed. The connector includes a main body, at least two medial bodies and a compression mechanism. Generally, the connector provides for easy “snap-fit” lateral insertion of the rods into rod openings defined between the medial bodies and the main body. The snap-fit is achieved through a spring bias exerted by the compression mechanism. The compression mechanism may also be configured to lock the rods within the openings, such as through the use of a fastener.
US08940018B2 High strength suture with absorbable core and suture anchor combination
A novel high tensile strength semi-absorbable composite suture with minimized non-absorbable mass. The suture has a core made from a bioabsorbable polymer. The core is covered by a braided sheath. The braided sheath is made from an absorbable yarn and a bioabsorbable yarn. The bioabsorbable yarn is made from a least one filament of a bioabsorbable polymer. The nonabsorbable yarn is made from at least one filament of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.
US08940009B2 Bladeless optical obturator
The invention is directed to a bladeless trocar obturator to separate or divaricate body tissue during insertion through a body wall. In one aspect, the obturator of the invention comprises a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end; and a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft and having a generally tapered configuration with an outer surface, the outer surface extending distally to a blunt point with a pair of side sections having a common shape and being separated by at least one intermediate section, wherein each of the side sections extends from the blunt point radially outwardly with progressive positions proximally along the axis, and the shaft is sized and configured to receive an optical instrument having a distal end to receive an image of the body tissue. With this aspect, the tapered configuration facilitates separation of different layers of the body tissue and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers. The side sections include a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the side sections being twisted radially with respect to the proximal portion of the side sections. The intermediate section includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the intermediate section being twisted in a first radial direction and the proximal portion of the intermediate section being twisted in a second radial direction opposite the first radial direction.
US08940007B2 Trocar assembly with obturator dissector
A surgical system for penetrating tissue includes an obturator including an obturator housing and an obturator member extending from the obturator housing. The obturator member defines a longitudinal axis along which the obturator extends from trailing to leading ends thereof, and has a leading penetrating member adapted to penetrate tissue. The penetrating member defines, from leading to trailing, a cylindrical element having a generally arcuate leading surface and a generally planar dissecting element extending from the cylindrical portion. The obturator member and the leading penetrating member may be monolithically formed. The obturator member may include an obturator rod connected to the obturator housing, and defining a generally “t”-shaped cross-section. The generally planar dissecting element defines side surfaces obliquely arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis. The side surfaces may be arcuate or may define cutting edges.
US08940003B2 Methods and apparatus for flow restoration
Methods for restoring blood flow in occluded blood vessels using an apparatus having a self expandable distal segment that is pre-formed to assume a superimposed structure in an unconstrained condition but can be made to take on a volume-reduced form making it possible to introduce it with a microcatheter and a push wire arranged at the proximal end, with the distal segment in its superimposed structure assuming the form of a longitudinally open tube and having a mesh structure of interconnected strings or filaments or struts. In a preferred embodiment, the distal segment has a tapering structure at its proximal end where the strings or filaments or struts converge at a connection point.
US08940002B2 Tissue anchor system
A tissue anchor system includes a plurality of elongated members pivotally coupled by a pivot member and at least one coupler coupled to at least one of the elongated members between a pivot point and an end of the elongated member which coupler is operable to secure the elongated members in a configuration that securely couples the tissue anchor to tissue.
US08940000B2 Surgical instruments with flexible member attachment structures
A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle portion, an endoscopic portion, a pair of jaw members and at least one flexible member attachment structure. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the handle portion and defines a first longitudinal axis. The pair of jaw members is disposed adjacent a distal end of the endoscopic portion and extends generally distally therefrom. At least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The flexible member attachment structure is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one jaw member and is configured to facilitate the attachment of a flexible member thereto.
US08939999B2 Suture tensioning device
A device for tensioning suture which includes a cannulated tube that allows a suture to be fed through at least a portion of the tube. An adjustment device (for example, a wheel or a knob) is actuated to turn a threaded post on the end of the tube. A length of suture passes through at least a portion of the cannulated tube and is secured into a forked pin attached to the adjustment device. Turning the adjustment device draws against the suture, increasing therefore the tension on the suture. The suture tensioning device may be employed in conjunction with a tensiometer.
US08939990B2 Birthing glove
A birthing glove exposes portions of the finger and thumb, which may be covered by a regular surgical glove. The birthing glove has a trank having an inner wall covering the palm and backhand of the birthing practitioner. Four finger sleeves and a thumb sleeve extend from the trank and terminate over the first phalanx of each finger. A cuff extends from the trank for covering at least a portion of the practitioner's forearm and an inflatable bladder is disposed over the inner wall of the trank adjacent to the back of the hand for inflation in order to expand behind the exposed fingers and thumb of the practitioner in order to dilate the birth canal and provide access to the head of the infant.
US08939987B2 Endoscope treatment tool
An endoscope treatment tool includes a treatment portion, a manipulation portion, and a manipulation wire connecting the treatment portion and the manipulation portion, the manipulation portion includes a manipulation portion main body, a shaft, a clutch plate having a through-hole into which the shaft is slidably inserted, a manipulation member slidably attached to the manipulation portion main body, and a force adjustment member compressed in accordance with manipulation of the manipulation member, and the clutch plate is inclined with respect to the shaft in accordance with compression of the force adjustment member, and thereby the manipulation member is fixed to the manipulation portion main body by the clutch plate which is fixed to the shaft so as not to slide with respect to the shaft.
US08939982B2 Methods and devices for validating the position of patient-specific devices
The present invention relates to methods for validating the correct position of a patient-specific device on a chosen anatomy of the human body as well as such patient-specific devices. More specifically, the devices are provided with a fitting tool which allows in alignment of the patient-specific device with one or more predetermined patient-specific landmarks.
US08939980B2 System for ACL reconstruction using retrograde cutter
A system for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using holes in bone created by retrograde cutting. A rotary cutter, mounted onto an insertion post of a tibial guide, is inserted through an anteromedial portal and the rotary cutter placed on the anatomical origin of an ACL tibial insertion. A drill pin is drilled through the tibia and advanced until it contacts and engages a cannulation in the rotary cutter on the guide. Further rotation of the drill pin disengages the rotary cutter from the guide. The retrograde drill pin is then retracted and simultaneously rotated for retrograde cutting of a socket or tunnel of desired depth in the tibia. A similar system is provided to form a socket or tunnel in the femur except that a femur guide is used in place of the tibial guide.
US08939979B2 Surgical drill with curved burr attachment and method
A surgical drilling instrument with a Curved Burr Attachment having an adapter removably coupled to a drill motor and a burr attachment coupled to said adapter. The burr attachment includes a tube with a wire shaft supported therein and a coil wire surrounding said wire shaft and having each of the coils touch the outer periphery surface of the wire shaft and the inner peripheral surface of said tube to enhance cooling of said outer periphery of said tube from the heat generated by said wire shaft and attenuate vibrations while allowing said burr attachment to be bent without kinking. The burr attachment includes a proximal end support and a distal end support formed on the end of said burr attachment wherein the wire shaft is affixed to said proximal end support and rotates relative to said distal end support and includes detents formed on each of the supports for engaging balls in said adapter so as to be operatively connected thereto when the burr attachment is aligned in said adapter to couple the burr attachment to said adapter for rotary motion of said wire shaft and locating the cutter of said burr attachment to a precise location relative to the end of the adapter. The burr attachment being disposable and the adapter being re-usable.
US08939977B2 Systems and methods for separating bone fixation devices from introducer
Systems and methods for separating an internal bone fixation device from an introducer are disclosed. In some embodiments, a separation system includes a stabilizer configured to slide over an introducer for delivery of a bone fixation device to a bone cavity, the stabilizer being further configured to score a proximal end of the bone fixation device; and a separator configured to engage the introducer and to provide an impact to the introducer to separate the introducer from the bone fixation device.
US08939973B2 Single action tissue sealer
An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly at its distal end. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source which enable them to conduct energy through the tissue to create a tissue seal. A drive assembly is disposed within the housing which moves the jaw members. A switch is disposed within the housing which activates the electrosurgical energy. A knife assembly is included which is advanceable to cut tissue held between the jaw members. A movable handle is connected to the housing. Continual actuation of the movable handle engages the drive assembly to move the jaw members, engages the switch to activate the electrosurgical energy source to seal the tissue, and advances the knife assembly the cut the tissue disposed between the jaw members.
US08939971B2 System and method for endometrial ablation
Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate.
US08939970B2 Tuned RF energy and electrical tissue characterization for selective treatment of target tissues
A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands. An atherosclerotic material detector system may measure and/or characterize the atherosclerotic material and its location, optionally using impedance monitoring.
US08939968B2 Cryosurgical instrument
A cryosurgical instrument, comprising a cryoprobe having ducting through which a compressed cooling fluid, such as a cooling gas, flows, for cooling a least part of the cryoprobe. The ducting has an expansion channel having a channel cross-section that enlarges progressively in the flow, direction over a predetermined length such that the compressed cooling gas gradually decompresses, at least partially, beyond a predetermined length on its flow path through the expansion channel while simultaneously cooling down.
