US08493092B2
A linear equalizer (LEQ) includes a first transconductance device coupled to an input node of the LEQ and a second transconductance device AC coupled to the input node of the LEQ to increase a gain of the LEQ for data signals above a predetermined frequency. The first transconductance device and the second transconductance device are of complimentary types. A bimodal LEQ includes inputs to control operation of the bimodal LEQ in a current mode or a voltage mode. The bimodal LEQ includes first and second transconductance devices. One of the first and second transconductance devices is AC coupled to an input node to increase the gain for data signals above a predetermined frequency.
US08493083B2
A test apparatus comprising a position information acquiring section that acquires position information concerning first terminals on a surface of a device under test and position information concerning second terminals on a surface of a probe card used for testing the device under test; a control section that calculates a displacement amount between each first terminal and a corresponding second terminal, based on the position information concerning the first terminals and the position information concerning the second terminals, and determines relative positions of the device under test and the probe card such that a maximum value from among the calculated displacement amounts is less than a predetermined value; and an aligning section that adjusts the relative positions of the device under test and the probe card, based on a signal from the control section, and electrically connects the device under test to the probe card.
US08493077B2
An electronic device includes a circuit for measuring a current in an inductor, wherein the current in the inductor is controlled by alternately switching a first power transistor and a second power transistor each having a first electrode, a second electrode and a control gate. The measuring circuit includes a first sense transistor having a first electrode, a second electrode and a control gate, the first sense transistor having the control gate coupled to the control gate of the first power transistor. A second electrode is coupled to the second electrode of the first power transistor. A second sense transistor has a first electrode, a second electrode and a control gate, the second sense transistor having the control gate coupled to the control gate of the second power transistor and having the second electrode coupled to the second electrode of the second power transistor. An amplifier is operable in a first configuration for providing an output current that is a function of a first current though the first sense transistor during a first period of time or in a second configuration for providing the output current as a function of a second current through the second sense transistor during a second period of time, so as to alternately sense a current through the first power transistor with the first sense transistor and through the second power transistor with the second sense transistor.
US08493076B2
The invention relates to a measuring device comprising a signal unit (20) for emitting a measuring signal (22.1, 22.2) in a measuring frequency range (60, 62, 68, 70) adapted for measurement and an evaluation unit (36) for the spectral evaluation of an evaluation signal (34.1, 34.2) induced by the measuring signal (22.1, 22.2) to a measuring result. According to the invention, the measuring device comprises a signal processing unit (30) adapted to displace a generation signal (26) for generating a measuring signal (22.1, 22.2) in a generation frequency range (48) from the generation frequency range (48) to the measuring frequency range (60, 62, 68, 70).
US08493070B2
The signal source generates a signal of a frequency higher than the vibration frequency of the slider of the hard disk drive, and supplies it to one end of the slider and the disk of the hard disk drive. The detector detects a signal output from the other end of the slider and the disk, and outputs a change in the capacitance between the slider and the disk as a voltage when the hard disk drive receives an impact.
US08493064B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for scanning metallic surfaces. The apparatus, in one embodiment, comprises a shaft and a rotating member. The rotating member may comprise a sensing end and a featuring engaging element. The shaft further comprises a first coupling element and the rotating member further comprises a second coupling element. The first coupling element may be coupleable with the second coupling element such that the rotating member is pivotable at any three-dimensional angle with respect to the shaft to orient the sensing surface parallel to the scanned surface.
US08493062B2
According to the present invention, a method for determining coercivity of a coercivity distribution magnet, whereby coercivity of each portion in the coercivity distribution magnet can be determined with good accuracy without, for example, cutting the coercivity distribution magnet into pieces and thus quality assurance can be achieved with good accuracy, is provided.The coercivity determination method of the present invention comprises the following steps: a step of dividing a plane of a coercivity distribution magnet into a plurality of virtual plane segmented regions, placing the coercivity distribution magnet in a demagnetization-field-applying device, providing detectors for the plane segmented regions, and creating a demagnetization loss curve for each plane segmented region; a step of determining the minimum coercivity and the mean coercivity; a step of creating a coercivity distribution graph based on three hypotheses; and a step of determining the coercivity at an arbitrary position on the plane of the coercivity distribution magnet with the use of the coercivity distribution graph based on which the coercivity for each plane segmented region is determined.
US08493053B2
A system and device for measuring voltage in a conductor having a voltage provides a first electrode surrounding and spaced from the conductor, and a second electrode surrounding and spaced from both the conductor and the first electrode such that there is no contact between the conductor and the electrodes or between the first and second electrodes. The first electrode is connected to a first input of a differential amplifier circuit and the second electrode is connected to the other input of the differential amplifier circuit. The output of the differential amplifier circuit provides a voltage signal in proportion to the voltage of the conductor, thus providing a non-contact means for measuring the voltage of a conductor without requiring a connection to ground while simultaneously providing a high level of rejection of external interference.
US08493044B2
A multi-phase DC-DC converter is disclosed. The DC-DC converter has a plurality of phases, each with a separate PWM generator for driving a totem pole of transistors. A master PWM generator operates off of a master clock signal. The remainder of the phases are slaved to the master PWM generator.
US08493037B2
An energy capture circuit for capturing energy in response to an input pulse. The circuit is constructed and arranged to transfer input energy in time divided portions among subcircuits. This includes a storage means, a clock means, at least two subcircuits, and at least one transfer circuit. Each subcircuit includes a first inductive means in operative communication with the input source, a rectifying means for producing a positive current in operative communication with the first inductive means, a capacitive means in operative communication with the rectifying means, and a switch means in operative communication with the capacitive means. At least one transfer circuit is in operative communication with each of the switch means of the at least two subcircuits. The output of the clock means is in operative communication with both a first switch means and an inverter means, the inverter means having an output in operative communication with a second switch means.
US08493031B2
An SOC of each battery cell is periodically detected, and an SOCmin and an SOCmax are determined. Battery cells having the SOCs larger than SOCmin+α are selectively discharged. After an elapse of a preset equalization processing time period, discharge of all the battery cells is stopped. The equalization processing time period is set based on a rate of change in the SOC of the battery cell subjected to discharge and a rate of change in the SOC of the battery cell not subjected to discharge such that a magnitude relationship between the SOC of the battery cell having the SOCmin and the SOC of another battery cell is not reversed.
US08493030B2
The present disclosure is concerned with operation of an energy storage system (ESS) connectable to an electric power system. The charging-discharging schedule of the ESS can be determined through application of a time-dependent forecast of ESS and power system states based on historical data. Exemplary embodiments can include ESSs which have been historically activated with a certain periodicity, for example, for power system load leveling, frequency regulation, arbitrage, peak load shaving and/or integration of renewable power generation.
US08493025B2
Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems relating to electric vehicle charging stations (“EVCSs”) and electric vehicle supply equipment (“EVSE”) that are configured to display advertisements to a user. For example, in one embodiment, advertisements are displayed on a display device of the EVCS or EVSE as the EVCS or EVSE awaits user interaction. An indication is received of user interaction with the EVCS or EVSE. A transaction is facilitated between a user and the EVCS or EVSE by which the user indicates that one or more electric vehicle batteries of an electric vehicle are to be charged via one of one or more charging ports of the EVCS or EVSE. A charging operation is performed that provides an electric charge to the one or more electric vehicle batteries of the electric vehicle via the one of the one or more charging ports.
US08493023B2
A charge apparatus used to regulate the power outputted by a power supply to charge a battery includes a voltage regulating module, a protection circuit, a timing module and a switch control module. The voltage regulating module is configured to connect the power supply to the battery and regulate electrical energy outputted from the power supply to charge the battery. The protection circuit detects a voltage of the battery and generates a triggering signal when the voltage of the battery reaches a preset voltage. The timing module receives the triggering signal to begin a timing process. The switch control module controls the voltage regulating module to stop charging the battery when the timing process ends.
US08493020B2
There are provided an apparatus and method for charging and discharging a photovoltaic PCS integrated battery applied to a system that includes a first DC/DC converter 110 connected to a solar cell 10, a DC/AC inverter 120, a DC link unit 130 connected in common to output terminals of the first DC/DC converter 110 and the DC/AC inverter 120, and a second DC/DC converter 140 having a bidirectional DC/DC conversion function connected between the DC rink unit 130 and the battery 30. The present invention calculates the amount of photovoltaic power produced by the solar cell 10 based on voltage and current detected in the voltage/current detector 200, determines one of predetermined control modes according to the amount of photovoltaic power and the connection or not of the battery, and controls the first DC/DC converter 110, the second DC/DC converter, and the DC/AC inverter according to the determined control mode.
US08493018B2
An apparatus includes an inverter including a high-side switch coupled to a low-side switch, the inverter generating a time-varying drive current from a plurality of drive control signals, a positive rail voltage, and a negative rail voltage wherein controlling the switches to generate the time-varying drive current produces a potential transitory overshoot condition for one of the switches of the inverter; a drive control, coupled to the inverter, to generate the drive control signals and to set a level of each of the rail voltages responsive to a plurality of controller signals; and a controller monitoring one or more parameters indicative of the potential transitory voltage overshoot condition, the controller dynamically adjusting, responsive to the monitored parameters, the controller signals to reduce a risk of occurrence of the potential transitory voltage overshoot condition.
US08493017B2
The invention relates to an electrical drive having a motor with a rotor and a stationary stator, which has a coil arrangement, and having a motor controller for controlling the motor, with the motor controller being configured to pass current through the coil arrangement in order to produce an excitation field, with the coil arrangement having a plurality of coil winding sections, and with each coil winding section having a plurality of coil sections, wherein the polarity of at least one coil section of the plurality of coil sections of each coil winding section can be selectively reversed with respect to the other coil sections of the coil winding section. The drive is particularly suitable for use for an electrical tool.
US08493009B2
A surgical motor control device for controlling a surgical drive unit comprises a sensorless electric motor with M motor windings. The motor control device is configured to perform a method for controlling the drive unit. The motor control device be configured to control the drive unit using a multiphase PWM method.An improved method for controlling a surgical drive unit and an improved surgical drive system are also proposed.
US08493007B2
A method for ascertaining measured values in a cyclically controlled system, the cyclic control having control time periods in which the system is controlled, and no-control time periods in which the system is not controlled, having the following operations of determining first integration time periods as a function of the cyclic control, the first integration time periods being situated within at least one of the control time periods, and/or determining second integration time periods as a function of the cyclic control, the second integration time period being situated within at least one of the no-control time periods; detecting one of the measured variables of the system dependent on the control; ascertaining summation and/or integration values by summation and/or integration of the measured variable during the first and/or second integration time periods; ascertaining the measured value for at least one of the control time periods and/or no-control time periods on the basis of time data of the first and/or second integration time periods and of the ascertained summation and/or integration values.
US08493005B2
A device comprising a solid state or mechanical switch coupled to a first connector and a second connector and at least one lighting device such as an LED light source wherein when power is applied to the first connector, the switch is operable to direct power to the lighting device and to a portion of the pins of the second connector. By constructing the connectors as similar, but with opposite genders, the connectors can be disposed on a circuit assembly to allow for daisy chaining a series of luminaire assemblies together. The connectors may be Ethernet connectors and the switch may be operable through control signals coupled to the Ethernet connector such that a smart power controller operating using power over Ethernet (POE) can operate to control the light sources.
US08492999B2
A method for controlling electrical power of light emission diodes (LED) is provided. The above method comprises steps of providing a supply voltage to the LED driver; providing a driving current to the LED by the LED driver; obtaining an operating voltage of the LED; and adjusting the supply voltage according to the operating voltage of the LED.
US08492997B2
A driving circuit includes a first delay circuit, a rise-detection circuit, a fall-detection circuit, a first filter, a second filter, and an adder. The first delay circuit delays an input signal. The rise-detection circuit detects a rise of the input signal. The fall-detection circuit detects a fall of the input signal. The first filter gives a first gain-frequency response to an output signal of the rise-detection circuit. The second filter gives a second gain-frequency response to an output signal of the fall-detection circuit. The adder adds an output signal of the first filter and an output signal of the second filter to an output signal of the first delay circuit.
US08492995B2
A wavelength sensing lighting system may include a light source, a sensor and a controller. One or more light sources and sensors may be included in an array. The light source may emit an illuminating light and the sensor may sense an environmental light. The illuminating light may include data light. The lighting system may include a plurality of nodes connected in a network. The nodes may communicate by emitting and receiving the data light, which may be analyzed by the controller. The light source and the sensor may be provided by a light emitting semiconductor device that is capable of emitting illuminating light and receiving environmental light. A conversion material may convert the wavelength of a source light into a converted sight.
US08492985B2
A discharge lamp lighting apparatus has a configuration including a control unit which discriminates, for each polarity of an AC rectangular wave output, the output voltage detected with an output voltage detector for detecting the voltage applied to a discharge lamp, and carries out constant power control for each polarity separately. By thus detecting the output voltage for each polarity separately and by outputting a target current for each identical polarity, it can carry out constant power control positively even if the output voltage varies for each polarity, thereby being able to prevent current feedback to a different polarity, and to prevent power oscillation and partial reduction of electrodes due to an increase of the output voltage difference for each polarity.
US08492982B2
A pulse width modulated dimming pulse signal PWM is input to a control input terminal P5. A standby terminal P6 receives a standby signal STB that indicates switching between a standby state and an operating state of a current drive circuit 8. A burst dimming terminal BS is provided to each of eight respective channels. Each burst dimming terminal BS receives a voltage at one terminal (cathode) of a corresponding LED string 6. When the voltage level of the standby signal STB is included in a first voltage range, a burst controller 9 is set to an all channel common mode, and when it is included in a second voltage range, the mode is set to a phase shift mode φSHIFT. The burst controller 9 set to the phase shift mode φSHIFT automatically sets the phase shift angle according to the number of connected LED strings 6.
US08492979B2
Provided is an apparatus, such as an arc mitigating device, which can include a first plasma generation device and a second plasma generation device. The second plasma generation device can include a pair of opposing and spaced apart electrodes and a low voltage, high current energy source connected therebetween. A conduit can be configured to direct plasma between the first and second plasma generation devices, such that the second plasma generation device receives plasma generated by the first plasma generation. The plasma from the first plasma generation device can act to reduce the impedance of an area between the pair of opposing electrodes sufficiently to allow an arc to be established therebetween due to the low voltage, high current energy source.
US08492978B2
The invention provides an apparatus and method of switching more than one bias voltage within an electron beam tube in order to achieve electron beam cutoff. The invention is particularly useful for high-perveance electron tubes in which a large change in focus-electrode-to-cathode or anode-cathode voltage might otherwise be needed to achieve cutoff. In one embodiment of the invention, the cathode and anode bias voltages are both switched by magnitudes well within the capabilities of standard high-voltage switches to achieve beam cutoff.
US08492969B2
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The OLED display includes: a display panel assembly including a first substrate having a display area and a mounting area, a second substrate coupled to the display area of the first substrate, and an integrated circuit chip mounted in the mounting area of the first substrate; a cover window disposed opposite the second substrate and the integrated circuit chip and covering the display panel assembly; and an adhesive layer which fills up a space between the second substrate and the cover window, and a space between the mounting area of the first substrate and the cover window.
US08492963B2
A spark plug having one or more electrodes at least partially fabricated from an aluminum-containing Ni-based alloy. The alloy is a volume-stable alloy that includes a Ni3Al precipitate in a γ′-phase distributed in a Ni matrix γ-phase. The precipitate is formed in the alloy prior to the alloy being used to fabricate electrodes and thus prevents additional Ni3Al precipitate from being formed in the alloy once in service in a high-temperature environment. This, in turn, prevents a volume decrease of the alloy that may lead to an increased spark gap and spark plug malfunction. The volume-stable alloy may be made by solution treatment, quenching, and heat aging of a Ni—Cr—Al—Fe alloy.
US08492959B2
A bonding structure that provides excellent conductivity and bonding between a piezoelectric body and a metal plate includes a metal plate and an electrode of a piezoelectric body bonded to one another with an electrically conductive adhesive so as to provide electrical conductivity, the electrically conductive adhesive includes carbon black with a nano-level average particle size, and has a paste form included in a solventless or solvent-based resin so that the carbon black forms an aggregate with an average particle size of about 1 μm to about 50 μm. The electrically conductive adhesive is applied between the metal plate and the electrode of the piezoelectric body, and the metal plate and the piezoelectric body are subjected to heating and pressurization so that the carbon black aggregate is deformed, thereby hardening the electrically conductive adhesive.
US08492943B2
A motor includes a stator core and windings extending through the stator core. The windings include end turns extending from the stator core that form a coil. A protector is electrically connected to the windings and is positioned adjacent the coil. A bracket is sized and shaped to receive the protector, and includes a spacer in contact with the protector and with the coil. The protector is spaced from the coil by the spacer to reduce heat transfer from the windings to the protector.
US08492934B2
Methods and apparatus for providing an efficient oval coil planar motor are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an electromagnetic actuator includes at least a first coil group, at least a second coil group, and a magnet array. The first coil group includes at least a first coil that is of an elongated toroidal shape. The first coil has a first coil length and a first coil width that is approximately equal to a multiple of three times the first coil width. The second coil group includes at least a second coil that is of an elongated toroidal shape. The second coil has a second coil width and a second coil length that is approximately equal to a multiple of three times the second coil width. The second coil group is approximately adjacent to the first coil group. The magnet array is configured to cooperate with the first and second coil groups, and includes a plurality of magnets. The magnets have an associated magnet pitch, and the first coil width and the second coil width are a function of the magnet pitch.
US08492933B2
Power supply equipment includes an adapter to convert power from a power source to a DC power for powering an electronic device. The adapter includes circuitry for producing an analog data signal for use by the electronic device to control an amount of power drawn by the device. A cable has an output connector with a plurality of conductors to transfer the DC power and the analog data signal to the electronic device. The connector further includes circuitry to receive a data request from the electronic device and in response transmit a data output which identifies the power supply equipment to the electronic device.
US08492924B2
In one embodiment, a power supply system is configured to use a linear regulator to receive a first output voltage and form a regulated voltage during a standby mode and to use the regulated voltage to form another output voltage.
US08492919B2
A wind power generator has a nacelle; a hub rotatable about an axis of rotation with respect to the nacelle; at least two blades fitted to the hub; an electric machine which is fitted to the nacelle, is bounded by an inner surface extending about the axis of rotation, and has a rotor and a stator; and a cooling system for airflow cooling the electric machine, and which has a deflector body for defining a gap between the deflector body and the electric machine and guiding the airflow into the gap.
US08492911B2
An electronic device includes an integrated circuit and a heat spreader. The integrated circuit includes a substrate with an active via located therein. The heat spreader includes a thermally conductive core. The active via is connected to a corresponding heat spreader via that passes through the thermally conductive core.
US08492909B2
Insulating member, metal base substrate, and semiconductor module, and manufacturing methods thereof
An insulating member of the invention can include an epoxy resin, a first inorganic filler diffused in the epoxy resin and having an average particle diameter of 1 to 99 nm, and a second inorganic filler diffused in the epoxy resin and having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 100 μm. The first and second inorganic fillers can be independent of each other, and can be selected from a group including Al2O3, SiO2, BN, AlN, and Si3N4, and the blending ratios of the first and second inorganic fillers in the insulating member can be 0.1 to 7% by weight and 80 to 95% by weight respectively. A metal base substrate can be formed by forming a metal foil and a metal base on either surface of the insulating member.
US08492905B2
A vertically stackable die having a chip identifier structure is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a semiconductor device is disclosed that includes a die comprising a first through via to communicate a chip identifier and other data. The semiconductor device also includes a chip identifier structure that comprises at least two through vias that are each hard wired to an external electrical contact.
US08492904B2
One aspect of the present invention is a semiconductor device including: a semiconductor substrate; a first wiring that is formed on the semiconductor substrate; a second wiring that is formed to cross over the first wiring with a space interposed therebetween at a cross portion in which the first wiring and the second wiring cross each other; a protective film that is formed on the semiconductor substrate to cover at least a part of the first wiring, the part being located under the second wiring in the cross portion; and an insulator film that is formed in an island shape on the protective film under the second wiring in the cross portion to be located between edges of the protective film and to cover the first wiring in the cross portion.
US08492903B2
A system comprises a first integrated circuit (IC) chip that includes a first electronic component; a second IC chip that includes a second electronic component; a through silicon via (TSV) in the second IC chip that electrically couples the first electronic component to the second electronic component; and a signal gating transistor that fully occludes the TSV.
US08492898B2
A printed circuit board to which a localised solder connection is to be made, the surface of said printed circuit board having a continuous or non-continuous coating of a composition comprising a halo-hydrocarbon polymer at a thickness of from 1 nm to 10 μm.
US08492897B2
A metal interconnect structure and a method of manufacturing the metal interconnect structure. Manganese (Mn) is incorporated into a copper (Cu) interconnect structure in order to modify the microstructure to achieve bamboo-style grain boundaries in sub-90 nm technologies. Preferably, bamboo grains are separated at distances less than the “Blech” length so that copper (Cu) diffusion through grain boundaries is avoided. The added Mn also triggers the growth of Cu grains down to the bottom surface of the metal line so that a true bamboo microstructure reaching to the bottom surface is formed and the Cu diffusion mechanism along grain boundaries oriented along the length of the metal line is eliminated.
US08492892B2
Solder bump connections and methods for fabricating solder bump connections. The method includes forming a layer stack containing first and second conductive layers, forming a dielectric passivation layer on a top surface of the second conductive layer, and forming a via opening extending through the dielectric passivation layer to the top surface of the second conductive layer. The method further includes forming a conductive plug in the via opening. The solder bump connection includes first and second conductive layers comprised of different conductors, a dielectric passivation layer on a top surface of the second conductive layer, a via opening extending through the dielectric passivation layer to the top surface of the second conductive layer, and a conductive plug in the via opening.
US08492888B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a substrate; mounting a stiffener, having a stiffener opening completely through the stiffener, on the substrate; molding an encapsulation on the substrate and directly on an outer upper periphery surface of the stiffener and exposing an inner upper periphery surface of the stiffener, the encapsulation exposing a portion of the substrate; mounting an integrated circuit over the substrate and within the perimeter of the stiffener; and attaching a lid plate on the inner upper periphery surface of the stiffener and over the integrated circuit, the lid plate extending above an encapsulation top side.
US08492880B2
The present disclosure provides a multilayered cap (i.e., migration barrier) that conforms to the substrate (i.e., interconnect structure) below. The multilayered cap, which can be located atop at least one interconnect level of an interconnect structure, includes, from bottom to top, a first layer comprising silicon nitride and a second layer comprising at least one of boron nitride and carbon boron nitride.
US08492877B2
The present invention relates to a process for smoothing the surface of a semiconductor wafer by fusion. The process includes defining a reference length which dimensions wafer surface roughness that is to be reduced or removed, and scanning the surface with a fusion beam while adjusting parameters of the fusion beam so as to fuse, during the scanning of the surface, a local surface zone of the wafer whose length is greater than or equal to the reference length, with the scanning continued to smooth the entire surface of the wafer by eliminating surface roughnesses of period lower than the reference length. The present invention also relates to a semiconductor wafer having a surface layer made of a semiconducting material that is smoothed by the process and that does not exhibit any roughness of period lower than the reference length.
US08492875B2
A nonvolatile memory apparatus includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a variable resistance layer, a resistance value of the variable resistance layer reversibly varying between a plurality of resistance states based on an electric signal applied between the electrodes. The variable resistance layer includes at least a tantalum oxide, and is configured to satisfy 0
US08492861B1
In one preferred embodiment, a semiconductor diode includes a first layer formed with a p-type semiconductor, a second layer formed with an n-type semiconductor, and a third active depletion layer contained between the first and second layers. The third layer is formed with a radioisotope of the p-type and n-type semiconductors (preferably Si 32) such that initial emission of beta particles begins in the active depletion region and substantially all of the emitted beta particles are contained within the first, second and third layers during operation. The p-type and n-type layers each have sufficient depth to contain substantially all of beta particles emitted from the depletion layer. The depth of each of the p-type and n-type layers is substantially equal to or greater than the maximum beta emission depth of the radioisotope.
US08492855B2
The present invention describes a method for producing a micromechanical capacitive pressure transducer and a micromechanical component produced by this method. First, a first electrode is produced in a doped semiconductor substrate.In a further method step, a diaphragm with a second electrode is produced at the surface of the semiconductor substrate. Furthermore, it is provided to apply a first layer, which preferably is made of dielectric material, on the diaphragm and the semiconductor substrate. With the aid of this first layer, the diaphragm and the semiconductor substrate of the finished micromechanical capacitive pressure transducer are mechanically connected to one another directly or indirectly. Furthermore, a buried cavity is produced in the semiconductor substrate between the first and second electrode. In a following etching step, the diaphragm is finally dissolved out of the semiconductor substrate through openings in the first layer, the mechanical connection from the diaphragm to the semiconductor substrate being accomplished with the aid of the first layer. Due to this mechanical connection the diaphragm or the second electrode is able to be movably suspended above the first electrode.
US08492854B1
A structure has at least one field effect transistor having a gate stack disposed between raised source drain structures that are adjacent to the gate stack. The gate stack and raised source drain structures are disposed on a surface of a semiconductor material. The structure further includes a layer of field dielectric overlying the gate stack and raised source drain structures and first contact metal and second contact metal extending through the layer of field dielectric. The first contact metal terminates in a first trench formed through a top surface of a first raised source drain structure, and the second contact metal terminates in a second trench formed through a top surface of a second raised source drain structure. Each trench has silicide formed on sidewalls and a bottom surface of at least a portion of the trench. Methods to fabricate the structure are also disclosed.
US08492852B2
A gate stack structure for field effect transistor (FET) devices includes a nitrogen rich first dielectric layer formed over a semiconductor substrate surface; a nitrogen deficient, oxygen rich second dielectric layer formed on the nitrogen rich first dielectric layer, the first and second dielectric layers forming, in combination, a bi-layer interfacial layer; a high-k dielectric layer formed over the bi-layer interfacial layer; a metal gate conductor layer formed over the high-k dielectric layer; and a work function adjusting dopant species diffused within the high-k dielectric layer and within the nitrogen deficient, oxygen rich second dielectric layer, and wherein the nitrogen rich first dielectric layer serves to separate the work function adjusting dopant species from the semiconductor substrate surface.
US08492851B2
Oxidation methods and resulting structures including providing an oxide layer on a substrate and then reoxidizing the oxide layer by vertical ion bombardment of the oxide layer in an atmosphere containing at least one oxidant. The oxide layer may be provided over diffusion regions, such as source and drain regions, in a substrate. The oxide layer may overlie the substrate and is proximate a gate structure on the substrate. The at least one oxidant may be oxygen, water, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide, or a mixture thereof. These oxidation methods provide a low-temperature oxidation process, less oxidation of the sidewalls of conductive layers in the gate structure, and less current leakage to the substrate from the gate structure.
US08492848B2
Semiconductor structures including a high k gate dielectric material that has at least one surface threshold voltage adjusting region located within 3 nm or less from an upper surface of the high k gate dielectric are provided. The at least one surface threshold voltage adjusting region is formed by a cluster beam implant step in which at least one threshold voltage adjusting impurity is formed directly within the high k gate dielectric or driven in from an overlying threshold voltage adjusting material which is subsequently removed from the structure following the cluster beam implant step.
US08492843B2
A varactor diode includes a portion of a top semiconductor layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate and a gate electrode located thereupon. A first electrode having a doping of a first conductivity type laterally abuts a doped semiconductor region having the first conductivity type, which laterally abuts a second electrode having a doping of a second conductivity type, which is the opposite of the first conductivity type. A hyperabrupt junction is formed between the second doped semiconductor region and the second electrode. The gate electrode controls the depletion of the first and second doped semiconductor regions, thereby varying the capacitance of the varactor diode. A design structure for the varactor diode is also provided.
US08492823B2
Disclosed is a semiconductor structure, which includes a non-planar varactor having a geometrically designed depletion zone with a taper, as to provide improved Cmax/Cmin with low series resistance. Because of the taper, the narrowest portion of the depletion zone can be designed to be fully depleted, while the remainder of the depletion zone is only partially depleted. The fabrication of semiconductor structure may follow that of standard FinFET process, with a few additional or different steps. These additional or different steps may include formation of a doped trapezoidal (or triangular) shaped silicon mesa, growing/depositing a gate dielectric, forming a gate electrode over a portion of the mesa, and forming a highly doped contact region in the mesa where it is not covered by the gate electrode.
US08492812B2
A semiconductor device and a method for forming the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a cell region and a peripheral circuit region, and an active region defined by a device isolation film, at least one dummy gate formed over the active region to expose a center part and both ends of the active region, a bit line contact plug formed between the dummy gates so as to be coupled to the center part of the active region, and a storage node contact plug that is spaced apart from the bit line contact plug by the dummy gate and is coupled to both ends of the active region. As a result, the problem that the storage node contact hole is not open in the semiconductor device can be solved, resulting in improved semiconductor device characteristics.
US08492809B2
The present invention provides a spin injection electrode structure, a spin transport element, and a spin transport device which enable effective spin injection in a silicon channel layer at room temperature. A spin injection electrode structure IE comprises a silicon channel layer 12, a first magnesium oxide film 13A disposed on a first part of the silicon channel layer 12, and a first ferromagnetic layer 14A disposed on the first magnesium oxide film 13A. The first magnesium oxide film 13A partly includes a first lattice-matched part P lattice-matched with both of the silicon channel layer 12 and the first ferromagnetic layer 14A.
US08492808B2
In MRAM, a write wiring clad in a ferromagnetic film has been used to reduce a write current or avoid disturbances. Besides, a CuAl wiring obtained by adding a trace of Al to a Cu wiring has been used widely to secure reliability of a high reliability product. There is a high possibility of MRAM being mounted in high reliability products so that reliability is important. Clad wiring however increases the resistance of the CuAl wiring, which is originally high, so that using both may fail to satisfy the specification of the wiring resistance. In the semiconductor device of the invention having plural copper-embedded wiring layers, copper wiring films of plural copper-embedded clad wirings configuring a memory cell matrix region of MRAM are made of relatively pure copper, while a CuAl wiring film is used as copper wiring films of copper-embedded non-clad wirings below these wiring layers.
US08492804B2
A solid-state imaging device includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, light being incident on the second surface side; a wiring layer disposed on the first surface side; a photodetector formed in the substrate and including a first region of a first conductivity type; a transfer gate disposed on the first surface of the substrate and adjacent to the photodetector, the transfer gate transferring a signal charge accumulated in the photodetector; and at least one control gate disposed on the first surface of the substrate and superposed on the photodetector, the control gate controlling the potential of the photodetector in the vicinity of the first surface.
