US08576211B2
A disclosed electronic element includes: a substrate; a first electrode layer formed on a portion of the substrate; an insulating layer formed on the first electrode layer; a conductive layer formed on the insulating layer formed on an area where the first electrode layer is formed; a second electrode layer formed on one area where the first electrode layer on the substrate is not formed; a third electrode layer formed on the other area where neither the first electrode layer on the substrate nor the second electrode layer is formed; and a semiconductor layer formed so as to cover between the conductive layer and the second electrode layer and to cover between the conductive layer and the third electrode layer.
US08576203B2
A cordless type position pointer is provided for use with a capacitance type position detection apparatus to carry out a position pointing operation. The position pointer includes a housing having electric conductivity, a projecting portion of a predetermined shape formed at one end portion of the housing and having electric conductivity, and a contacting member removably fitted with the projecting portion. The contacting member has elasticity and electric conductivity, and is configured to contact the position detection apparatus to point to a position. The position pointer further includes a sleeve having a through-hole and configured to expose, when the sleeve is engaged with the housing, a predetermined portion of the contacting member fitted with the projecting portion from the through-hole thereof. The sleeve is configured and arranged so as to prevent application of displacing force in response to a position pointing operation of the position pointer to the fitting portion between the projecting portion and the contacting member in a direction against the major axis of the position pointer, to thereby prevent dislodging of the contacting member from the housing while maintaining removability of the contacting member from the housing.
US08576197B2
Disclosed are various embodiments of a capacitive touchscreen or touch panel system comprising a controller operably connected to a first plurality of drive electrodes and a second plurality of sense electrodes. The controller includes a noise disruption detector circuit, a user noise source detector/anticipator circuit, clock control logic circuitry operably connected to the noise disruption detector circuit and to the user noise source detector/anticipator circuit, at least one static-clocked digital filter circuit operably connected to and controlled by the clock control logic circuitry, a central processing unit (CPU) operably connected to the clock control logic circuitry, firmware operably connected to the CPU; and touch position circuitry configured to deliver signals indicative of touch positions on the touchscreen to a host controller. The controller is configured to employ at least one of the CPU and the firmware to cause the clock control logic circuitry to inhibit operation of the digital filter circuit in response to a signal representative of excessive noise levels being provided by either the noise disruption detector circuit or the user noise source detector/anticipator circuit.
US08576196B2
Disclosed herein are a touch screen and a method of manufacturing the same. The touch screen includes: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on the transparent substrate and including a sensing part sensing a touch input and an extension part extending from the sensing part to an edge of the transparent substrate; a wiring electrode formed at the edge of the transparent substrate and spaced apart from the extension part of the transparent electrode; and a conductive paste formed at the edge of the transparent substrate and covering both the extension part and the wiring electrode so as to electrically connect the transparent electrode to the wiring electrode, whereby the transparent electrode is formed after the wiring electrode is formed and the wiring electrode is connected to the transparent electrode through the conductive paste, thereby preventing the transparent electrode from being damaged.
US08576187B2
The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a touch sensing device. In one embodiment, the touch sensing device includes a plurality of touch modules spatially arranged in a form of a matrix having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and a plurality of GOAs configured to receive a clock signal. Each GOA has an input for receiving a driving signal and an output for responsively outputting a delayed driving signal by a time interval to a respective touch module. The plurality of GOAs is spatially arranged in a form of a matrix such that each GOA is disposed adjacent to and associated with a corresponding touch module. The plurality of GOAs is electrically coupled to each other in series as a chain such that the output of any one but the last GOA in the chain is connected to the input of its immediate next GOA in the chain, so that, in response to a start signal applied to the first GOA in the chain, sensing signals from successive corresponding touch modules are sequentially detected by a plurality of sensing devices.
US08576186B2
A holding structure for a touch panel has a display panel for configuring a display screen and a touch panel for allowing input operation. The structure has an elastic supporting frame for holding the display panel at an entire peripheral edge and supporting the touch panel in parallel with the display panel. The structure has piezoelectric devices for applying vibration to the touch panel in accordance with the operation of the touch panel. The structure has a casing for holding the display panel and the touch panel by way of the elastic supporting frame and the casing has an opening through which the touch panel is exposed. The elastic supporting frame holds the touch panel at an entire peripheral edge of the touch panel and includes a plurality of touch panel supporting portions for supporting the touch panel at a side edge of a rear surface of the touch panel.
US08576185B2
A display device is disclosed. The display device comprises a first touch panel comprising a first display module, a second touch panel comprising a second display module, and a contact detection module located between the first touch panel and the second touch panel. A control module performs display control of the first touch panel and the second touch panel based on operations of the first touch panel, the second touch panel, and the contact detection module.
US08576179B2
Disclosed are devices and methods of a slider form factor device having a transparent member supported by its sliding body, and a display module supported by its main body. The transparent member of the sliding body is on top of the display module of the main body in the open position and in the closed position. The transparent member is configured to transmit light received from the display module therethrough. The transparent member provides a morphing effect as light emitted by the display module providing indicia is transmitted through the transparent member, the indicia exhibited through the transparent member changing from first indicia to different indicia depending upon the mode of the device. In the open position, the lower portion of the display module can exhibit a keypad while the top portion of the display module can provide indicia visible through the transparent member of the sliding body.
US08576173B2
The invention relates to a data processing device (100) enabling a user to input characters, the device comprising a touch-sensitive member (200) arranged to function as a virtual keyboard, said member including at least one touch sensor (160) for detecting touched zones on said member. The device further comprises key allocation means (110) for allocating at least two reference keys (220) of the virtual keyboard in response to said detection of the touched zones. The device comprises at least one pressure sensor (170) for sensing a finger (250) causing a force on the touch-sensitive member higher than other fingers when more than one finger touches said member. A recognition of a key stroke may be realized. The reference keys may be reallocated upon a user's request or detection of a predetermined condition. The invention also relates to a method of enabling a user to input characters.
US08576171B2
Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback to touch-sensitive input devices are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes an input device having a housing having an exterior surface; a touch-sensitive surface configured to transmit a contact signal indicating a contact with the touch-sensitive surface; a sensor disposed within the housing, the sensor configured to sense movement of the input device and to transmit a sensor signal indicating movement of the input device; an actuator disposed within the housing, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect based on an actuator signal, the actuator signal based at least in part on the contact signal.
US08576162B2
The present invention relates to design and processes for the manufacture of backplane for segment displays. The process comprises: a) forming conductive lines on a non-conductive substrate layer; b) covering the conductive lines with a photoimageable material; c) forming conductive areas connected to the conductive lines and embedded in the photoimageable material; d) plating a conductive material over the photoimageable material to form segment electrodes; and e) optionally filling gaps between said segment electrodes with a thermal or radiation curable material followed by hardening said thermal or radiation curable material.
US08576155B2
If the frequency of a clock signal is increased, the pulse width of a sampling pulse is decreased, and the amount of time for a video signal to be written to a source line is inadequate. Sampling pulses (sam) rise sequentially in synchronization with the rise of a start pulse (SP). As the start pulse (SP) rises, synchronized with the rise of clock signals (CK, CKB), the sampling pulses (sam) fall off sequentially, delayed by half the period of the clock signals (CK, CKB) for every step. As a result, the sampling pulses (sam) with a pulse width longer than one period of the clock signals (CK, CKB) are generated. In a period Ta, a desired video signal (VIDEO) is written to its corresponding source line. In this way, the time for half a period of the clock signal can be secured for writing to the source line.
US08576148B2
An optical device suitable for forming a pixel in a video display. The optical device includes a first layer having a first refractive index; a second layer over the first layer, the second layer having a second refractive index less than the first refractive index; and a third layer over the second layer, the third layer having a third refractive index larger than the second refractive index; and a fourth layer that is at least partially optically absorptive, wherein the optical stack and the fourth layer are a first distance from one another when the device is in a first state and are a second distance from one another when the device is in a second state, the first distance different from the second distance.
US08576145B2
A method for controlling an electroluminescent display to produce an image for display that has reduced luminance to reduce burn-in on the display while maintaining visible contrast, includes providing the electroluminescent (EL) display having a plurality of EL emitters, the luminance of the light produced by each EL emitter being responsive to a respective drive signal; receiving a respective input image signal for each EL emitter; and transforming the input image signals to a plurality of drive signals that have a reduced peak frame luminance value but maintains contrast in the displayed image to reduce burn-in by adjusting the drive signals to have reduced luminance provided by each pixel with the luminance decrease in a shadow range being less than the luminance decrease in a non-shadow range.
US08576134B2
A rotary casing of a satellite antenna having an angle adjustable display screen includes a supporting arm, a hollow casing, a rotating means and an adjusting and controlling assembly. The casing has a panel provided with two keys and a top surface provided with a window. The rotating means is provided in the casing and controlled by the keys to drive the rotation of the supporting arm. The adjusting and controlling assembly is provided in the casing and includes a control unit and a display unit. The two keys are electrically connected to the control unit to drive the supporting arm. By this arrangement, the control unit receives an adjustment instruction inputted by the keys and transmits the instruction to the rotating means to generate a corresponding amount of rotation, while the control unit converts the instruction into a numerical value to be displayed on the display unit.
US08576126B2
A dipole antenna includes interconnected first and second grounding portions, first and second connecting portions bending respectively from the first and second grounding portions in a substantially same direction, first and second extending portions extending respectively from the first connecting portion, and third and fourth extending portions extending respectively from the second connecting portion. The second extending portion is disposed closer to the first grounding portion than the first extending portion. The fourth extending portion is disposed closer to the second grounding portion than the third extending portion.
US08576107B2
Data transmission apparatus and method thereof, and data reception apparatus and method thereof. Input data is encoded into a plurality of visual codes according to a visual code type. The visual code type includes a sequential type requiring sequential transmission and a nonsequential type not requiring sequential transmission. The sequential visual code includes start code, data code, and end code, and is displayed sequentially. The nonsequential visual code is displayed nonsequentially.
US08576104B2
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) system configured to receive a first and a second analog quantity and to provide a plurality of numerical parameters representative of the first and second analog quantities. The ADC system includes a first, a second, and a third ADC circuit, and a digital interface circuit. The first ADC circuit is configured to provide a first code representative of the first analog quantity and to provide a first analog residue quantity representative of the first analog quantity with respect to the first code. The second ADC circuit is configured to provide a second code representative of the second analog quantity and to provide a second analog residue quantity representative of the second analog quantity with respect to the second code. The third ADC circuit is configured to receive the first and second analog residue quantities, and to provide a third digital code representative of a difference of the first and second analog residue quantities. The digital interface circuit is configured to receive the first, second, and third codes, and to provide the plurality of numerical parameters representative of the first and second analog quantities.
US08576102B2
An analog input signal is sampled, and the sampled analog input signal is converted to a digital value. A calibration value is also sampled, and a single bit of an N bit offset value is calculated from the sampled calibration value. The sampling operations are alternatively performed so that one bit of the offset value is generated for each generated digital value. For example, the process is repeated N times to calculate all N bits of the offset value while generating N digital values.
US08576101B1
A R2R ladder circuit implementation of a digital-to-analog convertor (DAC) may be configured to compensate for mismatch in each of a plurality of current sources in the R2R ladder circuit. The compensating of mismatch in each of the plurality of current sources may be achieved by adding one or more auxiliary current sources associated with each of the plurality of current sources, which may be used to provide pre-configured auxiliary current that would enable compensating for mismatch in current of an associated one of the plurality of current sources. For example, each of the plurality of current sources may have two auxiliary current sources, connected in parallel therewith, with one of two auxiliary current sources being switched to the positive-side and the other auxiliary current source being switched to the negative-side. The switching structure of the modified R2R ladder circuit may be implemented in any semiconductor technology (e.g., BiCMOS technology).
US08576094B2
Methods and systems for operating a display device associated with a vehicle are provided. A first image is caused to be displayed on the display device. The first image is at least representative of an actual terrain over which the vehicle is navigating. A second image is rendered over the first image on the display device. The second image includes a digital navigation corridor boundary corresponding to an actual navigation corridor boundary of an actual navigation corridor in which the vehicle is navigating. A luminance of at least a portion the digital navigation boundary on the display device is increased based on a proximity of a trajectory of the vehicle to the actual navigation corridor boundary.
US08576087B2
A radiation imaging system includes a radiation imaging cassette and a console device. A communication mode between the cassette and the console device is switchable between a wired mode and a wireless mode. Due to shortage of a battery of the cassette, the communication mode is switched to the wired mode to start charging the battery and send image data from the cassette to the console device through a cable. The console device has first and second judging sections. The first judging section judges whether or not a charge level of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The second judging section judges whether or not radiography is in progress. If it is judged that the charge level of the battery exceeds the predetermined threshold value and the radiography is not in progress, a window that indicates permission for switching to the wireless mode is displayed on a monitor.
US08576085B2
A capacitance-type liquid measuring probe 10 includes two concentric metallic tubes 12 and 14 extending downwardly into a tank of oil. The concentric metallic tubes 12 and 14 form the plates of a capacitor. The probe 10 measures the oil level in the tank during jet engine testing by detecting a change in electrical capacitance between the two concentric metallic tubes 12 and 14, the capacitance change being caused by a change in the level of the oil. The measuring circuitry 30 includes thermal compensating resistors and a temperature-stabilized detector. The measurement electronic circuit package is separately-housed and connected to the probe 10 via a cable 44 so that the circuitry 30 can be located remotely from the hot environment in which the probe 10 operates.
US08576081B2
Provided are a physiological condition estimation device and a vehicle control device capable of preventing an error in the operation of an apparatus, such as a vehicle, and improving the safety of the operation of the apparatus. The physiological condition estimation device includes an eye-open time acquiring unit that acquires the eye-open time of the driver, a variation calculating unit that acquires a variation in the eye-open time acquired by the eye-open time acquiring unit, and a drowsiness predicting unit that determines the physiological condition of the driver on the basis of the variation in the eye-open time acquired by the variation calculating unit. In this way, since the physiological condition is determined on the basis of the variation in the eye-open time, it is possible to detect a slight reduction in the arousal level and estimate a significant reduction in the arousal level to a value that will cause an error in the driving of the vehicle in the future.
US08576079B2
A biological information monitoring apparatus operable to receive biological information measured by a detector adapted to be attached to a patient, and operable to display the biological information on a display, includes: a first display controller which displays an alarm on the display; and a second display controller which displays, on the display, first information which responses to the displayed alarm.
US08576076B2
A surgical sponge detection system includes a device for automatically counting soiled surgical sponges which includes a reader which scans each sponge entered and determines sponge type from a tag affixed to each sponge and a control unit which processes data received from reader contained within sponges entered. The reader includes a non-optical scanner means which can read an indicating means on the sponges even when the indicating means is covered with blood or other body fluids.
US08576073B2
A gesture-based user interface comprises a wearable portable device storing a gesture profile for each of a plurality of different applications on the wearable portable device to define different gestures for the different applications, wherein each of the gesture profiles includes at least one gesture and a predetermined function associated with the at least one gesture; and a profile web service, wherein the portable device is in communication with the profile web service and is configured to download from the profile web service to the wearable portable device a customizable gesture profile for a particular one of the applications, wherein the customized gesture profile modifies at least one of the different gestures, the customized gesture profile comprising personal preferences of the user regarding the modified gesture, including physical attributes of the user.
US08576070B2
The invention relates to a method and device for verification of non-violation of the integrity of a system or the identity of an object. An authentication seal is used, comprising a physical authenticator with bubbles (3) produced by a chaotic process on the production thereof, a characteristic of which is to be always unique and non-reproducible. A representation of said identifier with bubbles is stored in the form of an image and/or digitally in a database local or remote to the address (17), for authentication of the assignment of the identifier in situ or on the object for protection. Said authenticator is provided with a physical connection (16) which permits connection to the site or object for identification. Any attack on the integrity of the seal, whether on the authenticator and/or the connection, irreversibly alters the total seal such as to render the same un-reusable. Said authentication seal comprises a means for prevention of violation of the integrity of a site or the identity of an object and provides proof of an effective violation.
US08576064B1
The present invention is a system and method for monitoring transmitting portable electronic devices (T-PEDs). The system may comprise one or more of the following features: (a) a plurality of radio frequency (RF) sensors; (b) a processing unit; and (c) a T-PED detection notification system. The RF sensors may be distributed throughout a given space in a substantially uniform arrangement so as to provide a nodal environment whereby the RF transmissions of a given T-PED may be associated with one or more RF sensors thereby allowing the monitoring system to calculate the location of the T-PED. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the RF sensors are integrated within the distributed network of an in-flight entertainment system of an aircraft.
US08576059B2
Systems and methods for monitoring tires of a vehicle are provided. The systems can include a sensing device adapted to engage a tire of a vehicle and sense properties of a tire such as pressure and/or temperature. The sensing devices can be adapted to transmit sensed data to a system receiver adapted to provide the data to a user. The systems and methods can provide a user the desired information pertaining to one or more tires of a vehicle that are to be monitored, and the respective locations of the tires. The systems and methods can be adapted to monitor tires on any vehicle with inflatable tires, including off-the-road (OTR) vehicles.
US08576046B2
One aspect of the present invention can include a playback device capable of externally receiving a playback signal for playing back a sound or an image, and capable of transmitting the playback signal to the playback device if it is detected that a predetermined electric source was externally supplied.
US08576044B2
A controller for a camera crane has a rocker button pivotally supported in or on a controller housing about a first pivot axis. A shaft of an electrical component, such as a variable resistor, is on a second pivot axis spaced apart from the first pivot axis. An arm is attached to the shaft. A spring urges the arm to a center position. Movement of the rocker button moves the arm. Due to the offset of the first and second pivot axes, movement of the rocker button results in proportionally reduced movement of the shaft of the electronic component. Smooth crane arm movements are readily achieved as the controller is less sensitive to the operators hand or finger movements.
