US08531248B2
An oscillator includes a positive power supply node for providing a positive power supply voltage; a capacitor; and a constant current source providing a first constant current and coupled to the positive power supply node. The first constant current is independent from the positive power supply node. The oscillator also includes a charging current source configured to provide a second constant current to charge the capacitor, wherein the second constant current mirrors the first constant current. The oscillator further includes a constant current source inverter having a third constant current mirroring the first constant current. The constant current source inverter is configured to control the oscillator to transition state at a constant state transition voltage.
US08531240B2
Embodiments of power amplification devices are described with a power amplification circuit that has more than one amplifier stage and with at least a first voltage regulation circuit and a second voltage regulation circuit configured that provide regulated voltages to these amplifier stages. The power amplification device includes a threshold detection circuit to get better maximum output power performance while preserving power efficiency. The threshold detection circuit is configured to increase a first voltage adjustment gain of the first voltage regulation circuit when a regulated voltage level of a second voltage regulation circuit reaches a first threshold voltage level. In this manner, the first voltage adjustment gain can be initially set to be lower than the second voltage adjustment gain until the second voltage regulation circuit is close or has railed. The first voltage adjustment gain can then be increased to allow the first voltage regulation circuit to also rail.
US08531238B2
Disclosed are systems and methods to achieve a low noise, fully differential amplifier with controlled common mode voltages at each stage output but without the requirement of a common mode feedback loop. Common mode voltages are adjusted by adjusting the currents flowing through the load impedances (bias currents) wherein the currents are derived from one or more voltage-to-current converters based on an impedance that matches to the load impedances of the stages of the amplifier. The amplifier invented is primarily used for amplification of low frequency signals. The amplifier has one or more gain stages applying only one conduction type of transistors of an IC technology that has the lowest transition frequency between 1/f noise and white noise to achieve a low chopping or autozeroing frequency.
US08531237B2
A low-pass filter that filters an input signal input to a filter input terminal to output a filtered output signal to a filter output terminal includes a capacitor, a first field-effect transistor, a first resistor, and a first current source. The capacitor is connected between the filter output terminal and ground. The first field-effect transistor has a gate terminal, a first conduction terminal connected to the filter input terminal, and a second conduction terminal connected to the filter output terminal. The first resistor is connected between the gate and first conduction terminals of the first transistor. The first current source is connected to the first resistor to supply a first current to the first resistor. The first resistor generates a first voltage thereacross based on the supplied first current for electrically biasing the gate terminal of the first transistor.
US08531234B2
Provided is a temperature detection device capable of attaining low current consumption at no expense of detection speed at around a temperature to be detected. The temperature detection device includes a control circuit for outputting a control signal for controlling ON/OFF of such internal circuits as a reference voltage circuit and a comparator. In the control circuit, in order to increase the detection speed at around the temperature to be detected, an oscillation frequency of an oscillation circuit has positive temperature characteristics. Further, the control circuit includes a waveform shaping circuit so as to optimize the waveform of the control signal for controlling ON of the internal circuits, to thereby attain low current consumption.
US08531232B2
Power switching circuits including an inductive load and a switching device are described. The switches devices can be either low-side or high-side switches. Some of the switches are transistors that are able to block voltages or prevent substantial current from flowing through the transistor when voltage is applied across the transistor.
US08531227B2
A level shifter includes an output stage transistor and a level controller. The level controller receives a selection signal and provides a reference voltage at a gate terminal of the output stage transistor based on the selection signal. The output stage transistor, on being enabled by the reference voltage, provides a first level shifted output based on a first output reference voltage.
US08531218B1
A frequency generating system including a phase-locked loop (PLL) and a control signal generation unit is provided. The PLL outputs a phase-locked clock and controls a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) therein by using a dual-path architecture. The VCO includes a varactor. The control signal generation unit is coupled to the PLL and disposed in one of the dual paths. The control signal generation unit provides an up voltage, a down voltage, or a middle voltage as a control signal to control the VCO according to an up signal and a down signal of the PLL. The control signal generation unit provides the middle voltage in response to an electrical characteristic of the varactor to compensate the control signal.
US08531210B2
A high-side switch control circuit is provided. The high-side switch control circuit includes an on/off transistor, a bias resistor, a zener diode, a level-shifting transistor, and a current source. The on/off transistor operates as a switch. The bias resistor is coupled to turn off the on/off transistor. The zener diode is coupled to clamp the maximum voltage of the on/off transistor. The level-shifting transistor is coupled to turn on the on/off transistor. The current source is coupled to the level-shifting transistor. The current source limits the maximum current of the level-shifting transistor.
US08531206B2
High resolution output drivers having a relatively small number of sub-driver branches or slices each having nominal impedances substantially larger than a quantization step and that incrementally differ from one another by an impedance step substantially smaller than a quantization step. In one implementation, such “differential” or “non-uniform” sub-driver slices implement respective elements of an n choose k equalizer, with each such differential sub-driver slice being implemented by a uniform-element impedance calibration DAC. In another implementation, each component of a uniform-slice equalizer is implemented by a differential-slice impedance calibration DAC, and in yet another implementation, each component of a differential-slice equalizer is implemented by a differential-slice impedance calibration DAC. In an additional set of implementations, equalization and impedance calibration functions are implemented bilaterally in respective parallel sets of driver branches, rather than in the nested “DAC within a DAC” arrangement of the hierarchical implementations. Through such bilateral arrangement, multiplication of the equalizer and calibrator quantizations is avoided, thereby lowering the total number of sub-driver slices required to meet the specified ranges and resolutions.
US08531203B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring alignment, rotation and bias of mask layers in semiconductor manufacturing by examining threshold voltage variation.
US08531190B2
A power-supply noise measuring circuit includes a voltage fluctuation detecting circuit, a unit time generating circuit, a current measuring circuit, and a sampling circuit. The voltage fluctuation detecting circuit generates a detection current in accordance with a voltage fluctuation of a power supply. The unit time generating circuit generates a unit time in accordance with a clock signal. The current measuring circuit treasures an amount of the detection current per unit time. The sampling circuit samples the amount of the detection current measured by the current measuring circuit, every unit time. The present invention provides the power-supply noise measuring circuit that has a small circuit area and enough accuracy.
US08531185B2
A magnetic shield body comprises a cylindrical body unit configured by having a plurality of cylindrical bodies having permeability and mutually same longitudinal cross-sectional shapes arranged with a mutual interval such that central axes of the cylindrical bodies coincide with each other and side surfaces of the cylindrical bodies form a mutually same plane; and a supporting unit that supports a plurality of the cylindrical body units such that side surfaces of cylindrical bodies of the cylindrical body units face each other with a mutual interval.
US08531179B2
A device (10) for the detection of current asymmetries in three-phase circuits (L1, L2, L3) is provided. This device (10) has a first current measuring mechanism (S1) for the measurement of first phase (L1) and a second current measuring mechanism (S3) for the measurement of a second phase (L3). Furthermore, the device has a computing unit (ALU) which determines a current symmetry value (N2, 3; N1, 2) of the third phase (L2) relative to the first phase (L1) or second phase (L3) from the measured first phase and from the measured second phase. Moreover, an associated method is also provided.
US08531173B2
A method of operating a tap changer of a transformer or a voltage regulator in a power grid includes obtaining a load forecast for a time period. An average voltage profile is determined for the time period based on the load forecast. The method further includes estimating tap positions of the tap changer for leveling the average voltage profile during the time period. Switching signal commands are provided to the tap changer based on the estimated tap positions.
US08531168B2
An electronic device for DC-DC conversion of an input voltage into an output voltage is provided. The electronic device includes a current mode control loop for controlling a sensed current of the DC-DC conversion by comparing a voltage level indicating a magnitude of the sensed current with a reference voltage level indicating the maximum admissible magnitude of the sensed current. The reference voltage level is dynamically adjusted in response to a change of an input voltage level.
US08531167B2
A DC-DC converter has an error amplifier that amplifies a potential difference between a first voltage based on an output voltage at the output terminal and a reference voltage, and outputs a resultant error amplified signal; a differential detecting circuit that senses an inclination of a temporal change of the output voltage by differentiating the first voltage, outputs a control signal according to a result of the sensing; and a PWM generating circuit that compares a synthetic signal obtained by conducting computation on the amplified error signal and the control signal with a periodically changing comparison signal, and outputs a PWM signal having a duty ratio controlled according to a result of the comparison.
US08531166B2
The present invention discloses a constant on-time switching regulator, a control method therefor, and an on-time calculation circuit for calculating an on-time period of a constant on-time switching regulator. The on-time calculation circuit calculates on-time according to practical conditions. It includes: a driver gate receiving a gate signal of a power switch in a switching regulator, the driver gate operating between high and low levels of a first reference voltage and ground; a low pass filter receiving an output from the driver gate and generating a second reference voltage, a ratio between the second reference voltage and the first reference voltage being substantially the same as a duty ratio of the gate signal; and an on-time generator comparing the second reference voltage with a ramp signal to determine an on-time of the power switch.
US08531149B2
A control device which controls a servo motor of a machine tool in the event of power failure is provided. The control device includes a power failure detecting unit (10′) which monitors an input power supply (1) and when power failure is detected, instructs servo motor amplifiers (3, 4) to decelerate and stop servo motors (7, 8) while maintaining a controlled state, and instructs a spindle motor (9) to suspend application of electricity, an alarm threshold changing unit (11) which, in response to a power failure detection signal from the power failure detecting unit (10′), changes alarm threshold values for direct current voltage reduction abnormality of a power circuit (2), the servo motor amplifiers (3, 4), and a spindle motor amplifier (5) from values for a normal operation to values during power failure, and a retraction operation instructing unit (12) which, in response to the power failure detection signal from the power failure detecting unit (10′), instructs servo motor amplifiers (3, 4) to perform a retraction operation by a small distance which is defined in advance.
US08531132B2
A backlight unit includes a driving circuit, a plurality of light source strings, and an error detector. The driving circuit outputs a driving voltage. Each of the light source strings includes a plurality of light sources and receives the driving voltage through input terminals of the light source strings to generate a light. The error detector is connected to output terminals of the light source strings and senses voltages between the input terminals and the output terminals of the light source strings to detect an error in the light sources using a first voltage and a second voltage. The first voltage is a voltage difference between a maximum and a minimum of the sensed voltages and the second voltage is obtained by dividing one sensed voltage of the sensed voltages by a number of the light sources of a light source string from which the one sensed voltage is sensed.
US08531129B2
A passive current balance driving apparatus has a circuit topology composed by several simple passive components and is capable of driving a plurality of LED strings simultaneously. The present passive current balance driving apparatus is mainly configured such that each LED string has the identical load characteristics during the positive and negative half cycles of the AC power. As such, the currents flowing through the respective LED strings are basically/substantially equal, thereby achieving the current balance.
US08531122B2
In various embodiments, a circuit arrangement may include a voltage-measuring device embodied to measure an output voltage, wherein the voltage-measuring device is embodied to provide at its output a signal which is correlated with the measured output voltage, wherein the voltage-measuring device is coupled to a control device for the purpose of transmitting said signal to the control device, and wherein the control device is embodied to vary an off-time as a function of the measured output voltage.
US08531115B2
An apparatus, method and system for controlling one or multiple lighting sources such as those powered by driver circuits or voltage splitting methods, to provide an alternative current path around a failed lighting source when one or more individual lighting sources fail.
US08531113B2
A driving apparatus of an LED device is provided. The LED device includes a plurality of LED channels, and each LED channel includes a plurality of LEDs connected in series. A power converter has an output terminal connected to a first terminal of each LED channel, and converts an input voltage into an output voltage to output the output voltage to the output terminal. A plurality of current controllers correspond to the plurality of LED channels, respectively. Each current controller is connected to a second terminal of a corresponding LED channel, and controls a current of the corresponding LED channel. The voltage sensor outputs a sensed voltage corresponding to the output voltage of the output terminal. The fault controller determines whether to stop operation of the power converter by comparing the sensed voltage with a reference voltage.
US08531111B2
The invention relates to a light module for electrical and thermal attachment to an energy infrastructure having at least one power supply, each power supply comprising two electrodes, said light module comprising a light source to emit light, wherein the light source is a heat source when emitting light, two electrical contacts to contact the electrodes of the at least one power supply and thereby establishing the electrical attachment between the light module and the energy infrastructure, a control system arranged between the light source and the electrical contacts to control a power supplied to the light source, wherein the light module comprises a measurement system to measure a thermal resistance of the thermal attachment between the light module and the energy infrastructure when establishing the electrical attachment, and wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power supplied to the light source when the thermal resistance is above a predetermined value to protect the light module from overheating. The invention also relates to a method for protecting a light module from overheating.
US08531108B2
A headlamp for a vehicle includes: a housing having a front opening; a lens cover arranged to cover the front opening of the housing; a lamp chamber defined by the housing and the lens cover; a light source provided in the lamp chamber; a lighting control circuit that controls lighting of the light source; and a heat dissipating member arranged in the lamp chamber. Further, the lighting control circuit is formed on a substrate. The heat dissipating member has a pillar portion and a plurality of heat dissipating fins. The pillar portion has the light source mounted thereto. The heat dissipating fins are provided on an outer periphery of the pillar portion so as to be spaced from one another. The pillar portion also has a recess formed therein. The substrate is received in the recess of the pillar portion.
US08531104B2
The present invention provides a light-emitting device including a light-emitting element over a substrate, the light-emitting element is partitioned from an adjacent light-emitting element by a partition wall, the light-emitting element comprising a first electrode, a layer formed over the first electrode, a light-emitting layer formed over the layer and a second electrode formed over the light-emitting layer, the layer contains an inorganic compound, an organic compound and a halogen atom, the partition wall contains the inorganic compound and the organic compound, and the layer. The light-emitting device provides higher reliability and fewer defects.
US08531103B2
An organic EL device includes a substrate; a color filter layer that is formed above the substrate; a first electrode that is formed between the substrate and the color filter layer; a second electrode that is formed to face the first electrode; and an organic light-emitting layer that is formed between the first and second electrodes. The color filter layer includes first and second sub-filter layers that are formed in a region overlapping the first electrode, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate, and transmit a first color. The first and second sub-filter layers are formed of the same material and the first and second sub-filter layers are laminated.
US08531098B2
A phosphor blend suitable for use in a fluorescent lamp for emitting white light is disclosed. The phosphor blend includes a first phosphor, a second phosphor and a third phosphor. The first phosphor is selected from a europium doped barium magnesium aluminate, a europium doped strontium aluminate, and a combination thereof; and the second phosphor has formula Y2O3:Eu3+. The third phosphor is selected from a phosphor of formula I: (A1-xMnx)E4O7, a phosphor of formula II: (L1-y-zMyMnz)2P2O7, and a combination thereof, where 0
US08531097B2
Disclosed is a field emitter, including: a cathode electrode in a shape of a tip; an emitter having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the cathode electrode and formed on the cathode electrode; and a gate electrode having a single hole and located above the emitter while maintaining a predetermined distance from the emitter.
US08531094B2
The present invention provides a spark plug that includes a center electrode extending in an axial direction, a ceramic insulator having an axial hole formed in the axial direction to retain the center electrode in a front side of the axial hole and thereby form an assembly unit of the center electrode and the ceramic insulator, a metal shell surrounding an outer circumference of the ceramic insulator to retain therein the assembly unit, and a ground electrode having one end portion joined to a front end face of the metal shell and the other end portion facing the center electrode to define a spark gap therebetween, wherein the spark plug satisfies the following conditions: H≧1 mm, Vc≦17 mm3 and Ra≧1.0×103 K/(m·W) where H is a length by which the ceramic insulator protrudes toward the front from the front end face of the metal shell in the axial direction; Vc is a volume of part of the ceramic insulator extending within a range of 2 mm from a front end of the ceramic insulator toward the rear in the axial direction; and Ra is a thermal resistance per unit length, excluding air space, at 20° C. at a cross section of the assembly unit taken perpendicular to the axial direction at a position 2 mm away from the front end of the ceramic insulator.
US08531093B2
A light source apparatus is equipped with a discharge lamp, which has a glass tube that forms a light emitting part and a base member that is coupled thereto, and a mounting apparatus that holds the discharge lamp via the base member. Therein, the base member has a flange part that contacts positioning plate of the mounting apparatus, and a fixed part that is urged with a pressing force that presses the flange part to the positioning plate. Furthermore, the mounting apparatus has a fixing arm that urges the fixed part by a compression coil spring.
US08531091B2
A holding device for a piezoelectric vibrator including a support member (11) for separately accommodating a piezoelectric vibrator (1), a first plate spring member (13) which extends from a proximal end fixedly bonded to one side of the support member (11) so as to sandwich opposing sides of the piezoelectric vibrator (1) and is folded back to be fixedly bonded to the piezoelectric vibrator, and a second plate spring member (18) which extends from a proximal end fixedly bonded to another side of the support member (11) so as to sandwich the opposing sides of the piezoelectric vibrator (1) and is folded back to be fixedly bonded to the piezoelectric vibrator. The first plate spring member (13) and the second plate spring member (18) are integrated at portions fixedly bonded to the piezoelectric vibrator (1).
US08531089B2
An array-type ultrasonic vibrator according to the present invention has an acoustic matching layer that has a plate-like body made of a material having a lower acoustic impedance than a plurality of piezoelectric elements. Signal wiring is formed on the plate-like body of the acoustic matching layer. Accordingly, for this array-type ultrasonic vibrator, the signal wiring can be easily formed without using additional components.
US08531087B2
A piezoelectric thin-film resonator includes a substrate, a lower electrode provided on the substrate, a piezoelectric film provided on the lower electrode and an upper electrode that is located opposite the lower electrode across at least a part of the piezoelectric film. A mass load film is provided on the upper electrode. The mass load film includes a plurality of concave or convex patterns in at least a region that faces the lower electrode. The plurality of concave or convex patterns are densely arranged in a central portion of the region and are sparsely arranged in a peripheral portion of the region.
US08531072B2
Disclosed is a counter-rotating electric motor that includes an outer rotational component, an oppositely rotating inner rotational component, a force output system coupled to the outer rotational component, another force output means coupled to the inner rotational component, and an assembly for reversibly halting one of the rotational components, thereby converting the counter-rotating electric motor into a traditional motor.
US08531058B2
A household appliance which includes an activation unit, a power supply unit, a switch that is operated by the activation unit, and a capacitor that is connected in parallel to the switch on the primary side of the power supply unit. The power supply unit is connected to a power supply network and supplies, on the secondary side of the power supply unit, power to controlled functional units of the household appliance and to the activation unit. The switch is operated by the activation unit to disconnect the power supply unit from the power supply network on the primary side of the power supply unit and in an idle state of the household appliance.
US08531052B1
A wind power generator has a frame, an axle extending horizontally and rotatably mounted relative to the frame, a plurality of arms extending radially outwardly of the axle, a plurality of panels respectively connected to the plurality of arms, and an electrical generator positioned adjacent to the arms for producing electrical energy as the arms rotate relative to the frame. The electricity generator includes an annular housing, a coil positioned in the housing so as to define a pathway through an interior of the coil, and a magnet slidably received in the pathway so as to be movable through the coil as the axle rotates. The magnet is magnetically attracted to the arm.
US08531044B2
An epoxy resin composition for encapsulating a semiconductor device and a semiconductor device, the composition including an epoxy resin, a curing agent, a curing accelerator, an inorganic filler, and an additive, wherein the epoxy resin includes an epoxy resin represented by Formula 1:
US08531041B2
A connection contact layer (4) is disposed between semiconductor bodies (1,2). In the second semiconductor body (2), a recess is provided. A connection layer (7) on the top face extends as far as the recess, in which a metallization (10) is present that conductively connects the connection contact layer (4) to the connection layer (7) in an electrical manner. A polymer (8) or a further metallization is present in the recess.
US08531033B2
A contact plug structure formed on a contact hole of an insulating layer of a semiconductor device includes a metal silicide layer formed on a bottom part of the contact hole of the insulating layer, a manganese oxide layer formed on the metal silicide layer in the contact hole, and a buried copper formed on the manganese oxide layer which substantially fills the contact hole.
US08531032B2
A multi-chip semiconductor device comprises a thermally enhanced structure, a first semiconductor chip, a second semiconductor chip, an encapsulation layer formed on top of the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip. The multi-chip semiconductor device further comprises a plurality of thermal vias formed in the encapsulation layer. The thermally enhanced structure comprises a heat sink block attached to a first semiconductor die. The heat sink block may further comprise a variety of thermal vias and thermal openings. By employing the thermal enhanced structure, the thermal performance of the multi-chip semiconductor device can be improved.
US08531030B2
An integrated circuit (IC) device includes an electromigration resistant feed line. The IC device includes a substrate including active circuitry. A back end of the line (BEOL) metallization stack includes an interconnect metal layer that is coupled to a bond pad by the EM resistant feed line. A bonding feature is on the bond pad. The feed line includes a uniform portion and patterned trace portion that extends to the bond pad which includes at least three sub-traces that are electrically in parallel. The sub-traces are sized so that a number of squares associated with each of the sub-traces are within a range of a mean number of squares for the sub-traces plus or minus twenty percent or a current density provided to the bonding feature through each sub-trace is within a range of a mean current density provided to the bonding feature plus or minus twenty percent.
US08531026B2
Thermally regulated semiconductor devices having reduced thermally induced defects are provided, including associated methods. Such a device can include a heat spreader having a monolayer of diamond particles within a thin metal matrix and a semiconductor material thermally coupled to the heat spreader. In one aspect, the coefficient of thermal expansion difference between the heat spreader and the semiconductor material is less than or equal to about 50%.
US08531022B2
An integrated circuit assembly comprises an integrated circuit die, and a routable metal layer comprising metal traces linking a plurality of wire bond pads to a plurality of external connection pads such that the metal traces are routable under the die area. An electrically nonconductive adhesive layer couples the integrated circuit die to the routable metal layer, and a plurality of wire bonds link circuitry on the integrated circuit die to the wire bond pads in the routable metal layer. An overfill material encapsulates at least the integrated circuit die and the plurality of wire bonds, and a plurality of solder balls are formed on the plurality of external connection pads.
US08531017B2
A semiconductor package includes leads around the periphery of a chip and leads under the chip having connecting segments for increasing I/O capability. A filling material may be used under the chip, which may provide a lead locking function. Various methods of forming the semiconductor package are further provided.
US08531015B2
A semiconductor device has a conductive via in a first surface of a substrate. A first interconnect structure is formed over the first surface of the substrate. A first bump is formed over the first interconnect structure. The first bump is formed over or offset from the conductive via. An encapsulant is deposited over the first bump and first interconnect structure. A portion of the encapsulant is removed to expose the first bump. A portion of a second surface of the substrate is removed to expose the conductive via. The encapsulant provides structural support and eliminates the need for a separate carrier wafer when thinning the substrate. A second interconnect structure is formed over the second surface of the substrate. A second bump is formed over the first bump. A plurality of semiconductor devices can be stacked and electrically connected through the conductive via.
US08531006B2
A memory capacitor based on a field configurable ion-doped polymer is reported. The device can be dynamically and reversibly programmed to analog capacitances with low-voltage (<5 V) pulses. After the device is programmed to a specific value, its capacitance remains nonvolatile. The field configurable capacitance is attributed to the modification of ionic dopant concentrations in the polymer. The ion and dipole concentrations in the ion conductive layer can be modified when the voltage biases applied to the electrodes exceeds a threshold value and can operate as a conventional capacitor when a voltage less than the threshold value is applied. The ion conductive layer will remain at a stable value after the device is modified without applying external voltage. The device has a nonvolatile memory function even when the external voltage is turned off. The memory capacitors may be used for analog memory, nonlinear analog and neuromorphic circuits.
US08531005B2
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection clamps for I/O terminals of integrated circuit (IC) cores comprise a bipolar transistor with an integrated Zener diode coupled between the base and collector of the transistor. Variations in clamp voltage in different parts of the same IC chip or wafer caused by conventional deep implant geometric mask shadowing are avoided by using shallow implants and forming the base coupled anode and collector coupled cathode of the Zener using opposed edges of a single relatively thin mask. The anode and cathode are self-aligned, and the width of the Zener space charge region between them is defined by the opposed edges substantially independent of location and orientation of the ESD clamps on the die or wafer. Because the mask is relatively thin and the anode and cathode implants relatively shallow, mask shadowing is negligible and prior art clamp voltage variations are avoided.
US08531003B2
Provided is a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a first insulation layer on a semiconductor substrate, the first insulation layer including a lower metal line, a metal head pattern on the first insulation layer, the metal head pattern including an inclined side surface, a thin film resistor pattern on the metal head pattern, a second insulation layer on the metal head pattern and the thin film resistor pattern, an upper metal line on the second insulation layer, a first via connecting the lower metal line to the upper metal line, and a second via connecting the metal head pattern to the upper metal line.
US08531002B2
An apparatus and method for wafer level fabrication of high value inductors directly on top of semiconductor integrated circuits. The apparatus and method includes fabricating a semiconductor wafer including a plurality of dice, each of the dice including power circuitry and a switching node. Once the wafer is fabricated, then a plurality of inductors are fabricated directly onto the plurality of dice on the wafer respectively. Each inductor is fabricated by forming a plurality of magnetic core inductor members on an interconnect dielectric layer formed on the wafer. An insulating layer, and then inductor coils, are then formed over the plurality of magnetic core inductor members over each die. A plated magnetic layer is formed over the plurality of inductors respectively to raise the permeability and inductance of the structure.
US08531000B2
An SOI wafer including: a supporting substrate 1; a BOX layer 2 provided above the supporting substrate 1, the BOX layer 2 being formed by a thermal oxidization; a gettering layer 3 provided immediately on the BOX layer 2 and mainly composed of a silicon which contains one or more of oxygen, carbon and nitrogen and contains at least oxygen; and an S layer 4 in which semiconductor devices are to be formed, the S layer 4 being mainly composed of a monocrystalline silicon.
US08530991B2
A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer.
US08530980B2
A gate stack structure with an etch stop layer is provided. The gate stack structure is formed over a substrate. A spacer is formed on a sidewall of the gate stack structure. The gate stack structure includes a gate dielectric layer, a barrier layer, a repair layer and the etch stop layer. The gate dielectric layer is formed on the substrate. The barrier layer is formed on the gate dielectric layer. The barrier layer and an inner sidewall of the spacer collectively define a trench. The repair layer is formed on the barrier layer and an inner wall of the trench. The etch stop layer is formed on the repair layer.
US08530978B1
A field effect transistor (FET) having a source contact to a channel layer, a drain contact to the channel layer, and a gate contact on a barrier layer over the channel layer, the FET including a dielectric layer on the barrier layer between the source contact and the drain contact and over the gate contact, and a field plate on the dielectric layer, the field plate connected to the source contact and extending over a space between the gate contact and the drain contact and the field plate comprising a sloped sidewall in the space between the gate contact and the drain contact.
US08530969B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a gate structure, a source structure and a drain structure. The substrate includes a deep well region, and the gate structure is disposed on the deep well region. The source structure is formed within the deep well and located at a first side of the gate structure. The drain structure is formed within the deep well region and located at a second side of the gate structure. The drain structure includes a first doped region of a first conductivity type, a first electrode and a second doped region of a second conductivity type. The first doped region is located in the deep well region; the first electrode is electrically connected to the first doped region. The second doped region is disposed within the first doped region and between the first electrode and the gate structure.
US08530968B2
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection element includes a collector area, a first barrier area, a semiconductor area, a second barrier area and an emitter area. The collector area has a first conductivity type. The first barrier area borders on the collector area and has a second conductivity type. The semiconductor area borders on the first barrier area and is an intrinsic semiconductor area, or has the first or second conductivity type and a dopant concentration which is lower than a dopant concentration of the first barrier area. The second barrier area borders on the semiconductor area and has the second conductivity type and a higher dopant concentration than the semiconductor area. The emitter area borders on the second barrier area and has the first conductivity type.
US08530964B2
A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor element including a first pn junction between a first terminal and a second terminal. The semiconductor device further includes a semiconductor element including a second pn junction between a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The semiconductor element further includes a semiconductor body including the first semiconductor element and the second semiconductor element monolithically integrated. The first and third terminals are electrically coupled to a first device terminal. The second and fourth terminals are electrically coupled to a second device terminal. A temperature coefficient α1 of a breakdown voltage Vbr1 of the first pn junction and a temperature coefficient α2 of a breakdown voltage Vbr2 of the second pn junction have a same algebraic sign and satisfy 0.6×α1<α2<1.1×α1 at T=300 K, wherein Vbr2
US08530960B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a static memory cell having six MOS transistors arranged on a substrate. The six MOS transistors include first and second NMOS access transistors, third and fourth NMOS driver transistors, and first and second PMOS load transistors. Each of the first and second NMOS access transistors has a first diffusion layer, a pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a second diffusion layer arranged vertically on the substrate in a hierarchical manner. Each of the third and fourth NMOS driver transistors has a third diffusion layer, a pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a fourth diffusion layer arranged vertically on the substrate in a hierarchical manner. The lengths between the upper ends of the third diffusion layers and the lower ends of the fourth diffusion layers are shorter than the lengths between the upper ends of the first diffusion layer and the lower ends of the second diffusion layers.
US08530955B2
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array part, a first contact part, and a peripheral circuit part. The first contact part is juxtaposed with the memory cell array part in a first plane. The peripheral circuit part is juxtaposed with the memory cell array part in the first plane. The memory cell array part includes a first stacked body, a first semiconductor layer, and a memory film. The first contact part includes a first contact part insulating layer, and a plurality of first contact electrodes. The peripheral circuit part includes a peripheral circuit, a structure body, a peripheral circuit part insulating layer, and a peripheral circuit part contact electrode. A width along an axis perpendicular to the first axis of the peripheral circuit part insulating layer is smaller than a diameter of the first particle.
US08530950B1
A split gate memory cell comprising a substrate including semiconductor material and a first gate structure of the memory cell located over the substrate. The first gate structure includes a first side wall having a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion is inset from the lower portion. A charge storage structure of the memory cell is located laterally to the first side wall. A second gate structure is located over the substrate and over at least a portion of the charge storage structure. The second gate structure is located laterally to the first gate structure such that the first side wall is located between the first gate structure and the second gate structure. A dielectric structure located against the upper portion of the first side wall and has a portion located over the lower portion of the first side wall.