US08939965B2 Ophthalmic apparatus and method of operating the same
An ophthalmic apparatus including an observation system configured for displaying a moving image of a patient's eye, an optical system for directing an illumination beam into the patient's eye and for directing an observation beam from the patient's eye into the observation system, a control system configured for controlling the optical system, and a control stick for inputting control signals into the control system including an auxiliary control element being provided on the control stick for inputting auxiliary control signals into the control system, wherein the control system is configured for controlling a display mode of displaying the moving image of the observation system according to the auxiliary control signals. The invention further relates to a method of operating said ophthalmic apparatus.
US08939963B2 Surgical instruments with sheathed tendons
A flexible surgical instrument employs sheaths around tendons that actuate an end effector or other mechanisms in a distal tip of the instrument. A liquid lubricant can be introduced in the sheaths to reduce friction, and the sheaths can be porous or non-porous. The lubricant can be confined, for example, with an o-ring or a bellow seal, to keep lubricant from leaking where the tendons extend out of the sheaths. More generally, the distal end of the instrument is sealed to prevent leakage of lubricant into a patient. To further reduce risks, a non-toxic water-based lubricant can be used.
US08939958B2 Fluid transfer assembly for a syringe
A fluid transfer assembly comprise a first open end for connection to a syringe and a second open end for receiving a vial having a closure element. The second open end is adapted to engage and open the closure element and permit fluid in the vial to be transferred to the syringe from the vial, for example by gravity acting on the fluid in the vial.
US08939955B2 Absorbent article with contrasting wrapper graphics
A product includes an absorbent article contained within a pouch. The absorbent article includes a first graphic and the pouch includes a second graphic which is different than the first graphic. The pouch is at least partially translucent and the absorbent article is arranged in the pouch such that at least a portion of the first graphic is visible through the pouch. The first graphic defines a first complexity value and the second graphic defines a second complexity value wherein the difference between the first complexity value and the second complexity value is at least 1.2.
US08939949B2 Stacked multi-disk ophthalmic pump
The present disclosure relates to a stacked multi-disk pump for the pumping of ocular fluid and/or tissue during ophthalmic surgery. The stacked multi-disk pump includes an inlet port, a stacked multi-disk assembly, a fluid chamber, a central hub, a motor, and an outlet port. The motor and the hub induce the multi-disk assembly to rotate. As the multi-disk assembly rotates, the fluid is propelled into the inlet port, progresses axially, circumferentially, and radially through the stacked multi-disk assembly, and flows out the outlet port. The pump may be incorporated, for example, into the handpiece of an ophthalmic surgical instrument or a surgical console.
US08939948B2 Ocular insert apparatus and methods
A comfortable insert comprises a retention structure sized for placement under the eyelids and along at least a portion of conjunctival sac of the upper and lower lids of the eye. The retention structure resists deflection when placed in the conjunctival sac of the eye and to guide the insert along the sac when the eye moves. The retention structure can be configured in many ways to provide the resistance to deflection and may comprise a hoop strength so as to urge the retention structure outward and inhibit movement of the retention structure toward the cornea. The insert may move rotationally with deflection along the conjunctival sac, and may comprise a retention structure having a cross sectional dimension sized to fit within folds of the conjunctiva. The insert may comprise a release mechanism and therapeutic agent to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time.
US08939945B2 Drive mechanism for a drug delivery device
A lead screw (5) with a screw thread (6) is arranged in a body (1) along an axis (4) and coupled to a lead screw nut (7) with a drive feature (8), so that the lead screw is helically rotatable in the lead screw nut. The lead screw and the lead screw nut are provided with stop features (9) interfering with a rotation of the lead screw in the lead screw nut when a force is applied to the lead screw in an axial direction. The lead screw nut has a surface area facing a guide feature (10) of the body. This surface area has a slope (12) varying around the axis. The assembly interacts such that the lead screw nut rotates in one rotational direction when a force is applied to the lead screw in the axial direction.
US08939941B2 Needle shield with specific roughness
The present invention relates to a shield (10) for the distal extremity of an administration device (3) comprising a hub (2) on which said shield (10) is to be removably engaged, said shield (10) having a wall (13) the internal face (14) of which defining an interior cavity (15) for receiving the extremity of the administration device (3), at least a portion (14a) of said internal face (14) being intended to be in contact with said hub (2) when said shield (10) is engaged on the extremity of said administration device (3), whereby said portion (14a) has, distributed over a major portion of said portion (14a), a surface feature (16, 17) that defines the amount of contact between said portion (14a) and said hub (2).
US08939936B2 System for providing surgical access
One embodiment is directed to a system for advancing a needle into a tissue structure, comprising: an elongate needle member having a tapered distal tip; an insertion member having proximal and distal ends, the distal end being coupled to the elongate needle member, and the proximal end being configured to be manipulated by an operator; and a tissue interface indentor member coupled to the insertion member and operatively coupled to the elongate needle member, the tissue interface indentor member comprising a distally protruding shape feature configured to contact one or more portions of the tissue structure adjacent to the distal tip of the elongate needle member and change an available angle of penetration between such portions and the distal tip of the elongate needle member as the distal tip is inserted into tissue structure.
US08939931B2 Intravascular access catheter
Disclosed is an access catheter, having a distal segment which is moveable from a reduced outside diameter for positioning at a target site, and an enlarged outside diameter to create an enlarged internal working lumen. In one application, the catheter is configured for use as an intracranial aspiration catheter. Methods are also disclosed.
US08939930B2 Accurate flow control in drug pump devices
The accuracy of drug delivery with drug pump devices may be improved by a combination of pump operation at high flow resistances and pump pressures, pressure-relief mechanisms, and sensor-based feedback for pump control.
US08939928B2 Medical device having capacitive coupling communication and energy harvesting
Provided is a wearable, self-contained drug infusion or medical device capable of communicating with a host controller or other external devices via a personal area network (PAN). The medical device utilizes a PAN transceiver for communication with other devices in contact with a user's body, such as a physiological sensor or host controller, by propagating a current across the user's body via capacitive coupling. The wearable nature of the medical device and the low power requirements of the PAN communication system enable the medical device to utilize alternative energy harvesting techniques for powering the device. The medical device preferably utilizes thermal, kinetic and other energy harvesting techniques for capturing energy from the user and the environment during normal use of the medical device. A system power distribution unit is provided for managing the harvested energy and selectively supplying power to the medical device during system operation.
US08939927B2 Systems and methods for small bore aspiration
An assembly for a phacoemulsification surgical system includes an aspiration system arranged to aspirate fluid from a surgical site. The aspiration system includes an aspiration path within the phacoemulsification hand piece and includes a flexible small bore aspiration tubing in fluid communication with the aspiration path. The small bore aspiration tubing has a nominal inner diameter smaller than about 0.050 inch to reduce levels of occlusion surge within the surgical system. A high-output, peristaltic pump communicates with the small bore aspiration tubing and is operable to create a flow through the small bore aspiration tubing.
US08939924B1 Magnet assisted orthotic brace
An orthotic brace and brace hinge are disclosed where the brace hinge comprises a first hinge element operably connected to a second hinge element, at least one hinge element having a magnetic field whereby the magnetic field provides a magnetic force urging one hinge elements in a pre-determined direction. Embodiments of the present invention generally utilize magnetic forces to stabilize, influence and/or maintain adjacent joint portions in pre-determined desired relationships and for constraining motion and/or rotation of the joint portions. Through the use of the repelling and attracting forces of magnets, mechanical forces in the brace and brace hinge can be replaced or supplemented to reduce the force put on joint bones, to influence the bones so that the joint is biased into certain positions or to apply different forces through different points of joint flexion. Embodiments of braces with magnetic fields on other brace elements are also disclosed.
US08939923B2 Oxygen healing system and method of use
This invention relates to a pressure related ulcer and perineal dermatitis prevention and treatment device and method of use. The device may be used in conjunction with a urine collection and disposal system that would be beneficial for incontinent users. In use the device forms an automatic pressure controlled topical hyperbaric oxygen chamber and further incorporates a flexible inflated tube system that is controlled by a microprocessor to relief pressure on affected areas of a user's body and provide circulation stimulating therapeutic massage. When used by incontinent persons the device automatically removes expressed urine to minimize additional risk factors known to cause or exacerbate pressure related ulcers and perineal dermatitis.
US08939916B2 Medical device for navigation through anatomy and method of making same
Medical devices for navigation through anatomy, including guidewires, which may have a core wire, a slotted tubular member, or both. Embodiments may have coils, including non-circular cross-section edge-wound marker coils, extended coil tips, and soldered or glued mesial joint coils. Core wires may have a step, ridge, or taper at the joints to the tubular member, and may be flattened at the distal tip. Radiopaque material may be located inside the tubular member, and the distal tip may be heat treated to make it shapeable. Additional tubular members or coils may be used concentrically or in line and may enhance flexibility, provide radiopacity, reduce friction, or reduce material or manufacturing cost. Tubular members may be chamfered or tapered continuously or incrementally. Slots may be arranged in groups, such as groups of three, and may be equal in depth or unequal in depth to provide a steerable or compressible tip.