US08576035B2
A magnetic field generating module includes a housing, a plurality of interpoles, a plurality of short poles and a plurality of windings. The housing has an annular section and an inner side. The interpoles disposed on the inner side in the housing are arranged around an inner periphery of the annular section with the same intervals. The short poles are disposed on the inner side in the housing and distributed between the interpoles evenly. A first interval is formed between the adjacent short poles, and a second interval equal to the first interval is formed between each of the interpoles and the adjacent short pole. The windings are respectively disposed corresponding to the interpoles and located between the interpoles and the short poles. The magnetic field generating module of the invention has more concentrated magnetic lines so as to prompt the magnetic flux density and the magnetic force.
US08576027B2
A filter is provided with a multilayer board incorporating a resonator formed by two ground plates opposed to each other and conductive side walls connected to the ground plates; two signal vias provided through the resonator; and two terminals connected to the signal vias to receive a pair of signals. The resonator has a first face of symmetry vertical to the ground plates. The signal vias are disposed symmetrically with respect to the first face of symmetry on a distance from the first face of symmetry.
US08576024B2
A device includes a plurality of electrode actuated acoustic resonators coupled to form complementary paths to operate as a filter. Each acoustic resonator has an electrical input and an electrical output that contributes to a static capacitance. A compensation impedance is coupled to at least one of the paths to reduce adverse effects from the static capacitances of the acoustic resonators.
US08576021B2
A circuit block which comprises a non-linear capacitor with two different values of capacitance dependent on a value of a voltage of a resonant signal on the capacitor; a plurality of second capacitors each coupled to a respective switch to enable a said second capacitor to be switched in or out of parallel connection with the nonlinear capacitor; and a tuning control, coupled to the second capacitor switches, and sensing an amplitude of the resonant signal. The tuning control circuit is configured to control the second capacitor switches to successively switch the second capacitors in/out of parallel connection with the non-linear capacitor dependent on the amplitude of the resonant signal until the non-linear capacitor has substantially a single one of two different values, such that in a resonant circuit the circuit block then behaves as a fixed value capacitor.
US08576020B2
A crystal oscillator with improved tolerance to radiation such as X-rays includes: a container body; a quartz crystal blank accommodated in a first recess formed on one main surface of the container body and hermetically encapsulated in the first recess by a metal cover; and an IC chip that integrates electronic circuits including at least an oscillator circuit using the crystal blank and is accommodated in the second recess formed on the other main surface of the container body. The IC chip is fixed to the bottom surface of the second recess by flip-chip bonding such that a circuit formation plane of the IC chip is opposed to the bottom surface of the second recess. A radiation protective film is formed on the main surface other than the circuit formation plane of the IC chip.
US08576010B2
An apparatus and method for a switched capacitor architecture for multi-band Doherty power amplifiers are provided. The apparatus is for amplifying Radio Frequency (RF) signals, and the apparatus includes a multi-band Power Amplifier (PA) including a plurality of input matching circuits including switchable capacitors, and a plurality of output matching circuits including the switchable capacitors, wherein the multi-band PA is tunable to more than one RF frequency band.
US08576003B2
An amplifier includes first and second stages. The first stage includes an input node for receiving an analog input signal, an analog digital converter for converting the analog input signal to a digital input signal, and a first switching circuit for outputting a first analog intermediate output signal in response to receiving a digital pulse width modulated signal that is based on the digital input signal. The second stage is configured to receive a pulse width modulation quantization error of the first stage, scale the pulse width modulation quantization error of the first stage by a gain factor to produce a scaled pulse width modulation quantization error of the first stage, and output a second analog intermediate output signal based on the scaled pulse width modulation quantization error of the first stage. A summation circuit combines the first and second analog intermediate output signals to generate an amplified output signal.
US08576000B2
There is provided a clock distribution network for synchronizing global clock signals within a 3D chip stack having two or more strata. The clock distribution network includes a plurality of clock distribution circuits, each being arranged on a respective one of the two or more strata for providing the global clock signals to various chip locations. Each of the plurality of clock distribution circuits includes a resonant circuit for providing stratum-to-stratum coupling for the clock distribution network. The resonant circuit includes at least one capacitor and at least one inductor.
US08575996B2
A semiconductor apparatus may include a transmission control signal generation unit, a fuse signal transmission unit, a reception control signal generation unit and a fuse signal reception unit. The transmission control signal generation unit receives a clock signal and generates a plurality of divided clock signals based on the clock signal to output transmission control signals from the plurality of divided clock signals. The fuse signal transmission unit transmits fuse information in synchronization with the transmission control signals. The reception control signal generation unit receives the clock signal and generates the plurality of divided clock signals, and generates reception control signals based on the plurality of divided clock signals. The fuse signal reception unit receives the fuse information in synchronization with the reception control signals.
US08575991B2
Disclosed herein is a resistor-sharing switching circuit including: a first switching device and a second switching device; and a resistor whose first end is connected to a control signal input end to which a control signal for controlling bodies of the first switching device and the second switching device is applied and whose second end is connected to the bodies of the first switching device and the second switching device.
US08575987B2
A level shift circuit of the invention includes a CMOS inverter circuit that receives an input pulse signal having a crest value of a first potential, a latch circuit that operates on a power supply of a second potential which is higher than the first potential, and a power supply circuit that supplies a power supply of not less than the first potential and less than the second potential to the CMOS inverter circuit. The latch circuit has one end thereof connected to an output end of the CMOS inverter circuit and outputs from the other end thereof an output pulse signal having a crest value of the second potential and a same phase as the input pulse signal. The power supply circuit functions to limit the power supply when the input pulse signal assumes at least the ground level.
US08575985B2
A signal processing circuit whose power consumption can be suppressed is provided. In a period during which a power supply voltage is not supplied to a storage element, data stored in a first storage circuit corresponding to a nonvolatile memory can be held by a first capacitor provided in a second storage circuit. With the use of a transistor in which a channel is formed in an oxide semiconductor layer, a signal held in the first capacitor is held for a long time. The storage element can accordingly hold the stored content (data) also in a period during which the supply of the power supply voltage is stopped. A signal held by the first capacitor can be converted into the one corresponding to the state (the on state or off state) of the second transistor and read from the second storage circuit. Consequently, an original signal can be accurately read.
US08575983B1
A waveform generator has a waveform generation circuit storing waveform data for an analog waveform signals having dead time periods without the need for storing data on the dead time. A sequencer having a sequence memory stores sequence data that controls the sequencing of one or more signal components and associated dead times of the analog waveform signal. The timing of the dead time is controlled by a sampling clock and a wait time counter. The generation of the signal components is controlled by the sampling clock controlling the generation of addresses for a waveform memory storing digital data of the sampling components. The waveform memory digital data is converted to an analog waveform signal.
US08575974B2
An exemplary method and a control circuit are disclosed for controlling a power semiconductor component by producing a control signal (Ucin) for controlling the component, forming a second control signal (Ucout) in the potential of the controlled component from the control signal (Ucin), measuring a current flowing through the component, and comparing the measured current with a set limit. A fault signal (Ufault) having a logical state is provided on the basis of the comparison between the measured current and the set limit, producing a component control signal (Uave) from the fault signal (Ufault) and the second control signal (Ucout). If a fault is indicated, the component control signal has a value between high and low states, and otherwise the state of the component control signal (Uave) equals the state of the second control signal (Ucout).
US08575970B2
An operational circuit includes: a gain control circuit arranged to provide a gain value upon an input signal according to a set of control signals, wherein the gain control circuit includes a first resistor-based network and a second resistor-based network; an operational amplifier coupled to the gain control circuit and arranged to generate an output signal according to the input signal and the gain value; and a first capacitor coupled to the operational amplifier and arranged to hold the output signal between a first input terminal and a first output terminal of the operational amplifier, wherein when the operational circuit is operating, a first terminal of the first capacitor is consistently coupled to the first input terminal of the operational amplifier, and a second terminal of the first capacitor is consistently coupled to the first output terminal of the operational amplifier.
US08575957B2
Method and circuitry for implementing high speed multiple-data-rate interface architectures for programmable logic devices. The invention partitions I/O pins and their corresponding registers into independent multiple-data rate I/O modules each having at least one pin dedicated to the strobe signal DQS and others to DQ data signals. The modular architecture facilitates pin migration from one generation of PLDs to the next larger generation.
US08575955B1
Apparatus and method for electrical detection and localization of shorts in metal interconnect lines
A test structure for localizing shorts in an integrated circuit and method of testing is described. A first comb structure is formed from a first busbar and a first plurality of fingers extending from the first busbar. A second comb structure formed from a second busbar and a second plurality of fingers extending from the second busbar. The second plurality of fingers is interleaved with the first plurality of fingers. A plurality of pass gates is connected between the first plurality of fingers and the first busbar. A pass gate terminal is electrically connected to the gate electrode of each of the plurality of pass gates. When the pass gates are turned OFF thereby disconnecting the first busbar from the first plurality of fingers, voltage contrast imaging can be used to identify which of the first fingers is adjacent the short.
US08575954B2
Based upon a layout of a semiconductor wafer comprising a plurality of integrated circuits at pre-defined locations, each integrated circuit comprising a set of electrical connection pads, a probe chip contactor is established, having a unit standard cell on the probe side of the probe chip to correspond to each of the arranged integrated circuits. The unit standard cell is stepped and repeated for the probe side of the probe chip contactor, to establish a wafer scale standard cell layout. The opposite contact side of the probe chip contactor is connectable to a central structure, e.g. a Z-block or PC board, typically comprising a fixed array of vias with fixed X, Y, and Z locations. The routing of contact side of the probe chip contactor is preferably routed automatically, such as implemented on one or more computers, to provide electrical connections between the substrate through vias and the Z-block through vias.
US08575953B2
A test contact may include a first portion having an open-ended rounded shape. The first portion may define an opening therethrough. The test contact may include a second portion having a curved structure. The first portion and the second portion may be formed integrally, and the second portion may be configured to contact a portion of a device lead.
US08575952B2
A semiconductor device includes a first circuit block, a second circuit block, a first lead-out line coupled to the first circuit block, a second lead-out line coupled to the second circuit block, a first pad coupled to the first lead-out line, a second pad coupled to the second lead-out line, and a shielding line provided between the first lead-out line and the second lead-out line.
US08575941B2
An apparatus and method is provided for identifying a faulted phase in at least one shunt capacitor bank. The apparatus generally includes a sampling circuit for sampling current or voltage signals associated with the shunt capacitor bank. A microcontroller is coupled to the sampling circuit and programmed to measure a compensated neutral point phase angle from the sampled signal, and compare the compensated neutral point phase angle with a fixed reference phase angle to identify the faulted phase of the shunt capacitor bank. The method generally includes the steps of sampling a current or voltage signal associated with the shunt capacitor bank, determining a compensated neutral point phase angle from the sampled signal, and comparing the compensated neutral point phase angle with a fixed reference phase angle to identify the faulted phase of the shunt capacitor bank. The invention also relates to an apparatus and method for identifying the location of the fault (e.g., the section of the bank) in a double ungrounded shunt capacitor bank or double WYE shunt capacitor bank.
US08575936B2
A system, method and device for interrogating a downhole environment in a borehole beneath a surface includes a source of electromagnetic energy operable to transmit an electromagnetic signal in the borehole, a sensor module, including a passive resonating circuit including a crystal oscillator having a resonant frequency that varies with changes in the condition in the downhole environment in response to a condition in the downhole environment in the borehole and a detector positionable to receive the reflected modulated electromagnetic signal. In an embodiment, a solids-free dielectric medium is provided within an annular volume in the borehole defined by the casing through which the electromagnetic signal is transmitted.
US08575932B2
An upper stack for a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer apparatus includes a cryostat having one or more chambers for holding samples in a frozen state. A sample loading tube that also allows He delivery extends to the cryostat, and a sample changer mechanism is disposable at least in part proximate to the cryostat for moving specimens from the cryostat to an NMR probe where they can be heated and melted using inductive heating. A sample ejection tube extends from the sample changer mechanism allowing a clear path for heating a sample in an NMR probe using a laser beam.
US08575930B2
An aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a magnetic detection device including a magnetic detection unit including a magnetic sensor unit and a comparison unit, the magnetic sensor unit detecting a magnetic flux density, amplifying the detection signal and outputting an output signal to the comparison unit as a mode selected from one of a first mode and a second mode of which power consumption is lower than that of the first mode, the comparison unit comparing the output signal and a reference voltage as a threshold level which determines magnetic field being formed or not, and outputting a comparison result, a conversion gain control unit outputting a mode signal based on the comparison result to the magnetic sensor unit as the second mode when the mode signal is larger than the threshold level or as the first mode when the mode signal is smaller than the threshold level so as to control the magnetic sensor unit.
US08575927B2
A high-resolution sensor of magnetic field sensor system and materials for use in such a system are described. The sensor systems measure a magnetic field using inorganic and/or organic magneto-optically active materials, e.g. polymer material and have an interferometer based on Faraday rotation. The polymer material is preferably in the form of a film. The polymer material has an optical property that is sensitive to the magnetic field, e.g. the Faraday rotation effect. The present invention also provides a sensor head structure comprising the above polymer material. The sensor head may be designed for use with an optical fiber or with mirrors. In particular the present invention provides a fiber Sagnac interferometer to measure the rotation of polarized plane of light. The present invention provides a fiber or mirror based Sagnac interferometer with passive phase bias applied to magnetic field sensing. This invention has the following three major aspects each being an embodiment of the present invention: 1. Sensing material: a conjugate polymer such as polythiophene and/or a polymer containing superparamagnetic nanoparticles that exhibits a giant Faraday rotation. 2. Magnetic field probe that incorporates the above polymer or polymer/nanoparticle composite, e.g. in the form of a film. 3. Sensor: The sensor combines an optical fiber-based Sagnac interferometer and the above magnetic field probe.
US08575925B2
The invention provides a method for detecting and imaging magnetic metalloproteins. A substrate is provided. A plurality of magnetic metalloproteins are formed on the substrate. The magnetic metalloproteins are detected and imaged by magnetic force microscopy (MFM) to obtain topographic images, phase images and MFM images of the magnetic metalloproteins.
US08575924B2
A sensor unit with at least one magnetic field sensor element, at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and at least one magnet are arranged in a capsule housing on at least one leadframe. The capsule housing is surrounded by a sensor encapsulation and is intended to have smaller dimensions so as to allow it to be positioned in the encapsulating mold with less effort and at the same time in the exact position. For this purpose, it is provided that the capsule housing has a number of fixing aids adapted in their outer dimensions to an injection mold assigned to the sensor encapsulation.
US08575919B2
An inclination detection method is disclosed, which uses a pair of electrodes placed so as to face each other and having a fixed positional relation and an electric conductor which can move between the pair of electrodes, wherein the pair of electrodes is in either a conducting state or a nonconducting state depending on the position of the movable electric conductor, the conducting state in a predetermined period is expressed as any one of a plurality of level values, and a movement state of the pair of electrodes is estimated based on which of the plurality of level values the conducting state takes on.
US08575908B2
A voltage regulation circuit includes a power stage for generating a regulated output voltage responsive to an input voltage and at least one PWM signal. A voltage divider circuit is connected to the output of the power stage and generates a feedback voltage. First circuitry generates the at least one PWM signal responsive to a voltage error signal, a filtered output voltage signal and a ramp voltage signal. The filtered output voltage is used for substantially removing loop gain change caused by the voltage divider circuit. A voltage compensation circuit generates the voltage error signal responsive to a feedback voltage and a reference voltage.
US08575907B2
System and method for reducing power consumption during peak demand period is disclosed. A consumption unit comprises a power limiter. An AC power limiter converts a portion of AC power into heat and generates an output for a temperature sensor. A comparator has one of the inputs as the output of the temperature sensor and another input as a reference generated by a controller. A feedback loop is established by connecting output of the comparator to secondary winding of a power transformer through a switch. A DC power limiter is also disclosed.
US08575906B2
A voltage regulator includes a driver transistor, a feedback voltage generator, a reference voltage generator, a first differential amplifier, and a differential gain controller. The driver transistor is connected between input and output terminals to conduct a current therethrough according to a control signal applied to a gate terminal thereof. The feedback voltage generator is connected to the output terminal to generate a feedback voltage. The reference voltage generator generates a reference voltage. The first differential amplifier has an output thereof connected to the gate terminal of the driver transistor, and a pair of differential inputs thereof connected to the feedback voltage generator and the reference voltage generator, respectively, to generate the control signal at the output thereof. The differential gain controller is connected to the output of the first differential amplifier to control the differential gain according to a difference between the input and output voltages.
US08575905B2
A voltage regulator includes a regulator input connected to a reference voltage; a regulator output that outputs a regulated voltage to an electrical load; a first loop, the first loop configured to receive the reference voltage, the first loop outputting a bias voltage; a second loop, the second loop configured to receive the bias voltage as an input; and a bias voltage capacitor connected to a node between the first loop and the second loop.
US08575900B2
A generator apparatus comprises a deicing circuit. The deicing circuit is operable during a time when a main generator rotor is not being rotated by a generator shaft. The deicing circuit includes a first power source for energizing a plurality of exciter field windings with alternating input current to induce an exciter output current in a plurality of exciter armature windings. The exciter output current is provided to main generator rotor windings for producing resistance heating around an air gap separating the main generator rotor from a main generator stator.