US08492803B2
A semiconductor structure is fabricated with reduced gate capacitance by thinning of a gate electrode to provide a reduced thickness gate electrode. The gate electrode is thinned after forming a spacer layer adjoining the gate electrode. In addition, the height of the spacer layer may also be reduced. The spacer layer thus has an enhanced horizontal width desired for locating an intrinsic source/drain with respect to an extension region and in particular, an enhanced horizontal width relative to the spacer height. The reduced thickness gate electrode may be fully silicided to provide decreased gate resistance. A raised source/drain layer may be located upon the intrinsic source/drain region. The raised source/drain layer may have a top surface higher than the reduced thickness gate electrode. In addition, the raised source/drain layer may have a top surface higher than the reduced height spacer layer.
US08492796B2
An electronic circuit on a semiconductor substrate having isolated multiple field effect transistor circuit blocks is disclosed. In some embodiment, an apparatus includes a substrate, a first semiconductor circuit formed above the substrate, a second semiconductor circuit formed above the substrate, and a MuGFET device overlying the substrate and electrically coupled to the first semiconductor circuit and the second semiconductor circuit, wherein the MuGFET device provides a signal path between the first semiconductor circuit and the second semiconductor circuit in response to an input signal.
US08492794B2
A vertical heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) includes doped polysilicon having a doping of a first conductivity type as a wide-gap-emitter with an energy bandgap of about 1.12 eV and doped single crystalline Ge having a doping of the second conductivity type as the base having the energy bandgap of about 0.66 eV. Doped single crystalline Ge having of doping of the first conductivity type is employed as the collector. Because the base and the collector include the same semiconductor material, i.e., Ge, having the same lattice constant, there is no lattice mismatch issue between the collector and the base. Further, because the emitter is polycrystalline and the base is single crystalline, there is no lattice mismatch issue between the base and the emitter.
US08492789B2
A light-emitting diode comprises a light-emitting diode chip having a first semiconductor layer, a first electrode, an active layer formed on the first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer formed on the active layer and a second electrode formed on the second semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer, the active layer, the second semiconductor layer and the second electrode sequentially compose a stacked multilayer. A blind hole penetrates the second electrode, the second semiconductor layer, the active layer and inside the first semiconductor layer. The first electrode is disposed on the first semiconductor layer inside the blind hole. A first supporting layer and a second supporting layer are respectively disposed on the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first supporting layer and the second supporting layer are separated from each other. A method for manufacturing the light-emitting diode is also provided in the disclosure.
US08492785B2
In a FC-mounted semiconductor light-emitting element, rise of a forward voltage is suppressed and light emission output is increased. A semiconductor light-emitting element includes: a laminated semiconductor layer including a first semiconductor layer having a first conduction type, a light-emitting layer and a second semiconductor layer having a second conduction type opposite to the first conduction type; a first electrode connected to the first semiconductor layer; and a second electrode provided on the second semiconductor layer, the second electrode including: a transparent conductive layer having thick portions and transparent to light from the light-emitting layer; an insulation layer laminated on the transparent conductive layer with a lower refractive index than the transparent conductive layer; a conductive metal reflecting layer laminated on the insulation layer; and a conductor portion provided through the insulation layer, which is electrically connected to one of the thick portions and the metal reflecting layer.
US08492782B2
A semiconductor light emitting device, including a reflective electrode layer; a second conductive semiconductor layer formed on a portion of a top surface of the reflective electrode layer; an active layer formed on the second conductive semiconductor layer; a first conductive semiconductor layer formed on the active layer; a first electrode formed under one portion of the first conductive semiconductor layer; and an insulating layer having a lower portion, a first upwardly directed side wall portion at a first side of the first electrode and a second upwardly directed side wall portion at a second side of the first electrode that is opposite to the first side. At least one portion of the lower portion is between the second conductive semiconductor layer and the reflective electrode layer.
US08492779B2
Disclosed a nitride semiconductor LED including: a substrate; a GaN-based buffer layer formed on the substrate; AlyGa1-yN/GaN short period superlattice (SPS) layers formed on the GaN-based buffer layer in a sandwich structure of upper and lower parts having an undoped GaN layer or an indium-doped GaN layer interposed therebetween (Here, 0≦y≦1); a first electrode layer of an n-GaN layer formed on the upper AlyGa1-yN/GaN SPS layer; an active layer formed on the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer of a p-GaN layer formed on the active layer.
US08492770B2
A thin film transistor includes a gate electrode formed on a substrate, a semiconductor pattern overlapped with the gate electrode, a source electrode overlapped with a first end of the semiconductor pattern and a drain electrode overlapped with a second end of the semiconductor pattern and spaced apart from the source electrode. The semiconductor pattern includes an amorphous multi-elements compound including a II B element and a VI A element or including a III A element and a V A element and having an electron mobility no less than 1.0 cm2/Vs and an amorphous phase, wherein the VI A element excludes oxygen. Thus, a driving characteristic of the thin film transistor may be improved.
US08492768B2
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a reliable semiconductor device comprising TFTs having a large area integrated circuit with low wiring resistance. One of the features of the present invention is that an LDD region including a region which overlaps with a gate electrode and a region which does not overlap with the gate electrode is provided in one TFT. Another feature of the present invention is that gate electrode comprises a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer and portion of the gate wiring has a clad structure comprising the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer with a low resistance layer interposed therebetween.
US08492763B2
According to one embodiment, there is provided a semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate, an edge seal, a plurality of pad pieces, and an insulating film pattern. The semiconductor substrate includes a chip area formed at an inward side of the semiconductor substrate when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the semiconductor substrate. The edge seal is disposed around the chip area on the surface to protect the chip area. The plurality of pad pieces are disposed on an edge region on the surface. The insulating film pattern covers edge portions of the plurality of pad pieces at a side of the edge seal, at least at one side of the chip area on the surface in a first direction and at least at one side of the chip area on the surface in a second direction.
US08492761B2
A method for fabricating a field-effect transistor having a gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and an active layer forming a channel region, the active layer having an oxide semiconductor mainly containing magnesium and indium is disclosed. The method includes a deposition step of depositing an oxide film, a patterning step of patterning the oxide film by processes including etching to obtain the active layer, and a heat-treatment step of heat-treating the obtained active layer subsequent to the patterning step.
US08492754B2
An organic light-emitting display panel is provided that improves luminous efficiency and luminescent color by adjusting the difference in film thickness between layers of different luminescent colors, such as intermediate layers, when the intermediate layer and light-emitting layers are formed by a wet method. By varying the film thickness of an interlayer insulation film, which is a lower layer of an organic light-emitting element, the volume of a contact hole is varied by color, thereby adjusting the volume of a concavity in each anode plate. When ink that includes material for the intermediate layer, or like, is sprayed by an inkjet method, the film thickness of the intermediate layer, or like, changes in accordance with the amount of ink filing the concavity. Therefore, by adjusting the difference in volume between concavities of different colors, the difference in film thickness between the intermediate layers, or like, is finely adjusted.
US08492751B2
Provided is an organic EL device capable of maintaining an excellent luminous efficiency over an extended period of time, particularly in a top emission-type EL device. The organic EL device of the invention includes a substrate and an organic EL element formed on the substrate. The organic EL element is composed of a bottom electrode, an organic EL layer, a top electrode and a protective layer. The protective layer is composed of one or a plurality of inorganic films, and at least one of the one or plurality of inorganic films is an SiON:H film having stretching-mode peak area ratios, as determined by infrared absorption spectroscopy, that include an absorption area ratio of N—H bonds to Si—N bonds in the SiON:H film which is not less than 0.04 but not more than 0.07 and an absorption area ratio of Si—H bonds to Si—N bonds which is not more than 0.15.
US08492747B2
A transistor includes at least three terminals comprising a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode, an insulating layer disposed on a substrate, and a semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate, wherein a current which flows between the source electrode and the drain electrode is controlled by application of a voltage to the gate electrode, where the semiconductor layer includes a graphene layer and at least one of a metal atomic layer and a metal ion layer, and where the metal atomic layer or the metal ion layer is interposed between the graphene layer and the insulating layer.
US08492745B2
An epitaxial structure for an LED is provided. The epitaxial structure includes a patterned epitaxial defect barrier layer disposed over a first portion of a substantially flat substrate to expose a second portion of the substrate. The epitaxial structure also includes a patterned buffer layer over the second portion of the substrate. The epitaxial structure further includes a first semiconductor layer over the patterned buffer layer and the patterned epitaxial defect barrier layer, an active layer over the first semiconductor layer, and a second semiconductor layer over the active layer.
US08492729B2
An ultraviolet rays detection apparatus according to the present invention includes a color converting unit including nanocrystal quantum dots and having a color that is changed by irradiation of ultraviolet rays, and a non-color-converting unit disposed closer to the color converting unit and having a color that is not changed by the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays, thereby easily detecting the ultraviolet rays.
US08492726B2
A radiation detection apparatus includes a scintillator configured to convert incident radiation into visible light, a photoelectric conversion unit and an electrically conductive member. The photoelectric conversion unit includes a two-dimensional array of pixels arranged on a substrate. Each pixel is configured to convert the visible light into an electric signal. The electrically conductive member is supplied with a fixed potential. The electrically conductive member, the substrate, the photoelectric conversion unit, and the scintillator are disposed in this order from the radiation-incident side of the radiation detection apparatus to the opposite side.
US08492724B2
A host lattice modified GOS scintillating material and a method for using a host lattice modified GOS scintillating material is provided. The host lattice modified GOS scintillating material has a shorter afterglow than conventional GOS scintillating material. In addition, a radiation detector and an imaging device incorporating a host lattice modified GOS scintillating material are provided.
US08492723B2
A device which includes a sealed neutron tube, equipped with an alpha particle detector and a gamma radiation detector is placed in a first position. Steps are performed in which neutrons are sent towards an object and in which data provided by the detectors is acquired and processed in order to obtain a three-dimensional mapping of the object. Further, at least one displacement of the device is performed around the object so as to place it in another position, and the steps are repeated wherein, each mapping is geometrically corrected so that it may be updated relative to the set of all mappings, and these mappings are then combined together.
US08492720B2
In an embodiment, the invention provides a proximity sensor including a transmitter die, a receiver die, an ASIC die, a lead frame, wire bonds, a first transparent encapsulant, a second transparent encapsulant, and an opaque encapsulant. The transmitter die, the receiver die and the ASIC die are attached to portions of the lead frame. Wire bonds electrically connect the transmitter die, the receiver die, the ASIC die, and the lead frame. The first transparent encapsulant covers the receiver die, the ASIC die, the wire bonds, and a portion of the lead frame. The second transparent encapsulant covers the transmitter die, the wire bonds, and a portion of the lead frame. The opaque encapsulant covers portions of the first and second encapsulants and a portion of the lead frame.
US08492709B2
The present invention describes a method and apparatus for separating chemical and/or biological samples based on selective ion-molecular interactions in the gas phase. A chemical modifier is added to the drift gas that interacts selectively with a targeted molecule in at least one component of the sample in a drift tube. The component may be impurities and/or interferences in the sample whereby the chemical modifier enhances sample resolution by shifting the components drift times. In addition, reagents can be added to the sample prior to, during, or after ionization to form a complex with selected components in the sample. In addition, one or more internal and/or external standard can also be added to the sample as a calibration for the measurement.
US08492695B2
A solid-state image pickup apparatus includes a substrate, a wiring layer, and a waveguide. The substrate is provided with a pixel array portion constituted of a plurality of pixels each having a photoelectric converter that converts incident light into an electrical signal. The wiring layer includes a plurality of wirings and an insulating layer that covers the plurality of wirings that are laminated above the substrate. The waveguide guides light to each of the photoelectric converters of the plurality of pixels, the waveguide being formed in the wiring layer. The waveguide is formed to have a waveguide exit end from which light exits the waveguide so that a distance between the waveguide exit end and a surface of the photoelectric converter that receives light from the waveguide become shorter, as wavelengths of light guided by the waveguide are longer.
US08492693B2
An autofocus apparatus includes, in one embodiment, a light source; a splitter; a fiber optic circulator; an optical collimator; a balance detector; and a microprocessor. The fiber optic circulator couples one of the split light signals at a first port, to the optical collimator at a second port, and to the balance detector at the third port. The optical collimator directs the light beam from the fiber optic circulator onto a sample through a Dichroic mirror and a microscope objective. The balance detector uses another one of the split light signals as an input, and converts a light signal, reflected off of a substrate the sample is placed on, into an analog voltage signal. The microprocessor processes the output of the balance detector and position feedbacks from an adjustable microscopy stage to generate a command for moving the position of the adjustable microscopy stage to achieve a desired focus.
US08492692B2
A sonar buoy includes a fuselage having a tube-like shape, one or more wings coupled to the fuselage, an engine coupled to the fuselage and operable to propel the sonar buoy through flight, and a guidance computer operable to direct the sonar buoy to a predetermined location. The sonar buoy further includes a sonar detachably coupled to the fuselage and forming at least a part of the fuselage, and a rocket motor detachably coupled to the fuselage. The one or more wings are operable to be folded into a position to allow the sonar buoy to be disposed within a launch tube coupled to a vehicle and to automatically deploy to an appropriate position for flight after the sonar buoy is launched from the launch tube. The rocket motor propels the sonar buoy from the launch tube and detaches from the fuselage after launch.
US08492684B2
A method for detecting the presence of a cooking vessel on an induction heating element is disclosed. The induction element is placed below a glass surface and a conductive electrode placed below the glass surface to detect if a cooking utensil is placed on the induction heating element. The electrode measures capacitance, which indicates to the user whether the cooking utensil is present on one or more induction heating elements. After activation by a user, a second detection of the cooking utensil is accomplished by feeding power to the induction heating element and by assessing at least an electrical parameter of a power circuit thereof.
US08492675B2
In joining an Fe-based metallic member comprising an Fe-based material and an Al-based metallic member comprising an Al-based material by a Zn-based filler metal, a joined part of the Fe-based metallic member is heated at a temperature higher than a melting point of the Fe-based material.
US08492671B2
A method of producing [18F]F2 from [18F] fluoride through a plasma induced scrambling procedure is provided. The present invention also provides an apparatus for preparing [18F]F2 from [18F] fluoride in a plasma induced scrambling procedure. Kit claims for preparing [18F]F2 from [18F] fluoride in a plasma induced scrambling procedure as well as method of use and use of claims for preparing [18F]F2 from [18F] fluoride through a plasma induced scrambling procedure are also provided.
US08492670B2
A rocker switch including a switching unit made up of a housing and including a spring-action switching element that moves back and forth with an actuating rocker that is connected to the switching element, whereby the switching element has a rotating axle rotatably supported within the housing and is surrounded by a spring. The spring is double wound and held in a prestressed state within the housing, one of the spring end shanks of the spring being fixedly supported within the housing, the other spring end shank being supported on a first arm that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotating axle, and an extended central spring leg being both fixedly supported within the housing as well as being supported on a second arm that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotating axle, and with an electrical switching unit.
US08492668B2
The invention relates to an emergency switch that includes a body receiving a mobile member capable of translation and capable, under the effect of an axial pressure through a mushroom member, of moving from an extended position into a retracted position. Each of the positions are indexed by a blocking device capable of interaction with an extended position notch and with a retracted position notch, the position change being managed by a guide. The body fixedly includes, in the inside thereof, a concentric bushing in which the mobile member is capable of axially moving and which includes a portion of the guide while the mobile member includes the other portion. The blocking device is made in the shape of a piece of material flexibly and elastically attached to the rest of the bushing via a blade.
US08492667B2
An electrical circuit breaker, in particular a high-voltage circuit breaker filled with insulating gas, is described. The circuit breaker is furnished with a first contact, in particular, a contact pin and a second contact, in particular, a tulip contact that are movable in opposite directions. The circuit breaker is furnished with a drive mechanism that is coupled to the second contact. The circuit breaker is furnished with a reversing gear that produces a coupling between the second and the first contact. A first indicator element is provided that is associated with the reversing gear.
US08492662B2
Arc resistant enclosures for dry-type transformers. More particularly, transformer enclosures having one or more arc-resistant features, including arc channels, arc fault dampers, and arc fault plenums, and methods for providing same.
US08492658B2
An apparatus comprises a multi-layer printed circuit board having at least three conductor layers, a dielectric material layer between each of the conductor layers, and a laminate capacitor stack arranged transversely through the printed circuit board. The laminate capacitor stack comprises: (a) a plurality of conducting patches including a patch in a plurality of the conductor layers, wherein the plurality of patches are aligned in a stack with the dielectric material filling the space between adjacent patches; (b) a first conducting via interconnecting each patch in a first subset of the plurality of patches, wherein the first subset of the plurality of patches are coupled to one of the conductor layers that is at ground potential; and (c) a second conducting via interconnecting each patch in a second subset of the plurality of patches, wherein the second subset of the plurality of patches are coupled to one of the conductor layers that is at power potential, wherein the patches in the first subset are disposed in an alternating pattern with the patches in the second subset.
US08492648B2
A tape can comprise a dielectric film that has a pattern of electrically conductive areas adhering thereto. The conductive areas can be electrically isolated from one another. The tape can utilize means to obscure the metallic finish and can contain indicators to deter installers from grounding the tape at either end. The tape can be wrapped around one or more conductors, such as wires that transmit data, to provide electrical or electromagnetic shielding for the conductors. The resulting cable can have a shield that is electrically discontinuous between opposite ends of the cable.
US08492647B2
The invention provides an organic solar cell, including: a substrate having a first electrode formed thereon; a hole transport layer overlying the first electrode; a metal layer having a first pattern in the hole transport layer; a photoactive layer, including: a first organic semiconductor film having a second pattern complementary to the first pattern and overlying the metal layer and the hole transport layer; a second organic semiconductor film having a first pattern substantially aligned to the first pattern of the metal layer and overlying the first organic semiconductor film, wherein the first organic semiconductor film and the second organic semiconductor film have opposite conductive types; a second electrode overlying the photoactive layer. The invention further provides a method for forming the organic solar cell.
US08492643B2
A thermoelectric material, and a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric module including the thermoelectric material are disclosed. The thermoelectric material may have improved thermoelectric properties by irradiating the thermoelectric material with accelerated particles such as protons, neutrons, or ion beams. Thus, the thermoelectric material having excellent thermoelectric properties may be efficiently applied to various thermoelectric elements and thermoelectric modules.
US08492639B2
Phase setting section sets virtual phases in a frequency series of an audio signal. Unit wave extraction section extracts, from the frequency series, a unit wave of one cyclic period defined by the set virtual phases, for each of a plurality of time points. First generation section generates velocity information corresponding to a degree of compression/expansion, to a predetermined length, of the unit wave. Second generation section generates shape information indicative of a shape of a frequency spectrum of the unit wave having been adjusted. Variation component impartment section generates a variation component by use of the velocity information and shape information generated for the individual time points.
US08492638B2
A method of operating an entertainment system includes computer-implemented steps including accessing a remote electronic collection of audio/video recordings. The collection is associated with a user of the entertainment system. The recordings in the collection are analyzed to thereby determine an audio/video preference profile of the user. Electronic audio/video options of the entertainment system that conform to the user's preference profile are selected and offered to the user.
US08492635B2
A music sound generation apparatus generates music-sound data based on sound source data, and outputs the music-sound data in synchronization with audio data obtained separately from the music-sound data. A channel assigner assigns a predetermined number of channels to the audio data and the music-sound data. A read control unit reads the audio data and the music-sound data in accordance with their assigned channels. A signal processing unit generates predetermined music by controlling the sound level of the read audio data and the read music-sound data on each assigned channel and mixing the audio data and the music-sound data. When detecting no unoccupied channel, the channel assigner determines, as an unoccupied channel, a channel selected from channels excluding the channel to which the audio data has been assigned. The signal processing unit performs sound elimination on the unoccupied channel.
US08492626B2
A wheat variety designated W000850B1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W000850B1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W000850B1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W000850B1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W000850B1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W000850B1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US08492620B1
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPAA3676, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPAA3676 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPAA3676, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPAA3676, and plants produced according to these methods.
US08492617B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1015881. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1015881. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1015881 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1015881 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08492615B2
On embodiment of the present invention discloses Brassica oleracea plants with a resistance gene to Mycosphaerella brassicicola. An embodiment of the invention also discloses a method for providing a Brassica oleracea plant with a resistance to Mycosphaerella brassicicola, including providing a first B. oleracea plant, which plant includes a resistance gene to M. brassicicola; crossing the resistant plant with a susceptible second B. oleracea plant; isolating from the progeny genomic DNA for detecting the presence of an introgression with the resistance gene using one or more specific DNA markers linked to the resistance gene; and selecting from the progeny a B. oleracea plant in which the presence of the introgression with the resistance gene has been demonstrated.
US08492614B2
Compositions including phenylalanine, analogues, and phenylalanine precursors protect plants against environmental stressors. Delivery systems and methods of treating are provided. A method of protecting plants against environmental and/or biological stressors includes administering a composition including phenylalanine, a phenylalanine precursor or other skikimate pathway or phenylpropanoid pathway compound, or an amino acid that can be converted to phenylalanine to at least one root, at least one germinating seed, or at least one epidermal surface of a plant. Administration of the composition to the root, seed, or plant improves or restores at least one growth characteristic of the plant when the plant is exposed to an environmental stressor such as ultra-violet radiation, cold, drought, salt, heat, fungus, beetles (e.g., Japanese beetles), hormones, bacteria, arthropods, and worms (e.g., soybean cyst nematode) or products of biotic organisms. Another method of protecting plants against environmental and/or biological stressors includes coating a plant (e.g., soybean) seed with a composition including phenylalanine, a phenylalanine precursor or other skikimate pathway or phenylpropanoid pathway compound, or an amino acid that can be converted to phenylalanine such that the composition protects the seed and a plant that grows from the seed from ultra-violet radiation, cold, drought, salt, heat, fungus, beetles (e.g., Japanese beetles), hormones, bacteria, arthropods, and worms (e.g., soybean cyst nematode) or products of biotic organisms. Plants and plant cells including an isolated nucleic acid encoding at least one prephenate dehydratase operably linked to a promoter are described herein.
US08492612B2
Isolated nucleic acids and proteins associated with lipid and sugar metabolism regulation are provided. In particular, lipid metabolism proteins (LMP) and encoding nucleic acids originating from Arabidopsis thaliana are provided. The nucleic acids and proteins are used in methods of producing transgenic plants and modulating levels of seed storage compounds. Preferably, the seed storage compounds are lipids, fatty acids, starches or seed storage proteins.
US08492610B1
The present invention relates to the field of transgenic animal models and more particularly the animal models of Alzheimer's disease. The invention relates to a transgenic animal expressing a multimutated form of presenilin 1 and allowing an apoptotic phenomenon to be detected in a renewable peripheral tissue.
US08492609B2
A feminine hygiene article with a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core placed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The article may include a printed pattern which is printed on a garment-facing side of the backsheet. The printed pattern is visible through at least a portion of topsheet outside a core area.
US08492605B2
A method for producing isoprene comprising an aqueous medium including genetically modified host cells capable of producing isoprene, where the resulting isoprene composition is processed through at least one separation and/or purification process to provide an isoprene enriched composition and a system for doing the same.
US08492594B2
A polymeric catalyst, and methods of using the catalyst, comprising at least one of a monosulfonated ion exchange resin, monosulfonated gel, and macroreticular resin having a particle size of less than 560 μm and metal impregnated within the resin, where the metal is palladium, platinum, iridium, rhodium, ruthenium, copper, gold, and/or silver.
US08492589B2
Provided are alkynyl phenyl derivative compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of treating ophthalmic diseases and disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt's Disease, using said compounds and compositions.
US08492588B2
The present invention relates to benzyloxyanilide derivatives having the following structural formula: The compounds of the present invention are useful for the treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders which are affected by activation or modulation of potassium ion channels. One such condition is seizure disorders.
US08492581B2
The present invention provides improved process for the sulfonation of hydroxyaromatics amenable to direct isolation of the sulfonylated hydroxyaromatics in their free-acid forms. The process allows for the recyclization of sulfuric acid and minimizes waste. The starting materials are from a renewal resource, e.g., biomass, and contain detectable 14C up to a 14C content of 0.0000000001% (one part per trillion). The products made include sulfonated catechol, disulfonated pyrogallol and sulfonated protocatechuic acid.
US08492579B2
The present invention relates to an improved method for producing all-E astaxanthin dimethyldisuccinate of the formula I.
US08492575B2
The present invention relates to method for improving the color index of an organopolysiloxanes functionalized with a benzalmalonate said method comprising the step of contacting said organopolysiloxanes functionalized with a benzalmalonate with a hydroxy carboxylic acid or a cyclic ester thereof in an organic solvent.
US08492560B2
The invention relates to the use of compounds of formula (I) and salts thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the production of an antiangiogenic and/or vascular permeability reducing effect in warm-blooded animals, processes for the preparation of such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as active ingredient and compounds of formula I. The compounds of formula I and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof inhibit the effects of VEGF, a property of value in the treatment of a number of disease states including cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
US08492557B2
The present invention relates to novel compounds, ester pro-drugs of [3-(1-1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl)-2-methylphenyl]methanol, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals in the treatment of conditions mediated by adrenergic receptors.
US08492554B2
Disclosed are compounds of Formula III. Also disclosed are salts of the compounds, pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds or salts, and methods for treating HCV infection by administration of the compounds or salts.
US08492548B2
The present invention relates to alkaloid aminoester compounds which act as muscarinic receptor antagonists, processes for their preparation, compositions comprising them, and therapeutic uses thereof.
US08492544B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing methyl {4,6-diamino-2-[1-(2-fluorobenzyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]pyrimidin-5-yl}methylcarbamate of the formula (I) and to a process for purifying the crude product of the compound of the formula (I) for use as pharmaceutically active compound, where, for purification, methyl {4,6-diamino-2-[1-(2-fluorobenzyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-3-yl]pyrimidin-5-yl}methylcarbamate sulphinyldimethane (1:1), i.e. a compound of the formula (II), is isolated as intermediate or is generated as intermediate in this purification process, if appropriate present in a mixture.
US08492543B2
[4-(3-aminophenyl)-6,7-dimethoxyquinazolin-2-yl]methylamine with a favorable yield and high purity can be produced by subjecting a compound represented by the following formula (I) to a step of reacting with methylamine and a step of deprotection if desired: wherein L represents a protective group of amino.
US08492539B2
The present invention provides (i) processes for preparing a 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-2′-methyl-D-ribonolactone derivatives, (ii) conversion of intermediate lactones to nucleosides with potent anti-HCV activity, and their analogues, and (iii) methods to prepare the anti-HCV nucleosides containing the 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-2′-C-methyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl nucleosides from a preformed, preferably naturally-occurring, nucleoside.
US08492538B1
Chiral salts comprising anionic cyclodextrin derivatives with particular types of non-metal cations are provided. The anionic CD derivative salts can serve as ionic liquids and can possess substantial advantages over currently commercially available ionic liquids particularly for use as chiral phase transfer catalyst, chiral reaction medium, chiral extraction medium, and/or as chiral additive to a chemical process. Methods of preparing the same are provided.
US08492536B2
A method for modifying nucleic acid bases by a chemical means, which enables the discrimination of every base species in plural species of bases in a nucleic acid comprising plural nucleotide units, while retaining the base sequence information of the nucleic acid. A nucleic acid base-modified product provided by the method. The nucleic acid base-modified product is essentially a single strand. In accordance with the invention, a novel means for sequencing a nucleic acid by a microscopic means is provided.
US08492534B1
Therapeutic agents which target heat shock protein (hsp) 27 in vivo are used to provide treatment to individuals, particularly human individuals, suffering from prostate cancer and other cancers that overexpress hsp27. A therapeutic agent, for example an antisense oligonucleotide or RNAi nucleotide inhibitor with sequence specificity for hsp27 mRNA, for example human hsp27 mRNA, is administered to an individual suffering from prostate cancer or some other cancer expressing elevated levels of hsp 27 in a therapeutically effective amount. The therapeutic agent is suitably formulated into a pharmaceutical composition which includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and packaged in dosage unit form. A preferred dosage unit form is an injectable dosage unit form.
US08492532B2
A nucleic acid molecule containing nucleotide sequences that encode the capsid protein, pre-membrane protein and non-structural protein of Japanese encephalitis virus, and a nucleotide sequence that encodes the envelop protein of a second flavivirus, wherein the nucleotide sequence(s) that encode(s) the pre-membrane protein and/or non-structural protein of Japanese encephalitis virus contain(s) nucleotide mutations that produce one or more amino acid mutations that attenuate the virus.
US08492531B2
Provided are humanized anti-CD40 antibodies and antigen-binding fragments and methods for treating disease characterized by expression of CD40 antigen.
US08492526B2
Disclosed are a recombinant antibody composition which is a human IgG1 antibody, comprises a CH2 domain in which amino acids at positions 276 and 339 indicated by the EU index as in Kabat, et al. are replaced by other amino acids and has more improved complement-dependent cytotoxic activity than an antibody comprising a CH2 domain before the amino acids are replaced; a DNA encoding the antibody molecule or a heavy chain constant region of the antibody molecule contained in the recombinant antibody composition; a transformant obtainable by introducing the DNA into a host cell; a process for producing the recombinant antibody composition using the transformant; and a medicament comprising the recombinant antibody composition as an active ingredient.
US08492515B2
Antimicrobial peptides of the formula are provided: X1—X2—PrO—X3—X4—PrO-Arg-Pro-Tyr-Leu-Pro-X5-Pro-Arg-Pro-Pro-Arg-Pro-Y, wherein X1 is a natural or non-natural amino acid having a free amino group or 1-amino-cyclohexyl carboxylic acid, X2 is Arg or N-methyl-Arg, X3 is Asp or GIu, X4 is Arg or Lys, X5 is Arg or Lys, and Y is Arg, Arg-NH2, N-methyl-Arg, N-methyl-Arg-NH2, Val-Arg, Val-Arg-NH2, Val-(N-methyl-Arg), or Val-(N-methyl)-Arg-NH2, and salts thereof.
US08492509B2
Methods of preparation and application of sulfur functionalized polymers. More particularly, triazine, cyclotriphosphazene and/or phenyl derivatives can be polymerized to form sulfur functionalized polymers. The materials can be used for separating heavy metals from gas and liquid. The invention is a solid extractant or sorbent that upon exposure or contact with a gas and/or liquid can remove contaminates or impurities. The material can be employed as a solid agent to remove mercury and other heavy metal from combustion, calcinations and/or industrial gases. Also, the material can be applied as extracting agent for removing mercury and other heavy metal from a liquid phase. Further, the material can be used for removing/recovering hazardous elements from radioactive nuclear waste; or can be used for removing organic compounds from gases and liquids.
US08492508B2
A polyimide represented by formula (6) is provided. The polyimide is fabricated by performing a polycondensation reaction with a amine compound shown in formula (4) and a dianhydride compound shown in formula (5) as monomers. In formulas (5) and (6), Ar represents aromatic group, and n represents a positive integer.