US08939915B2 Surgical kits and methods
A kit for implantation of material into a body, a kit for extraction of tissue from a body and a tissue transplantation kit. A method for implanting material into a body, a method for extracting tissue from a body and a method for transplanting tissue into a body.
US08939914B2 Radiometers and related devices and methods
Certain radiometer assemblies can include an antenna that is shielded within an enclosure, which can have an open end. The antenna can be used to receive signals from a patient via a matching layer that is positioned at the open end of the enclosure. In some assemblies, a rim of shielding material encompasses the open end of the enclosure so as to reduce stray electromagnetic interference, such as when the assembly is used to monitor a deep tissue temperature.
US08939909B2 Spread spectrum coded waveforms in ultrasound imaging
Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for ultrasound imaging using spread spectrum, coherent, frequency- and/or phase-coded waveforms. In one aspect, a method of creating an image from an acoustic waveform in an acoustic imaging device includes setting the device into a transmit mode to transmit an acoustic waveform toward a target, in transmitting the acoustic waveform, synthesizing, in one or more waveform synthesizers, a plurality of substantially orthogonal coded waveforms that form a composite waveform as the transmitted acoustic waveform toward the target, in which each waveform corresponds to a distinct frequency band, setting the device into a receive mode to receive a returned acoustic waveform that returns from at least part of the target, converting the received returned acoustic waveform from analog format to digital format as a received composite waveform comprising information of the target, and processing the received composite waveform to produce an image of the target.
US08939905B2 Antenna structures for implantable medical devices
This disclosure describes antenna structures for use with implantable medical devices (IMDs). The IMD may include a housing that hermetically encloses electronic components of the IMD and a fixation mechanism that attaches the IMD to a target location within a patient, such as a wall of a vessel. The fixation mechanism may function as a radiating element of an antenna of the IMD. The fixation mechanism may be attached to a housing of the IMD with two different members. One member may be an anchoring structure that mechanically anchors the fixation mechanism to the housing. The second member may be a connector that electrically connects the fixation mechanism to the housing such that the fixation mechanism is configured to transmit and/or receive communication signals with other implantable or external devices.
US08939903B2 Measurement of emotional response to sensory stimuli
A method of measuring emotional response of at least one subject to a specific sensory stimulus comprises establishing (202) a plurality of basic emotions for measurement, including one or more positive affect emotions and one or more negative affect emotions. The subject is presented (302) with the specific sensory stimulus, and for each basic emotion is further presented (306) with a computer-generated display comprising interactive animated visual images representative of a metaphorical concept corresponding with the basic emotion. Input is then received (308) from the subject, who is enabled to adapt the animated visual images to accord with an emotional response to the sensory stimulus. The received input is converted to a corresponding quantitative emotional response value for each basic emotion. The quantitative emotional response value may be a difference value derived from a change in emotional state of the subject and based upon an initial calibration of emotional state performed prior to presenting the subject with the sensory stimulus. A visual presentation (1000) is generated, which comprises representations (1004, 1012, 1014) of the quantitative emotional response values for each of the plurality of basic emotions, whereby the relative emotional response of the subject in respect of each basic emotion is visually distinguishable.
US08939902B2 Remote tissue retraction device
A medical device for managing tissue in an organ, such as the stomach, for retracting or positioning tissue and related organs to allow certain regions of the stomach to be acquired for a gastroplasty procedure. The medical device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tissue treatment device attached to the distal end of the elongated body. The tissue treatment device includes a first jaw opposite a second jaw, and each jaw is adapted to acquire tissue. A retractor is disposed along the tissue treatment device and adapted to be moveable from a delivery position to a retraction position to move or manage the tissue of the stomach. The medical device also includes a collapsible barrier disposed between the first and second jaws of the tissue treatment device to direct tissue into the first and second jaws separately.
US08939901B2 Endoscope apparatus for outputting signals corresponding to first and second narrowband wavelength bands
An endoscope apparatus includes: a light source device radiating at least one or more illumination lights having a predetermined wavelength band to a subject; a CCD picking up an image of a return light from the subject based on radiation of the illumination light from the light source device; an image processing section outputting a first image signal of a first wavelength band having a peak wavelength of spectral characteristic, between a wavelength band including a maximum value and a wavelength band at a minimum value with regard to an absorption characteristic of living tissue, after image pickup by the CCD; and an observation monitor performing image display on the basis of the first image signal.
US08939900B2 Stopper and endoscope
A flange is formed in a ferrule. A forceps stopper has a fixing member engaging with the flange and a stopper body that holds the fixing member. The fixing member has detachable first and second pieces. The stopper body has a fixing member accommodation hole that accommodates the fixing member in a combined state. The stopper body has a fixing member holding portion that holds the fixing member that is accommodated in the fixing member accommodation hole. The fixing member holding portion has an annular contact portion that comes into contact with the fixing member and a connection portion that connects the outer periphery of the annular contact portion to the opening peripheral edge portion of the fixing member accommodation hole. When the stopper body is pulled, the connection portion is broken, so that the holding of the fixing member using the fixing member holding portion is released.
US08939897B2 Methods for closing a gastrotomy
A surgical instrument for forming a gastrotomy. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument may comprise a hollow tip for attachment to a distal end of a tubular member such as an endoscope. In other embodiments, the hollow tip is integrally formed on the distal end of the endoscope. The hollow tip is configured such that when it is brought into contact with the inner layer of tissue in the stomach, the tissue is caused to stretch. A hole-forming device may be passed through the hollow tip to pierce through the stretched inner layer and adjacent outer layers of tissue to form a passageway therethrough for permitting surgical procedures to be performed therethrough. After the surgical procedures are performed through the passageway, the hollow tip is removed from contact with the inner layer of tissue to permit the inner layer of tissue to relax and to cause the holes formed through the inner layer and outer layers of tissue to be offset from each other.
US08939895B2 Self-centralizing inflatable balloon
An apparatus is presented for use with a biologically-compatible-fluid pressure source. The apparatus comprises an elongated carrier defining a fluid passageway and adapted to be inserted through a proximal opening of a body lumen having a main axis and certain diameter; an inflatable balloon assembly having an inflatable part self-deformable between its substantially circular geometric state and multiple elongated geometry states in which cross sectional dimensions of the inflatable balloon part are different in accordance with the diameter of the lumen, and being in fluid communication with said fluid passageway, the cross sectional dimension of the substantially circular geometric state being equal to or greater than said diameter of said body lumen; and at least one sleeve extending from at least one end respectively of said inflatable part of the balloon assembly along a central axis of said inflatable balloon part, said at least one sleeve being by its one end is rigidly coupled to the respective end of the balloon part and having one of the following configurations: (a) being by its other end fixed to the carrier at a certain location and being foldable and extendable in accordance with longitudinal deformation of the inflatable balloon part, and (b) having a fixed length and being by its other end slidable along the carrier in accordance with longitudinal deformation of the inflatable balloon part. Deformation of the inflatable part of the balloon maintains the balloon assembly orientation such that the carrier passing through the balloon assembly substantially coincides with said main axis of said lumen.
US08939891B2 Multifunctional handle for a medical robotic system
A handle used to control movement of a medical instrument. The medical instrument may be coupled to a robotic arm that is connected to a controller. The medical instrument may have a plurality of functions such as wrist locking and motion scaling. One of the functions may be selected through a graphical user interface operated by the end user. The handle may have a plurality of buttons. One of the buttons may allow the end user to control the selected function. For example, when wrist locking/unlocking is selected, depressing the button can toggle the medical instrument wrist between a locked state and an unlocked state.
US08939889B1 Pump bulb for an implantable penile prosthetic
A penile prosthetic includes an inflatable member that is implantable into a penis of a user, a reservoir that is implantable in an abdomen, and a pump. The pump is configured to be attached between the inflatable member and the reservoir and is implantable in a scrotum. The pump includes a pump bulb having an internal cavity formed by a side surface connected between a bottom surface and a top surface of the pump bulb. The side surface provides an outside circumference of the pump bulb and includes at least two concave side walls with each concave side wall connected between two adjacent convex lobes of the pump bulb.
US08939886B2 Systems, methods and devices relating to a removable sleeve for an implantable sling
Devices and methods for delivering of a sling assembly and removal of the sleeve at least partially enclosing the sling through a single orifice of incision are disclosed.
US08939885B2 System and method for eliciting a relaxation response
The disclosed system and method are directed to qualifying an image(s) and exposing an individual to the qualified image(s) for the purpose of eliciting a relaxation response. More specifically, a sequential rendition of qualified images are presented to either a normal or cognitively impaired person in order to elicit relaxation and/or reduce agitation. Qualified images include those with both particular natural landscape content or elements (e.g., low vegetative growth, an open area, trees, a horizon, a visible sky, an absence of any man-made structures, and fresh water) and a particular average fractal dimension.
US08939883B2 Driveline cable assembly
A blood pump assembly includes a blood pump configured for implantation and a cable assembly for providing power and control signals to the blood pump. The cable assembly includes a strain relief assembly and a driveline. The strain relief assembly secures the cable assembly to the blood pump and has an outer surface that is curved along a longitudinal extent of the strain relief assembly at least along an outer peripheral side of the outer surface. The strain relief assembly defines a compartment and an internal passage that leads to the compartment. The driveline houses a plurality of conductors that extend from the driveline through the internal passage and into the compartment.