US08575891B2
A battery system including a housing that defines an internal volume and a venting system that fluidly couples the internal volume with an atmosphere surrounding the housing and a support structure within the internal volume, the support structure being configured to support a number of battery cell modules in the internal volume.
US08575887B1
A belt supported universal charging holster for charging and transporting portable electronic devices includes a built-in charging battery, at least one photovoltaic cell, a controller circuit, an ON/OFF switch, an indicator light, and a cable connected with the controller circuit having a DC electrical jack at a free end which serves as a DC input/output port. A plurality of adapter plugs are provided that have one end connectable in the input/output port of the cable and a second end connectable with the charging port of different portable electronic devices for charging the device battery. The charging battery of the holster may be reenergized by the photovoltaic cell or by an external power source connected with the input/output port of the cable by a USB adapter plug. The adapter plugs may include a mini-LED flashlight connectable with the port of the cable.
US08575878B2
An energy converter includes a magnetism generation mechanism unit that generates a magnetic field when connected to an AC electrical power source, and a rotating mechanism unit having a single turn coil array member in which a plurality of single turn coils is disposed at a predetermined interval and a soft magnetic metal plate disposed on a side of the single turn coil array member opposite to the magnetism generation mechanism unit. The rotating mechanism unit is structured such that the single turn coil array member faces the magnetism generation mechanism unit across a predetermined magnetic gap and rotary driven by the magnetic field. Here, a drive signal period of the electrical power source is a period that maximizes an eddy current generated in the soft magnetic metal plate.
US08575877B2
A solar-powered automated system for the operation of drapery, roller blinds, and similar window coverings. The solar panel (102), or photovoltaic source provides the sole power to drive common types of window drapery and blinds in a compact system having a solar panel (photovoltaic source), actuator (104) and head rail (120). The solar panel (102) is to be mounted onto the frame of a window or elsewhere to collect sufficient light. A connecting cable links the solar panel (102) to the actuator (104) to draw electrical power from the solar panel. The actuator is attached to the head-rail (120) to provide the required driving force. The actuator (104) includes the control circuit boards, a single rechargeable battery (110), an electric motor (106) and output mechanism. An RF remote control receiver (116) is built inside the actuator (104). A low voltage control port (114) allows the actuator (104) to be accessible by a control interface. The control circuit comprises a standby circuit (111) and a boosting circuit (108). The standby circuit (111) operates at the battery voltage level and consumes minimum power to save energy when the system is not in use. The boosting circuit (108) is only activated when the actuator (104) drives the window covering, and works only during the time span of such activity. The head rail (120) houses the necessary members for transmitting the driving force to the drapery for open/close operation. It can also be a rotary type for a roller blind.
US08575871B1
The invention comprises a modular electric machine comprising a modular stator having a plurality of stator teeth and windings and a modular rotor comprising a plurality of modular magnetic elements for electromagnetic interaction with stator teeth. The invention further comprises a method of control of a modular electric machine.
US08575866B1
A method, apparatus, and system for compensating for lamp lumen depreciation. The method includes operating the lamp under rated wattage for a period towards the first part of operating life of the lamp. Operating wattage is increased at one or more later times. Energy savings are realized. The increases also restore at least some light lost by lamp lumen depreciation. The apparatus uses a timer to track operating time of the lamp. A few wattage changes made at spaced apart times can be made in a number of ways, including changing capacitance to the lamp, or using different taps on the lamp ballast. In one aspect the invention pertains to solid state sources. The invention can pertain to a variety of applications including wide area lighting, indoor lighting, pathway lighting, parking lot lighting, street lighting, under-counter or -cabinet lighting, and others.
US08575863B2
A color correcting device driver is configured to vary the equivalent current into light emitting elements (e.g., LEDs) with the frequency of the AC input current (e.g., 120 Hz). In implementations that include a fly-back controller with a power factor correction (PFC) controller on the primary side, the color correcting device driver performs the method of: 1) turning on the loads (e.g., white and CA strings of LEDs); 2) determining if the voltage supplied to the loads has dropped by a first threshold amount; 3) turning off the loads; and 4) determining if the voltage supplied to loads has recovered by a second threshold amount (or waiting for a fixed amount of time). The method is repeated. In implementations that do not include a PFC controller on the primary side, the color correcting device driver can create a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal.
US08575862B2
Disclosed herein is a power supply suitable for use with an airfield lighting device. In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein, a rectifier that converts a signal from an alternating current (AC) current source to a direct current (DC) voltage. The circuit comprises a current sensor, a controller, and a half active bridge rectifier. The controller receives a signal from the current sensor and controls the operation of the half active bridge rectifier to produce a light emitting diode (LED) current based on the current sensed by the current sensor.
US08575861B1
A method of sensing magnitude of lumen depreciation not only of a lamp of a lighting fixture, but other factors, by sensing a relative light level external of the lighting fixture to derive not only lamp lumen depreciation but total lumen depreciation from the fixture. An apparatus of monitoring light level of one or more lighting fixtures comprises a sensor positioned external of the lighting fixture(s), a comparator adapted to compare a measured actual lumen output signal from the sensor to a pre-set reference or threshold lumen output value. An error signal is generated by the comparator if the comparison indicates actual lumen output to have dropped below the reference or threshold lumen output. An alarm or communication can be actuated by the error signal to instruct corrective action to ensure relatively constant light levels to be maintained for the lighting system over time, thus providing ongoing assurance to the end user of proper system operation.
US08575843B2
A plasma generating system, related method and device are disclosed. The plasma generation system includes a plasma generation device, a source of ionizable gas and a driver network. The plasma generation device includes a housing, an electrode, and a resonant circuit. The housing includes a passage defined therein and directs a flow of ionizable gas therethrough. The electrode is coupled to the ionizable gas flowing through the passage of the housing. The resonant circuit includes a capacitor and an inductor connected together in series. The resonant circuit has a resonance frequency and is coupled to the electrode. The resonant circuit receives an AC signal. The driver network provides the AC signal such that the AC signal has a frequency and excites the ionizable gas flowing through the passage of the housing to a plasma.
US08575841B2
In an MRI-room LED lighting system having a plurality of LED lighting fixtures and a power supply located outside of the MRI room, the improvement comprising: driver circuitry and PWM dimmer circuitry in each of the lighting fixtures and a dimmer control located outside of the MRI room for controlling the light output of the lighting fixtures, the dimmer control having a variable DC output to control the PWM dimmer circuitry in each lighting fixture, whereby conductor lines from the power supply and dimmer control do not require electrical shielding avoid interference between a MRI scanner and the lighting system.
US08575837B2
A high pressure discharge lamp of the present invention is provided with a light-emitting bulb comprising a light-emitting part and sealing sections; metal foils embedded within the sealing sections; and a pair of electrodes having one end protruding into the light-emitting part and having the other end embedded in the corresponding sealing section and joined to the corresponding metal foil. An embedded length L (mm) of the electrodes that is defined by the length between a light-emitting part side end of the metal foil and the border section between the protruding section and the embedded section of the electrode, and the temperature T (° C.) at the joint region of the electrode and the metal foil are set to satisfy 1.8≦L≦2.8 and T≦970.
US08575835B2
Among end portions of a plurality of organic compound layers patterned by photolithography, an end portion in an area that is not located between luminescent elements and that is located in an area covered with a second electrode is formed to have a smaller inclination angle than that of an end portion located between the luminescent elements.
US08575829B2
A spark plug includes at least one electrode having a sparking end. The sparking end is formed of a high temperature performance alloy including chromium in an amount of 10.0 weight percent to 60.0 weight percent, palladium in an amount of 0.5 weight percent to 10.0 weight percent, and a balance substantially of at least one of molybdenum and tungsten. The sparking end presents a spark contact surface, and at a temperature of at least 500° C., such as during use of the spark plug in an internal combustion engine, a layer of chromium oxide (Cr2O3) forms at said spark contact surface. The layer of Cr2O3 protects the bulk of the sparking end from the extreme conditions of the combustion chamber and prevents erosion, corrosion, and balling.
US08575820B2
A stacked bulk acoustic resonator includes a first piezoelectric layer stacked on a first electrode, a second electrode stacked on the first piezoelectric layer; a second piezoelectric layer stacked on the second electrode, and a third electrode stacked on the second piezoelectric layer. The stacked bulk acoustic resonator further includes an inner raised region formed in an inner portion on a surface of at least one of the first, second and third electrodes, and an outer raised region formed along an outer perimeter on the surface of the at least one of the first, second or third electrodes. The outer raised region surrounds the inner raised region and defines a gap between the inner raised region and the outer raised region.
US08575815B2
A stator core including at least two or more stator core-continuous bodies each formed by coupling at least two or more unit cores to each other, each unit core consisting of a tooth portion having a coupling slot and a coupling projection formed along both ends thereof and connected to adjacent unit core by means of a connection portion formed at each of both end portions of the tooth portion, wherein the at least two or more stator core-continuous bodies are fitting-connected to each other by means of the coupling slots formed at one side ends thereof and the coupling projections formed at the other side ends thereof to form the stator core having a round shape.
US08575814B2
An electric machine includes a core with a plurality of slots. A plurality of conductors are positioned in each of the plurality slots, with each slot including an equal number of conductors. At least one slot liner is also positioned in each of the plurality of slots. Each slot liner provides at least one slot liner channel in the associated slot, and each of the plurality of conductors extend through one of the slot liner channels. Differing numbers of slot liner channels are provided in the plurality of slots. Accordingly, all slots have the same number of conductors positioned therein, but all slots do not have the same number of slot liner channels.
US08575812B2
A winding for an n-phase electric motor is disclosed. The inventive winding comprises a number of consecutive winding groups of n individual windings, wherein at any point in time an individual winding of a first group exhibits one direction of current flow and wherein at the same point in time a corresponding individual winding of an adjacent group exhibits the opposite direction of current flow. There is also disclosed a method for preparing such winding. It is further disclosed a magnetic unit adapted for such winding, comprising permanent magnets being essentially triangular in cross-section. Further, there is disclosed electric motors using the inventive winding concept, as well as geodetic instruments taking advantage thereof. An electric motor according to the disclosed inventive concept is particularly well suited for direct drive.
US08575805B2
An electric motor rotor includes a core member having a plurality of locating grooves spaced around the periphery thereof and outer rotation-stopping portions, and a magnetic unit arranged around the periphery of the core member and defining a plurality of magnetic zones corresponding to the space between each two adjacent locating grooves. The magnetic unit can be a magnetic barrel having inner rotation-stopping portions for abutting against the outer rotation-stopping portions of the core member. Alternatively, the magnetic unit can be made comprising a plurality of magnets to form the multiple magnetic zones and a hoop for attaching to the magnets to secure the magnets to the periphery of the core member. Using the core member with the said two magnetic units can make two different rotors that have the common advantages of quick assembly, accurate alignment of magnetic zones and cost-effectiveness.
US08575804B2
A magnetic gear comprises a first permanent magnet field having a plurality of permanent magnet magnetic poles, a second permanent magnet field having a plurality of permanent magnet magnetic poles, number of poles of which magnet is different from that of the first permanent magnet field, and a modulating magnetic pole arranged between the first permanent magnet field and the second permanent magnet field and having a plurality of pole pieces to modulate the number of poles of the first and second permanent magnet fields. Non-magnetic bars are provided between the plurality of pole pieces. One ends of the non-magnetic bars are fixed to a first non-magnetic end holding member and the other ends of the non-magnetic bars are electrically insulated from and fixed to a second non-magnetic end holding member.
US08575801B2
The invention describes a starter wherein the second front bearing is inserted axially between the armature windings and the speed reducer. This configuration helps solve the problem that the operating forces of known starter armature shafts are too great for the armature shaft guide ring to withstand long term intensive stresses. The structure includes a supporting section of the armature shaft received in the front bearing, the supporting section being of an outside diameter greater than or equal to the other sections of the armature shaft; the front bearing forms a sealed baffle between the armature windings and the planetary gear speed reducer; the electric motor is housed in a cylindrical frame, coaxial with the armature shaft, the front bearing being centered directly with respect to the frame by radial support against the internal cylindrical face of the front peripheral edge of the frame.
US08575799B2
An outer rotor electric motor includes a stator, an annular rotor and a resolver. The stator includes a stator core and a plurality of coils. The stator core has a plurality of teeth that are spaced at a specified interval in a circumferential direction. The plurality of teeth protrude radially. Each of the plurality of coils is formed by winding a wire around an outer circumference of each of the plurality of teeth. The annular rotor is disposed radially outward with respect to the stator. The resolver is disposed radially inward with respect to the stator core and includes a resolver stator and a resolver rotor. The resolver stator is mounted on the stator or a case member. The resolver rotor is mounted on the annular rotor or a support member that supports the annular rotor such that the resolver rotor opposes the resolver stator.
US08575796B1
A heavy-duty stator core and coil assembly that can accommodate severe input voltage spiking and harmonics may include a coat of varnish applied to the stator core and coil assembly by steps of dipping the stator core and coil assembly end-first along a longitudinal axis into a first tank of liquid epoxy resin having a relatively low viscosity, baking the coating, inverting the stator core and coil assembly and applying a second coat of varnish in the same manner, then dipping the core and coil assembly into a second tank having a liquid epoxy resin of a relatively high viscosity, then baking the second coat.
US08575794B2
A linear vibration motor includes: a top cover; a bracket coupled with the top cover to provide an internal space; a vibration unit having a mass body mounted at the internal space and linearly moving in a horizontal direction; an actuator having a magnet fixed to the mass body and a coil installed within a range of a magnetic field of the magnet and generating electromagnetic force to allow the vibration unit to move linearly in a horizontal direction; and a buffer member disposed in a space between the mass body and the bracket and limiting displacement of the vibration unit.
US08575790B1
The Superconducting Electrodynamic Turbine produces thrust by transferring momentum to the Earth, via the geomagnetic field. A pair of counter-rotating electrodynamic rotors, that are made from a Superconductor, act together to displace the surrounding geomagnetic field. The rotation of a Superconductor in the geomagnetic field, referred to as the exciting field, creates persistent eddy currents in the Superconductor. Lenz's Law states that an induced eddy current produces a magnetic field that opposes the relative change in the exciting field. A continuous increment of energy, or work, has to be expended to overcome the opposing force and to keep the counter-rotating electrodynamic rotors rotating at a constant rate. This work is transferred to the magnetic field. The Electrodynamic Turbine produces a unidirectional displacement in the exciting magnetic field, creating a force or thrust. The magnitude of the force can be modulated by changing the rotational speed of the electrodynamic rotors and the direction of the thrust can be reversed by reversing the direction of rotation. The Electrodynamic Turbine can also be used to convert momentum, in the presence of an exciting field, to rotational kinetic energy for power generation.
US08575789B2
An image forming apparatus includes: a carrier, a power unit, a switch, and a controller. The carrier is configured to carry a recording medium. The power unit is configured to provide drive power to the carrier. The switch is configured to switch an operation state of the carrier between an ON state and an OFF state of a transmission of the drive power from the power unit to the carrier. The controller is configured to provide a control power to control the switch such that the control power is reduced after switching from the OFF state to the ON state.
US08575786B2
The invention relates to a device and method for addressing power to at least a selected load from a plurality of loads, in particular light sources in solid state lighting applications, such as decorative indoor and outdoor illumination for buildings or cars, by timing a power signal such as to power a selected load when said common timed power signal is switched to said load under control of a delayed clock signal.
US08575767B1
A sheet of material includes a layer of the insulative thermoplastic material such as PET (poly(ethylene terephthalate)). The sheet is placed down over the wirebonds and a semiconductor die of a substrate assembly so that the sheet contacts the wirebonds and/or the semiconductor die. In one example, the sheet is a preform and the bottom of the sheet includes a layer of tacky adhesive that adheres the sheet to the substrate assembly. The sheet is then heated such that the PET softens and becomes conformal to the wirebonds and the semiconductor die of the upper surface of the substrate assembly. The resulting encapsulated substrate assembly is then encapsulated (for example, by overmolding in an injection molding process) to form a packaged semiconductor device. The conformal PET sheet is embedded within the packaged semiconductor device in such a way that it separates the wirebonds and semiconductor die from another encapsulant.
US08575766B2
A microelectronic assembly can include a microelectronic device having device contacts exposed at a surface thereof and an interconnection element having element contacts and having a face adjacent to the microelectronic device. Conductive elements, e.g., wirebonds connect the device contacts with the element contacts and have portions extending in runs above the surface of the microelectronic device. A conductive layer has a conductive surface disposed at least a substantially uniform distance above or below the plurality of the runs of the conductive elements. In some cases, the conductive material can have first and second dimensions in first and second horizontal directions which are smaller than first and second corresponding dimensions of the microelectronic device. The conductive material is connectable to a source of reference potential so as to achieve a desired impedance for the conductive elements.
US08575761B2
An array of functional cells includes a subset of cells powered by at least one supply rail. That supply rail is formed of first segments located on a first metallization level and second segments located on a second metallization level with at least one conductor element extending between the first and second segments to electrically connect successive segments of the supply rail.
US08575760B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface. An electrode extends within the substrate towards the first surface and has a protruding portion extending from the first surface. A supporting portion extends from the first surface of the substrate to a sidewall of the protruding portion and supports the protruding portion.
US08575759B2
A semiconductor device according to the present invention is a semiconductor device that includes: a semiconductor substrate having metal wiring formed on a bottom surface of the semiconductor substrate; and a plurality of wiring layers formed above the semiconductor substrate. The wiring layers include a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer that is formed above the first wiring layer. The semiconductor device further includes: a first through electrode which electrically connects the first wiring layer and the metal wiring; a second through electrode which electrically connects the second wiring layer and the metal wiring; and at least one layer difference adjustment film formed between the semiconductor substrate and the wiring layers. The at least one layer difference adjustment film includes a layer difference adjustment film formed on a region excluding a region corresponding to the second through electrode.