US08492505B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of branched biodegradable polymers comprising of the steps of: (a) preparing a macromonomer by ring-opening polymerization of at least one cyclic ester, cyclic carbonate, and/or cyclic carboxyanhydride in the presence of a branching agent and optionally a catalyst; and (b) subsequent polycondensation of the macromonomer, to a process for the preparation of a macromonomer by ring-opening polymerization of at least one cyclic ester, carbonate and/or N-carboxyanhydride in the presence of a defined branching agent and optionally a catalyst, according to step (a), and to the prepared macromonomer and branched biodegradable polymer and their uses.
US08492503B2
Provided herein are polymeric α-hydroxy aldehyde or α-hydroxy ketone reagents which can be conjugated to amine-containing compounds to form stable conjugates in a single-step reaction. In selected embodiments, the polymeric reagent itself incorporates an internal proton-abstracting (basic) functional group, to promote more efficient reaction. The substituent is appropriately situated, via a linker if necessary, to position the group for proton abstraction, preferably providing a 4- or 5-bond spacing between the abstracting atom and the hydrogen atom on the α-carbon. Also provided are methods of using the reagents and stable, solubilized conjugates of the reagents with biologically active compounds. In preferred embodiments, the polymeric component of the reagent or conjugate is a polyethylene glycol.
US08492500B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a liquid-crystalline polyester, the method comprising: a step of melt-polymerizing raw monomers in a melt polymerization vessel to obtain a polymer melt; a step of drawing the polymer melt from the melt polymerization vessel and granulating the polymer melt to obtain a granulate; a step of allowing the granulate to undergo solid phase polymerization in a solid phase polymerization vessel to obtain a solid phase polymer; and a step of making an impact on the solid phase polymerization vessel containing the solid phase polymer, and taking out the solid phase polymer from the solid phase polymerization vessel.
US08492499B2
The invention relates to addition compounds which are obtainable by reacting a) one or more polyisocyanates containing uretdione groups with b) one or more compounds of the formula (I) Y—(XH)n (I) with the proviso that at least 50% of the free isocyanate groups of component a) are reacted with the compounds of the formula (I) to give an intermediate which contains uretdione groups, and subsequently the intermediate is reacted with c) one or more compounds of the general formula (II) Z—NHRm (II) with the proviso that all free NCO groups optionally still present and at least 20% of uretdione groups originally used are reacted with Z—(NHR)m. The invention further relates to the use of the addition compounds as dispersants and dispersion stabilizers, and to a process for preparing them.
US08492497B2
The present invention relates to copolymers comprising as comonomers in copolymerized form (A) at least one ethylenically unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid, (B) at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound which has at least one structural unit of the general formula (I) per molecule: where the variables are defined as follows: R1 is different or identical and selected from hydrogen, C1-C30-alkyl, C6-C30-aryl and C7-C30-aralkyl, A1 is different or identical and selected from C2-C10-alkylene, C6-C10-arylene and C7-C10-aralkylene, n is different or identical and selected from zero to 200, m is different or identical and selected from 1 to 6, (C) at least one further comonomer.
US08492496B2
A copolymer comprises the reaction product of (a) (meth)acrylate functionalized nanoparticles, (b) vinyl monomer, and (c) silicone macromer. The (meth)acrylate functionalize nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of silica nanoparticles, zirconia nanoparticles, titania nanoparticles, and combinations thereof.
US08492492B2
A method of treating a polymerization reactor effluent stream comprising recovering the reactor effluent stream from the polymerization reactor, flashing the reactor effluent stream to form a flash gas stream, separating the flash gas stream into a first top stream, a first bottom stream, and a side stream, wherein the side stream substantially comprises hexane, separating the first top stream into a second top stream and a second bottom stream, wherein the second bottom stream substantially comprises isobutane, and separating the second top stream into a third top stream and a third bottom stream; wherein the third top stream substantially comprises ethylene, and wherein the third bottom stream is substantially free of olefins.
US08492487B2
A thermosetting fluoropolyether adhesive composition is provided. This composition cures at lower than 100° C., and the cured product exhibits good adhesion to various substrates and excellent adhesion durability at a temperature of up to 150° C. A method for adhering the composition to the substrate is also provided. The composition comprises (A) a straight chain polyfluoro compound, (B) a fluorine-containing organohydrogenpolysiloxane containing at least 2 SiH groups and not containing other functional group, (C) a platinum group metal catalyst, (D) a fluorine-containing organohydrogenpolysiloxane containing a fluorine-containing organic group, SiH group, epoxy group and/or tri(organoxy)silyl group, and an aryl group, (E) a polyhydric allyl ester compound, (F) an organosilicon compound having epoxy group and an organoxy group, and not containing SiH group, and (G) an organosilicon compound having SiH group and an aryl group, and not containing epoxy group or a tri(organoxy)silyl group, or a fluorine-containing organic group.
US08492484B2
The present invention refers to medical devices comprising a modified Co-Polymer or to the modified Co-Polymer itself having high flexibility and high stress resistance, especially tensile strength or tear resistance, in addition to the good physical characteristics of a Block-Co-Polymers of a polyamide and a polycarbonate diamine.
US08492478B2
A curable perfluoropolyether gel composition is provided. The composition comprises (A) a straight chain fluorine-containing polymer represented by the following formula (1): (B) a polyfluoromonoalkenyl compound containing one alkenyl group per molecule and having a perfluoropolyether structure in its backbone, (C) an organosilicon compound containing at least two hydrogen atoms bonded to the silicon atom per molecule, and (D) a hydrosilylation catalyst. The composition can be produced into a cured product having excellent heat resistance, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, weatherability, releasability, water repellency, oil repellency, and the like as well as an improved acid resistance.
US08492477B2
A dispersion includes dispersed particles. The particles include a reaction product of a first polymer, a second polymer, and a chain terminator. The first and second polymers have at least two Si—H moieties and silicon bonded unsaturated moieties, respectively. The chain terminator has one Si—H moiety or one unsaturated hydrocarbon moiety. The first and second polymers and the chain terminator are reacted in the presence of a metal catalyst. The dispersion is formed by a method that includes the step of combining the first and second polymers, and the chain terminator. This method also reacts the first and second polymers and the chain terminator in the presence of the metal catalyst to form the dispersed particles.
US08492474B2
Methods of making miscible and compatible immiscible polymer blends are disclosed. The polymer blends have a polyimide as a component. The miscible polymer blends have a single glass transition temperature. The compatible polymer blends have two glass transition temperatures. The polymer blends may optionally include one or more fillers.
US08492469B2
A positive-type photosensitive resin composition includes (A) an alkali-soluble resin, (B) a photosensitizer, and (C) a silicon compound shown by the following general formula (1). (R2O)3—Si—R1—Si—(OR2)3 (1) wherein R1 represents an alkylene group having 5 to 30 carbon atoms or an organic group that includes at least one aromatic ring, and R2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The positive-type photosensitive resin composition exhibits excellent storage stability, produces a film that exhibits excellent adhesion to a substrate during development, and produces a cured film that exhibits excellent adhesion to a substrate after humidification.
US08492467B2
There is provided automotive lamp peripheral parts excellent in heat resistance, rigidity and fogging property. The lamp peripheral part according to the invention is obtained from a resin composition containing 70% by mass or more of a polyphenylene ether (A) and a styrene-based resin (B), and has a haze value of a glass plate of 1.0% or less after the glass plate is subjected to a fogging test using an apparatus according to ISO 6452.
US08492461B2
Curing agents for air-drying alkyd-based resins, coatings, such as paint, varnish or wood stain, inks and linoleum floor coverings, based on an iron/manganese complex containing tetradentate, pentadentate or hexadentate nitrogen donor ligands are disclosed.
US08492458B2
A solvent borne polyurethane composition with a polymodal molecular weight distribution comprising: i) 10 to 90 wt % of at least a polyurethane A with a Mw in the range of from 4,000 up to 25,000 g/mol, ii) 90 to 10 wt % of at least a polyurethane B with a Mw in the range of from 25,000 to 100,000 g/mol and iii) a liquid medium.
US08492443B2
Topical formulations and methods use are described herein for relieving symptoms created by herpes simplex, mouth ulcers, and yeast infections. The formulations comprise effective amounts of d-limonene.
US08492437B2
Compounds of formula (I): in which R1, R2, R7, R8, R9, R10 and A have the meanings given in the specification, are DP2 receptor modulators useful in the treatment of immunologic diseases.
US08492431B2
The present invention is a method for the treatment of obesity, for promoting weight loss and/or suppressing appetite comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of one or more novel benzo-fused heterocycle sulfamide derivatives of formula (I) as herein defined.
US08492412B2
The invention relates to a gel composition containing pirfenidone, which is advantageous over other cutaneously administered pharmaceutical forms known in the prior art and which can be used in treatment for the restoration of tissues with fibrotic lesions and for the prevention of fibrotic lesions.
US08492406B2
Methods of treating, preventing and/or managing cancer as well as and diseases and disorders associated with, or characterized by, undesired angiogenesis are disclosed. Specific methods encompass the administration of an immunomodulatory compound alone or in combination with a second active ingredient. The invention further relates to methods of reducing or avoiding adverse side effects associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy or immunotherapy which comprise the administration of an immunomodulatory compound. Pharmaceutical compositions, single unit dosage forms, and kits suitable for use in methods of the invention are also disclosed.
US08492400B2
Described herein are formulations comprising therapeutic agents, including but not limited to formulations comprising rapamycin, pharmaceutical formulations, unit dose forms, kits, methods of preparing formulations, and methods of using formulations. Such formulations and methods have increased stability.
US08492399B2
The invention provides 3-carboxypropyl-aminotetralin compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, that are antagonists at the mu opioid receptor. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat conditions associated with mu opioid receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US08492390B2
The invention relates to a novel strategy for the synthesis of Locked Nucleic Acid derivatives, such as α-L-oxy-LNA, amino-LNA, α-L-amino-LNA, thio-LNA, α-L-thio-LNA, seleno-LNA and methylene LNA, which provides scalable high yielding reactions utilising intermediates that also can produce other LNA analogues such as oxy-LNA. Also, the compounds of the formula X are important intermediates that may be reacted with varieties of nucleophiles leading to a wide variety of LNA analogues.
US08492388B2
The present invention relates to hydroximoyl-tetrazole derivatives of formula (I), their process of preparation, their use as fungicide active agents, particularly in the form of fungicide compositions and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi, notably of plants, using these compounds or compositions. wherein A represents a tetrazoyl group, Het represents a pyridyl group or a thiazolyl group and X represents various substituents.
US08492385B2
The present invention relates to novel crystalline modifications of N-α-(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl-sulfonyl)-3-hydroxyamidino-(L)-phenylalanine 4-ethoxy-carbonylpiperazide and/or salts thereof, which can be used as pharmaceutical agents, and to pharmaceutical compositions and pharmaceutical uses comprising these novel crystalline modifications.
US08492384B2
Disclosed are novel imidazolylalkylcarbonyl derivatives useful as calcium channel modulators and a preparation method of the same. Also disclosed is a method for the treatment of diseases by administering the above compounds based on their inhibitory activity against calcium channel.
US08492378B2
For the purpose of providing a GSK-3β inhibitor containing an oxadiazole compound or a salt thereof or a prodrug thereof useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of a GSK-3β-related pathology or disease, the present invention provides a GSK-3β inhibitor containing a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof or a prodrug thereof.
US08492376B2
The present invention is concerned with heteroaryl-cyclohexyl-tetraazabenzo[e]azulenes of formula I wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as described herein. The compounds according to the invention act as V1a receptor modulators, and in particular as V1a receptor antagonists, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as medicaments. The active compounds of the present invention are useful as therapeutics acting peripherally and centrally in the conditions of dysmenorrhea, male or female sexual dysfunction, hypertension, chronic heart failure, inappropriate secretion of vasopressin, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, anxiety, depressive disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, autistic spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and aggressive behavior.
US08492370B2
The present invention relates to ansamycin analogues that are useful, e.g. in the treatment of cancer, B-cell malignancies, malaria, fungal infection, diseases of the central nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases, diseases dependent on angiogenesis, autoimmune diseases or a prophylactic pretreatment for cancer. The present invention also provides methods for the production of these compounds and their use in medicine.
US08492366B2
The solubility in solvent media, notably alcoholic media, of the beta-hydroxy acids (“BHAs”), notably the chemical skin peeling agent salicylic acid, is markedly enhanced by solubilizing same in the presence of at least one alpha-hydroxy acid (“AHA”); higher potency, more concentrated BHA skin peel products are thus formulated.
US08492354B2
Compounds having antibacterial activity are disclosed. The compounds have the following structure (I): including stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein Q1, Q2, Q3, R11 and R12 are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, are also disclosed.
US08492352B2
The present invention relates to novel synthetic polysaccharides with antithrombotic activity, having at least one covalent bond with an amino chain, and to the preparation method thereof and to the therapeutic use thereof.
US08492345B2
Cyclic peptide compounds and derivatives thereof having antitumor activity as shown by treatment of human melanoma, pancreatic, breast, prostate cancer cells.
US08492340B2
The invention relates to methods for treating depression, anxiety, and other related diseases by administering a peptide NMDAR partial agonist.
US08492337B2
Targeted therapeutics that localize to a specific subcellular compartment such as the lysosome are provided. The targeted therapeutics include a therapeutic agent and a targeting moiety that binds a receptor on an exterior surface of the cell, permitting proper subcellular localization of the targeted therapeutic upon internalization of the receptor. Nucleic acids, cells, and methods relating to the practice of the invention are also provided.
US08492336B2
There is disclosed an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a human neurotrophic growth factor designated enovin and having the amino acid sequence illustrated in FIG. 1, 21, 23 or 24 or encoding a functional equivalent, derivative or bioprecursor of said growth factor. The growth factor preferably comprises the amino acid sequence from position 27 to 139 of the sequence illustrated in FIG. 1, or a functional equivalent, derivative or bioprecursor thereof. The nucleic acid molecule encoding enovin can be used to transform a host cell, tissue or organism by including it in an appropriate vector. The host cell, tissue or organism and the vector also form part of the invention.
US08492333B2
The invention provide isolated peptides, protides and conjugates having novel peptide sequences which are able to induce antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative or programmed cell death activity. The invention also provides a method of inducing programmed cell death in a cell by contacting the cell with an isolated peptide, protide or conjugate described herein. In some aspects, the method can be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease, such as an infection, cancer, autoimmune disease, or inflammatory disease.
US08492329B2
Disclosed are peptide ligands for G-protein coupled receptors that are useful for treating disorders associated with G-protein coupled receptor activation.
US08492323B2
The present invention relates to soap bars having improved lather. Specifically, by limiting amounts of myristic acid and keeping specifically defined ratios of sum of C8-C10 fatty acids to C12 fatty acid bars having substantially improved lather and unexpectedly obtained.
US08492311B2
A substituted alkenylbenzene compound of formula (4): wherein X1 is a halogen atom, —SF5, C1-C6haloalkyl, hydroxy C1-C6haloalkyl, C1-C6alkoxy C1-C6haloalkyl, C3-C8halocycloalkyl, C1-C6haloalkoxy, C1-C3haloalkoxy C1-C3haloalkoxy, C1-C6haloalkylthio, C1-C6haloalkylsulfinyl or C1-C6haloalkylsulfonyl; X3 is a hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6haloalkyl, C1-C6alkoxy or C1-C6alkylthio; X4 is a hydrogen, halogen, cyano, C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy or C1-C4haloalkoxy; R3 is —C(R3a)(R3b)R3c, where R3a and R3b are a halogen, or R3a and R3b together form a 3- to 6-membered ring together with the carbon bonding them by forming a C2-C5haloalkylene chain, and R3c is a hydrogen, halogen, C1-C5alkyl, C1-C5haloalkyl, C1-C4haloalkoxy or C1-C4haloalkylthio, with a proviso that where X1 is a fluorine, chlorine or trifluoromethyl, and X2 and X3 are hydrogen, where X1 and X2 are fluorine and X3 is a hydrogen, or where X1 and X2 are trifluoromethyl and X3 is a hydrogen, R3c is a hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, iodine, C1-C5alkyl, C1-C5haloalkyl, C1-C4haloalkoxy or C1-C4haloalkylthio.
US08492303B2
The invention describes an electrode and an electrode coating which are based on a catalyst containing finely divided carbon modifications and noble metal (oxide)s.
US08492292B2
Methods for processing substrates are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for processing a substrate includes providing a substrate having an oxide layer disposed thereon, the oxide layer including one or more defects; and exposing the oxide layer to a plasma formed from a process gas comprising an oxygen-containing gas to repair the one or more defects. In some embodiments, the oxide layer may be formed on the substrate. In some embodiments, forming the oxide layer further comprises depositing the oxide layer atop the substrate. In some embodiments, forming the oxide layer further comprises thermally oxidizing the surface of the substrate to form the oxide layer. In some embodiments, a processing temperature is maintained at about 700 degrees Celsius or below during the thermal oxidation of the surface.
US08492291B2
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a gate dielectric (710) that includes providing a nitrided dielectric layer (220) over a substrate (120). The nitrided dielectric layer (220) has a nonuniform concentration of nitrogen in a bulk thereof. The nitrided dielectric layer (220) is exposed to oxygen radicals (410), resulting in a reduction of the non-uniformity.
US08492284B2
Embodiments provide methods for etching and depositing silicon materials on a substrate. In one example, the method includes heating a substrate containing a silicon-containing material to a temperature of about 800° C. or less and removing a portion of the silicon-containing material and a contaminant to reveal an exposed surface of the silicon-containing material during an etching process and depositing a silicon-containing layer on the exposed surface of the silicon-containing material during a deposition process. The method further provides conducting the etching and deposition processes in the same chamber and utilizing chlorine gas and a silicon source gas during the etching and deposition processes. In some examples, the silicon-containing material is removed at a rate within a range from about 2 Å per minute to about 20 Å per minute during the etching process.
US08492280B1
Embodiments of the invention may include first providing a stack of layers including a semiconductor substrate, a buried oxide layer on the semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor-on-insulator layer on the buried-oxide layer, a nitride layer on the semiconductor-on-insulator layer, and a silicon oxide layer on the nitride layer. A first opening and second opening with a smaller cross-sectional area than the first opening are then formed in the silicon oxide layer, the nitride layer, the semiconductor-on-insulator layer, and the buried-oxide layer. The first opening and the second opening are then etched with a first etching gas. The first opening and the second opening are then etched with a second etching gas, which includes the first etching gas and a halogenated silicon compound, for example, silicon tetrafluoride or silicon tetrachloride. In one embodiment, the first etching gas includes hydrogen bromide, nitrogen trifluoride, and oxygen.
US08492279B2
When forming via openings in sophisticated semiconductor devices, a silicon-containing anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer may be efficiently used for adjusting the critical dimension of the via openings by using a two-step etch process in which, in at least one of the process steps, the flow rate of a reactive gas component may be controlled to increase or reduce the resulting width of an opening in the silicon ARC layer. In this manner, the spread of critical dimensions of vias around the target value may be significantly reduced while also reducing any maintenance and rework efforts.
US08492278B2
A method of forming a plurality of spaced features includes forming sacrificial hardmask material over underlying material. The sacrificial hardmask material has at least two layers of different composition. Portions of the sacrificial hardmask material are removed to form a mask over the underlying material. Individual features of the mask have at least two layers of different composition, with one of the layers of each of the individual features having a tensile intrinsic stress of at least 400.0 MPa. The individual features have a total tensile intrinsic stress greater than 0.0 MPa. The mask is used while etching into the underlying material to form a plurality of spaced features comprising the underlying material. Other implementations are disclosed.
US08492276B2
A chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion is used to polish a polishing target that includes an interconnect layer that contains tungsten. The chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion includes: (A) a cationic water-soluble polymer; (B) an iron (III) compound; and (C) colloidal silica particles. The content (MA) (mass %) of the cationic water-soluble polymer (A) and the content (MB) (mass %) of the iron (III) compound (B) satisfy the relationship “MA/MB=0.004 to 0.1”. The chemical mechanical polishing aqueous dispersion has a pH of 1 to 3.
US08492258B2
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device of the present invention includes the step of forming an insulating film on a substrate, and the step of forming a high dielectric constant insulating film on the insulating film, and the step of forming a titanium aluminum nitride film on the high dielectric constant insulating film, wherein in the step of forming the titanium aluminum nitride film, formation of an aluminum nitride film and formation of a titanium nitride film are alternately repeated, and at that time, the aluminum nitride film is formed firstly and/or lastly.
US08492251B2
A thin layer structure includes a substrate, a blocking pattern that exposes part of an upper surface of the substrate, and a single crystalline semiconductor layer on the part of the upper surface of the substrate exposed by the pattern and in which all outer surfaces of the single crystalline semiconductor layer have a <100> crystallographic orientation. The thin layer structure is formed by an SEG process in which the temperature is controlled to prevent migration of atoms in directions towards the central portion of the upper surface of the substrate. Thus, sidewall surfaces of the layer will not be constituted by facets.
US08492246B2
It is an object of the present invention to improve a factor which influences productivity such as variation caused by a characteristic defect of a circuit by thinning or production yield when an integrated circuit device in which a substrate is thinned is manufactured. A stopper layer is formed over one surface of a substrate, and an element is formed over the stopper layer, and then, the substrate is thinned from the other surface thereof. A method in which a substrate is ground or polished or a method in which the substrate is etched by chemical reaction is used as a method for thinning or removing the substrate.
US08492236B1
Interlayer dielectric gap fill processes are enhanced by forming gate spacers with a step-like or tapered profile. Embodiments include forming a gate electrode on a substrate, depositing a spacer material over the gate electrode, etching the spacer material to form a first spacer on each side of the gate electrode, and pulling back the first spacers to form second spacers which have a step-like profile. Embodiments further include depositing a second spacer material over the gate electrode and the second spacers, and etching the second spacer material to form a third spacer on each second spacer, the second and third spacers forming an outwardly tapered composite spacer.
US08492225B2
A method and structure for a voltage converter including a trench field effect transistor (FET) and a trench guarded Schottky diode which is integrated with the trench FET. In an embodiment, a voltage converter can include a lateral FET, a trench FET, and a trench guarded Schottky diode integrated with the trench FET. A method to form a voltage converter can include the formation of a trench FET gate, a trench guarded Schottky diode gate, and a lateral FET gate using a single conductive layer such as a polysilicon layer.
US08492223B2
A method of manufacturing a flash memory device includes: forming a dielectric layer on an active region of a substrate having an isolation region and the active region; forming a floating gate on the dielectric layer; forming an isolation layer in the isolation region; forming a nitride layer including a first nitride layer portion formed on an exposed surface of the floating gate and a second nitride layer portion formed on an exposed surface of the isolation layer; selectively removing nitrogen atoms from the second nitride layer portion of the nitride layer; forming an inter-gate dielectric layer on both the first nitride layer portion and the isolation layer; and forming a control gate on the inter-gate dielectric layer.
US08492219B2
In a semiconductor device manufacturing method, a first semiconductor region which includes a narrow portion and a wide portion is formed in an upper portion of a semiconductor substrate, a gate insulating film is formed on at least side surfaces of the narrow portion, a gate electrode is formed on the gate insulating film, a mask pattern that covers the wide portion is formed, ion implantation of an impurity is performed with the mask pattern as a mask to form an extension impurity region in the narrow portion, the mask pattern is removed, a heat treatment is performed to activate the impurity, a gate sidewall is formed on a side surface of the gate electrode, epitaxial growth of a semiconductor film is performed on the narrow portion and the wide portion after the formation of the gate sidewall, and source-drain regions is formed on both sides of the gate electrode.
US08492218B1
A first liner and a second liner are formed such that a peripheral portion of the second liner overlies a peripheral portion of the first liner. A photoresist layer is applied and patterned such that a sidewall of a patterned photoresist layer overlies an overlapping peripheral portion of the second liner An isotropic dry etch is performed to laterally etch the overlapping peripheral portion of the second liner from below the patterned photoresist layer. The patterned photoresist is subsequently removed, and a structure without an overlap of the first and second liners is provided.
US08492214B2
Semiconductor structures with damascene metal gates and pixel sensor cell shields, methods of manufacture and design structures are provided. The method includes forming a dielectric layer over a dummy gate structure. The method further includes forming one or more recesses in the dielectric layer. The method further includes removing the dummy gate structure in the dielectric layer to form a trench. The method further includes forming metal in the trench and the one more recesses in the dielectric layer to form a damascene metal gate structure in the trench and one or more metal components in the one or more recesses.
US08492209B2
A semiconductor device along with circuits including the same and methods of operating the same are described. The device includes an electrically floating body region, and a gate is disposed over a first portion of the body region. The device includes a source region adjoining a second portion of the body region, the second portion adjacent the first portion and separating the source region from the first portion. The device includes a drain region adjoining a third portion of the body region, the third portion adjacent the first portion and separating the drain region from the first portion.
US08492200B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor chip module and a semiconductor chip package is disclosed. One embodiment provides a first layer, a second layer, and a base layer. The first layer is disposed on the base layer, and the second layer is disposed on the first layer. A plurality of semiconductor chips is applied above the second layer, and the second layer with the applied semiconductor chips is separated from the first layer.
US08492197B2
A semiconductor device has a first substrate and first conductive pillars formed over the first substrate. Second conductive pillars are formed over the first substrate alternating with the first conductive pillars. The second conductive pillars are vertically offset with respect to the first conductive pillars. First BOT interconnect sites are formed over a second substrate. Second BOT interconnect sites are formed over the second substrate alternating with the first interconnect sites. The second interconnect sites are vertically offset with respect to the first interconnect sites. The first substrate is mounted to the second substrate such that the first conductive pillars are aligned with and electrically connected to the first interconnect sites and the second conductive pillars are aligned with and electrically connected to the second interconnect sites. An underfill material is deposited between the first and second substrates. The first substrate can be a flipchip type semiconductor device.
US08492195B2
A method for forming a vertically stacked memory device includes forming a first dielectric material overlying a surface region of a semiconductor substrate, forming first memory cells overlying the first dielectric material including a first top metal wiring spatially extending in a first direction, a first bottom metal wiring spatially extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and first switching elements sandwiched in intersection regions between the first top metal wiring and the first bottom metal wiring, forming a second dielectric material overlying the first top metal wiring, forming second memory cells overlying the second dielectric material including a second top metal wiring extending in the first direction, a second bottom wiring spatially extending in the second direction, and second switching elements sandwiched in intersection regions of the second top metal wiring and the second bottom metal wiring.
US08492194B2
A method for fabricating a phase change memory pore cell that includes forming a bottom electrode, forming a dielectric layer on the bottom electrode, and forming a sacrificial layer on the dielectric layer. The method further includes selectively etching portions of the sacrificial layer and the dielectric layer to define a pore extending through the sacrificial layer and the dielectric layer, depositing phase change material on the sacrificial layer and into the pore and removing the phase change material formed outside the pore, removing the sacrificial layer to expose the pore, the pore being vertically aligned, and forming a top electrode over the pore.
US08492190B2
A method for manufacturing a display panel includes; formation of a lower gate line, disposal of a semiconductor on the lower gate line, disposal of a lower data line substantially perpendicular to the lower gate line, disposal of an insulating layer having a plurality of trenches exposing the lower gate line and the lower data line on the lower data line, disposal of an upper gate line directly on the lower gate line and within the plurality of trenches, and disposal of an upper data line directly on the lower data line and within the plurality of trenches.
US08492187B2
A multilayered stack including alternating layers of sacrificial material layers and semiconductor material layers is formed on a base substrate. The thickness of each sacrificial material layer of the stack increases upwards from the sacrificial material layer that is formed nearest to the base substrate. Because of this difference in thicknesses, each sacrificial material layer etches at different rates, with thicker sacrificial material layers etching faster than thinner sacrificial material layers. An etch is performed that first removes the thickest sacrificial material layer of the multilayered stack. The uppermost semiconductor device layer within the multilayered stack is accordingly first released. As the etch continues, the other sacrificial material layers are removed sequentially, in the order of decreasing thickness, and the other semiconductor device layers are removed sequentially.
US08492186B2
The present invention is a method for producing a group III nitride semiconductor layer in which a single crystal group III nitride semiconductor layer (103) is formed on a substrate (101), the method including: a substrate processing step of forming, on the (0001) C-plane of the substrate (101), a plurality of convex parts (12) of surfaces (12c) not parallel to the C-plane, to thereby form, on the substrate, an upper surface (10) that is composed of the convex parts (12) and a flat surface (11) of the C-plane; and an epitaxial step of epitaxially growing the group III nitride semiconductor layer (103) on the upper surface (10), to thereby embed the convex parts (12) in the group III nitride semiconductor layer (103).
US08492184B2
A device and method improving luminous efficiency and luminescent color in an organic EL display panel used in electronic devices such as televisions or the like by making it easy to adjust the difference in film thickness between layers of different luminescent colors, such as intermediate layers, when the intermediate layers and light-emitting layers are formed by a wet method. By varying by color the volume of a contact hole formed in an interlayer insulation film, which is a lower layer of an organic EL element, the volume of a concavity in each anode plate is adjusted. When ink that includes material for the intermediate layer or the like is sprayed by an inkjet method, the film thickness of the intermediate layer or the like changes in accordance with the amount of ink filing the concavity.
US08492181B2
A method of forming an embedded wafer level optical package includes attaching a sensor die, PCB bars and an LED on adhesive tape laminated on a carrier, attaching a dam between two light sensitive sensors of the sensor die, encapsulating the sensor die, the PCB bars, the LED, and the dam in an encapsulation layer, debonding the carrier, grinding a top surface of the encapsulation layer, forming vias through the encapsulation layer to the sensor die and the LED, filling the vias with conductive material, metalizing the top surface of the encapsulation layer, dielectric coating of the top surface of the encapsulation layer, dielectric coating of a bottom surface of the encapsulation layer, patterning the dielectric coating of the bottom surface of the encapsulation layer, and plating the patterned dielectric coating of the bottom surface of the encapsulation layer.
US08492180B2
An LED includes a base, a pair of leads fixed on the base, a housing fixed on the leads, a chip mounted on one lead and an encapsulant sealing the chip. The housing defines a cavity in a central area thereof and a chamber adjacent to a circumferential periphery thereof. Top faces of the leads are exposed in the chamber. A blocking wall is formed in the chamber to contact the exposed top faces of the leads. A bonding force between the blocking wall and the leads is larger than that between the leads and the housing. A method for manufacturing the LED is also disclosed.