US08939881B2 Apparatus for loading dosimetrically customizable brachytherapy carriers
A device for loading and customizing brachytherapy carriers based on the principles of optimizing a more precise and predictable dosimetry, and adaptable to the geometric challenges of a tumor bed in a real-time setting. The present invention relates to a specialized loading device designed to enable a medical team to create a radionuclide carrier for each patient and tumor reliably, reproducibly and efficiently.
US08939880B2 Sheet folding mechanism
A sheet folding mechanism includes a sheet conveying path that is curved in a sheet conveyance direction; a pair of folding rollers that are disposed at a downstream side of the sheet conveying path; an abutting stopper member that is disposed at the downstream side of the folding rollers in the sheet conveyance direction and that abuts and restricts a leading edge of a conveyed sheet; a flexure assist member that assists flexure forming of the sheet abutted to the abutting stopper member; a curved conveying guide plate that is located at the sheet conveying path; a movable stopper guide plate that is a part of the curved conveying guide plate as being movable along the sheet conveying path; and a control unit that performs control to vary a movement range of the movable stopper guide plate in accordance with size and folding mode of the sheet.
US08939878B2 Sheet folding device and image forming apparatus
Plural conveying paths including guide plates are arranged on both sides of a sheet in its thickness direction, being linked from an upstream side to a downstream side in a conveying direction of the sheet. A stopper is arranged in at least one of the conveying paths to make contact with a leading edge of the sheet conveyed through the conveying paths thereby stopping the sheet and forming a bending portion at the sheet. A pair of folding rollers is arranged between the conveying paths to nip the bending portion of the sheet to form a folding line at the sheet. An adjusting member is provided on the guide plates to adjust a space between the guide plates.
US08939866B2 Toroidal traction drive
A toroidal traction drive has an axial loading system with a primary loading component and a non-linear cam roller loading component.
US08939864B2 Gas turbine engine lubrication
A turbine engine includes a fan shaft and at least one tapered bearing mounted on the fan shaft. The fan shaft includes at least one radially extending passage adjacent the at least one tapered bearing. A fan is mounted for rotation on the tapered bearing. An epicyclic gear train is coupled to drive the fan. The epicyclic gear train includes a carrier that supports star gears that mesh with a sun gear, and a ring gear that surrounds and meshes with the star gears. Each of the star gears is supported on a respective journal bearing. The epicyclic gear train defines a gear reduction ratio of greater than or equal to about 2.3.
US08939863B2 Multi-speed transmission with a series disconnect clutch
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. One of the plurality of torque transmitting devices is an integrated friction launch clutch. A disconnect clutch is in series relationship with the launch clutch and is configured to disconnect the launch clutch from at least one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish at least ten forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
US08939858B2 Electrically variable drive unit
An electrically variable drive unit having two electric motors is provided. The first electric motor is mounted along the same axis as an engine. The second electric motor is mounted along the same axis as a transmission output.
US08939857B2 Power tool with a tensioning device for a belt
A power tool and a belt pulley of a belt drive for a power tool is provided with a tool driven by a motor by way of a belt drive, whereby the belt drive has a belt pulley rotating about a drive axle on the drive side and a belt pulley rotating about a tool axle on the tool side, and whereby a belt can be tensioned over the belt pulleys. At least one of the belt pulleys can be moved into an eccentric position in relation to its holding axle, with an assembly element being provided, with which the belt pulley can be returned into the concentric position in relation to the axle.
US08939856B2 Hydraulic tensioner
Deaeration of the high pressure oil chamber of a hydraulic tensioner takes place though a helical orifice formed by opposed flanks of the threads of a threaded hole in the tensioner housing and the threads of a screw inserted into the hole. The opposed flanks are maintained in spaced relationship by a force exerted by a spring washer disposed between the head of the screw and a surface of the tensioner housing surrounding the opening of the threaded hole. The flank of the thread of the hole that forms part of the boundary of the helical orifice can have a concave curvature in order to increase the aperture of the air flow path. A groove in the surface surrounding the opening of the threaded hole prevents the washer from sealing off the flow of air. This groove is disposed with its exit end at a level above its entry end.
US08939854B1 Device for baseball training
A device for Baseball pitcher training, employing a heavy, rigid, frame, heavy anterior target or impact drape, and heavy posterior target or impact drape.
US08939851B2 Multi-layer golf ball
Multi-layer golf balls having a hard, high compression center, a relatively soft intermediate layer, and a stiff outer cover layer, are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is less than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.
US08939849B2 Multi-layer golf ball
Multi-layer golf balls having a relatively hard outer core surrounding a relatively soft, low compression inner core are provided. The inner core generally has a compression of less than 50 and the inner core and outer core generally have a combined dual core compression of 50 or greater. The outer core generally has a Shore C hardness of 80 or greater. A cover, which can be a single-, dual-, or multi-layer cover, is provided to surround the outer core. A moisture barrier layer is optionally provided between the outer core and the cover. The moisture vapor transmission rate of the moisture barrier layer is preferably less than the moisture vapor transmission rate of the cover.
US08939848B2 Golf club head with top line insert
A golf club head having a low-density insert located in a top portion thereof. The insert may be only in the top line of the club head or extend from the heel around the toe. The insert may extend through a hosel and optionally be visible on a heel-side surface. The insert may be mounted on a back surface of a striking face, and may extend a distance down the back surface. The insert may extend into, and provide part of, a golf ball striking face.
US08939842B2 Method and system for operating a self-propelled vehicle according to scene images
The present disclosure relates to a robotic system including one or more self-propelled motorized vehicles 120 (SPMV) whose motion is controlled in accordance with electronic image data acquired by one or more observing camera(s) 110 configured to image a scene including the SPMV 120. In some embodiments, the SPMV includes one or more on-board lights 124, and the SPMV is operated according to analyzing images acquired by the observing camera before and after an illumination transition of one or more of the point-lights. Some embodiments relate techniques to computer gaming and/or to stereoscopic image processing techniques.
US08939841B2 Wagering game with alternating picks
Method and system are disclosed for conducting a wagering game having increased excitement and enjoyment over existing wagering games. The method and system involve a bank of wagering game terminals connected to a bank controller. Each wagering game terminal allows players to play a basic wagering game that is independent of other wagering game terminals. The wagering game terminals also allow players to play a bonus game where players take turns playing to win a portion of a jackpot. The portion awarded to each player may be the actual amount won by that player, or it may be a percentage of the entire jackpot based on the actual amount won by the player relative to other players. In one implementation, only players at wagering game terminals that exceed a minimum level of wagering activity may play the bonus game.
US08939838B2 Accessory for playing games with a portable electronic device
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide user interfaces for playing games on portable electronic devices. One example provides a game accessory having input controls for playing video, audio, and other types of games. The game accessory can have input controls, such as buttons, joysticks, and D-pads. Another example provides a game accessory having a thumb pad or keyboard. Other possible features include microphones, cameras and camera lenses, speakers, a second screen, rumble, and motion detection. The game accessory may have a recess sized to fit the portable electronic device. Inserts or removable adapters can be used to fit portable electronic devices having different sizes. The portable electronic device can be held in the accessory using sliding covers, clips, or other engaging members. In other examples, the accessory can communicate with another accessory for head-to-head game play. The accessory may include circuitry for power, identification, and authorization.
US08939836B2 Interactive game controlling method for use in touch panel device medium
The present invention relates to an interactive game controlling method for use in a touch panel device medium. The game includes a virtual hot zone, a virtual display range, at least one self-acting virtual object displayed on the touch panel device. An interactive program that allows users to interact with the virtual object in the virtual hot zone is executed in response to a finger tapping on the virtual hot zone. The method includes the steps of: a) receiving a touch and sensing the motion of the touch; b) moving the virtual display range where the virtual object is included in a direction opposite to the direction which the touch is moving; c) executing the interactive program to allow the user to interact with the virtual object when the virtual object is relocated to the virtual hot zone and the virtual hot zone receives a change in state of touch.
US08939834B2 Software verification and authentication
A device for controlling electronic gaming machines comprises a single board computer (SBC) having a microprocessor, memory means, storage means and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM includes: a loader program; verification program; an authentication program; and a presentation program. Additional Mass storage media in communication with the SBC store pre-verified and approved gaming software (program files) and related data files, each of which have a verification signature appended to them. Prior to usage of the gaming software, the program file software or data file is retrieved by the loader program and checked by the verification program which compares the verification signature with a newly calculated verification signature. If the newly calculated signature matches the verification signature, the requested file is deemed to be intact (a validated image).
US08939833B2 Interface for a gaming machine
A gaming machine adapted to print validated tickets for a game player includes a microprocessor for controlling game operation (e.g., slot machine operation) and including a cashout signal input, a network interface coupled to the microprocessor for communicating with a central authority, and a memory in the network interface that stores a pre-loaded ticket validation number received from the central authority. In addition, a ticket printer is coupled to the microprocessor for printing a ticket that includes pending credit indicia and pre-loaded ticket validation indicia in response to a cashout signal on the cashout signal input. After the ticket is printed, the gaming machine obtains a new pre-loaded validation number in preparation for the next ticket printing event.