US08530947B2
A floating diffusion region is formed at an edge of a light-receiving surface of an embedded photodiode, with a transfer gate electrode located therebetween. A first region, with radially extending portions centered on the FD region, and a second region, located to the outside of the first region, are created in the substantially sector-shaped light-receiving surface. A dopant whose conductivity type is the same as the signal charges to be collected in the first region are introduced, whereby an electric field for moving the signal charges from the radially extending sections towards the center is created due to a three-dimensional field effect. As a result, the charge-transfer time is reduced. Additionally, since a circuit element in the subsequent stage can be placed adjacent to the floating diffusion region, the parasitic capacitance of the floating diffusion region can be reduced and a highly sensitive element can be obtained.
US08530945B2
A solid-state image pickup element includes: a photoelectric conversion region formed in a semiconductor substrate; an electric charge holding region formed in the semiconductor substrate for holding electric charges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion region until the electric charges are read out; a transfer gate formed on the semiconductor substrate for transferring electric charges generated by photoelectric conversion in the photoelectric conversion region to the electric charge holding region, and a light blocking film formed on an upper surface of the transfer gate. In this case, a portion between the semiconductor substrate and the light blocking film is thinly formed as a light made incident to the photoelectric conversion region has a longer wavelength in a wavelength region.
US08530936B2
A semiconductor device includes a source electrode and a drain electrode formed on an active region of the semiconductor layer, a gate electrode formed on the active region of the semiconductor layer, a first insulating film formed on the semiconductor layer and covering the gate electrode, the first insulating film having a step portion following a shape of the gate electrode, a first field plate formed on the insulating film and located between the gate electrode and the drain electrode and separated from the step portion, a second insulating film formed on the first insulating film to cover the step portion and the first field plate, and a shield electrode formed on the second insulating film, the shield electrode extending from a portion located above the first field plate and a portion located above the gate electrode.
US08530929B2
A thermoplastic, hydrogenated vinyl aromatic/conjugated diene block polymer composition, especially a hydrogenated styrene/butadiene triblock composition, functions well as a LED encapsulating material in that it provides one or more of optical clarity, thermal stability, ultraviolet light resistance, melt-processability and injection-moldability. The resulting LED resists deformation after setting or hardening under typical solder reflow conditions.
US08530927B2
A light-emitting device includes a semiconductor light-emitting stack; a current injected portion formed on the semiconductor light-emitting stack; an extension portion having a first branch radiating from the current injected portion and having a first width, and a first length greater than the first width, and a second branch extending from the first branch and having a second width larger than the first width, and a second length greater than the second width; and an electrical contact structure between the second branch and the semiconductor light-emitting stack.
US08530923B2
A light-emitting diode chip (1) with a semiconductor layer sequence (2) is described, which is contacted electrically by contacts (5) via a current spreading layer (3). The contacts (5) cover around 1%-8% of the surface of the semiconductor layer sequence (2). The contacts (5) consist for example of separate contact points (51), which are arranged at the nodes of a regular grid (52) with a grid constant of 12 μm. The current spreading layer (3) contains for example indium-tin oxide, indium-zinc oxide or zinc oxide and has a thickness in the range from 15 nm to 60 nm.
US08530917B2
In an optical semiconductor device including an epitaxially-grown light emitting semiconductor layer and a reflective electrode layer provided at a counter face of the light emitting semiconductor layer opposing a light extracting face thereof, a support electrode layer is provided between the reflective electrode layer and the counter face of the light emitting semiconductor layer and is adapted to support the light emitting semiconductor layer and electrically connect the light emitting semiconductor layer to the reflective electrode layer. Also, a total area of the support electrode layer is smaller than an area of the reflective electrode layer. Further, an air gap at a periphery of the support electrode layer and the reflective electrode layer serves as a reflective mirror.
US08530915B2
A light emitting die package is provided which includes a metal substrate having a first surface and a first conductive lead on the first surface. The first conductive lead is insulated from the substrate by an insulating film. The first conductive lead forms a mounting pad for mounting a light emitting device. The package includes a metal lead electrically connected to the first conductive lead and extending away from the first surface.
US08530905B2
An organic light-emitting display apparatus for blocking or preventing an electrode of an organic light-emitting device from being shorted with another electrode of the organic light-emitting device at the bent portions of the electrode and for blocking or preventing impurities from penetrating into an organic layer through the bent portions. The organic light-emitting display apparatus includes: a first electrode; a pixel defining layer formed to have a thickness away from the first electrode and covering edge portions of the first electrode; a light-emitting layer on the first electrode; a second electrode on the light-emitting layer; and a stepheight lowering layer over a portion where the first electrode contacts the pixel defining layer, and between the first electrode and the light-emitting layer or between the light-emitting layer and the second electrode, to reduce a bend of the second electrode over the portion where the first electrode contacts the pixel defining layer.
US08530895B2
A semiconductor component includes a thinned semiconductor substrate having a back side and a circuit side containing integrated circuits and associated circuitry. The semiconductor component also includes at least one lasered feature on the back side configured to provide selected electrical or physical characteristics for the substrate. The lasered feature can cover the entire back side or only selected areas of the back side, and can be configured to change electrical properties, mechanical properties or gettering properties of the substrate.
US08530893B2
A display substrate includes a gate wire formed on an insulating substrate, a semiconductor pattern formed on the gate wire and containing a metal oxynitride compound, and a data wire formed on the semiconductor pattern to cross the gate wire. The semiconductor pattern has a carrier number density ranging from 1016/cm3 to 1019/cm3.
US08530892B2
An object is, in a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer, to reduce contact resistance between the oxide semiconductor layer and source and drain electrode layers electrically connected to the oxide semiconductor layer. The source and drain electrode layers have a stacked-layer structure of two or more layers in which a layer in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer is formed using an oxide of a metal whose work function is lower than the work function of the oxide semiconductor layer or an oxide of an alloy containing such a metal. Layers other than the layer in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer of the source and drain electrode layers are formed using an element selected from Al, Cr, Cu, Ta, Ti, Mo, or W, an alloy containing any of these elements as a component, an alloy containing any of these elements in combination, or the like.
US08530885B1
A system includes a substrate having a plurality of three-dimensional photonic crystal elements directly coupled thereto. The photonic crystal elements may each partially or substantially coated with oriented graphene and may comprise undoped silicon. The graphene may be oriented in a direction parallel to or normal to the photonic crystal element and may comprise graphene flakes contained within a composite thin film. The system may also include at least one optical component, such as a waveguide, contained within the plurality of three-dimensional photonic crystal elements. A method is also provided for preparing the graphene and coating the photonic crystal elements with the graphene.
US08530884B2
A method to form a strain-inducing semiconductor region is described. In one embodiment, formation of a strain-inducing semiconductor region laterally adjacent to a crystalline substrate results in a uniaxial strain imparted to the crystalline substrate, providing a strained crystalline substrate. In another embodiment, a semiconductor region with a crystalline lattice of one or more species of charge-neutral lattice-forming atoms imparts a strain to a crystalline substrate, wherein the lattice constant of the semiconductor region is different from that of the crystalline substrate, and wherein all species of charge-neutral lattice-forming atoms of the semiconductor region are contained in the crystalline substrate.
US08530882B2
A light emitting device may include a light emitting structure including a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer on the first conductive semiconductor layer, and a second conductive semiconductor layer on the active layer. A first electrode including a plurality of openings may be provided on the light emitting structure. A filling factor, which is an area ratio of the first electrode relative to an area of a top surface of the light emitting structure, may be 20% or less.
US08530870B2
An extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus in which a target material is irradiated with a laser beam and turned into plasma and extreme ultraviolet light is emitted from the plasma may include: a chamber in which the extreme ultraviolet light is generated; an electromagnetic field generation unit for generating at least one of an electric field and a magnetic field inside the chamber; and a cleaning unit for charging and separating debris adhered to an optical element inside the chamber.
US08530863B2
Systems and methods for document and product authentication using a variety of absorption and emission signatures are disclosed. Emission signatures in the form of florescent or phosphorescent coatings, inks and substrates are used for authentication and protection of items such as documents, currency, and secondary packaging for tobacco, luxury goods and pharmaceuticals. Spectrally overlapping absorption and emission materials are combined to provide a unique spectral fingerprint detectable by a scanner.
US08530861B1
Compositions and methods for labeling carbon fiber with a detectable tag are disclosed. A composition includes at least one tag affixed to carbon fiber. The tag includes a plurality of detectable labels selected from quantum dots and organic fluorophores arranged in a detectable pattern. In addition, methods for the facile detection of the source, type, and/or physical condition of carbon fiber labeled with a detectable tag are disclosed.
US08530845B2
Transparent optical ceramic coating materials have been fabricated from europium-doped lutetium oxide (Lu2O3:Eu) using physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition techniques. The non-pixilated film coatings have columnar microcrystalline structure and excellent properties for use as radiological scintillators, namely very high density, high effective atomic number, and light output and emission wavelength suitable for use with silicon-based detectors having a very high quantum efficiency. The materials can be used in a multitude of high speed and high resolution imaging applications, including x-ray imaging in medicine.
US08530841B2
The present invention aims to reduce a size and improve quality of an infrared sensor. An infrared sensor (203) according to the present invention includes a substrate (202) and an infrared detection element (201). A principal surface of the substrate (202) includes a convex shape. The infrared detection element (201) is formed over the principal surface including the convex shape of the substrate (202). Further, as for the infrared detection element (201), an entire light-receiving surface includes a planar shape. Then, it can be the small-sized infrared sensor (203) with improved quality.
US08530839B2
An apparatus for measuring pungency of red pepper powder includes a near infrared measuring unit; a reference spectrum measuring unit; a red pepper powder injecting unit; a red pepper powder height equalizing unit; a red pepper powder transferring unit; a red pepper powder ejecting unit; a display unit; a button unit; and a measurement controller for, if a reference spectrum measurement opening signal is detected, operating a reference spectrum measurement opening and closing unit, injecting the reference material, measuring the spectrum of the reference material, if the reference spectrum measurement closing signal is detected, operating the opening and closing unit, removing the reference material, closing the opening and closing unit, injecting the red pepper powder, and measuring the near infrared spectrum of red pepper powder, correcting near infrared spectrum data to the spectrum of the reference material, calculating a degree of pungency, and displaying the degree of pungency.
US08530838B2
A radiation detection system can include a radiation detector to detect radiation and an audio output device to produce audible sounds. The detected radiation can correspond to radiation information including energy information and energy intensity information. In an embodiment, the audio output device can produce an audio spectrum in a scanning mode, and in another embodiment, the audio output device can produce sounds at corresponding sound repetition rates depending on the energy intensity of the detected radiation. A method of using a radiation detection system can include placing an object near a radiation detector, generating a radiation signal corresponding to radiation emitting from the object, and analyzing the radiation signal to generate radiation information including energy information and energy intensity information. The method can also include filtering the radiation information to produce filtered radiation information, and outputting sounds corresponding to the filtered radiation information.
US08530835B2
The present invention concerns an imaging energy filter for electrically charged particles with a toroidal energy analyzer, preferably with a hemispherical analyzer, with an entrance plane and an exit plane. To provide an imaging energy filter and a spectroscope having such an imaging energy filter, which has a higher degree of position and angle resolution and which can be operated with a greater acceptance angle, it is proposed according to the invention that a mirror element for electrically charged particles is provided and is so arranged that charged particles which leave the toroidal energy analyzer by way of the exit plane are reflected back into the toroidal energy analyzer by the mirror element so that the charged particles pass through the toroidal energy analyzer a further time in the opposite travel direction.
US08530833B2
The production and use of silicon microcolumn arrays that harvest light from a laser pulse to produce ions are described. The systems of the present invention seem to behave like a quasi-periodic antenna array with ion yields that show profound dependence on the plane of laser light polarization and the angle of incidence. By providing photonic ion sources, this enables enhanced control of ion production on a micro/nano scale and direct integration with miniaturized analytical devices.
US08530832B2
Improved apparatuses and methods are provided for ionizing samples and analyzing the samples with mass spectrometry.
US08530825B1
A pixel structure having a cladding and tapered core waveguide, the core dimensioned to refract EM radiation through the cladding at differing depth dependent on the wavelength of the radiation, and a plurality of detectors disposed to convert the band of radiation they receive into electrical signals. In some embodiments the detectors are disposed within lateral waveguides, and in some embodiments below the tapered core waveguide. Further disclosed is an image array sensor comprising a plurality of such pixel structures. Further disclosed is an array comprising stacked layered waveguides having detectors disposed therewithin, and a plurality of refractors to refract different bands of EM radiation into differing waveguides.
US08530818B2
Techniques and architectures for providing a reflective target area of an integrated circuit die assembly. In an embodiment, a reflective bevel surface of a die allows an optical signal to be received from the direction of a side surface of a die assembly for reflection into a photodetector. In another embodiment, one or more grooves in a coupling surface of the die provide respective leverage points for aligning a target area of the bevel surface with a detecting surface of the photodetector.
US08530817B1
A method of making a device comprising one or more quadrant detectors (and such a detector) comprising fabricating a two-dimensional array of photodiodes and placing one or more photodiodes around the perimeter of the array.
US08530813B2
Static electricity generated in each data line 3 at the time of manufacturing a TFT active matrix substrate 10 is discharged to a common line 110 through a bidirectional diode 30A. Since the bidirectional diode 30A is configured to have a first allowable level higher than a second allowable level of a protection circuit 112, a leak current that are generated in each data line 3 when being driven is discharged to common lines 111A, 111B through the protection circuit 112.
US08530812B2
Disclosed is a solid-state image pickup apparatus including a photoelectric converter formed on a substrate, a wiring portion formed above the photoelectric converter and constituted of multilayer wirings, and an insulating portion in which the multilayer wirings of the wiring portion are embedded, the insulating portion having a refractive index larger than a silicon oxide.
US08530801B2
A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor wafer are provided for improving a quality of the semiconductor wafer, and further, for improving a quality of a semiconductor device manufactured by using the semiconductor wafer, by preventing warping from being generated at a stage of a placing step, at the time of performing heat treatment to a semiconductor wafer substrate. The placing process is performed by a placing means so that a time when a temperature difference between a wafer front surface temperature and a wafer rear surface temperature becomes maximum, and a time when warping is generated in the wafer are prior to a time when the wafer is brought into contact with lift pins or a susceptor (i.e., a time after the temperature is at an upper limit value of an infrared temperature region at 600° C.), and the lift pins are brought into contact with the wafer rear surface.
US08530799B2
Systems and methods of heating an accurate quantity of a fluid. A determination is made that an event in which a relatively large quantity of hot water is used has occurred. One or more temperatures are sensed. An increase in a temperature set point is made if the sensed temperatures indicate a shortage of hot water for the event. A decrease in the temperature set point is made if the sensed temperatures indicate an excess of hot water was available for the event. No change is made to the temperature set point if the quantity of hot water available for the event was appropriate.
US08530798B2
A hob includes at least one heating zone, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a cookware element placed on the heating zone, and a control unit for operating the heating zone. The control unit is constructed to heat up the cookware element in a heat-up phase and to control the temperature of the cookware element to a target temperature in a holding phase in at least one operating mode. In order to enable an energy-saving simmer operation, the control unit detects a boiling point of the liquid contained in the cookware element during the heat-up phase and determines the target temperature as a function of the boiling point.
US08530796B2
A cooking device comprises a cooking device body comprising a heating chamber for heating an object; a fan, comprising a bladed wheel and a casing having the bladed wheel in rotatable manner, to discharge air in the heating chamber; and an exhaust duct comprising an exhaust guide plane to guide the air blown out by the fan to the outside of the cooking device body. The casing comprises an arc-shaped guide plane to guide an air flow generated by a rotation of the bladed wheel in a rotation direction of the bladed wheel, and an outlet port opened from a part of the arc-shaped guide plane to one side in a tangent direction of the arc-shaped guide plane. The rotation direction of the bladed wheel is a direction opposite to the opening direction of the outlet port, and turbulence is generated in the exhaust duct.
US08530795B2
Various embodiments of a portable cooking apparatus are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a portable cooking system is provided comprising a cooking plate having a continuous cooking surface, a heating element assembly disposed beneath the cooking surface, a temperature controller for varying the temperature of the cooking surface, and a base that supports the cooking plate on an underlying surface. The base comprises an integrally formed drip pan located beneath the cooking surface, the integrally formed drip pan comprising a recessed portion formed in a top surface of the base.
US08530785B2
The present invention generally relates to a method of laser-marking. The method can include exposing a precursor to a laser creating a mark. The precursor can include a polymer or plastic loaded with a laser-marking additive in an amount of or greater than about 1 wt. %. The additive can include: at least one compound of the formula: MOCl where M is, independently, As, Sb, or Bi; or a compound of the formula BiONO3, Bi2O2CO3, BiOOH, BiOF, BiOBr, Bi2O3, BiOC3H5O7, Bi(C7H5O2)3, BiPO4, Bi2(SO4)3, Pb(OH)2.2PbCO3, or Pb(OH)2.PbCO3.
US08530784B2
Some embodiments include methods, and systems of machining using a beam of photons. In some embodiments, a machining method to remove material in a machined region may include reducing transparency of the region to at least a predefined wavelength by irradiating the region with a first beam of photons to induce generation of free electrons in the region; and machining the region with a second beam of photons having the predefined wavelength. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08530783B2
A laser cutting system including a chamber configured to provide a controlled environment while the laser is being used to cut a pattern into a material to reduce or eliminate heat and oxygen related changes to the mechanical characteristics of the material. A system for providing a gas to the controlled environment within the chamber, as well as a means for exhausting gas and cutting debris from the chamber is also described. A cutting mandrel that provides for flow of a shielding gas and also provides a means for dispersing a laser beam before it can produce unwanted damage to a section of tubing is also described.
US08530780B2
A DC steam plasma torch includes front, middle and rear sections. The front section includes a first amount and a first electrode attached to the first amount, thus defining co-axial first internal and external coolant channels. The middle section includes a second mount and a second electrode co-axially connected to the second mount, thus defining co-axial second internal and external coolant channels. The rear section includes an insulating transient element connected to the second electrode, a window frame connected to the insulating transient element and a window provided in the window frame. A first swirl generator is provided between the first and second sections to receive primary working gas and generating a swirl in the same. A second swirl generator is provided between the middle and rear sections to receive auxiliary working gas and generating a swirl in the same.
US08530767B2
In a multi-directional switch device including: an operation body which moves to be inclined in multiple directions; four actuators which are operated to be pressed by an inclination operation of the operation body so as to be moved; and three switch elements which perform switching operations by the movements of the actuators, the first actuator causes the first switch element to perform the switching operation, the second actuator causes the second switch element to perform the switching operation, the third actuator causes the third switch element to perform the switching operation, and the fourth actuator causes the first switch element to perform the switching operation, such that the plurality of actuators are disposed at positions where any of the three switch elements performs the switching operation even through the operation body is operated to be inclined in any direction.
US08530761B2
A grommet includes a body having a first wall and a second wall. A passageway extends from the first wall to the second wall, and a service port extends from a first end adjacent to the first wall to a second end adjacent to the second wall. A first cap is integral with the first wall and covers the first end of the service port. Similarly, a second cap is integral with the second wall and covers the second end of the service port.
US08530760B2
An electronic device may include electronic circuitry and a housing carrying the electronic circuitry. The housing may include first and second metallic housing members having opposing first and second mating surfaces respectively defining a projection and a corresponding recess. The projection may be spaced inwardly from a perimeter of the first housing member, and the recess may be spaced inwardly from a perimeter of the second housing member. The electronic device may further include a gasket between the opposing first and second mating surfaces and extending outwardly to perimeters of the first and second mating surfaces. The gasket may include indium.
US08530751B2
A multilayer wiring substrate includes a laminate structure in which resin insulation layers and conductor layers are alternately laminated. The resin insulation layers include first-type resin insulation layers, and second-type resin insulation layers, each of which contains an inorganic material in a larger amount and is smaller in thermal expansion coefficient as compared with first-type resin insulation layers. On a cross section of the laminate structure taken along a thickness direction thereof, the ratio of a total thickness of the second-type resin insulation layers located in an area A2 to a thickness corresponding to the area A2 is greater than the ratio of a total thickness of the second-type resin insulation layers located in an area A1 to a thickness corresponding to the area A1. The laminate structure is warped such that the laminate structure is convex toward the side where the second main face is present.
US08530750B2
A multilayer printed circuit board includes a first conductive layer including (i) a first signal ground, (ii) a first frame ground mounted on an external interface component, (iii) a first slit portion that separates the first signal ground and the first frame ground from each other, and (iv) a signal wiring arranged to extend over the first slit portion. A second conductive layer is laminated on the first conductive layer through a dielectric layer. The second conductive layer includes (i) a second signal ground, (ii) a second frame ground, and (iii) a second slit portion that separates the second signal ground and the second frame ground from each other. A first connecting member and a second connecting member connect the second signal ground and the second frame ground to each other. The first connecting member and the second connecting member are arranged along the signal wiring on a different side, such that the first connecting member and the second connecting member sandwich the signal wiring and extend over the second slit portion.
US08530742B2
A household appliance having at least one fascia panel. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one fascia panel may include an electronics housing structured to house electronic components for operating the household appliance, and a cosmetic panel structured to be at least one of mounted and joined with the electronics housing. The cosmetic panel may include one or more interfaces cooperating with the electronic components for operating the dishwasher.
US08530741B2
An micro coaxial cable which includes: a center conductor that enables transfer of a signal; an insulator that covers a periphery of the center conductor; an external conductor as a shield that covers a periphery of the insulator; and a jacket that covers a periphery of the external conductor, in which the insulator is formed of a resin composition containing insulating resin, carbon black and fired pigment, and the fired pigment contains titanium (Ti), antimony (Sb) and chromium (Cr).
US08530738B2
There is provided a tandem-type dye-sensitized solar cell having a novel structure whereby optical absorption efficiency is improved and which can be manufactured at low cost.A dye-sensitized solar cell 10 comprises an anode substrate 12, a first dye-carrying porous oxide semiconductor layer 14, an electrolytic solution layer 16a, a porous support layer 18, a second dye-carrying porous oxide semiconductor layer 20, an electrolytic solution layer 16b, and a cathode substrate 22, arranged in order from an optical incidence side. The porous support layer 18 supports an iodine redox catalyst layer 19. Electrons derived by a conductor from a conductor layer 12b are introduced to the cathode substrate 22, thereby configuring, for example, a battery circuit for lighting purposes.
US08530737B2
A solar panel apparatus includes a set of photovoltaic modules. The modules are configured to photovoltaically generate electricity from light. Each module is elongated along an axis and has first and second axially opposite ends. An end rail has a groove into which the first end of each module is potted in place with potting material.
US08530736B2
A musical tone signal is synthesized based on performance information to simulate a sound generated from a musical instrument having a string and a body that supports the string by a support. There is provided a closed loop circuit having a delay element that simulates delay characteristic of vibration propagated through the string and a characteristic control element that simulates a variation in amplitude or frequency. A string model calculation circuit inputs an excitation signal based on the performance information to the closed loop circuit, and calculates first information representing a force of the string acting on the support based on a cyclic signal generated in the closed loop and representing the vibration of the string circuit. A body model calculation circuit calculates second information representing a displacement of the body or a derivative of the displacement. A musical tone signal calculation circuit calculates the musical tone signal.
US08530731B1
The present invention relates to an inbred sunflower line, designated ON2343A/B. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred sunflower line ON2343A/B, to the plants of inbred sunflower line ON2343A/B and to the methods for producing a sunflower plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line ON2343A/B with itself or another sunflower line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a sunflower plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred sunflower lines derived from the inbred ON2343A/B.
US08530717B2
A process for the industrial isolation of propene from a gas stream comprising at least propene and propane, which involves contacting of the gas stream with an adsorbent having a porous metal organic framework having at least one at least bidentate organic compound coordinated to at least one metal ion, with the adsorbent becoming laden with propane and the gas stream therefore having an increased proportion of propene, wherein the W least bidentate organic compound is an imidazolate which is unsubstituted or has one or more substituents selected independently from of halogen, C1-6-alkyl, phenyl, NH2, NH(C1-6-alkyl), N(C1-6-alkyl)2, OH, O-phenyl and O—C1-6-alkyl.
US08530710B2
The object is to provide a process whereby it is possible to produce 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene at a high conversion ratio constantly for a long period of time.A process for producing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, which comprises reacting a raw material compound of at least one of 1,1-dichloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and 1-chloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, and hydrogen, in the presence of a noble metal catalyst supported on active carbon having an ash content of at most 3% as measured in accordance with ASTM D2866.
US08530709B2
The present invention provides a method for the preparation of suitable chlorofluorocarbon and hydrochlorofluorocarbon materials or chlorofluorocarbon and hydrochlorofluorocarbon alkene and alkyne intermediates which serve as useful feedstock for fluorination and reduction to cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene. Also presented is a continuous process for the production of cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene from the alkene and alkyne intermediates.
US08530708B2
Disclosed are processes for producing halogenated olefins, and preferably tetrafluorinated propene(s), from one or more alkanes having both fluorine substituents and non-fluorine substituents, preferably with a high degree of conversion and selectivity. Preferably the process comprises the use of a catalyzed reaction in which the catalyst is selected from the group consisting of activated carbons, halogentated mono- and di-valent metal oxides, mono- and di-valent Lewis acid metal halides, zero-valent metals, and combinations of these.
US08530707B2
The present invention is directed to a catalyst comprising palladium on a porous Silica glass as carrier, as well as to the use of such catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of alkines to alkenes.
US08530699B2
The objective of the present invention is to provide a process for producing highly pure (meth) acrylic acid stably and efficiently with crystallization. The process for production of (meth)acrylic acid according to the present invention is characterized in comprising the steps of cooling a crude (meth)acrylic acid solution in a crystallization apparatus until the temperature of a cooling medium discharged from the crystallization apparatus is stabilized in the range of higher than the solidification point of the crude (meth)acrylic acid solution in the crystallization apparatus and not more than the solidification point plus 5° C.; then bringing the crude (meth)acrylic acid solution in the crystallization apparatus to a supercooled condition by setting the temperature of a cooling medium supplied to the crystallization apparatus at the temperature of not more than the solidification point of the crude (meth)acrylic acid solution minus 1° C.; and crystallizing (meth)acrylic acid from the crude (meth)acrylic acid solution.
US08530696B2
The present invention relates to improved processes for the manufacture of acetic acid. A pump around reactor is used to produce additional heat for the production of steam. The pump around reactor receives a portion of the reaction solution produced by the carbonylation reactor and further reacts that portion with additional carbon monoxide and/or reactants.
US08530691B2
A process for the preparation of (R)-2-(3-diisopropylamino-1-phenylpropyl)-4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenol isobutyrate (Fesoterodine), its (S)-enantiomer, and novel intermediates useful in the synthesis.
US08530684B2
A method for preparing fatty acid alkyl ester for bio-diesels is disclosed, wherein fatty acid, specifically fatty acid distillate reacts with alcohol in the presence of metal catalyst instead of conventional acid or solid acid catalyst. The method does not require the glycerin purification process, and has the superior conversion ratio of fatty acid. The method for preparing fatty acid alkyl ester comprises the step of carrying out an esterification reaction of fatty acid raw material with alcohol in the presence of metal catalyst. Preferably, the esterification reaction is carried out at the temperature of 200 to 350° C. and the pressure of atmospheric pressure to 10 bar, and the metal catalyst is a compound containing metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, iron, manganese, zinc, titanium and mixture thereof.
US08530683B2
A method of obtaining a solid component rich in a petroselinic compound from the seed of a plant of the Apiaceae or Araliaceae families, the method comprising: (a) treating a portion of the seed of the plant with an extraction solvent; and (b) inducing formation of the solid component.
US08530677B2
Catalysts and methods for the carbonylation of epoxides to substituted 3-hydroxy-δ-lactones and β-lactones are disclosed.
US08530656B2
Disclosed are compounds of formula I, compositions containing them, and methods of use for the compounds and compositions in the treatment of conditions in which modulation of the JAK pathway or inhibition of JAK kinases, particularly JAK 2 and JAK3, are therapeutically useful.
US08530654B2
Crystals, amorphous substances, salts, and hydrates of a salt of methyl N-[3-(6,7-dimethoxy-2-methylaminoquinazolin-4-yl)phenyl]terephthalamic acid having PDE4 inhibitory action are provided. These compounds are useful for treating allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
US08530653B2
The present invention is directed to compounds that are specifically structured to provide enzyme inhibition. In specific embodiments, the enzyme inhibiting compounds exhibit antifolate activity. Particularly, the inventive compounds are formed of an antifolate residue that is active in inhibiting one or more of TS, DHFR, GAR, FPGS, and AICAR Tfase. The enzyme inhibiting compounds are useful in a variety of methods of treatment, including treating abnormal cell proliferation and treating inflammation.
US08530651B2
The present invention relates to a novel process for producing quinazoline compounds which are useful in therapy. More specifically, the compounds produced by the process of the invention are useful in the treatment of a number of cardiovascular diseases. The process of the invention provides 6,7-dichloro-1,5-dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]quinazolin 2(3H)-one, more commonly known as anagrelide and its analogues in a clean and efficient manner.
US08530647B2
The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of 10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide (Oxcarbazepine) by reacting 10-methoxy-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine (10-methoxyiminostilbene) and alkali metal cyanate in presence of α-hydroxy acids, and also relates to the process for the preparation of carbamazepine from iminostilbene. Further the present invention is directed to the novel crystalline form of 10-methoxy carbamazepine.
US08530646B2
The present invention provides a novel oxazolidinone derivative of the formula (I): wherein Rings A and B are defined as in the specification; X1is a single bond, or a heteroatom-containing group selected from the group consisting of —O—, —S—, —NR2—, —CO—, —CS—, —CONR3—, —NR4CO—, —SONR5—, and NR6SO2—, wherein R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are independently hydrogen or lower alkyl, or lower alkylene or lower alkenylene each optionally interrupted by said heteroatom containing group; and R1 is hydrogen, or an organic residue which is able to bind to the 5-position of the oxazolidinone ring in oxazolidinone antimicrobial agents, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof which are useful as an antibacterial agent.
US08530644B2
The present invention relates to a method for removing impurities from biopolymer material, e.g. polysaccharides, polypeptides or polynucleotides. More particularly, the present invention provides a method of reducing lipopolysaccharide levels in a lipopolysaccharide containing biopolymer material, comprising the successive steps of: a) providing an aqueous solution containing 0.05-50 wt. % of dissolved lipopolysaccharide-containing biopolymer material; 0.001-10 wt.% of a surfactant; 0.05-15 wt. % of solid adsorbent; and at least 50 wt. % of water; b) allowing the adsorbent to adsorb lipopolysaccharides; c) separating the solid adsorbent containing adsorbed lipopolysaccharides from the remaining aqueous solution; and d) recovering the biopolymer material containing a reduced level of lipopolysaccharide from the separated aqueous solution.