US08492175B1
A method is provided for assembling a stack of surface-mount devices (SMDs) on a substrate. The method provides a substrate, die, or printed circuit board (PCB) with a top surface having a landing pad and a first reference feature. An alignment jig is placed overlying the substrate top surface. The alignment jig second reference feature is aligned with respect to the substrate first reference feature. A first SMD is placed overlying the substrate landing pad. The first SMD third reference feature is aligned with respect to the alignment jig second reference feature. A second SMD is placed overlying the substrate top surface. Then, the alignment jig first boundary feature is mated with the second SMD second boundary feature. In response to the mating, the second SMD first interface is aligned over an underlying SMD active element.
US08492173B2
In a chip pick-up process after dicing in an assembly process during manufacture of a semiconductor integrated circuit device it is an important subject to diminish a pick-up defect caused by the reduction in thickness of each chip which is proceeding in quick tempo. Particularly, bending of the chip peripheral portion caused by a peeling operation is very likely to induce cracking and chipping of the chip. In the present invention, to solve these problems, in case of peeling a chip from a dicing tape (adhesive tape) or the like while vacuum-chucking the chip by a chucking collet, the flow rate of a vacuum chucking system in the chucking collet is monitored to check a bent state of the chip before complete separation of the first chip from the adhesive tape.
US08492170B2
Methods for the repair of damaged low k films are provided. Damage to the low k films occurs during processing of the film such as during etching, ashing, and planarization. The processing of the low k film causes water to store in the pores of the film and further causes hydrophilic compounds to form in the low k film structure. Repair processes incorporating ultraviolet (UV) radiation and silylation compounds remove the water from the pores and further remove the hydrophilic compounds from the low k film structure.
US08492167B2
Methods and apparatuses for determining whether a fluid has been introduced into an assay measurement apparatus involving delivering a fluid to a surface of a resonant device. The methods also involve monitoring an electrical signal output by the resonant device, wherein properties of the electrical signal vary based on physical properties of the fluid in contact with the surface of the resonant device and determining if the electrical signal output by the resonant device satisfies a predetermined condition indicative of the presence of the fluid.
US08492160B1
The invention is a device including array of aciive regions for use in reacting one or more species in at least two of the active regions in a sequential process, e.g., sequential reactions. The device has a transparent substrate member, which has a surface region and a silane material overlying the surface region. A first active region overlies a first portion of the silane material. The first region has a first dimension of less than 1 micron in size and has first molecules capable of binding to the first portion of the silane material. A second active region overlies a second portion of the silane material. The second region has a second dimension of less than 1 micron in size, second molecules capable of binding to the second portion of the active region, and a spatial distance separates the first active region and the second active region.
US08492159B2
The invention relates to compositions comprising of SEQ NO: 1-244, 248-249, and any homologs, analogs, and fragments thereof. Such compositions can be used to treat, prevent, and modulate pain, inflammation, and metabolic processes in various organisms including plants and animals. Such compositions can be formulated with an acceptable pharmaceutical excipient for administration to a human or a plant. The compositions can be administered topically or for systemic use.
US08492156B2
Methods for chromogen separation-based image analysis are provided, with such methods being directed to quantitative video-microscopy techniques in cellular biology and pathology applications.
US08492140B2
The invention provides systems, modules, bioreactor and methods for the automated culture, proliferation, differentiation, production and maintenance of tissue engineered products. In one aspect is an automated tissue engineering system comprising a housing, at least one bioreactor supported by the housing, the bioreactor facilitating physiological cellular functions and/or the generation of one or more tissue constructs from cell and/or tissue sources. A fluid containment system is supported by the housing and is in fluid communication with the bioreactor. One or more sensors are associated with one or more of the housing, bioreactor or fluid containment system for monitoring parameters related to the physiological cellular functions and/or generation of tissue constructs; and a microprocessor linked to one or more of the sensors. The systems, methods and products of the invention find use in various clinical and laboratory settings.
US08492136B2
Disclosed is a fluidic assay device for assaying at least one property of a liquid sample comprising: a liquid sample application region; at least one test flow path in liquid flow communication with the sample application region; a reference flow path in liquid flow communication with the sample application region; and a junction region, at which the test flow path and the reference flow path contact one another, the junction region typically comprising an outlet, conduit, chamber or other portion which permits the onward flow of liquid; wherein a liquid flowing along the reference flow path, upon reaching the junction region, has the effect of preventing the flow of liquid along the test flow path. The invention relates to a fluidic device for the passage of a liquid and an assay device suitable for measurement of the amount and/or presence of an analyte in, or property of, a fluid sample.
US08492134B2
This invention relates generally to systems and methods for digestion of solid waste that simplify solids handling. In certain embodiments, anaerobic methane extraction takes place for a period of time (e.g., from 1 to 4 weeks), after which an aerobic composting process begins in the same chamber. The organic waste remains in place and oxygen (e.g., in air) is forced into the chamber for an additional period of time (e.g., from 2 to 4 weeks). At the conclusion of the aerobic phase, the process yields a rough compost product that is stable and pathogen free. The rough compost can be further processed and blended to create high value engineered soils.
US08492133B2
The invention provides a nucleic acid construct comprising a promoter sequence derived from microRNA-21 (miR-21) linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding an anti-cancer agent, an example of which is a toxin. The constructs of the invention are particularly useful for treating tumors expressing miR-21.
US08492131B2
Novel laccases from Cerrena sp. WR1 and Lentinus sp. and uses thereof.
US08492130B2
An object of the present invention is to provide: a novel gene (polynucleotide) encoding an FAD-conjugated glucose dehydrogenase having excellent properties that it has excellent reactivity to glucose, excellent thermal stability, and excellent substrate-recognition performance and also has a low activity for maltose; a process for the production of the enzyme using a transformant cell transfected with the gene; and a method for the determination of glucose, a reagent composition for use in the determination of glucose, a biosensor for use in the determination of glucose and others, each characterized by using the enzyme obtained. The invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding an FAD-conjugated glucose dehydrogenase, comprising a polypeptide containing an amino acid sequence: X1-X2-X3-X4-X5-X6 (wherein X1 and X2 independently represent an aliphatic amino acid residue; X3 and X6 independently represent a branched amino acid residue; and X4 and X5 independently represent a heterocyclic amino acid residue or an aromatic amino acid residue); and others.
US08492121B2
The presently claimed invention provides for novel methods and kits for reducing the complexity of a nucleic acid sample by providing non-gel based methods for amplification of a subset of the sequences in a sample. In a preferred embodiment, amplification of a subset can be accomplished by digesting a sample with two or more restriction enzymes and ligating adaptors to the fragments so that only a subset of the fragments can be amplified. The invention further provides for analysis of the above amplified sample by hybridization to an array, which may be specifically designed to interrogate the desired fragments for particular characteristics, such as, for example, the presence or absence of a polymorphism.
US08492119B2
The present invention provides an antibody to human IL-3Rα chain, which does not inhibit IL-3 signaling and binds to B domain of the human IL-3Rα chain but does not bind to C domain of the human IL-3Rα chain; a composition for preventing or treating a blood tumor in which a cell expressing IL-3Rα is found in bone marrow or peripheral blood of a subject, which comprises the antibody to human IL-3Rα as an active ingredient; and a method for treating a blood tumor in which a cell expressing IL-3Rα is found in bone marrow or peripheral blood, which comprises administering, to a subject, a composition comprising the IL-3Rα antibody as an active ingredient.
US08492115B2
Methods are provided for the utilization of bacterial cell-free extracts in the synthesis of high yields of membrane-associated polypeptides.
US08492112B2
Disclosed is a method for the manufacture of microtissues, comprising the steps of: providing a biomaterial substrate; simultaneously seeding a plurality of dermal papilla (DP) cells and keratinocytes on the substrate surface with a predetermined ratio and cellular density; co-culturing for a predetermined period; and carrying the keratinocytes to the substrate surface by the dermal papilla cells, aggregating and finally form a plurality of keratinocyte-dermal papilla cell microtissues, wherein the dermal papilla cells are located in a center of the microtissue and the keratinocytes are sorted to a surface of the microtissue, and the keratinocytes are adult keratinocytes. The method can help to simply and economize the procedures for production of folliculoid microtissues with high-throughput. Once microtissues are transplanted to skin of subject, hair follicles can be regenerated.
US08492111B2
The present invention relates to an arylalkylamine compound represented by the following formula [I] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a process for preparing the same, and use of the above-mentioned compound as an activating compound (CaSR agonist) of a Ca sensing receptor, a pharmaceutical composition containing the above-mentioned compound as an effective ingredient, etc.
US08492105B2
A new compound inhibiting phosphorylation of Ser727 of STAT3, a phosphorylation inhibitor containing the new compound, an insulin resistance improving agent and a preventive or therapeutic agent for diabetes; and a screening method for at least one of the insulin resistance improving agent and the preventive or therapeutic agent for diabetes.
US08492093B2
The present invention discloses a method to identify and quantify environmental microorganisms useful in biomining processes. These microorganisms are basically 10, belonging to Bacteria: Acidiphilium sp., Leptospirillum sp., Sulfobacillus sp., Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans; and Archaea: Acidianus sp., Ferroplasma sp., Metallosphaera sp., Sulfolobus sp. and Thermoplasma sp.The method comprises performing a PCR with specific primers designed in our laboratories for different taxons SEQ ID No. 4 to SEQ ID No.: 407. With qPCR results and other data obtained from the analyzed sample, the microorganism concentration of each analyzed taxon present in the sample is calculated using a mathematical formula.
US08492089B2
Provided are methods of determining differences between nucleic acids in a test sample and a reference sample. In certain embodiments the methods are used for detecting and mapping chromosomal or genetic abnormalities associated with various diseases or with predisposition to various diseases, or to detecting the phenomena of large scale copy number variants. In particular, provided are advanced methods of performing array-based comparative hybridization that allow reproducibility between samples and enhanced sensitivity by using the same detectable label for both test sample and reference sample nucleic acids. Invention methods are useful for the detection or diagnosis of particular disease conditions such as cancer, and detecting predisposition to cancer based on detection of chromosomal or genetic abnormalities and gene expression level. Invention methods are also useful for the detection or diagnosis of hereditary genetic disorders or predisposition thereto, especially in prenatal samples.
US08492081B2
Fixed-dried blood cells carrying an active agent are described, along with methods of making the same, methods of using the same, and compositions containing the same. The blood cells are preferably blood platelets.
US08492058B2
The energy distribution of exposure light directed passing through the slit of an exposure apparatus is determined. A photoresist layer on a substrate is exposed over a plurality of shots while changing the intensity of the exposure light for each shot. Then the photoresist layer is developed to form a sample photoresist layer. An image of the developed sample photoresist layer is analyzed for color intensity. Values of the color intensity across a selected one of the shots are correlated with values of the intensity of the exposure light to produce an energy distribution of the exposure light along the length of the slit. The energy distribution is used to change the slit so that a more desirable energy distribution may be realized when the slit is used in a process of manufacturing a semiconductor device.
US08492048B2
A redox fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode separated by an ion selective polymer electrolyte membrane; means for supplying a fuel to the anode region of the cell; means for supplying an oxidant to the cathode region of the cell; means for providing an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode; a catholyte solution comprising a modified ferrocene species being at least partially reduced at the cathode in operation of the cell, and at least partially re-generated by reaction with the oxidant after such reduction at the cathode.
US08492045B2
According to one embodiment of the present invention a fuel cell system comprises: (i) a plurality of fuel cell packets, each packet comprising at least one fuel inlet, at least one fuel outlet, a frame, and two multi-cell fuel cell devices, the fuel cell devices situated such that an anode side of one fuel cell device faces an anode side of another fuel cell device, and the two fuel cell devices, in combination, at least partially form a fuel chamber connected to the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet; (ii) a plurality of heat exchange packets, each packet comprising at least one oxidant inlet, at least one oxidant outlet, and an internal oxidant chamber connected to the at least one oxidant inlet and the least one oxidant outlet; the heat exchange packets being parallel to and interspersed between the fuel cell packets, such that the heat exchange packets face the fuel cell packets and form, at least in part, a plurality of cathode reaction chambers between the heat exchange packets and the fuel cell packets; (iii) a housing supporting and enclosing the fuel packets and the heat exchange packets; (iv) an oxidant inlet plenum operatively connected to oxidant inlets of the heat exchange packets; (v) an oxidant exhaust plenum operatively connected to the cathode reaction chambers; (vi) an inlet fuel manifold connected to fuel inlets of the fuel cell packets; and (vii) an exhaust fuel manifold connected to the fuel outlets of the fuel cell packets.
US08492042B2
Fuel cell systems and methods for providing power to an energy-consuming device and cooling of the energy-consuming device utilizing the endothermic process of desorbing hydrogen gas from a hydride bed. Fuel cell systems include a fuel cell stack, a hydrogen storage device having a volume of a hydrogen storage material, and a heat exchange system operatively connected to the hydrogen storage device and configured to heat the hydrogen storage material to desorb hydrogen gas therefrom for delivery to the fuel cell stack. The heat exchange system is further configured to deliver a cooled fluid stream to the energy-consuming device for cooling thereof. The cooled fluid stream may be produced, or cooled, by the endothermic desorption of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen storage device. In some fuel cell systems, the heat exchange system utilizes heat from the energy-consuming device to heat the hydrogen storage material for desorption of hydrogen gas therefrom.
US08492036B2
The present invention provides a cathode having a protection layer formed by a complex between the surface of a cathode active material and an aliphatic nitrile compound, as well as an electrochemical device comprising the cathode. Also, the present invention provides an electrochemical device comprising: (1) a cathode having a protection layer formed by a complex between the surface of a cathode active material and an aliphatic nitrile compound; (2) an anode having a passivation layer formed by a compound selected from the group consisting of vinylene carbonate, its derivative and an ether compound; and (3) an electrolyte solution containing a lithium salt and a solvent.
US08492028B2
A positive electrode material for non-aqueous electrolyte lithium ion battery (31, 41) of the present invention has an oxide (11) containing lithium and nickel, and a lithium compound (13) which is deposited on a surface of the oxide (11) and covers nickel present on the surface of the oxide (11). By this structure, it is possible to suppress decomposition of an electrolysis solution as much as possible and drastically reduce swelling of the batteries (31, 41).
US08492027B2
The present invention provides an anode of a lithium secondary battery comprising a current collector layer and an active material layer laminated on the current collector layer, wherein the current collector layer has a laminar structure without an opening, the active material layer has a network structure with an opening, and the shape of the opening in a planar view is a substantially regular polygon of pentagon or above and/or a substantial circle. The anode of the present invention can achieve charge-discharge-cycle property superior to that of the prior art.
US08492025B2
A pouch for battery and a pouch type secondary battery, and more particularly, to a pouch for a battery having a space for containing an electrode assembly, the space being previously formed in a vessel form, and a pouch type secondary battery using the same. The pouch of the battery includes a vessel type bottom having a bottom surface and lateral surfaces; and a cover type top for covering an upper opening of the vessel type bottom, wherein a chamfer or step structure is formed at some of the adjoining portions of the bottom surface and the lateral surface, and the chamfer or step structure is viewed in cross section cut off along a plane which is perpendicularly to the bottom surface and approximately parallel to one surface of lateral surfaces. And the electrode assembly is contained by the pouch of battery to constitute a pouch type secondary battery according to the present invention.
US08492024B2
A wire arrangement body includes: a wire arrangement groove portion of a tank shape that has a bottom wall portion and both side wall portions; a lid portion that is rotatably connected to one side wall portion of the wire arrangement groove portion through a hinge and covers the wire arrangement groove portion so as to seal a groove opening of the wire arrangement groove portion; and an engagement portion that causes the lid portion to engage with the other side wall portion of the wire arrangement groove portion when the lid portion covers the wire arrangement groove portion. The wire arrangement body is provided so that a center position of the hinge and a center position of the engagement portion are aligned in parallel with a width direction of the wire arrangement body.
US08492015B2
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a battery assembly and a cover for a battery fuse terminal. One embodiment of a battery fuse terminal cover comprises a base portion having a first end and a first hinge end opposite the first end, a movable portion having a second end and a second hinge end opposite the second end and a first hinge located between the first hinge end of the base portion and the second hinge end of the movable portion. The movable portion is configured to rotate relative to the base portion via the first hinge between a concealing position and an exposing position. A cover securing member is located on the base portion and configured to secure the cover to the battery fuse terminal.
US08492012B2
Disclosed is a secondary battery that includes a bare cell, a first circuit module, and a second circuit module. The bare cell includes an electrode terminal connected to one type of polarity of the battery and a plate terminal connected to another type of polarity of the battery. The first and second circuit modules are disposed on an upper surface of the plate terminal, and are disposed at opposite sides of the electrode terminal. External terminals, which are mounted on the second circuit module and are electrically coupled to an external device, are positioned higher than the electrode terminal. This structure of the battery minimizes the size of the battery.
US08492005B2
In joining a magnesium alloy material 1 (first material) and a steel material (second material), a zinc-plated steel plate 2 plated with zinc (metal C) is used as a steel material, Al (metal D) is added to the magnesium alloy material 1. Next, eutectic melting of Mg and Zn is caused so as to remove a product produced by the eutectic melting with an oxide film 1f and impurities from a joint interface. Moreover, an Al—Mg system intermetallic compound such as Al3Mg2 and an Fe—Al system intermetallic compound such as FeAl3 are produced, whereby regenerated surfaces of both materials 1 and 2 are joined via a compound layer 3 containing those intermetallic compounds.
US08492003B2
A heat sinking element and a method of treating a heat sinking element are provided. The heat sinking element includes a metal substrate. The metal substrate is mainly composed of aluminium. A surface of the metal substrate has a plurality of micro-nano holes and a diameter of the micro-nano holes is smaller than 300 nm. The method of treating a heat sinking element includes performing an oxidation process and an etching process on the metal substrate so as to form the plurality of micro-nano holes.
US08492000B2
Disclosed is a vulcanized rubber laminate in which both an unvulcanized epichlorohydrin-based rubber composition layer containing a specific polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound and a specific vulcanizing agent and an unvulcanized fluororubber composition layer containing a specific vulcanizing agent are heated and bonded, whereby, both rubber layers are firmly bonded. A vulcanized rubber laminate in which (A) an unvulcanized epichlorohydrin-based rubber composition layer and (B) an unvulcanized fluororubber composition layer are heated and bonded, wherein the unvulcanized epichlorohydrin-based rubber composition (A) contains: (1) a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compound having two or more (meth) acryloyl groups in the molecule, and (2) at least one kind selected from the group consisting of a triazine-based vulcanizing agent, a thiourea-based vulcanizing agent, a quinoxaline-based vulcanizing agent and a bisphenol-based vulcanizing agent, and the unvulcanized fluororubber composition (B) contains an organic peroxide-based vulcanizing agent.
US08491992B2
The present invention relates to a sheet-like construction element composed of composite material, comprising two metallic outer layers, a rigid polyurethane foam layer, and a compact polyurethane layer which comprises microcapsules with a capsule core composed of latent-heat-accumulator material, and also to a process for its production, and to its use.
US08491991B2
A microporous polypropylene film where film formability is improved in accordance with a β-crystal technique which allows microporous films to be continuously manufactured at low cost is disclosed. In addition, a microporous polypropylene film of which the specific gravity is further reduced is provided. Furthermore, a microporous polypropylene film with a significantly high permeability is provided. In addition, manufacturing methods for these microporous polypropylene films are provided.
US08491978B2
There is provided a multilayer article suitable for use as a fuel hose in an automotive fuel system and the like, which has an inner rubber layer, an outer rubber layer and an inter-mediate resin layer formed of polyamine-based resin between the inner and outer rubber layers.
US08491975B2
An inkjet print medium with a glossy ink-receiving surface, which includes a substrate, an undercoat layer containing acrylic-polyurethane hybrid polymer and polyoxazoline; and at least one ink-receiving layer containing inorganic pigment particles and a binder, wherein the undercoat is formed between the substrate and the at least one ink-receiving layer.
US08491968B2
A process for production of a functional film comprises a coating liquid preparation step (12) of preparing a coating liquid; an application step (14) of applying a monolayer of the prepared coating liquid onto a substrate (18); and a drying step (16) of drying the applied coated layer. At the coating liquid preparation step (12), a plurality of solute materials are contained in at least one solvent; and when D11 is a main diffusion coefficient of a solute material A having functionality of the plurality of solute materials A and B and D22 is a main diffusion coefficient of the other solute material B, the other solute material B is selected so that an inequality A D11
US08491959B2
In various embodiments, a sputtering target initially formed by ingot metallurgy or powder metallurgy and comprising a sputtering-target material is provided, the sputtering-target material (i) comprising a refractory metal, (ii) defining a recessed furrow therein, and (iii) having a first grain size and a first crystalline microstructure. A powder is spray-deposited within the furrow to form a layer therein, the layer (i) comprising the metal, (ii) having a second grain size finer than the first grain size, and (iii) having a second crystalline microstructure more random than the first crystalline microstructure. Spray-depositing the powder within the furrow forms a distinct boundary line between the layer and the sputtering-target material.
US08491956B2
An encapsulation apparatus capable of securely sealing a gap of a display panel and improving intensity of the display panel, and a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device using the encapsulation apparatus are taught. The encapsulation apparatus includes an injection port having tapered projecting edges formed in both sides of one end the injection port, and injecting a reinforcing material into a gap of a display panel in a dual surface contact manner, the first substrate and the second substrate being attached to each other using a sealant; and a supporter coupled to the injection port and supporting the injection port.
US08491952B2
A red chili sauce formulation which does not contain fried roux is prepared from other traditional ingredients and rather than fried roux, comprises malted barley flour.
US08491945B2
Oral composition comprising a Camellia extract of semi-oxidized tissue from a member of the genus Camellia and an enhancing agent.
US08491941B1
Disclosed is a composition and methods of use for treating and preventing the scarring of skin rashes. When used, the composition of the invention effectively relieves itching, promotes healing, and prevents scarring of skin rashes and irritations. The composition of the invention may be applied as a spray, foam, or gel.
US08491937B2
The invention provides a multivitamin and mineral nutritional supplement composition comprising at least one polyvalent metal and at least one oxidizable vitamin with substantially improved resistance to reactions that lead to darkening and/or spotting and reactions that may reduce the potency of oxidizable vitamins. The composition is a multivitamin and mineral composition comprising at least one polyvalent metal and at least one oxidizable vitamin wherein the composition is substantially free of mobile bound water. The invention also includes methods for making such a composition and methods of preventing or reducing oxidation, improving the stability of oxidizable vitamins, and stabilizing the disintegration time of a multi-vitamin and mineral nutritional supplement composition.
US08491927B2
A pharmaceutical composition for induction therapy which has a hypomethylating agent and a histone deacetylase inhibitor (“HDAC inhibitor”); wherein the hypomethylating agent is a DNA and histone methylation inhibitor such as cladribine and the HDAC inhibitor is, for example, entinostat, panobinostat, vorinostat, and/or romedepsin; further wherein the hypomethylating agent and the HDAC inhibitor are combined in formulations for various administrations including e.g., a continuous delivery system such as a transdermal patch of at least one reservoir or a plurality of reservoirs, oral, a fixed-dose oral combination, intravenous, and combinations thereof. This pharmaceutical composition for induction therapy is used with a monoclonal antibody in the treatment of various cancers, sarcomas, and other malignancies.
US08491926B2
A system and method are provided for targeted and individualized delivery of multiple skin benefit agents to the skin of a user. The image of a predetermined treatment area of the user's skin is first captured by an imaging device. Selective data input from analysis tools and the end user is then analyzed by a computing device to generate a unique skin profile for the user, which is indicative of the skin conditions at the predetermined treatment area. Based on such skin profile, a printing device prints out one or more cosmetic delivery sheets that can be applied to the predetermined treatment area. Each of the cosmetic delivery sheets contains a substrate with multiple isolate, discrete regions, while at least two of the regions are imprinted with different skin benefit agents for treating different skin conditions of the predetermined treatment area according to the unique skin profile of the user.
US08491920B2
The invention relates to a silicone-free skin protection composition, in particular a composition to protect against cold, containing the components a.) at least one oil with a pour point in accordance with DIN ISO 30 16 of ≦−10° C., b.) at least one polyol c.) at least one emulsifier d.) optionally at least one wax, where the viscosity difference in the temperature interval from +4° C. to +50° C. of highest and lowest viscosity of the skin protection composition has a value in the range from 0 to ≦20 000 mPas.
US08491918B2
Various specific meningococcal proteins are disclosed. The invention provides related polypeptides, nucleic acids, antibodies and methods. These can all be used in medicine for treating or preventing disease and/or infection caused by meningococcus, such as bacterial meningitis.
US08491917B1
A method for treating a patient with migraine headache in accordance with the present invention generally includes administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a Botulinum toxin in a pharmaceutically safe form with the administration being on the trigeminal cervical system, for enabling axonal transport of the neurotoxin from distal to central sites. More specifically, the administration includes extramuscular injection of the neurotoxin over the aponeurotic fascia of the scalp for enabling the neurotoxin to diffuse into distal sensory nerves, in order to enable concentration over the occipital-parietal-frontal head region.
US08491916B2
Substantially avirulent forms of atypical porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus and corresponding vaccines are provided which result from cell culture passaging of virulent forms of PRRS. The resultant avirulent atypical PRRS virus is useful as a vaccine in that PRRS specific antibody response is elicited by inoculation of host animals, thereby conferring effective immunity against both previously known strains of PRRS virus and newly isolated atypical PRRS virus strains. The preferred passaging technique ensures that the virus remains in a logarithmic growth phase substantially throughout the process, which minimizes the time required to achieve attenuation. The present invention also provides diagnostic testing methods which can differentiate between animals infected with field strains and attenuated strains of PRRSV.
US08491913B2
Two-domain MHC polypeptides are useful for modulating activities of antigen-specific T-cells, including for modulating pathogenic potential and effects of antigen-specific T-cells. Exemplary MHC class II-based recombinant T-cell ligands (RTLs) of the invention include covalently linked β1 and α1 domains, and MHC class I-based molecules that comprise covalently linked α1 and α2 domains. These polypeptides may also include covalently linked antigenic determinants, toxic moieties, and/or detectable labels. The disclosed polypeptides can be used to target antigen-specific T-cells, and are useful, among other things, to detect and purify antigen-specific T-cells, to induce or activate T-cells, to modulate T-cell activity, including by regulatory switching of T-cell cytokine and adhesion molecule expression, to treat conditions mediated by antigen-specific T-cells, including treatment and/or prevention of central nervous system damage relating to stroke.
US08491910B2
The present invention relates to compositions for preventing or treating allergy to ragweed by tolerization. The compositions are based on combinations of peptide fragments derived from the major allergen in ragweed pollen, Amb a 1. The invention also relates to products, vectors and formulations which may be used to provide polypeptides of the invention in combination. The invention further relates to in vitro methods for determining whether T cells recognize a polypeptide of the invention, and for determining whether an individual has or is at risk of a condition characterized by allergic symptoms in response to a ragweed allergen.
US08491909B2
The present invention comprises methods and compositions for immunotherapy. An aspect of the invention comprises administration of one or more allergens in compositions via oral and sublingual routes. Allergen compositions are administered in dosing intervals wherein the increase in the one or more allergens administered to the patient are provided in increasing volumes of a single concentration of at least one allergen.
US08491899B2
The invention provides immunosuppressive polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention provides mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides. Compositions and methods for utilizing such polypeptides and nucleic acids are also provided.
US08491890B2
Methods and compositions for treating central nervous system diseases and disorders are disclosed.
US08491887B2
An anticancer therapy using autologous cells or the like, which induces the regression of cancer or has favorable drug delivery effects and brings about reduction or withdrawal of a hypoxic region(s) in tumor is provided. Transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells, via intravenously or other methods leads to tumor growth inhibition, an increase of the vascular density with an enlargement of the vascular diameter, and reduction of a hypoxic region(s) in the tumor. Allogeneic transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells may be achieved to secure the cells for the therapy, however, autologous transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells from cancer patients would be desirable to evade rejection. When autologous cells are used, mononuclear cells are separated from the peripheral blood or bone marrow of the patient and cultured using an endothelial differentiation medium containing cytokines such as VEGF to obtain adherent cells, which can then be collected and used as endothelial progenitor cells.
US08491882B2
Methods and kits for preventing or reducing the likelihood of implantation failure or miscarriage in a recipient of artificial insemination are provided. The methods include administering into a recipient of artificial insemination in need of such treatment an effective amount of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF).
US08491880B2
A camptothecin/polymer dual phase drug release system is described that is stable in both liquid and lyophilized states. The polymer contains acetals and/or ketals.
US08491878B2
A sanitizing formulation comprising a solution of an acidic polymer and an anionic surfactant in a liquid vehicle. Suitable acidic polymers are those which include adjacent —[—CR1.COOH—]— units where R1 is defined in their structure, for example polymers based on maleic acid moieties which typically include —[—CH.COOH—CH.COOH—]— units, such as known Gantrez™ polymers. A suitable anionic surfact is sodium lauryl sulphate.
US08491877B2
The present invention relates to a composition comprising an effective amount of zinc-containing layered material, an effective amount of a surfactant including a surfactant with an anionic functional group, wherein the zinc-containing layered material has a relative zinc lability of greater than about 15%. The present invention further relates to a composition according to Claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises an effective amount of a pyrithione or a polyvalent metal salt of a pyrithione.
US08491876B2
Compositions comprising disiloxane surfactant compositions comprising a silicone composition comprising a silicone having the formula: MM′ where M=R1R2R3SiO1/2; M′=R4R5R6SiO1/2; with R1 selected from the group consisting of branched monovalent hydrocarbon radical of from 3 to 6 carbon atoms and R7, where R7 has the formula: R8R9R10SiR12 with R8, R9, and R10 each independently selected from the group of monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and monovalent aryl or alkaryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 6 to 13 carbon atoms and R12 is a divalent hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R2 and R3 are each independently selected from the group of from 1 to 6 carbon atom monovalent hydrocarbon radicals or R1, with R4 an alkylpolyalkyleneoxide of the general formula: R13(C2H4O)a(C3H6O)b(C4H8O)cR14 where R13 is a divalent linear or branched hydrocarbon radical having the structure: —CH2—CH(R15)(R16)dO— where R15 is H or methyl; R16 is a divalent alkyl radical of 1 to 6 carbons where the subscript d may be 0 or 1; R14 is selected from the group consisting of H, monovalent hydrocarbon radicals of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and acetyl where the subscripts a, b and c are zero or positive and satisfy the following relationships: 2≦a+b+c≦20 with a≧2, and R5 and R6 are each independently selected from the group of monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or R4 that exhibit resistance to hydrolysis over a wide pH range.