US08939830B2 Spreading arrangement and combine harvester with spreading arrangement
Example embodiments relate to a combine harvester including a straw chopper having an inlet for unchopped straw, an outlet for chopped straw in an essentially horizontal direction, and a spreader fan, connected downstream of the outlet of the straw chopper and having an essentially horizontal plane of rotation, for spreading the chopped straw over a ground surface. The combine harvester further includes a guide member, which is arranged to deflect at least a part of the stream of chopped straw material to an axial intake of the spreader fan such that a part of chopped straw material meets the blades of the spreader fan in the direction of transport of the chopped straw material through the spreader fan at an acute angle (α) relative to the plane of rotation of the spreader fan.
US08939827B2 Method and apparatus for controlling ventilation systems
An energy recovery ventilation system is described which allows for continuous fan speed control through pulse width modulation of direct current fans. The energy recovery ventilation described is capable of fine motor speed control without the disadvantages of high noise, low efficiency and a fixed number of speeds present in commonly-used speed-varying techniques used with alternating current (AC) fans. This may be accomplished through the use of direct current (DC) fans and pulse width modulation. A controller is used to optimize the ventilation and energy efficiency of the system through the use of several temperature sensors. The energy recovery ventilation also provides a control process for self-optimization of the energy recovery ventilation, in case the supply and exhaust airflows are unequal. An unbalance may be detected by calculating the thermal efficiencies of the exhaust and supply airflows.
US08939825B2 Vapor mitigation system, vapor mitigation controller and methods of controlling vapors
A vapor mitigation system includes at least one vacuum pipe constructed and arranged to collect vapors beneath the floor of a building and to vent the vapors and a blower coupled to the at least one vacuum pipe. The blower is constructed and arranged to create a vacuum under the floor of the building. The vapor mitigation system further includes a controller configured to dynamically control a level of power supplied to the blower. The controller adjusts the level of power supplied to the blower in response to one or more environmental measurements.
US08939824B1 Air moving device with a movable louver
An air moving device includes an inlet for receiving airflow, an apparatus for cooling the received airflow, an apparatus for moving the airflow, an outlet for exhausting the cooled airflow, at least one louver positioned to direct the cooled airflow exhausted from the outlet, and a motor attached to the louver. The air moving device also includes a controller for controlling the motor to thereby vary a position of the movable louver to thereby vary a region of influence of the air moving device.
US08939821B2 Sliding door device
A sliding door device which a sliding door is inserted into the guide portion in one direction of the sliding direction as an insertion direction upon assembling. A rack gear includes a plurality of standard teeth arranged along the sliding door, and a thick tooth having a larger width, along the sliding door, than those of the standard teeth and being disposed in a left/right symmetrical position with respect to a center in the sliding door. A pinion gear includes a single large tooth groove engaged with the thick tooth, and a short tooth having a length shorter than those of the other teeth while abutting onto a tooth tip of the thick tooth positioned at a rear side of the insertion direction, from among the respective thick teeth.
US08939817B2 Membrane assembly and carrier head having the membrane assembly
Provided is a membrane assembly of a carrier head in a chemical-mechanical polishing apparatus. The membrane assembly includes a main membrane and a circular ring. The main membrane has a wafer contacting surface in contact with a wafer while a chemical-mechanical polishing process is being performed. The circular ring is disposed at an edge portion of the main membrane and receives an air pressure to downwardly apply the air pressure to the main membrane at the edge portion.
US08939815B2 Systems providing an air zone for a chucking stage
A system includes a chuck with a retaining ring on a first surface thereof. The first surface and the retaining ring are both circular, the retaining ring having a first inner circumference. The system also includes a platen with a second surface, and the second surface faces the first surface and is operable to move with the first surface. The system further includes an air zone circumscribed by the first inner circumference that provides an effective inner circumference different from the first inner circumference.
US08939810B1 Unitary model airplane component kit
A kit for quick replacement of unitary model airplane structural components contains a first wing assembly is removable from a model airplane fuselage component so a second wing assembly from the kit can be quickly installed. A first vertical stabilizer subassembly is removable from the model airplane fuselage component so a second vertical stabilizer subassembly from the kit can be quickly installed. A first horizontal stabilizer subassembly is removable from the model airplane fuselage component so a second horizontal stabilizer subassembly from the kit can be quickly installed. The kit has a kit box for portable storage of the wing assembly, vertical stabilizer subassembly, and the horizontal stabilizer subassembly. The kit does not contain the fuselage component or a fuselage padding component.
US08939807B2 Propeller protection apparatus
The present invention provides propeller protection apparatus surrounding a turnable propeller assembly operating beneath a bottom hull of a watercraft. The propeller protection apparatus includes one or more deflecting members; one or more support members; one or more removable axles; and two or more removable wheels.
US08939804B2 Wave-powered autonomous plankton collector
An autonomous submersible vessel employs ambient wave energy to both propel itself and to generate required onboard electrical power. The vessel comprises a ballast stabilized stator portion and a rotor portion with wings rotated by wave-induced orbital water particle motion. Phased power generation resists rotor portion rotation when the horizontal component of water motion is in the desired direction of navigation, so increased hydrodynamic drag at that time acts to pull the vessel forward. The vessel further comprises a means to collect and preserve plankton samples. The vessel design enables alternate operation as an oceanographic glider to also navigate in deep water and in calm seas.
US08939803B2 Conductive terminal having a means to regulate positions of rectangular wires
A conductive terminal includes a connecting portion in which a plurality of wires each having a rectangular cross section are to be arranged in parallel and to which the wires are to be electrically connected. The connecting portion has a structure to cover the wires. The connecting portion includes a position regulation member to regulate positions of the wires in an arrangement direction in which the wires are arranged. The position regulation member is provided to face at least one side surface of a wire located at an end of the wires in the arrangement direction.
US08939801B2 Connector between battery modules and battery system comprising the same
A connector between battery modules and a battery system comprising the same are provided. The connector between battery modules comprises: first and second connecting pieces (21, 22), the first connecting piece (21) being electrically connected to an output end of a first battery module, the second connecting piece (22) being electrically connected to an output end of a second battery module adjacent to the first battery module, and the first connecting piece (21) and the second connecting piece (22) being electrically connected to each other so as to form an electrically-connected part therebetween; a clamping unit configured to clamp the electrically-connected part; and a support (5), the clamping unit being fixed onto the support (5) so as to support the electrically-connected part between the first connecting piece (21) and the second connecting piece (22).
US08939792B2 Patch panel assembly
A device and a system may facilitate access to communication connectors, adapters, and/or ports that are supported within a housing, e.g., a rack or cabinet. The system may include one or more of the devices, which each include a connection means supporting the connectors, adapters, and/or ports. The system may also include a device that manages, e.g., guides and supports cables that are operatively coupled to the connectors, adapters, and/or ports.
US08939791B2 Primary circuit board non-conductive void having different planar dimensions through board thickness to secure non-conducting locking member of holder
A primary circuit board has a front surface, a back surface, and a non-conductive void. The void has first planar dimensions through a first portion of a thickness of the primary circuit board extending from the front surface to a position between the front and back surfaces, and second planar dimensions through a second portion of the thickness extending from the position at least towards the back surface. A secondary circuit board holder includes a non-conducting locking member insertable into the non-conductive void at the primary circuit board's front surface to secure the holder while a conductive part of the holder is conductively affixed to a conductive part of the primary circuit board. The first planar dimensions are different than the second planar dimensions to permit the primary circuit board's thickness to be greater than a maximum thickness specification of the holder's non-conducting locking member.
US08939787B2 Dual material ground clip for a busway plug in unit
A ground clip for a PIU of a busway system has a two part assembly made with two different materials, a first hard material designed to remove dielectric coating on the busway section and a second highly conductive material to establish necessary electrical contact, cooperating together as the PIU is installed on the busway case to establish a reliable ground automatically and without tools.
US08939785B2 Cable connector with spring-loaded plunger and assembly thereof
A cable connector with spring-loaded plunger comprises a sleeve and a plunger module. The sleeve is a hollow cylinder with two open ends and formed with a spring bore portion. The plunger module is disposed in the spring bore portion and comprises a plunger slidably disposed in the spring bore portion. The plunger partially penetrates the spring bore portion toward the center of the sleeve. One end of the sleeve thickens inwardly to form a plug connector retaining portion. The cable connector with spring-loaded plunger can effectively decrease the rate of unit aging in connection and disconnection.
US08939784B2 Test socket having a housing with clamping devices to connect the housing to a floating guide
A semiconductor chip package test socket may include a socket housing; a plurality of probe needles in the socket housing; a conductive pad on the probe needles; a floating guide configured to cover an edge of the conductive pad and configured to provide a semiconductor chip package on the conductive pad; and/or clamps fixed at the socket housing. The clamps may combine the floating guide with the socket housing.
US08939782B2 Pivotable device for a detachably fastening a conductor on a transformer housing
The invention relates to a device for detachably fastening a current conductor (10) to a current transformer housing (12), comprising a fastening element (18), which is fastened to a retaining element (16) arranged on the current transformer housing (12) and, when the current conductor (10) is fastened to the current transformer housing (12), rests at least partially on the surface of the current conductor (10). The invention is characterized in that the fastening element (18) is mounted pivotally on the retaining element (16).