US08530631B2
The invention provides amphiphilic compounds and methods for manipulating membrane proteins. Compounds of the invention, for example, the compounds of Formulas I-XIX, can be prepared from readily available starting materials. The amphiphilic compounds can manipulate membrane protein at relatively low concentrations compared to many known detergents. The compounds can be used to aid the isolation of membrane proteins, for example, to aid their solubilization and/or purification. The compounds can also be used to aid the functional and structural determination of membrane proteins, including their stabilization and crystallization.
US08530624B2
The present invention relates to novel osteoprotegerin variant proteins (GYPs) that demonstrate reduced binding affinity for their ligand TRAIL when compared to wild-type osteoprotegerin. Nucleic acids which encode these GYPs are also provided. Recombinant vectors and host cells expressing these GYPs are also encompassed as are methods of producing recombinant GYPs. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising these GYPs, and to methods of treating bone diseases characterised by increased bone turnover and/or loss. The GYPs of the invention are useful for preventing bone resorption and may be used to treat any condition resulting in abnormal bone turnover or bone loss such as osteoporosis, hypercalcemia, Paget's disease of bone, multiple myeloma, bone cancer and bone loss due to rheumatoid arthritis or osteomyelitis, and the like.
US08530620B2
The present invention relates to reagents and methods for [18F]-fluorination of biomolecules, particularly of peptides. The resultant 18F-labelled compounds are useful as radiopharmaceuticals, specifically for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
US08530613B2
Disclosed herein is a method for preparation of a meso-porous polymer nano-composite material which includes: drying a solid material having pores under vacuum; adding a first organic solvent to the vacuum dried solid material in the reactor and dispersing the first organic solvent in pores of the solid material; adding a constant amount of a material having radicals or functional groups relative to weight of the mixture containing the solid material and the first organic solvent in a reactor, and agitating the mixture; introducing a polymerization initiator into the reactor; using a second organic solvent to filter and wash the reaction product after completion of the polymerization; and drying the treated product to eliminate the second organic solvent from the same after removal of the unreacted material having radicals or functional groups as well as the polymerization initiator from the product.
US08530608B2
What is disclosed is a water-based adhesive composition that is an aqueous dispersion or emulsion of a polymer component having functional groups that are inactive in a reversible manner in the adhesive composition as prepared; and a water-soluble, or water emulsion, or dispersion of a cross linker component having functional groups wherein the functional groups are inactive in a reversible manner in the adhesive composition as prepared. Preferably the adhesive composition has a pH of from 7 to 11 and a volatile stabilizing base component is used to inactivate the functional groups and to provide the pH. The functional groups in the polymer component and the cross linker component are activated when the volatile base is removed during lamination heat treatment. The adhesive composition can be used to adhere a variety of plastic films to metal substrates without reliance on non-water-based adhesives.
US08530596B2
A polymer and composition useful in forming an insulating film provided with a low permittivity, a high heat resistance, and a high mechanical strength and an insulating film obtained from these and an electronic device having the same are provided. The polymer for forming an insulating film according to the present invention is characterized by being obtained by polymerizing a reactive compound represented by Formula (1). The insulating film according to the present invention is formed using a composition for forming an insulating film including that polymer, has molecular spaces having an average space size of 0.7 nm to 5 nm, and has a permittivity of 2.3 or less. The electronic device according to the present invention has the insulating film. (wherein R1, R2, and R3 are the same or different from each other and respectively represent an organic group having a ring structure; X and Y are the same or different from each other and respectively represent an aromatic organic group having a reactive group; and n represents 0 or 1).
US08530591B2
The present invention relates to a latex composition containing polymer particles that are polymerized in at least two stages including a first phase polymer having a relatively high molecular weight and a relatively high glass transition temperature, and a second phase polymer having a relatively low molecular weight, a relatively high glass transition temperature, and polymerized from constituent monomers that include a crosslinkable monomer. Paint compositions and architectural coatings containing the latex composition according to the invention are also described herein, as well as substrates coated therewith.
US08530590B2
Described herein are silicone fluids and silicone materials that posses high glass transition temperatures (Tgs) when compared to conventional silicone materials. In one embodiment, an increased Tg allows the formation of objects and materials by cryogenic lathing. The fluids and materials can be formed by curing silicone fluid with a cross-linker mixture comprising a cross-linker and a monofunctional hydride compound. Upon formation, the silicone materials can be extracted over long periods of time without loss of optical quality. The silicone materials can be sufficiently soft allowing folding and insertion through small incisions in the eye. Additionally, methods of forming optical silicone materials, lenses and silicone materials in general are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the method of forming a silicone based lens using cryogenic lathing techniques is described.
US08530578B2
A pressure sensitive adhesive composition is described comprising unfunctionalized (e.g. polyisobutylene) synthetic rubber and an acrylic polymer having functionalized polyisobutylene polymer bonded to the acrylic polymer. In some embodiments, the functionalized polyisobutylene polymer has a first functional group hydrogen bonded with a second functional group present in the acrylic polymer backbone. In other embodiments, the functionalized polyisobutylene polymer is covalently bonded to the acrylic polymer backbone. Also described are adhesive articles, such as a tape, methods of adhesively bonding, and methods of making a pressure sensitive adhesive.
US08530576B2
The present invention provides a thermoplastic resin composition comprising a polysulfone (A) having oxygen-containing groups selected from among hydroxyl groups and oxyanion groups, a fluororesin (B) and a thermoplastic resin (C) other than the polysulfone (A) and the fluororesin (B). The composition has high slidability. By molding the composition, a molded article with high slidability can be obtained.
US08530571B2
Disclosed is a thermoplastic composition including (A) a polyamide resin independently selected from the group consisting of Group (I) Polyamides having a melting point of at least 260° C., and comprising (a) greater than 95 mole percent semiaromatic repeat units and (b) less than 5 mole percent aliphatic repeat units; (B) 0 to 60 weight percent of one or more reinforcement agents; and(C) 0 to 50 weight percent of one or more a polymeric tougheners; wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of said thermoplastic composition; and wherein said polyamide resin has at least 50 meq/Kg of acid ends.
US08530568B2
Thermoplastic molding compositions, comprising A) from 10 to 99% by weight of at least one thermoplastic polyamide, B) from 0.01 to 50% by weight of B1) at least one highly branched or hyperbranched polycarbonate with an OH number of from 1 to 600 mg KOH/g of polycarbonate (to DIN 53240, Part 2), or B2) at least one highly branched or hyperbranched polyester of AxBy type, where x is at least 1.1 and y is at least 2.1, or a mixture of these, C) from 0 to 60% by weight of other additives, where the total of the percentages by weight of components A) to C) is 100%.
US08530567B2
The present invention relates to a polymer dispersion which comprises a highly branched polycarbonate having unsaturated fatty acid groups. The invention further relates to highly branched polycarbonates having groups deriving from unsaturated fatty acids, to a process for preparing such highly branched polycarbonates, and to the use of these highly branched polycarbonates for improving the curing properties of coating compositions based on an aqueous acrylate dispersion.
US08530564B2
Disclosed are: an organic-inorganic complex dispersion improved in film formability and adhesion to a base material. The organic-inorganic complex dispersion comprises an aqueous medium and particles of a complex dispersed in the aqueous medium, wherein the complex has a three-dimensional network structure formed by a polymer of a monomer comprising a monomer represented by general formula (1) and at least one inorganic material selected from a water-swellable clay mineral and silica. Also disclosed is an antifogging material manufactured by using the organic-inorganic complex dispersion. Further disclosed is a cell culture substratum improved in the detachability of cells cultured on the substratum, which is manufactured by using the organic-inorganic complex dispersion. Still further disclosed are manufacturing methods for same. [In the formula, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms; R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 2 carbon atoms; and n represents a number of 1 to 9].
US08530556B2
Antibacterial cosmetic brush hairs include synthetic fibers treated with quaternary ammonium salt, phenolic compound, and acid. The antibacterial cosmetic brush hairs inhibit the loss of the antibacterial effect through washing or the like.
US08530554B1
A polymer assisted deposition process for deposition of metal oxide films is presented. The process includes solutions of one or more metal precursor and soluble polymers having binding properties for the one or more metal precursor. After a coating operation, the resultant coating is heated at high temperatures to yield metal oxide films. Such films can be epitaxial in structure and can be of optical quality. The process can be organic solvent-free.
US08530552B1
A composition includes specific amounts of poly(phenylene ether), polymerized styrene residue, and polymerized acrylonitrile residue. The composition can be prepared using a recycled homopolystyrene that includes an acrylonitrile copolymer as an impurity. The composition largely preserves the desirable properties of a corresponding composition prepared from virgin resins without requiring chemical compatibilization of the poly(phenylene ether) and the acrylonitrile copolymer.
US08530546B2
This invention is drawn to a curable composition that has excellent smoothness when a plastic substrate is coated therewith. Also disclosed are active energy beam curable compositions, such as actinically curable compositions, that can be cured without using a photopolymerization initiator, or with the use of a small amount thereof. This object is achieved by the presence of surface treated inorganic oxide microparticles. Such particles are obtained by reacting an alkoxysilane compound (a1) represented by the Formula (1) below and inorganic oxide microparticles (a2) in the presence of water and an organic solvent: (P—SiO3/2)1-a(P—Si(R0)O2/2)a(O1/2R3)z (1) in which P denotes a maleimide containing group, R3 denotes a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group, R0 denotes a monovalent organic group, a is 0 or a positive number and satisfies 0≦a <1, and z is a positive number and satisfies 0.1 ≦z ≦2.
US08530544B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing macromolecular species with a modified surface, comprising a step (e) in which macromolecular species (M), initially carrying —OH and/or —SH functions, are brought into contact with: a catalyst (C) carrying at least one conjugated guanidine function; and reactive species (E), comprising reactive groups including: (i) at least one group including an a,b-unsaturated carbonyl group C═C—C═O and/or an a,b-unsaturated thiocarbonyl group C═C—C═S; and/or (ii) at least one heterocyclic group comprising from 3 to 5 ring members, said group being selected from cyclic ethers, cyclic thioethers and aziridine rings; and/or (iii) at least one group selected from isocyanate —N═C═O or thioisocyanate —N═C═S groups, and trivalent groups of formula >C═CZ—, where Z is an electron-withdrawing group. The invention also relates to the macromolecular species with a modified surface that are obtained in this context.
US08530542B2
A method for forming an interlayer having improved solar control properties is disclosed. The method includes: a) forming a polymer material from a reaction mixture; b) adding one or more solar control components to the reaction mixture while the polymer material is being formed; and c) curing the reaction mixture.
US08530538B2
An ultraviolet hardenable ink composition excelling in the wetting characteristic (repellence prevention) of ink having impacted a recording medium. There is provided an ultraviolet hardenable ink composition characterized by containing a polyester-modified polydimethylsiloxane as a surfactant in an amount of 0.01 to 1% based on the ultraviolet hardenable ink. Preferably, at least allyl glycol and/or a N-vinyl compound is contained as a polymerizable compound. Incorporation of the polyester-modified polydimethylsiloxane in the surfactant has realized enhancing of the wetting characteristic on all nonabsorptive material surfaces and avoiding of ink repellence.
US08530524B2
Foaming alcohol compositions with selected dimethicone surfactants are disclosed. The dimethicone surfactants are PEG-8 to PEG-12 linear dimethicone surfactants and in particular PEG-10 linear dimethicone surfactant. The compositions are useful as antimicrobial products and in particular handcare or skincare products.
US08530522B2
The present invention relates to crystalline forms and hydrates of 2-Amino-2-[2-(4-C2-20-alkyl-phenyl)ethyl]propane-1,3-diol, and to the use thereof, in particular in the treatment or prevention of various autoimmune conditions.
US08530517B2
The present invention relates to new retinoid derivatives of formula I and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them for the treatment of patients affected by pathologies such as arthritic conditions, tumors, metastatic cancer, diabetic retinopathy, psoriasis, chronic inflammatory diseases or atherosclerosis.
US08530515B2
Methods for treating or preventing an inflammatory response comprising administering an enantiomer or racemic mixture of methionine sulfoximine (MSO). The MSO may be L-methionine S-sulfoximine (LSMSO), L-methionine R-sulfoximine (LRMSO), or racemic mixture of LSMSO and LRMSO. Methods include those for treating liver failure associated with an inflammatory response.
US08530492B2
The invention relates to (among other things) oligomer-PTK inhibitor conjugates and related compounds. A compound of the invention, when administered by any of a number of administration routes, exhibits advantages over PTK inhibitor compounds lacking a water-soluble, non-peptidic oligomer.
US08530484B2
The method includes the steps of cleansing of the scalp sufficiently to remove material which would otherwise block antiviral medication from reaching hair follicles, heating the scalp to increase the absorption of the antiviral medication and applying the antiviral medication to the scalp in effective amount to suppress viral replication or viral activation present in the nerves leading to the scalp.
US08530478B2
The present invention relates to novel piperazine derivatives (I); to processes for their preparation; to pharmaceutical compositions containing the derivatives; and to the use of the derivatives in therapy to treat diseases for which blocking the Cav2.2 calcium channels is beneficial.
US08530472B2
The present invention relates to ethynyl derivatives of formula I wherein U, V, W, Y, R, R1, R2, R3 and R3′ are as described herein. It has been found that the compounds of general formula I are allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5).
US08530471B2
Compounds comprising or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof, are disclosed, wherein B, Y, and A are as described. Methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed.
US08530470B2
The invention concerns chromenone compounds of Formula I; or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, wherein each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, n and R6 has any of the meanings defined hereinbefore in the description; processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of cell proliferative disorders.
US08530458B2
Large scale (bulk) compositions comprising high-purity stannsoporfin are disclosed, as well as methods of synthesizing such compositions.
US08530447B2
The invention provides dietary fiber formulation and related methods for its administration. In one embodiment, the invention provides a dietary fiber formulation comprising: partially-hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG); and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), wherein the dietary fiber formulation exhibits a prebiotic potential greater than a prebiotic potential of PHGG and FOS individually.
US08530446B2
An oral composition for increasing equol production by inner-intestinal bacteria, wherein such composition contains difructose anhydride as an active ingredient to activate the equol production function of inner-intestinal bacteria.
US08530443B2
The invention provides methods of treating certain blood related disorders, in particular, thrombocytopenia and anemia comprising increasing miR-150 expression or inhibiting miR-150 in progenitor cells respectively.
US08530438B2
The invention provides engineered RNA precursors that when expressed in a cell are processed by the cell to produce targeted small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that selectively silence targeted genes (by cleaving specific mRNAs) using the cell's own RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. By introducing nucleic acid molecules that encode these engineered RNA precursors into cells in vivo with appropriate regulatory sequences, expression of the engineered RNA precursors can be selectively controlled both temporally and spatially, i.e., at particular times and/or in particular tissues, organs, or cells.
US08530434B2
Nitroxide free radicals attached to antineoplastic agents can synergize their potencies to cancer cells. This invention relates to any antineoplastic agents and their derivatives chemically attached with nitroxide free radicals, such as TEMPO and its radical derivatives. This invention also relates to precursors of such compounds, as well as the products formed from the adducts after administration.
US08530433B2
The present invention provides the use of icariside II or extract comprising thereof in manufacture of products for preventing or treating male or female sexual dysfunction, in particular, the use for improving pathological or organical changes in erectile tissues of patients with erectile dysfunction.
US08530426B2
The invention relates to topical use of at least one UGT inducer for the preparation of a cosmetic or dermopharmaceutical composition comprising a dermatologically acceptable carrier to protect and/or enhance the state of the skin and prevent and/or treat imperfections of the skin.
US08530422B2
This document provides aquaretic and natriuretic polypeptides. For example, this document provides polypeptides having aquaretic and/or natriuretic activities. In some cases, a polypeptide provided herein can have aquaretic and natriuretic activities, while lacking the ability to lower blood pressure. This document also provides methods and materials for inducing aquaretic and/or natriuretic activities within a mammal.
US08530420B2
A method for treating and/or inhibiting arthritis is provided. The method includes administering an effective amount of a composition including a parathyroid hormone and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or salt to a subject with arthritis. Additionally, a method for inhibiting and/or rescuing terminal differentiation of cells is also provided.
US08530413B2
Heterocyclically substituted methoxyphenyl derivatives with an oxo group, processes for preparation thereof and use thereof as medicamentsThe invention relates to heterocyclically substituted methoxyphenyl derivatives with an oxo group, and to physiologically compatible salts thereof.The invention relates to compounds of the formula I in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R10, X, n, B1, B2, B3 and B4 are each defined as specified, and to the physiologically compatible salts thereof. The compounds are suitable, for example, for treatment of diabetes.
US08530412B2
The present invention provides a liquid composition, as an ejection liquid used for stably ejecting liquid droplets, including at least one kind of a protein and a peptide, and a compound having a betaine skeleton by application of thermal energy to the liquid; a method of making droplets form the liquid; and an ejection method and an ejection device suitable for utilizing protein liquid droplets. By adding a compound having a betaine skeleton to an aqueous solution of at least one kind of a protein and a peptide, the liquid composition is improved in stability for ejection by application of thermal energy. Further, a surfactant may be further added to the liquid composition containing the compound having a betaine skeleton, and in this case the effect of stable ejection can be obtained.
US08530395B1
The invention provides a lubricating composition containing an oil of lubricating viscosity and a compound obtained/obtainable by a process comprising reacting a glycolic acid, a 2-halo-acetic acid, or a lactic acid, or an alkali or alkaline metal salts thereof, (typically glycolic acid or a 2-halo-acetic acid) with at least one member selected from the group consisting of an amine, an alcohol, and an aminoalcohol. The invention further relates to the use of the lubricating composition in an internal combustion engine.
US08530393B2
Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes providing a drilling fluid comprising a base drilling fluid and a plurality of particulates, wherein the base drilling fluid without the particulates is characterized by N1(B) and wherein the base drilling fluid with the particulates is characterized by N1(A); and adjusting a concentration of the particulates in the drilling fluid by comparing the value of ΔN1(F) to ΔN1(P) so that ΔN1(F)≧ΔN1(P), wherein ΔN1(F)=|N1(A)|−|N1(B)|.
US08530390B2
A novel method and structure for creating a high-temperature superconducting tape. The concept of the invention is to use a conductor insulation which not only electrically insulates the conductors of the coil windings from each other, but also mechanically insulates them from the much stronger encapsulant. The insulation material mechanically decouples the conductor from the encapsulant at the boundary between them, thereby preventing damage as a result of thermal and electromagnetic shearing forces. The proposed structure allows the encapsulant to continue performing its functions of preventing coarse motion and stabilizing the coil as a whole, while allowing fine relative displacements of individual coil windings caused by radial stress gradients.
US08530389B2
An improved process for the preparation of oxide superconducting rods. The present invention provides a process for the preparation of oxide superconducting rods. The process includes the steps of a cold isopressing process without addition of binder, particularly thin and those based on Ag-added (Bi,Pb)2 Sr2 Ca2 Cu3 O10+x is disclosed. The main features of the process are the packing of partially preformed oxide superconducting powder obtained from spray drying a nitrate solution of Bi,Pb,Sr,Ca,Cu and Ag in a flexible rubber mould wrapped with a perforated metal sheet and whose inner surface is coated with olive oil, evacuating the packed partially preformed powder to remove trapped air and thereby reduces the defects and improves the subsequent cold isopressing to form rods; immediate cleaning the surface of the said rods so that no trace of olive oil is left; sintering initially the said rod in a silver tube/alumina sager, making silver metal contacts at both ends of the initially sintered rod; finally sintering the assembly of the said rod and both end silver metal contacts. The rods obtained according to these aspects show desired and consistent values of transport current not less than 36 Amp, contact resistance not more than 0.015 μOhm-cm2 at 77K in self field and fracture strength not less than 140 MPa.
US08530383B2
Herbicidal injury caused by 6-(trisubstituted phenyl)-4-amino-2-pyridinecarboxylates in wheat and barley is reduced with the use of AD67 (MON 4660), benoxacor, 2-CBSU, daimuron, dichlormid, dicyclonon (BAS 145 138H), fenchlorazole-ethyl, fenclorim, fluxofenim, furilazole (MON 13900), glyphosate, isoxadifen-ethyl, mefenpyr-diethyl, naphthalic anhydride, oxabetrinil and mixtures thereof.
US08530380B2
Fungicidal mixtures comprise as active components a) an amide compound of the formula I A-CO—NR1R2 I in which A, R1 and R2 are as defined in the description, and b) dimethomorph or flumetover, and/or c) a valinamide of the formula III in which R13 is C3-C4-alkyl and R14 is naphthyl or phenyl, where the phenyl radical is substituted in the 4-position by a halogen atom, a C1-C4-alkyl or C1-C4-alkoxy group, and/or d) benalaxyl, ofurace, metalaxyl, furalaxyl or oxydixyl, and/or e) 1-(2-cyano-2-methoxyiminoacetyl)-3-ethylurea in a synergistically effective amount.
US08530375B2
Two new classes of amine-based sorbents are disclosed. The first class comprises new polymer-immobilized tertiary amine sorbents; the second class new polymer-bound amine sorbents. Both classes are tailored to facilitate removal of acid anhydrides, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), from effluent gases. The amines adsorb acid anhydrides in a 1:1 molar ratio. Both classes of amine sorbents adsorb in the temperature range from about 20° C. upwards to 90° C. and can be regenerated by heating upwards to 100° C.
US08530371B2
A catalyst for diesel particle filter includes a platinum (Pt)-neodymium (Nd) alloy that is carried in silica, a preparation method thereof and a soot reduction device for diesel engine including the same, wherein the catalyst for diesel particle filter can maintain high catalyst activity and implement high nitrogen monoxide (NO) conversion efficiency even though it is used under the high temperature or vulcanization condition for a long time.
US08530366B2
A method of preparing a spray dried catalyst by combining spray dried catalyst particles with wax so the spray dried catalyst particles are coated with wax, yielding wax coated catalyst particles, and shaping the wax coated catalyst to provide shaped wax coated catalyst. A method of activating Fischer-Tropsch catalyst particles containing oxides by contacting the catalyst particles with a reducing gas in an activation vessel to produce an activated catalyst, wherein contacting is performed in the absence of a liquid medium under activation conditions. A system for activating a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst containing an activation reactor configured to introduce an activation gas to a fixed or fluidized bed of the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in the absence of a liquid medium and at least one separation device configured to separate a gas stream comprising entrained catalyst fines having an average particle size below a desired cutoff size from the activation reactor.
US08530362B2
The present invention provides aqueous compositions of one or more divalent metal crosslinked aqueous carboxylic acid group containing acrylic polymer having a Tg of ≦10° C. and one or more acrylic oligomer of a molecular weight of 20,000 or less and having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of equal to or lower than the Tg of the aqueous carboxylic acid group containing acrylic polymer. IN addition, the present invention provides methods of forming such compositions by polymerizing the aqueous carboxylic acid group containing acrylic polymer as a first stage of a multi-stage polymerization, followed by polymerizing the acrylic oligomer in the second or a subsequent stage by polymerizing the monomers in the in second or a subsequent stage in the presence of a chain transfer agent. Preferably, the compositions are used in soft feel applications to coat leather for, for example, furniture for home use and upholstery for automotive use.
US08530356B2
A method of removing a high molecular weight organic-comprising hard mask or BARC from a surface of a porous low k dielectric material, where a change in the dielectric constant of the low k dielectric material is less than about 5% after application of the method. The method comprises exposing the organic-comprising hard mask or BARC to nitric acid vapor which contains at least 68% by mass HNO3.
US08530349B2
Provided are semiconductor devices and methods for fabricating the same. A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes: forming an interlayer dielectric layer including an opening in which a lower conductive layer is exposed; forming a barrier layer on the interlayer dielectric layer and on the lower conductive layer the opening; forming an anti-seed generation region on a surface of the barrier layer which is provided on a top surface of the interlayer dielectric layer and an upper sidewall of the opening; and filling the opening with conductive material to form a conductive layer.
US08530343B2
A process is disclosed which incorporates implantation of a carbon cluster into a substrate to improve the characteristics of transistor junctions when the substrates are doped with Boron and Phosphorous in the manufacturing of PMOS transistor structures in integrated circuits. There are two processes which result from this novel approach: (1) diffusion control for USJ formation; and (2) high dose carbon implantation for stress engineering. Diffusion control for USJ formation is demonstrated in conjunction with a boron or shallow boron cluster implant of the source/drain structures in PMOS. More particularly, first, a cluster carbon ion, such as C16Hx+, is implanted into the source/drain region at approximately the same dose as the subsequent boron implant; followed by a shallow boron, boron cluster, phosphorous or phosphorous cluster ion implant to form the source/drain extensions, preferably using a borohydride cluster, such as B18Hx+ or B10Hx+. Upon subsequent annealing and activation, the boron diffusion is reduced, due to the gettering of interstitial defects by the carbon atoms.
US08530337B1
Methods for detecting the physical layout of an integrated circuit are provided. The methods of the present disclosure allow large area imaging of the circuit layout without requiring tedious sample preparation techniques. The imaging can be performed utilizing low-energy beam techniques such as scanning electron microscopy; however, more sophisticated imaging techniques can also be employed. In the methods of the present disclosure, spalling is used to remove a portion of a semiconductor layer including at least one semiconductor device formed thereon or therein from a base substrate. In some cases, a buried insulator layer that is located beneath a semiconductor layer including the at least one semiconductor device can be completely or partially removed. In some cases, the semiconductor layer including the at least one semiconductor device can be thinned. The methods improve the detection quality that the buried insulator layer and a thick semiconductor layer can reduce.
US08530311B2
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method comprises forming a first silicon film on a semiconductor substrate, forming a second silicon film on the first silicon film, forming a third silicon film on the second silicon film, and forming a first diffusion barrier film on the third silicon film. The method further comprises performing a thermal treatment to diffuse an impurity included in the second silicon film into at least the first silicon film and the semiconductor substrate, respectively.
US08530310B2
A method for forming a device is presented. A substrate prepared with a feature having first and second adjacent surfaces is provided. A device layer is formed on the first and second adjacent surfaces of the feature. A first portion of the device layer over the first adjacent surface includes nano-crystals, whereas a second portion of the device layer over the second adjacent surface is devoid of nano-crystals.
US08530309B2
A method for forming a memory device includes: forming a tunnel insulation layer, a conductive layer for a floating gate electrode, a charge blocking layer and a conductive layer for a control gate electrode over a substrate; and selectively etching the conductive layer for the control gate electrode, the charge blocking layer and the conductive layer for the floating gate electrode, thereby forming a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of select lines and at least two dummy lines disposed in a gap region between adjacent select lines, wherein the gate lines, the select lines and the dummy lines together construct strings.
US08530305B2
Methods, devices, and systems associated with charge storage structures in semiconductor devices are described herein. In one or more embodiments, a method of forming nanodots includes forming at least a portion of a charge storage structure over a material by reacting a single-source precursor and a reactant, where the single-source precursor includes a metal and a semiconductor.
US08530301B2
An integrated circuit (25) formed at a semiconducting surface of a substrate including a common p-layer (38) includes functional circuitry (24) formed on the p-layer (38) including a plurality of terminals (IN, OUT, I/O) coupled to the functional circuitry (24). At least one ESD protection cell (30; in more detail 200) is connected to at least one of the plurality of terminals of the functional circuitry (24). The protection cell includes at least a first Nwell (37) formed in the p-layer (38), a p-doped diffusion (36) within the first Nwell (37) to form at least one Nwell diode comprising an anode (37) and a cathode (36). An NMOS transistor 200 is formed in or on the p-layer (38) comprising a n+ source (43), n+ drain (44) and a channel region comprising a p-region (41) between the source and drain, and a gate electrode (45) on a gate dielectric (46) on the channel region. The terminal of the functional circuit (24, PAD) is coupled to the cathode (36) of the Nwell diode, and the anode (37) of the Nwell diode is connected in series with a path from the drain (44) to the source (43) of the NMOS transistor (200).
US08530298B2
A method of forming an integrated circuit (IC) includes providing a substrate having a topside semiconductor surface, wherein the topside semiconductor surface includes at least one of N+ buried layer regions and P+ buried layer regions. An epitaxial layer is grown on the topside semiconductor surface. Pwells are formed in the epitaxial layer. Nwells are formed in the epitaxial layer. NMOS devices are formed in and over the pwells, and PMOS devices are formed in and over the nwells.
US08530296B2
An integrated circuit containing an extended drain MOS transistor may be formed by forming a drift region implant mask with mask fingers abutting a channel region and extending to the source/channel active area, but not extending to a drain contact active area. Dopants implanted through the exposed fingers form lateral doping striations in the substrate under the mask fingers. An average doping density of the drift region under the gate is at least 25 percent less than an average doping density of the drift region at the drain contact active area. In one embodiment, the dopants diffuse laterally to form a continuous drift region. In another embodiment, substrate material between lateral doping striations remains an opposite conductivity type from the lateral doping striations.
US08530294B2
The present disclosure provides a method of semiconductor device fabrication including removing a sacrificial gate structure formed on a substrate to provide an opening. A metal gate structure is then formed in the opening. The forming of the metal gate structure includes forming a first layer (including metal) on a gate dielectric layer, wherein the first layer includes a metal and performing a stress modulation process on the first layer. The stress modulation process may include ion implantation of a neutral species such as silicon, argon, germanium, and xenon.
US08530285B2
A larger substrate can be used, and a transistor having a desirably high field-effect mobility can be manufactured through formation of an oxide semiconductor layer having a high degree of crystallinity, whereby a large-sized display device, a high-performance semiconductor device, or the like can be put into practical use. A first multi-component oxide semiconductor layer is formed over a substrate and a single-component oxide semiconductor layer is formed thereover; then, crystal growth is carried out from a surface to an inside by performing heat treatment at 500° C. to 1000° C. inclusive, preferably 550° C. to 750° C. inclusive so that a first multi-component oxide semiconductor layer including single crystal regions and a single-component oxide semiconductor layer including single crystal regions are formed; and a second multi-component oxide semiconductor layer including single crystal regions is stacked over the single-component oxide semiconductor layer including single crystal regions.