US08491851B2
A detection system in a portable assay reader device is enabled or activated after a user applies a manual force to a portion of the reader device, to an object supporting the assay test strip, or to the assay test strip itself. The movement moves a switch from an open state to a closed state. The closed state enables a detection system to monitor one or more test regions in the assay test strip for a reaction. The detection system can include one or more imagers, one or more electrical detectors, one or more magnetic detectors, or one or more optical detectors that monitor the one or more test regions for applicable visible, electrical, magnetic, or optical reactions, respectively. The one or more imagers or detectors transmit data to a processing device to determine the results of a test.
US08491850B2
A diagnostic test reader includes an assay interface, a locking mechanism, and a test unit. The assay interface is configured to receive a diagnostic assay. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the diagnostic assay within the assay interface in response to one of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader being given a first push in a first direction toward the other of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader. The locking mechanism is also configured to unlock the diagnostic assay within the assay interface in response to the one of the diagnostic assay and the diagnostic test reader being given a second push in the first direction. The test unit is configured to analyze the diagnostic assay.
US08491849B2
A writing implement sanitizer rapidly cleans and sanitizes writing implements for public or personal use. The writing implement sanitizer may comprise a sanitization container having sanitizer fluid or material therein. A membrane may be positioned within the sanitization container and may have one or more resilient or elastic openings configured to accept one or more writing implements. A cover may be used to enclose the sanitization container. In operation, a user may insert a writing implement into and through an opening in the membrane and into the sanitizer fluid. This action cleanses and sanitizes the writing implement. Further cleansing may then be provided and sanitizer fluid may be removed by a removal action whereby the writing implement is removed from the membrane.
US08491847B2
An apparatus for purifying exhaust gas exhausted from an internal combustion engine, using two or more honeycomb structure-type catalysts (X) and (Y). The catalyst (X) contains the support material of the zirconium oxide as a main component which loads a Rh component on the support material of zirconium oxide and substantially does not contain a cerium component, and a cerium-containing oxide which substantially does not load the Rh component, and the catalyst (X) does not substantially contain Pt component and Pd component. The catalyst (Y) contains the support material of the cerium-zirconium composite oxide as a main component which loads a Rh component on the support material of cerium-zirconium composite oxide and which contains cerium of 1 to 20% by weight, in an oxide equivalent, and zirconium of 99 to 80% by weight, in an oxide equivalent, and the catalyst (Y) does not substantially contain Pt component and Pd component.
US08491842B2
A system for storage and dosing of ammonia, including a solid ammonia storage material capable of binding and releasing ammonia reversibly by adsorption/absorption. The system is able to release ammonia gradually according to a demand that can vary over time with intermediate periods of no ammonia demand. A main storage unit and a start-up storage unit are provided. The storage units hold ammonia storage material. At least one one-way valve is provided via which the one main storage unit is in communication with the start-up storage unit. The one-way valve prevents any back-flow of ammonia from the start-up storage unit to the main storage unit. Heating devices are arranged to heat the main storage unit and the start-up storage unit separately to generate gaseous ammonia by thermal desorption from the solid storage material. A controller controls the heating power of the main storage unit and the start-up storage unit, thereby enabling ammonia release from at least one of the start-up and/or the main storage unit. A dosing valve controls ammonia flow from the storage units according to a demand.
US08491835B2
A refractory ceramic composite for an armor shell, comprising a ceramic core that is formable to replicate a portion of a three dimensional surface, e.g., of an aircraft, to provide ballistic protection. A method of making a shell of refractory ceramic armor capable of conforming to the geometry is provided. The shell is formed by forming a mold to replicate the surface area; arranging a ceramic core on the mold; and removing the mold to leave said ceramic core, and heat treating the ceramic core to a desired hardness. The ceramic core is in the shape of the surface area.
US08491832B2
An apparatus for forming a container generally comprises a first mold part having an injection mold portion and a blow mold portion and a second mold part having a core pin. The core pin is configured to cooperate with the injection mold portion in a first position to define an injection mold cavity for forming a preform and an integral cap. The core pin is also configured to cooperate with the blow mold portion in a second position to define a blow mold cavity for forming a receptacle from the preform. The cap may be closed at the blow mold portion to seal the receptacle. One or more threads may be formed on a neck of the container.
US08491827B2
A method for producing a flexible, three-dimensional coating structure with a surface curvature on the front side and an impression on the rear side for a flexible switch or a flexible user interface. The method is essentially characterized by the following steps: introducing an uncured, transparent casting compound into a compression mold with an impression that forms the shaping of a surface curvature; introducing a counterpunch that penetrates at least partially into the impression, so that the casting compound is distributed in the gap between the shaping of the surface curvature of the compression mold and the surface of the counterpunch and fills this gap; introducing energy into the casting compound, so that the casting compound cures to form a substantially self-supporting, flexible, transparent surface layer with a surface curvature on the front side and an impression on the rear side.
US08491825B2
The present invention provides to a method of producing fiber from tourmaline anion fiber; of which, polypropylene or polyethylene chip, TPE and submicrometer tourmaline particle are prepared and then rolled into submicrometer tourmaline agglomerate through granulation by double screw; then, take submicrometer tourmaline agglomerate and polypropylene or polyethylene chip, of which the content of tourmaline agglomerate accounts for 1˜10% of gross weight, and TPE for 1˜40% of gross weight; tourmaline agglomerate and polypropylene or polyethylene are melted into composite fiber or filter material via spinning, such that the fiber or filter material can yield anion and present outstanding gas permeability and mechanical property.
US08491814B2
The subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a negatively large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced regarding two characteristics thereof. The subject is to provide an AM device that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.The invention provides a liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy that includes a specific four-ring compound replaced by fluorine having a high maximum temperature as a first component, and a specific compound having a negatively large anisotropy as a second component, and provides a liquid crystal display device containing the composition.
US08491807B2
An abrasive liquid for a metal comprising (1) an oxidizing agent for a metal, (2) a dissolving agent for an oxidized metal, (3) a first protecting film-forming agent such as an amino acid or an azole which adsorbs physically on the surface of the metal and/or forms a chemical bond, to thereby form a protecting film, (4) a second protecting film-forming agent such as polyacrylic acid, polyamido acid or a salt thereof which assists the first protecting film-forming agent in forming a protecting film and (5) water; and a method for polishing.
US08491806B2
The invention is directed to a chemical-mechanical polishing formulation that includes: an abrasive particulate component; iodic acid; and water. The invention is also directed to a method for polishing a metal-containing substrate, the method including the steps of polishing the metal-containing substrate with a polishing pad at a suitable polishing pressure while the metal-containing substrate is in contact with the above polishing formulation.
US08491802B1
A method of forming an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) writer is disclosed. A structure comprising a bottom cladding layer and a near field transducer (NFT) is provided. A patterned sacrificial layer is formed over the structure. A top cladding layer is deposited over the patterned sacrificial layer and a remaining region of the structure not covered by the patterned sacrificial layer. A patterned resist is formed over the top cladding layer. A first etching operation is performed on the top cladding layer via the patterned resist, whereby a top cladding having a sloped region is formed. The patterned sacrificial layer provides an etch stop for the first etching operation.
US08491799B2
A method for forming a magnetic tunnel junction cell includes forming a pinning layer, a pinned layer, a dielectric layer and a free layer over a first electrode, forming a second electrode on the free layer, etching the free layer and the dielectric layer using the second electrode as an etch barrier to form a first pattern, forming a prevention layer on a sidewall of the first pattern, and etching the pinned layer and the pinning layer using the second electrode and the prevention layer as an etch barrier to form a second pattern.
US08491797B1
Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for preventing backflow current problems which often have caused debris and litter to pass out of screen type baskets used in storm water treatment systems. A half size or full size pivoting panel at the input end of a basket screen system placed in a storm water treatment chamber can downwardly divert incoming storm water so as to prevent back flow currents from being formed. The pivoting panel can work well during high flow conditions. A half size or full size pylon located in the input end of the basket screen can split and divert incoming storm water to also prevent back flow currents from also being formed. The pylon can work well during low flow conditions. Also, both the half pivoting panel and the half pylon can both be used at the input end of the screen basket. Still furthermore a gap in the floor before the input end of the screen basket can allow for sediment coming to pass down and collect beneath the screen basket.
US08491782B2
A process for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed is provided in which a hydrocarbon-containing feed comprising at least 20 wt. % of heavy hydrocarbons is mixed with hydrogen and a catalyst to produce a hydrocarbon-containing product. The catalyst is comprised of a material comprised of a first metal and a second metal, where the first metal is selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Ni, Co, Bi, Ag, Mn, Zn, Sn, Ru, La, Pr, Sm, Eu, Yb, Lu, Dy, Pb, and Sb and the second metal is Mo, W, Sn, and Sb, wherein the material is comprised of at least three linked chain elements, the chain elements comprising a first chain element including the first metal and having a structure according to formula (I) and a second chain element including the second metal and having a structure according to formula (II) where M1 is the first metal where M2 is the second metal where the material contains at least one first chain element and at least one second chain element and where chain elements in the material are linked by bonds between the two sulfur atoms of a chain element and the metal of an adjacent chain.
US08491777B2
Embodiments disclosed herein describe a system for producing enhanced wax alternatives. The system comprises a reactor with at least one inlet and one outlet and at least one high shear mixing device with at least one inlet and one outlet. The at least one outlet of said high shear mixing device is in fluid communication with at least one inlet of said reactor. The high shear mixing device may comprise counter rotating rotors. The high shear mixing device may also comprise at least one catalytic surface. Embodiments disclosed herein also describe a method of producing enhanced wax alternatives. The method comprises (1) providing petroleum wax and base oil; (2) mixing said petroleum wax and base oil with a hydrogen-containing gas in a high shear device to form a feedstock; and (3) hydrogenating said feedstock for a time sufficient to produce enhanced hydrogenated products.
US08491775B1
Water sanitizing apparatus is provided for pools, spas hot tubs and other similar bathing facilities that integrates an ozone generator and a chlorine generator in one unit, in addition to exposing a flow of water to be purified to ultraviolet radiation from the ozone generator for advanced oxidation reactions. In one embodiment, a mixing venturi allows for mixing various substances together prior to insertion into the motive flow. In another embodiment the venturi is constructed as inserts that allow tuning of the venturi for individual systems. In other embodiments, salt is added to a portion of the water flow as a concentrated brine from which chlorine is generated, or the salt may be simply be added to the water of the facility at a much lower concentration and chlorine generated from the flow of water through the apparatus.
US08491764B2
A chlorine treatment apparatus includes a housing with a cavity containing a chlorine generator for chlorinating a liquid such as water and at least three openings to the cavity. The chlorine generator may be an electrolytic cell. Some embodiments may include one or more plugs for closing the openings. The plugs may be keyed to operate with only certain of the openings. Yet other embodiments may include sensors for monitoring various aspects of the liquid such as temperature, salinity, flow rate, and chlorine concentration.
US08491750B2
A plasma confinement assembly for a semiconductor processing chamber is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of confinement rings disposed over each other, and each of the plurality of confinement rings is separated by a space. A plunger moveable in a plane substantially orthogonal to the confinement rings. A proportional adjustment support is provided and coupled to the plunger. The proportional adjustment support is configured to move the confinement rings to one or more positions, such that the plunger is settable in positions along the plane. The positions define the space separating confinement rings, and the space is proportionally set between the confinement rings. The proportional adjustment support is defined by a plurality of support legs, and each of the support legs is pivotably interconnected with at least one other support leg.
US08491747B2
A method for assembling an inkjet jet print head enables piezoelectric transducers to be bonded to an inkjet ejector without closing inlets to a pressure chamber within the inkjet ejector. The method includes bonding a polymer layer to a diaphragm layer having a plurality of openings, bonding piezoelectric transducers to the diaphragm layer with a thermoset adhesive, placing thermoset polymer in areas between the piezoelectric transducers on the diaphragm layer, and drilling inlets through the thermoset polymer and the diaphragm at the openings in the diaphragm.
US08491745B2
Thermoplastic laminates are fabricated in a continuous compression molding production line. A lay-up of laminate plies is placed in a recess on a carrying tool, and the tool is moved through successive forming operations on the line, including preforming and consolidation operations. The tool is separated from the fully formed part at the end of the line and may be reused. Use of the carrying tool reduces material scrap.
US08491729B2
Disclosed is a method for providing an anti-corrosion protective coating to a metal substrate that uses a coating composition comprising a resin and a polyfunctional bridging molecule to both bind to the resin and to chelate the bound polymeric resin directly to the metal substrate. One category of polyfunctional bridging molecules preferably includes at least one amine function to bind to a resin and at least one carboxylate, thiol, silane, phenolate, acetoacetonate, imine, phosphate, or phosphonate function to chelate to a metal substrate. It is theorized that the amine function can bind to certain pendent chains in coating resins through a Michael addition reaction while the carboxylate, thiol, silane, phenolate, acetoacetonate, imine, phosphate, or phosphonate functions chelate to the metal substrate. These polyfunctional bridging molecules provide an organic binding of the resin to the metal substrates.
US08491727B2
There is described an apparatus device for mechanically loosening scale inside a pipe arranged to convey hydrocarbon fluids from a production zone in a well, in which an actuator arranged in a housing includes an axially movable stem which extends through at least part of the housing and is provided with at least one cam, at least one cutting means is arranged radially movable in a recess in the housing, the cam bearing, by the axial movement of the actuator towards a first extreme position, against the cutting means, applying to it a push force directed radially outwards. There is also described a method of mechanically loosening scale inside a pipe arranged to convey hydrocarbon fluids from a production zone by using the apparatus.
US08491715B2
Disclosed herein are an ink containing a self-dispersible pigment and a salt, wherein the self-dispersible pigment is a pigment to the surface of a particle of which a functional group containing at least a group having a hydrogen bonding property and two phosphonic acid groups is bonded, counter ions of the two phosphonic acid groups containing one of K+ and NH4+; the salt is constituted by combining at least one cation of K+ and NH4+ with at least one anion selected from the group consisting of Cl−, Br−, I−, ClO−, ClO2−, ClO3−, ClO4−, NO2−, NO3−, SO42−, CO32−, HCO3−, HCOO−, (COO−)2, COOH(COO−), CH3COO−, C2H4 (COO−)2, C6H5COO−, C6H4(COO−)2, PO43−, HPO42− and H2PO4−; a cation concentration in the ink is 0.04 mol/L or more; and the viscosity of a liquid obtained by evaporating 15% by mass of the ink is less than 3.5 mPa·s at 25° C.
US08491712B2
A dehydration system is provided. The dehydration system includes an absorber configured to produce a dry gas and a rich solvent from a wet gas and from a pure solvent and a flash drum coupled in flow communication with the absorber for receiving the rich solvent discharged from the absorber. The flash drum is configured to produce flash gas from the rich solvent. The dehydration further includes a reboiler configured to produce a semi-lean solvent from the rich solvent and an inert gas system configured to strip the semi-lean solvent using at least the flash gas to produce the pure solvent.
US08491704B2
The present invention relates to a six bed pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system utilizing new and advanced cycles to obtain enhanced hydrogen recovery from a hydrogen containing feed gas (i.e., synthesis gas). In one such cycle each of the six beds has four pressure equalization steps, and at least one of the beds is receiving and processing said feed gas to obtain a hydrogen product gas (i.e., a 6-1-4 cycle).
US08491699B2
The present invention provides a method for producing silver nanoparticles by employing ethanolamine. The method of this invention can be easily operated and no organic solvent is required. Ethanolamine first reacts with a mixture of poly(oxyalkylene)-amine/epoxy or copolymers of poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (abbreviated as SMA) to generate polymeric polymers. The polymeric polymers then reduce silver ions to silver atoms which are dispersed in the form of silver nanoparticles. Functional groups of the polymeric polymers can chelate with silver ions and be stably compatible with water or organic solvents, whereby the silver nanoparticles can be stably dispersed without aggregation and the produced silver nanoparticles.
US08491693B2
This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods to beneficiate heat-dried biosolids or sludge pellets or granules as presently manufactured by municipalities or companies from a) dewatered municipal wastewater biosolids or sludges within the municipal wastewater treatment plant heat-dried biosolids production facility or from b) finished dry heat dried biosolids pellets or granules in a separate manufacturing facility from the municipal wastewater treatment plant to produce a fertilizer containing sufficient organic and inorganic plant nutrients to be valuable and saleable into the commercial agricultural industry. The present invention describes beneficiation methods to increase the plant nutrient content of the fertilizer and also to reduce the odors associated with traditionally-produced heat dried biosolids.
US08491690B2
A panel filter including a pleated filter media, a frame and a screen is provided. The pleated filter media is supported by the frame which is a one piece die cut frame or a two-piece die cut frame with integrally formed webbing and border. The pleated filter media is further supported by the screen on one or both sides.
US08491688B2
An elongated wire cage 3 for insertion in to a known type of fabric filter (not shown) includes a pair of cage sections 6 and 8 secured together by a pair of couplers 6 and 8 attached to respective adjacent ends of the cage sections and having compatible flanges 10, 12, 14 and 16 for securing the cage sections together thus forming the elongated cage 3.
US08491681B2
An abrasive product comprises an abrasive component and a bond component. In one embodiment, the bond component includes a binder and a filler component that includes a cryolite and at least one member selected from the group consisting of sodium oxalate (Na2C2O4), sodium borate (Na2B4O7.10H2O), sodium polyphosphate, opal glass, a hexafluoroferrate, and a hexafluorozirconate. In another embodiment, the bond component includes a binder and a filler component that includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of a hexafluoroferrate, and a hexafluorozirconate. Alternatively, an abrasive product comprises an abrasive component and a filler component that includes at least one member selected from the group a hexafluoroferrate and a hexafluorozirconate. The abrasive component includes at least one of abrasive particles and agglomerates of abrasive particles.
US08491679B2
A steam reformer may comprise fluid inlet and outlet connections and have a substantially cylindrical geometry divided into reforming segments and reforming compartments extending longitudinally within the reformer, each being in fluid communication. With the fluid inlets and outlets. Further, methods for generating hydrogen may comprise steam reformation and material adsorption in one operation followed by regeneration of adsorbers in another operation. Cathode off-gas from a fuel cell may be used to regenerate and sweep the adsorbers, and the operations may cycle among a plurality of adsorption enhanced reformers to provide a continuous flow of hydrogen.
US08491676B2
A diesel fuel lubricant as a replacement for sulfur lubrication in Ultra-Low and Low Sulfur Diesel fuels, the process for producing said lubricant, and the method of using said lubricant. This lubricant comprises alpha-olefins; low odor aromatic solvents; and at least one a base oil selected from the base oil group consisting of hydroisomerized high base oils and HT Severe Hydro-cracked Base Oils; as well as other ingredients. Also disclosed is a method for producing this lubricant.
US08491673B2
A method for production of a stacked battery having a step of determining in advance a simultaneously bondable number of electrode current collection tabs and a step of forming groups of current collection tabs, and a step of displacing the bonding positions of the groups of positive electrode current collection tabs or those of negative electrode current collection tabs relative to each other in the direction of drawing out the positive electrode current collection tabs or the negative electrode current collection tabs, or in the direction perpendicular to the direction and collectively bonding the positive electrode current collection tabs or the negative electrode current collection tabs, of each group under the bonding conditions.
US08491666B2
The invention relates to a finger element, comprising a carrier component (1), a first finger member (5) having a first articulated connection (2) to the carrier component, a second finger member (6) having a second articulated connection (7) to the first finger member, an actuator for the first articulated connection (2) with a motor having a drive shaft, and a worm gear having a threaded worm, and a toothed segment engaging on the threaded worm, and further comprising a coupling mechanism (8) between the first and second articulated connections. The object of the invention is to modify a finger element such that the finger element in the active and passive functions thereof and in the dimensions thereof comes very close to a natural finger. The object is achieved in that the threaded worm is positively mounted axially movably on the drive shaft and axially guided through separate guides.
US08491658B1
An implant for performing interbody fusion within a human spine, inserters for such an implant, and associated methodology. The implant is preferably formed in situ from at least two separate but lockable members (a base member and a closure member). The base member may be implanted into an interbody space first, after which the end plates may be finally prepared and the base member packed with fusion promoting substances before engaging and locking the closure member. The closure member provides structural support for the adjacent vertebral bodies (along with the base member) and may be selected after implantation of the base member having a specific length, width, height, taper, etc. . . . to ensure an optimal sizing of the implant for desired restoration of disc height, coronal taper, sagittal taper, etc. . . . .
US08491654B2
This invention relates to devices and instruments for implant insertion through a posterior lateral opening to the disc space. The instruments include an implant inserter, and the devices include a spinal fusion implant engageable by the implant inserter. The implant provides bilateral support of the adjacent vertebrae when inserted into the disc space from a postero-lateral approach.
US08491648B2
A method for facilitating treatment of catheter induced vascular injuries may first involve introducing a guide wire into a vascular sheath residing in a blood vessel, where the guide wire has a distal end and an inflatable balloon at least 15 cm proximal of the distal end. The method may further involve proximally retracting the vascular sheath while leaving the wire in place and observing indicia of the presence or absence of a vascular injury caused to the blood vessel by the vascular sheath or a procedural catheter previously advanced through the vascular sheath. If indicia of a vascular injury are observed, the method may involve positioning the inflatable balloon at or near the vascular injury and inflating the balloon to reduce blood flow past the vascular injury, while leaving the guide wire in place to provide subsequent access to the injury.
US08491645B2
A multifunction warming device for perioperative use includes a clinical garment and two convective warming apparatuses supported on an inside surface of the clinical garment. A first convective apparatus is disposed transversely in an upper portion of the clinical garment, running between sleeves of the clinical garment. The second convective apparatus is disposed longitudinally in a lower portion of the clinical garment and has separately inflatable sections, each for enabling a particular mode of warming.
US08491636B2
A system and method for controlling the inflation, ablation, and deflation of a balloon catheter. The system includes a balloon catheter, a console, a pressurized gas or liquid inflation source, and an umbilical system to deliver pressurized coolant to the balloon catheter. The system may include controller that monitors the amount of pressure and volume within the balloon catheter. During inflation, the pressure and/or volume of fluid within the balloon is maintained at a target amount in order to provide sufficient mechanized pressure against the desired target region. The system limits the inflation pressure such that a safe quantity of gas would be released should a leak occur. If the amount falls below a certain threshold level, gas or fluid egress is presumed and the inflation process is halted.
US08491631B2
A tissue fixation device includes a tack having at least two flexible arms on a first end of said anchor. A deployment device for deploying a tissue fixation device, wherein the deployment device is a deployment gun.
US08491627B2
A coupling system is disposed at the distal end of an interventional delivery system for coupling to an implant. The coupling device has a first and second prong connected at one end. The other end of the prongs open or close to release or trap an object, e.g., a bead tethered from an implant. A slot at the distal end of the coupling device allows extra degrees of flexibility for the coupling device.
US08491626B2
An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members that are pivotably coupled to one another and movable relative to one another. The first and second jaw members are disposed in a first configuration, wherein the first and second jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another, to a second configuration, wherein the first and second jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A magnetic actuation mechanism is operably coupled to one or both of the first and second jaw members and configured to generate opposing magnetic fields on each of the first jaw and second jaw members to actuate the first and second jaw members between the first and second configurations.
US08491625B2
An endoscopic forceps is provided. The endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. A rotatable sheath operably couples to the shaft and includes a camming member. A drive assembly includes a drive rod that operably couples to the rotatable sheath. An end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft has a pair of first and second jaw members. One of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member. Actuation of the drive assembly causes the drive rod to rotate within the shaft and rotate the rotatable sheath such that the movable jaw member moves from an initial position to a subsequent position.
US08491618B2
A skin pricking apparatus including a casing 1, a lancet 15 located within the casing, a firing button 9 arranged to transfer a user applied force to the lancet 15 to drive the lancet through the casing 1, and lancet retaining element 12, 13, 23a,b arranged to substantially prevent movement of the lancet 15 through the casing 1 until the user applied force exceeds a predefined threshold force.
US08491615B2
A medical balloon catheter including a catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon secured to a distal portion of the catheter shaft. One or more cutting blades are secured to the inflatable balloon by a first polymeric adhesive material forming a mounting pad encasing a base portion of the cutting blade therein, and a second polymeric adhesive material adhesively bonding the mounting pad to a surface of the balloon. The first polymeric adhesive material has a first ductility and the second polymeric adhesive material has a second ductility greater than the first ductility.
US08491609B2
A device for implanting a suture including an elongated shaft that extends from the main body and has a distal end that includes a pointed tissue piercing tip. A first suture support is mounted to the distal end, and a second suture support may be included. The first suture support has a first opening and is movable between a retracted position where the first suture support does not extend from the distal end and an extended position where the first suture support does extend from the distal end. A first suture capturing device is mounted to the distal end and is aligned with the first suture support. The first suture capturing device is movable between a retracted position in which it does not extend from the distal end and an extended position in which it does extend from the distal end.
US08491608B2
An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided and includes a handle assembly; a shaft assembly including a housing extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis; a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the shaft assembly; a jaw mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the shaft assembly, the jaw being movable between an open spaced-apart condition and a closed approximated condition; and a pusher bar reciprocally disposed within the housing of the shaft assembly and being detachably connectable to the housing of the shaft assembly, the pusher bar being configured to load a distal-most surgical clip into the jaws during distal movement and remain connected to the housing of the shaft assembly and in a distally advanced position during an approximation of the jaws.
US08491605B2
A dermatome assembly is operable to harvest a skin graft and includes an ultrasonic dermatome and a power supply. The ultrasonic dermatome includes a body and an ultrasonic blade assembly mounted in the body. The blade assembly includes a frequency generator and a cutting horn powered by the frequency generator. The cutting horn is spaced apart from the body so that the body is restricted from damping vibrational movement of the cutting horn. The dermatome assembly is operable to precisely control the thickness of the cut skin graft and also restrict the cutting horn from overheating.
US08491602B2
A single-phase surgical procedure is disclosed for creating a pneumostoma to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In a single-phase technique the pleurodesis is formed at the same time as the pneumostoma and does not require a separate step. The thoracic cavity is accessed to visualize the lung, the pneumostomy catheter is inserted into the lung and then the lung is secured to the channel through the chest wall creating a sealed anastomosis which matures into a pleurodesis after the procedure.
US08491590B2
Systems of manipulating (e.g., compressing or distracting) a spinal construct are provided herein. In general, the system can include a surgical sleeve extending from a vertebra and a fulcrum movably coupled to some component of the system thereby allowing the fulcrum to be positioned at various location along the length of the sleeve. As indicated, the fulcrum can be movably coupled to virtually any component of the system. For example, the fulcrum can be movably coupled to the surgical sleeve, to a manipulation device sized and configured to receive the surgical sleeve, to a driver configured to apply a manipulation force, etc. Additionally, methods for manipulating a spinal construct are also provided herein.
US08491584B1
The Intramedullary Nail System with Tang Fixation includes a nail for insertion into the intramedullary canal of the femur and a lag screw for insertion through the nail, into the femoral head of the femur. The nail is affixed to the inside of the femur using only extendable tangs that extend into the bone. Similarly, the lag screw is secured to the inside of the femur and femoral head using only threads and extendable tangs. Thus, the nail is held within the intramedullary canal of the femur, affixed internally by the lag screw and tangs, without the use of screws that penetrate the surface of the bone, and without requiring significant x-ray exposure.
US08491579B2
A device for directing energy to tissue includes a feedline and a radiating portion electrically coupled to the feedline. The radiating portion includes a distal radiating section and a proximal radiating section. The feedline includes an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a first dielectric material disposed therebetween. The device also includes a choke disposed around at least a portion of the feedline. The choke includes a second dielectric material disposed around at least a portion of the outer conductor, wherein the second dielectric material includes at least one opening defined therein, and an electrically-conductive member disposed in the at least one opening electrically coupled to the outer conductor, wherein the electrically-conductive member is configured to contact tissue.
US08491575B2
An apparatus for generating a correcting cut surface in the cornea including a laser unit, which can focus and move pulsed laser radiation; a first contact element; and a control unit, controlling the laser unit which has a standard setting which, when a standard curvature is imposed upon corneal surface by the first contact element, would lead to a standard cut surface. The standard cut surface has a known curvature with respect to a reference surface. The curvature, with respect to the reference surface of the correcting cut surface to be generated deviates from the known curvature of the standard cut surface. The apparatus includes a second contact element adapted to generate the correcting cut surface, which cornea imposes an actual curvature deviating from the standard curvature, thus generating a cut surface using the standard setting results in the correcting cut surface to be generated.
US08491567B2
A method and system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating an area of interest in a patient's body is provided. More particularly, a manually steered “rapid exchange” type catheter for a system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating an area of interest in a patient's body is provided. The catheter comprises a catheter body configured to be introduced to an area of interest in a patient's body, a device for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating the area of interest contained within the catheter body, and a manual steering device attached to the imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating device to allow an operator to manually steer the imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating device, wherein the catheter is configured to be mounted on a commercially available guidewire.
US08491563B2
A device for injection, comprising a body (1) provided with a first channel (2) for conveyance of a first medical substance and a first connecting component (3) having a first port (4) for introduction of a first medical substance into said first channel (2), the connecting component (3) being connectable to an external unit, and a second channel (5) for conveyance of a second medical substance and a second connecting component (6) having a second port (7) which can be opened by means of an injection component for injecting a second medical substance into said second channel (5), and provided with a third connecting component (8) being common to the first and the second channels (2, 5) and having at least one third port (9) for conveying medical substances out from said first (2) and second (5) channels, the first (3), second (6) and third (8) connecting components and the body (1) being designed as an integrated unit.
US08491557B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure include disposable wearable absorbent articles with extensible sides. In an embodiment of the present disclosure a disposable wearable absorbent article includes a front, a back, and an extensible side configured to connect the front and the back, wherein the extensible side has a substantially laterally extensible area, which includes a first area, bounded in part by at least a portion of a longitudinally outboard side edge. An overall lateral extensibility of the first area is substantially less than an overall lateral extensibility of the substantially laterally extensible area.
US08491554B2
The present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as pantiliners or sanitary napkins, which have at least one region of the article which is transparent to visible light. In one embodiment to whole article is transparent.
US08491551B2
A sealing wafer for use in an ostomy appliance is provided. The sealing wafer has an attachment platform with a distal surface capable of being attached to an ostomy bag, a proximal surface facing towards the user during use, and an opening having an inner boundary defining a stoma receiving opening. The sealing wafer further includes a fixed base member attached to the attachment platform and a rotating member arranged to rotate relative to the fixed base member. A sealing member is coupled between the fixed base member and the rotating member for providing a seal around a stoma and defining a stoma sealing orifice. When the rotating member is rotated relative to the base member, this rotation causes an increased or a decreased tension to be applied to the sealing member so that the diametrical dimensions of the stoma sealing orifice change from a first diameter to a second diameter. Thus a mechanical sealing member that can be used with one-piece ostomy appliances as well as with two-piece ostomy appliances is provided.