US08939779B1 Electro-mechanical connection for lighting
An electro-mechanical connection is provided for transmitting power to one or more light sources affixed to the shelves of a shelving system. The connection eliminates the need to run wires the entire distance from the light source to a source of power and enables efficient and accurate coupling of the components. This is achieved by provided a slim track strip extending the height of the shelving unit and a specially designed twist connector for tapping off wiring harnesses from the slim track at the level of individual shelves where the harness leads to shelf-mounted light sources.
US08939778B2 Electrcial socket with LGA type coil contacts for IC package
An electrical socket includes an insulating housing, a plurality of contacts, an upper film permanently attached to the top face and a lower film permanently attached to the bottom face. The insulating housing defines a top face and a bottom face, and a plurality of through holes through the top and bottom faces. The contacts are retained in the insulating housing and the contacts comprise elastic portions received in the through holes, contacting portions and connecting portions. The contacting portions and connecting portions integrally connected with opposite ends of the elastic portions respectively. The contacting portions run through the upper film and the connecting portions run through lower film.
US08939777B2 USB3.0 connector and method of making the same
A USB3.0 connector includes an insulative body, a plurality of first and second terminals, and an outer shell covering the insulative body. The insulative body includes a base that has a base upper wall, a base lower wall, and two base sidewalls. The base lower wall has a rear end notched in a frontward direction to form a plurality of alternating shallow and deep notches to position first and second legs of the first and second terminals, which are bent downwardly. The alternating shallow and deep notches space the first legs apart from the second legs, respectively. The number of component parts for assembly is therefore reduced.
US08939772B2 Method of placing and absorbent article
A method for placing an absorbent article is provided. The method includes placing an absorbent article in an undergarment in a manner understood by the individual prior to wearing, capturing a still or video image of the absorbent article on the undergarment, and submitting the still or video image of the absorbent article. The consumer then receives output regarding the placement of the absorbent article.
US08939770B2 Maternal simulator
Device for simulating birth and birth related complications, the device being adapted to be attached to a real human being 5 and having an outer skin 1 with a simulated vaginal opening 6, said opening being adapted to be situated adjacent the lower part of the person 5, further having a simulated uterus 18 adapted to contain a foetus manikin 29, said uterus 18 having an opening 20 coinciding with the vaginal opening 6 of the outer skin 1, said uterus 18 further a uterus simulator 51 for simulating uterus conditions between a simulated atonic state and a simulated contracted state, and further comprising a first conveyor 27 for conveying simulated blood from a blood container 33 to the simulated vaginal opening 6, when the simulated uterus 53 is in the atonic state.
US08939767B2 Polygonal device for kinesthetic learners
A polygonal device for teaching students who prefer kinesthetic learning methods is presented in which the polygonal device can represent two-dimensional polygons of varying shapes and sizes. One or more of the sides, or legs, of the polygonal device are extendable, and the angles of the polygonal device may be manipulated to a desired angle. The devices presented include, but are not limited to, triangles, quadrilaterals, parallelograms, rectangles, squares, trapezoids, and kites. In each of these devices, the legs of the device are non-detachable, i.e. the device does not come apart during normal manipulation and operation.
US08939765B2 Reduction of defect rates in PFET transistors comprising a Si/Ge semiconductor material formed by epitaxial growth
In sophisticated semiconductor devices, the defect rate that may typically be associated with the provision of a silicon/germanium material in the active region of P-channel transistors may be significantly decreased by incorporating a carbon species prior to or during the selective epitaxial growth of the silicon/germanium material. In some embodiments, the carbon species may be incorporated during the selective growth process, while in other cases an ion implantation process may be used. In this case, superior strain conditions may also be obtained in N-channel transistors.
US08939761B2 Process and device for the purification of waste gases
For the purification of waste gas containing nitrogen oxides in combination with CO, VOCs or nitrous oxide, in particular waste gas resulting from the production of cement clinker, nitric acid, adipic acid, fertilizers and uranium trioxide, a regenerative thermal post-combustion system with at least two regenerators (A, B) is used by means of which the CO, VOCs and nitrous oxide are thermally purified in the combustion chamber (1) at a temperature of 800 to 1000° C. and the nitrogen oxides are thermally reduced with the SCR catalyst (6) by adding a nitrogen-hydrogen compound, wherein the waste gas already thermally purified is removed from the respective two-part regenerator (A or B) at a suitable place at a temperature of approx. 300° C., guided via the SCR catalyst (6) in a constant direction of flow and subsequently fed back to the remaining section (A′, B′) of the regenerator (A or B).
US08939759B2 Tubular burner
A tubular burner has: a mixing tube inclusive of an inlet port, a venturi section, and a tapered tube section; and a flame hole member having a plurality of flame holes and being adapted to be fitted into a front end region of the mixing tube. A flame hole member has a front plate and a rear plate, both of sheet metal make. The front plate has a first flame hole in the central portion of the front plate, and a plurality of second flame holes located around a periphery of the first flame hole. The rear plate has a first ventilation hole in the center thereof so as to lie opposite to the first flame hole, and a plurality of second ventilation holes of smaller diameter than the first ventilation hole.
US08939753B2 High straightness arrow and method of manufacture
The high straightness arrow in the present invention is designed to improve the straightness of the archery arrow by adopting new manufacturing technique and method. Chamber and post are made of dissimilar metals and the chamber includes a wall that creates an external housing and defines an internal airspace. Once the post with shaft is positioned through chamber, nuts are tightened securely, forming an assembly, to straighten post. Due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of chamber and post, when they are heated simultaneously, the chamber expands more than the post, creating a natural tension along post which results in a near perfectly straight shaft. As the assembly cools, the post and chamber return to their original length, yet the shaft retains its straightened form and thus this manufacturing process yields an arrow shaft that is straighter than shafts made of the same materials but with a traditional manufacturing technique.
US08939752B2 Mold, process for producing mold, and process for producing sheet
A mold comprising alumina having a microscopic pattern, in which distances between adjacent recesses or salients therein are not longer than wavelength of visible light, formed by anodic oxidation on a surface of an aluminum pre-mold without a rolling mark, wherein height or depth difference at a crystal grain boundary is 300 nm or less.
US08939748B2 Method for the production of a form of administration of a medicament
The present invention relates to a device for cutting a strand to a length with regard to a weight and to the use of such device in a method for producing a medicament dosage form of at least one piece composed of at least one medicament and at least one additive, the medicament and the additive being mixed and extruded from a die as a strand and the strand being cut into pieces of precise weight using the device.
US08939747B2 Injection mold
An injection mold includes a first mold part provided with a first mold surface and a second mold part provided with a second mold surface to form a cavity together with the first mold surface. Cooling channels along which a cooling fluid flows are provided in at least one of the first mold part and the second mold part, and a heat generating layer which receives power and then generates heat is disposed on the inner surfaces of the cooling channels and serves as a heater.
US08939741B2 Scroll compressor
A scroll compressor is provided that may include a fixed scroll having a fixed wrap, an orbiting scroll engaged with the fixed wrap to define a compression chamber, a rotation shaft having a shaft portion eccentrically located with respect to the orbiting scroll, a pin portion located at an end of the shaft portion and having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the shaft portion, and a bearing located at an end of the pin portion, and a drive that drives the rotation shaft. The pin portion may be inserted through one of the fixed scroll or the orbiting scroll, and the orbiting scroll may be rotatably coupled to the bearing.
US08939736B2 Fuel pump assembly
A fuel pump assembly may include a housing and a fuel pump within a fuel pump cavity. The fuel pump may include a motor, a pumping element driven for rotation by the motor, a pump body that maintains the position of the pumping element relative to the motor and the housing, and a flexible seal. The seal may be disposed between the pump body and the housing to provide a fluid tight seal between them. A portion of the seal may be disposed radially outwardly of a distal end of the pump body to radially position the pump body within the fuel pump cavity and a portion of the seal may be disposed axially outwardly of the distal end of the pump body to axially position the pump body within the fuel pump cavity.
US08939735B2 Compressor plug assembly
A compressor including a shell, a compression mechanism disposed within the shell, a motor actuating the compression mechanism, and a terminal body secured to the shell, may further include at least one conductor pin extending through the terminal body and a fence disposed around the terminal body and secured to the shell. A plug assembly having an inner core surrounded by an outer body includes at least one electrical receptacle housed by the inner core for selective electrical communication with the at least one conductor pin. A seal may be integrally formed with the outer body and may engage the fence when the at least one electrical receptacle is in electrical communication with the at least one conductor pin.
US08939731B2 Character parameters obtaining method for displacement control mechanism of hydraulic pump and detecting device for carrying out the method
A character parameters obtaining method for a displacement control mechanism of a hydraulic pump and a detecting device for carrying out the method are disclosed. The method involves constructing a hydraulic system; outputting hydraulic energy by the hydraulic pump driven by a primary motor; detecting pressure of a displacement control mechanism; obtaining middle parameters by obtaining the time required for preset change of the pressure at the output end of the displacement control mechanism; obtaining character parameters of the displacement control mechanism according to the middle parameters. The method can obtain the character parameters of the displacement control mechanism by the pressure detection, so that the performance of the displacement control mechanism can be judged according to the obtained character parameters. The method avoids the need of obtaining the output flow of the hydraulic pump so as to eliminate the problem caused by using a flow meter or using an obliquity sensor to obtain the character parameters.