US08530281B2
A method of producing a semiconductor module which includes a resin molded package and a coolant passage is provided. The resin molded package is made up of a thermosetting resin-made mold and a thermoplastic resin-made mold. The resin molded package is formed by making the thermoplastic resin-made mold, placing the thermoplastic resin-made mold and a semiconductor sub-assembly made up of a power semiconductor chip, heat spreaders, terminals, etc., and then forming the thermosetting resin-made mold. Specifically, the thermosetting resin-made mold is made after the thermoplastic resin-made mold, thereby creating a high degree of adhesion of the thermosetting resin-made mold to the thermoplastic resin-made mold before the thermosetting resin-made mold is hardened completely, thereby forming firmly an adhered interface between the thermosetting resin-made mold and the thermoplastic resin-made mold. This minimizes the risk of occurrence of air gaps at the adhered interface and avoids the leakage of the coolant outside the resin molded package.
US08530274B2
A semiconductor device is made by mounting an insulating layer over a temporary substrate. A via is formed through the insulating layer. The via is filled with conductive material. A semiconductor die has a stress sensitive region. A dam is formed around the stress sensitive region. The semiconductor die is mounted to the conductive via. The dam creates a gap adjacent to the stress sensitive region. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die. The dam blocks the encapsulant from entering the gap. The temporary substrate is removed. A first interconnect structure is formed over the semiconductor die. The gap isolates the stress sensitive region from the first interconnect structure. A shielding layer or heat sink can be formed over the semiconductor die. A second interconnect structure can be formed over the semiconductor die opposite the first interconnect structure.
US08530270B2
An amic acid or amic ester precursor can be applied to a substrate and thermally converted into a semiconducting layer of the corresponding arylene diimide. This semiconducting thin film can be used in various articles including thin-film transistor devices that can be incorporated into a variety of electronic devices. In this manner, the arylene diimide need not be coated but is generated in situ from a solvent-soluble, easily coated precursor compound.
US08530268B2
An organic light-emitting display device includes a pixel electrode and a pixel defining layer which are formed by using one mask process. A method for manufacturing the display includes thermally reflowing a remaining portion of a photo-sensitive organic film that is used as a mask to form the pixel electrode to be the pixel defining layer.
US08530266B1
A backside illuminated image sensor includes a substrate layer having a frontside and a backside. An array of photosensitive pixels is disposed within the substrate layer and is sensitive to light incident through the backside of the substrate layer. A metal grid is disposed over the backside of the substrate layer. The metal grid surrounds each of the photosensitive pixels and defines optical apertures for receiving the light into the photosensitive pixels through the backside. The metal grid includes intersecting wires each having a triangular cross-section. A material layer surrounds the metal grid.
US08530264B2
Methods of fabricating complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) imagers for backside illumination are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include forming at a front side of a substrate a plurality of high aspect ratio trenches having a predetermined trench depth, and forming at the front side of the substrate a plurality of photodiodes, where each photodiode is adjacent at least one trench. The method may further include forming an oxide layer on inner walls of each trench, removing the oxide layer, filling each trench with a highly doped material, and thinning the substrate from a back side opposite the front side to a predetermined final substrate thickness. In some embodiments, the substrate may have a predetermined doping profile, such as a graded doping profile, that provides a built-in electric field suitable to guide the flow of photogenerated minority carriers towards the front side.
US08530257B2
Methods for improving the temperature performance of AlInGaP based light emitters. Nitrogen is added to the quantum wells in small quantities. Nitrogen is added in a range of about 0.5 percent to 2 percent. The addition of nitrogen increases the conduction band offset and increases the separation of the indirect conduction band. To keep the emission wavelength in a particular range, the concentration of In in the quantum wells may be decreased or the concentration of Al in the quantum wells may be increased. The net result is an increase in the conduction band offset and an increase in the separation of the indirect conduction band.
US08530253B2
A method of fabricating a flexible display device includes: forming a plastic substrate on a carrier substrate, the plastic substrate including an active area and a non-active area surrounding the active area; forming an array element on the carrier substrate, the array element including a plurality of layers and having an average adhesion force among the plurality of layers; forming a first film on the array element, the first film having a first adhesion force; attaching a flexible printed circuit board to the plastic substrate; forming a second film on the first film, the second film having a second adhesion force greater than the first adhesion force; and detaching the plastic substrate from the carrier substrate.
US08530248B2
The present invention relates generally to assembly techniques. According to the present invention, the alignment and probing techniques to improve the accuracy of component placement in assembly are described. More particularly, the invention includes methods and structures to detect and improve the component placement accuracy on a target platform by incorporating alignment marks on component and reference marks on target platform under various probing techniques. A set of sensors grouped in any array to form a multiple-sensor probe can detect the deviation of displaced components in assembly.
US08530247B2
A method for semiconductor processing is provided, wherein a semiconductor wafer having undergone polishing is provided. The semiconductor wafer has an active region positioned between one or more moat regions, wherein the one or more moat regions have an oxide disposed therein. A top surface of the active region is recessed from a top surface of the moat region, therein defining a step having a step height associated therewith. A step height is measured, and a photoresist is formed over the semiconductor wafer. A modeled step height is further determined, wherein the modeled step height is based on the measured step height and a desired critical dimension of the photoresist. A dosage of energy is determined for patterning the photoresist, wherein the determination of the dosage of energy is based, at least in part, on the modeled step height. The photoresist is then patterned using the determined dosage of energy.
US08530246B2
A method for controlling the threshold voltage of a semiconductor element having at least a semiconductor as a component is characterized in including a process to measure one of a threshold voltage and a characteristic value serving as an index for the threshold voltage; a process to determine one of the irradiation intensity, irradiation time, and wavelength of the light for irradiating the semiconductor based on one of the measured threshold voltage and the measured characteristic value serving as the index for the threshold voltage; and a process to irradiate light whose one of the irradiation intensity, irradiation time, and wavelength has been determined onto the semiconductor; wherein the light irradiating the semiconductor is a light having a longer wavelength than the wavelength of the absorption edge of the semiconductor, and the threshold voltage is changed by the irradiation of the light.
US08530243B2
A system for measuring an evanescent wave phenomenon at total internal reflection, the system comprising: a) a sensing surface comprising a plurality of areas of interest; b) an illumination sub-system comprising a light source, which illuminates each area of interest on the sensing surface over a range of angles of incidence; c) a detector which responds differently to an intensity of light received by it at different locations; and d) projection optics comprising primary optics and a plurality of secondary elements, the primary optics projecting an image of the illuminated sensing surface onto the secondary elements, which project their received light onto the detector in such a way that it is possible to determine, from the response of the detector, how much light is reflected from each area of interest, as a function of angle of incidence over the range of angles for that area.
US08530237B2
Provided are a technique for easily forming a spheroid by three-dimensionally culturing hepatocytes, and a technique for forming a spheroid having a higher expression level of a transporter MRP2 playing a role of biliary excretion than that of a conventional method. In order to solve the above-described problems, the present inventors have found out a condition under which hepatocytes easily form the spheroid on a nanopillar sheet. More specifically, this is related to a concentration of Type I collagen coated onto the NP sheet. Also, they have found out a condition under which an expression level of a gene related to the excretion of the formed spheroid is improved. More specifically, after the spheroid is previously formed, a biological matrix is overlayered thereon.
US08530236B2
Synthetic surfaces capable of supporting culture of undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells in a chemically defined medium include a swellable (meth)acrylate layer and a peptide conjugated to the swellable (meth)acrylate layer. The swellable (meth)acrylate layer may be formed by polymerizing monomers in a composition that includes hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-carboxyehylacrylate, and tetra(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate. The conjugated peptide may include an amino acid sequence of XaanProGlnValThrArgGlyAspValPheThrMetPro, where n is an integer from 0 to 3 and where Xaa is any amino acid. Further, disclosed herein is a swellable (meth)acrylate synthetic surface which can be sterilized by gamma irradiation.
US08530226B2
The invention relates to a yeast cell producing isobutanol, characterized in that the cell has an increased metabolic flow of material from pyruvate and acetolactate, 2,3-dihydroxy isovalerate, 2-ketoisovalerate, isobutyraldehyde to isobutanol, in that at least one of the genes coding the enzymes, which are involved in this conversion, is over-expressed, and without any of said genes being heterologous to said yeast cell, and to a method for the production of isobutanol using yeast cells, comprising the provision of the yeast cells according to the invention, and bringing the yeast cell into contact with a fermentable carbon source.
US08530220B2
The present invention relates to a microorganism, a microbial phosphate fertilizer and a method for manufacturing the microbial phosphate fertilizer, wherein the microorganism is Streptomyces cellulosae with Accession number CGMCC No. 2167 or Aspergillus versicolor with Accession number CGMCC No. 2171. The microbial phosphate fertilizer of the present invention comprises a fermentation product of the microbial composition consisting of the following four microorganisms: Bacillus subtilis strain WH2, Bacillus licheniformis strain WH4, Streptomyces cellulosae strain WH9 and Aspergillus versicolor strain WH13. A method for manufacturing the microbial phosphate fertilizer is also provided, wherein the manufacture of the microbial phosphate fertilizer may involve the use of ground phosphate rock having 8%-12% P2O5.
US08530218B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions for the production of mature proteases in bacterial host cells. The compositions include modified polynucleotides that encode modified proteases, which have at least one mutation in the pro region; the modified serine proteases encoded by the modified polynucleotides; expression cassettes, DNA constructs, and vectors comprising the modified polynucleotides that encode the modified proteases; and the bacterial host cells transformed with the vectors of the invention. The methods include methods for enhancing the production of mature proteases in bacterial host cells e.g. Bacillus sp. host cells. The produced proteases find use in the industrial production of enzymes, suitable for use in various industries, including but not limited to the cleaning, animal feed and textile processing industry.
US08530217B2
The invention provides novel methionine aminopeptidase enzymes and their use.
US08530213B2
The present disclosure relates generally to bacterial NADH oxidases and, more particularly, to novel NADH oxidases obtained from Lactobacillus plantarum, and derivatives thereof that demonstrate enzymatic activity for NADH, NADPH, or both NADH and NADPH. The compositions comprising an NADH oxidase obtained from L. plantarum or derivatives thereof include: isolated enzymes; recombinantly produced enzymes and derivatives thereof, as well as catalytically active portions thereof; nucleic acids encoding an NADH oxidase obtained from L. plantarum, derivatives thereof, and portions thereof. The methods of the present invention include isolation of NADH oxidases obtained from L. plantarum, derivatives thereof, and portions thereof, and methods for enzymatic reactions comprising NADH oxidase obtained from L. plantarum, including the production of enantiomer-enriched organic compounds.
US08530212B2
A process for producing a substrate having an adhesive surface, which process comprises: (a) contacting the substrate with a carbene precursor, which carbene precursor is a compound of the following formula (1): whose substituent groups are defined herein, provided that when R is aryl or heteroaryl, said aryl or heteroaryl may be substituted by one, two, three, four or five groups, which groups are independently selected from various groups including -LB-WB; and (b) either: (i) when WA or WB comprises an adhesive functional group, generating a carbene reactive intermediate from the carbene precursor so that it reacts with the substrate to functionalise the surface, thereby yielding said substrate having an adhesive surface; or (ii) when WA or WB comprises a group which is a precursor of an adhesive functional group, generating a carbene reactive intermediate from the carbene precursor so that it reacts with the substrate to functionalise the surface, and (c) converting said group which is a precursor into an adhesive functional group thereby yielding said substrate having an adhesive surface. The invention further relates to carbene precursor compounds for use in the process, substrates produced by the process and to processes for preparing certain precursor compounds.
US08530210B2
The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising 1,4-butanediol (14-BDO) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) pathways comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a 14-BDO and GBL pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce 14-BDO and GBL. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce 14-BDO and GBL.
US08530207B2
The described invention provides genetically engineered photosynthetic microorganisms expressing prokaryotic acyl-ACP thioesterases and methods of using the genetically engineered photosynthetic microorganisms for producing free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives.
US08530205B2
The present invention relates to a buffer composition for promoting production of calcitriol or calcifediol, and a method for producing calcitriol or calcifediol using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a buffer composition for promoting production of calcitriol or calcifediol comprising a metallic compound, an organic solvent, cyclodextrin, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, sodium succinate, sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, and water, and a method for producing calcitriol or calcifediol using the same. In the method for producing calcitiriol or calcifediol, the production yield of calcitriol or calcifediol is high, and the bioconversion is carried out in an enzyme reaction system instead of in a microorganism culture system. Thus, it is not required to maintain a sterile state. Also, the separation/purification following the completion of a biocatalytic reaction can be carried out in a cleaner state than the microorganism culture method. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that a cost required for separation is low and the quality is improved. Furthermore, the buffer composition for promoting production of calcitriol or calcifediol can provide a high productivity of calcitriol or calcifediol.
US08530203B2
The present invention provides a process for efficiently producing a useful substance; and a microorganism which belongs to coryneform bacteria and which can be used in the process. The present invention provides a process for producing a useful substance by using a microorganism belonging to coryneform bacteria, the microorganism having an ability to take a sugar, which is taken into a cell via a phosphotransferase system (PTS), into a cell via a system other than the PTS, and having an ability to produce a useful substance.
US08530200B2
Disclosed is a method of producing 5′-guanosine monophosphate using a novel microorganism which has a malate dehydrogenase activity higher than that of a wild-type, thereby showing improved ATP productivity. Also, a novel microorganism is disclosed. The method comprises: culturing the corynebacteria strain which is enhanced in malate dehydrogenase activity over the endogenous activity, thus producing ATP in high yield; producing XMP in the culture; adding to the culture an enzyme or microorganism having XMP amination activity; and obtaining GMP from the culture.
US08530176B2
The current invention comprises a method for determining of an antibody against a drug antibody in a sample using an immunoassay comprising a capture drug antibody and a tracer drug antibody, wherein the method comprises providing i) a capture drug antibody, which is the drug antibody conjugated to a solid phase, ii) a tracer drug antibody, which is the drug antibody conjugated to a detectable label, contacting the capture drug antibody separately with i) the sample, ii) the sample, to which the drug antibody in monomeric form has been added, iii) the sample, to which the drug antibody in oligomeric form has been added, and determining an antibody against the drug antibody in the sample by a positive immunoassay in i) and a negative immunoassay in ii) and iii).
US08530175B2
Methods for identifying individuals who are not yet diabetic (pre-diabetic), but who are at significant risk of developing diabetes, such as type 2 diabetes, are disclosed herein. Methods are also provided for the identification of diabetic subjects. Also disclosed are methods for identifying individuals with diabetic complications. The methods include the identification of an overall glycosylation profile of proteins in a biological fluid, such as saliva, urine, or serum. In some examples, the methods include determining the amount of one or more protein in a biological fluid or determining the glycosylation pattern of one or more proteins in a biological fluid.
US08530174B2
The present invention relates to the identification of polynucleotides and polypeptides involved in insulin and adiponectin signaling and regulation of glucose production. The invention further relates to the use of the identified polynucleotides and polypeptides, and inhibitors of the polynucleotides and polypeptides, in the regulation of glucose production and the monitoring and treatment of metabolic disorders such as diabetes.
US08530172B2
This document relates to methods and materials involved in assessing samples for enzyme-nucleic acid complexes. For example, methods and materials for using antibodies to determine the presence, absence, or amount of enzyme-nucleic acid complexes (e.g., human topoisomerase I-DNA complexes) in a sample (e.g., a biological sample such as a tissue biopsy) are provided.
US08530167B2
The allelic variants or mutations in three genes: GNPTAB, GNPTG and NAGPA, that correlate with stuttering in humans, as well as the encoded mutated polypeptides and related vectors, host cells, antibodies, antibody-producing cell lines and methods of diagnosing, prognosticating and treating stuttering are provided.
US08530162B2
The present invention pertains to a novel method for quantifying VEGF various isoforms in a biological sample, with a very high selectivity and sensitivity. It also concerns a method for establishing a diagnostic and/or a prognosis concerning a patient potentially suffering from cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease, comprising a step of determining the level of at least one of the VEGF isoforms, in a biological sample from said patient.
US08530151B2
The present disclosure shows human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is strongly associated with a variety of cancers in humans. In addition, the present disclosure shows a specific strain of HCMV, HDu, is associated with several types of cancer. The identification cells harboring certain strains of HCMV, such as HDu, will provide a novel mechanism to identify cells that are at risk for undergoing oncogenesis. Novel strategies for detecting HCMV are also disclosed.
US08530136B2
Phenolic molecular glasses such as calixarenes include at least one fluoroalcohol containing unit. The fluoroalcohol containing molecular glasses can be used in photoresist compositions. Also disclosed are processes for generating a resist image on a substrate using the photoresist composition.
US08530131B2
Toner particles are provided which may, in embodiments, include a core and a shell, one or both of which may include a polyester gel. The gel in the shell and/or core may prevent a crystalline resin in the core from migrating to the toner surface.
US08530129B2
Provided is an image forming method in which hydrophobized calcium carbonate particles having a number average particle diameter of 30 to 300 nm and hydrophobized strontium titanate particles having a number average particle diameter of 30 to 300 nm are applied to the surface of an image bearing member.
US08530127B2
A process for preparing toner and a polymerized toner prepared thereby are provided. The process for preparing toner comprises: forming an aqueous dispersion medium comprising calcium phosphate; forming a monomer mixture of a polymer charge control agent having weight average molecular weight of about 10,000 to 20,000, pigment, and a monomer for a binder resin; dispersing the monomer mixture in the aqueous dispersion in the form of droplets; and suspension-polymerizing the monomer mixture dispersed in the form of droplets, wherein about 2 to 6 parts by weight of the calcium phosphate and about 0.6 to 10 parts by weight of the charge control agent are used, on the basis of 100 parts by weight of the monomer mixture.
US08530117B2
The present invention involves a method for making a relief image. A film that includes a carrier sheet and an imageable material is used to form a mask image that is opaque to a curing radiation. In one embodiment, the mask image is formed on the carrier sheet while in another embodiment, the mask image is formed on a receptor sheet. The mask image is then transferred to a photosensitive material, such as a flexographic printing plate precursor. The resulting assembly is exposed to the curing radiation resulting in exposed and unexposed areas of the photosensitive material. The carrier sheet or the receptor sheet may be removed from the mask image either before or after exposure to the curing radiation. Finally, the photosensitive material and mask image assembly is developed with a suitable developer to form a relief image.
US08530116B2
A colored curable composition for a color filter includes: (A) a pigment in an amount of from 35 to 70 mass % with respect to the total solid content of the colored curable composition, (B) an amino resin, (C) an alkali-soluble resin, (D) a polymerizable monomer, and (E) a photopolymerization initiator, in which the proportion of (B) the amino resin to (C) the alkali-soluble resin (B/C; mass ratio) is in the range of from 1 to 10.
US08530112B2
An electricity generation device includes: a tubular fuel cell having an electrolyte layer sandwiched between inside and outside electrodes to which a fuel gas is supplied, the fuel cell having an interior formed as an inside channel for the fuel gas; a cover pipe arranged around the fuel cell with a gap provided between the outside electrode and the cover pipe; a connecting member connecting the fuel cell and the cover pipe to each other and permitting an outside channel for the fuel gas to be formed around the fuel cell by making use of the gap; and a fuel gas pipe connected to each of opposite ends of the cover pipe and forming a flow path for the fuel gas in cooperation with the cover pipe.
US08530109B2
Solid anion exchange polymer electrolytes include chemical compounds comprising a polymer backbone with side chains that include guanidinium cations.
US08530108B2
A fuel cell includes membrane electrode assemblies disposed in a planar arrangement. Each membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and a cathode catalyst layer disposed counter to the cathode catalyst via the electrolyte membrane. Interconnectors (conductive members) are provided on the lateral faces of the electrolyte membranes disposed counter to each another in the neighboring direction of the membrane electrode assemblies. Each interconnector includes a support portion protruding toward the central region of the electrolyte member on the cathode side of the electrolyte membrane. The support portion is in contact with the cathode-side surface of an edge of the electrolyte membrane, and the electrolyte membrane is held by the support portion.
US08530101B2
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack including at least one fuel cell and a separator. Each fuel cell includes a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte between the cathode and the anode. The separator includes a membrane, and a housing defining an anode exhaust inlet, a recycled gas outlet and an exhaust gas outlet. The anode exhaust inlet and the recycled gas outlet are independently in fluid communication with the anode. The housing and the membrane defines at least in part a first chamber that is in fluid communication with the anode exhaust inlet, and a second chamber. In one embodiment, the membrane is an H2-gas permeable membrane, the recycled gas outlet is in fluid communication with the second chamber, and the exhaust gas outlet is in fluid communication with the first chamber. In another embodiment, the membrane is a CO2-gas permeable membrane, the recycled gas outlet is in fluid communication with the first chamber, and the exhaust gas outlet is in fluid communication with the second chamber.
US08530100B2
Method of chemical treatment of fuel cell plate surface to modify wettability of flow field channels
A method of surface treating a separator plate of a fuel cell comprises reacting the separator plate with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. The aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide comprises one or more salts of one or more transition metals. The one or more transition metals have variable oxidation states. This method makes the surface of the separator plate hydrophilic (˜35 deg contact angle of water) and improves its electrical conductivity. The method of surface treating a separator plate (e.g., a graphite and/or graphite composite plate) of a fuel cell can further comprise a method of modifying wettability of the separator plate comprising treating the separator plate with a solution comprising one or more silanes. In another embodiment, a method of modifying wettability of a separator plate (e.g., a stainless steel separator plate) of a fuel cell comprises treating the separator plate with a solution comprising one or more silanes without a surface treating step prior to treating the separator plate with the solution comprising one or more silanes.
US08530097B2
A secondary battery including an electrode assembly including a positive electrode including a positive electrode active material layer, a negative electrode including a negative electrode active material layer, a separator separating the positive and negative electrodes from each other, and an electrolyte. The separator includes a porous layer comprising a ceramic material and a binder, and a polyolefin-based resin layer. The porous layer has a centerline average roughness (Ra) of 0.3 μm to 1.5 μm, the polyolefin-based resin layer has a porosity of 30% to 60%, and the polyolefin-based resin layer has a compressibility of 4% to 10%.
US08530095B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to negative active materials for rechargeable lithium batteries including lithium titanium oxides. The lithium titanium oxide has a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 2θ of about 0.08054° to about 0.10067° at a (111) plane (main peak, 2θ=18.330°) as measured by XRD using a Cu Kα ray.
US08530092B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode containing a negative electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode active material includes a lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide having a hexagonal layered rock-salt structure that belongs to the space group R-3m, and contains lithium in 3b sites that contain transition metals. The lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide is represented by the molecular formula Li[LixNiyMn2Mb]O2-a, where: 0.2
US08530090B2
An energy storage device comprising an anode, electrolyte, and cathode is provided. The cathode comprises a plurality of granules comprising a support material, an active electrode metal, and a salt material, such that the cathode has a granule packing density equal to or greater than about 2 g/cc. A cathode comprising greater than about 10 volume % total metallic content in a charged state of the cathode is also provided.
US08530089B2
A negative electrode, a lithium battery employing the negative electrode, and a method of preparing the negative electrode. The negative electrode includes a current collector, and a negative electrode active material layer disposed on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer includes: composite negative electrode active material particles comprising tin (Sn), and conductive metal particles. The conductive metal particles form an intermetallic compound with the Sn, and an average particle size of the conductive metal particles is at least 10 μm.
US08530081B2
A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a high-density positive electrode in which a positive electrode active material layer is formed on at least one surface of a positive electrode current collector, a high-density negative electrode in which a negative electrode active material layer is formed on at least one surface of a negative electrode current collector, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, and has a structure in which the electrode assembly is impregnated with a nonaqueous electrolyte, wherein the specific surface area per unit area of the positive electrode active material layer of the positive electrode is 0.5 to 1.0 times the specific surface area per unit area of the negative electrode active material layer of the negative electrode which opposes the positive electrode with the separator sandwiched between them.
US08530076B2
A protection circuit module and a rechargeable battery pack including the PCM. The battery pack includes: an electrode assembly, which has a positive electrode plate, a separator, and a negative electrode plate; a case to house the electrode assembly and an electrolyte; and the protection circuit module. The protection circuit module includes: a protection circuit board having an inner surface that faces the electrode assembly and an opposing outer surface; and a protection circuit part mounted in a hole formed in the inner surface of the protection circuit board, such that the protection circuit board is flush with the inner surface of the protection circuit board.
US08530068B2
A positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are laminated and wound around a shaft core 126 while being insulated by a separator. Spreading operation plates 90P and 90N are fitted to both ends of the shaft core 126 in a winding axis direction, and operation protrusions 91A to 92B of the spreading operation plates 90P and 90N protrude from both flat end surfaces of a wound body 120. The spreading operation plates 90P and 90N are spread, so that laminate parts of a positive electrode connection part 122A and a negative electrode connection part 124A are pushed and extended outward on the flat end surfaces of the wound body 120, and V-shaped openings 120V continuous with the innermost peripheries of the wound body 120 are formed. The laminate parts are welded to positive and negative electrode current collectors 115 and 116.
US08530065B1
A composite hard magnetic recording layer for a magnetic storage comprises a hard magnetic layer and a capping layer. The composite recording layer has a crystal structure where crystal grains include a portion within the magnetic layer and a portion within the capping layer.
US08530059B2
Disclosed herein is a red phosphorescent compound of the following Formula 1: wherein is includes a phenyl part and a quinoline part, the quinoline part has one substituent selected from a C1-C4 alkoxy group and the phenyl part has substituents independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl groups and C1-C4 alkoxy groups, and is selected from 2,4-pentanedione, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylheptane-3,5-dione, 1,3-propanedione, 1,3-butanedione, 3,5-heptanedione, 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione, 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione, and 2,2-dimethyl-3,5-hexanedione.
US08530050B2
A wear-resistant component of a carbon seal includes a surface and a coating applied onto the surface. The coating is a chromium carbide-nickel chromium composition constituting between about 75% and about 85% by weight chromium carbide and between about 15% and about 25% by weight nickel chromium. The chromium carbide-nickel chromium composition is applied onto the surface by high velocity oxy-fuel spraying (HVOF).
US08530046B2
To provide an adhesive sheet for protecting coating films which is excellent in the adhesion between a coating layer and a composite film, and has weather resistance. The adhesive sheet for protecting coating films is one comprising a base layer and an adhesive layer, and the base layer has a coating layer produced by using the fluoroethylene vinyl ether alternating copolymer having a specific structure on one surface of a composite film containing an acrylic polymer and a urethane polymer. It is preferable that the coating layer is cross-linked with a composite film and has cross-linked points.
US08530035B2
A carbon nanotube precursor includes a strip-shaped carbon nanotube array comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The strip-shaped carbon nanotube array is defined by dividing a carbon nanotube array with a separating line. A length of the strip-shaped carbon nanotube array is greater than a largest width of the carbon nanotube array.
US08530030B2
There is disclosed a honeycomb structure including a honeycomb structure section including: porous partition walls to divide and form a plurality of cells which extend from one end surface to the other end surface and become through channels of a fluid; and an outer peripheral wall positioned in an outermost periphery. The partition walls and the outer peripheral wall contain silicon carbide particles as an aggregate, and silicon as a binder to bind the silicon carbide particles, thicknesses of the partition walls are from 50 to 200 μm, a cell density is from 50 to 150 cells/cm2, an average particle diameter of silicon carbide as the aggregate is from 3 to 40 μm, and a volume resistivity at 400° C. is from 1 to 40 Ωcm.
US08530018B2
[Problems] To provide an ion exchanger having excellent electric properties, a low electric resistance, excellent mechanical strength and, at the same time, having excellent contamination resistance.[Means for Solution] An ion exchanger comprises a melt-extrusion-formed body of a resin composition containing a granular ion-exchange resin and a low-melting polyolefin resin having a melting point of not higher than 170° C., the melt-extrusion-formed body: (a) containing the granular ion-exchange resin at a ratio of not less than 30% by weight but less than 50% by weight, and the low-melting polyolefin resin in an amount of more than 100 parts by weight but not more than 150 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the granular ion-exchange resin; (b) having a melt index in a range of 1 to 5 g/10 min. as measured at 190° C.; and (c) having a water content of not less than 30%.
US08530017B2
Provided is a method for preparing a styrene-butadiene copolymer having improved silica affinity through introduction of a novel reactive emulsifier. The styrene-butadiene copolymer prepared according to the disclosed method has superior affinity for thereby and thus has superior processability and tensile properties and remarkably improved dynamic properties. Therefore, when the styrene-butadiene copolymer according to the present invention is used as a tire tread material, it can greatly improve its physical properties.
US08530008B2
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes at least one substrate; and an alignment layer over the substrate, wherein the alignment layer includes material having a main chain adapted to be aligned by a rubbing process and a photo-reactive side chain adapted to be aligned by irradiation.
US08530005B2
A new method to control the iridescence color of solid nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) films by ultrasound and high-shear (mechanical) energy input to the NCC suspension prior to film formation is provided. As the energy input to the NCC suspension increases, the resulting film color shifts from the ultraviolet region towards the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum; this wavelength shift lies in the opposite direction to that caused by the addition of electrolytes to NCC suspensions prior to film formation. No additives are required to achieve the changes in color; color changes can also be effected by mixing two suspensions exposed to different levels of sonication.
US08530002B1
This invention relates to methods for chemically grafting and attaching ceragenin molecules to polymer substrates; methods for synthesizing ceragenin-containing copolymers; methods for making ceragenin-modified water treatment membranes and spacers; and methods of treating contaminated water using ceragenin-modified treatment membranes and spacers. Ceragenins are synthetically produced antimicrobial peptide mimics that display broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. Alkene-functionalized ceragenins (e.g., acrylamide-functionalized ceragenins) can be attached to polyamide reverse osmosis membranes using amine-linking, amide-linking, UV-grafting, or silane-coating methods. In addition, silane-functionalized ceragenins can be directly attached to polymer surfaces that have free hydroxyls.
US08529999B2
A process of coating an article includes the steps of (1) forming a layer of a ceramic based compound on an article; (2) providing a solution containing a metal as a particulate having a diameter of about 10 nanometers to about 1000 nanometers and present in an amount of about 25 percent to about 50 percent by volume of the solution; (3) contacting the ceramic based compound layer with the solution; (4) drying the article; and (5) optionally repeating steps (3) and (4).
US08529996B2
This invention provides a new procedure for attaching molecules to semiconductor surfaces, in particular silicon. The molecules, which include, but are not limited to porphyrins and ferrocenes, have been previously shown to be attractive candidates for molecular-based information storage. The new attachment procedure is simple, can be completed in short times, requires minimal amounts of material, is compatible with diverse molecular functional groups, and in some instances affords unprecedented attachment motifs. These features greatly enhance the integration of the molecular materials into the processing steps that are needed to create hybrid molecular/semiconductor information storage devices.