US08491548B2
A liquid streaming device and method of using same for treating a wound includes a body having a lower surface for application to skin region around the wound to be treated and to conform to the contour of the skin region, and an upper surface facing outwardly when the body is applied to the skin region; a recess formed in the lower surface of the body and configured to enclose the wound when the body is applied to the skin region, and to define a chamber closed on one side by the skin region and the wound, and on the opposite side by the body; an inlet in the body on one side of the recess for introducing a treating liquid into an inlet side of the chamber; and an outlet in the body on another side of the recess for outletting the treating liquid from an outlet side of the chamber.
US08491543B2
An automatic safety occluder provides an occluder for an infusion set that is biased in a closed position until an electrical signal is received that causes the occluder to open. Should the occluder fail to be installed correctly, or if power is removed, the occluder will return to its biased closed position, preventing free flow. The occluder may also be placed in an integrated unit such that the automatic safety occluder may attach to the tubing as a unit.
US08491541B2
A valve assembly for use with a catheter assembly is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for fluid engagement with a catheter assembly. The valve housing has an internal passageway for flow of fluids relative to the catheter assembly. A valve member is at least partially disposed within the valve housing and defines a valve passage. The valve member is adapted for movement within the valve housing between an open position wherein the valve passage is in general alignment with the internal passageway of the valve housing to permit flow of fluids through the valve housing, and a closed position to substantially occlude the internal passageway of the valve housing. An actuation mechanism is selectively movable in a general longitudinal direction to cause corresponding movement of the valve member between the open position and the closed position.
US08491529B2
Disclosed is a fluid dispensing device that includes at least one reservoir to hold the therapeutic fluid, at least one other unit requiring communication with ambient air, at least partly, to operate, and at least one housing defining an interior to retain the at least one reservoir and the at least one other unit. The at least one housing has at least one vent port formed on one or more of its walls. The at least one vent port is adapted to direct or communicate air to maintain pressure equilibrium between the air pressure in the interior of the at least one housing and the ambient air pressure outside the at least one housing, and provide communication with the ambient air to the at least one other unit requiring air to enable operation of the at least one other unit.
US08491528B2
Devices, systems, and methods interface a cassette with an eye treatment system console to provide coupling between the console and an eye treatment probe. The console may receive the cassette using a driven axial translation linkage that inhibits rotation of the cassette. The cassette may facilitate accurately positioning of a pressure sensor relative to a the console by allowing sliding movement between the sensor and a cassette body. Multiple peristaltic drives may be mounted to the console so that their rotors rotate about a common axis. An integrated mount structure may support and/or position components of the console which will interface with cassette, and an axially compressible vacuum connector of the console seal to a tapered vacuum coupler of the cassette.
US08491527B2
A needle assembly including a positive flush mechanism for use with a vascular access port. The needle assembly is configured to supply fluid to the port and to provide a positive flush to overcome negative pressures in the port that can potentially occur during withdrawal of the needle from the port.
US08491524B2
A method for tilling needleless injector capsules with liquid drug, whereby dissolved gas within the drug is replaced by a less soluble gas in order to reduce the inclusion of gas bubbles, or to prevent the growth of bubbles during storage and thereby prevent breakage of the capsules.
US08491512B2
An adjustable cervical collar comprises an orthopedic brace assembly adapted for extending around a neck of a wearer, and an adjustable chin support adjacent the brace assembly. An infinitely variable actuator operatively interconnects the brace assembly and the chin support, and defines a infinitely variable linear displacement range between maximum and minimum limits of travel. A locking mechanism cooperates with the actuator to releasably lock the chin support in a selected position within the displacement range, thereby custom setting a height of the chin support relative to the brace assembly.
US08491500B2
A lancet driver is provided wherein the driver exerts a driving force on a lancet during a lancing cycle and is used on a tissue site. The driver comprises of a drive force generator for advancing the lancet and a processor coupled to the drive force generator capable of changing the direction and magnitude of force exerted on the lancet during the lancing cycle. The driver further includes a human interface on the housing providing at least one output for communicating with the patient.
US08491499B2
Provided is a system for sampling and pretreating biological fluid. It comprises: a piercing unit having at a lower portion a capillary tip which is to be inserted into skin to a predetermined depth to take biological fluid therethrough; a dropper, connected to an upper portion of the piercing unit, having an injection tube at an upper portion thereof, the injection tube communicating with the capillary tip; and a reagent container, designed to accommodate the piercing unit therein in an airtight manner so as to seal an outer circumference of the piercing unit, functioning to contain a reagent for treating the biological fluid of the capillary tip of the piercing unit. The system allows even a novice to sample and pretreat biological fluid with high accuracy without the use of expensive precision devices. The system employs fewer expendable supplies, thus providing higher convenience for the user.
US08491498B2
A sample collection implement S1 includes a container 1 having an accommodation portion 10 in which a liquid 5 for suspending or diluting a sample is accommodated, a sample collection stick 2 being able to be disposed in the accommodation portion 10, a filter 3 provided inside the container 1, and a movable member 4 that can be moved in a predetermined direction inside the container 1 and has a function of pushing the liquid 5 and causing the liquid to pass through the filter 3, when moved in the predetermined direction. With such a configuration, when the liquid 5 is filtered, it is not necessary to move the filter 3 by directly pushing it and a filter with a low mechanical strength can be used as the filter 3. In addition, it is not necessary to use a centrifugal apparatus.
US08491496B2
A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining and storing multiple tissue samples. The device permits the tissue samples to be stored in an end to end configuration. The device can include a sample tube having a sample lumen and a generally parallel vacuum lumen. A movable member, such as rod, can be advanced to uncover a predetermined number of fluid passageways between the sample lumen and the vacuum lumen as each sample is severed.
US08491493B2
A method and system for assessing the health status of a patient, such as the asthma status of a patient, provides an asthma status score and a confidence rating indicative of the score's reliability using continuous real-time data. In some embodiments, the assessment comprises a multidimensional analysis in which asthma status scores and respective confidence ratings are generated for multiple individual asthma health dimensions as well as a summary asthma health dimension indicative of overall asthma health. In some embodiments, the individual dimensions include an environmental trigger dimension based on sensor-based environmental data, a physiological burden dimension based on sensor-based physiological data, a medication adherence dimension based on patient diary data and a perceived symptom dimension based on patient diary data.
US08491490B2
An analyzing apparatus comprises a first counter part and a second counter part. The first counter part determines a significant respiratory disorder pattern based on the average of multiple amplitudes included in a respiratory signal, and counts the number of respiratory disorders. The second counter part that determines, when the number of respiratory disorders per unit time counted by the first counter part is greater than a predetermined number, a significant respiratory disorder pattern by the values of individual amplitudes included in the respiratory signal, and again counts the number of respiratory disorders. A more accurate apnea hypopnea index is obtained for serious patients, and accuracy as PSG screening examination can be increased.
US08491489B2
A system, medium, and method conducing a user's breathing, in which a sound generated during a user's exhale and/or an ambient temperature change occurring during the exhale is sensed to measure a respiratory waveform of the user. Respiratory information of the user may then be produced from the respiratory waveform, and when the respiratory information of the user is different from normal respiratory information of the user, breathing information according to the normal respiratory information may be provided to the user so the user can use the same to modify their breathing.
US08491488B1
A system is provided for creating a sound profile that matches sounds produced by a patient during a physical examination, such as a cardiac or pulmonary examination. A user selects multiple sounds from a library and combines them to form the profile which may then be modified by the addition of further sounds, adjustments to their relative timing, duration, loudness, and so forth. The refinement continues iteratively, and after each change the profile is provided by the system to the user, for example, as a phonocardiogram for comparison against the sounds observed during the examination.
US08491484B2
The systems and methods described herein provide for a forward looking guidewire having a reduced radial cross-section for increased maneuverability and use of the guidewire within more narrow vasculature. The guidewire can include an elongate tubular member having a distal region, proximal region and inner lumen and a forward looking imaging device coupled with the distal end of the guidewire. The distal region of the guidewire can be relatively more flexible than the proximal region. The guidewire can also include a second, side looking imaging device, which can be coupled around a longitudinal portion of the guidewire in the radial or proximal regions.
US08491482B2
Method and system for non-invasive quantification of tissue perfusion obtainable by a destruction-reperfusion process that provide a signal representative of local agent concentration during reperfusion, by deriving at least one local tissue perfusion value. The system is configured to adjust or relate function of time with S-shape characteristics to the signal proportional to the local agent concentration during reperfusion, and making a correspondence between at least one value of at least one parameter of the function with S-shape characteristics with at least one local tissue perfusion value (such as mean velocity, mean transit time, mean flow, perfusion volume) or attribute (such as the blood flow pattern, flow distribution variance or skewness).
US08491479B2
An ultrasound machine is configured for developing new modes for obtaining images or other useful information from ultrasound signals. The machine has a data processor configured to control a transmit circuit to generate ultrasound signals. Echo signals are received and digitized to yield RF data that is stored in a memory accessible to the data processor. A user can operate design mode application software to change the manner in which the RF data is processed to yield images or other useful information. New modes can be developed rapidly. The data processor may comprise a conventional personal computer equipped with suitable interfaces. An ultrasound machine may include and use a floating point processor for processing ultrasound signals.
US08491477B2
An in vivo source of compression is used to cause a bodily structure of interest to expand and contract. Ultrasound signals are incident and their echoes are processed by a strain processor. Resulting strain images are freed from noise caused by external sources of compression. A tissue stiffness index is calculated to obtain quantitative measure of stiffness.
US08491470B1
A viewing system associated with a conventional otoscope enables a person to examine the interior of his or her own ear. The viewing system utilizes a box-like enclosure containing a first mirror that reflects an image of the ear forwardly of the user's face, and a remote mirror that reflects the image back to the user's face.
US08491456B2
A wearable infrastructure is used with a music/multimedia player to acoustically provide at last one symbol sequence to at least one biologically active zone on the user wearing the wearable infrastructure. The invention includes the symbol coding sequence as a program system comprising program steps residing in a memory accessibly coupled to a computer within the music/multimedia player, directing the music/multimedia player to deliver the symbol sequence to at least one of the possibly multiple transponders. The program steps are often coded in an intermediate language interpreted by the computer.
US08491446B2
An exemplary exercise device includes a handheld force sensor with complementary male and female connectors extending from opposite sides thereof. The force sensor senses pulling and/or pushing forces exerted between the opposing sides. The male connector may be resistant to travel through the female connector except in limited orientations. The connectors allow the exercise device to interface with any mobile or immobile device having complementary connectors. Non-complementary connectors can connect with the exercise device through a body passage. Depending on devices interfaced with the exercise device, force readings can be taken during a vast variety of motions using different muscle groups during training, exercise, and rehabilitation/physical therapy in homes, schools, healthcare facilities, health clubs, etc. Force readings from the force sensor may be communicated via wired and/or wireless technologies to other devices for live (real-time) processing and display as well as additional historical analysis and reporting.
US08491441B2
A hybrid vehicle control device is provided with an engine stop control section and a fuel injection control section. The engine stop control section is configured to issue an engine speed reduction command to reduce an engine speed of an engine during an engine stopping operation occurring in response to establishment of an engine stop condition by using an electric motor and slip engaging a drive-wheel side clutch disposed between the electric motor and a drive wheel such that the drive-wheel side clutch transmits rotational torque between the electric motor and the drive wheel. The fuel injection control section is configured to issue a fuel injection command to continue fuel injection during the engine stopping operation until the engine speed decreases below a prescribed engine speed whereupon the fuel injection is stopped.
US08491436B2
A planetary carrier includes a journal bearing for supporting a planetary gear. The journal bearing receives lubricant to produce a lubricant film to support gear loads. A torque frame is attached to the carrier housing to transmit torque and to prevent twisting of the carrier housing. The torque frame includes several lubricant communication passages to provide lubricant to each of the separate journal bearings. Each of the lubricant communication passages includes an accumulator for storing lubricant during normal operation. The accumulator stores a desired amount of lubricant to provide lubricant to the adjacent journal bearing for the interim period between primary system stoppage and reestablishment of lubricant flow by a secondary system.
US08491434B2
A transmission assembly for a machine is disclosed. The transmission assembly may have a clutch pack, a first pressure chamber, and a second pressure chamber. The transmission assembly may also have a first piston configured to push against the clutch pack when pressurized fluid is directed into the first pressure chamber, and a second piston configured to push against the first piston when pressurized fluid is directed into the first pressure chamber and inhibited from pushing against the first piston when pressurized fluid is directed into the second pressure chamber.
US08491425B2
A transparent polyurethane ball contains polyvinylchloride decorative shapes which cling temporarily to the interior surface of the ball.
US08491424B2
The present invention relates to a folding assembly of a table tennis table formed by a tabletop and inner and outer support stands, and mainly using a buckle mechanism to fold the tabletop and the inner and outer support stands in an upright position to facilitate the packaging, transportation, storage and moving of the table tennis table. The buckle mechanism includes a lever, two positioning covers, two buckle plates and two torsion springs, and the lever is provided for snapping a protruding pellet into a buckle notch of the buckle plate to achieve the effect of fixing and releasing the buckle between the tabletop and the outer support stand.
US08491422B2
A swing exercising apparatus which can be used for improving a swing movement performed when practicing a sport or for other exercising purposes. The swing exercising apparatus comprises: a handle portion for grasping by the user; an elongated member having a distal end; a movable weight component for moving along the elongated member between a first position and a second position when the user swings the swing exercising apparatus, the movable weight component being closer to the distal end in the second position than in the first position; and a biasing mechanism comprising at least one elastic element for exerting a force biasing the movable weight component towards the first position when the movable weight component is located away from the first position along the elongated member. The biasing mechanism may comprise an attachment portion to attach the at least one elastic element, the attachment portion allowing the user to detach any of the at least one elastic element to adjust the force. The swing exercising apparatus may comprise a return mechanism comprising at least one elastic element for exerting a second force contributing to return the movable weight component towards the first position when the movable weight component compresses the at least one elastic element of the return mechanism.
US08491421B1
A handheld device for golfers is disclosed which determines the slope from a golf ball's location on the golf course to the cup or pin on a green. The device includes: a housing; a sight mounted on the housing for aiming the device at the flag of the pin; a tilt sensor for measuring the slope or tilt of the aimed device; a display wheel cooperating with the tilt sensor for indicating the slope or tilt of the aimed device; and, a chart affixed to the housing including actual ball to cup distances, slope indications and yardage adjustments which are added to or subtracted from the actual distances to enable the golfer to estimate the effective shot distance of the ball to the cup. A software application is also disclosed for estimating the effective shot distance of a golf ball to a target on a handheld device such as a smart phone.
US08491415B2
A putter head prevents a ball from sliding over a green while maintaining golfers' preferred hitting feel and roll of the ball. A face insert fitted in a face of the putter head has an outer layer which serves as a ball-hitting surface and an inner layer which is located on an inner side of a head body. A smash factor of a second polymer material forming the inner layer is greater than a smash factor of a first polymer material forming the outer layer. Two types of groove, grooves of a first groove group and grooves of a second groove group are formed in an external surface of the outer layer. The grooves of the first groove group may be 0.25 to 1.6 mm wide and 0.05 to 0.5 mm deep and the grooves of the second groove group may be 0.075 to 0.5 mm wide and 0.025 to 0.1 mm deep.
US08491381B2
A gaming system and method for exchanging one or more triggered individual bonus games for one or more current plays of a community game or one or more future plays of a community game. If an individual bonus game is triggered in association with an individual gaming device, the gaming system enables the player to: (i) play the triggered individual bonus game, (ii) skip the individual bonus game and play or participate in a community or group game, or (iii) skip the individual bonus game and save an entry to play or participate in a future community or group game. In these embodiments, the gaming system determines one or more features or attributes of the available community game (which the player may play or defer play of) based, at least in part, on which of a plurality of different individual bonus games are triggered.
US08491374B2
A gaming apparatus and a game controller for a gaming apparatus is provided. A game provided on the gaming apparatus under the control of the game controller is arranged to play a first game in the form of a wheel game having a number of outcome indicating parts. It is also arranged to play a further game, in the form of a symbol game, a function of which is based on an outcome of the wheel game. In one embodiment, a function of one or more symbols in the symbol game is determined by an outcome of the wheel game.
US08491371B2
A method for playing a game of chance and system for facilitating the play of the game are disclosed. The method of playing the game of chance includes receiving a ticket containing a set of playing cards. The method of playing the game of chance further includes viewing a display screen that displays a second set of playing cards. The method of playing the game further includes receiving a prize if the combination of the playing cards on the ticket and the playing cards on the display matches a predetermined pattern.
US08491370B2
An opportunity for higher awards for particular winning outcomes in a wagering game enhances the entertainment and enticement provided by a wagering game. In one embodiment, the opportunity is provided when the player has an initial set of indicia which contains a winning outcome. The opportunity allows a player to forgo this initial winning outcome for the chance to obtain increased awards for other winning outcomes. In this manner, the opportunity enhances a wagering game by allowing players a choice to take the award for the initial winning outcome or to risk this award in return for the chance to win increased awards for other winning outcomes. The increased awards for each winning outcome may be slight or substantial depending on the odds of the winning outcome occurring from the player's initial set of indicia.
US08491366B2
A system for betting on fractional times comprises a memory coupled to a processor. The memory stores a first betting option comprising a bet that a particular participant in a race will finish a predetermined length of the race in a first range of fractional times. The memory further stores a second betting option comprising a bet that the particular participant in the race will finish the predetermined length of the race in a second range of fractional times. The processor receives a plurality of bets on at least one of the first betting option and the second betting option and determines an actual time for the particular participant to finish the predetermined length of the race. The processor then determines which of the plurality of bets are winning bets based at least in part upon the determination of the actual time and the corresponding betting options.
US08491365B2
A battle volleyball or other sports game having both sports and battle game aspects is played between opposing teams. A game object, having at least one associated characteristic, is used in the game. An associated characteristic of the game object is altered based on properly timed player input, the input being timed to coincide with one or more action indicators displayed along a game object movement path. The game object may also negatively affect a health or other game character related parameter of a game character towards which the game object is directed.
US08491363B2
An air flap device (10) for a cooling or/and freezing appliance of kitchen equipment comprises an air flap (18) which is mounted so that it can pivot about a first axis of rotation (20) between an open position and a closed position, uncovers an air passage opening for the passage of air in the open position and at least substantially blocks the air passage opening against the passage of air in the closed position, and a motor-driven flap operating mechanism for pivoting the air flap. According to the invention, the flap operating mechanism comprises a rotary member (26) which is disposed so as to be driven about a second axis of rotation (28) as well as a separate force transmission member (32) which serves to transmit force between the rotary member and the air flap, is coupled to the rotary member at a point lying eccentrically to the second axis of rotation and is coupled to the air flap (18) at a point lying at a distance from the first axis of rotation.
US08491361B2
A hand-held tool for resurfacing wiper blades which may be utilized with the wiper blade still installed on a vehicle. The tool includes a case having a rectangular cross section. Enclosed within the case are two resurfacing stones: a first resurfacing stone having a rougher surface and a second polishing stone for applying a final finish to the wiper blade. One or more float springs are situated inside the case and between the resurfacing stones to apply pressure to the stones and to assure that appropriate resurfacing pressure is applied to the wiper blade.
US08491354B2
A blasting device includes a flow passage (14) for a carrier gas, the flow passage (14) forming a blasting nozzle (12) at its downstream end, and a supply line (22) for liquid CO2, the supply line opening out into an expansion chamber (26) that is coaxially accommodated in the flow passage (14), the expansion chamber (26) being formed by a pipe (20) that is held at its upstream end by a holder (18) which is passed by the flow of carrier gas in the flow passage, and in that the supply line (22) extends through the holder (18) in transverse direction of the flow passage and opens into an expansion valve (24) that extends in parallel with the axis of the flow passage (14).
US08491351B2
The embodiments of the invention provide for a toy vehicle having a smoking tire function where during play of the toy vehicle the simulated smoke gives the toy vehicle an appearance of the toy vehicle performing a burnout, such as that which is seen as being performed by high horse powered drift cars, where the simulated smoke is generated by heating of a smoke fluid or through a water fogger. In either case the simulated smoke is released proximate the at least a wheel thereof to give the toy vehicle an appearance of having smoking tires.
US08491350B2
An offshore production system comprising a floating production unit, a production buoy, and a modular production transfer system therebetween. The modular production transfer system may include a support structure configured to be secured to an exterior side of the floating production unit, a moon pool secured outboard of the support structure, an inspection platform secured above the moon pool, a turntable secured to the inspection platform. The modular production transfer system may be configured to mate with the buoy connector and rotate within the moon pool, thereby maintain the buoy in a fixed orientation, while the floating production unit rotates about the buoy, during production.
US08491344B2
A connector (10) has a housing (11) with a cavity (13) and a terminal fitting (30) accommodated inside the cavity (13). A locking strip (37B) projects out on the terminal fitting (30). An inner surface of the cavity (13) has an erroneous insertion prevention part (22A) that engages the locking strip (37B) when the terminal fitting (30) is inserted into the cavity (13) in a posture erroneous in an orientation about an axis thereof, thus preventing erroneous insertion of the terminal fitting (30) into the cavity (13).
US08491340B2
An edge connector is provided that accommodates printed circuit boards (PCB) of varying thickness. Embodiments include a body; a set of card connector engagement pins coupled to the body, the set of card connector engagement pins coupling with a circuit card connector; and the set of PCB engagement pins coupled to the body, the set of PCB engagement pins receiving contact pads of the PCB, wherein each PCB engagement pin includes a contact point that slopes away from the body of the edge connector, wherein the contact point of each PCB engagement pin slopes in an opposite direction from the contact point of the other PCB engagement pin in the set, wherein each PCB engagement pin is flexible inward toward the body of the edge connector.
US08491326B2
There is provided a downsized electrical connection box in which the reliability of the mechanical connection between blocks provided in the electrical connection box is improved. The electrical connection box 1 includes a plurality of electric components, a first block 3 mounted with the electric components and a second block mounted with the electric components. The first block 3 includes a tubular-shaped first member 32, 33 projecting towards the second block 5. The second block 5 includes a second member 52, 53 arranged to be slidably inserted into the first member. The first and the second blocks 3, 5 are coupled to each other by slidably inserting the second member 52, 53 into the first member 32, 33. At least one electric component 8 of the plurality of electric components is received inside the first and the second members 32, 52, 33, 53.
US08491310B2
An Education Device is presented for the classroom presentation of one single self-contained impulse, generated within an isolated system, having a substantial observable and verifiable impulse magnitude. The self-contained impulse is generated from a magnitude of spring loaded potential energy performing work on an inertial fulcrum arm structure rotatably suspended within a carriage and bearing upon it multiple inertial mass components in unequal pre-determined spacing. The work of the spring is causing a complex combined rotational and linear motion of the fulcrum arm-carriage structure involving the Hyugens-Steiner theorem. The potential energy magnitude of the spring is distributed into each inertial mass component according to each component mass moment magnitude The fulcrum arm structure is furthermore including a ballistic barrel containing a slidable impulse transfer bolt. An additional flywheel is mounted concentrically onto the final center point of gyration of the fulcrum arm structure for collapsing the acquired momentum magnitude of the fulcrum arm to zero, in a mutual reciprocal inelastic collision. The inelastic collision allows the continuation of the transfer bolt momentum to proceed within the ballistic barrel causing it to collide with a boundary of the isolated system of the device, accordingly propelling the device in a substantial observable longitudinal motion.
US08491299B2
A seal hardening furnace is presented in which seal lines in a liquid crystal display panel are hardened. The seal hardening furnace includes a cassette having a rack bar structure. The rack bar structure has rack bars for supporting the substrate along one direction and rack bar supports at ends of the rack bars that support the rack bars. The rack bars have air discharge openings therein. An air injecting passage is connected to the rack bar supports. An air supply unit supplies air through the air injecting passage and through the discharge openings to support the substrate thereon.
US08491297B2
A device for manufacturing a composite material part that includes a resin matrix reinforced by fibers and having a recessed shape with a small opening, whereby the device includes a mold whose shapes are adapted to those of the part to be produced, a compacting membrane and at least one shim that is placed in the recessed zone between the part and the compacting membrane whose function is to transmit the pressure exerted by the compacting membrane to the surfaces of the part that is in contact with the shim. The shim can be expanded and is able to occupy a first state before polymerization in which it occupies a low volume so as to allow its insertion into the recessed zone, and a second state, in particular during polymerization, in which it occupies a larger volume so as to exert pressure on the surfaces of the recessed zone.
US08491295B2
An extrusion apparatus including a die and a mask are provided such that no slots feed directly into the longitudinal skin forming gap between the mask and the die. In a method of forming a die adapted to improve skin uniformity of extruded cellular ceramic substrates a slotted block of die material is provided including central slots adapted to form a cellular matrix of the substrate and peripheral slots located outwardly of the central slots designed to be covered by a skin former mask and adapted to extrude peripheral batch material. An arcuate skin former is cut corresponding to a target shrinkage so as to intersect the slotted block such that skin flow from tangent slots at 90 degree positions of the die is limited to the peripheral batch material.
US08491292B1
Processing a composite material includes combining a nanomaterial with a matrix to yield a composite material. The nanomaterial comprises nanotubes. An electric current is applied to the composite material to align and disperse the nanotubes in the matrix.
US08491288B2
A hydraulic motor receives pressurized fluid from a source controlled by a human operator to convert the energy in the hydraulic fluid to a rotational output to propel a drive wheel of a machine. The hydraulic motor includes an end cover, a manifold, a drive assembly, a wear plate, a housing, and an output assembly. The drive assembly includes a rotor with external teeth and a stator with internal teeth formed by rollers having end faces. The pressurized fluid from the source flows through the manifold to the drive assembly and causes rotational and orbital movement of the rotor relative to the stator. The rotational movement of the rotor is transmitted to the drive wheel by the output assembly. A first set of anti-cogging passages and a second set of anti-cogging passages communicate fluid pressure to the end faces in timed relationship to reduce cogging or detenting of the rotational output of the motor.
US08491281B2
In one embodiment, a compressor includes a motor assembly configured to compress a gas within a compression volume, the motor assembly including: a stationary coil assembly; a moving assembly having at least one magnet, and a gap located between the stationary coil assembly and the moving assembly; wherein the moving assembly is configured to reciprocate axially with respect to the stationary coil assembly when electrical current is applied to the stationary coil assembly, and to change the width of the gap between the stationary coil assembly and the moving assembly so as to provide magnetic axial stiffness against motion of the moving assembly. One or more embodiments may be used in a cryocooler assembly.
US08491278B2
An auxiliary braking device can be used for wellhead applications having a progressive cavity pump. A housing of the device independently mounts on the pump's existing drive using a mounting member, and an adapter on the housing connects to a rotatable drive shaft of the pump. A hydraulic motor on the housing has a motor shaft mechanically coupled to the adapter by a plurality of gears or the like. A control valve couples to the hydraulic motor and operates to control communication of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic motor, thereby controlling rotation of the rotatable shaft. A controller and electric sensors can operated the control valve in response to the sensed rotation of the shaft. Alternatively, mechanical mechanisms can operate the control valve in response to the rotation of the drive shaft.
US08491272B2
A pumping-out apparatus provided herein is configured such that a follow plate is placed on a fluid surface of a stored fluid in a container, a suction port of a pump is attached to an attachment hole of the plate, and the stored fluid is pumped out by the pump. The pumping-out apparatus includes: the pump; a post on which the pump is fixedly provided; a lifted and lowered base on which the container is mounted and which is provided so as to be able to be lifted and lowered along the post; a tension spring configured to hang the lifted and lowered base and bias the lifted and lowered base in an upward direction to cause the fluid surface of the stored fluid in the container to press the plate; and a lifting and lowering operation portion configured to lift and lower an upper end portion of the spring.
US08491268B2
A propeller (10,110) has a hub (20,120) with blades (40,140). A safety member (50,150) is provided along at least a portion of the leading edge (43,143) of each blade (40,140); and the blades (140) may incorporate anti-cavitation slots (160).
US08491265B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for limiting the load on a rotor support structure when a rotationally mounted rotor becomes imbalanced. The rotor is rotationally mounted within a plurality of circumferentially spaced variable volume hydraulic fluid receptacles that at least engage the rotor and have hydraulic fluid disposed therein. Each of the variable volume hydraulic fluid receptacles is fluidly connected to a substantially fixed volume hydraulic fluid receptacle that has hydraulic fluid disposed therein and is coupled to the rotor support structure. When the rotor becomes imbalanced, the hydraulic fluid is continuously moved between the variable volume hydraulic fluid receptacles and the substantially fixed volume hydraulic fluid receptacle.
US08491263B1
A turbine rotor blade with a thin thermal skin bonded to a spar to form a near-wall cooled blade, the blade having a near-wall cooling circuit formed by plurality of multiple pass serpentine flow cooling circuits that have cooling channels formed within the airfoil walls and the platform, and with a row of cooling air exit slots that connect to the last leg of the serpentine flow cooling channels and open onto an upstream side of the tip edge so that cooling air is discharged to form a blockage for the blade tip. The airfoil walls include radial extending cooling channels that form the airfoil legs of the serpentine cooling circuits.
US08491262B2
A method for shutdown of a wind turbine having one or more wind turbine blades includes detecting an operational condition of the wind turbine that calls for an expedited or emergency shutdown of the wind turbine by a manner other than normal pitch control shutdown. Upon detection of the operational condition, one or more air brake flaps configured on each of the turbine blades is deployed by removing power to a fail-safe actuator operatively coupled to each of the air brake flaps. The fail-safe actuator is configured to hold the respective air brake flap at a retracted position relative to a suction side of the turbine blade in a powered state of the fail-safe actuator and to release the air brake flap for automatic deployment to an open position upon loss of power to the fail-safe actuator.
US08491256B2
A pitch drive device of a wind turbine generator and a wind turbine generator that have simple and inexpensive structures and that are capable of preventing a decrease in the reliability of the pitch drive device are provided. There is provided a cylinder (12) configured to change a pitch angle by driving a wind-turbine rotary blade (6) to turn around an axis with respect to a rotor head (4); and a cylinder bearing (14) configured to support, in a turnable manner, a trunnion (16) extending from the cylinder (12) substantially parallel the axis of the wind-turbine rotary blade (6), wherein anti-vibration rubber (21) configured to elastically support the trunnion (16) is provided on a support section configured to support the trunnion (16) of the cylinder bearing (14).
US08491249B2
A storage system (100) and a method for storing container articles (2) such as bottles or syringes, the system (100) is of a type associable to at least a supply line (1) of the container articles (2). The system (100) comprises: at least a support member (7, 8, 9) arranged adjacent to the supply line (1), which support member (7, 8, 9) affords a plurality of seatings (14) arranged side-by-side in order each to receive a plurality of container articles (2); and means (6) for picking-up a group of container articles (2) from the supply line (1) and for positioning the group of container articles (2) in a corresponding seating of the support member (7, 8, 9). The method for storing container articles (2) which are bottles or syringes in a plurality of flanked seatings (14) of at least a support member (7, 8, 9) comprises steps of: picking-up a group of container articles (2) from a supply line (1); and positioning the group of container articles (2) in a corresponding seating (14) of the support member (7, 8, 9).