US08575750B1
A radiation detector made of High Purity Germanium (HPGe) has been specially machined to be this invented multilayer Inter-Coaxial configuration. With this special configuration, extra large volume HPGe detectors of diameters to be 6 inches, 9 inches, and even 12 inches, can be produced with current achievable HPGe crystal purity and quality, in which the entire detector crystal will be depleted and properly over biased for effective photo-induced signal collection with just less than 5000V bias applied. This invention makes extra large efficiency of 200%, 300%, and maybe even higher than 500% possible with HPGe gamma ray detectors with reasonable great resolution performances procurable based on current HPGe crystal supply capability. The invention could also be applied to any other kind of semiconductor materials if any of them could be purified enough for this application in the future.
US08575746B2
A Chip on Flexible Printed Circuit (COF) type semiconductor package may include a flexible film, a semiconductor IC chip on the flexible film, and a heating pad on the flexible film.
US08575745B2
A power semiconductor device includes a conductive insertion member as an external terminal projecting from a surface of the power semiconductor device facing a printed wiring board. The printed wiring board includes a conductive fitting member mounted on a pad part of the printed wiring board. The fitting member receives the insertion member therein when the power semiconductor device is connected to the printed wiring board. The insertion member has a recessed portion formed on a side surface of the insertion member. The fitting member has a projecting portion with elasticity formed on an inner side surface of the fitting member. The elasticity causes the projecting portion of the fitting member to contact the recessed portion of the insertion member under pressure when the insertion member is inserted into the fitting member.
US08575740B2
An object of the present invention is providing a semiconductor device that is capable of improving the reliability of a semiconductor element and enhancing the mechanical strength without suppressing the scale of a circuit. The semiconductor device includes an integrated circuit sandwiched between first and second sealing films, an antenna electrically connected to the integrated circuit, the first sealing film sandwiched between a substrate and the integrated circuit, which includes a plurality of first insulating films and at least one second insulating film sandwiched therebetween, the second sealing film including a plurality of third insulating films and at least one fourth insulating film sandwiched therebetween. The second insulating film has lower stress than the first insulting film and the fourth insulating film has lower stress than the third insulating film. The first and third insulating films are inorganic insulating films.
US08575735B2
A semiconductor chip for a tape automated bonding (TAB) package is disclosed. The semiconductor chip comprises a connection surface including a set of input pads connected to internal circuitry of the chip and for conveying external signals to the internal circuitry, the set of input pads comprising all of the input pads on the chip. The connection surface includes a set of output pads connected to internal circuitry of the chip and for conveying internal chip signals to outside the chip, the set of output pads comprising all of the output pads on the chip.
US08575734B2
A lead frame enabling simultaneous burn-in testing of plural LEDs while the LEDs are mounted thereon is disclosed. The lead frame according to embodiments of this disclosure may enable burn-in testing of LEDs before packaging.
US08575732B2
A semiconductor package comprises a die attach pad and a support member at least partially circumscribing it. Several sets of contact pads are attached to the support member. The support member is able to be etched away thereby electrically isolating the contact pads. A method for making a leadframe and subsequently a semiconductor package comprises partially etching desired features into a copper substrate, and then through etching the substrate to form the support member and several sets of contact pads. Die attach, wirebonding and molding follow. The support member is etched away, electrically isolating the contact pads and leaving a groove in the bottom of the package. The groove is able to be filled with epoxy or mold compound.
US08575730B2
Disclosed is a semiconductor device which includes a semiconductor chip and a base substrate. The semiconductor chip includes a semiconductor substrate, an interconnect layer and a high-frequency interconnect. The interconnect layer is provided on the substrate. The high-frequency interconnect is formed within the interconnect layer. The semiconductor chip is mounted onto the base substrate. An electromagnetic shield layer is provided between the high-frequency interconnect and the interconnect.
US08575727B2
A semiconductor device is provided. The device includes a semiconductor substrate, first and second projections extending upwardly from the substrate, the projections having respective first and second channel regions therein, and a first gate structure engaging the first projection adjacent the first channel region. The first gate structure includes a first dielectric material over the first channel region, a first opening over the first dielectric material and the first channel region, and a pure first metal with an n-type work function value conformally deposited in the first opening. The device also includes a second gate structure engaging the second projection adjacent the second channel region. The second gate structure includes a second dielectric material over the second channel region, a second opening over the second dielectric material and the second channel region, and a pure second metal with a p-type work function value conformally deposited in the second opening.
US08575725B2
A semiconductor component includes a semiconductor substrate having a top surface. An opening extends from the top surface into the semiconductor substrate. The opening includes an interior surface. A first dielectric liner having a first compressive stress is disposed on the interior surface of the opening. A second dielectric liner having a tensile stress is disposed on the first dielectric liner. A third dielectric liner having a second compressive stress disposed on the second dielectric liner. A metal barrier layer is disposed on the third dielectric liner. A conductive material is disposed on the metal barrier layer and fills the opening.
US08575723B2
A semiconductor chip having a current source coupled between a first potential and an electrical node, a detection circuit having an input coupled to the electrical node, and a first active component coupled in series with the current source and further coupled between the electrical node and a second potential, wherein the first active component is coupled to the electrical node via a first conductive interconnect.
US08575722B2
A method for producing a semiconductor wafer having a multilayer film, in production of a semiconductor device by the steps of forming a porous layer on a surface of a semiconductor wafer by changing a surface portion into the porous layer, forming a semiconductor film on a surface of the porous layer to produce a semiconductor wafer having a multilayer film, fabricating a device on the semiconductor film, and producing the semiconductor device by delaminating the semiconductor film along the porous layer, the semiconductor film having the device formed thereon, including flattening the semiconductor wafer after delaminating and reusing the flattened semiconductor wafer, the method further including a thickness adjusting step of adjusting a whole thickness of the semiconductor wafer having a multilayer film to be produced by reusing the semiconductor wafer so as to satisfy a predetermined standard.
US08575721B2
A semiconductor device, which exhibits an increased design flexibility for a capacitor element, and can be manufactured with simple method, is provided. A semiconductor device 100 includes: a silicon substrate 101; an interlayer film 103 provided on the silicon substrate 101; a multiple-layered interconnect embedded in the interlayer film 103; a flip-chip pad 111, provided so as to be opposite to an upper surface of an uppermost layer interconnect 105 in the multiple-layered interconnect and having a solder ball 113 for an external coupling mounted thereon; and a capacitance film 109 provided between said uppermost layer interconnect 105 and the flip-chip pad 111. Such semiconductor device 100 includes the flip-chip pad 111 composed of an uppermost layer interconnect 105, a capacitive film 109 and a capacitor element 110.
US08575711B2
A storage element includes a storage layer configured to hold information by use of a magnetization state of a magnetic material, with a pinned magnetization layer being provided on one side of the storage layer, with a tunnel insulation layer, and with the direction of magnetization of the storage layer being changed through injection of spin polarized electrons by passing a current in the lamination direction, so as to record information in the storage layer, wherein a spin barrier layer configured to restrain diffusion of the spin polarized electrons is provided on the side, opposite to the pinned magnetization layer, of the storage layer; and the spin barrier layer includes at least one material selected from the group composing of oxides, nitrides, and fluorides.
US08575708B2
A method for fabricating a field effect transistor with fin structure includes the following steps. A substrate having an ion well with a first conductivity type is provided, wherein the ion well has a first doping concentration. At least a fin structure disposed on the substrate is formed. At least a first ion implantation is performed to form an anti-punch doped region with first conductivity type between the substrate and the channel layer, wherein the anti-punch doped region has a third doping concentration higher than the first doping concentration. At least a channel layer disposed along at least one surface of the fin structure is formed after the first ion implantation is performed. A gate covering part of the fin structure is formed. A source and a drain disposed in the fin structure beside the gate are formed, wherein the source and the drain have a second conductivity type.
US08575687B2
Provided is a semiconductor device in which on-resistance is largely reduced. The semiconductor device includes an n type epitaxial layer in which each region between neighboring trenches becomes a channel, and a plurality of embedded electrodes each of which is formed on an inner surface of each trench via a silicon oxide film. The plurality of embedded electrodes include two types of embedded electrodes to which voltages are applied separately. By blocking each region between neighboring trenches with a depletion layer formed around every trench, current flowing through each region between the neighboring trenches is interrupted. By deleting the depletion layer formed around the trench filled with the embedded electrode, current can flow through each region between neighboring trenches.
US08575684B2
In a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device provided with memory cell transistors arranged in a direction and a select transistor to select the memory cell transistors, each of the memory cell transistors of a charge trap type are at least composed of a first insulating layer and a first gate electrode respectively, and the select transistor is at least composed of a second insulating layer and a second gate electrode. The first gate electrode is provided with a first silicide layer of a first width formed on the first insulating layer. The second gate electrode is provided with an impurity-doped silicon layer formed on the second insulating layer and with a second silicide layer of a second width formed on the impurity-doped silicon layer. The second silicide has the same composition as the first silicide. The second width is larger than the first width.
US08575682B2
Provided are three-dimensional semiconductor memory devices and methods of forming the same. The device includes a substrate, conductive patterns stacked on the substrate, and an active pattern penetrating the conductive patterns to be connected to the substrate. The active pattern may include a first doped region provided in an upper portion of the active pattern, and a diffusion-resistant doped region overlapped with at least a portion of the first doped region. The diffusion-resistant doped region may be a region doped with carbon.
US08575672B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of pillars protruding upward from a semiconductor substrate and having respective top surfaces and opposing sidewalls, a bit line on the top surfaces of the pillars and connecting a row of the pillars along a first direction, a pair of word lines on the opposing sidewalls of one of the plurality of pillars and crossing beneath the bit line, and a pair of memory layers interposed between respective ones of the pair of word lines and the one of the plurality of pillars. Methods of fabricating a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device include selectively etching a semiconductor substrate to form pluralities of stripes having opposing sidewalls and being arranged along a direction, forming memory layers and word lines along the sidewalls of the stripes selectively etching the stripes to form a plurality of pillars, and forming a bit line connecting the pillars and crossing above the word lines.
US08575666B2
A semiconductor structure having compound semiconductor (CS) device formed in a compound semiconductor of the structure and an elemental semiconductor device formed in an elemental semiconductor layer of the structure. The structure includes a layer having an elemental semiconductor device is disposed over a buried oxide (BOX) layer. A selective etch layer is disposed between the BOX layer and a layer for a compound semiconductor device. The selective etch layer enables selective etching of the BOX layer to thereby maximize vertical and lateral window etch process control for the compound semiconductor device grown in etched window. The selective etch layer has a lower etch rate than the etch rate of the BOX layer.
US08575664B2
Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.
US08575663B2
The present invention generally relates, in some aspects, to nanoscale wire devices and methods for use in determining analytes suspected to be present in a sample. Certain embodiments of the invention provide a nanoscale wire that has improved sensitivity, as the carrier concentration in the wire is controlled by an external gate voltage, such that the nanoscale wire has a Debye screening length that is greater than the average cross-sectional dimension of the nanoscale wire when the nanoscale wire is exposed to a solution suspected of containing an analyte. This Debye screening length (lambda) associated with the carrier concentration (p) inside nanoscale wire is adjusted, in some cases, by adjusting the gate voltage applied to an FET structure, such that the carriers in the nanoscale wire are depleted.
US08575662B2
Each pixel of a solid state imaging device comprises a first semiconductor layer formed on a substrate, having a first-conductive type; a second semiconductor layer formed thereon, having a second-conductivity type; a third semiconductor layer formed in the upper side of the second semiconductor layer, having the first-conductivity type; a fourth semiconductor layer formed in the outer side of the third semiconductor layer, having the second-conductivity type; a gate conductor layer formed on the lower side of the second semiconductor layer via an insulating film; and a fifth semiconductor layer formed on the top surfaces of the second semiconductor layer and third semiconductor layer, having the second-conductivity type, wherein the fifth semiconductor layer and fourth semiconductor layer are connected to each other, and at least the third semiconductor layer, upper region of the second semiconductor layer, fourth semiconductor layer, and fifth semiconductor layer are formed in an island.
US08575655B2
Various techniques for changing the workfunction of the substrate by using a SiGe channel which, in turn, changes the bandgap favorably for a p-type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (pMOSFETs) are disclosed. In the various techniques, a SiGe film that includes a low doped SiGe region above a more highly doped SiGe region to allow the appropriate threshold voltage (Vt) for pMOSFET devices while preventing pitting, roughness and thinning of the SiGe film during subsequent cleans and processing is provided.
US08575654B2
A method of forming a strained semiconductor channel, comprising: forming a relaxed SiGe layer on a semiconductor substrate; forming a dielectric layer on the relaxed SiGe layer and forming a sacrificial gate on the dielectric layer, wherein the dielectric layer and the sacrificial gate form a sacrificial gate structure; depositing an interlayer dielectric layer, which is planarized to expose the sacrificial gate; etching to remove the sacrificial gate and the dielectric layer to form an opening; forming a semiconductor epitaxial layer by selective semiconductor epitaxial growth in the opening; depositing a high-K dielectric layer and a metal layer; and removing the high-K dielectric layer and metal layer covering the interlayer dielectric layer by planarizing the deposited metal layer and high-K dielectric layer to form a metal gate. A semiconductor device manufactured by this process is also provided.
US08575652B2
An exemplary embodiment provides a semiconductor device, in which a junction leakage current is reduced in MISFET including a source/drain impurity layer formed in a semiconductor region containing Ge, and a semiconductor device manufacturing method. The semiconductor device includes a channel region which is formed in a semiconductor substrate; a gate insulator which is formed on a surface of the channel region; a gate electrode which is formed on the gate insulator; and source/drain impurity layers which are formed on both sides of the channel region. In the semiconductor device, at least part of the source/drain impurity layer is formed in a semiconductor region containing Ge in the semiconductor substrate, and at least an element selected from a group including S, Se, and Te is contained in the semiconductor region which is deeper than a junction depth of the source/drain impurity layer.
US08575638B2
A light emitting device is disclosed. The disclosed light emitting device includes a light emitting structure comprising a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and an active layer interposed between the first and second semiconductor layers, an insulating layer contacting a lower surface of the light emitting structure, and a protective layer disposed beneath the light emitting structure, and formed with a pattern at which the insulating layer is arranged.
US08575633B2
A light emitting diode is disclosed that includes an active region and a plurality of exterior surfaces. A light enhancement feature is present on at least portions of one of the exterior surfaces of the diode, with the light enhancement feature being selected from the group consisting of shaping and texturing. A light enhancement feature is present on at least portions of each of the other exterior surfaces of the diode, with these light enhancement features being selected from the group consisting of shaping, texturing, and reflectors.
US08575632B2
Disclosed is a light-emitting device comprising a light-emitting element (10) composed of a gallium nitride compound semiconductor having an emission peak wavelength of not less than 430 nm; a molded body (40) provided with a recessed portion having a bottom surface on which the light-emitting element (10) is mounted and a lateral surface; and a sealing member (50) containing an epoxy resin including a triazine derivative epoxy resin, or a silicon-containing resin. The molded body (40) is obtained by using a cured product of a thermosetting epoxy resin composition essentially containing an epoxy resin including a triazine derivative epoxy resin, and has a reflectance of not less than 70% at the wavelengths of not less than 430 nm.
US08575631B2
For integration of light-emitting elements and for suppression of a voltage drop, plural stages of light-emitting element units each including a plurality of light-emitting elements which is connected in parallel are connected in series. Further, besides a lead wiring with a large thickness, a plurality of auxiliary wirings with different widths and different thicknesses is used, and the arrangement of the wirings, electrodes of the light-emitting elements, and the like is optimized.
US08575624B2
In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode provided on the semiconductor substrate via an insulating layer, and a gate insulator provided on a side surface of the gate electrode. The device includes a stacked layer including a lower main terminal layer of a first conductivity type, an intermediate layer, and an upper main terminal layer of a second conductivity type which are successively stacked on the semiconductor substrate, the stacked layer being provided on the side surface of the gate electrode via the gate insulator. The upper or lower main terminal layer is provided on the side surface of the gate electrode via the gate insulator and the semiconductor layer.
US08575621B1
Circuits and systems comprising one or more switches are provided. A circuit includes a first switch formed on a substrate; and a second switch formed on the substrate, the second switch including a first terminal coupled to a third terminal of the first switch. A system includes a supply; a first switch formed on a substrate, the first switch coupled to the supply; a second switch formed on the substrate, the second switch coupled to the first switch; a third switch formed on the substrate, the third switch coupled to the supply; a fourth switch formed on the substrate, the fourth switch coupled to the third switch; and a driver coupled to respective second terminals of the first, second, third, and fourth switches.
US08575619B2
This invention provides a semiconductor device having high operation performance and high reliability. An LDD region 707 overlapping with a gate wiring is arranged in an n-channel TFT 802 forming a driving circuit, and a TFT structure highly resistant to hot carrier injection is achieved. LDD regions 717, 718, 719 and 720 not overlapping with a gate wiring are arranged in an n-channel TFT 804 forming a pixel unit. As a result, a TFT structure having a small OFF current value is achieved. In this instance, an element belonging to the Group 15 of the Periodic Table exists in a higher concentration in the LDD region 707 than in the LDD regions 717, 718, 719 and 720.