US08529993B2
This invention relates to materials and processes for the preparation of high quality layers, for example for the fabrication of optical devices such as waveguides. In particular, the invention relates to the use of low volatility polymer materials for the deposition of high quality layers on large area substrates via a two-stage process, for example extrude-and-spin.
US08529988B2
A method is presented for use in fabrication of metal islands on an oxide substrate. The method comprises: depositing a selected metal on the oxide substrate by evaporation of said selected metal; and annealing a film of the selected metal on said substrate at temperatures including an annealing temperature being less than 50° C. lower than a glass transition temperature, thereby forming the metal islands partially embedded in said substrate.
US08529987B2
A system for in-process orientation of particles used in direct-write inks for fabricating a component may include a device for polarizing direct-write particles in an aerosol. An outlet may direct the aerosol including the polarized direct-write particles on a substrate to form a component. An apparatus may cause the polarized direct-write particles to be aligned in a selected orientation to form the component with predetermined characteristics when deposited on the substrate.
US08529983B2
A coating system for coating an Insertable Medical Device (IMD) with one or more drugs is disclosed. The coating system includes a spray nozzle unit for coating the IMD with one or more drugs. The IMD includes a guiding member, a coating member and a supporting member. The IMD is passed through a protection tube such that the guiding member is located within the protection tube and an end of the supporting member is connected to a holder to expose the coating member of the IMD to the spray nozzle unit. The protection tube is received by a mandrel fixture which includes a circular disc for holding and rotating the protection tube and the IMD within the protection tube. When the protection tube along with the IMD is rotated, the spray nozzle unit coats the coating member of the IMD with the one or more drugs.
US08529965B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for improving stool quality of a puppy by adjusting the balance of metabolizable cations to metabolizable anions consumed by the puppy.
US08529958B2
Blood-derived plastic articles prepared from compositions including blood and, in some embodiments, at least one crosslinking agent and/or at least one biological response modifier, that can be useful for biological applications such as wound repair and tissue grafts; methods of making and using the same; methods for assessing the concentration of a biological response modifier in an article; and systems for preparing blood-derived plastic articles are provided.
US08529951B1
Disclosed are elastogenic cues that can be utilized to encourage growth and development of elastin-containing cellular constructs. The elastogenic cues include hyaluronan fragments and oligomers, optionally in conjunction with growth factors and/or a source of copper ions. The elastogenic cues can up-regulate elastin matrix synthesis and by vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition to encouraging synthesis of elastin in a cellular matrix and organization into elastic fibers, the elastogenic cues can also stabilize the formed ECM matrix through suppression of elastin-laminin receptor (ELR). In addition, the elastogenic cues can inhibit cell hyper-proliferation (e.g., hyperplasia) common in inflammatory vascular disease.
US08529939B2
The present invention relates to mucoadhesive drug delivery devices and their methods of preparation and use. More specifically the present invention relates to mucoadhesive drug delivery devices comprising one or more biocompatible purified proteins combined with one or more biocompatible solvents and one or more mucoadhesive agents. The mucoadhesive drug delivery devices may also include one or more pharmacologically active agents. The drug delivery devices of the present invention adhere to mucosal tissue, thereby providing a vehicle for delivery of the pharmacologically active agent(s) through such tissue.
US08529928B2
Biodegradable polymers incorporating biomolecules and methods of their use are provided. Certain aspects provide biomolecules crosslinked with diglycidyl esters. The disclosed compositions have numerous applications including cellular regeneration, wound healing, and cellular differentiation.
US08529916B2
Stable aqueous solutions comprising concentrations of baclofen in the range of greater than 2.0 mg/mL up to about 10 mg/mL are disclosed. These solutions can be used as pharmaceuticals for parenteral or oral administration. The invention also provides methods of preparing said stable aqueous baclofen solutions.
US08529912B2
This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide comprising amino acid sequences of a streptococcal matrix adhesion E (EmaE) polypeptide. Antibodies to the EmaE polypeptide and immunogenic fragments thereof are also provided. This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions, immunogenic compositions, vaccines, and diagnostic and therapeutic methods of use of the isolated polypeptide, antibodies thereto, and nucleic acids.
US08529899B2
Disclosed are fusion proteins comprising a biologically active molecule and an immunoglobulin (Ig) Fc domain which is linked to the biologically active molecule. The Fc domain is a hybrid human Fc domain of (i) IgG1, IgG2 or IgG4 or (ii) IgG4 and IgD. The hybrid Fc is useful as a carrier of biologically active molecules.
US08529893B2
This invention provides antibodies that interact with or bind to human interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and methods for treating IFN-γ mediated diseases by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of antibodies to IFN-γ. Methods of detecting the amount of IFN-γ in a sample using antibodies to IFN-γ are also provided.
US08529889B2
The invention relates to compositions and methods for the modulation of the permeability of the epithelial cell barrier complex. In particular, the invention provides compositions and methods for using polysaccharides, preferably glycosaminoglycans, and agents that modify cell surface glycosaminoglycans, preferably glycosaminoglycan-degrading enzymes to modulate intercellular junctions. The compositions and methods provided can be used to facilitate the delivery of biologically active molecules.
US08529886B2
The invention is directed to isolated microorganisms, as well as biomasses, cultures, microbial oils, and compositions thereof. The invention also provides methods of producing the microbial oils and methods of using the isolated microorganisms, biomasses, and microbial oils.
US08529883B2
Dosage units consist of an autologous cell therapy product composed of fibroblasts grown for each individual to be treated. The suspension of autologous fibroblasts, grown from a biopsy of each individual's own skin using current good manufacturing practices (CGMP), and standard tissue culture procedures, is supplied in vials containing cryopreserved fibroblasts or precursors thereof, having a purity of at least 98% fibroblasts and a viability of at least 85%, for administration of from one to six mL, preferably two mL, of cells at a concentration of from 1.0-2.0×107 cells/mL. When injected into the nasolabial fold wrinkles (creases on the sides of the nose that extend to the corners of the mouth), the autologous fibroblasts are thought to increase the synthesis of extracellular matrix components, including collagen, reducing the severity of these wrinkles. Dosage and timing of administration have been demonstrated to be critical to achieving clinically significant outcomes.
US08529875B2
The invention relates to a tobacco alkaloid releasing chewing gum comprising tobacco alkaloid, gum base, and chewing gum ingredients, said gum base comprising elastomer and resin-compounds constituting an amount in the range of about 2 to 20% by weight of said chewing gum.
US08529874B2
The present invention relates to labelled cMet binding peptides suitable for optical imaging in vivo. The peptides are labelled with an optical reporter group suitable for imaging in the red to near-infrared region. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and kits, as well as in vivo imaging methods, especially of use in the detection, staging, diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression or monitoring of treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC).
US08529869B2
The present invention relates to a hydroamination catalyst comprising boron beta zeolites, wherein the hydroamination catalyst is doped with lithium, and also a process for producing it. The present patent application further relates to a process for preparing amines by reaction of ammonia or primary or secondary amines with olefins at elevated temperatures and pressures in the presence of the hydroamination catalyst of the invention.
US08529856B2
The present invention is directed to methods to sequester oxides of carbon to prevent them from entering the atmosphere as gases. More specifically, this invention is directed to methods of chemical reactions and process to decompose carbon oxides by combustion of a metal fuel with carbon oxides using a regeneration process to recover the metal fuel. The process can optionally and beneficially be coupled to other useful chemical processes for the industrial purpose of sequestering carbon oxides into useful commercial chemicals and elements like carbon, chlorine, and sodium bicarbonate.
US08529855B2
A method for removing gas components SOx, NOx, and CO2 from a flue gas, comprises the steps of contacting the flue gas successively with first, second and third liquid mediums each of which provides a plasma containing reactive electrons or ions in an amount such that the gas molecules SOx, NOx, and CO2 are successively subjected to impingement of the electrons or ions in the respective plasma to enable the dissociation of the gas molecules SOx, NOx, and CO2 so as to remove SOx, NOx, and CO2 from the flue gas. A system for removing gas components SOx, NOx, and CO2 from a flue gas is also disclosed.
US08529853B2
The present invention relates to application of catalysts for the Selective Catalytic Reduction of oxides of Nitrogen using N-containing reductant. The catalysts are characterized as phase pure lattice oxide materials into which catalytically active cations are incorporated at high levels of dispersion such that conventional analysis reveals a highly phase pure material. The materials are further characterized by high activity, hydrothermal durability and poison tolerance in the intended application.
US08529838B2
A method for managing treatment of a particular health condition afflicting a patient through the use of a PDA which includes a health management program stored in the PDA that prompts a user for entry of health condition data, including patient physiological data, subjective patient health condition data, and medication delivery data, compiles the health condition data into an accumulated data summary, and transmits the data summary from the PDA to a second processing unit through a communication port. A drop-down list related to subjective symptoms is provided, which includes stress and depression. A touch screen is provided for a graphical user interface. The health management program also provides prompts for the entry of diet data, and further displays drop-down lists related to daily activities and alerts for medication delivery.
US08529833B2
A method and apparatus disinfects enclosed spaces by the dispersal of aerosols ionized alternately with negative and positive electrostatic polarity.
US08529830B2
The present invention belongs to the technical field of air sterilizing and purification and in particular relates to a plasma air sterilizing and purifying device and an air sterilizing and purifying method. The plasma air sterilizing and purifying device comprises a plasma reactor, a pulse power supply, a fan component, a control device, a power adaptor, and a housing case, wherein the reactor is provided with positive electrodes formed by several nickel-chromium alloy wires or nickel-chromium alloy belts, and the two ends of each positive electrodes are fixed in the corresponding grooves on the micro-discharge preventive conductor rail; and a pulse power supply has a digital control circuit with an oscillator, an error amplifier and a PWM comparator inside which converts signals into a digital control current to control the width of the high-voltage pulse.
US08529828B2
Improved components for a molten metal pump include a coupling for connecting a rotor shaft to a motor shaft, a rotor shaft and a rotor. The rotor shaft has a first end and a second end wherein the first end optionally has a vertical keyway formed in the outer surface of the shaft. The second end optionally has flat, shallow threads. The coupling can be one-piece or multi-piece, includes a cavity for receiving the first end of the rotor shaft and, if the first end of the rotor shaft has a keyway, the coupling includes a projection in the cavity for being received at least partially in the keyway. The rotor includes a connective portion that connects to the second end of the rotor shaft. If the second end of the rotor shaft includes flat, shallow threads, the connective portion is essentially a bore having flat, shallow threads configured to receive the second end of the rotor shaft. Optionally, the first end of the rotor shaft may have flat, shallow threads in which case the coupling would have a cavity that receives the first end of the rotor shaft, wherein the cavity has flat, shallow threads.
US08529823B2
A method of determining an offset between an imprint template and a substrate using an alignment grating on the imprint template and an alignment grating on the substrate is disclosed. The method includes bringing the imprint template alignment grating and the substrate alignment grating sufficiently close together such that they form a composite grating, directing an alignment radiation beam at the composite grating while modulating the relative position of the imprint template and the substrate, detecting the intensity of alignment radiation which is reflected from the composite grating, and determining the offset by analyzing modulation of the detected intensity.
US08529822B2
A method for manufacturing a flexible optical plate includes steps of: (A) positioning a metallic mask on a surface of a mother substrate; (B) irradiating a carbon dioxide laser beam through the metallic mask to form cavities on the surface of the mother substrate; (C) coating a polymer material on the surface of the mother substrate to fill the cavities; and (D) drying the coated polymer material to form the flexible optical plate, the flexible optical plate having a substrate on the surface of the mother substrate and microstructures protruding from the substrate and each corresponding to one of the cavities.
US08529817B2
The present invention provides a stretched thermoplastic resin foam sheet that has excellent flexibility even compressed to a thickness as thin as about 0.05 mm, and a method for producing the same. The stretched thermoplastic resin foam sheet of the present invention is producible by stretching a thermoplastic resin foam sheet and has a compressive strength of 1 to 500 kPa as measured in accordance with JIS K6767 when compressed in a thickness direction thereof to a thickness of 0.05 mm. Accordingly, the stretched thermoplastic resin foam sheet has excellent flexibility even compressed to a thickness as thin as about 0.05 mm and is suitably used as a sealing material for a small electronic device such as mobile phones.
US08529816B2
Universal mold frames for producing multi-piece golf balls are provided. The mold frames include lower and upper frame plates having locator pins that are inserted into corresponding locator slots in the mold cavities. The eccentric pin layout of the frame plates and corresponding slots in the cavities means the cavities can be fitted easily and aligned in the frame plates. The interior surfaces of the mold cavities define a specific dimple pattern such as icosahedron or tetrahedron-based patterns. The mold frames can accommodate cavities having different dimple patterns. A castable liquid polymer, for example, polyurethane is dispensed into the mold cavities, which are then pressed together to form the spherical cover for the ball.
US08529815B2
The present invention relates to a composition comprising (i) a crosslinkable polyolefin with hydrolysable silane groups (A), (ii) a silanol condensation catalyst (B) of the formula Ar(SO3H)x as defined herein, and (iii) a silicon containing compound (C) selected from the group consisting of 3-ureidopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-trimethoxysilylmethyl-O-methylcarbamate, and mixtures thereof; to an article, in particular a wire or cable, comprising such a composition, and to the use of such a composition for producing the article. The present invention further relates to the use of silicon containing compound (C) as a processing aid in the compounding of polyolefin compositions and as a surface smoothening agent in polyolefin compositions. Finally, the present invention relates to the use of a silicon containing compound (C) as a drying agent for polyolefin compositions, as a corrosion inhibitor in polyolefin compositions comprising a Bronsted acid and as a pH controlling agent in polymer compositions comprising a Bronsted acid.
US08529803B2
A curable coloring composition includes a quinophthalone dye of Formula (1). A color filter employing the composition, a method for producing the color filter, and a quinophthalone dye of Formula (2) are also described. The curable coloring composition and color filter have good color hue, high transmittance properties, high light fastness and heat fastness, and excellent stability over time and solvent resistance.
US08529799B2
Provided is a manufacturing method of a metal oxide semiconductor material for gas sensors by which an oxide precursor and noble metal colloid particles will not readily cohere in the manufacturing process. The manufacturing process implements a precursor solution synthesis step 1 of synthesizing an oxide precursor solution in which an oxide precursor is dispersed, a pH adjustment step 3 of adjusting the pH of the oxide precursor solution, a precursor-colloid dispersion preparation step 5 of preparing an oxide precursor-noble metal colloid dispersion in which the oxide precursor and the noble metal colloid are dispersed substantially uniformly, a purifying step 7 of purifying the oxide precursor-noble metal colloid dispersion to obtain a purified oxide precursor noble metal colloid dispersion, and a freeze-drying step 11 of freeze-drying an precipitate of the purified oxide precursor-noble metal colloid dispersion.
US08529798B2
This invention provides a process for improving the field emission of an electron field emitter comprised of an acicular emitting substance such as acicular carbon, an acicular semiconductor, an acicular metal or a mixture thereof, comprising applying a force to the surface of the electron field emitter wherein the force results in the removal of a portion of the electron field emitter thereby forming a new surface of the electron field emitter.
US08529789B2
A photochromic cured product exhibiting favorable photochromic properties such as a high color density and a large fading rate, and excellent base member properties such as a high hardness, a high heat resistance and a high impact resistance. A curable composition contains a polymerizable monomer which exhibits the L-scale Rockwell hardness of not larger than 40, a bifunctional polymerizable monomer which exhibits the L-scale Rockwell hardness of not smaller than 60, a polyfunctional polymerizable monomer which exhibits the L-scale Rockwell hardness of not smaller than 60, and a photochromic compound.
US08529786B2
The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin and an effective amount of a stabilizer comprising at least one phosphorus-containing compound selected from the group consisting of thiophosphates, butylated triphenylphosphorothionates, and organophosphates. The stabilized compositions may be useful in cooling apparatus, such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, chillers and heat pumps, as well as in applications as foam blowing agents, solvents, aerosol propellants, fire extinguishants, and sterilants.
US08529774B2
Superlyophobic Surface Structure, including a substrate having a surface; a plurality of nanoscale raised features on the substrate surface, each nanoscale raised feature having a length measured in a direction approximately perpendicular to the substrate surface, each nanoscale raised feature having a raised feature diameter along the length and measured in a direction approximately parallel to the substrate surface; a nanoscale top feature on each of a plurality of the nanoscale raised features, each nanoscale top feature having a top feature diameter measured in a direction approximately parallel to the substrate surface; in which an average top feature diameter is greater than an average raised feature diameter. Method of fabricating a Superlyophobic Surface Structure.
US08529769B2
A method inhibits the formation of zirconium molybdate precipitate in an aqueous solution containing the element molybdenum and the element zirconium by adding a chemical element selected from plutonium, tellurium, antimony and mixtures thereof with the aqueous solution. The method can be used for reprocessing used fuels with the element molybdenum and the element zirconium.
US08529767B2
The method according to the invention and the apparatus according to the invention are characterized in that the substitution rate QS is modified by a predefined amount upstream or downstream of the dialyzer or filter while the flow rate QFM of the liquid withdrawn through the dialyzer membrane is modified. The blood volume RBV(t) or a variable correlated with the blood volume, e.g. the hematocrit Hct(t), is determined before and after modifying the substitution rate or the flow rate of the liquid withdrawn through the dialyzer or filter membrane in order to calculate fistula recirculation RA. In addition, the total recirculation R is determined. The percentage of fistula recirculation (RA) and/or cardiopulmonary recirculation (RCP) relative to the total recirculation is calculated from the determined fistula recirculation (RA) and the sum R of fistula recirculation (RA) and cardiopulmonary recirculation (RCP).
US08529758B2
An electrolytic CO2-removal device for anion analysis of a liquid sample. The device includes a basic chamber and CO2-permeable tubing in the basic chamber. Anion exchange membranes are disposed on opposite sides of the basic chamber, and electrodes are disposed outside the membranes. The device can be integral with a suppressor in an ion chromatography system and/or an aqueous stream purifier. Also, methods performed by the device.
US08529750B2
Provided are an apparatus and method for detecting biomolecules. The apparatus includes a FET having a substrate, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a channel region between the source and drain electrodes, and probe molecules fixed to the channel region, wherein the source and drain electrodes are separated on the substrate, a microfluid supplier selectively supplying one of a reference buffer solution of low ionic concentration and a reaction solution of high ionic concentration containing target molecules, to the channel region of the FET to which the probe molecules are fixed, and a biomolecule detector detecting the target molecules by measuring a first current value of the channel region of the FET, and a second current value of the channel region of the FET to which the target molecules and the probe molecules that bind to each other in the reaction solution of high ionic concentration are fixed.
US08529747B2
An exposed surface on a steel component is prepared for an application of a nickel high speed solution. The nickel high speed solution is applied to the exposed surface to create an intermediate surface on the component. The intermediate surface is prepared for an application of a nickel sulfamate solution. The nickel sulfamate solution is applied to the intermediate surface to create a duplex brush plating.
US08529746B2
This method enables the use of nanowire or nano-textured forms of Polyaniline and other conductive polymers in energy storage components. The delicate nature of these very high surface area materials are preserved during the continuous electrochemical synthesis, drying, solvent application and physical assembly. The invention also relates to a negative electrode that is comprised of etched, lithiated aluminum that is safer and lighter weight than conventional carbon based lithium-ion negative electrodes. The invention provides for improved methods for making negative and positive electrodes and for energy storage devices containing them. The invention provides sufficient stability in organic solvent and electrolyte solutions, where the prior art processes commonly fail. The invention further provides stability during repetitive charge and discharge. The invention also provides for novel microstructure protecting support membranes to be used in an energy storage device.
US08529738B2
Systems and methods for plating and/or etching of hard-to-plate metals are provided. The systems and methods are designed to overcome the deleterious effect of superficial coating or oxide layers that interfere with the plating or etching of certain metal substrates. The systems and methods involve in situ removal of coating materials from the surfaces of the metal substrates while the substrates are either submerged in plating or etching solutions, or are positioned in a proximate enclosure just prior to submersion in the plating or etching solutions. Further, the substrates can be in contact with a suitable patterning mask to obtain patterned oxide-free regions for plating or etching. This in situ removal of coating layers may be achieved by pulse heating or photoablation of the substrate and the inhibiting coating layers. Electrical energy or laser light energy may be used for this purpose. Additionally or alternatively, the coating materials may be removed by mechanical means.
US08529731B2
Sugarcane bagasse consists of mainly three polymeric components, namely cellulose (40-45%), hemicellulose (xylan) (28-30%), and lignin (19-21%). A process is herein disclosed for fractionating sugarcane bagasse into cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin with high purity α-cellulose, which is a useful raw material for preparing cellulose esters like cellulose triacetate and other high value-added cellulose plastics. Co-production and recovery of hemicellulose (xylan) and lignin in high yields and high purities, along with α-cellulose, is another important feature of this process. Sugarcane bagasse consists of a material known as pith which constitutes 30-35% by weight of bagasse. Pith contains cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, in addition to various other ingredients and cell mass. The process described herein discloses the use of partially depithed bagasse as a preferred raw material for fractionation. Use of sugarcane bagasse containing pith leads to a product which is lower in yield as well as poorer in color.
US08529728B2
A system for forming a feature includes forming a mask of a first material on an underlying layer, the mask having an incorrect profile. The profile of the mask is corrected and a feature is formed in the underlying layer. A method of forming a feature is also disclosed.
US08529726B2
A method for producing a hollow product comprises a film arrangement step wherein a film is arranged on a fiber layer; a molded body arrangement step wherein a molded body having a recess is arranged on the film after the film after the film arrangement step in such a manner that the opening of the recess faces the film; the gas present between the fiber layer and the film is evacuated; the gas present between the film and the molded body is evacuated; a film-molded body bonding step wherein the film and the molded body are bonded together after the step of gas evacuation from between the film and the molded body; and a fiber layer-film bonding step wherein the fiber layer and the film are bonded together after the step of gas evacuation from between the fiber layer and the film.
US08529724B2
MEMS and microelectronic devices and fabrication methods feature providing a first material including a glass, providing a second material having an elastic modulus greater than the elastic modulus of silicon, causing the second material to have a surface with a RMS surface roughness of greater than 0.001 μm and less than approximately 0.15 μm, contacting the surface of the second material to a surface of the first material, and applying a voltage between the first and second materials to cause an anodic bond to form.
US08529723B2
A method for manufacturing a multilayer sheet material includes, at some point during passage of the sheet material through a machine system, heating the multilayer sheet material with a microwave heater to expand a heat-expandable adhesive or coating applied to or within the multilayer sheet material. Various types of multilayer substrates may be created depending on the steps used and the application of the heat-expandable adhesive or coating. Additionally, a monolayer sheet may be coated with a pattern of heat-expandable coating before passage of the monolayer sheet through the machine system that heats the monolayer sheet to expand the heat-expandable coating applied to the monolayer sheet. The microwave heater used by the machine system may be a planar type and have a plurality of microwave guides surrounding a space through which the sheet material(s) pass. The microwave heater may be operable at multiple frequencies.
US08529720B2
A method of making an aerofoil comprises the steps of providing first and second skin panels and first and second web-forming membranes. The web-forming membranes each have a series of elongate slots formed longitudinally therein so as to define a series of alternating wide and narrow strips. The wide strips of one membrane are arranged against the narrow strips of the other membrane and the skin panels are arranged either side of the two web-forming membranes. Parts of the web-forming membranes and parts of the skin panels are treated with a release layer and the sub-assembly is compressed and heated so as to effect diffusion bonding between those parts of the membranes and skin panels which are not treated with the release layer. The sub-assembly is then heated and inflated so as to draw the first and second skin panels apart and that, in turn, causes the web-forming membranes to form webs internally.
US08529714B2
The present invention provides a roll mold, a method for fabricating the same and a method for fabricating a thin film pattern using the same, to prevent dimensional variation of the mold and simplify the overall process. The method for fabricating a roll mold includes providing a rigid substrate or flexible substrate provided with a master pattern, providing a base roller arranged on the substrate provided with the master pattern, forming a mold surface layer on the substrate provided with the master pattern, forming an adhesive resin layer on the mold surface layer or the base roller, rolling the base roller over the rigid substrate or flexible substrate to form the adhesive resin layer and the mold surface layer on the base roller, and curing the adhesive resin layer and mold surface layer formed on the base roller to adhere the adhesive resin layer and the mold surface layer to the base roller and fix the same thereon.
US08529709B2
A method of reducing the formation of electrically resistive scale on a an article comprising a silicon-containing ferritic stainless subjected to oxidizing conditions in service includes, prior to placing the article in service, subjecting the article to conditions under which silica, which includes silicon derived from the steel, forms on a surface of the steel. Optionally, at least a portion of the silica is removed from the surface to placing the article in service. A ferritic stainless steel alloy having a reduced tendency to form silica on at least a surface thereof also is provided. The steel includes a near-surface region that has been depleted of silicon relative to a remainder of the steel.
US08529687B2
A method for processing asphaltenes is disclosed. The method can include separating asphaltenes from an asphaltene-containing composition and oxidizing the separated asphaltenes to form oxidation products. Alternatively, the method can include oxidizing asphaltenes within an asphaltene-containing composition without first separating the asphaltenes. Once formed, the oxidation products can be combined with other hydrocarbons. The amount of oxidation can be limited to an amount sufficient to produce a mixture suitable for the desired application. This method can be used to upgrade asphaltenes from a variety of sources, including oil sands. The oxidation step can be performed, for example, by introducing an oxidizing agent and, in some cases, a catalyst into the asphaltenes. A solvent or miscibility agent also can be introduced to improve mixing between the oxidizing agent and the asphaltenes.
US08529685B2
A mixture of azaphthalocyanine compounds of Formula (1) and salts thereof: wherein: M is 2H, Cu or Ni; each P is independently CH or N; R1 is H or optionally substituted C1-4alkyl; R2 is H or optionally substituted C1-8alkyl; R3 is H or optionally substituted hydrocarbyl; and R4 is optionally substituted hydrocarbyl; or R3 and R4 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached represent an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring system; x is greater than 0 and less than 4; y is greater than 0 and less than 4; z is greater than 0 and less than 4; the sum of x+y+z is in the range of from 1 to 4 and provided that at least one P is N and that no more than two P groups in any one of the four component rings of the azaphthalocyanine nucleus are N. Also compositions, inks, printing processes, printed materials and ink-jet cartridges.
US08529681B1
This invention relates to methods for chemically grafting and attaching ceragenin molecules to polymer substrates; methods for synthesizing ceragenin-containing copolymers; methods for making ceragenin-modified water treatment membranes and spacers; and methods of treating contaminated water using ceragenin-modified treatment membranes and spacers. Ceragenins are synthetically produced antimicrobial peptide mimics that display broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. Alkene-functionalized ceragenins (e.g., acrylamide-functionalized ceragenins) can be attached to polyamide reverse osmosis membranes using amine-linking, amide-linking, UV-grafting, or silane-coating methods. In addition, silane-functionalized ceragenins can be directly attached to polymer surfaces that have free hydroxyls.
US08529679B2
In certain embodiments, a system includes a gas cleaner. The gas cleaner includes a solvent to clean a syngas. The system also includes a heat exchanger configured to heat a liquid to generate a vapor. The system further includes a vapor absorption refrigeration (VAR) cycle coupled to the gas cleaner and the heat exchanger. The VAR cycle is configured to cool the solvent. In addition, the vapor drives the VAR cycle.
US08529676B2
A canister for trapping a fuel vapor vaporized in a fuel tank has a casing defining an adsorption chamber therein, an adsorbent capable of adsorbing the fuel vapor and filled in the adsorption chamber and a flow regulation plate disposed in the casing. The casing has a fuel introducing port configured to introduce the fuel vapor from the fuel tank into the adsorption chamber, and an air communicating port communicating the adsorption chamber with the atmosphere. The air communicating port is formed on a side surface of the casing extending in a direction of gravitational force. The flow regulation plate disposed at an end of the adsorption chamber near the air communicating port and has an opening configured to communicate the adsorption chamber with the air communicating port. The opening is positioned above the air communicating port in the direction of gravitational force.
US08529673B2
A new lithium material with high surface area, a method of its production, and a process of using the given material in purification of hydrogen or inert gases stream from active impurities. The material is manufactured in a form of granules of 0.2-2.5 mm in diameter with the structure of a dendritic carcass and is characterized with high sorption capacity and resistance to chemical shocks.
US08529670B2
Aseptic bottling or container filling plant with a clean room arrangement enclosing the aseptic bottling or container filling plant and a filter unit for filtering air entering the clean room, and a method of operation thereof.
US08529669B2
The present invention relates to a method and device for the purpose of filtering particulate laden air exiting a rooftop from a commercial kitchen or other high particulate laden air exhaust. By positioning a filter at a distance from the air exhaust exit in such a manner that the air flow is reflected off the filter a substantial portion of the particulate matter is filtered out of the air without substantially obstructing the flow from the exhaust preventing problems that might be caused from creating back flow in an exhaust system.
US08529665B2
Systems and processes are provided for gas separation using high-speed induction variable-speed motors to accelerate and decelerate centrifugal compressors suitable for use in pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) processes.
US08529660B2
A control device for a compressed air preparation device of a vehicle outputs output signals for adjusting feed phases and regeneration phases of the compressed air preparation device. A compressor feeds compressed air via an air dryer having a desiccant into a compressed air reservoir in a feed phase, and compressed air is passed out of the compressed air reservoir through the air dryer for drying the desiccant in a regeneration phase. The control device adjusts the regeneration phases depending on a current or future engine load and/or a current or future consumption of compressed air by the vehicle. In overrun phases, the desiccant can be excessively dried to a low moisture level in order to save fuel in later travel segments. Route-optimized regeneration of the desiccant as a function of engine load and/or utilization phases can also be effected.
US08529659B2
A method is provided for diagnosing the operability of fuel vapor intermediate stores (4), in particular of activated carbon filters, in tank-venting systems with at least one tank (3) and at least one fuel vapor intermediate store (4). In this case an actual change degree of filling of the fuel vapor intermediate store (4) is determined as a consequence of absorption or desorption processes of gaseous hydrocarbons in the fuel vapor intermediate store (4). The actual change in degree of filling is compared with a desired change in degree of filling and, from the comparison, a conclusion about the operability of the fuel vapor intermediate store (4) is drawn.
US08529650B2
An abrasive cleaning agent is provided which can be used for a polishing process for polishing a surface of a workpiece to form a mirror surface, which suppresses generation of static electricity and adhesion of stains to the workpiece, which decreases a crushing ratio, and which has a low environmental burden when the abrasive cleaning agent is disposed of. The above abrasive cleaning agent includes an elastic material containing a soluble nitrogen substance as a primary component, which is obtained from tubers of devil's tongue and which contains mannan as a primary component, and a 10% to 30% of water; and 1 to 30 percent by weight, with respect to the elastic material, of abrasive grains of size #220 or less, which are supported on surfaces of the elastic material and/or are buried therein, so that the grain diameter on the whole is in the range of 88 to 1,190 μm.