US08491246B2
An exemplary securing structure includes a base, a fastener, and a spring mounted around the fastener. The base defines a through hole, and two slots located adjacent to and communicating with the securing hole. Two barriers are formed at a bottom of the base corresponding to the slots. A gap is defined between the bottom surface and each of the barriers. The fastener includes a head, a bolt, and two blocks extending outwardly from a periphery of the bolt corresponding to the slots, respectively. When the bolt is extended through the securing hole with the blocks extending through the slots until the blocks are received in the gaps, the fastener is then rotatable to cause the block to escape from the gap and abut on the bottom surface of the base, with the spring resiliently compressed between the head of the fastener and a top side of the base.
US08491245B2
A positioning assembly includes a fastener and a pin. The fastener includes a latching portion and a fixing portion coaxially connected to the latching portion. The pin is movably received and fixed in the fastener. The fixing portion defines a threaded portion in a side surface of the fixing portion and a pinhole in an end surface of the fixing portion. The pin is received in the pinhole.
US08491242B2
A cargo rollout stop includes a base, and a guide head pivotally mounted to the base. The guide head is movable between a raised blocking position, and a lowered non-blocking position. A retraction pedal is pivotally mounted to the guide head, and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the guide head. The retraction pedal permits downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its second position, and blocks downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its it first position.
US08491241B2
The invention relates to a device for reducing latch loads during the process of loading and flying air cargo containers inside cargo holds of aircraft. The device exhibits a floor plate of a cargo unit of a transport means, an edge profile, a rail bumper as well as a first damping unit. The first damping unit is situated between the edge profile and the floor plate, or between the edge profile and the rail bumper of the cargo unit. The first damping unit is designed for damping a movement by the cargo unit in a direction of movement of the cargo unit so as to reduce the loads placed on the cargo unit.
US08491240B2
A mobile pallet for loading into a container, the pallet comprising: a pallet chassis defining a leading end, a rear end and opposite sides of the pallet; wheels supporting the chassis for mobility; and at least one locking mechanism on one side of the pallet capable of extending outwardly of the pallet and locating against an adjacent inner side wall of the container to create a wedge between the pallet and the side wall thereby locking the pallet in the container.
US08491235B2
In a state where a rail drilling machine is attached to a rail, a drive source, a cutter support mechanism, and a support base are arranged on one side of the rail. A support plate having an upper support surface and a lower support surface is provided on either end of the support base in the longitudinal direction. The upper support surface and the lower support surface of each support plate contact a lower surface of the rail head and an upper surface of the rail foot, respectively, so that the support base is prevented from moving vertically with respect to the rail. The support base has a magnetic sticking portion located between the support plates. The magnetic sticking portion has a sticking surface that is stuck to a side surface of the rail web. In a state where the sticking surface of the magnetic sticking portion is stuck to the side surface of the web, the cutter attaching portion of the cutter support mechanism is arranged in such a manner that a rotation axis of the cutter attaching portion extends, on the outer side of the support base, toward the web.
US08491217B2
A water-ballasted molded plastic barrier system incorporates barrier segments wherein each segment employs a sawtooth reflective design, designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. Wire rope cable assemblies are internally molded into each barrier segment to create an impenetrable cable fence. The wire rope cable assemblies include steel bushings which are molded into the interlocking knuckles to further strengthen the barrier system.
US08491210B2
An oral care system and method wherein a dispenser is mounted to the handle of an oral care implement. The dispenser holds an oral care material and is alterable between a storage state wherein a dispensing end of the dispenser nests within the handle and an application state wherein the dispensing end of the dispenser is un-nested and exposed for oral care use. In one aspect, the invention is an oral care system comprising: an oral care implement comprising a head, a handle having a longitudinal axis, and one or more oral surface engaging elements; a dispenser having a reservoir containing an oral care material and an applicator for dispensing the oral care material; the dispenser alterable between: (i) a storage state wherein the applicator is nested within the handle; and (ii) an application state wherein the applicator is un-nested from the handle and exposed for oral care use.
US08491193B2
The present invention provides novel approaches to manufacturing and assembling linear motion slides that are quick and easy to install without requiring the use of fasteners. Additionally, the present invention discloses a novel track assembly apparatus that couples with standard linear motion support bases without the use of fasteners.
US08491188B2
A method for acquiring X-ray image data of an imaging volume is disclosed, the method using a detector and a distributed X-ray source structure having a plurality of single source elements, which are uniformly distributed with a common pitch to each other, the method comprises moving the distributed X-ray source structure and/or the detector with respect to the imaging volume, importantly, the maximum moving distance dmax of the distributed X-ray source structure during the acquisition of the X-ray image data is limited to the length lp of the pitch. Emitting of X-rays from the distributed X-ray source structure and generating a plurality of signals in response to the X-rays incident upon the detector are executed during the movement.
US08491180B2
A static mixing element for installation in a hollow body (10) includes a plurality of bar elements, with a first arrangement (21) including at least one first bar element (3) and being arranged cross-wise with respect to a second arrangement (31) which includes at least one second bar element (4). The first arrangement (21) and the second arrangement (31) include an angle different from 0° to the main direction of flow. The first arrangement includes an angle larger than 0° with the second arrangement. On projection of the first arrangement (21) and of the second arrangement (31) onto a projection plane which is disposed normal to the main direction of flow, intermediate spaces are disposed at least partly between mutually adjacent bar elements.
US08491149B2
A decorative light in the form of a candelabrum, chandelier, or sphere, the candelabrum and chandelier having a plurality of artificial flower blossoms, each with an LED. A control circuit is electronically connected to each LED and has electronic circuitry to cause each LED to illuminate at a preselected time each day, remain illuminated for a predetermined interval, and then extinguish.
US08491146B2
An embodiment of a baseball-style cap and stereo combination having a crown, a brim/bill, a sweatband, and two amplified stereo speakers concealed within the brim/bill is disclosed. The stereo components including a circuit board, an amplifier and battery are concealed within an inner surface and/or inner space defined as the area between the lowermost inner surface area of the crown and the inner surface of the sweatband when pulled apart from one another. Also included are wires connecting the battery to the circuit board and wires connecting the amplifier to the speakers both of which are concealed within the sweatband. A stereophonic music generator sends a music signal which is provided to the amplifier by any suitable means of communication, like an audio cord or wireless by means of infrared or Bluetooth wireless technology.
US08491142B2
Provided is a backlight assembly which can be assembled with increased efficiency and has improved reliability. The backlight assembly includes a fluorescent lamp which includes a fluorescent lamp tube and a pair of lamp leads formed at each end of the fluorescent lamp tube, end caps which surround each end of the fluorescent lamp tube and fix the lamp leads in place, and a power supply terminal units which supply power to the lamp leads, wherein an end cap exposes at least part of each of the lamp leads corresponding thereto.
US08491140B2
A lighting device including a plurality of electrically activated emitters having different peak wavelengths, at least one remote lumiphor arranged to receive at least some emissions from one of the emitters, and a primary electrically activated emitter spatially segregated and/or thermally insulated from a secondary electrically activated emitter. A lighting device including a plurality of electrically activated emitters spatially segregated from one another having different peak wavelengths, at least one lumiphor spatially segregated from one of the emitters, and a control device independently connected to each emitter or group of emitters. A method of producing a lighting device including a plurality of independently controllable electrically activated emitters.
US08491135B2
An apparatus determines a cursor position in an illumination field of a projector. An obstruction is detected in the illumination field. The cursor position is determined as the point on the obstruction furthest from where the obstruction crosses a border of the illumination field. A distance to the point on the obstruction is determined and compared to a distance to a point not on the obstruction. Gestures are recognized as a function of movement of the obstruction and the determined distances.
US08491130B2
A projection display apparatus 100, 200 includes a plurality of light sources 3a, 3b, a plurality of light source power supplies 2a, 2b configured to supply electric power to the plurality of light sources, and a lighting controller 6 configured to control the plurality of light source power supplies so as to select and light at least one light source of the plurality of light sources in accordance with each lighting history of the plurality of light sources. The lighting controller 6 lights a predetermined light source continuously after the lighting history of one of the plurality of light sources reaches a predetermined value, and the lighting controller 6 lights a light source other than the predetermined light source after the lighting history of the predetermined light source reaches a predetermined lifetime value.
US08491129B2
A projector includes: an external housing which forms an external case, wherein a bottom surface of the external housing as a surface opposed to an installation surface on which the projector is installed has feet contacting the installation surface, the feet has a first foot freely projected toward the installation surface and withdrawn from the installation surface, and a second foot disposed away from the first foot and projected toward the installation surface, and the second foot is inclined in a direction away from the first foot in such a manner that the inclination of the second foot increases in the direction toward the installation surface.
US08491125B2
A lighting device configured to efficiently combine light beams emitted from a plurality of light sources, and to emit high output light while minimizing light loss, and a projection type display apparatus including the lighting device. The lighting device includes: a first light source and a second light source; two converging lenses for converging light beams emitted from the first and second light sources; two right-angle prisms for bending the light beams emitted from the first and second light sources; and a composite rod integrator for combining the light beams emitted from the first and second light sources. Between an exit surface of each right-angle prism and an incident surface of the composite rod integrator, a predetermined air gap is provided. The focal point of each converging lens is located on an incident surface of each right-angle prism.
US08491122B2
A solution for attaining high-precision and reproducible measurements during opthalmological biometry and imaging includes an illumination unit for producing a fixation marker, a device for transmitting the light of the produced fixation marker into the eye, a measurement device and a control unit. The illumination unit includes a device for the targeted change of the beam direction of the produced fixation marker. A camera for the detection of the line of vision of the eye is connected to the control unit. The control unit determines the sufficient congruity between detected line of vision and displayed beam direction of the produced fixation marker and, in dependence of the degree of probability of the congruity, triggers a measurement. The suggested arrangement is applicable for opthalmological diagnostic devices, which exhibit a camera and a measuring system, whereby measurements can be taken in all areas of the eye.
US08491120B2
A method and apparatus for quantitatively imaging the retinal fundus. The method for retinal health assessment comprises imaging the retinal fundus of a patient's eye at different wavelengths within a spectral range and determining spectral reflectivity of the retina for each pixel within a field of view (FOV). The retinal health is assessed based on the spectral reflectivity of the retina. The metabolic and anatomical activity of the eye is monitored to detect, at the earliest stage, activity that could lead to the onset of blinding eye diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, etc.
US08491115B2
A printing machine for transferring a phase change ink onto a print medium includes a component for applying a phase change ink in an image, an imaging member for accepting the image and transferring the image from the imaging member to the print medium and a pressure member positioned in association with the imaging member to form a nip through which the print medium passes. The pressure member includes an outer layer with a tailored electrical conductivity to eliminate ghosting in duplex printing modes. The outer layer comprises a composite of a polymer and carbon nanotubes and/or graphenes. A similar outer layer may be implemented on a pressure roller in a direct-to-paper printing machine.
US08491111B2
A consumable supply item for an imaging device holds an initial or refillable volume of fluid. Its housing defines an interior having a pair of opposed electrodes. The electrodes define a capacitance that varies in response to an amount of liquid between them. A volume space filled by the liquid varies along a length of the electrodes. The design facilitates abrupt changes in capacitance values at each change in the volume space. Devices can recalibrate fluid levels at these changes. Electrode interior surfaces face one another. At least one electrode has an open region, such as a hole or a cutout of material. In another design, a support material connects to each electrode to provide mechanical stability and create a region preventing filling by the liquid. Further embodiments contemplate material selection, construction, and modularity, to name a few.
US08491108B2
According to one embodiment, an inkjet recording apparatus includes a plurality of inkjet heads, a common supply pipe, a common collection pipe and an ink tank device. The common supply pipe includes an upper inner wall from one end side in a longitudinal direction to the other end side, which is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction from the one end side to the other end side if an ink flow direction and opposite direction of a gravitational force are defines as positive axes. The common collection pipe is supplied with the ink from the common supply pipe at one end side in the longitudinal direction. The ink tank device supplies the ink to the one end side of the common supply pipe, and collects the ink from the common collection pipe.
US08491107B2
A consumable supply item for an imaging device holds an initial or refillable volume of pigmented ink. Its housing defines an interior and exterior. The interior retains the ink and an exit port supplies it to an imaging device. Users orient the housing to deplete the ink in a direction of gravity toward a bottom surface of the interior en route to the exit port. The ink passes through a mixing chamber having inlet ports arranged to restrict to multiple different heights the entrance of the volume of ink from the interior. As ink draws from various heights into the chamber, sediments in the pigment mix together. The design overcomes settling. It also avoids mechanical stirring and other complex mixing techniques. Further embodiments include chamber shapes, configuration of inlet ports, and construction of the supply item, to name a few.
US08491104B2
A liquid-ejecting head includes a pressure-generating chamber communicatively connected to a nozzle opening and also includes a piezoelectric transducer including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer disposed on the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the piezoelectric layer. The first electrode contains platinum and titanium oxide with a rutile content of 76.5 to 100 mole percent.
US08491103B2
Disclosed is an inkjet head including a channel substrate; a multi-interconnect structure formed on the channel substrate, including a vibration layer, plural piezoelectric elements each including a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer and a second electrode, and a common electrode interconnect electrically connected to the first electrode including a first common electrode interconnect and a second common electrode interconnect which has a thickness thicker than that of the first common electrode interconnect; and a support substrate bonded to the channel substrate through the multi-interconnect structure, the support substrate being provided with a first concave portion at a surface facing the channel substrate at an area corresponding to the second common electrode interconnect to accommodate the second common electrode interconnect.
US08491100B2
A piezoelectric ink jet head that includes a polymer film, for example a flex print, located between the piezoelectric element and the reservoirs in the jet body. The film provides an efficient seal for the reservoirs and also positions the electrodes on the side of the piezoelectric element in which motion is effected, which can reduce the magnitude of the drive voltage. This location of the compliant flex print material also can enhance electrical and mechanical isolation between reservoirs, which improves jetting accuracy. The compliance of the polymer also reduces strain on the ink jet head.
US08491093B2
A liquid ejecting head unit includes a liquid ejecting head having a nozzle forming surface provided with nozzle rows consisting of several rows of nozzles for ejecting liquid; and a head fixing member to which the liquid ejecting head is fixed with an intermediate member therebetween. The liquid ejecting head has an intermediate-member fixing portion to which the intermediate member is fixed. The intermediate member has a head-fixing-member bonding surface to be securely bonded to an intermediate-member bonding surface of the head fixing member with adhesive. The head-fixing-member bonding surface has a chamfered portion along at least a portion of an outer edge thereof, the chamfered portion being provided such that the distance from the intermediate-member bonding surface gradually increases from the inner side toward the outer side of the head-fixing-member bonding surface.
US08491090B2
An image forming apparatus including a recording head having an array of nozzles disposed on a nozzle face of the recording head, a suction cap to cover the nozzle face of the recording head, a cap holder movable relative to the recording head to movably hold the suction cap, an induction member provided between the cap holder and the suction cap to receive liquid dropping from the suction cap, and a discharge channel connected to the induction member through which the liquid retained by the induction member is discharged externally. The suction cap is first removed from the nozzle face of the recording head while the induction member still remains in contact with the nozzle face of the recording head so that the induction member receives liquid dropping from the suction cap upon retraction of the cap holder from the recording head.
US08491089B2
A liquid-droplet jetting apparatus which jets a liquid droplet of a liquid, includes: a liquid-droplet jetting head which has a nozzle for jetting the liquid droplet of the liquid; a maintenance mechanism which includes: a suction cap which comes into contact with and separates from the liquid-droplet jetting head and which faces the nozzle; a suction pump which sucks a fluid in a space defined by the suction cap and the liquid-droplet jetting head in a state that the suction cap comes into contact with the liquid-droplet jetting head; and a discharge tube which is connected to the suction pump and discharges the fluid flowing through the suction pump; and a maintenance controller which controls the maintenance mechanism.
US08491087B2
In an ink jet head using a thermal energy for ejecting ink, this invention aims to reliably and uniformly remove kogations deposited on a heat application portion in contact with the ink. To realize this objective, the upper protective layer is arranged in an area including the heat application portion so that it can be electrically connected to serve as an electrode which causes an electrochemical reaction with the ink. The upper protective layer is formed of a material containing a metal which is dissolved by the electrochemical reaction and which does not form, on heating, an oxide film which hinders the dissolution. With this arrangement, a reliable electrochemical reaction can be produced to dissolve a surface layer of the upper protective layer, thereby removing kogations on the heat application portion reliably and uniformly.
US08491082B2
When ink is depleted, slow printing is performed, and the print data of one nozzle row is created. If ink is depleted in a first ink cartridge, the print data is set to the nozzle row D, and ink is ejected from the nozzle row D connected to the second ink cartridge in which ink is not depleted, thereby performing the printing. Meanwhile, if ink is depleted in the second ink cartridge, the print data is set to the nozzle row C, and ink is ejected from the nozzle row D connected to the first ink cartridge in which ink is not depleted, thereby performing the printing.
US08491076B2
A method for driving a droplet ejection device having an actuator, including applying a primary drive pulse to the actuator to cause the droplet ejection device to eject a droplet of fluid in a jetting direction, and applying one or more secondary drive pulses to the actuator which reduce a length of the droplet in the jetting direction without substantially changing a volume of the droplet.
US08491071B2
Droplet discharge device, method for discharging droplets, and method for manufacturing color filter
A droplet discharge device includes a droplet discharge head, a feed reel, a drying chamber, a drying-gas-introducing device, a take-up reel, an imaging device, an analyzing unit and a control unit. The imaging device captures an image of functional liquid discharged from nozzles of the droplet discharge head onto a sheet member between the feed reel and the take-up reel with the sheet member having been dried in the drying chamber filled with a drying gas to achieve a predetermined humidity. The analyzing unit measures an area over which the functional liquid is deposited on the sheet member from each of the nozzles, and calculates a distribution of a discharge amount of the functional liquid. The control unit adjusts a voltage applied to the drive elements so that the discharge amount of the functional liquid from each of the nozzles approximates a predetermined optimum amount.
US08491059B2
A pivoting dump rack for an existing pickup truck. The pivoting dump rack is mounted on pivot mounts with a single axis above the tailgate end of an existing pickup truck bed. On each rail of the pickup truck bed a hydraulic lift is mounted on a support frame. The hydraulic lifts raise the rack while the support frame distributes the load on the hydraulic lifts as they are in use. The rack is long enough to extend from the tailgate to above the cab of the pickup truck while providing extensions mounted on each end of the rack to further lengthen the pivoting rack and to increase the length of loads that can be carried by the pivoting rack. An attachable dump bed may also be fitted on the pivoting rack to allow it to carry loose items such as dirt and construction debris.
US08491056B2
A six-sided box-type cushion is described that has characteristics that not only offer targeted support for the user, but also allow the cushion to be reversible in that the user's perceived firmness is the same no matter which seating surface is facing up. In particular, the cushion has a first, second, third, and fourth faces, and a first and second seating surface. The cushion comprises a plurality of substantially coplanar firmness zones, each zone having a uniform firmness throughout, and the positioning of the firmness zones relative to each other creates a firmness gradient from the first face end to the second face end of the cushion. The first firmness zone at the first face end of the cushion is the most firm, the third firmness zone at the second face end of the cushion is the least firm, and the second one or more firmness zones are of intermediate firmness. The cushion is at least partially enveloped by a cushion cover layer, and may additionally include a seating surface cover layer on each of the first and second seating surfaces.
US08491054B2
A vehicle seat system including a seat-bottom (1.7) and a.seatback (15) wherein the seatback (15) is prevented from rotating by both a recliner mechanism (50) and a latch mechanism (60) connected to the seatback (15). The latch mechanism (60) is configured to be disengaged to permit rotation of the seatback (15), to a forward position to aid ingress into a rearward positioned seat, which in turn releases a pair of tracks to shuttle the seat forward, to provide for easier ingress into a rearward positioned seat. When the latch mechanism (60) is released or unlocked, the recliner mechanism (50) release handle is free to rotate, but the lockout mechanism is prevented from, releasing the recliner mechanism. The seat is configured so that the seatback (15) unfolds and returns to the specific comfort position prior to activation of the latch mechanism release handle (23).
US08491035B1
An aerodynamic drag reducer in the form of an air deflector fairing is provided for a trailer which is secured to the lower ends of each of the lower side rails of the trailer. Each of the fairings have upper outer ends which are secured to the respective lower side rail and which extends downwardly and inwardly therefrom, then upwardly and inwardly therefrom and then inwardly therefrom. The inner ends of the fairings are secured to the cross-members of the trailer. The drag reducers of this invention reduce the turbulence experienced by cross-winds subjected to the trailer thereby reducing the aerodynamic drag of the cross-winds.
US08491022B2
The present invention relates to a sliding door latch having a locked and unlocked position for a sliding door having an open and closed position. The sliding door latch includes a handle assembly with a handle and a locking mechanism. The handle is a first position, wherein the locking mechanism is engaged and the sliding door latch is locked, to a second position, wherein the locking mechanism is disengaged and the sliding door latch is unlocked The locking mechanism may prevent the handle from moving from the second position to the first position when the sliding door is open. The handle is pivotable between the first position and the second position only when the door is closed. Resistance forces may prevent the handle from moving from the second position to the first position when the sliding door is closed without an application of force by a user.
US08491015B2
A quick-coupling device for circuits circulating fluids under pressure comprising a socket and a fitting element that can be housed in the socket, the socket including an outer body defining at least part of a first channel and comprising an annular cavity opening on the first channel, a substantially annular constraint element at least partly housed in the annular cavity and movable therein, and including a plurality of constraint sectors made up of circular sectors of the constraint element, moved radially and defining a release position wherein the constraint element is retracted into the groove so as to enable the fitting element moving relative to the socket, and a tightening position at which the constraint element secures the fitting element to the socket, an extractor partly housed in the outer body able to move the constraint element from the tightening position to the release position.
US08491009B2
The present invention relates to an anti-theft system for a camper. The camper is supported at its front end by a pair of spaced-apart jacks. The system includes a barrier having a first end operatively connecting to a first one of the jacks and a second end opposite thereof. The second end of the barrier operatively connects to a second one of the jacks. The barrier extends in a horizontal direction and is positioned and configured to prevent an unauthorized vehicle from passing underneath the camper and mounting of the camper onto the vehicle.
US08491002B2
Airbag covers include a covering portion adapted to at least substantially cover a portion of an airbag housing, and a plurality of tabs positioned to extend at least substantially transverse from the covering portion. The plurality of tabs are adapted to be coupled with a portion of an airbag housing. Each tab comprises an opening therein, and at least one tab of the plurality of tabs comprises at least one tear seam. Airbag modules including such covers further comprise a housing including an inflatable cushion and an inflator disposed at least partially therein. The housing comprises a plurality of cover retention components, each including a portion thereof disposed within an opening of a respective tab of the airbag cover. In forming an airbag cover, a covering portion with a plurality of tabs transversely extending therefrom are formed, and at least one tear seam is formed in at least one tab.
US08490988B2
A suspension cross member comprises a middle-portion attaching member which extends upwardly from a suspension cross member body, and a pipe-shaped attaching member which is supported at a support portion provided at an upper portion of the middle-portion attaching member. A side portion, in a vehicle width direction, a front portion and a rear portion, in a vehicle longitudinal direction, of a side face portion of the attaching member are supported at the support portion. A lower portion of the attaching member is supported at the support portion with a specified support rigidity, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, which is lower than that of the supporting of the side portion, the front portion or the rear portion of the side face portion of the attaching member.
US08490985B2
Embodiments herein provide a kick scooter comprising of 4 main assemblies: a center deck, a front wheel assembly, a rear wheel assembly, and a handle assembly, where these 4 assemblies have means to be easily and quickly separated from, and attached to, each other. The scooter allows the user to collapse the whole scooter into a compact volume so that it can be carried in a small backpack and be able to be reassembled for use in a few seconds and without any tools.
US08490984B2
A runner and method of making a runner for mounting on a snow ski including a runner body fabricated of one piece of stamped metal which includes a central base portion and a pair of longitudinally extending runner portions which are bent downwardly from the base portions in laterally spaced relationship to one another. Carbide wear strips are secured to the lower edges of the runner portions, while the base portion 18 is fitted with mounting structure 48 which extends upwardly from the base portion and does not extend into the channel 36. The mounting structure 48 may be formed as one piece with the runner body 16 of the same material, has one or more tab features, and may be threaded and/or pierced to accommodate an associated net or mounting pin as desired for mounting the runner.
US08490979B2
A sealing element includes an elastomeric matrix; a plurality of incorporants embedded in the matrix.
US08490970B2
When a sheet processing apparatus is newly connected, discharge of sheets to a paper discharge tray the user does not intend is prevented while omitting cumbersome settings regarding the sheet processing apparatus. To accomplish this, a printing apparatus stores, in storage unit, information for determining a paper discharge destination to which sheets are to be discharged from among a plurality of paper discharge destinations. In a case where a newly connected sheet processing apparatus is a sheet processing apparatus of the same type as an immediately previously connected sheet processing apparatus, the printing apparatus does not change the information stored in the storage unit. In a case where a newly connected sheet processing apparatus is a sheet processing apparatus of a different type, the printing apparatus updates the information stored in the storage unit.
US08490969B2
A conveyance device includes: a rotary member that rotates; a driven member that rotates in accordance with the rotary member and conveys a conveyed material while holding the conveyed material between the driven member and the rotary member; a guide part provided on an upstream side from a rotary shaft of the driven member in a conveyance direction of the conveyed material, that guides the driven member toward the rotary member; and a support member that brings the rotary shaft of the driven member into contact with the guide part, and along with the guide part, supports the rotary shaft.
US08490968B2
When a trailing edge detection sensor is affected by toner, dust, etc. adhered on an optical path thereof or when the sensor fails, malfunction of the apparatus is prevented from happening by measuring the size of a record material only with a unit for detecting a leading edge. The image forming apparatus has a unit for leading edge detection adapted to detect the leading edge of the record material and a unit for trailing edge detection adapted to detect the trailing edge of the record material, and is configured to, when the unit for trailing edge detection falls in detection capability or fails, form an image and measure the size of the record material only with the unit for leading edge detection.
US08490965B2
A sheet-supplying device has a sheet-accommodating tray, a raising/lowering unit, a first position sensor, a second position sensor, a controlling unit. The raising/lowering unit raises and lowers the sheet-accommodating tray substantially. The first position sensor detects a first position indicating a position in the stacked direction of one end portion of a topmost sheet stacked in the sheet-accommodating tray. The second position sensor detects a second position indicating a position in the stacked direction of another end portion of the topmost sheet. The controlling unit controls the raising/lowering unit to raise or lower the sheet-accommodating tray based on both the first position detected by the first position sensor and the second position detected by the second position sensor so that one end of the topmost sheet in the stacked status is positioned at a prescribed position in the stacked direction.
US08490964B2
A sheet feeder assembly (1) includes a bottom-feed sheet feeder (3) and a delivery table (5) positioned to receive sheets from the sheet feeder and deliver the sheets one at a time to a top-feed mechanism (205) designed to feed the top sheet of a stack of sheets in a manual feed tray of a printer (7) or the like. The top-feed mechanism includes a lifting support (204) for a stack of sheets. An exit end of the delivery table rests on and moves with the lifting support and delivers sheets one at a time to the top-feed mechanism. A balance mechanism (75) reduces the effective weight of the delivery table.
US08490958B2
The invention provides a method and apparatus for separating a stack of folded sheets by inserting a first, second, third and fourth count fingers into four successive openings in the stack, and separating the stack between the second and third count fingers. Where separation is carried out after a desired number of folded sheets have passed the third count finger, a completed pack having the desired number of sheets may be formed downstream from the third count finger. The count fingers may be operatively mounted in count finger cassettes.
US08490953B2
A spring counterbalance mechanism balances a load with a spring. A cable has a protrusion fixed to the cable midway between two ends of the cable. The two free ends of the cable are fixedly coupled to one of the load or the spring, and a cable attachment is coupled to the remaining member. The cable passes through the cable attachment such that the protrusion is captive in the cable attachment and is movable between two stops in the cable attachment. The cable forms two segments each of which couples the spring to the load. The two segments of the cable pass over a pulley. A sensor coupled to the pulley senses rotation of the pulley allowing cable breakage to be detected by the anomalous rotation of the pulley.
US08490944B2
An electromagnetic drive for a valve includes a housing and at least one electromagnetic circuit comprising a coil wound onto a coil carrier, a valve closing member, an armature movably supported between a first and a second end position which acts on the valve closing member. A device fixes the armature in a currentless state. A core is disposed at an end of the electromagnetic drive directed toward the valve closing member. A magnetizable reflux device has an adjusting bore and a circumferential recess in an area of the adjusting bore on a side facing the coil. An adjustment device has an adjusting screw and adjusts a magnetic force. The adjusting screw influences a course of magnetic field lines and is insertable into the adjusting bore in a direction of the armature. Supplying the coil with a current moves the armature into the first or the second end position.
US08490942B1
Apparatus and methods for securely storing a musical instrument. A support member supports the musical instrument at first portion of the musical instrument, the first portion is proximal to a base of the musical instrument. A grip member secures the musical instrument at a second portion of the musical instrument, the second portion is distal from the base of the musical instrument, the securing comprises the grip member changing from an opened position to a closed position in response to the musical instrument being placed onto the support member.
US08490941B2
A seat slide apparatus for a vehicle includes a first rail, a second rail slidably movable relative to the first rail, a lock member restricting a movement of the second rail relative to the first rail, a memory member movably supported within an inner void between the first rail and the second rail and prevented from moving, a first holding member holding the memory member so that the memory member is movable along with the second rail, a second holding member holding the memory member so as to maintain the engagement between the memory member and the first rail, a support bracket fixed to the second rail in the inner void and supporting one end portion of the second holding member, and a rail-side engagement portion arranged at the second rail, engaged with a holding-member-side engagement portion, and preventing the second holding member from being loosened from the second rail.
US08490940B2
A seat track apparatus is provided including a first rail disposed on one of a floor side and a seat side, a second rail disposed on the other one of the floor side and the seat side and engaged with the first rail so as to be relatively movable, and a lock mechanism (71) configured to restrict the relative movement of the first rail and the second rail, the lock mechanism (71) includes a lock groove (73) formed on a lower rail (51) and a lock member (75) disposed on an upper rail (61), and the lock member (75) includes a rotation restricting portion (75c) which is brought into press-contact with the upper rail (61) from one side (upper side) to the other side (lower side) with respect to a straight line (L) passing through both end portions thereof.