US08939730B2 Fan control system
A fan control system includes first and second fan control units. Each fan control unit includes a connector, a delay circuit, a switch unit, and a control circuit. Each connector is connected to a corresponding fan interface to receive a voltage signal. The delay circuit of the first fan control unit delays the voltage signal for a first period of time, and turns on the corresponding switch unit after the first period of time. The delay circuit of the second fan control unit delays the voltage signal for a second period of time, and turns on the corresponding switch unit after the second period of time. Each control circuit receives the corresponding delayed voltage signal, to start the corresponding fan. The first period of time is unequal to the second period of time.
US08939729B2 Fan structure
A fan structure is provided, including a hub and a plurality of blades surrounding the hub. Each blade has a first segment connected to the hub and a second segment extended outwardly from the first segment. A first surface is formed between the first segment and the hub, and a second surface is formed between the first and second segments. The first and second surfaces respectively have a first and second setting angle relative to a base plane of the fan structure, wherein the first setting angle exceeds the second setting angle.
US08939727B2 Turbine blade and non-integral platform with pin attachment
Platforms (36, 38) span between turbine blades (23, 24, 25) on a disk (32). Each platform may be individually mounted to the disk by a pin attachment (42). Each platform (36) may have a rotationally rearward edge portion (50) that underlies a forward portion (45) of the adjacent platform (38). This limits centrifugal bending of the rearward portion of the platform, and provides coolant sealing. The rotationally forward edge (44A, 44B) of the platform overlies a seal element (51) on the pressure side (28) of the forwardly adjacent blade, and does not underlie a shelf on that blade. The pin attachment allows radial mounting of each platform onto the disk via tilting (60) of the platform during mounting to provide mounting clearance for the rotationally rearward edge portion (50). This facilitates quick platform replacement without blade removal.
US08939725B2 Autonomic rotor system for an aircraft
A rotor system for an aircraft including a rotor (1) with a drive part (2) mounted rotatable about a rotation axis (8) and supporting the proximal end (9) of at least one rotor blade (3). The rotor system comprises a jet turbine (4) for providing pressurized exhaust gas to a rotary structure (7) having at least one jet nozzle outlet (6) and at least one jet stream duct (5) for transporting the pressurized exhaust gas from the turbine (4) to the jet nozzle outlet (6) to cause rotation of the rotary structure (7) by expelling the pressurized exhaust gas through the nozzle outlet (6). In addition, only the rotary structure (7) and not the rotor blade (3) comprise a jet stream duct (5) and a nozzle outlet (6).
US08939724B2 System and methods for wind energy recapture from a non natural wind source
The present invention relates to a system and method for harvesting wind energy from air exhausted by other systems. Ventilation and heat exchange systems force air movement using fans. Exhaust airflow may also be the result of a combustion system. The exhaust air is generally wasted as it is diffused back to the atmosphere. Significant energy may be recovered from this exhaust air using relatively small turbines inserted into the airflow. Careful positioning of the turbine maximizes the recovery efficiency.
US08939722B2 Mounting device for fan
A mounting device for mounting a number of fans includes a rack and a number of fixing members. The rack includes a bottom wall and two sidewalls perpendicularly extending up from opposite sides of the rack. Each sidewall defines a number of vents spaced along the lengthwise of the sidewall. Each fixing member includes a board perpendicularly mounted to the bottom wall and positioned at a side of two aligning vents, and a blocking member mounted to the board and slidable along the lengthwise of the sidewalls to block a top of a fan.
US08939720B2 Volute shaped pump casing for a centrifugal pump
A volute shaped pump casing (1) for a centrifugal pump includes a chamber for housing at least one impeller (4) mounted on a shaft (2) for rotating the impeller around an axis of rotation (2a), a volute shaped chamber which forms a flow channel divided into a first volute (5.1) and a second volute (5.2), and a first channel (6.1) and a second channel (6.2) connected to the first and the second volute respectively. The first channel is also called long channel and the second channel is also called short channel. In the volute shaped pump casing (1), the first or long channel (6.1) is axially displaced with respect to the second or short channel (6.2) and/or with respect to the second volute (5.2).
US08939717B1 Vane outer support ring with no forward hook in a compressor section of a gas turbine engine
A support ring for a row of vanes in an engine section of a gas turbine engine includes an annular main body portion to which a row of vanes is affixed for providing structural support for the vanes in the engine section, and an aft hook extending from an aft side of the main body portion with reference to a direction of air flow through the engine section. The aft hook is coupled to an outer engine casing for structurally supporting the support ring in the engine section. The support ring does not include a forward hook having a flange that extends axially from a forward or aft side of the forward hook with reference to the direction of air flow through the engine section.
US08939715B2 Active tip clearance control for shrouded gas turbine blades and related method
A turbine bucket tip clearance control system includes a rotor assembly having a rotor supporting a plurality of axially spaced wheels, each wheel mounting an annular row of buckets, the annular row of buckets on at least one of the plurality of axially-spaced wheels having a radially outer tip shroud provided with at least one seal tooth. A stator assembly includes a radially inwardly facing, axially-stepped surface, formed with radially inner and outer seal surfaces connected by a shoulder. The stator assembly and rotor assembly are moveable axially relative to each other, enabling selective positioning of the at least one seal tooth radially opposite one of the radially inner and outer seal surfaces to thereby selectively alter a clearance gap between the at least one seal tooth and the radially inward facing axially-stepped surface.
US08939713B2 Aerodynamic element for an aircraft nacelle
An aerodynamic element for an aircraft nacelle is provided that includes a fixed shroud and an intake lip axially movable relative to the shroud. The aerodynamic element is flexible and has a substantially cylindrical general shape and defines an upstream portion attached to the inner wall of the intake lip of the nacelle, and a downstream portion bearing radially against an inner face of the shroud. The downstream portion of the element includes a ring shaped bead protruding towards an outside of the aerodynamic element and an end blade which, at rest, is tilted towards the outside of the aerodynamic element in a direction of its free end.
US08939708B2 Universal spherical turbine with skewed axis of rotation
A universal spherical reaction turbine for any flowing fluid at any depths or elevation that is capable of unidirectional rotation under reversible flow conditions. The turbine includes a rotatable shaft that is adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation; turbine blade support members that are fixedly attached to the rotatable shaft and a plurality of meridian turbine blades. The meridian turbine blades are fixedly attached to diametrically-opposite points that define a geometrical north-south meridian axis that is oriented at a skew angle to the axis of rotation of the rotatable shaft. The skew angle is greater than zero and less than 180 degrees, and, more preferably, between 25 and 35 degrees. The skewing ensures that those turbine blades that are attached to the diametrically-opposite points move on a helical trajectory with respect to the axis of rotation.
US08939707B1 Turbine abradable layer with progressive wear zone terraced ridges
Turbine and compressor casing abradable component embodiments for turbine engines, with composite grooves and vertically projecting rows of stepped first ridges in planform patterns, to reduce, redirect and/or block blade tip airflow leakage downstream into the grooves rather than from turbine blade airfoil high to low pressure sides. Each stepped first ridge has a first portion proximal the substrate surface with a pair of first opposed lateral walls terminating in a plateau, and a second portion terminating in a ridge tip. These ridge or rib embodiments have first lower and second upper wear zones. The lower zone, which at and below first portion height, optimizes engine airflow characteristics, while the upper zone, between the plateau and the second portion ridge is optimized to minimize blade tip gap and wear by being more easily abradable than the lower zone.
US08939703B1 Hub and spoke system for shipping less than full load increments
A system for the shipment of less than a full load in a secured collapsible sub-container from the shipper's location to a first central hub for combination with other partial shipments to make a full load for transfer to a second hub and ultimate delivery to a destination. The sub-container being readily foldable for storage in a full load freight container without taking up freight carrying capacity.
US08939695B2 Method for applying a metal end to a container body
A metal end is applied and sealed to a plastic or paper/plastic composite container body by a crimp-seaming or double-seaming operation. The metal end has an outer curl joined to a compound-angle chuck wall that extends down from the curl. The chuck wall has an upper part that is substantially linear and at an angle α1 with respect to an axis of the end, and a lower part that is substantially linear and at a larger angle α2 with respect to the axis. The compound-angle chuck wall allows a substantial diametral clearance between a lower end of the lower part of the chuck wall and the inner surface of the container body, while there is substantially zero clearance, or preferably an interference fit, between the upper part of the chuck wall and the inner surface of the container body. Accordingly, the chuck wall guides the end into concentric alignment with the container body during application.
US08939691B2 Floating fastener
A floating fastener includes a mounting base member affixed to a first panel member, a rotary fastening member supported on an elastic member in the mounting base member for locking a second panel member to the first panel member through a rotary motion, and a cap member affixed to the head of the rotary fastening member and axially slidably coupled to the mounting base member and rotatable to shift inside longitudinal ribs relative to vertical guide grooves at a locating flange around the periphery of the mounting base member and to move the rotary fastening member between a locking position and an unlocking position.