US08529648B2
A process of producing a combustible gas from a solid sulfur-containing carbonaceous fuel is provided. In the process, an aqueous solution is provided. A solute of the solution is a carbonate salt of an alkali metal. Particles of the fuel and the aqueous solution are mixed (26) to form a mixture. The mixture is fed into a gasifier (22) that contains molten salts of the alkali metal. The fuel is partially combusted in the gasifier to produce the combustible gas. At least a portion of the carbonate salt in the aqueous solution may be recovered (24) from a molten sulfide salt. The molten sulfide salt may be taken from the molten salts in the gasifier (22).
US08529647B2
A fuel reforming system, process, and device including a catalytic chamber and a heating chamber. The catalytic chamber, further including a fluid fuel intake and a gaseous fluid exit port and at least one heat exchanger for distributing heat between the heating chamber and the catalytic chamber. The catalytic chamber further including a screen member having a surface, wherein the member includes a catalytic deposit made from a combination of platinum and rhodium alloy. A catalytic conversion of converting liquid fuel to gaseous fuel occurs within the catalytic chamber. Fuel exits the fuel reforming device through a gaseous fluid exit port. In the process of phase change from liquid to gaseous phase, there is no change of chemical composition and C8H18 remains stable throughout, except for an increase in Enthalpy (heat content) per mol.
US08529644B2
Disclosed are a method and a corresponding apparatus for converting a biomass reactant into synthesis gas. The method includes the steps of (1) heating biomass in a first molten liquid bath at a first temperature, wherein the first temperature is at least about 100° C., but less than the decomposition temperature of the biomass, wherein gas comprising water is evaporated and air is pressed from the biomass, thereby yielding dried biomass with minimal air content. (2) Recapturing the moisture evaporated from the biomass in step 1 for use in the process gas. (3) Heating the dried biomass in a second molten liquid bath at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is sufficiently high to cause flash pyrolysis of the dried biomass, thereby yielding product gases, tar, and char. (4) Inserting recaptured steam into the process gas, which may optionally include external natural gas or hydrogen gas or recycled syngas for mixing and reforming with tar and non-condensable gases. (5) Further reacting the product gases, tar, and char with the process gas within a third molten liquid bath at a third temperature which is equal to or greater than the second temperature within the second molten liquid bath, thereby yielding high quality and relatively clean synthesis gas after a relatively long residence time needed for char gasification. A portion of the synthesis gas so formed is combusted to heat the first, second, and third molten liquid baths, unless external natural or hydrogen gas is available for this use.
US08529640B1
A dyeing composite comprising: a polymer core containing a magnetic material; and at least one dye arranged so as to surround the polymer core, as well as a method of preparing the dyeing composite, are described. The dyeing composite is used in a method of dyeing a fiber.
US08529625B2
Tissue fixation devices are provided. The devices include a first component and a second component, the components having different rates of in vivo degradation. The first component and second component are arranged so that, upon degradation of one of the components, the other component provides a scaffold into which bone can grow.
US08529623B2
A method of designing a multifocal ophthalmic lens with one base focus and at least one additional focus, capable of reducing aberrations of the eye for at least one of the foci after its implantation, comprising the steps of: (i) characterizing at least one corneal surface as a mathematical model; (ii) calculating the resulting aberrations of said corneal surface(s) by employing said mathematical model; (iii) modelling the multifocal ophthalmic lens such that a wavefront arriving from an optical system comprising said lens and said at least one corneal surface obtains reduced aberrations for at least one of the foci. There is also disclosed a method of selecting a multifocal intraocular lens, a method of designing a multifocal ophthalmic lens based on corneal data from a group of patients, and a multifocal ophthalmic lens.
US08529622B2
Devices, methods and kits are described for reducing intraocular pressure. The devices include a support that is implantable within Schlemm's canal and that may restore or maintain at least partial patency of the canal without substantially interfering with transmural or transluminal fluid flow across the canal. The devices utilize the natural drainage process of the eye and may be implanted with minimal trauma to the eye. Kits may include a support and an introducer for implanting the support within Schlemm's canal. Methods may include implanting a support within Schlemm's canal, where the support is capable of restoring or maintaining at least partial patency of the canal without substantial interference with transmural or transluminal fluid flow across the canal.
US08529614B2
Described herein are flexible implantable occluding devices that can, for example, navigate the tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The occluding devices can also conform to the shape of the tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the occluding devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Some embodiments describe methods and apparatus for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the occluding device. In some embodiments, the occluding devices allows adequate blood flow to be provided to adjacent structures such that those structures, whether they are branch vessels or oxygen-demanding tissues, are not deprived of the necessary blood flow.
US08529608B2
A system for securing bones together across a joint includes a transfixation screw and a plate. The plate includes an elongate spine having a transfixation screw hole disposed along the spine. The transfixation screw hole includes an inner surface configured to direct the transfixation screw through the transfixation screw hole such that the transfixation screw extends alongside the bridge portion at a trajectory configured to pass through a first position on the first bone and a second position on the second bone once the plate is placed across the joint. The transfixation screw includes a head configured to abut the inner surface of the transfixation screw hole and a shaft configured to contiguously extend through the first bone, across the joint, and into the second bone.
US08529596B2
Devices including, but not limited to, a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion and a main body portion. The self-expandable member is movable from a first delivery position to a second placement position, in the first delivery position the expandable member being in an unexpanded position and having a nominal first diameter and in the second position the expandable member being in a radially expanded position and having a second nominal diameter greater than the first nominal diameter for deployment within a vessel or duct of a patient. The expandable member includes a plurality of cell structures with the cell structures in the main body portion extending circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the expandable member and the cell structures in the proximal end portion extending less than circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the expandable member to form first and second peripheral rails that vary in width along their lengths.
US08529592B2
An ultrasonic treatment instrument includes a piezoelectric element assembly, a probe, a backing plate, an electrode assembly, a cylinder and a cylindrical inner cover. The piezoelectric element assembly includes piezoelectric elements and generates ultrasonic vibration. The probe is connected to the piezoelectric element assembly and transmits the ultrasonic vibration. The backing plate is connected to the piezoelectric element assembly. The electrode assembly includes electrodes respectively clamped between the piezoelectric elements, electrifies the piezoelectric elements and generates the ultrasonic vibration. The cylinder is connected to the probe and locates the piezoelectric element assembly, the backing plate and the electrode assembly therein. The cylindrical inner cover includes an inner diameter larger than the backing plate and an outer diameter smaller than the cylinder. The inner cover is disposed between the backing plate and the electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly is disposed between the cylinder and the inner cover.
US08529588B2
A surgical clip applier includes a train of clips disposed in a plane with a single clip removed from the train of clips and disposed in a staging position. A pair of jaws are adapted to receive the single clip from the staging position by operation of a jaw loader moveable outside the plane of the train of clips. In an associate method, a handle assembly is provided which is moveable in an open stroke and a closed stroke. A source of surgical clips are provided along with a pair of jaws which are adapted to receive one of the clips as the handle assembly is moved in an open stroke, the jaws are open to receive the clip. Following the opening of the jaws, a jaw loader is extended to a position between the jaws to move the clip into the jaws. The handle assembly is moveable in a closed stroke during which the jaws are closed to crimp the clip. Prior to this closing of the jaws, the jaw loader is retracted from the position between the jaws leaving the clip in the jaws.
US08529587B2
A method for closing an opening formed in a wall of a body lumen or body tissue can include positioning a splittable carrier tube adjacent to the opening, the carrier tube having a splittable distal end with an outer surface retaining a closure element in a substantially tubular configuration or having an asymmetrically-elongated tubular shape with a trapezoidal longitudinal cross-sectional profile. The method including splitting a distal end of the carrier tube with a splitter and deploying the closure element from the carrier flaps of the carrier tube and over the splitter to allow the closure element to engage at least a portion of the wall of the body lumen or the body tissue and substantially close the opening.
US08529580B1
The surgical grasping instrument having U-shaped jaws has a pair of handles connected to a pair of U-shaped jaws by a pair of elongated arms. The lower jaw is rigidly connected to the anterior end of the lower elongated arm. The upper jaw is pivotally connected to the anterior ends of the upper and lower elongated arms. The upper and lower arms are held together in sliding contact so that sliding the upper arm pivots the upper jaw. Both handles have finger loops. The rearward handle is rigidly attached to the lower arm, and is pivotally attached to the forward handle. The forward handle is attached to the upper arm by a ball and socket joint so that pivoting the handles pivots the upper jaw. The U-shaped jaws are designed to grasp round or semi round objects, such as a tympanostomy tube.
US08529564B2
A medical electrocautery instrument assistant device is disclosed including a pump tube, a hollow sleeve tube on an end of the pump tube, and a tube interface on another end of the pump tube and opposite to the hollow sleeve tube. At least a clip is provided between the hollow sleeve tube and the tube interface, each clip forming a position adjusting portion and a clipping portion. Different types of electrocautery instruments remain optimal pump positions relative to the pump tube, drawing out waste blood water and the electrocautery smoke almost entirely, and avoiding hiding operation cuts from view during operations.
US08529545B2
Aseptic connector which has a body, an axially extending opening in the body, a seat surrounding the opening for receiving the connecting flange of a fitting, and a clamp for pressing the flange into the seat. The seat has a radially extending sealing surface with an annular outer portion and a conically inclined inner lip that extends inwardly and upwardly from the annular portion toward the opening.
US08529535B2
A disposable wearing article is provided with a pair of liquid-barrier sheets on a body-side surface of the article. A dimension by which distal edges of distal zones of the barrier sheets are spaced from each other in a transverse direction is gradually enlarged from a rear end toward a front end of the article. An end sheet functioning to pull the distal zones closer to each other in the transverse direction is attached to the distal zones extending toward the rear end so as to extend between the distal zones.
US08529526B2
Dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed in some embodiments that involve treating a tissue site with reduced pressure wherein the dressing includes a dressing reduced-pressure indicator that allows one to ascertain that the reduced pressure applied at the dressing is greater than a threshold reduced pressure. The dressing reduced-pressure indicator may include a moving member that is adapted to move under reduced pressure and a visual indicator associated with the moving member. Another embodiment uses an electro-mechanical indicator to provide a powered visual alert or audible alert or another output signal. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08529525B2
The invention relates to implantable vascular access ports that can release agents such as antibiotics, anti-thrombogenics and anti-proliferatives. The invention also relates to ports having locking mechanisms that prevent accidental disengagement, and structures that facilitate surgical implantation and provide for long-term stability and use of the port.
US08529523B2
A valve for controlling material flow through a catheter, comprises a first flexible member including a first moveable element, wherein, when the first moveable element is in the open position, material may flow past the first flexible member through a first lumen of the catheter and, when the first moveable element is in the closed position, flow through the first lumen is prevented and a first biasing member coupled to the first flexible member for biasing the first moveable member toward the closed position.
US08529518B2
Drug delivery system comprising a main portion with a cap as well as a needle assembly with a needle mounted in a hub and a needle cap releasably mountable on the hub to cover the needle. The cap comprises gripping means reversibly operatable between a first condition in which there is no gripping engagement between the mounted cap portion and the needle cap, this allowing the cap portion to be removed from the main portion without removing the needle cap from the hub, and a second condition in which the cap portion grippingly can engage the needle cap of a needle assembly, this allowing the needle cap to be removed from the hub together with the cap. The cap further comprises user actuation means for operating the gripping means between the two conditions.
US08529516B2
A syringe which disperses medicate across a zone in the body during apparent conventional operation. The improved syringe includes a barrel, a plunger, and an operating cylinder. In operation, the needle of the syringe is inserted into the body at the distal portion of the portion of the body which is to receive the medicate. A single arm is attached to the barrel and passes through an operating cylinder with a thumb rest on its top. As a result, in operation, the user draws the single arm up to the thumb rest, thus causing the syringe to withdraw during injection and leaving a patch of medicate during operation.
US08529509B2
A syringe drive device 1 includes: a syringe holding section 3; a piston manipulating section 4; and a display section 6. An outer tube 202 of a syringe 201 is detachably held by the syringe holding section 3. A piston 203 of the syringe 201 is detachably engaged with the piston manipulating section 4. The piston manipulating section 4 moves in a direction in response to an operation of operation buttons 8A and 8B, and the piston 203 is thereby moved in a direction where the piston is pushed into or pulled out from the outer tube 202. An internal pressure of a medicinal solution container punctured with an injection needle 204 attached to the outer tube 202 of the syringe 201 is measured and displayed on the display section 6.
US08529505B2
A catheter for diagnosing or treating the vessels found within a body or body space includes a center strut that is bonded, preferably thermally, along its longitudinal axis with the thermoplastic tubular member within which it is housed. The tubular member preferably has three layers: an inner layer, a braided layer and an outer layer. The composite catheter is made using a process in which two half-cylinder shaped mandrels are placed on each side of the center strut while the strut is heated in order to cause the thermal bonding. The bonded center strut provides in-plane deflection and improved transfer of torque to the tip of the catheter.
US08529503B2
The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising a generally elongated housing comprising a proximal part (10) and a distal part (12); a medicament cartridge (18) comprising a proximal opening closed by a septum (30), an axially movable distal stopper (26), and a first enclosure (20) wherein a liquid and a gaseous fluid are enclosed; a medicament delivery member (36) attachable to said proximal part (10) and having a non-delivery end (34); a medicament cartridge holder (16) wherein the medicament cartridge is coaxially arranged, said cartridge holder being arranged coaxially movable inside said proximal part and comprising holding means (38, 40) capable of holding said medicament cartridge holder (16) in a non-activated position in which said cartridge holder is releasebly engaged to said proximal part and in which a predetermined distance is present between the septum and the non delivery end; a manual pressure mechanism arranged to be moved from a non-pressure position to a pressure position wherein a pressure is build-up inside said cartridge; and an activation mechanism arranged to interact with said holding means only when said manual pressure mechanism is in the pressure position for disengaging said cartridge holder from said non-activated position to an activated position in which said cartridge holder is axially displaced said predetermined distance whereby said septum is penetrated by the non-delivery end and the liquid is expelled due to the pressure built inside the enclosure.
US08529498B2
Certain embodiments of the surgical instruments provided according to the invention utilize a channel positioned adjacent to and downstream of a liquid jet-forming nozzle such that at least a portion of the liquid jet passes at least one of within the channel and adjacent to and along the length of at least a portion of a longitudinally-oriented opening in the channel, when the instrument is in operation. The use of such channels in certain embodiments of the inventive surgical instruments can enable the instruments to provide enhanced control over the depth and degree of cutting and/or ablation of tissue; and/or can provide improved and enhanced functionality for cleaning, debriding, and/or trimming and cutting a tissue/surface; and/or can provide longer effective liquid jet beam cutting/ablation lengths by reducing the degree of dispersion of the jet along its length.
US08529497B2
A fecal diverting device includes an internal balloon formed at the inside of a tubular body part disposed at the front end of a connection tube, at least one external balloon formed at the outside of the tubular body part, and an enema liquid injection hole formed through the forefront of the tubular body part and the at least one external balloon and an enema liquid to be injected into an intestinal tract of a patient via an enema liquid injection hole through a control tube. A device controller connected to the control tube regulates the amounts of fillers filling the internal balloon and the at least one external balloon and controlling the injection of the enema liquid, supplied from an enema liquid supplying unit, into the intestinal tract.
US08529492B2
This disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for use in treating eye conditions with implantable drug delivery devices. One method includes introducing an implant into the suprachoroidal space, wherein the interior volume of the implant is plugged with a drug-release material comprising at least one active agent that elutes through at least one opening in the implant, wherein the drug-release material degrades from the interior volume of the implant over a period time.
US08529488B2
An apparatus for providing an extracorporeal blood circuit control includes a base module having a control device and a patient module releasably connected to the base module and having blood-conducting components of the extracorporeal blood circuit. A pivot system is also provided at the base module and at the patient module to pivot the patient module relative to the base module about a horizontal axis.
US08529486B2
A hemofiltration system and method for pumping blood from a patient's blood stream into an access line, introducing an anticoagulant solution into the pumped blood, filtering the pumped blood and delivering it to a return line, introducing a substitution fluid into the pumped blood, introducing a calcium and magnesium solution into the blood traveling through the return line, and returning the blood back to the patient's blood stream.
US08529479B2
A shoulder continuous passive motion (“CPM”) device is provided. The shoulder CPM has a motor and a drive mechanism configured to move a slidable arm holder linearly back and forth. The motor can move the drive mechanism linearly back and forth. The drive mechanism can be attached to the arm holder. A user can insert at least a portion of his arm into the arm holder, such that the shoulder CPM device moves his arm linearly back and forth, thereby providing therapeutic treatment to the shoulder of the user.
US08529478B1
A facial muscle toner system is provided that includes a base unit and a hand piece unit. The base unit includes a display portion at a front face and a command portion including one or more keys. The hand piece unit is operably connected to the base unit and is located remotely from the base unit. The hand piece unit includes a housing having a receptacle portion and a therapy distribution instrument removably connected with the receptacle portion. The therapy distribution instrument includes a therapy portion to distribute therapy to sub-dermal facial muscles.
US08529475B2
A method and device for analyzing a gait of a person includes a magnetometer for fastening to a tibial segment of the person, in order to generate a signal representative of at least one projection onto a sagittal plane of an ambient magnetic field in which the magnetometer is immersed and a signal processor to identify instants and/or phases that are characteristic of the gait of the person by identifying particular points in the signal generated by the magnetometer as a function of time.
US08529461B2
Reconstructing electrograms, whose experimental registration requires an invasive access, by computational way on unipolar ECGs recorded at 80 and more points of the chest surface. On the set of surface electrocardiograms for each discrete moment of the cardiocycle, values of the heart electric field potential at points of ECG-recording are determined, and a value of the electric field potential at each point of the chest surface is calculated by interpolation. Based on data of any visualization methodology, boundaries of chest and lungs surfaces and of the heart epicardial surface are determined. Further, a continuation of the electric field potential over the whole chest surface up to the heart epicardial surface with taking into account differences in electroconductivity of large anatomical structures of the chest is performed by computational way based on solution of the Cauchy problem for the Laplace equation in a piecewise-homogenous medium.
US08529460B2
Provided is a measuring apparatus including: a driving unit that outputs first and second driving signals each having an opposite phase; a first semiconductor laser device, driven by the first driving signal, that emits a first laser beam to an object to be measured; a second semiconductor laser device, disposed near the first device and driven by the second driving signal, that emits a second laser beam to the object; a first detection unit that detects a first electrical signal that corresponds to the intensity of the first laser beam modulated due to the self-coupling effect; a second detection unit that detects a second electrical signal that corresponds to the intensity of the second laser beam modulated due to the self-coupling effect; a calculation unit that calculates differences between the first and second electrical signals; and a measuring unit that measures a state change of the object from the difference.
US08529459B2
Disclosed herein are methods and devices of processing photoplethysmography signal information. The methods for processing will allow numerous medical observations and diagnoses from a simple, non-invasive probe.
US08529458B2
Methods and apparatus for determining a cardiac parameter from cardiovascular pressure signals including arterial blood pressure (ABP) and the photoplethysmographic signal to quantify the degree of amplitude modulation due to respiration and predict fluid responsiveness are disclosed. Disclosed embodiments include a method for assessing fluid responsiveness implemented in a digital computer with one or more processors comprising: (a) measuring a cardiovascular signal, and (b) computing a dynamic index predictive of fluid responsiveness from said cardiovascular signal using a nonlinear state space estimator. According to one particular embodiment, and without limitation, the nonlinear state space estimator is based on a model for cardiovascular signals such as arterial blood pressure or plethysmogram signals, and employs a marginalized particle filter to estimate a dynamic index predictive of fluid responsiveness that is substantially equivalent to a variation in pulse pressure of said cardiovascular signal.
US08529457B2
This invention relates to a system and a kit for stress and relaxation management. A cardiac activity sensor (101) is used for measuring the heart rate variability (HRV) signal of the user and a respiration sensor (102) for measuring the respiratory signal of the user. The system contains a user interaction device (103) having an input unit (104) for receiving user specific data and an output unit for providing information output to the user. A processor (106) is used to assess the stress level of the user by determining a user related stress index. The processor is also used to monitor the user during a relaxation exercise by means of determining a relaxation index based on the measured HRV and respiratory signals, the relaxation index being continuously adapted to the incoming measured signals and based thereon the processor instructs the output unit to provide the user with biofeedback and support messages. Finally, the processor uses the user specific data as an input in generating a first set of rules defining an improvement plan for self-management of stress and relaxation. The first set of rules is adapted to trigger commands instructing the output unit to provide the user with motivation related messages. Also, at least a portion of said user specific data is further used to define a second set of rules indicating the user's personal goals.
US08529453B2
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus and method are described for monitoring the progress of therapy for pathology such as lesions, tumors, and metastases by means of contrast agent imaging. A sequence of images are acquired as a bolus of contrast agent infuses the tissue containing the pathology. Time-intensity curves of pathology and normal tissue are produced and used to measure perfusion in the pathology as affected by therapy. The motional effects of respiration can be taken into account during image acquisition by detecting the position of a landmark such as the diaphragm in each of the images of the sequence and discarding from processing those images which exhibit a change in the position of the landmark relative to the probe.
US08529438B2
An endoscopic instrument includes an instrument section which may be deflected transversely to the instrument axis. The instrument section is connected via at least one control wire to an actuation element arranged on the instrument at the proximal side. A safety coupling, which limit a force exerted by the actuation element onto the control wire, are arranged between the control wire and the actuation element.
US08529427B2
A device for administering brachytherapy to a patient includes a vessel that may be in the form of a hollow cylindrical cup, for fleshing into and substantially filling the open-ended cavity. The vessel has a closed outer end, which may be a removable cover, and a source guide penetrates the closed outer end so as to extend deep into the vessel, to receive a radiation source in the source guide. A manipulator can be connected to the radiation source, and also to the source guide, for allowing several different types of manipulation of the source orientation and position within the vessel during the brachytherapy procedure.
US08529425B2
A horizontal centrifugal separator is configured such that a groove formed along a joint surface between an upper casing and a lower casing constituting the casing is outwardly bent near an opening of the casing, and that an elastic sealing member is disposed in the groove and an end portion thereof abuts against a sealing surface provided on a ring member which is provided so as to surround the outer circumference of the opening of the casing and is pressed against the casing. In this case, surface sealing is constituted by the end portion of the elastic sealing member and the sealing surface of the ring member. In this manner, the hermeticity can be improved without using a sealing member having a complicated structure.
US08529416B2
An exercising device includes a disc shaped member capable of rotating about a point of rotation. The exercising device also includes an elongated supporting member connected to the point of rotation of the disc shaped member. Further, the exercising device includes a braking mechanism carried by the elongated supporting member. The braking mechanism is capable of contacting the disc shaped member to apply a resistance to the rotation of the disc shaped member. Moreover, the exercising device includes a foot engaging member connected to the disc shaped member. The foot engaging member is adapted to be operated by feet of an individual. The operation of the foot engaging member by the individual against the resistance to the rotation applied by the braking mechanism exercises the individual.
US08529410B2
A multi-mode exercise device includes a main body having two supporting arm assemblies symmetrically mounted on two sides thereof. Each supporting arm assembly has four arms. The four arms of each supporting assembly are pivotally connected with each other via five pivot joints. The main body further has a guiding wheel set, a rotating disc and two connecting rods. Therefore, a user could step on pedals along vertical direction, parallel direction or circular direction selectively.
US08529383B2
A system includes a sensing device configured for inclusion in an arrow when shot from a bow and configured to provide an output concerning arrow speed in response to the arrow being shot from the bow; and a processing device in communication with the sensing device, the processing device configured to receive the output and determine at least one value of arrow speed for a flight of the arrow when shot from the bow.
US08529378B2
A golf ball comprising an opaque core, a composite cover layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer cover layer is provided. The composite cover layer and outer cover layer are formed from a translucent polymeric matrix, and a fibrous material is embedded in the translucent polymeric matrix of the composite cover layer. In one version, the fibrous material comprises a woven or non-woven mat. In another version, the fibrous material comprises a shape memory alloy. In yet another version, the fibrous material comprises a ferromagnetic material and the metal material is subjected to induction heating to improve adhesion between adjacent ball layers.
US08529377B2
A rebound resilient golf ball having an core layer or layers with one or more cores, a scuff resistant cover of thermoplastic polyurethane surrounding the core layer or layers, and optionally a mantle layer positioned between the cover and the core layer or layers. The cover is made from a dendritic thermoplastic polyurethane that includes an isocyanate monomer and a hyper branched polyol, optional additional polyols, and one or more chain extenders. An optional mantle layer may also be made of thermoplastic polyurethane, particularly a dendritic thermoplastic polyurethane.
US08529376B2
A golf ball comprising a core, a cover and at least on intermediate layer therebetween. The intermediate layer includes pigment which contributes to the color or appearance of the ball and the cover is at least partially transparent such that the intermediate layer is at least partially visible. The cover is also comprised of an optical enhancer.
US08529372B2
Multi-layer golf balls having a relatively hard outer core surrounding a relatively soft, low compression inner core are provided. The inner core generally has a compression of less than 50 and the inner core and outer core generally have a combined dual core compression of 50 or greater. The outer core generally has a Shore C hardness of 80 or greater. A cover, which can be a single-, dual-, or multi-layer cover, is provided to surround the outer core. A moisture barrier layer is optionally provided between the outer core and the cover. The moisture vapor transmission rate of the moisture barrier layer is preferably less than the moisture vapor transmission rate of the cover.
US08529370B1
A golf club head composed of a face component and an aft body composed of a long fiber material. The aft body is composed of a compression molded material. The compression molded aft-body is composed of two pieces which are bonded to a metal face component.
US08529368B2
A golf club providing improved golf ball launch conditions is disclosed herein. The golf club includes a face component and a sole comprising an elongated recess disposed proximate the face component. The elongated recess preferably is tube shaped, and preferably has an opening with a smaller width than an innermost surface of the elongated recess.
US08529356B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an audio control apparatus having a game audio port for receiving a gaming audio signal generated by a gaming application, a chat port for receiving a chat signal comprising audio information generated by at least one gamer, and an audio system coupled to the game audio port and the chat port. The audio system can be operable to detect an energy level in the chat signal that exceeds a threshold, reduce a magnitude of the gaming audio signal to a desired audio energy level responsive to the aforementioned detection, generate a mixed audio signal comprising a combination of the gaming audio signal having the reduced magnitude and the chat signal, and transmit the mixed audio signal to a listening apparatus. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US08529348B2
A player character appearing in a virtual game world is caused to perform actions in accordance with operation data. Based on the actions performed by the player character, operation tendency data, which indicates a tendency in operations performed by a player operating the player character, is generated, and a group of image data and the operation tendency data of the player character is stored. Then, an image of a non-player character indicated by the stored image data is displayed on a display device in accordance with the image data. An action of the non-player character in a virtual game world is controlled in accordance with the stored operation tendency data.
US08529336B2
Forms of interaction with an electronic system, such as for games of chance, games of skill, and combinations thereof are described herein. A system is provided for effecting defined game play and prizing structure parameters in an electronic entertainment environment. The system may include an input for receiving the parameters, a memory coupled to the input for storing the parameters, a processing system coupled to the storage for generating game play to effect the defined parameters, storage for recording information regarding particular game play events and an interface for at least presenting game play events to users of the electronic entertainment system. In one mode of operation, one or more mandated parameters are externally imposed, and variable parameters are selected such that the mandated parameters are met globally, and such that the user experience is optimized.
US08529335B2
Methods and systems for automatically determining game content based upon dynamically adjusted individual skill levels are provided. Example embodiments provide an Electronic Gaming Engine (“EGE”), which includes a Dynamic Challenge Level Adjuster for supporting multi-player, individualized skill-based games. In one embodiment, the EGE comprises game flow logic; game content models, for example, question and answer (“Q&A”) challenge models; a Dynamic Challenge Level Adjuster; one or more scoring modules; challenge data; participant data; and an input/output interface. These components cooperate to determine and assign skill level indexes on an individual basis and to automatically present game content appropriate to each individual player's skill level.
US08529334B2
A gaming machine and methods for independently controlling the movement of each mechanical reel are disclosed. The gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels each having indicia provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A game controller generates a game outcome and determines a spin duration for each of the plurality of reels. One or more stepper motors are operatively coupled to the mechanical reels to independently spin each reel. A reel control unit is in communication with one or more stepper motors and the game controller. The reel control unit determines an appropriate spin profile for each reel based upon the game outcome and the spin duration to cause the reels to spin and stop in a rhythmic manner.
US08529331B2
An online capsule lottery system and method provides a lottery event in which a plurality of capsules are included in an online game. High-grade item contents having a high ability ranking in the online game is matched to at least one of the capsules, and lottery results are determined after capsules are extracted by the selection of the user. Even a player that has only recently begun playing the online game is given the opportunity to purchase a desired amount of the capsules and the chance to possess the high-grade item contents, thus enabling the player to easily become familiar with the online game. By adjusting winning odds in accordance with various ways of matching high-grade item contents with capsules, capsule purchase accumulation, and time of capsule purchase, the system and method prevent the balance of a game from being disrupted due to an indiscriminate distribution of items.
US08529325B2
A combine harvester threshing drum threshing bar includes a rigid, integral, unitary threshing fixture having a leading edge and an opposed trailing end, an upstream face and an opposed downstream face formed with an oblique crop deflecting surface, a threshing side including a crop-cutting blade and a rasp structure, and an opposed threshing drum emplacement side.
US08529314B2
When both surfaces of a wafer are sequentially subjected to processing, the wafer is made to be surely supported so that a predetermined processing and transporting can be performed. On one surface of the wafer a first fixing jig (3a) is fixed in close contact. After having performed a predetermined processing to the opposite surface of the wafer, a second fixing jig (3b) is fixed in close contact with the opposite surface of the wafer. The first fixing jig (3a) is removed and the wafer is handed over to the second fixing jig (3b). Each of the fixing jigs is made up of a jig main body (31), and a close contact layer (32) which is disposed on one surface thereof. The jig main body has a plurality of supporting projections (33) to support the close contact layer, and a side wall (34). The close contact layer is adhered to an end surface of the side wall to thereby define a partitioned space (35) enclosed by the side wall, between the close contact layer and the jig main body. A ventilation hole (36) to be communicated with the partitioned space is formed, and the close contact layer is deformed by suction of the air within the partitioned space. At the time of removing, the close contact layer of the first fixing jig is deformed, and both the fixing jigs are relatively moved in a direction away from each other.