US08575616B2
A thin film transistor substrate and a method for manufacturing the same are discussed, in which the thin film transistor comprises a gate line and a data line arranged on a substrate to cross each other; a gate electrode connected with the gate line below the gate line; an active layer formed on the gate electrode; an etch stopper formed on the active layer; an ohmic contact layer formed on the etch stopper; source and drain electrodes formed on the ohmic contact layer; and a pixel electrode connected with the drain electrode. It is possible to prevent a crack from occurring in the gate insulating film during irradiation of the laser and prevent resistance of the gate electrode from being increased.
US08575612B2
The present invention provides a pixel structure including a substrate, a patterned electrode disposed on the substrate, a first insulating layer disposed on the patterned electrode, a common electrode disposed on the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer disposed on the common electrode, and a drain disposed on the second insulating layer. The first insulating layer has a first through hole, and the second insulating layer has a second through hole. The drain includes a first portion electrically connected to the patterned electrode via the first through hole and the second through hole, and a second portion extending onto the common electrode. The common electrode is coupled with the patterned electrode to form a first storage capacitor and is coupled with the second portion to form a second storage capacitor.
US08575608B2
An embodiment is a thin film transistor which includes a gate electrode layer, a gate insulating layer provided so as to cover the gate electrode layer; a first semiconductor layer entirely overlapped with the gate electrode layer; a second semiconductor layer provided over and in contact with the first semiconductor layer and having a lower carrier mobility than the first semiconductor layer; an impurity semiconductor layer provided in contact with the second semiconductor layer; a sidewall insulating layer provided so as to cover at least a sidewall of the first semiconductor layer; and a source and drain electrode layers provided in contact with at least the impurity semiconductor layer. The second semiconductor layer may consist of parts which are apart from each other over the first semiconductor layer.
US08575603B2
A pixel structure of an electroluminescent display panel includes a first sub-pixel region, a second sub-pixel region, a third sub-pixel region and a fourth sub-pixel region having different cavity lengths. The first sub-pixel region and the second sub-pixel region share a first organic light-emitting layer, which can generate a first primary color light in the first sub-pixel region, and a second primary color light in the second sub-pixel region. The third sub-pixel region and the fourth sub-pixel region share a second organic light-emitting layer, which can generate a third primary color light in the third sub-pixel region, and a fourth primary color light in the fourth sub-pixel region. The first primary color light, the second primary color light, the third primary color light and the fourth primary color light have different spectra of wavelength.
US08575599B2
A compound for an organic thin film transistor having a structure of the following formula (1): wherein R1 to R6 are independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a haloalkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a haloalkoxy group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alkylthio group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a haloalkylthio group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alkylamino group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a dialkylamino group having 2 to 60 carbon atoms (the alkyl groups may be combined with each other to form a ring structure containing the nitrogen atom), an alkylsulfonyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a haloalkylsulfonyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 60 carbon atoms, an aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 60 carbon atoms, an alkylsilyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkylsilylacetylene group having 5 to 60 carbon atoms or a cyano group, which each may have a substituent, provided that the compound in which all of R1 to R6 are a hydrogen atom is excluded.
US08575592B2
A Group III nitride based light emitting diode includes a p-type Group III nitride based semiconductor layer, an n-type Group III nitride based semiconductor layer that forms a P-N junction with the p-type Group III nitride based semiconductor layer, and a Group III nitride based active region on the n-type Group III nitride based semiconductor layer. The active region includes a plurality of sequentially stacked Group III nitride based wells including respective well layers. The plurality of well layers includes a first well layer having a first thickness and a second well layer having a second thickness. The second well layer is between the P-N junction and the first well layer, and the second thickness is greater than the first thickness.
US08575589B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of first lines; a plurality of second lines crossing the plurality of first lines; a plurality of memory cells each connected at an intersection of the first and second lines between both lines and including a variable resistor operative to store information in accordance with a variation in resistance; and a protection film covering the side of the variable resistor to suppress migration of cations at the side of the variable resistor.
US08575585B2
A memristive device includes a first electrode, a second electrode crossing the first electrode at a non-zero angle, and an active region disposed between the first and second electrodes. The active region has a controlled defect profile throughout its thickness.
US08575580B1
A method and device of shielding an area from radiation are provided. A radiation shield device may include first and second shells at least partially surrounding the area with the second shell being spaced apart from and further away from the area than the first shell. Both the first and second shells include a plurality of coils that are arranged in paired coil groupings and that encircle the area to be shielded from radiation. The coil groupings of the first shell may be configured to support current flow in an opposite direction to that in which the paired coil groupings of the second shell are configured to support current flow. As such, each coil grouping of the first shell has north and south poles that are correspondingly oppositely positioned from the north and south poles of the paired coil grouping of the second shell.
US08575578B1
A chip-scale infrared emitter package comprises an emitter chip and an enclosure. The emitter chip includes: a base having a central cavity; a membrane having a peripheral end, the peripheral end being isolated from a periphery of the central cavity by a loop-shaped gap; an electric resistor formed on the membrane; at least one slim supporting beam extending from the peripheral end of the membrane through the loop-shaped gap to the base; and a reflective material coated on the membrane. The enclosure has a can housing and a transparent window plate. The window plate cooperates with the can housing to define an enclosed vacuum chamber. The emitter chip is mounted in the enclosed vacuum chamber. The enclosed vacuum chamber has a pressure less than 0.01 torr.
US08575572B2
A portable dosimeter reader device includes an optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) reader for reading one or more OSL sensors of a dosimeter sled; a sled slider that is driven by a sled slider motor to position in turn each of the one or more OSL sensors of the dosimeter sled at a reading position where the OSL reader reads each respective OSL sensor; a display for displaying information relating to reading the one or more OSL sensors; and a battery compartment for one or more batteries, wherein the OSL reader includes an LED light source, wherein the battery compartment is electrically connected to the OSL reader, the sled slider motor and the display, and wherein the one or more batteries provide all of the power required for operating the OSL reader, the sled slider motor and the display.
US08575568B2
The invention relaters to a device (100) for biological analysis by measurement of photoluminescence in a fluid in a measurement tank (111). This device (100) comprises at least two light sources (121, 131) adapted to emit in different spectral areas respectively appropriate for measurement of absorption and fluorescence, and a sensor device (140) comprising a sensor (141), an optical system (142), and filter means (144), which three elements are mutualized in accordance with the invention to enable absorption and/or fluorescence to be measured. In accordance with the invention the internal gain of the sensor (141) is configurable to enable the fluorescence and absorption measurements to be executed sequentially.
US08575555B2
A Nuclear Medicine (NM) imaging system and method using multiple types of imaging detectors are provided. One NM imaging system includes a gantry, at least a first imaging detector coupled to the gantry, wherein the first imaging detector is a non-moving detector, and at least a second imaging detector coupled to the gantry, wherein the second imaging detector is a moving detector. The first imaging detector is larger than the second imaging detector and the first and second imaging detectors have different detector configurations. The NM imaging system further includes a controller configured to control the operation of the first and second imaging detectors during an imaging scan of an object to acquire Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) image information such that at least the first imaging detector remains stationary with respect to the gantry during image acquisition.
US08575554B2
Methods and systems for multiple scatter estimation in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) are provided. One method includes determining attenuation sinograms and determining a varying convolution kernel as a function of the attenuation sinograms, wherein the kernel varies in amplitude and width over a radial length of a PET imaging system. The method also includes using the varying convolution kernel to estimate multiple PET scatter.
US08575552B2
Disclosed are a method and system for tracking multiple infrared signal coordinates. The method for tracking multiple infrared signal coordinates includes: sequentially operating a plurality of infrared generators; photographing the infrared generators; calculating frequency photographed by each infrared generators; and when the calculated frequency at the time of calculating does not meet the reference value, delaying, by a delay time, the flickering of the infrared generator where the frequency does not meet the reference value.
US08575548B2
A transport of plasmonic particles through a mineral formation is analyzed by flowing a plasmonic particles solution through an immobile phase (e.g., a mineral formation), determining an absorbance of the plasmonic particles solution subsequent to flowing the plasmonic particles solution through the immobile phase, comparing the determined absorbance of the plasmonic particles solution with an absorbance of the plasmonic particles solution determined previous to flowing the plasmonic particles solution through the immobile phase, and determining an absorbance of the plasmonic particles to the immobile phase as a function of the comparison. The plasmonic particles solution may be produced by dissolving or suspending plasmonic particles in a mobile phase. Flowing the plasmonic particles solution through the immobile phase may include injecting the plasmonic particles solution into the immobile phase, and then flushing the plasmonic particles solution through the immobile phase.
US08575544B1
An atom probe includes a detector which registers the time of flight of ions evaporated from a specimen, as well as the positions on the detector at which the ions impact and the kinetic energies of the ions. The detected position allows the original locations of the ions on the specimen to be mapped, and the times of flight and kinetic energies can be spectrally analyzed (e.g., binned into sets of like values) to determine the elemental identities of the ions. The use of kinetic energy data as well as time of flight data can allow more accurate identification of composition than where time of flight data are used alone, as in traditional atom probes.
US08575540B2
A filter for an optical fibre temperature sensor comprising at least one first and one second optical filter for filtering an optical pulse reflected by said optical fibre, characterised in that said at least one first and one second optical filter comprise standard commercial filters complying with ITU specifications, said optical pulse lying within the range from 1570 nm to 1580 nm.
US08575538B2
A safety system for safeguarding a moving, guided motion element against unwanted collisions with an object located on a motion path in the direction of motion of the motion element, including an object-detection device that includes a plurality of parts for detecting an object in an area of the motion element, wherein the object-detection device can be blocked with respect to object detection by a motion of the motion element, and an electronic unit that controls the motion of the motion element and is configured to assign a blocked state to the object-detection device when the motion element approaches, wherein in the blocked state an object and motion element does not trigger a safety mode, and wherein shut-off means are provided which, when a shut-off signal coming from the motion element is detected, transfer one or more parts of the object-detection device into the blocked state.
US08575533B2
The present invention discloses a high dynamic range imager circuit and a method for reading high dynamic range image with an adaptive conversion gain. The high dynamic range image circuit includes a variable capacitor. The capacitance of the variable capacitor is adjusted according to sensed light intensity or by internal feedback control, to adaptively adjust the conversion gain of the high dynamic range image circuit as it reads a signal which relates to a pixel image sensed by an image sensor device. In each cycle, the signal can be read twice or more with different dynamic ranges, to enhance the accuracy of the signal.
US08575530B2
A photosensitive circuit is provided. The photosensitive circuit is adapted to a pixel in a pixel array. The photosensitive circuit includes a display element for generating light, transmitting light, or reflecting light, a control circuit coupled to the display element for controlling light intensity of the display element according to a data line and a gate line, and a photosensitive element coupled between the gate line and a read line for generating current at the read line to sense the position of an object according to a reflected light or a shadow from ambient light when light from the display element is reflected by an object or ambient light is shadowed by the object. The control terminal of the photosensitive element is connected to another gate line.
US08575529B2
To provide a photoelectric converter capable of reducing the height of the device. The photoelectric converter includes: a light emitting element or a light receiving element; an IC circuit for transmitting/receiving an electric signal to/from the light emitting element or the light receiving element; a mount substrate adapted to be mounted on one surface from the side on which the light emitting element emits light, or the side on which the light receiving element receives light; an electric connector adapted to be provided on the one surface or the other surface of the mount substrate, and to be attached and detached to and from an external connector; and a waveguide adapted to be provided on the mount substrate along the one surface or the other surface of the mount substrate, and to be optically coupled to the light emitting element or the light receiving element.
US08575524B2
The heating plate (2) for workpieces comprises a heatable body (20) which on a first side has a contact surface (15) for the respective workpiece, at least one heating channel (25) filled with a heating fluid for heating the heatable body (20), which heating channel (25) is formed in and/or on the heatable body (20) opposite the contact surface (15) and heating means (35) for heating the heating fluid. A channel wall (25.1) of the respective heating channel (25) may be inductively heated and the heating means (35) comprise at least one heating device (35.1) for inductively heating the respective channel wall (25.1), the heating device (35.1) being arranged outside the respective heating channel (25) and the heating fluid in the respective heating channel (25) being able to be heated by a transfer of heat which may be generated by means of the heating device (35.1) in the channel wall (25.1).
US08575522B2
A hot-air supplying method that includes: generating, by means of a heat pump, hot air that is at a temperature lower than a desired target hot-air temperature; subsequently heating, by a heater, the hot air having been generated by the heat pump, while controlling the heater the temperature adjuster so as to adjust the temperature of hot air thus heated to the target hot-air temperature. This makes it possible to supply, with reduced energy loss and at low costs, hot air for processing a work, the hot air being necessary in a factory where processing and assembly or the like are carried out. Further, temperature control accuracy is enhanced.
US08575520B2
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to heating systems. In various embodiments, a tray may be supported adjacent a housing having a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat to food items within each of the heating compartments. In other embodiments, a vessel may be configured to be disposed in a housing having a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat within each of the heating compartments. In further embodiments, a housing may have a plurality of heating compartments configured to provide heat within each of the heating compartments, and the heating compartment may have open ends arranged around a circumference of the housing.
US08575512B2
Provided is a laser lap welding method including the steps of: preparing two steel sheets, at least one of which is a galvanized steel sheet, in such a manner that the steel sheets are directly lapped one over the other with a galvanized layer of the galvanized steel sheet located as an interface of the steel sheets; and irradiating an outer surface of any one steel sheet in the lap region of the two steel sheets with a laser beam under predetermined power and speed conditions, so that an elongated hole is formed in a molten pool extending backward from a laser irradiation position at least in the steel sheet on the outer surface side. Welding of the two steel sheets is performed while venting metal vapor produced by the laser irradiation through the elongated hole backwards in a laser travelling direction and towards a laser irradiation source.
US08575509B2
A vacuum switching apparatus includes a vacuum envelope; a fixed contact assembly partially within the vacuum envelope; a first movable contact assembly partially within the vacuum envelope; a second movable contact assembly partially within the vacuum envelope; a first bellows within the vacuum envelope and cooperating with the first movable contact assembly to maintain a partial vacuum within the vacuum envelope; and a second bellows within the vacuum envelope and cooperating with the first movable contact assembly and the second movable contact assembly to maintain a partial vacuum within the vacuum envelope.
US08575498B2
An electrical circuitry has a base element, a printed circuit board and a fastening apparatus for fastening the printed circuit board to the base element. The fastening apparatus retains the printed circuit board by virtue of the base element being present on a top side and underside of the printed circuit board. In this case, the base element acts upon the top side and underside of the printed circuit board at application points which are opposite one another at an offset with respect to one another while elastically deforming the printed circuit board.
US08575493B1
Semiconductor devices are described that have an extended under ball metallization configured to mitigate dielectric layer cracking due to stress, particularly stress caused by CTE mismatch during thermal cycling tests, dynamic deformation during drop tests, or cyclic bending tests, and so on. In an implementation, the semiconductor package devices include an integrated circuit chip having a solder ball and under ball metallization, formed on the integrated circuit chip, which is configured to receive the solder ball so that the solder ball and the under ball metallization have a contact area there between, wherein the area of the under ball metallization is area greater than the contact area.
US08575491B2
A shielded electrical cable is disclosed that includes a plurality of spaced apart conductor sets where each conductor set includes one or more insulated conductors. The cable further includes first and second shielding films that include concentric portions, pinched portions, and transition portions arranged such that the concentric portions are substantially concentric with one or more end conductors of each conductor set, the pinched portions form pinched portions of the cable on two sides of the conductor set, and the transition portions provide gradual transitions between the concentric portions and the pinched portions. The cross-sectional areas of the transition portions are less than the cross-sectional areas of the conductors. The radius of curvature of the shielding films in the transverse direction is at least 100 microns.
US08575489B2
A three-conductor cable includes three cables disposed in a triangular form in a cross sectional view thereof, and a first refrigerant path at a cable center portion surrounded by the three cables along a longitudinal direction of the three cables for flowing a refrigerant for cooling the three cables therethrough. The first refrigerant path is formed along a part of each of the three cables in a cross sectional view thereof.
US08575482B2
An interface for an enclosure comprises at least one enclosure wall that separates an enclosure interior from an enclosure exterior, an opening in the enclosure wall, and a recess in the enclosure wall. The recess adjoins the opening. A dielectric connector is configured to securely fasten to the enclosure wall. The connector extends into the recess. A seal is situated in the recess between the enclosure wall and the connector. An inserted member is inserted through the opening and surrounded by the seal and the connector. Where the connector is securely fastened to the enclosure wall, the seal is compressed to form a moisture-resistant barrier between the enclosure interior and the enclosure exterior.
US08575480B2
A connection assembly for securing electrical components used with power equipment comprises a housing and connector cover forming an upper arrangement of the connection assembly. The housing and connector cover form a cavity therebetween for supporting electronics disposed within the cavity. The connection assembly also comprises a lower arrangement used to secure the connection assembly to a surface of a power equipment device and a hinge assembly that forms a rotational connection between the upper arrangement and the lower arrangement.
US08575473B2
An alloy composition for a subcell of a solar cell is provided that has a bandgap of at least 0.9 eV, namely, Ga1-xInxNyAs1-y-zSbz with a low antimony (Sb) content and with enhanced indium (In) content, and enhanced nitrogen (N) content, achieving substantial lattice matching to GaAs and Ge substrates and providing both high short circuit currents and high open circuit voltages in GaInNAsSb subcells for multijunction solar cells. The composition ranges for Ga1-xInxNyAs1-y-zSbz are 0.07≦x≦0.18, 0.025≦y≦0.04 and 0.001≦z≦0.03.