US08939687B2 Hob peeling device and method
A device for cutting teeth in gear blanks by hob peeling, the device having a workpiece spindle for holding the gear blank, the workpiece spindle being rotationally drivable about a workpiece rotational axis, the device having a tool spindle which carries a peeling wheel having cutting edges and which is rotationally drivable about a tool rotational axis, wherein the tool spindle and the workpiece spindle may be positioned relative to one another at a fixed or variable axis intersection angle, and for the purpose of forward feed and infeed, the tool spindle is movable relative to the workpiece spindle in the radial direction and in the axial direction with reference to the workpiece rotational axis by means of positioning drives, and the device having an electronic control device for controlling the positioning drives and rotationally driving the tool spindle and the workpiece spindle at a specified rotational speed ratio, optionally with a changing phase position. In order to expand the production spectrum, it is proposed that the control device is set up or may be set up in such a way that during cutting of teeth in a coarsely precut or uncut blank, a radial emerging motion out of the gear blank is superimposed on the axial feed at the end of the feed, and/or a radial submerging motion into the gear blank is superimposed on the axial feed at the start of the feed.
US08939686B2 Gear machining method
Provided is a gear machining method whereby a gear to be machined that is eccentrically mounted can be machined with high accuracy. For this purpose, the gear machining method is such that a target table rotation phase (Co) for a rotation table (16) and a target cut amount (Xo) for a hob cutter (15) are set on the basis of data regarding a workpiece (W), that a table rotation phase correction amount (ΔC) is obtained on the basis of an eccentric amount (δ) of the workpiece (W) with respect to the rotation table (16) and an eccentric rotation phase (φ) of the workpiece (W) with respect to the same, that the rotation table (16) is rotated in an actual rotation phase (Ct) which is obtained by applying a rotation phase correction amount (ΔC) to the target table rotation phase (Co), that furthermore, a cutting correction amount (ΔX) is obtained on the basis of the workpiece eccentric amount (δ), the workpiece eccentric rotation phase (φ), and the actual table rotation phase (Ct), and that the hob cutter (15) is made to cut into the workpiece (W) by an actual cut amount (Xh) which is obtained by applying the cutting correction amount (ΔX) to the target cut amount (Xo).
US08939684B2 Cutting insert with chip-control arrangement having recess depths and projection heights which increase with distance from cutting edge
A cutting insert has a cutting edge formed at an intersection of a rake surface and a relief surface, with a chip-control arrangement located at the rake surface. The chip-control arrangement includes a plurality of recesses that extend downwardly into the rake surface and a plurality of projections that extend upwardly from the rake surface. The plurality of recesses follow a pattern of increasing depth in a rearward direction from the forward portion of the cutting edge. The plurality of projections follow a pattern of increasing height in a rearward direction from the forward portion of the cutting edge.
US08939678B2 Method and system of laying underwater pipelines in the bed of a body of water
A method of laying underwater pipelines in the bed of a body of water, the method including laying an underwater pipeline along a given path on the bed of the body of water; breaking up a ground mass along the path to a given depth in the bed; and fluidifying the broken ground mass beneath the underwater pipeline to sink the underwater pipeline into the fluidified ground mass.
US08939672B2 Retention, release, and separation device, system, and method
A retention, release, and separation device is disclosed. The device includes a clip to secure a component and a capturing sleeve to secure the clip and prevent release of the component. The capturing sleeve can alternately facilitate displacement of the clip to release the component. The device also includes a separation piston that provides a separation force to the component to actively separate the component from the device upon release of the component. Additionally, the device includes a fluid source to provide a fluid pressure sufficient to displace the capturing sleeve and the separation piston, and to generate the separation force.
US08939671B2 Toothbrush with automatic paste dispensing mechanism
A toothbrush system has a stem and an integrated paste dispenser disposed in a protective case. The stem may be manually advanced from the protective case to position a brush head for use. While the stem is being advanced, the integrated paste dispenser delivers a line of toothpaste along the top of the brush head bristles so that the toothbrush can be deployed and the toothpaste applied to the bristles in a single step.
US08939669B2 Roller-ball applicator assembly for topical oils application
Applicator devices for applying topical oils to an individual are presented. Exemplary applicators may include a topical oil container, and a roller-ball applicator coupled to the container. The roller-ball applicator may include, a roller-ball housing, wherein the roller-ball housing includes a well configured to hold topical oil for application to an individual regardless of the orientation of the roller-ball applicator, and a roller-ball within the housing, the roller-ball being freely rotatable within the housing.
US08939662B2 Method of forming double side extended tab label with verification of prescription information
A method of forming an extended tab label is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a paper supply to a printer, the paper supply having an adhesive covering at least a portion thereof. Inputting patient-specific information through a computer to the printer. Printing the patient-specific information on the paper supply, where the paper supply containing patient-specific information thereon forms a label having a length greater than a circumference of a container accepting the label.
US08939661B2 Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus including: a first convey path; a support member which supports a first recording medium, a second recording medium, and a tray; a second convey path connected to the first convey path; a first guide member partly defining the second convey path; and a posture change mechanism which changes the support member and the first guide member between (a) a first posture in which the first convey path has a height allowing the first recording medium to pass therethrough, and the second convey path has a height allowing the first recording medium to pass therethrough and (b) a second posture in which the first convey path has a height larger than the first height and allowing the second recording medium or the tray to pass therethrough, and the second convey path has a height smaller than the second height.
US08939659B2 Connector component
A connector component is provided as one compatible with conductor coupling and fiber coupling. A receptacle 1 is a connector component to be coupled to a USB connector 3 incorporating a plurality of conductor wires, and a ferrule 4 holding distal ends of optical fibers, and is provided with connections 18 to be connected to the plurality of conductor wires, a light emitting device 23 to emit light toward the ferrule 4, and a light receiving device 24 to receive light emitted from the ferrule 4.
US08939658B2 Small form-factor pluggable optical transceiver
A small form-factor pluggable (SFP) optical transceiver includes a casing configured to accommodate optical and electrical devices. During normal operation, the casing is connected to a switchboard via a connector in the switchboard, and the optical devices are outside the switchboard, thereby exposing optical devices sensitive to high temperature to the outside air, reducing the operational temperature of the optical device portion relative to the heated portion inside the switchboard. Thus, the present SFP optical transceiver advantageously improves operational performance and extends the life of the device. Also, the present SFP optical transceiver having the optical device portion outside the switchboard advantageously improves the cooling performance for the optical device portion.
US08939653B2 Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector includes a main body, a number of lens portions, a number of restricting members, and a number of optical fibers. The main body includes a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface. The main body defines a cavity between the first and second side surfaces, and a number of accommodating holes extending through the first side surface and communicating with the cavity. The lens portions are positioned on the second side surface, and each lens portion is coaxial with a corresponding accommodating hole. The restricting members are arranged in the cavity. The optical fibers are fixed in the accommodating holes. Each optical fiber is restricted by a corresponding restricting member and an end of each optical fiber is fixed at the focal plane of a corresponding lens portion.
US08939651B2 Multi-row tapered roller bearing and transmission having such a bearing
A bearing assembly includes at least first, second and third raceway elements that are each separable from each other and at least first, second and third rows of truncated-cone-shaped rolling elements. The first and second raceway elements are disposed side-by-side in an axial direction of the bearing assembly and oppoe the third raceway element in a radial direction of the bearing assembly. The first and second rows of rolling elements are disposed between the first raceway element and the third raceway element and the third row of rolling elements is disposed between the second raceway element and the third raceway element. The rolling elements of the first and second rows commonly roll on a first raceway of the third raceway element and the rolling elements of the third row roll on a second raceway of the third raceway element, which is not parallel to the first raceway.
US08939648B2 Solar tracking bearing and solar tracking system employing same
An solar tracker bearing comprising a pair of stationary outer bearing races attached on either side of a bearing support element and a rotatable inner bearing race held by the pair of outer bearing races, the rotatable inner bearing race having an beam slot for seating a torque tube beam therein.
US08939647B2 Radial bearing for mounting a shaft
The invention relates to a radial bearing for mounting a shaft, comprising the following features: several bearing shells which are curved according to the radius of the shaft and whose inner surface forms the plain bearing surfaces; a housing enclosing the bearing shells; at least one of the end regions of the respective bearing shell as seen in the circumferential direction is held in an interlocking manner on the housing in such a way that expansion and/or displacement of the end region or the entire bearing shell is possible; means for setting the curvature of the individual bearing shell.
US08939646B2 Shaft support and lubrication assembly
A shaft support and lubrication system can include two vise bearings, a lantern ring, and two or more sets of packings. The vise bearings can be rigid cylinder tubes. The lantern ring can be a flexible cylindrical tube with one or more outer grooves on an outer diameter, one or more inner grooves on an inner diameter, and one or more through holes from either the outer diameter or the one or more outer grooves to either the inner diameter or the one or more inner grooves. When arranged coaxially and installed on a shaft, the shaft support and lubrication system provide physical stabilization and provide lubrication or cleaning solution to the shaft.