US08529311B2
Magnetic and electronic toy construction systems and elements are provided that include an assembly of at least two panels that have at least three magnets located around the perimeter of the panel such that the dipole axes of magnets in a single panel are coplanar and intersect to define a polygon. When attaching two adjacent panels, at least two ferromagnetic spheres are used such that the dipole axes of one magnet from each of the adjacent panels are collinear, and such that the dipole axes are collinear with the centers of the ferromagnetic spheres. In this manner, several panels configured in this way may be nested together to form great varieties of constructions.
US08529309B2
A display device comprising: a light switching unit comprising an array of pixels each operable to vary the transmission of light therethrough; and a backlight comprising a first series of regions of organic light-emissive material having a first emission color and a second series of regions of organic light-emissive material having a second emission color, each region of organic material being located so as to lie behind a plurality of pixels of the array in the viewing direction for backlighting those pixels; and at least one of the regions of organic light-emissive material being formed by a process of ink-jet deposition.
US08529294B2
A coaxial connector is configured to mate with a mating connector. The coaxial connector includes a housing that is at least partially electrically conductive, an inner electrical contact held by the housing, and an outer electrical contact. The outer electrical contact is concentrically arranged with the inner electrical contact such that the outer electrical contact is spaced radially apart from the inner electrical contact. The outer electrical contact defines a plug that is configured to be received within a receptacle of the mating connector. A coupling nut is configured to mechanically secure the electrical connector to the mating connector. The coupling nut is integrally formed with the housing and includes a radially inner surface having a thread configured to engage a thread of the mating connector.
US08529286B2
Disclosed is a detachment and displacement protection structure for insertion of flexible circuit flat cable. An inserter positioning section is formed on a flexible circuit flat cable and coupled with an inserter, which includes a metal member and a plastic member. In assembling, the plastic member is first positioned on a first surface of the inserter positioning section of the flexible circuit flat cable, and then the metal member is fit over the plastic member. A detachment and displacement protection structure is provided on the inserter positioning section to constrain the inserter from displacing and detaching in a flat cable extension direction due to being acted upon by an external force when the inserter is positioned on the inserter positioning section.
US08529285B1
A system and method for retaining a commercial off the shelf connector and cable into a connector on a pc is shown and described as having a wire bail or retaining clip, which is either screwed to or forced into a friction fit behind a rear panel of the PC at the COTS connectors. The bail or retention clip extends beyond the end of the connector and cradles the cord, this helps to distribute the weight of the cord/cable. Also, the clip is sized and configured to make inadvertent disconnection of the connector less likely.
US08529280B2
A device for securing a first electrical connector to a second electrical connector, comprising a bracket body; and at least one engaging portion extending from the bracket body to the second electrical connector and coupling to a portion of the second electrical connector. Also provided is a method of securing one electrical connector to another electrical connector and an interconnect system comprising a first connector, a second connector, a third connector, and an engaging device.
US08529279B2
A connector having a nut-body continuity element is provided, wherein the nut-body continuity element electrically couples a nut and a connector body, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the nut and the connector body. Furthermore, the nut-body continuity element facilitates grounding through the connector, and renders an electromagnetic shield preventing ingress of unwanted environmental noise.
US08529273B2
A female terminal (20) has a main portion (21). A contact-member accommodating portion (22) projects forward from the main portion (21) for accommodating a contact member (23) inside. The contact member (23) has circumferentially arranged contact pieces (23A) extending in a connecting direction with a male terminal (60). Intermediate parts of the contact pieces (23A) in an extending direction are curved radially inwardly, and the curved parts of the contact pieces (23) resiliently contact and hold the male terminal (60). The contact-member accommodating portion (22) has a front wall (22A) and a side wall (22B) between the front wall (22A) and the main portion (21). An entrance hole (22C) for the male terminal (60) is formed in the front wall (22A), and a first discharge hole (25A) for allowing the inside and outside of the contact-member accommodating portion (22) to communicate is formed in the side wall (22B).
US08529267B2
An integrated training system for articles of footwear is disclosed. Each article of footwear includes a set of physical characteristics associated with an athletic skill. A customized training program is provided with each article of footwear to provide custom tailored training for improving the particular athletic skill associated with the selected article of footwear.
US08529264B2
The method facilitating language learning utilizes a DVD authoring tool to arrange a first stream of video clips and synchronize audio in a target language. The first stream may be comprised of dialogue-rich, live-action films or animations. A symbolic marker is placed in a subtitle track associated with the first stream. The marker symbolizes upcoming complex word usage, grammar patterns, idiomatic expressions, and colloquialisms in the first stream, and is linked to a second stream of video clips, the second stream of video clips including synchronized audio of an instructional nature regarding the target language of the first stream of video clips. During DVD play, user selection of the symbolic marker pauses the first stream and plays the second stream, the first stream resuming upon termination of the second stream. A digital book is included with each DVD including the translated script, vocabulary list, lesson summaries, and exercises.
US08529260B2
A removable denture system comprising a personalized support beam fixedly attached to an individual's alveolar ridge above the mucous membrane by a plurality of dental implants; a personalized denture conforming with dental parameters of the individual and having fixedly integrated within a bottom surface thereof a super-structure having a cross-section conforming with that of the support beam; and a denture locking arrangement for securely locking and unlocking the denture to the support beam, at substantial zero tolerance therebetween, and wherein one of the support beam and the super-structure is configured with one or more positioning grooves extending parallel to a path of insert (POI) of the denture, and the other of the support beam and the super-structure is configured with corresponding one or more laterally projecting positioning projections, each extending in register with a corresponding positioning grove and configured for snug sliding there within.
US08529252B2
The reverse headgear with neck strap has: a forehead-cap adapted to engage a patient's forehead; a chin-cap adapted to engage the patient's chin; and a frame interconnecting the forehead-cap and the chin-cap. The frame has side portions extending between the forehead-cap and the chin-cap defining rearward extending loops. A neck strap is releasably connected to the loops on opposite sides of the frame by hooks, the neck strap passing behind the patient's neck in order to apply a traction force to the chin cap to draw the mandible posteriorly. An M-shaped hook is attached to the chin-cap and extends in front of a mouth of the patient, the hook being configured to receive a tension applying elastic element attachable to the patient's upper teeth in order to apply anterior traction to the maxilla, thereby correcting a class III malocclusion by tensioning the maxilla forward and the mandible rearward.
US08529250B2
There is provided a system and method for heating at least one workpiece in a furnace by which the workpiece is heated by heating facilities. An exemplary method comprises heating a complete workpiece with the heating facilities. The exemplary method also comprises moving the workpiece out of the furnace such that a first portion of the workpiece is still inside the furnace while a second portion of the workpiece is outside the furnace and holding the workpiece at this position for a predetermined time period. Finally, the exemplary method comprises moving the complete workpiece out of the furnace.
US08529243B1
A mold includes a bottom die and an upper die. The bottom die defines a bottom cavity and includes a bottom parting surface. The upper die defines an upper cavity and includes an upper parting surface. The bottom cavity and the upper cavity cooperatively form a mold cavity, and at least one of the bottom parting surface and the upper parting surface defines receiving grooves. The mold further includes a block and a spacer. The spacer is received in a specific one of the receiving grooves. The block is detachably fixed in the specific receiving groove and holds the spacer in the specific receiving groove. The block protrudes out of the specific receiving groove.
US08529237B2
Disclosed are a wet spinning apparatus and a wet spinning method, which enable to manufacture fibers with excellent quality by controlling the flow of a coagulation liquid in a spinning bath and which enable to cope with high speed spinning (or high speed drawing). A wet spinning apparatus (1) comprises a spinning bath (2), at one end in which there are provided a nozzle (5) for discharging a spinning raw liquid and coagulation liquid discharge ports (4a) and (4b) for discharging a coagulation liquid (C), at the other end in which there are provided a drawing roll (10) for drawing coagulated filaments (13) and a coagulation liquid recovery portion (3) into which the coagulation liquid (C) flows out. The spinning bath (2) has a coagulation bath portion (2a) having a cross sectional area gradually reduced from one end to the other end, for coagulating the spinning raw liquid, and a filament running portion (2b) having a cross sectional area gradually enlarged from one end to the other end, for allowing the coagulated filaments (13) to run therein.
US08529235B2
An oscillating variable displacement ring pump provides both positive and variable displacement. A housing circumscribes a pump chamber. The pump chamber encases an oscillating ring driven by a crank assembly. The ring encircles an end of the crank assembly. The crank assembly includes an annular spacer that rolls inside the ring. When the pump chamber is sealed, rotation of the crank assembly causes ring oscillation in the chamber. Ring oscillation creates vacuum pressure, which draws substances into pump chamber via an inlet port while pumping out substances of the pump chamber via an outlet port. A valve within the pump chamber contacts the ring and follows ring oscillation to help separate incoming substances from outgoing substances. The pump can include an adjustable internal by-pass means to control the volume and pressure of substances delivered by the pump.
US08529220B2
A housing of a high-pressure pump defines a passage communicating with a pressurizing chamber in which fuel is pressurized. The passage has an annular engagement groove which is radially outwardly concaved on its inner wall surface. A valve body is disposed in the passage. The engaged member is disposed inside of the passage wall. A valve body engaging member is comprised of a plurality of arc-shaped plate members, which form circular shape. The valve body engaging member is inserted into the engagement groove in such a manner as to be engaged with the valve body. A C-ring is firmly in contact with the plate members and biases them toward the engagement groove.
US08529219B2
A variable displacement compressor comprises an opening-degree adjustment valve which is disposed in a flow passage between a suction port and a suction hole communicating with a cylinder bore and variably controls the opening area of the flow passage. The variable displacement compressor is characterized in that the resistance against the movement of the valve body of the opening-degree adjustment valve in the direction of increasing the opening area of the flow passage is made to be greater than the resistance against the movement thereof in the direction of decreasing the opening area. The liquid compression at the starting of the compressor is prevented from occurring, whereby the durability and the reliability of the device can be improved and the device can exhibit excellent displacement control responsiveness.
US08529217B2
A method for operating a compressor device and associated compressor device including a compressor chamber and a cooling chamber adjoining the compressor chamber is provided. The pressure of a cooling medium in the cooling chamber is held above the pressure of a compressor medium in the compressor chamber during operation of the compressor device.
US08529216B2
A fuel supply unit includes a fuel reservoir (22) for holding fuel. A fuel pump (18) is in the reservoir for pumping fuel from the reservoir. A jet pump assembly (16) is within the reservoir for drawing fuel from a fuel tank into the reservoir. A seal structure (24) has a flange (28) with a living hinge (31). The seal structure is operatively coupled with a housing of the jet pump assembly and disposed between the housing and a portion of the reservoir, with a portion of the flange being pivoted about the living hinge such that the portion of the flange engages an interior surface of the reservoir, providing a seal between the housing of the jet pump assembly and the interior surface of the reservoir.
US08529211B2
The present invention includes a set of airfoils, U rails and V rails taken together to describe a blade for use with a horizontal axis wind turbine. The blade's design includes a maximum thickness higher than conventional blades employed for the same use thereby providing better load bearing structural characteristics while at the same time maintaining the requisite aerodynamic qualities for similar blades. The blade has a maximum thickness of about 30% and a maximum lift coefficient of about 1.3.
US08529205B2
A blade pitch control mechanism for a propeller assembly (10) includes an actuation shaft (24) having a spherical member (28) located at a propeller axis (22). A yoke (40) is located around the spherical member (28) and is rotatable thereon about a yoke tilt axis (62) substantially perpendicular to the propeller axis (22). The yoke (40) includes a plurality of propeller blade attachments (44), each receptive of a propeller blade (14). The plurality of blade attachments (44) are configured such that rotation of the yoke (40) about the yoke tilt axis (62) results in rotation of each propeller blade (14) about a blade pitch change axis (48).
US08529204B2
A nose cone assembly for a gas turbine engine comprises a spinner and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting members for mounting the spinner on a fan hub of the gas turbine engine. Each of the mounting members is rigid in a generally axial direction and flexible in a generally radial direction.
US08529200B2
Apparatus for sealing and purging a bearing region includes a bearing housing having at least one hole that allows a flow of air to flow through the at least one hole, and at least one bearing seal that allows the flow of air to flow through the at least one bearing seal, thereby creating a pressure difference across the bearing seal. The apparatus also includes an air directional device having at least a portion of the flow of air to flow adjacent to the air directional device, and a pair of components having a gap between the pair of components that allows the at least a portion of the flow of air to flow through the gap, thereby purging the gap.
US08529190B2
A wind turbine rotor with a vertical rotation axis connected to a hub having at least two horizontal supports, on the ends of which are tightly fixed blades, each consisting of two wings joined together, with a symmetrical or concavo-convex airfoil with the airfoil's chord lengths and thickness diminishing toward both wing ends. The rotor blade's upper and lower wings are radially deflected from the central zone outwards. The chord length of both wing ends and the chord length in the central zone are approximately inversely proportional to the radii of its location in relation to the axis of the rotor's rotation. The deflecting angle of the lower wing can be greater than the deflecting angle of the upper wing or the length of the lower wing can be greater than the length of the upper wing. These specifications provide uniform wind power consumption along the wing's length, increasing the efficiency of a wind turbine and its service life.
US08529177B2
A fastener, capable of securing work pieces accessible from only one side, is provided. The blind fastener includes a deformable sleeve and a pin, the pin having a main body section and a tail section. The main body section includes a shear load bearing section integrally connected to a lock collar engagement section on a first end and a pin stalk section on a second end, the pin stalk section integrally connected to a series of pin sleeve integrating grooves. The tail section is integrally connected between the main body, via a break notch, and a series of serrations. The sleeve includes a hollow tubular shank having a first sleeve end and a second sleeve end, where the first sleeve end has a sleeve head having an opening for receiving the main body section. At all times during assembly of the fastener, the series of serrations remain outside the sleeve, never passing through the sleeve.
US08529173B2
A method to adjust a modal property of a material removal tool without changing a projection length of the material removal tool is disclosed. Adjusting substantially aligns a characteristic frequency of the material removal tool with a rotation speed of a spindle of a machine tool. A material removal tool employing the method and a method to machine metal are also disclosed.
US08529165B2
A multi-grooving tool holder for holding cutting members seated in a side-by-side formation in a clamping portion of the holder. The clamping portion includes an upper clamp and a lower clamp and an elastic member is located in one of the upper and lower clamps. When cutting members are assembled in the clamping portion, the elastic member engages the cutting members and aligns each cutting member independently, by applying a force, and consequently a moment on the cutting members.
US08529150B2
A toothbrush device having a body defining a cavity and an input port disposed on the body in fluid communication with the cavity. The input port permits brushing by-products to pass through the input port and into the cavity while restricting passage of the brushing by-products outward from the cavity. In one form, the toothbrush device includes an elongated handle with a reservoir having at least a portion disposed within the handle. The reservoir is sized to hold a predetermined amount of oral care product, and a mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the reservoir to discharge the oral care product from the reservoir.
US08529147B2
An applicator may include: an applicator member; a handle that is generally elongate along a longitudinal axis; and a drive mechanism arranged to transform an action, exerted by a user on a control member that is movable relative to the handle, into a turning movement of the applicator member relative to the handle. The control member may be movable in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle.
US08529141B2
A camera including a drive source, where the drive source is driven so that a charge member enters a moving locus of a mirror drive member when driving a mirror from a mirror down position to a mirror up position. After the charge member has entered the moving locus of the mirror drive member, the mirror drive member is moved from the mirror down position to the mirror up position by an urging force of the mirror drive spring.
US08529137B2
The bearing cage has a first flange, a second flange, and a plurality of cage bars extending between the first flange and the second flange so as to form and define outer boundaries for a plurality of pockets. The first flange and the second flange are each bent inward toward the pocket and then extend parallel in a vertical direction, forming a contact surfaces. The contact surfaces are in contact at each end of the rollers arranged in the pocket. The contact surfaces of the bearing cage present a large contact area between the ends of the rollers and the ends of the pockets where there is a lubricant film. Also, the surface of the contact surfaces is smooth.
US08529130B2
A proposed aerostatic bearing arrangement for moving a device on a base structure, particularly in a vacuum environment, has at least one aerostatic bearing element comprising a bearing body having a load-carrying zone and a suction area. An electrostatic preloading unit having at least one electrode is associated with the at least one aerostatic bearing element, and a voltage can be applied to the electrode in such a way that a force component is generated in direction of the surface normal of the bearing body of the aerostatic bearing element.
US08529128B2
A judging section judges whether the operating portion provided on a device is being operated. A correcting section performs correction such that the values of signals S that indicate the intensities and directions of external forces applied to the operating portion, which are output from a detecting section while it is judged that the operating portion is not being operated, are included in a dead zone range with respect to control of a movement assisting section that assists manual movement of the device by urging the device. A control section controls the movement assisting section to assist movement in the directions of the external forces indicated by the signals output by the detecting section, and to not perform movement assistance in the case that the signal values are included in the dead zone range.
US08529119B2
A mug body has an open top. A lid is fitted to the open top. The lid has first and second top to bottom holes formed therein. An arm extends down from the bottom of the lid into the mug body. An actuator handle extends out from the top of the lid, through the second hole. The actuator handle is coupled to the arm to move the arm relative to the mug body. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08529101B2
An exemplary outdoor LED lamp includes a post, an LED module, two supporting arms and a reflector. The LED module is mounted on a top end of the post for generating upward light. The supporting arms are mounted on the post and located at lateral sides of the LED module. The reflector is rotatably mounted on the supporting arms and located over a top side of the LED module for reflecting the upward light of the LED module.
US08529099B2
The present invention provides an electric turbine axial fan, which is rainproof and installed at the top portion of sealed heat dissipation lamp housing of a high power lamp, so when the electric turbine axial fan is operated, the airflow passes through the top portion of lamp housing of the sealed heat dissipation lamp housing and is concentrated towards the center, then leaded to upwardly enter an axial airflow inlet port formed at the bottom of the electric turbine axial fan, thereby being exhausted to the surroundings through radially-arranged exhaust blades, thus a cooling effect by the external cooling airflow can be provided to the top portion of a high power lamp, which is relatively hotter; when external wind power drives the turbine axial fan, the loading of electric motor can be lowered so as to reduce the electric power outputted by the electric motor.
US08529092B2
An assembled type lamp wall comprises a base, at least one fastening holder and at least one lamp panel, wherein the fastening holder has a fitting portion provided for joining the base and a bottom portion that is stably in contact with ground. The fitting portion of the fastening holder is disposed with at least one screw through hole. The base has a plurality of screw holes aligning the at least one screw through hole and respectively and circularly disposed at a location of joining the fastening holder so that the several lamp panels can be horizontally extended and arranged on the base, and other screw holes align the screw through holes on the fastening holder, and a purpose of easily regulating the lamp panels 30 can be easily achieved by means of screwing the screw into the screw hole.
US08529070B2
A projection optical apparatus capable of providing high image quality and having a reduced size is disclosed. The projection optical apparatus includes a light valve and a projection optical system including a first optical system having a transmissive-refractive element and a second optical system having a reflective-refractive element. An image formed on the light valve is projected by the projection optical system on a projection surface. The optical axis in the first optical system is folded both vertically and horizontally. The first group of the first optical system is contained in a space (dead space) whose lower limit is defined by a lower edge of the second optical system, thereby reducing the depth of the apparatus.
US08529068B2
A beam light source of an image display device which displays an image on a screen by scanning an optical beam in a two-dimensional direction in which the beam light source includes a light source that emits a diffuse light modulated according to an image signal, and an optical element that shapes the light emitted from the light source to the optical beam. The optical beam has an elliptically shaped beam spot on the screen in which a major axis of the beam spot is substantially perpendicular to a scanning direction. A horizontal spot size of the optical beam on an exit surface of the optical element is at least or equal to a horizontal spot size of the optical beam on the screen, and the horizontal spot size of the optical beam on the screen is no greater than a horizontal pixel pitch displayed on the screen.
US08529063B2
The invention relates to ophthalmic spectacles for characterizing a convergence of the eyes of a wearer. Each lens of the spectacles is provided with output sections for guiding a radiation towards the side areas of an eye of the carrier, in which the right and left portions of the corneal margin of said eye are in motion. The lens further comprises input sections for collecting the portions of said radiation reflected in said side areas of the eye. A computing unit is also combined with the spectacles in order to determine the convergence of the eyes of the wearer from detection signals measuring the portions of the radiation that are simultaneously collected by the input sections of the two lenses.
US08529062B2
Systems for extended depth frequency domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) and related methods
Systems for extended depth frequency domain optical coherence tomography are provided including a detection system configured to sample spectral elements at substantially equal frequency intervals, wherein a spectral width associated with the sampled spectral elements is not greater than one-half of the frequency interval. Related methods are also provided herein.
US08529059B2
An aspect of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an eyeglass lens of multilayered structure having plural films including a polarizing film.
US08529057B2
The invention is related to a cost-effective method for making a silicone hydrogel contact lens having a crosslinked hydrophilic coating thereon. A method of the invention involves heating a silicone hydrogel contact lens in an aqueous solution in the presence of a water-soluble, highly branched, thermally-crosslinkable hydrophilic polymeric material having positively-charged azetidinium groups, to and at a temperature from about 40° C. to about 140° C. for a period of time sufficient to covalently attach the thermally-crosslinkable hydrophilic polymeric material onto the surface of the silicone hydrogel contact lens through covalent linkages each formed between one azetidinium group and one of the reactive functional groups on and/or near the surface of the silicone hydrogel contact lens, thereby forming a crosslinked hydrophilic coating on the silicone hydrogel contact lens. Such method can be advantageously implemented directly in a sealed lens package during autoclave.
US08529045B2
An ink set including an aqueous ink composition and a treatment liquid is disclosed. The aqueous ink composition includes a pigment, a graft polymer including an anionic group at a side chain thereof, and an aqueous medium. The treatment liquid includes an acidic compound that aggregates one or more components of the aqueous ink composition.
US08529043B2
Printing apparatuses are provided. In one embodiment, a printing apparatus includes a head, a transport mechanism, and a print control section. The head has at least one special ink nozzle that ejects special ink on a printing medium and at least one ordinary ink nozzle that ejects ordinary ink on the printing medium. The transport mechanism transports the printing medium relative to the head. The print control section controls the head and the transport mechanism, thereby printing an image on the printing medium using the special ink and the ordinary ink. The at least one special ink nozzle and the at least one ordinary ink nozzle are offset from each other along a direction in which the printing medium is transported and are arranged in the order in which dots of the special ink and dots of the ordinary ink are superimposed.
US08529041B2
In a method of manufacturing a liquid discharge head, the liquid discharge head has a flow-path unit having a liquid flow path, and a piezoelectric actuator unit. The liquid flow path has discharge openings and corresponding pressure chambers. The actuator unit has actuators which apply pressure to liquid in the pressure chambers. The method includes positioning the actuator unit to oppose the surface of the flow-path unit while extending on the plurality of pressure chambers, forming a particular film that is impermeable to the liquid on a supporting member. The particular film is secured to the surface of the flow-path unit by placing the supporting member on the flow-path unit, and aligning the supporting member such that a surface of the particular film opposes the surface of the flow-path unit while the openings of the plurality of pressure chambers are covered.
US08529038B2
A pressurized ink delivery system having two delivery reservoirs in an inkjet printer enables a control system to alternate between the two reservoirs for printhead supply without coupling pressurized air from a delivery reservoir to a low pressure source of ink. Each delivery reservoir includes a conduit having an orifice that enables the pressure within a delivery reservoir to exit the reservoir before the ink delivery reservoir is fluidly connected to the low pressure source of ink for refilling of the delivery reservoir. By dropping the high pressure reservoir to atmosphere and then switching the seal actuators for the two reservoirs, the spray of ink is avoided.
US08529033B2
A liquid supply system has a liquid cartridge that supplies liquid, a cartridge mounting portion, and an urging member. The liquid cartridge is removably mounted to the cartridge mounting portion, and the urging portions urges the liquid cartridge in a demounting direction when the liquid cartridge is mounted. The cartridge mounting portion includes a bottom plate having a first surface extending in a first direction parallel to the demounting direction and a second surface that borders the first surface and extends from the first surface in a second direction. An angle formed between the second direction and a downward vertical direction is less than an angle formed between the first direction and the downward vertical direction.
US08529027B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a liquid ejecting head; a liquid receiving section; a suction pump that is connected the liquid receiving section; a first liquid containing section that contains first liquid; a second liquid containing section that contains second liquid. When the second liquid in the liquid ejecting head is exchanged for the first liquid, the liquid ejecting head eject the liquid toward the liquid receiving section in a state in which the liquid receiving section is away from the liquid ejecting head, and when the first liquid in the liquid ejecting head is exchanged for the second liquid, the suction pump to operate in a state in which the liquid receiving section has been brought into contact with the liquid ejecting head to cover the ejection nozzles.
US08529015B2
In an inkjet printing apparatus, a heater heats a drip bib that is located below a plurality of inkjets in a printhead to a temperature that melts ink collected on a surface of the drip bib. Pressurized air is directed toward the surface of the drip bib to remove the melted ink from the surface of the drip bib.
US08529013B2
A method compensates for changes in drop mass of drops ejected by ink jets in a printhead of an ink jet imaging device. The method includes identifying an average of differences between drop placement position for ink drops on an image receiving member and default ink drop positions. The average of the differences is used to adjust a parameter of one or more ink jet driving signals in response to the average of the differences being greater than a predetermined threshold.
US08529012B2
An image forming apparatus including a first carriage having at least two first recording heads, a second carriage separatably dockable with the first carriage, a pattern forming unit to control the at least two first recording heads to form on a recording medium adjustment patterns for correcting a shift in landing positions of liquid droplets ejected from the at least two first recording heads, a pattern detector provided to the first carriage to read the adjustment patterns, and a landing position corrector to correct the shift in the landing positions of the liquid droplets based on a result obtained by the pattern detector. The at least two first recording heads form multiple rows of the adjustment patterns, and the pattern detector successively reads at least two rows of the multiple rows of the adjustment patterns without docking and separation of the first and second carriages.
US08529006B2
Provided are an image processor and an image processing method that are capable of suppressing both density unevenness due to printing position shifts among a group of dots printed by a plurality of relative movements (or a plurality of printing element groups) and graininess. In order to accomplish this, a dot overlap rate in the printing mode in which the density unevenness stands out is made higher than the dot overlap rate in the printing mode in which other defects stand out more than the density unevenness. By doing so, it is possible to suitably adjust the dot overlap rate according to the image characteristic, and output an image having no density unevenness or graininess.
US08529005B2
A method of compensating for a dead nozzle in a stationary pagewidth printhead. The method includes the steps of: (i) identifying the dead nozzle; (ii) selecting a functioning nozzle in a same nozzle row as the dead nozzle; and firing ink droplets from the selected functioning nozzle at a primary dot position associated with the dead nozzle.
US08529004B2
A printing apparatus includes a print head that has a plurality of nozzles including lower-end portion nozzles, center-portion nozzles, and upper-end portion nozzles, a medium transport unit that transports a medium that becomes a printing target, an edge detecting unit that detects an edge included in image data, and a print control unit that forms a pixel pattern on the medium by driving the print head together with relatively moving the print head and the medium that becomes the printing target, forms an overlapping pixel pattern on the medium by using nozzles, the number of which is a first number in a case where the edge is not detected by the edge detecting unit for the overlapping pixel pattern that can be formed by the upper-end portion nozzle and the lower-portion nozzle, and forms the overlapping pixel pattern on the medium by using nozzles, the number of which is a second number smaller than the first number in a case where the edge is detected by the edge detecting unit.
US08529002B2
Prior to recording, the gap between ink nozzles and a sheet is set to a first gap and a humidified gas is supplied in a short time. After that, the gap is varied from the first gap to a second gap smaller than the first gap and recording is then started.
US08529000B2
A shelf assembly for a refrigerator comprises upper and lower frames wherein the upper and lower frames enclose a peripheral edge of a supporting plate, each frame includes a groove to receive a sealing member, and the frames are preassembled through locking parts, and then fusion-bonded in the preassembled state. Accordingly, a waterproof effect and durability of the shelf assembly are improved.
US08528993B2
An emergency crash cart includes a sealing structure that enables multiple storage sections of the cart to be locked and sealed simultaneously. The locking structure enables one of the storage sections to be unlocked and unsealed without unlocking or unsealing the other storage sections. The locking structure also can be actuated to unlock and unseal all storage sections simultaneously for rapid access to the contents of all storage sections of the cart.
US08528983B2
An inflatable child seat for use in an airplane having a base panel having at least one inflatable air chamber is provided. The inflatable child seat also includes two side panels, each of which have at least one inflatable air chamber. Both side panels are connected to the base panel. A back panel is further provided, having at least one inflatable air chamber, and is connected to the two side panels and the base panel. The back panel is disposed at an angle relative to the base panel. The inflatable child seat also has a belt configured to restrain a child in the seat. The inflatable child seat additionally has a cavity disposed in the back panel and is configured for receiving a seat belt from an airplane or car seat for securing the child seat to the airplane or car seat. The inflatable child seat is provided with at least one port that is in communication with one or more of the air chambers and serves as the means for inflating and deflating these chambers.
US08528977B2
A mechanism for a vehicle seat for adjusting the angle of inclination, and a hub-shaped centering means. The mechanism includes a first arresting fitting, a transfer means, rotatable about an axis of rotation, for release of the first arresting fitting, and a centering means, disposed between the first arresting fitting and the transfer means, configured to center the transfer means in a starting position and, against a return force, to enable a rotation about the axis of rotation and relative to the first arresting fitting out of the starting position about a first angular range in the first direction, and about a second angular range in a second direction.
US08528973B2
An adjusting mechanism is used to adjust a restoring force that acts on a backrest of a chair. The adjusting mechanism has a spring element for creating the restoring force, a support, and a backrest support that is pivotably mounted about a support axis on the support. An adjusting element configured as a pair of scissors containing a first scissor arm and a second scissor arm is provided, and the scissor arms are rotatably connected to each other about a scissor axis. The first scissor arm is pivotably mounted on the backrest support about an adjusting axis. A spring force produced by the spring element acts on the second scissor arm. A first actuating lever length is defined between the support axis and the scissor axis. The lever length is changeable using an adjusting element for adjusting the restoring force by pivoting the adjusting element about the adjusting axis.