US08575460B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV765640. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV765640, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV765640 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV765640 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV765640.
US08575451B2
The present invention relates to a method for detecting a quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with resistance to Botrytis cinerea in tomato, including the steps of crossing a Botrytis-resistant donor tomato plant with a non-resistant, or Botrytis-susceptible, recipient tomato plant, contacting one or more offspring plants with an infective amount of Botrytis, quantitatively determining the disease incidence and/or the rate of lesion growth in the one or more offspring plants, establishing a genetic linkage map that links the observed disease incidence and/or rate of lesion growth to the presence of chromosomal markers of the donor tomato plant in the one or more offspring plants, and assigning to a QTL the contiguous markers on the map that are linked to a reduced disease incidence and/or a reduced lesion growth rate.
US08575430B2
The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of globe artichoke, NUN 4006 AR or Symphony F1, which is characterized by producing high quality, green heads for the fresh market and/or the processing industry.
US08575421B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for enhancing various yield-related traits in plants by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a TCP1 transcription factor. The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding a TCP1 polypeptide, which plants have enhanced yield-related traits relative to corresponding wild type plants or other control plants. The invention also provides constructs useful in the methods of the invention.
US08575415B2
The present invention provides processes to immobilize high alkaline radioactive and/or hazardous waste in a silicate-based glass, the waste containing one or more of radionuclides, hazardous elements, hazardous compounds, and/or other compounds. The invention also provides silicate-based glass compositions for use in immobilizing radioactive and/or hazardous waste.
US08575413B2
The invention relates to a process for the alkylation of benzene with isopropanol (IPA) as alkylating agent, or blends of isopropanol and propylene, which comprises effecting said reaction completely in gaseous phase and in the presence of a catalytic system containing a zeolite belonging to the MTW family.
US08575401B2
The present invention relates to a process for purifying crude polymethylol which comprises polymethylol of the formula (I) (HOCH2)2—C—R2 (I) in which each R is independently a further methylol group or an alkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms or an aryl or aralkyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, and also hydroxy acid of the formula (IV) in which each R is independently as defined above, which comprises performing the purification in a distillation column, the bottom of the distillation column being connected to an evaporator with a short residence time. The present invention further relates to a composition comprising polymethylol and 1 to 10 000 ppm by weight of an ester of polymethylol and of a hydroxy acid and to the use thereof.
US08575395B2
A method for the preparation of Cinacalcet is disclosed comprising treating (R)-1-naphthyl ethylamine with an aromatic aldehyde to form (1R)-1-(2-naphthyl)-N-(aryl methylene)ethanamine derivative of Formula (IV), which is further treated with 1-(3-halopropyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzene of Formula (V) to obtain an iminium salt of Formula (VI), followed by hydrolysis to obtain Cinacalcet free base.
US08575394B2
A process for the preparation of an 1,1-disubstituted oxirane is disclosed, wherein an organic sulphide is reacted in a polar solvent with an educt containing a leaving group attached to a primary or secondary carbon atom, and/or the sulfonium salt formed in this way is reacted with a ketone in presence of a base and a polar solvent. Oxiranes of the type obtained may be further converted into the corresponding α-hydroxyketone or α-aminoketone, either in one step by subjecting to aerobic oxidation in the presence of a transition metal catalyst, or in two steps by hydrolyzation in the presence of an aqueous acid to the corresponding dialcohol and subsequent selective oxidation. Further described are some novel epoxide intermediates. The α-hydroxyketones and α-aminoketones thus obtainable are useful inter alia as photoinitiators.
US08575389B2
The invention relates to a continuous neutralization process in which at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid is neutralized at least partly with a base and the temperature of the neutralized solution is less than 70° C., and also to an apparatus for carrying out the process.
US08575379B2
The invention relates to a process for the oxidation of organic compounds by means of oxygen, in which, in a first step, the organic compound and at least part of the oxygen required for the oxidation are introduced into a first reaction zone which is operated isothermally and with backmixing and, in a second step, the reaction mixture from the first reaction zone is introduced into a second reaction zone which is operated adiabatically. The invention further relates to a reactor for carrying out the process, which comprises at least one isothermal reaction zone (3, 5) and an adiabatic reaction zone (7) which are arranged in a reactor shell (8), with each isothermal reaction zone (3, 5) being configured in the form of a jet loop reactor and the adiabatic reaction zone (7) being configured as a bubble column.
US08575377B2
The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in recombinant cells such as yeast or plant cells. Also provided are recombinant cells or plants which produce long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a group of new enzymes which possess desaturase or elongase activity that can be used in methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
US08575375B2
This invention describes compounds of Structures 1, 2, and 3 and their use as allosteric modulators of the GABA receptor chloride ionophore complex to alleviate stress, anxiety, mood disorders, seizures, depression, treatment of drug and alcohol abuse, memory, premenstrual disorders, and neural system damage.
US08575367B2
The present disclosure relates to the preparation of acrylate, alkacrylate, allyl, and polycarbonate derivatives of hydroxy ketal esters, and uses thereof.
US08575362B2
Methods useful for preparing compounds of formula I: and salts thereof are disclosed. Also disclosed are intermediates useful in the preparation of such compounds.
US08575340B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein; R1 represents hydrogen or C1-3alkyl; n is an integer having a value of 1 to 5; X represents O or NH; Y represents C or N; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, have been shown to be inducers of human interferon and may possess an improved profile with respect to known inducers of human interferon, for example enhanced potency. The compounds of the invention may therefore be useful in the treatment of various disorders, in particular the treatment of infectious diseases, cancer, allergic diseases and other inflammatory conditions, and their use as vaccine adjuvants.
US08575322B2
The present disclosure relates to a field of recombinant DNA therapeutics. It involves the bio-informatics design, synthesis of artificial gene for human insulin precursor including leader peptide coding sequence, cloning in an expression vector and expression in an organism, preferably Pichia pastoris. The present disclosure also relates to methods of downstream processing for obtaining protein precursor molecules and subsequent conversion of precursor molecules to functional proteins.
US08575321B2
Provided are compounds having an inhibitory effect on sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter SGLT. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, methods of preparing the compounds, synthetic intermediates, and methods of using the compounds, independently or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for treating diseases and conditions which are affected by SGLT inhibition.
US08575319B2
The invention relates to methods for making vaccines using linkages that are cleavable under lysosomal processing conditions, and vaccine compositions obtained therefrom. In some embodiments, the vaccines comprise a tumor antigen, an immunogenic carrier and a linker covalently linking the tumor antigen and the immunogenic carrier by a thio ether linkage. Vaccines of preferred embodiments can be used against a cellular proliferative disease that is characterized by the tumor antigen.
US08575318B2
The present invention provides a family of binding proteins that bind and neutralize the activity of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), in particular human HGF. The binding proteins can be used as diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents. With regard to their therapeutic activity, the binding proteins can be used to treat certain HGF responsive disorders, for example, certain HGF responsive tumors.
US08575305B2
The present invention discloses cell penetrating peptides and conjugates of a cell penetrating peptide and a cargo molecule.
US08575302B2
A composition which comprises polylactide and has excellent heat stability, color and hydrolytic resistance. The composition comprises (i) polylactide, (ii) a metal catalyst and (iii) a hypophosphorous acid-based deactivator or a metaphosphoric acid-based deactivator.
US08575301B2
A co-polyester which includes the reaction product of a polycondensation polyester and epsilon-caprolactone, wherein the polycondensation polyester comprises the reaction product of diglycolic acid and/or a derivative thereof and a diol. The co-polyester is injectable and absorbable into animal, such as human, tissue and can be used for facial cosmetic or reconstructive surgery of soft tissue. Another embodiment is directed to a method for preventing adhesion using a co-polyester comprising the reaction product of a polycondensation polyester and epsilon-caprolactone, wherein the polycondensation polyester comprises the reaction product of diglycolic acid and/or a derivative thereof and a diol, and the co-polyester comprises about 40 to 50% by weight of the polycondensation polyester based on the total weight of the co-polyester.
US08575299B1
Alcohols are catalytically oxidized to aldehydes, in particular to benzaldehyde and diformylfuran, which are useful as intermediates for a multiplicity of purposes. The invention also relates to the polymerization of the dialdehyde and to the decarbonylation of the dialdehyde to furan.
US08575297B2
Embodiments according to the present invention relate to sacrificial polymer compositions that include polycarbonate polymers having repeat units derived from stereospecific polycyclic 2,3-diol monomers. The sacrificial polymer compositions also include an acid generator that is selected from at least one photoacid generator and/or at least one thermal acid generator. In addition, embodiments according to the present invention relate to a method of forming a structure that includes a three-dimensional space interposed between a substrate and an overcoat layer, and a method of temporarily bonding first and second substrates together, which make use of the polycarbonate polymers.
US08575296B2
A polyester article is made to appear lustrously metallic or pearlescent by the addition of polymethylpentene and non-metallic, non-pearlescent colorant; and optionally other functional additives. The colorant can be one or more pigments, one or more dyes, or combination thereof. A stretch blow molded plastic article, such as a bottle, using the polymethylpentene in the polyester can simulate the appearance of a metallic surface or a pearlescent luster even though non-metallic and non-pearlescent colorants are used.
US08575292B2
There is provided a hydroxyl-functional carbamoyl organosilicon compound, an anti-corrosion and/or adhesion promoting coating composition based thereon, a method for coating a metal surface employing the coating composition and the resulting coated metal article.
US08575285B2
Provided is a catalyst used for a living radical polymerization method, which contains a central element consisting of carbon and at least one halogen atom binding to the central element. Further, a hydrocarbon compound can be used as a catalyst precursor. A monomer having a radical-reactive unsaturated bond is subjected to a radical polymerization reaction in the presence of the catalyst, consequently a polymer having narrow molecular weight distribution can be obtained, and thus the cost of the living radical polymerization can be remarkably reduced. The present invention is significantly more environmentally friendly and economically excellent than conventional living radical polymerization methods, due to advantages such as low toxicity of the catalyst, low amount of the catalyst used, high solubility of the catalyst, mild reaction conditions, and no coloration/no odor (no need of any post-treatments for a molded article), and the like.
US08575284B2
Compositions useful for activating catalysts for olefin polymerization, and methods for making same, are provided. Such compositions can be derived from at least: an organoaluminum compound, a carrier, an oxygen source, and, optionally, a Lewis base.
US08575282B2
A modified compound that has at least one further functional group, in particular a bio- or macromolecule, comprising at least one x-fold (x≧1) chemoselectively incorporated phosphoramidate group of general formula (I), NPO(OR1)(OR1′), and/or at least one x-fold (x≧1) chemoselectively incorporated phosphonamide group of general formula (Ia), NPO(R1)(OR1′). R1 and R1′ is selected from the group containing glycerol, polyglycerol, PEG polymers of the general empirical formula C2nH4n+2On+1 with n≧1, Cn-alkyl chains with n≧1; functionalized Cn-alkyl chains with n≧1, aryls, heteroaryl, silyl, lipids, fluorophores, saccharides, peptides, crown ethers, or a linker, which links the aforementioned groups. R1 and R1′ can be identical to or different from one another.
US08575281B2
A sulfonic acid group-containing carbonaceous material that is useful as a solid acid catalyst for various reactions such as hydration of olefins and acidolysis reaction of hydroperoxide and also useful as a proton conductor material having excellent proton conductivity is provided. In addition, an economical and environmentally friendly method for producing methyl ethyl ketone is provided. A sulfonic acid group-containing carbonaceous material having high catalytic activities for various acid catalyst reactions and also having high proton conductivity can be obtained by carbonization and sulfonation of a phenolic resin.
US08575277B2
A safe and stable production method of a hydrogenated polymer having high transparency, which is a production method of a hydrogenated polymer by hydrogenating aromatic rings of an aromatic vinyl compound-(meth)acrylate copolymer, in which (1) a solvent solution of the copolymer is added to a reactor, which has a solvent and a supported palladium catalyst charged therein, under a hydrogen atmosphere at a rate of from 0.01 to 15 g/hour in terms of the copolymer per unit mass (g) of the supported palladium catalyst, thereby performing hydrogenation reaction, and then such an operation is performed repeatedly that (2) a hydrogenated polymer is obtained from 30 to 90% by mass of the resulting reaction mixed solution, and a fresh solvent solution of the copolymer is added to the reactor, in which the residual reaction mixed solution is left, or to which the residual reaction mixed solution is returned, at a rate of from 0.01 to 15 g/hour in terms of the copolymer per unit mass (g) of the supported palladium catalyst, thereby performing hydrogenation reaction.
US08575276B2
Synthesis methods for creating polymeric compounds comprising dihydroxyphenyl derivatives (DHPD), or DHPp i.e. polymers modified with DHPD, with desired surface active effects are described. The polymer backbone of DHPp has structural or performance features that can be tailored to control physical properties of DHPp, allowing it to be useful for different applications i.e. tissue adhesives or sealants, adhesion promoting coatings, and antifouling coatings.
US08575275B2
The invention provides a composition comprising the reaction product of a mixture comprising the following: A) at least one functionalized ethylene-based polymer formed by reacting an ethylene-based polymer with at least one anhydride-containing compound and/or at least one carboxylic acid-containing compound; B) at least one ethylene-based polymer; C) at least one anhydride-containing compound and/or at least one carboxylic acid-containing compound; and wherein the composition comprises from 0.05 to 1.0 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition, of one or more grafted anhydride-containing compounds and/or one or more grafted carboxylic acid-containing compounds.
US08575274B2
The present invention relates to bone cements and, more particularly, to multi-solution bone cements and methods for making the same. An embodiment of the present invention provides multi-solution bone cements which include cross-linked PMMA beads, thereby providing for a significant increase in the polymer-to-monomer (P:M) ratio. Another embodiment of the present invention provides cross-linked PMMA beads which are surface modified with unsaturated carbon double bonds. A further embodiment of the present invention provides multi-solution bone cements made with PMMA-PMMA spherical brush polymers.
US08575268B2
Disclosed is a thermoplastic resin composition containing a graft material and an organic peroxide group dispersion medium in which the graft material is dispersed. The graft material is obtained by melt-mixing a metal oxide fine particle having an organic peroxide group on the surface and a thermoplastic resin, and has a structure in which the thermoplastic resin is grafted to the metal oxide fine particle. The organic peroxide group on the surface of the metal oxide fine particle is preferably a peroxymonocarbonate group. The organic peroxide group on the surface of the metal oxide fine particle is preferably obtained by reacting a hydroxy group of a silicon oxide fine particle with an amino-modified silane coupling agent, thereby introducing an amino group to the surface of the silicon oxide fine particle, and then reacting the amino group with a compound having an ethylenically unsaturated group and an organic peroxide group.
US08575267B2
A process for the hydrolysis of polymers comprising vinylcarboxamide units by heating polymers comprising vinylcarboxamide units in an aqueous medium in the presence of acids or bases, wherein an aqueous solution or dispersion of a polymer comprising vinylcarboxamide units and an aqueous solution or a base or acid are fed continuously to a tubular reactor at elevated pressure, from 0.05 to less than one equivalent of a base or acid being used per vinylcarboxamide equivalent and the mixture being passed through the tubular reactor at a temperature of >100° C. to 250° C., depressurized and cooled.
US08575265B2
The present invention provides a polymerization method for acrylic latex without emulsifier, in which a reaction system is formed from 40˜60 wt % of pure water and 2˜9 wt % of carboxylic acid monomers with carbon-carbon double bond polymerizable functional groups (A), and 40˜50 wt % of methyl methacrylate or acrylate monomers (B), and 0.2˜2.0 wt % of inorganic alkaline solution is first used to adjust the pH value of the reaction system to within a pH range of 9.0˜13.0, then 0.2˜1.0 wt % of peroxide sulfates are used as initiators, and emulsification polymerization is carried out. At the end of the reaction, organic amine compounds are used to adjust the pH value of the obtained aqueous resin latex to within the pH range 7.0˜9.5. Particle diameters of the manufactured aqueous resin latex are approximately 100˜30 nm, uniformly distributed and have excellent outward appearance. Moreover, acid value is low at 3.5˜6.5 mgKOH/g, and Its specific gravity is approximately 1.07, slightly greater than that of water; storage stability is excellent, with good permeability that facilitates construction. Moreover, water resisting property as a dry film coating is good, tensile strength is excellent, and provides superior abrasion performance.
US08575262B2
This invention provides an aqueous polymeric dispersion, the polymer including, as polymerized units: from 0.1 to 10%, by weight based on the weight of the polymer, monomer selected from the group consisting of strong carboxylic acid monomers, sulfonic acid monomers and phosphorous-containing acid monomers, and from 0.01 to 3%, by weight based on the weight of the polymer, a moiety including the structure, wherein X═CY, N, or P and Y, independently ═H, C, N, O, Cl, Br, F, Si, S, or P. Also, a method for forming the aqueous polymeric dispersion and a method for providing a coating having improved adhesion to a substrate, particularly to a metal substrate, is provided.
US08575254B2
A polylactic acid-based composition including a polylactic acid-based resin, a buffering agent; and/or a compound derived from the buffering agent.
US08575247B2
A high flow polyvinyl halide compound is disclosed. The compound employs conventional ingredients plus a combination of phosphite stabilizer and hydrotalcite stabilizer which improve the melt flow index of the compound by at least 20%, as compared with a compound without the two types of stabilizers. The dramatically improved melt flow allows a molding cycle time reduction by as much as 22% because of a five-fold reduction in the fill step.