US08490937B2
A cradle for a handheld electrical device comprises a base constructed to support the device such that the device can be freely placed on and removed from the base. At least one arm is operatively connected to the base for movement relative to the base and the device. An actuator moves the arm between a release position wherein the arm is spaced from the device, allowing the device to be freely removed from and placed on the base, and a hold position wherein the arm engages and holds the device in the cradle. The cradle is adapted for attachment to an object in a first orientation on a right-hand side of the object and in a second orientation on a left-hand side of the object. The cradle is arranged to hold the device in an upright position in both orientations.
US08490931B2
A display apparatus including: a body having a display panel, and a chassis placed on a back of the display panel; and a stand having a plurality of support members that support the body by coupling to the body. At least one of the plurality of support members is different in strength from the other.
US08490927B2
A support assembly (1) for guiding a flap (42) on an aircraft wing (41) during deployment of the flap is disclosed. The assembly comprises a guide track (2) defining a two-dimensional path, a cylindrical bearing follower (12) having a longitudinal axis constrained so as to follow said path during flap deployment, a shaft (23) extending from the bearing follower and, a spherical bearing coupling an end of the shaft to the bearing follower such that the bearing follower is rotatable relative to the shaft about the longitudinal axis of the bearing follower as it travels along the track. The spherical bearing also enabling rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis relative to the bearing follower and rotation of the shaft about a center point of the spherical bearing such that the flap is fret to move in multiple directions.
US08490926B2
Concepts and technologies described herein provide for the creation of an actuating fluid flow utilizing a multi-stage actuator. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a fluid actuation system includes at least two stages, each stage having a plenum and one or two diaphragms acting on the plenum to create an actuating fluid flow. The diaphragms of each stage may be substantially aligned along an axis. The actuating flow is aggregated between stages and expelled into a fluid flow to be controlled. According to various aspects, the diaphragms may include piezoelectric discs.
US08490918B2
A pump unit installed inside a wing includes a backup hydraulic pump that can supply pressure oil to an actuator when a loss or reduction occurs in the function of an aircraft central hydraulic power source and an electric motor that drives the pump. A wing structure portion forming the surface structure of the wing is provided with an inlet port and an exhaust port that are formed therethrough. The inlet port is provided so as to be opened and closed by an inlet port opening/closing portion, and the exhaust port is provided so as to be opened and closed by an exhaust port opening/closing portion.
US08490911B2
Provided is a method of rolling two single-ply membrane sheets having seam tape applied along one edge, for easy transport. The method comprises placing a first sheet on top of a second sheet, with the seam tape edge of each of said sheets being at the same end. The sheets are placed so that the seam tape of the first sheet does not overlay the seam tape of the other sheet. The two sheets can then be easily and quickly rolled for transport to a job site.
US08490907B2
A fishing reel can include a reel frame and a spool shaft extending through the reel frame and rotatably supported about the reel frame. A crankable handle can be mechanically coupled to the spool shaft such that a rotation of the handle causes a rotation of the spool shaft. A non-rotating pivotable bail can be coupled to the reel frame. A spool can be mechanically coupled to the spool shaft and configured to rotate with the rotation of the spool shaft relative to the bail.
US08490906B2
A food ricer including a hopper, a first plate having a first pattern of apertures defining a bottom of the hopper, and a second plate having a second pattern of apertures rotatably coupled to the bottom of the hopper. The second plate is preferably rotatable with respect to the first plate. The first and second patterns of apertures being eccentric or non-concentric with respect to each other to allow for the geometric orientation of one pattern of apertures to be quartered, bifurcated, and aligned with respect to the other pattern of apertures for achieving varying degrees of coarseness upon rotation of the second plate with respect to the first plate.
US08490902B2
In order to detect a lack of coffee beans in a grinder unit of a coffee maker, a method is suggested in which the level and/or the spectrum of an oscillation generated by the grinder unit during its operation is measured. The level of the oscillation and/or the nature of the spectrum are used to decide whether or not coffee beans are present in the grinder unit. Preferably, the level of oscillation of the housing of the coffee grinder unit is monitored. If the level changes by more than a preset value and/or falls below a reference value, it is decided that coffee beans are lacking.
US08490901B2
A method of generating cracks in a polycrystalline silicon rod, comprising: heating a polycrystalline silicon rod; and subsequently performing local portion cooling of the polycrystalline silicon rod to apply a refrigerant fluid onto a spot-like area of a surface of the polycrystalline silicon rod.
US08490882B2
Disclosed are RFID tags and methods of the manufacture thereof. RFID tags may generally include a backing substrate, a covering substrate, a RFID device positioned therebetween and indelible identification indicia defined on the backing substrate and/or the cover substrate. Methods of manufacture may include molding the substrate(s) with indelible identification indicia, positioning the RFID device between two substrates, orienting the indicia the indicia outwardly away from the RFID device and adhering the substrates so as to secure the RFID device therebetween.
US08490878B2
A portable handheld device for wireless order entry and real time payment authorization may include a portable housing, a display carried by the housing, an order entry input device carried by the housing, a transaction card input device carried by the housing for reading user sensitive information from a transaction card, a wireless transceiver carried by the housing, and a processor carried by the housing and connected to the display, order entry input device, transaction card input device and wireless transceiver. The processor may be for wirelessly sending input order information, and encrypting and wirelessly sending the user sensitive information from the transaction card without storing and without displaying. The processor may also be for wirelessly receiving and displaying payment authorization information based upon real time authorization from a transaction card issuing entity.
US08490875B2
The apparatus and method described herein provides for creating multiple spatial patterns, such as magnetic patterns on credit cards. The invention includes storage of information from which patterns may be created, a pattern creation device for creating the spatial patterns, and control whereby the information which is stored is selectively utilized to cause the pattern creation. This allows multiple desired patterns to be simulated, allowing convenient replacement of a number of separate pattern carrying devices.
US08490873B2
A vending machine for dispensing a selected blend of perfumes in response to the deposit of a pre-selected sum of money includes a plurality of containers and a plurality of distinctive scents with one of the scents disposed in each of the containers. A mechanism for selecting one or more of the scents and an amount of one or more of the scents is provided. Further, the vending machine includes a mechanism for blending the selected scents in the selected percentages and providing a sample to a perspective customer. Further, the mechanism includes a slot receiving payment for a quantity of the selected blend together with a delivery process for providing a bottle of the selected perfume to the customer.
US08490870B2
An apparatus and method for configuring, altering, controlling, securing, and extending the processing capability and functionality of PCs and POS devices using a non-volatile memory device using software and data carried within the apparatus.
US08490864B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for responding to a problem associated with a self-service machine. For example, some embodiments provide a method that includes: (a) determining that a problem associated with a self-service machine occurred during a transaction involving the self-service machine and a user of the self-service machine; (b) prompting, via a user interface associated with the self-service machine, the user to submit a request, where the request is to receive, at a mobile device accessible to the user, a communication regarding the problem; (c) receive the request via the user interface; and/or (d) send the communication regarding the problem to the mobile device accessible to the user.
US08490860B2
A method includes, but is not limited to: obtaining first information associated with one or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of a flexible display containing electronic device and controlling display of one or more portions of the flexible display containing electronic device regarding display of second information having one or more classifications in response to the first information associated with the one or more conformations of the one or more portions of the one or more regions of the flexible display containing electronic device. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08490858B2
A reinforced cross laminated corrugated paperboard bulk container has an outer component with corrugations running in a first direction, and an inner liner laminated to the outer component, with the liner having corrugations extending perpendicular to the corrugations in the outer component. Reinforcing strands are in both the liner and the outer component, extending perpendicular to the respective corrugations thereof. Interlocking top flanges are on the top edges of the outer component, and interlocking bottom flanges are on the bottom edges thereof. The interlocking bottom flanges include a chevron shaped locking slot in one flange and a locking tab on an opposed bottom flange. Folds extend across the bottom flanges to enable them to deflect and slide relative to one another during set up of the container. Vertical scores in the liner are pre-broken prior to laminating it to the outer component.
US08490849B2
An anti-slip assembly for a staple gun has a mounting device, an operating device and a limiting device. The mounting device is formed in the staple gun and has a mounting recess, a positioning recess, a pivotal recess and a through hole. The operating device is movably connected to the mounting device and has an anti-slip arm and an operating cap. The anti-slip arm is rotatably mounted in the mounting recess and has a mounting rod, a spring, a pivotal rod and an abutting stem. The operating cap is movably mounted in the mounting recess, is mounted around the anti-slip arm and has a releasing recess, a pressing recess, a pushing protrusion and at least one holding flange. The limiting device is detachably connected to mounting device and the staple gun and has a limiting frame and a limiting panel.
US08490842B2
An automatic shoe cover dispenser includes a shoe cover feeding arrangement holding a plurality of shoe covers each having a shoe opening; and a shoe cover pulling mechanism for pulling one of the shoe covers into an open-up condition as a standby shoe cover and being ready for putting on a user's shoe, wherein after the standby shoe cover is dispensed for being worn at the shoe of the user, the shoe cover at a subsequent position is pulled into the open-up condition.
US08490836B2
An assembly for dispensing a beverage from a beverage container includes a cooling chamber containing a pressure chamber configured to accommodate the container and having a lid with a lid opening. The assembly further includes a dispensing tower and a dispensing line channel extending between a lower opening in the cooling chamber and an upper end in the tower. The lid opening is alignable with the lower opening of the channel so that the lid opening provides a guiding element for the passage of a dispensing line between the pressure chamber and the tower through the channel. A method of guiding the dispensing line includes opening the lid of the pressure chamber; aligning the lid opening with the lower opening of the channel; and guiding the dispensing line so that it extends through the lid opening and the channel.
US08490832B2
Devices and methods are disclosed for extracting fluids from within a container sealed by a cork or septum without removal of the cork or septum or the contamination of the fluid within the container by reactive gases or liquids. Embodiments of the device can include a needle connected to a valve which is in turn connected to a source of pressurized gas for displacing the fluid. Further embodiments of the device can comprise additional components that act to force the needle to be inserted through the cork or septum along a linear path, to aid in preventing buckling of the needle, to clamp the device to the container, to prevent expulsion of the cork or septum from the container, and to guide the needle through a specified region of the cork or septum. Various valves, pressure regulators, pressure ranges, needle geometries, gas selections are also presented. This device is particularly suited for the dispensing and preservation of wine.
US08490826B2
A transport and storage container for liquids has as principal components a palette-like bottom frame for an exchangeable inner container of synthetic material and a grate casing with horizontal and vertical grate rods of metal for receiving the inner container. The vertical grate rods connected with their upper ends to the upper border profile of the grate casing by dot welding and clinching. As a result of the two-fold connection by positive and frictional engagement of the vertical grate rods to the upper circumferential border profile of the grate casing ensures that, when the dot welded connections fail, the fastening of the vertical grate rods to the upper border profile of the grate casing is ensured by the clinch connection and, when the clinch connection fails, the fastening of the grate rods to the upper border profile of the grate casing is ensured by the dot welded connections.
US08490819B2
A container (1) for holding a fluid comprising: a fluid chamber (2) having an inner wall (3); an outlet-opening (14); and a high pressure chamber (4) for driving the fluid towards the outlet-opening; wherein the container further comprises as at least part of a divider between the high pressure chamber and the fluid chamber a moveable element (5) for advancing in a predetermined direction of motion through the container from a first position to a second position for reducing a volume of the fluid chamber when fluid is dispensed via the outlet-opening, wherein a first and a second cross section of the fluid chamber taken transverse the direction of motion at respectively the first and second position have different dimensions.
US08490815B2
Reversible nose faceplate. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including a faceplate and a nose member. The nose member includes: an extension portion; a nose portion; a first abutting surface; a second abutting surface; a first set of ears coupled to the extension portion adjacent the nose portion; and a second set of ears coupled to the extension portion opposite the first set of ears. The nose member is configured to couple to the faceplate in multiple configurations, including: a first configuration in which the nose portion protrudes through a nose aperture of the faceplate in the direction of the front side of the faceplate, the first abutting surface abuts the back side of the faceplate, and the faceplate is affixed to the first set of ears; and a second configured in which the nose portion protrudes in the direction of the back side of the faceplate, the second abutting surface abuts the back side of the faceplate, and the faceplate is affixed to the second set of ears.
US08490813B2
A waste container and method of deploying liners in the waste container generally including one or more container side walls; a container partition structure having a liner passing port and dividing the container into a container waste chamber and a container liner chamber; a sequential plurality of liners provided within the liner chamber in such a way that each liner is linked to the next so that when the first liner in the sequence is pulled through the liner passing port, the next sequential liner is ready to be pulled into the waste container for use; and a motion-activated spray canister that discharges an antiseptic or fragrant mist or spray into the waste container each time a new liner is deployed.
US08490805B2
This method makes it possible to fabricate a stopper (1) starting from a tubular skirt (12) suitable for surrounding a container neck, and provided both with retainer means for retaining it permanently around the neck, and also with fastener means for fastening it removably to the neck. In this method, the skirt and a blade (110) are moved in rotation relative to each other about the axis (X-X) of the skirt so that the blade cuts a peripheral line of weakness in the skirt, which line of weakness is made up firstly of through notches and secondly, between said notches around the periphery of the skirt, of breakable bridges that interconnect, in the same direction as the axis, a non-removable portion of the skirt, which portion is provided with the retainer means, and a removable portion of the skirt, which portion is provided with the fastener means. With a view to improving the method simply and inexpensively, provision is made for the skirt and the blade to be driven relative to each other through an angular stroke that is strictly greater than 360°, while progressively modifying the relative axial position between the skirt and the blade by a movement in axial translation (T). The line of weakness is thus in the shape of a helix having its two peripheral ends defining between them a non-breakable strip that permanently interconnects the removable and the non-removable portions of the skirt.
US08490801B2
A rack for an appliance includes a main section having a support frame, and at least one arm coupled to the support frame. The arm is movable relative to the support frame between a first position and a second position. The rack further includes a release member operatively connected to the at least one arm, actuation of the release member causing the at least one arm to move from the first position to the second position. In one example, the rack includes pair of arms coupled to the support frame. In another example, actuation of the release member causes both of the arms to move to the second position.
US08490793B2
A package includes a plurality of disposable absorbent articles and a packaging having a front panel, a back panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, and a pair of side panels. The panels cooperatively define an interior compartment. At least one of the side panels has a longitudinal central axis, a pair of side edges, a gusset disposed adjacent the top panel, and a line of weakness having a first portion disposed on one side of the longitudinal central axis, a second portion disposed on the opposite side of the longitudinal central axis, and a third portion spanning between and connecting the first and second portions. The third portion of the line of weakness is spaced from the ends of the first and second portions. The plurality of disposable absorbent articles is compressed within the interior compartment and arranged in at least one row extending between the side panels.
US08490790B2
A plate with housings for receiving objects for bulking, each housing being delimited by lateral walls and comprising a support zone for receiving the object for bulking. Each housing is formed by a cell with the lateral walls delimiting the cells adjoining one another from one cell to an adjacent cell and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate. Each cell is shaped to at least partially receive the proximal part of an object for bulking and each cell immobilizes each object for bulking.
US08490788B2
A carrier for weapons and/or other tactical equipment can include a main body and an extension sleeve. The extension sleeve can be withdrawn so as to lengthen an internal storage region to, e.g., accommodate longer weapons.
US08490780B2
A guide rail system for guiding containers moved by a conveyor defining a path with a curved segment. The guide rail system includes a number of contact portions, for engaging the containers, to at least partially locate the containers in preselected positions on the conveyor, and a number of adjustable point devices, for locating the contact portions in predetermined locations respectively relative to the conveyor. Each adjustable point device includes an adjustment element on which one or more of the contact portions is mounted. The system also includes a drive element connected to the adjustable point devices to locate the adjustment elements, including a flexible shaft substantially aligned with the curved segment, which is connected with selected ones of the adjustable point devices are spaced apart from each other along the curved segment.
US08490779B2
A tail station for a scraper chain conveyor, in particular a transfer conveyor, including a machine frame having bearing holders, which are open at the margins, for a demountable chain wheel assembly, including a chain wheel assembly having a chain wheel shaft, a reversing chain wheel and bearing shells for the rotatable mounting of the chain wheel shaft, and having a deflector element assigned to the reversing chain wheel, the bearing holders being configured on cantilever arms connected to the machine frame and are upwardly open, wherein the chain wheel assembly is provided on the bearing shells with bearing blocks, which can be inserted with horizontal motional play into the bearing holders and are horizontally displaceable in the bearing holders between a removal position and a locking position.
US08490770B2
A parking brake assembly for the driveline of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The parking brake assembly comprises a locking mechanism, an actuator and an unlocking mechanism. The locking mechanism is able to inhibit and release the rotational movement of a shaft in the driveline of a motor vehicle. The actuator actuates the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises a locking element which is linearly movable by the actuator, and a latching element which cooperates with the locking element. The locking element can be transferred into a first axial position in which the latching element assumes a releasing position in which the shaft is rotatable, and wherein the locking element can be transferred into a second axial position in which the latching element assumes a closing position in which the latching element inhibits a rotational movement of the shaft. The unlocking mechanism forcibly unlocks the locking mechanism. The unlocking mechanism comprises an unlocking element for rotating the locking element, wherein, in the second axial position, the locking element can be transferred into a first rotational position in which the locking element holds the latching element in the closing position, and wherein the locking element can be transferred into a second rotational position in which the latching element can assume a releasing position.
US08490769B2
A electromagnetic clutch assembly for use in a vehicle is presented. More specifically, the clutch assembly comprises an input member; an output member; a friction clutch pack having a first plurality of clutch plates coupled for rotation with said input member and a second plurality of clutch plates interleaved with said first plurality of clutch plates and coupled for rotation with said output member; a solenoid coil; an actuator hub having an armature plate; and a cam lever assembly having a first end engaging said actuator hub and a second end engaging said friction clutch pack. When electrical current is applied to the solenoid coil, the armature plate moves the actuator hub, the actuator hub engages the cam lever and causes said cam lever to compress the interleaved first and second plurality of clutch plates, thereby, resulting in the coupling of the input and output members.
US08490747B2
A scaffold includes a frame assembly. The scaffold includes planks that are disposed on the frame assembly. The scaffold includes wheels attached to the frame assembly on which the frame assembly rolls. The scaffold includes a project tray which extends from the frame assembly. The scaffold includes a telescoping tube assembly that is mounted to the frame assembly and on which the tray is mounted. A method for using a scaffold. The method includes the steps of placing a telescoping tray assembly at a desired height relative to a frame assembly having planks disposed on it by moving the tray assembly which extends from the frame assembly. There is the step of locking the tray assembly at the desired height to the frame assembly.
US08490746B2
A safety device for an aerial lift (10) having a basket (20) with controls (23) which permit an operator to manoeuvre the basket (20), and a foot operable safety switch (24) which activates the controls (23), the safety device comprising an auxiliary safety switch (24) operated by a trip cord (27) arranged proximate to the controls (23) and which is connected in series with the foot safety switch (24) so that in the event that the cord is distorted the auxiliary switch (26) prevents activation of the control panel (23) and may additionally operate an alarm.
US08490744B2
An object is to provide a combustor that requires a small mounting space for an acoustic damper, that can achieve size reduction, and that can improve the ease of maintenance. A combustor (5) of the present invention includes a combustion cylinder (19) that defines a combustion area (23) therein and an acoustic damper (31) that has a damper cover having an acoustic-damper resonance space communicating with the combustion area (23). The damper cover is provided along the combustion cylinder (19) so as to extend in a direction intersecting an axial direction (L) of the combustion cylinder (19).
US08490743B2
A noise attenuation system is disclosed for use in a structure having a recessed fixture mounted therein or other unit which creates a hole in the structure in which it is secured, such as a ceiling. The noise attenuation system is constructed to permit the absorption of noise emitted into the structure from the mechanism. The noise attenuation includes a noise absorbing muffler positioned within the structure in an area substantially surrounding the mechanism. The noise absorbing layer includes an outer barrier layer that limits the passage of sound waves emitted from the mechanism therethrough. The noise absorbing muffler further includes a noise absorbing layer positioned adjacent the outer barrier layer. The noise absorbing layer absorbs a predetermined amount of sounds waves emitted from the recessed fixture. Additionally, an optional noise absorbing layer, or equivalent decoupling material can be included to decouple the barrier from the structure for low frequency noises.
US08490742B2
A hydraulic power steering unit has an assist force generating unit that uses oil to generate assist force for steering by a steering device, a variable flow oil pump unit that supplies oil to the assist force generating unit, and a controller that controls the oil pump unit. The controller has a command flow setting device that sets a command flow rate Qc of the oil supplied from the oil pump unit to the assist force generating unit in accordance with a vehicle quantity of state such as a vehicle speed, steering angle or the like. The controller also has a flow correcting device that corrects the command flow rate Qc in accordance with the speed of the oil pump unit.
US08490740B2
A vehicle includes a PCU serving as a power control unit controlling the electric power for vehicle running, a battery storing the electric power for vehicle running, and an EHC serving as an electrically heated catalyst. The PCU includes a converter, an inverter, and a positive line and a negative line each connecting the converter and the inverter. The converter boosts a voltage VL output from the battery to a requested voltage value VHsys. The EHC has a positive end connected to the positive line. The EHC also has a negative end connected to the negative line.
US08490736B2
An active hood system for a vehicle allows a user to easily restore the positions of an actuator and a hood with little force after a pedestrian collision. The active hood system includes: a hinge assembly mounted at rear sides of a hood; and an actuator for supporting the hinge assembly and lifting the hinge assembly as well as lifting the hood through the hinge assembly. The active hood system further includes a restoration link, wherein its top and bottom ends are hinged to a hinge arm of the hinge assembly fixed to the hood, and to a fixing point of the actuator, respectively, so the restoration link is rotated in cooperation with the hood, and wherein when the hood is pressed downward to restore the actuator and the hood, the restoration link is rotated such that the restoration link reduces the force required for restoring the actuator and hood.
US08490735B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to pedestrian head impact protection. In operation, during a pedestrian impact event with a vehicle, a pedestrian protection deployable hood apparatus configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention causes displacement of the hood at its hinge-carrying portion for enhancing clearance an underside of the hood and a topmost surface of under-hood components. Such embodiments of the present invention contribute to providing for pedestrian head impact protection in a manner that can be implemented with a variety of hood mounting arrangements, that is effective in its results, and that is simple to package in an under-hood environment.
US08490732B2
An electric wheeled apparatus comprises a main body, a drive wheel supported by the main body in a rotatable manner, an electric motor configured to apply torque to the drive wheel, a battery holder configured to removably receive a plurality of battery packs, and a circuit unit configured to electrically connect one or more battery packs attached to the battery holder to the motor regardless of a number of battery packs attached to the battery holder.
US08490731B2
A vehicle is shown such as a snowmobile, where a frame includes a tunnel and a front frame portion comprised of cast halves. A suspension system is comprised of upper and lower control arms connected to the front frame portion. Some of the frame components are adhesively fixed together. A powertrain is supported by the frame, and is comprised of an engine and a clutch. The clutch includes a clutch guard supporting an oil container. The engine has an exhaust system which extends through the front frame portion. The snowmobile also has a rear snow deflector.
US08490730B2
The crop sprayer includes a cooling system that comprises a plurality of heat exchange units attached to a housing. The housing defines an air chamber. The heat exchange units are mounted over openings defined in the walls of the housing surrounding the chamber. A fan is mounted over fan opening defined in the housing to draw air from the chamber and create a pressure drop in front of the coolers. The pressure drop causes air to be drawn through the heat exchange units into the chamber.
US08490726B2
A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system includes an electrical converting device and a repowered portion connected to the electrical converting device. The repowered portion includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a gearbox. The reciprocating internal combustion engine is connected to the gearbox by a first connecting structure. The gearbox is connected to the electrical converting device by a second connecting structure.
US08490725B2
There is provided a motor insulation protecting device 200 comprising a motor 40 installed in a motor chamber 14; an inverter 16 that supplies an inverter voltage for driving the motor 40; and pressurizing means for monitoring an internal pressure in the motor chamber 14 and the inverter voltage of the inverter 16, and increasing the pressure in the motor chamber when an occurrence of discharge of the motor is predicted, wherein the pressurizing means comprises a pressure detection unit 50 that detects the internal pressure in the motor chamber 14; a voltage detection unit that is provided in a control unit 60, and detects the inverter voltage of the inverter 16; and a pressurizing mechanism 70 that increases the pressure in the motor chamber 14 in accordance with the output from the control unit 60 when the detected internal pressure is lower than a preset discharge occurrence prediction internal pressure, and the detected inverter voltage is higher than a preset discharge occurrence prediction inverter voltage.
US08490724B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically centers a support foot of the apparatus about a roller assembly during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes guide devices positioned adjacent to a roller assembly that deflect a biasing device during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to a centered position relative to the roller assembly after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface.
US08490720B2
A mud saver valve is constructed so that the valve seats self align preventing the loss of fluid when the valve is in the closed position. One or both seats can skew their longitudinal axes to get the alignment.
US08490717B2
Downhole magnetic measurement devices and methods are provided for estimation of magnetic fields during drilling. In certain embodiments, a triaxial vector magnetometer is provided and affixed to a drill string subassembly. While the drill string subassembly is rotating, as during drilling operations, an average total magnetic field value (BTwR) is determined as an average of the instantaneous vector magnitudes of the three measured orthogonal component magnetic fields. In this way, near-bit estimates of the downhole magnetic field may be obtained and used for a variety of functions. These downhole magnetic measurement devices may be useful determining magnetic fields, and estimating borehole inclination and azimuth of drill string subassemblies during drilling operations. Additionally, downhole magnetic measurement devices may be used for detecting the presence and distance to external ferromagnetic materials. In this way, these devices may be used for various applications, including, well avoidance, well intercept, and verification of instrument integrity.
US08490709B2
An air management system including a component rack with shelves, a retractable air management structure mechanically attached to the component rack, and an activation apparatus including an electromechanical release device and a fire detection sensor. The retractable air management structure includes a flexible sheet rollably mounted on a spring loaded roller mounted internal to a housing. The flexible sheet is configured to extend from a rolled position on the spring loaded roller to an extended position. The flexible sheet in the extended position is configured to direct a flow of air through the component rack. The flexible sheet includes a thermally insulative and fire retardant material. The electromechanical release device is configured to automatically release the spring loaded roller if the fire detection sensor detects a fire within a specified area surrounding the component rack.
US08490708B2
A downhole apparatus, such as a wellbore packer, is provided with a swellable member and a fluid supply assembly. The fluid supply assembly is to receive fluid and expose the swellable member to the fluid to cause expansion of the swellable member, and comprises a support structure for supporting the swellable member on the body. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure defines a chamber and is configured to allow fluid to flow and access the swellable member. A method of use and method of sealing a wellbore is described.
US08490704B2
A technique facilitates enhanced hydrocarbon recovery through selective stream injection. The technique employs a system and methodology for combining a fracturing technique and application of selective injection streams. The selective injection streams are delivered to select, individual subterranean layers until a plurality of unique subterranean layers are fractured to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.
US08490701B2
A method of controlling a blowout comprises: releasing at least a first tubing string into a portion of a well system, wherein the step of releasing comprises activating a release table; and causing or allowing a blowout preventer to close. The methods further comprise: compressing at least a portion of a second tubing string and a third tubing string together, wherein the step of compressing comprises activating a crimping device; cutting through the wall of at least a third tubing string, wherein the step of cutting comprises activating a cutting device, and wherein the step of cutting is performed after the step of compressing; and releasing at least the second tubing string and the third tubing string into a portion of a well system, wherein the step of releasing comprises activating a release table.
US08490698B2
A composition and method are disclosed. The composition includes a carrier fluid and a solids mixture combined to form a slurry, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes, wherein a first PSD mode comprises solids having a volume-average median size at least three times larger than the volume-average median size of a second PSD mode such that a packed volume fraction of the solids mixture exceeds 0.75, and wherein the solids mixture comprises a degradable material and includes a reactive solid. The method includes circulating the slurry through a wellbore to form a pack in a fracture and/or a screen-wellbore annulus; degrading the degradable material to increase porosity and permeability of the pack; and producing a reservoir fluid through the permeable pack.
US08490697B2
A technique enables an efficient, dependable approach to gravel packing lateral wellbores. The technique employs alternate path gravel placement technology which includes alternate path equipment deployed along a gravel pack screen positioned in an open hole lateral wellbore disposed above a lower lateral wellbore. A crossover system is positioned in the lateral wellbore, and the alternate path is provided by connecting a shunt tube or other appropriate alternate path equipment to the crossover system. A flow of gravel slurry is directed along an exterior of the gravel pack screen through the alternate path equipment to enable uniform distribution of the gravel pack along the gravel pack screen.
US08490690B2
A method of selectively controlling flow through a well screen can include installing the well screen in a wellbore, and then exposing the well screen to an aqueous fluid, thereby permitting flow through the well screen. A well screen assembly can include a well screen and an acid containing structure which dissolves in response to contact with an aqueous fluid, whereby flow through the well screen is selectively permitted.
US08490687B2
A method of operating a valve can include installing an electrical actuator in a flow passage extending longitudinally through the valve, and operating a closure assembly in response to electrical power being supplied to the electrical actuator. An outer safety valve can include a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through a longitudinal flow passage, and at least one electrical connector which electrically connects to an insert safety valve positioned in the flow passage. A method of operating an outer safety valve in a subterranean well can include installing an insert safety valve in the safety valve, and operating the insert safety valve with electrical current flowing from the safety valve to the insert safety valve.
US08490684B2
A temperature control device includes an estimator that estimates the outlet temperature of fluid at an outlet of heating tanks to which no outlet temperature sensor is provided. The temperature control device includes a control unit. For a heating tank to which an outlet temperature sensor is provided, the control unit determines a manipulated variable on the basis of the outlet temperature which has been measured and an individual target temperature. For a heating tank to which no outlet temperature sensor is provided, the control unit determines a manipulated variable on the basis of the estimated temperature estimated by the estimator and an individual target temperature. The control unit controls the outlet temperature of the heating tanks on the basis of the manipulated variables.
US08490683B2
There is provided a flat plate type micro heat transport device formed of two plates coupled with each other to be opposite to each other, each of the plates includes: a reservoir formed to store a moving fluid charged via an inlet; a evaporator formed separated from the reservoir to generate vapor having latent heat by vaporizing the moving fluid; a vapor flow path formed to be connected to the evaporator, through which the vapor having latent heat is transported; a condenser formed to be connected to the vapor flow path and to condense the vapor having latent heat; and a liquid flow path formed to be connected to the condenser and the evaporator and separately from the vapor flow path to transport a liquid obtained by condensing the vapor. The device may efficiently control heat with respect to portable electronic devices by effectively transporting heat generated by a heat source.