US08528965B2
The operator's cab 8 is provided with a floor frame 10 having an opening for maintenance 20 located at a floor base 10a and a lid body 23 for closing the opening for maintenance 20. The lid body 23 includes an upper inspection cover 22 and a lower inspection cover 21 which are aligned in a vertical direction with spacing so as to be attachable and detachable relative to the opening for maintenance 20. Disposed in a space between the upper inspection cover 22 and the lower inspection cover 21 is a floor duct 30 that can be disassembled and is provided for circulating supply air sent from an air conditioner 27.
US08528964B2
A body structure is provided for a motor vehicle with a windshield that includes, but is not limited to a pane cross member, on which the windshield rests. The pane cross member includes, but is not limited to a first and a second edge section in the form of brackets, and a central part lying there between, which has a U-shaped cross-section. The first edge section forms a support section for the windshield, the second edge section is fastened to a fixed component of the body structure and is arranged laterally from the first edge section, and the central part is constructed such that it has a cross-section which is curved in the direction towards an engine hood of the motor vehicle and can deform on application of force from above and/or from the front.
US08528960B2
A vehicle roof retracting device comprises a guiding mechanism, a rear shelf, a principal shaft, an adjusting lever, an initiative lever, and a connecting lever. The guiding mechanism of the roof rotates around the principal shaft for actuating the roof to displace between a closed position and a retracted position. The rear shelf provides a space for the passage of the roof when it is opened and conceals a gap between the roof and the trunk cover when it is closed. The adjusting lever is connected to an extension extending transversely from one end of the guiding mechanism and actuated by the extension to rotate around the principal shaft. A protruding part of the adjusting lever is engaged with or disengaged from the initiative lever for rotating the initiative lever around said principal shaft. The connecting lever is configured to connect the initiative lever and the rear shelf for displacing the rear shelf between the open position and the closed position.
US08528959B2
Provided is a fitting adjustment structure for a lid in which, before a frame and a lid are incorporated into an opening portion, a height of a stopper can be adjusted with the lid being closed, to thereby eliminate the need for adjustment after the incorporation. The fitting adjustment structure for the lid includes: the opening portion formed on a panel; the lid which turns to open and close the opening portion; and the frame which is placed along a periphery of the opening portion, and supports the lid, in which: a screw hole is pierced in the frame; a stopper having an upper surface which abuts against a rear surface of the lid in a closed state is screwed with the screw hole; and a turning operation portion engageable with a rotating tool is provided at a lower end of the stopper.
US08528952B2
A gripper assembly for use with a media cartridge includes a gripper support and first and second gripper members supported by the gripper support. The gripper members are moveable asymmetrically with respect to the gripper support for gripping the media cartridge.
US08528948B2
An auxiliary locking drive for a motor vehicle lock having its own drive housing and being located separate from the vehicle lock in the installed state. The auxiliary locking drive can be coupled to the vehicle lock by way of a transmission that transmits a linear driving motion produced by a drive motor to the vehicle lock for transferring the vehicle lock from the half-locked state into the main locked state by the driving motion. The auxiliary locking drive, for producing the linear driving motion, has a feed gear mechanism which is connected downstream of the drive motor and is made as a spindle-spindle nut gearing with a spindle and a spindle nut.
US08528944B2
A stopper grip ring for plumbing pipes. A stopper grip ring for plumbing pipes, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, includes: an outer circumferential portion which forms an outer diameter of a ring shape; an O-ring supporting portion formed to be bent at one side of the outer circumferential portion so as to come into contact with an O-ring and having an entry inducing portion which is formed to be inclined at one end portion, and an inserting portion which is formed at the other end portion and enters while being induced by the entry inducing portion; and a stopper portion formed to be bent at the other side of the outer circumferential portion so as to be spaced apart from the O-ring supporting portion and having a sharpened portion which is formed at an edge and is divided by a plurality of slits.
US08528942B2
The present invention relates to a quick-fit connection for pipes comprising a body having at least one spigot, which extends around a longitudinal axis, suitable for being at least partially inserted in the pipe, and a blocking element, suitable for working on the outside of the pipe and for cooperating with the body so as to keep the spigot engaged in the pipe. The blocking element comprises at least one annular blocking body, which identifies a passage section for the pipe and which comprises blocking teeth extending radially internally to interfere with the pipe. Moreover, the blocking element is removable from the body.
US08528940B1
A printable form with a printable face ply and a wristband releasably bonded to the printable form. The wristband may be detached from the printable form and secured around a body part for use in identification.
US08528939B2
A coupon card assembly for attaching to a support structure is disclosed. The assembly includes a hinge partially cut through first and second layers of material and a liner to define a first and second card portion movable about a pivot axis. The first card portion includes a score line disposed along a width and cut through the first layer of material to define a segment of the first layer of material removable from the first card portion to expose one of a first and second layer of adhesive remaining on the first card portion for attaching the first card portion to the support structure. The score line is spaced from the pivot axis with at least a portion of the hinge continuing to include both of the first and second layers of material such that the hinge remains functional after removing the segment.
US08528938B2
The motor drive current has a value increased for a time necessary for the clutch operation to mechanically connect the motor and spool and, after the clutch operation, the drive current has a value necessary only for preventing the rotation of the spool due to the belt tension. In this way, the power necessary only for restraining the occupant is consumed after the operation of the clutch is ensured. Then, it is possible to reduce the motor power consumption and suppress heat generation of the motor.
US08528934B2
Closing movement of at least one of two or more air chambers is started at an early stage, and an inflated air chamber is tightly closed and maintained in an inflated state for a long time. Inside of an airbag is partitioned into air chambers, with a partitioning cloth, and a diffuser that stores a gas generator is disposed in the air chambers, through the partitioning cloth. Gas from a gas generator is rectified by the diffuser, and is supplied from outlet parts, into the air chambers, thereby inflating and deploying the air chambers. An occupant side base cloth, a semi-perimeter portion around the lower outlet part, is connected to a back-side base cloth of the airbag, and in accordance with an inflation of the lower air chamber, a tension is imposed on the occupant side base cloth from the back-side base cloth, thereby elongating the lower air chamber. This causes the base cloths to come close to each other and gradually narrow the opening width, thereby enabling the base cloths to closely stick to each other so as to close the opening of the lower outlet part.
US08528931B2
The invention relates to a device comprising: a foldable case provided with a base having at least two folding side wheels for supporting and moving same and side panels which can be moved between a folded-up position, in which the panels are positioned in parallel on top of the base, and an unfolded position, in which the panels are arranged substantially vertically, forming together with the base a cavity in which shopping can be placed; and a telescopic handle which is mounted on a support part solidly connected to the base by means of a hinge system which can be used to move the handle between a non-use position, in which the handle is arranged substantially horizontally on the folded-up case, and a use position in which the telescopic handle is arranged substantially vertically on the front side of the unfolded box.
US08528925B2
A running board attachment. The running board attachment forms a barrier to restrict the passage of objects through the area between a vehicle body and a running board mounted distantly from the vehicle body.
US08528922B2
A chassis for a vehicle includes a frame as well as a first axle and a second axle, on which the wheels of the vehicle are mounted on bearings. The axles are connected to the frame to swivel at least with respect to a vertical axis and a longitudinal axis, and are connected to each other by means of mechanisms for transmitting motion in such a way that the movements of the first axle are transmitted to the second axle, and vice versa. In the chassis, the mechanisms for transmitting the motion includes arms for transmitting motion between the axles, and the arms are configured to remain primarily parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame, irrespective of the movements of the axles.
US08528921B2
An interlocking neck and deck system for scooters includes an elongate deck having a front end with a longitudinal neck-receiving slot with a first profile and at least one lateral locking member receiver. A removable and interchangeable neck is engageable with the deck. The neck includes a lower mounting portion with a second profile complementary to the first profile of the neck-receiving slot and at least one lateral locking member receiver complementary to the at least one lateral locking member receiver of the deck. The neck also includes an upper stem-receiving portion comprising a bore. At least one lateral locking member is engageable with the lateral locking member receivers of the deck and neck when the removable neck is mated with the longitudinal neck-receiving slot of the deck.
US08528910B2
A game device having a top panel, a bottom panel, a left panel, a right panel, and a back panel. The top panel is disposed laterally between the left panel and the right panel, with the top panel oriented substantially perpendicular to the left and right panels. The back panel is disposed transversely between the left and right panels. The bottom panel is disposed laterally between the left and right panels. The front edge of the bottom panel terminates at the front edge of the top panel, and the back edge of the bottom panel terminates at the bottom edge of the back panel. The top panel has one or more apertures adapted to removably retain one or more cups. A cup support panel may be located below and oriented parallel with the top panel. The game device is adapted to be secured to a rigid structure, such as a wall, by hooks, hangers, or the like.
US08528908B2
A gaming apparatus which, for each of a plurality of plays of a primary game: randomly generates one of a plurality of different primary game outcomes, displays the generated primary game outcome, and displays any award associated with the displayed primary game outcome. If a bonus triggering event occurs, the gaming apparatus: determines a first part of a constant value, causes the determined first part of the constant value to be provided to a first player, determines a second part of the constant value, wherein the determined first part of the constant value and the determined second part of the constant value form the constant value, and causes the determined second part of the constant value to fund a designated award.
US08528906B1
A game board has a grid of playable points with some of the playable points bearing indicia. At least two tokens are provided for moving along the grid and at least two display panels are provided, each having areas for showing indicators of the indicia. If a token ends a move on one of the indicia bearing playable points, the player receives an indicator of the indicia and shows this indicator on one of the areas of said player's display panel. Movement may be along adjacent playable points in any available direction in either a straight line path or along a path that comprises two straight line segments that make an angle with each other.
US08528904B2
A card issuing machine may include a card storage part, a card reader part, a housing accommodating the card storage part and the card reader part, and a lock mechanism for locking the housing in a closed state. The housing may include a first case body provided as at least a front face of the card issuing machine, a second case body structured to cover an upper side of the card storage part, and a third case body structured to cover an upper side of the card reader part. The third casing may be engaged with the first casing so that the third casing does not move away from the first casing at the upper, lower, left, right, and front sides, and may also be engaged with the second casing so that the third casing does not move away from the first casing at the rear side.
US08528899B2
A sheet detecting apparatus that detects a sheet has a lever member; a biasing portion that biases the lever member for a first position where the abutting surface abuts against the leading end of the sheet; a supporting mechanism that movably supports the lever member to move in an order of the first position, a second position, and a third position, while keeping a abutting surface of lever member facing upstream; an interlocking portion that interlocks with the lever member; and a detector that detects a position of the interlocking portion. The second position is a position to which the lever member moves by the sheet being conveyed against the biasing force of the biasing member, and the third position is a position where the abutting surface is positioned upstream in the sheet conveying direction of a position of the abutting surface at the second position and where the lever member abuts the surface of the sheet being conveyed and stands by to move to the first position when a trailing end of the sheet passes the lever member.
US08528896B2
An image forming apparatus having an image forming unit, a pair of frames, and a sheet cassette, is provided. The sheet cassette has a pair of lateral walls, a first engagement portion, and a first joint portion. Space enclosed by the first engagement portion, the first joint portion, and an outer surface of one of the lateral walls is exposed toward an installation side, from which the sheet cassette is installed in the image forming apparatus. The pair of frames has a second engagement portion and a second joint portion. Space enclosed by the second engagement portion, the second joint portion, and an inner surface of the one of the frames is exposed toward a side opposite from the installation side. When the sheet cassette is in an operable position, the first engagement portion is placed in an engagement position to be engaged with the second engagement portion.
US08528893B2
A paper feeding device and a multi-function printer using the same are provided. The paper feeding device includes a frame, a top cover, a set of gear chains, a power unit and a set of driving gears. The set of gear chains and the power unit are disposed on a side of the frame. The set of driving gears is disposed on the top cover. When the top cover is closed relatively to the frame, the set of driving gears interferes with the power unit, and the power unit provides a power to enable the set of driving gears to rotate, so as to drive the set of gear chains. When the top cover is opened relatively to the frame, the set of driving gears releases interference with the power unit and the set of gear chains, and the set of gear chains is at a free rotation status.
US08528889B2
A substrate support device including a support member having a lower-surface support section to support a lower surface of a substrate; and a position restriction section provided on the lower-surface support section, the position restriction section being formed to surround a periphery of the substrate supported on the lower-surface support section and restrict a position of the substrate. At least one of the lower-surface support section and the position restriction section includes a base material and a protective film formed to cover the base material and prevent at least one of wear and chemical erosion to which the base material will be subject. The substrate support device further includes, for example, a base that supports the support member, and a driving structure that moves the support member in a relative fashion with respect to the base, and is constructed as a substrate transport device.
US08528884B2
An injection nozzle for supplying reducing agent to an exhaust gas system includes a plurality of outlet openings, each of which can generate different droplets of the reducing agent. A device for the treatment of exhaust gases includes an exhaust gas treatment unit and at least one corresponding injection nozzle, in which at least two groups of outlet openings form different impingement regions on the exhaust gas treatment unit.
US08528883B2
Disclosed are a hollow fiber membrane for a humidifier which exhibits superior moisture/heat-resistance and excellent hydrophilicity and can be manufactured at low cost, and a method for manufacturing the same. The hollow fiber membrane includes a tube-type first hydrophilic polymer film having a hollow center, and a second hydrophilic polymer film coated on the inner surface of the tube-type first hydrophilic polymer film. The method includes producing an intermediate hollow fiber membrane from a first hydrophilic polymer material, potting the intermediate hollow fiber membrane in a housing to produce an intermediate hollow fiber membrane module, and coating a second hydrophilic polymer film on the inner surface of the intermediate hollow fiber membrane.
US08528879B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a high-pressure-tight connection between a pole core and a valve sleeve of a solenoid valve and to an associated valve cartridge for a solenoid valve. According to the invention, the pole core is placed in a two-part compression mold, which comprises a middle die and an outer die, in such a way that a joining gap is produced between an inner bore of the outer die and the placed-in pole core. Subsequently, the pole core is placed against the valve sleeve and the valve sleeve is inserted into the joining gap. Then, the middle die and the outer die are pressed simultaneously with the pole core such that the valve sleeve passes into the joining gap. When a pressed diameter of the pole core is reached, the valve sleeve expands and is shaped in the joining gap between a first shaping edge and a second shaping edge and is joined onto the pole core. The diameter of the inner bore tapers between the first shaping edge and the second shaping edge. Application of further force by the outer die allows the pole core to be pressed deeper into the valve sleeve, in order to carry out a desired stroke setting for the movement of an armature by performing the further shaping of the valve sleeve.
US08528878B2
The rotary control unit to which the invention relates, in particular nominal value rotary control unit for a vehicle heating system and in particular vehicle air conditioning system, is provided with a rotatable rotary control element (14), an electric motor (16) with a driveshaft (17) which is mechanically coupled to the rotary control element (14), an control circuit (24) for supplying the electric motor (16) with power for the purpose of generating a holding moment in order to prevent undesired rotation of the rotary control element (14) and/or to build up a resistance as the rotary control element is rotated, and a sensor unit (22) for detecting a hand which is approaching the rotary control element (14) or is touching the rotary control element (14). The control circuit (24) for supplying power to the electric motor (16) can be activated if the sensor unit (22) detects a hand which is approaching the rotary control element (14) or is touching the rotary control element (14).
US08528876B2
An apparatus for providing flushing fluid at different rates has a valve for controlling flow through a housing, the valve having a reset area to close the valve, a first bleed valve for constantly providing high pressure fluid to the reset area through a first path, a second bleed valve for providing high pressure fluid to the reset area through a second path, and an actuator. The actuator has a first position in which fluid is prevented from escaping from the second path, a second position in which fluid is allowed to escape from the second path and the second bleed valve is activated, and a third position in which fluid is allowed to escape from the second path and the second bleed valve is deactivated. If the second bleed valve is activated, the first bleed valve causes the reset area to close the valve in a first time period and if the second bleed valve is not activated the first and second valves cause the reset area to close the valve in a second time period wherein the second time period is less than the first time period.
US08528875B2
An adjustable equipment curb has upper and lower frames, each having opposed first and second length-adjustable sides and opposed length-adjustable first and second ends interconnectable to form a rigid frame and height-adjustable mounting legs. The lower frame may be used alone, or may support the upper frame through a shock mount system having mounts affixed to both the upper and lower frames and shock absorbing springs between the mounts. The frames may be formed of interconnecting channel members, and the lower frame channel members may be of a perforated construction that, in conjunction with applied sheathing, provides acoustic damping. Seismic brackets may be affixed to the either of the frames to provide resist seismic shock and developed moment resistance.
US08528865B2
A connecting arrangement for connecting two reinforcing elements of an aircraft or spacecraft, wherein the reinforcing elements have different cross-sectional profiles with at least one foot portion and at least one comb portion, at least one foot portion connecting element which on one side can be adapted to the geometric shape of the foot portion of the first reinforcing element and on the opposite side can be adapted to the geometric shape of the foot portion of the second reinforcing element and can be connected rigidly thereto; and at least one comb portion connecting element which on one side can be adapted to the geometric shape of the comb portion of the first reinforcing element and on the opposite side can be adapted to the geometric shape of the comb portion of the second reinforcing element and can be connected rigidly thereto.
US08528859B2
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention indicates an installation system for an airplane for securing interior equipment, which exhibits longitudinal and transverse rails. The transverse rails are designed as peripheral rails, and exhibit perforations to which the interior equipment can be secured.
US08528846B2
A vibratory crushing apparatus includes at least one trough having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a wall defining a material-receiving space having a first cross-sectional area. The apparatus also includes at least one crusher disposed in the trough, the at least one crusher having an outer surface that conforms to an inner surface of the wall about a circumference of the crusher, and a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area so as to define a gap between the outer surface of the at least one crusher and the inner surface of the wall. Further, the apparatus includes a vibration generator coupled to the at least one trough to cause material to move between the inlet end and the outlet end and to cause the at least one crusher to move relative to the wall of the trough.
US08528842B2
A fuel injector, in particular for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of a mixture-compressing internal combustion engine having externally supplied ignition, includes an armature which cooperates with a solenoid coil, and a valve needle which is joined to the armature by force-locking and on which a valve-closure member is provided which forms a sealing seat together with a valve-seat surface. The armature is swingingly supported on the valve needle by a spring.
US08528830B2
In one embodiment, a method for cooling a reaction effluent gas includes feeding a sufficient amount of a suitable silicon source cooling gas into a stream of the reaction effluent gas, wherein the reaction effluent gas is produced by a thermal decomposition of at least one silicon source gas in a reactor, and wherein sufficient amount of the suitable silicon source cooling gas is defined based a concentration of the at least one chemical species in the reaction effluent gas; cooling the reaction effluent gas to a sufficient temperature so that: the cooled reaction effluent gas is capable of being handled by a material that is not suitable for handling the reaction effluent gas.
US08528828B2
A collectable gift card having a primary monetary value acceptable as legal tender for economic transactions and a secondary value providing a non-cash economic benefit to a consumer enhances the overall value of the card to both merchant and consumer. The primary value of the collectable gift card may be implemented through a standard gift card architecture or through other cash equivalent instruments such as credit cards, debit cards, cash cards or the like. The secondary value of the collectable gift card may be embodied as a gaming card for board games or other games of chance, or one card of a collectable set of cards, or as a puzzle piece forming a valuable image or game board. The collectable gift card may be a tangible object or a virtual card existing and tradable in electronic form in devices such as cell phones, mp3 players, or on the Internet.
US08528827B2
In an antenna and a semiconductor device including the antenna, an object is to reduce the distance between electrodes of a capacitor as much as possible, reduce the area of the electrode of the capacitor as much as possible, and prevent the suppression of response sensitivity and a response range of the semiconductor device. The present invention relates to an antenna including an antenna coil provided over a first region of a base and a capacitor which uses a second region of the base as a dielectric body and which has electrodes provided for opposite planes of the second region of the base, wherein the second region of the base is thinner than the first region of the base, and also relates to a semiconductor device including the antenna.
US08528826B2
A wireless tag includes a tag-inlet including an antenna pattern formed on a base and an IC chip connected to the antenna pattern on the base, and a flexible member configured to seal the tag-inlet inside the flexible member. In the wireless tag, the tag-inlet is sealed in the flexible member with folded, and the folded tag-inlet has a dielectric spacer formed of the flexible member between the folded tag-inlet.
US08528821B2
A system and method is provided wherein a device can be reprogrammed utilizing one or more programming symbols. A device subject to reprogramming can be a portable device. In one embodiment a device subject to reprogramming can be a portable symbol reading device capable of reading programming symbols.
US08528814B2
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for preventing fraud when exchanging prepaid gift accounts. The system identifies a first prepaid gift account associated with a first prepaid gift. The system then presents an owner of the first prepaid gift with an offer to purchase the first prepaid gift account for an offer amount. Next, the system receives from the owner an acceptance of the offer. Based on the acceptance, the system provides payment to the owner for the first prepaid gift account, generates a second prepaid gift account for a second prepaid gift, transfers at least a portion of funds from the first prepaid gift account to the second prepaid gift account, deactivates the first prepaid gift account, and offers the second prepaid gift account for resale as a new prepaid gift to a person other than the owner.
US08528810B1
Systems and methods for issuance, use, and replacement of multi-purpose devices are disclosed. A method for providing a multi-purpose device for use with a plurality of systems may include (1) a first party assigning a first account number to the multi-purpose device, the first account number associated with a first account with the first party for use in a first system; (2) the first party assigning a second account number to the multi-purpose device, the second account number associated with a second account with a second party for use in a second system; and (3) the first party issuing the multi-purpose device to a customer. A system for using a multi-purpose device for use with a plurality of systems may include a first transaction system; a second transaction system, and a multi-purpose card issued by a first party that includes a first account number to the multi-purpose device, the first account number associated with a first account with the first party for use in the first transaction system; and a second account number to the multi-purpose device, the second account number associated with a second account with a second party for use in the second transaction system.
US08528809B2
Card data read by a card reader and a personal identification number inputted via an input unit are transmitted to an information processing apparatus. A timer is made to start measuring a predetermined waiting time in accordance with a notification of completion of processing using the card data and the personal identification number from the information processing apparatus. A warning is given if a card loaded in the card reader is detected by a detection unit when the measurement of the waiting time by the timer is finished.
US08528800B1
A vehicle includes a vehicle bumper attached to a vehicle frame. A tire carrier support structure is attached to the vehicle frame, wherein the vehicle bumper and tire carrier support structure are held together by a D-ring assembly. A tire carrier assembly having a tire carrier arm repeatably moveable between stowed and deployed positions, and raised and lowered positions, is carried by the tire carrier support structure.
US08528786B2
A beverage dispensing system includes a nozzle body with a plurality of ingredient inlets and a water inlet disposed in the nozzle body. A diffuser is connected to the nozzle body and has floor with a plurality of holes therethrough. A nozzle cap is connected to the diffuser and has an outlet. A first mixing chamber is formed between the ingredient inlets and the diffuser floor, and a second mixing chamber is formed between the diffuser and the outlet, with the second mixing chamber being configured to receive fluid from the first mixing chamber via the holes in the diffuser floor. A first water flow path is situated between the water inlet and the first mixing chamber, and a second water flow path is situated between the water inlet and the second mixing chamber, wherein the second water flow path bypasses the first mixing chamber.
US08528781B2
A method of preparing compounds comprising a plurality of components, the method comprising providing a modular dye meter, introducing component into one or more than one modular batching member of the modular dye meter, where the compound to be prepared comprises the one or more than one component, activating the internal rotor of one or more than one of the batching and delivering devices, thereby causing the internal rotors to rotate in the first direction, where rotation of the internal rotor moves component through the progressive recesses of the batching and delivering device through the corresponding delivery duct and through the dispenser, and thereby into a vessel for containing the compound, causing the rotation of the internal rotor in the first direction to cease, causing the internal rotor to rotate in a second direction, where the second direction is opposite to the first direction, thereby moving component back through the delivery duct into the corresponding batching and delivering device, and causing the rotation of the internal rotor in the second direction to cease.
US08528776B2
The present invention is a paint rim magnetic brush holder, which is an annular attachment placed on an opened paint can. The paint rim magnetic brush holder uses a rim, extended past the lateral surface of the opened paint can, to prevent stray drops of paint from hitting the opened paint can. The present invention uses a magnet and a platform to provide a convenient place to rest a wet paint brush. The wet paint brush is positioned on the platform in such a way that the wet paint brush drips into the opened paint can. The wet paint brush is held in place on the platform with the magnet. The paint rim magnetic brush holder uses a paint pourer spout to easily pour the paint in the opened paint can into the another paint can.
US08528773B2
A valve stopper for sealing a vessel opening with a valve body which may be applied to the vessel opening made from a first rigid plastic material and a valve element integrally connected to the valve body made from a second elastic plastic material is disclosed. The valve element has a sealing surface section which may be brought into contact with a support edge and a connector piece, running from the sealing surface section which may be brought into contact with a support edge and a connector piece, running from the sealing surface section to support surface of the valve body facing the vessel opening and at a distance from the interposed valve element. The sealing surface section extends over the connector piece over the whole circumference thereof, the connector piece having at least one defining recess in a given valve opening region of the sealing surface section, such that in the region of the recess the radial separation of the connector piece to the adjacent outer edge of the sealing surface section is greater than in the remaining region and the connector piece does not from a contact surface for the sealing surface section in the region of the recess and the sealing surface section has a circumferential bead on the surface thereof provided for contact with the contact edge.
US08528770B2
A container, a lid, a combination of the two, and a method of using the same is disclosed. The container has a base and a sidewall extending upward from the base forming a continuous sidewall around the base. The upper portion of the sidewall has a rim and a skirt around the perimeter. The skirt has a removable tear tab to allow access to a lid for removing the lid from the container. The lid also has vents for air to exit the container, thereby preventing rising of the lid in low pressure areas. The vents further prevent entry of air into the container when the sealed container is taken to areas of higher pressure. A method of filling the container leaving an air gap between the product and the lid and utilizing the aforementioned vents is also provided.
US08528766B2
An explosion proof and environment protective oil (gas) refueling equipment includes an oil (gas) storage tank connected with a refueling machine. The inner chamber of the oil (gas) storage tank is filled with an explosion-proof material, which is a multi-layer material unit made of high porosity lamellar materials, with a fixed supporting part being set in this material unit for fixing and supporting the unit, a skid is set under the oil (gas) storage tank and the oil (gas) refueling machine. A plurality of said units is orderly installed in the inner chamber of the oil storage tank, with reasonable installing method and structure. With the fixed supporting part being installed in the unit, the explosion-proof material units have adequate strength and elasticity so as to effectively prevent the collapse and distortion of the high porosity lamellar material in the tank, thus the unexpected explosion hazards that may be caused by naked flame, static electricity, welding, gunshot, collision and faulty operation can be prevented and safety of oil (gas) refueling equipment can be ensured. The explosion-proof material unit being covered with a metal protective mesh which can effectively prevent scraps from getting into the medium in the tank and causing harmful effect on the content medium thereof.
US08528765B2
A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product includes a sealed package that is formed from a single sheet of film having oppositely disposed lateral edges. The package includes a first panel and outwardly extending corner seals that border more than two sides of the first panel, a second panel disposed opposite the first panel and having an end seal, and four lateral sides disposed between the first and second panels. The second panel is formed by tucking portions of the lateral sides proximate the lateral edges inwardly and sealing portions of the film proximate the lateral edges together to form an end seal, the end seal being folded over towards an outer surface of the package.
US08528759B2
A container comprises a neck provided with a thread arrangement on which a cap can be screwed as well as a contrast arrangement for interacting with an opening indicating device of the cap the contrast arrangement being provided along a helix arrangement of the thread arrangement; cap comprises a thread arrangement suitable for interacting with a further thread arrangement of a neck of a container, and an opening indicating device provided with a stop arrangement, the stop arrangement being provided along a helix arrangement of the thread arrangement.
US08528758B2
Closure element (1) of a container particularly made from foil-type material, in particular of a bag-type container for receiving a liquid substance, the closure element having a base (5) that can be fixed to or is already fixed to the container, and which defines a passage (13) and a lid member (3) mounted to the base (5) to clear and close the passage (13), characterized in that the closing element (1) has a transport state in which the lid member (3) is attached to the base (5) via at least one predetermined breaking point (61), and an installation state in which, after separation of the predetermined breaking point attachment, the lid member (3) can rotate relative to the base (5) from an open position to a locked position in which the lid member (3) is removably held at the base (5) by a detent mechanism.
US08528756B2
A closure system for a baby bottle including a lower closure ring screwed onto an external thread of a bottle, an upper closure ring for connecting to a screw ring for fastening a drinking teat, locking elements which rotatably and releasably lock together the lower closure ring and the upper closure ring, a circular lip seal made of a soft elastic material concentric to a lower peripheral part being arranged on the first upper face, with at least one axially oriented sealing lip and at least one circular seal geometry engaging with the lip seal and concentric to an upper peripheral part being arranged on a second lower face or vice versa and by rotating the upper closure ring relative to the lower closure ring the upper throughflow hole may optionally be brought into overlapping and non-overlapping positions relative to a lower throughflow hole.
US08528748B2
A stand for supporting at least one bicycle may include a plurality of tubular frame members including a plurality of generally linear portions, a plurality of angled portions and a plurality of U-shaped portions. The stand also may include a foot having a generally planar bottom surface and an upper surface adapted for operatively engaging one of the U-shaped portions, a wall attachment for coupling a top of the stand to a wall, and a plurality of holders slidably coupled to the generally linear portions. Each of the holders may comprise a band surrounding a portion of the generally linear portions, a hook extending downward and outward from the band, and compressible portions that hold the hook at a desired position along the generally linear portion. In addition, the frame members may include swaged ends and spring-loaded pin assemblies for easy assembly and disassembly of the stand.
US08528747B2
Solid phase extraction (SPE) disks may be manufactured by providing a suspension comprising glass microfibers and a suspension comprising one or more sorbents and forming a disk by combining the suspensions or by layering the suspensions. This may be followed by a drying procedure to create the finished disk. A disk mold including a collar and plug may be used to establish the size and shape of the disk. Examples of various constructions and processes for forming the disks are provided.
US08528744B2
The invention relates to hydrophilic membranes which are supplemented or treated with a non-ionic surfactant and processes for preparing such membranes. The membranes are particularly suitable for plasma separation or for haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration, but can also advantageously be used in other applications. Accordingly, the invention is further directed to the use of such membranes for plasma separation, plasma filtration, micro filtration, plasma therapy, haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration or cell filtration applications, respectively. The treated hydrophilic membranes show excellent biocompatibility, such as reduced platelet drop and decreased TAT levels.