US08575246B2
A flame-retardant thermoplastic resin composition that has a largely decreased corrosiveness to metals while maintaining a high degree of flame retardancy is provided, which is produced by adding a phosphinic acid salt and a compound having a specific structure to a thermoplastic resin, and molded articles with largely decreased corrosiveness to metals are also provided, so that useful molded articles can be provided as materials for mechanical machine parts, electric/electronic components, and automotive parts. The flame-retardant thermoplastic resin composition includes 65 to 99 wt % of (A) a thermoplastic resin, 1 to 35 wt % of (B) at least one phosphinic acid salt selected from the group of phosphinic acid salt, diphosphinic acid salt, polymer of phosphinic acid salts, and polymer of diphosphinic acid salts, and 0.001 to 0.70 wt % of (C) a compound having a specific, and molded articles produced therefrom.
US08575236B1
An acrylic fireproof coating comprised of constituents including water, styrene acrylic polymer, refined white dolomite #0, processed granite #70, processed white marble #90, calcium sulfate, silicon concentrate 10 percent, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, butoxyethanol, light mineral spirits, #5 nano beads and phosphorus trichloride PCl 3. Also included is the method of preparing the acrylic fireproof coating.
US08575221B2
The invention relates to compounds of Formula I or Ia as disclosed herein: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof or tautomers thereof.
US08575214B2
The present invention provides novel mGlu2/3 agonists of the formula wherein R1, R2, and R3 are as defined herein, for use in the treatment of neurological or psychiatric disorders.
US08575213B2
An ester compound represented by formula (1): wherein R1 represents hydrogen, fluorine, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C1-C4 alkoxymethyl, or C1-C4 alkylthiomethyl; R3 represents hydrogen or methyl, R4 represents hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl, and R5 represents hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl; has an excellent pest control effect and is therefore useful as an active ingredient of a pest control agent.
US08575212B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of making a mineral product. The method includes contacting a carboxylic acid and an inorganic mineral compound sufficient to form a solution, reacting the solution over a period of time sufficient to provide a mineral chelated compound, transferring the mineral chelated compound to one or more molds prior to the compound substantially solidifying and reducing the size of the mineral chelated compound sufficient to provide a rapidly soluble mineral chelated product.
US08575208B2
The present invention relates to compounds that inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus NS3-NS4A protease. As such, they act by interfering with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The invention further relates to compositions comprising these compounds either for ex vivo use or for administration to a patient suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a patient by administering a composition comprising a compound of this invention.
US08575206B2
The present invention is directed to a novel 2-substituted benzimidazole derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders and conditions modulated by the androgen receptor.
US08575203B2
The present invention encompasses compounds of general formula (1) wherein the groups R1 to R4, Qa, Qb, QH, L and n are defined as in claim 1, which are suitable for the treatment of diseases characterised by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation, pharmaceutical preparations which contain such compounds and their use as medicaments.
US08575202B2
Stabilized cationic ammonium compounds are described. The compounds are stabilized with pyridine-based chelators and/or heteroketo-based chelators that impede the generation of nitrogen comprising groups from the cationic ammonium compounds.
US08575195B2
Methods of treating a hepatitis C virus (HCV) related disease, such as HCV infections in subjects non-responsive to anti-HCV therapy, are described herein, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of hydroxychloroquine. An antiviral agent may be co-administered with the hydroxychloroquine. Methods utilizing synergistic combinations of hydroxychloroquine and an antiviral agent are disclosed. Further disclosed are compositions comprising hydroxychloroquine and an antiviral agent, as well as hydroxychloroquine and uses thereof for the treatment of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) related disease.
US08575187B2
The present invention relates to combinations of an anilinopyrimidine, or a salt thereof, and a pyrion compound, or a salt thereof, which provide an improved biocidal effect. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions comprising a combination of an anilinopyrimidine, or a salt thereof, selected from the group consisting of pyrimethanil, cyprodinil or mepanipyrim, together with a pyrion compound selected from 1-hydroxy-2-pyridinone, ciclopirox, ciclopirox olamine, piroctone, piroctone olamine, rilopirox, pyrion disulfide, sodium pyrithione and zinc pyrithione in respective proportions to provide a synergistic biocidal effect. Compositions comprising these combinations are useful for the protection of any living or non-living material, such as crops, plants, fruits, seeds, objects made of wood, thatch or the like, engineering material, biodegradable material and textiles against deterioration due to the action of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, virusses, and the like.
US08575185B2
The present invention provides quinazolinedione derivatives of Formulae Ia and Ib, which can be advantageously used for treating schizophrenia and related psychoses such as acute manic, bipolar disorder, autistic disorder, depression and dementia.
US08575181B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein R1 is C1-6alkylamino, or C1-6alkoxy; m is an integer having a value of 3, 4, or 5; n is an integer having a value of 0 to 3; p is an integer having a value of 1 or 2 and salts thereof are inducers of human interferon. Compounds which induce human interferon may be useful in the treatment of various disorders, for example the treatment of allergic diseases and other inflammatory conditions for example allergic rhinitis and asthma, the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer, and may also be useful as vaccine adjuvants.
US08575178B2
The present invention is related to novel isothiazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidinedione and isothiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidinedione derivatives as TRPA (Transient Receptor Potential subfamily A) modulators. In particular, compounds described herein are useful for treating or preventing diseases, conditions and/or disorders modulated by TRPA1 (Transient Receptor Potential subfamily A, member 1). Also provided herein are processes for preparing compounds described herein, intermediates used in their synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for treating or preventing diseases, conditions and/or disorders modulated by TRPA1.
US08575177B2
The invention provides compounds that inhibit protein kinase CK2 activity (CK2 activity), and compositions containing such compounds. These compounds and compositions are useful for treating proliferative disorders such as cancer, as well as other kinase-associated conditions including inflammation, pain, and certain immunological disorders, and have the following general formula:
US08575176B2
Polyaromatic sodium channel blockers represented by the formula: are provided where the structural variables are defined herein. The invention also includes a variety of compositions, combinations and methods of treatment using these inventive sodium channel blockers.
US08575175B2
The present invention aims to provide a therapeutic agent for chronic renal failure, comprising as an effective ingredient a compound represented by General Formula (1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. That is, the present invention provides provision of a drug comprising as an effective ingredient a compound represented by General Formula (1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which drug is useful not only for amelioration of renal function, but also for amelioration of anemia, activation of SOD and excretion of uremic substances.
US08575173B2
The present invention relates to compounds of chemical formula 1 and having CCR2 (chemokine receptor 2) antagonistic effects, and salts or isomers thereof. These compounds are very useful for treating, preventing, or relieving rheumatoid arthritis, arteriosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, asthma, and various diseases related to CCR2. wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R9 is the same as defined in the specification.
US08575165B2
Methods for treating an inflammatory disorder and for inhibiting the production of IL-23 using 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds represented by formula (I):
US08575160B2
The present invention provides a compound of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R7 and p are defined herein. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition.
US08575142B2
To inhibit production of adipocytokines, in particular, adipocytokines that elicit insulin resistance and to prevent onset of pathosis caused by the insulin resistance or ameliorate the pathosis, the present invention provides an agent or a food or drink which contains a compound having a lophenol skeleton, or an organic solvent extract or a hot water extract of a Liliaceae plant or, a fraction thereof containing the compound as an active ingredient.
US08575141B2
The present invention relates to steroid-derived cyclopamine analogs and methods for using the same for inhibiting sonic hedgehog signaling and preventing or treating cancer. A method for synthesizing the analogs of the present invention from a steroid is also provided.
US08575137B2
The invention relates to a formulation comprising formoterol and budesonide for use in the treatment of respiratory diseases. The composition further contains HFA 227, PVP and PEG, preferably PVP K25 and PEG 1000.
US08575127B2
The invention features compounds of formula I and methods of their use as antiplatelet and antithrombotic compounds: H/N=Qχ2OOOOΛQ2-N, HR6/NIf)(^XMO-MγτOM°τX1MQ′)r(^rfHOOHHOOQHiNχiR2 Formula (I).
US08575124B2
This invention generally relates to compositions and methods for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to cancerous and pre-cancerous cells, thereby treating a cancer in a subject.
US08575122B2
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of otic diseases or conditions with auris sensory cell modulating agent compositions and formulations administered locally to an individual afflicted with an otic disease or condition, through direct application of these compositions and formulations onto or via perfusion into the targeted auris structure(s).
US08575117B2
A method for inhibiting proliferation of Helicobacter pylori including a compound that can simply be mass-produced, can specifically inhibit the proliferation of H. pylori, which has high safety and never generates any resistant bacteria, as well as a diet of a food or beverage, and a pharmaceutical preparation containing the proliferation inhibitor of Helicobacter pylori. The proliferation inhibitor of Helicobacter pylori comprises an alpha-N-acetyl-glucosaminyl bond-containing monosaccharide derivative represented by the following chemical formula (1) GlcNAc1-alpha-O—Y (1) (in the formula (1), Y is a straight-, branched- or cyclic-aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 27 carbon atoms or a straight-, branched- or cyclic-acyl group having 1 to 27 carbon atoms). The diet of the food, the beverage or the pharmaceutical preparation comprises the proliferation inhibitor of Helicobacter pylori.
US08575115B2
The present invention relates to a novel crystalline form of a Compound 3,4′,5-trihydroxy-stilbene-3-β-D-glucoside (polydatin) and a method of preparation and use thereof, and to a pharmaceutical composition containing crystalline form I of 3,4′,5-trihydroxy-stilbene-3-β-D-glucoside. Crystalline form I of 3,4′,5-trihydroxy-stilbene-3-β-D-glucoside of the present invention has a stable crystalline morphology, a definite melting point and a good chemical stability. Such a novel form of 3,4′,5-trihydroxy-stilbene-3-β-D-glucoside possesses the properties required for the preparation of solid formulations and is easily tabletable and readily formable when formulated, which allows for substantial decrease in raw materials costs, more facile operations in production and easier control over quality in industrial drug production, and moreover, better convenience in storage.
US08575107B2
Clusterin-derived peptides or homologues or derivatives thereof, pharmaceutical compositions including the same, methods of manufacturing the peptides, homologues, derivatives thereof and compositions including the same, and methods of treating conditions including administering the peptides, homologues, derivatives thereof and compositions including the same, are provided. Also provided are nucleotide sequences encoding the peptides, homologues, derivatives thereof and compositions including the same, antibodies directed to epitopes thereof and fusion proteins including the same.
US08575096B2
The invention is related to fast acting insulin analogues which can form soluble mix-tures (pre-mixed or self-mixed) with long acting insulin analogues. The fast action is achieved through monomerizing substitutions/deletions in the C-terminus of the B-chain of human insulin and the mixability with long acting insulin analogues is achieved through a substitution of the Zn-binding His in position B10 of human insulin with a Gln amino acid residue. In one embodiment the invention is related to fast acting insulin analogues in which at least one of the natural amino acid residues in position B22-B30 in the human B-chain has been substituted with another amino acid residue having the effect of promoting formation of the monomeric form of insulin, the His amino acid residue in position 10 in the B-chain is substituted with a Gln and wherein further one or more of the amino acid residues in position B22-B30 optionally have been deleted.
US08575095B2
The invention provides a peptide triazole conjugate and derivatives thereof, and methods of its use. Further provided are an antibody to the peptide triazole conjugate, and a method of identifying an HIV-1 entry inhibitor candidate.
US08575090B2
The invention relates to polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence which is an analogue of pramlintide, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these polypeptides, and these polypeptides for use as medicaments.
US08575088B2
The present invention belongs to the field of the application of genetic engineering and gene function, and it is directed to a new medical use of the gene encoding the recombinant soluble tumor necrosis factor α receptor (HusTNFR). The present invention made intervention to fulminant hepatic failure in mice by use of the long-acting recombinant human soluble tumor necrosis factor αreceptor and the classic animal models of acute and sub-acute hepatic failure. The results showed that the long-acting soluble tumor necrosis factor αreceptor of the present invention has a half-life extended more than 10 times, and it significantly decreased the mortality of model animals and has superior therapeutic effect for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of acute and sub-acute hepatic failure in model animals. These receptors have a noticeable therapeutic effect for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of acute and sub-acute hepatic failure in comparison with the non-long-acting HusTNFR.
US08575087B2
The present invention provides materials and methods useful to treat various sGCα1-expressing cancers. Materials include peptides which interfere with sGCα1's pro-survival functions, thereby resulting in apoptosis of sGCα1-expressing cells. In addition, the present invention provides screening assays, diagnostic assays, methods to prognose, methods to treat, and kits.
US08575081B2
The present invention is generally directed to methods of making diester-based lubricant compositions, wherein formation of diester species proceeds via direct esterification of epoxide intermediates. In some embodiments, the methods for making such diester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor and/or low value (e.g., Fischer-Tropsch (FT) olefins and/or alcohols) so as to produce high value diester-based lubricants. In some embodiments, such diester-based lubricants are derived from FT olefins and fatty acids. The fatty acids can be from a bio-based source (i.e., biomass, renewable source) or can be derived from FT alcohols via oxidation.
US08575066B2
A process for preparing water-soluble granules of amnionic glyphosate comprising: a) addition of glyphosate acid to a Broensted base which supplies ammonium ions in a molar ratio base/acid comprised between 0.8 and 1.1; b) homogenization of the mixture prepared in a); c) addition of one or more surfactants in amounts in the range 5%-50% by weight based on the glyphosate acid; d) mixing of the mass prepared in c) for a time lower than about 10 minutes until obtaining an extrudable mass; e) extrusion of the mass obtained in d); f) drying until obtaining a granule having a residual moisture lower than 1%.
US08575063B2
The present invention relates unique pore structures in nickel supported on alumina with the negligible formation of macropores. Incorporation of additional elements stabilizes the pore structure of the nickel supported on alumina. Additional element(s) were then further added into the nickel-supported materials. These additional element(s) further stabilize the pore structures under heating conditions. The improvements of pore structure stability under heating conditions and negligible presence of macropores limit the sintering of nickel metal to a mechanism of impeded diffusion. The negligible presence of macropores also limits the deposition of alkali metal hydroxide(s)/carbonate(s) on the outer shell of the catalyst pellet in the molten carbonate fuel cells. Both the negligible presence of macropores and improvement in pore structure stability allow for prolonging the catalyst life of these nickel supported on alumina catalysts of the present invention for reforming hydrocarbons.
US08575060B2
A fuel reforming catalyst is fabricated. The catalyst is used in solid oxide fuel cell. By using the catalyst, the hydrogen generation is enhanced with a great reforming ratio. In addition, the catalyst is coking-resistant and will not be broken into powder after a long time of use.
US08575059B1
A metal compound catalyst is formed by vaporizing a quantity of catalyst material and a quantity of carrier thereby forming a vapor cloud, exposing the vapor cloud to a co-reactant and quenching the vapor cloud. The nanoparticles are impregnated onto supports. The supports are able to be used in existing heterogeneous catalysis systems. A system for forming metal compound catalysts comprises components for vaporizing a quantity of catalyst material and a quantity of carrier, quenching the resulting vapor cloud, forming precipitate nanoparticles comprising a portion of catalyst material and a portion of carrier, and subjecting the nanoparticles to a co-reactant. The system further comprises components for impregnating the supports with the nanoparticles.
US08575057B2
UV curable compositions and methods for depositing one or more metal or metal alloy films on substrates are disclosed. The UV curable compositions contain a catalyst, one or more carrier particles, one or more UV curing agents, and one or more water-soluble or water-dispersible organic compounds. Metal or metal alloys may be deposited on the substrates by electroless or electrolytic deposition.
US08575053B2
A process is provided for increasing mixing in a regenerator. Streamlines of gas and some catalyst may form in a regenerator as a result of cyclone inlet horns positioned in the same direction. Overall mixing in the regenerator may decrease because of these streamlines. A dampening device may be used to interrupt the streamlines and increase mixing in the regenerator. The dampening device may be a baffle and direct streamlines from the outside of the chamber toward the center to collide and mix. In another embodiment, a dampening device may be a secondary disengager such as a T-disengager or an inverted can arrangement that may discharge gas and catalyst near the center of the upper chamber and interrupt the streamlines. In another embodiment, a dampening device may have swirl arms that redirect stream lines counter to the direction of flow.
US08575049B2
An optical glass comprising, by mass %, 12 to 30% of total of B2O3 and SiO2, 55 to 80% of total of La2O3, Gd2O3, Y2O3, Yb2O3, ZrO2, Nb2O5 and WO3, 2 to 10% of ZrO2, 0 to 15% of Nb2O5, 0 to 15% of ZnO and 0% or more but less than 13% of Ta2O5, wherein the ratio of the content of Ta2O5 to the total content of La2O3, Gd2O3, Y2O3, Yb2O3, ZrO2, Nb2O5 and WO3 is 0.23 or less, the ratio of the total content of La2O3, Gd2O3, Y2O3 and Yb2O3 to the total content of B2O3 and SiO2 is from 2 to 4, the optical glass having a refractive index nd of 1.86 or more and an Abbe's number νd of 38 or more, and a rod-shaped glass shaped material and an optical element formed of the above optical glass each.
US08575048B2
[Problems to be Solved]To provide a high-refractivity low-dispersion optical glass that enables the stable production of high-quality optical elements.[Means to Solve the Problems]An optical glass comprising, as essential components, 20 to 50% of B3+, 5 to 35% of La3+, 1 to 30% of Nb5+, 0.5 to 15% of Ta5+, and 11 to 40% of Zn2+, the total content of B3+ and Si4+ being 20 to 50%, the total content of La3+, Gd3+ and Y3+ being 5 to 35%, the cationic ratio of ((B3++Si4+)/(La3++Gd3++Y3+)) being from 1 to 5, the total content of Ti4+, Nb5+, Ta5+ and W6+ being 10 to 35%, the cationic ratio of ((Nb5++Ta5+)/(Ti4++Nb5++Ta5++W6+)) being from 0.7 to 1, the cationic ratio of ((B3++Si4+)/(Ti4++Nb5++Ta5++W6+)) being from 0.5 to 4, the cationic ratio of ((La3++Gd3++Y3+)/(Ti4++Nb5++Ta5++W6+)) being from 0.2 to 3, the cationic ratio of Zn2+/Zn2++Mg2++Ca2++Sr2++Ba2+) being from 0.8 to 1, the optical glass having a refractive index nd of 1.89 or more and an Abbe's number νd of 27 to 37.
US08575043B2
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of active areas disposed on a semiconductor substrate. A manufacturing method of the semiconductor device includes performing a first annealing process on the semiconductor substrate by emitting a first laser alone a first scanning direction, and performing a second annealing process on the semiconductor substrate by emitting a second laser alone a second scanning direction. The first scanning direction and the second scanning direction have an included angle.
US08575041B2
Damaged surface areas of low-k dielectric materials may be efficiently repaired by avoiding the saturation of dangling silicon bonds after a reactive plasma treatment on the basis of OH groups, as is typically applied in conventional process strategies. The saturation of the dangling bond may be accomplished by directly initiating a chemical reaction with appropriate organic species, thereby providing superior reaction conditions, which in turn results in a more efficient restoration of the dielectric characteristics.
US08575040B2
Semiconductor devices, structures and systems that utilize a polysilazane-based silicon oxide layer or fill, and methods of making the oxide layer are disclosed. In one embodiment, a polysilazane solution is deposited on a substrate and processed with ozone in a wet oxidation at low temperature to chemically modify the polysilazane material to a silicon oxide layer.
US08575036B2
A masking layer is formed on a dielectric region of an electronic device so that, during formation of a capping layer on electrically conductive regions that are separated by the dielectric region, the masking layer inhibits formation of capping layer material on or in the dielectric region. The capping layer can be formed selectively on the electrically conductive regions or non-selectively; capping layer material formed over the dielectric region can be removed, thus ensuring that capping layer material is formed only on the electrically conductive regions. Silane-based materials, such as silane-based SAMs, can be used to form the masking layer. The capping layer can be formed of an electrically conductive material a semiconductor material, or an electrically insulative material, and can be formed using any appropriate process, including conventional deposition processes such as electroless deposition, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition.
US08575034B2
The present invention relates to a fabricating method of a semiconductor element. First, a substrate is provided and a first layout structure having a first width is formed on the substrate. Then, an etching mask is formed to cover the first layout structure, and the etching mask exposes a portion of the first layout structure. After that, the first layout structure is etched with the etching mask to form a second layout structure having a second width. The second width is less than the first width. This fabricating method is capable of finishing the fabrication of gate structures in two different directions. Accordingly, the layout flexibility is improved.
US08575031B2
A method is provided for forming a fine pattern. In the method, a first fine pattern and a first metal pattern are formed by respectively patterning a first fine pattern layer on a base substrate and a first metal layer on the first fine pattern layer. A second fine pattern layer and a second metal layer are sequentially formed over the first fine pattern and the first metal pattern. The second metal layer is patterned, so that a second metal pattern between adjacent portions of the first fine pattern. The second fine pattern layer is patterned using the second metal pattern as a mask, so that a second fine pattern is formed between adjacent portions of the first fine pattern.
US08575028B2
Methods, apparatus, and systems for depositing copper and other metals are provided. In some implementations, a wafer substrate is provided to an apparatus. The wafer substrate has a surface with field regions and a feature. A copper layer is plated onto the surface of the wafer substrate. The copper layer is annealed to redistribute copper from regions of the wafer substrate to the feature. Implementations of the disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems allow for void-free bottom-up fill of features in a wafer substrate.
US08575027B1
Provided are methods and systems for forming discreet multilayered structures. Each structure may be deposited by in situ deposition of multiple layers at one of multiple site isolation regions provided on the same substrate for use in combinatorial processing. Alignment of different layers within each structure is provided by using two or more differently sized openings in-between one or more sputtering targets and substrate. Specifically, deposition of a first layer is performed through the first opening that defines a first deposition area. A shutter having a second smaller opening is then positioned in-between the one or more targets and substrate. Sputtering of a second layer is then performed through this second opening that defines a second deposition area. This second deposition area may be located within the first deposition area based on sizing and alignment of the openings as well as alignment of the substrate.
US08575024B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having an air gap, includes: providing a substrate having a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer formed thereon successively; forming a mask layer on the second dielectric layer; patterning the first and the second dielectric layer by using the mask layer as a mask so as to form a plurality of grooves; filling a conducting material into the grooves; removing redundant conducting material on the second dielectric layer utill the second dielectric layer is exposed so as to form a plurality of conductive trenches; forming a molecular sieve on the second dielectric layer and the conductive trenches; and removing the second dielectric layer partly or completely by flowing a reactant gas towards the second dielectric layer through the molecular sieve, so as to form an air gap. It is novel and simple to form an air gap through molecular sieve.
US08575020B2
An integrated circuit may be formed by a process of forming a first interconnect pattern in a plurality of parallel route tracks, and forming a second interconnect pattern in the plurality of parallel route tracks. The first interconnect pattern includes a first lead pattern which extends to a first point in an instance of the first plurality of parallel route tracks, and the second interconnect pattern includes a second lead pattern which extends to a second point in the same instance of the plurality of parallel route tracks, such that the second point is laterally separated from the first point by a distance one to one and one-half times a space between adjacent parallel lead patterns in the plurality of parallel route tracks. A metal interconnect formation process is performed which forms metal interconnect lines in an interconnect level defined by the first interconnect pattern and the second interconnect pattern.
US08575019B2
There is provided a method for forming a metal interlayer via, comprising: forming a seed layer on a first dielectric layer and a first metal layer embedded in the first dielectric layer; forming a mask pattern on the seed layer to expose a portion of the seed layer covering some of the first metal layer; growing a second metal layer on the exposed portion of the seed layer; removing the mask pattern and a portion of the seed layer carrying the mask pattern to expose side walls of the second metal layer, a portion of the first metal layer and the first dielectric layer; forming an insulating barrier layer on the side walls, the portion of the first metal layer and the first dielectric layer. There is also provided a method for forming a metal interconnection line. Both of them can suppress the occurrence of voids. There is further provided a metal interconnection structure comprising a contact plug, a via and a metal interconnection line, wherein the via is formed on the metal interconnection line, the metal gate and/or the contact plug.
US08575017B2
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device comprises a plurality of memory cells, each including a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film formed on the semiconductor substrate, a floating gate formed on the semiconductor substrate with the inclusion of the first insulating film, a second insulating film formed on the floating gate, and a control gate formed on the floating gate with the inclusion of the second insulating film; an element isolation insulating film formed in the semiconductor substrate and extending in a gate-length direction to isolate between memory cells adjoining in a gate-width direction; and an air gap formed on the element isolation insulating film and between floating gates adjoining in the gate-width direction.
US08575014B2
The invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device that comprises placing a metallic gate layer over a gate dielectric layer where the metallic gate layer has a crystallographic orientation, and re-orienting the crystallographic orientation of the metallic gate layer by subjecting the metallic gate layer to a hydrogen anneal.
US08575010B2
The invention relates to a method for fabricating a semiconductor substrate by providing a silicon on insulator type substrate that includes a base, an insulating layer and a first semiconductor layer, doping the first semiconductor layer to thereby obtain a modified first semiconductor layer, and providing a second semiconductor layer with a different dopant concentration than the modified first semiconductor layer over or on the modified first semiconductor layer. With this method, an improved dopant concentration profile can be achieved through the various layers which makes the substrates in particular more suitable for various optoelectronic applications.
US08575006B2
This invention discloses a process for packaging semiconductor device with external leads. The process includes comprises Step 1: providing a lead frame comprising a plurality of lead frame units connected by a plurality of metal beams, each lead frame unit comprising a die pad and a plurality of leads located on opposite sides of the die pad; adhering a semiconductor chip onto each of the die pad, and providing a plurality of metal connections for electrically connecting each chip to its corresponding leads; Step 2 providing a plastic molding material to enclose the plurality of the lead frame units, the metal beams, the chips, and at least portions of the metal connections; Step 3 removing a portion of the plastic molding material above the metal beams to expose the metal beams and portions of the leads in connection with the metal beams; and Step 4 separating each lead frame unit, forming a plurality of individual semiconductor plastic package components with external leads.
US08574997B2
A method for fabricating a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) capacitor includes forming a first electrode layer, forming a catalytic layer on the first electrode layer, optionally annealing the catalytic layer, forming a dielectric layer on the catalytic layer, optionally annealing the dielectric layer, forming a second electrode layer on the dielectric layer, and optionally annealing the capacitor stack. Advantageously, the electrode layers are TiN, the catalytic layer is MoO2−x where x is between 0 and 2, and the physical thickness of the catalytic layer is between about 0.5 nm and about 10 nm, and the dielectric layer is ZrO2.
US08574995B2
The present disclosure provides methods of semiconductor device fabrication for 3D devices. One method includes provide a substrate having a recess and forming a doping layer on the substrate and in the recess. The substrate is then annealed. The annealing drives dopants of a first type from the doping layer into the substrate. This can form a doped region that may be the source/drain extension of the 3D device. An epitaxial region is then grown in the recess. The epitaxial region can form the source/drain region of the 3D device.
US08574987B1
A first dielectric layer is formed over a semiconductor layer in an NVM region and a logic region. A charge storage layer is formed over the first dielectric layer in the NVM and logic regions. The charge storage layer is patterned to form a dummy gate in the logic region and a charge storage structure in the NVM region. A second dielectric layer is formed over the semiconductor layer in the NVM and logic regions which surrounds the charge storage structure and the dummy gate. The dummy gate is replaced with a logic gate. The second dielectric layer is removed from the NVM region while protecting the second dielectric layer in the logic region. A third dielectric layer is formed over the charge storage structure, and a control gate layer is formed over the third dielectric layer.
US08574985B2
Methods for depositing high-K dielectrics are described, including depositing a first electrode on a substrate, wherein the first electrode is chosen from the group consisting of platinum and ruthenium, applying an oxygen plasma treatment to the exposed metal to reduce the contact angle of a surface of the metal, and depositing a titanium oxide layer on the exposed metal using at least one of a chemical vapor deposition process and an atomic layer deposition process, wherein the titanium oxide layer comprises at least a portion rutile titanium oxide.
US08574983B2
A method for fabricating a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) capacitor includes forming a first electrode film. The first electrode film comprises a conductive binary metal compound and a dopant. The dopant may have a uniform or non-uniform concentration within the first electrode film. A high-k dielectric film is formed over the first electrode film. A second electrode film is formed over the dielectric film. The second electrode film comprises a conductive binary metal compound and a dopant. The dopant may have a uniform or non-uniform concentration within the second electrode film. The dopants and their distribution are chosen so that the crystal structure of the surface of the electrode is not degraded if the electrode is to be used as a templating structure for subsequent layer formation. Additionally, the dopants and their distribution are chosen so that the work function of the electrodes is not degraded.
US08574977B2
The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a gate stack structure and adjusting a gate work function for a PMOS device, comprising: growing an ultra-thin interface oxide layer or oxynitride layer on a semiconductor substrate by rapid thermal oxidation or chemical method after conventional LOCOS or STI dielectric isolation is completed; depositing high-K gate dielectric and performing rapid thermal annealing; depositing a composite metal gate; depositing a barrier metal layer; depositing a polysilicon film and a hard mask and then performing photolithography and etching the hard mask; removing photoresist and etching the polysilicon film, the barrier metal layer, the metal gate, the high-K gate dielectric, and the interface oxide layer in sequence to form a gate stack structure of polysilicon film/barrier metal layer/metal gate/high-K gate dielectric; forming spacers, source/drain implantation in a conventional manner and performing rapid thermal annealing, whereby while source/drain dopants are activated, adjusting of metal gate effective work function of the PMOS device is achieved.
US08574974B2
Forming a photoresist on a region other than a region on a trench gate electrode for a mask, a third gate insulating film on the trench gate electrode is etched and removed. After that, a non-doped polycrystalline silicon layer is formed on second and third gate insulating films and also on the trench gate electrode, and, N-type and P-type high concentration impurities are introduced by an ion implantation with the use of separate masks on the polycrystalline silicon layer of NMOS transistors and PMOS transistors with a low breakdown voltage and a high breakdown voltage. Then, a second gate electrode is formed by anisotropic etching. With the steps as described above, a first gate electrode inside the trench and the second gate electrode to be used in the lateral MOS transistor are laminated, to thereby reduce fluctuations due to the etching.
US08574964B2
A semiconductor device has a flipchip type semiconductor die with contact pads and substrate with contact pads. A flux material is deposited over the contact pads of the semiconductor die and contact pads of the substrate. A solder tape formed as a continuous body of solder material with a plurality of recesses is disposed between the contact pads of the semiconductor die and substrate. The solder tape is brought to a liquidus state to separate a portion of the solder tape outside a footprint of the contact pads of the semiconductor die and substrate under surface tension and coalesce the solder material as an electrical interconnect substantially within the footprint of the contact pads of the semiconductor die and substrate. The contact pads on the semiconductor die and substrate can be formed with an extension or recess to increase surface area of the contact pads.
US08574959B2
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die with a plurality of composite bumps formed over a surface of the semiconductor die. The composite bumps have a fusible portion and non-fusible portion, such as a conductive pillar and bump formed over the conductive pillar. The composite bumps can also be tapered. Conductive traces are formed over a substrate with interconnect sites having edges parallel to the conductive trace from a plan view for increasing escape routing density. The interconnect site can have a width less than 1.2 times a width of the conductive trace. The composite bumps are wider than the interconnect sites. The fusible portion of the composite bumps is bonded to the interconnect sites so that the fusible portion covers a top surface and side surface of the interconnect sites. An encapsulant is deposited around the composite bumps between the semiconductor die and substrate.
US08574958B2
This invention belongs to semiconductor device manufacturing field and discloses a method for manufacturing a gate-control diode semiconductor storage device. When the floating gate voltage is relatively high, the channel under the floating gate is of n type and a simple gate-control pn junction structure is configured; by controlling effective n-type concentration of the ZnO film through back-gate control, inverting the n-type ZnO into p-type through a floating gate and using NiO as a p-type semiconductor, an n-p-n-p doping structure is formed while the quantity of charges in the floating gate determines the device threshold voltage, thus realizing memory functions. This invention features capacity of manufacturing gate-control diode memory devices able to reduce the chip power consumption through advantages of high driving current and small sub-threshold swing. This invention is applicable to semiconductor devices manufacturing based on flexible substrate and flat panel displays and floating gate memories, etc.
US08574957B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a variable resistance nonvolatile semiconductor memory element which can operate at a low voltage and high speed when initial breakdown is caused, and inhibit oxidization of a contact plug. The method for manufacturing the variable resistance nonvolatile semiconductor memory element, which includes a bottom electrode, a variable resistance layer, and a top electrode which are formed above a contact plug, includes oxidizing to insulate an end portion of the variable resistance layer prior to forming a bottom electrode by patterning a first conductive film.
US08574944B2
A system for selectively filling pin holes, weak shunts and/or scribe lines in photovoltaics devices and photovoltaic cells made thereby is described.
US08574939B2
A semiconductor optoelectronic structure with increased light extraction efficiency and a fabrication method thereof are presented. The semiconductor optoelectronic structure includes continuous grooves formed under an active layer of the semiconductor optoelectronic structure to reflect light from the active layer and thereby direct more light through a light output surface so as to increase the light intensity from the semiconductor optoelectronic structure.
US08574931B2
Strip testing is applied to a plurality of integrated circuit dies that are each encapsulated in an encapsulant, that each have a set of externally accessible leads connected thereto, and that are electrically isolated from one another. Provision is made for the strip testing to be performed without mounting the encapsulated integrated circuit dies on a support tape.
US08574923B2
A sample preparation device is disclosed. The sample preparation device includes a housing defining a passage way between a first opening and a second opening; and a sample filter occupying a section of said passage way. The sample filter contains a monolith adsorbent that specifically binds to nucleic acids. Also disclosed are sample filters containing glass frit is coated with an capture agent that binds specifically to an analyte of interest, sample filters containing a hydrophilic matrix with impregnated chemicals that lyses cell membranes, a cartridge base and an integrated sample preparation cartridge.
US08574914B2
This invention relates to a method for using a zinc sensor compound to detect a disease associated with the disruption of zinc homeostasis, such as prostate cancer. The zinc sensor compound comprises an optical reporter having two or more recognition units where each of the recognition units is capable of associating with at least one zinc ion.
US08574912B2
An automated system for preparing a plurality of cytological specimens from a plurality of fluid samples in vials includes an apparatus for collecting a monolayer of cells from each sample and transferring the cells to a microscope slide for fixing, staining, and inspection. The system includes a first loading station for receiving the sample vials, a second loading station for receiving consumables such as filter membranes, a slide dispenser, and an unloading area for removing completed specimen slides. To maintain one-to-one correlation between the samples and specimens produced therefrom, the system includes a subsystem for identifying each sample and permanently marking each slide with corresponding indicia prior to transferring the specimen thereto.
US08574909B2
The invention relates to a strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae which, owing to deletion of the genomic sequences, no longer synthesizes hexose transporters and, as a consequence, can no longer grow on substrates with hexoses as the only carbon source, and whose ability of growing on a substrate with a hexose as the only carbon source is restored when it expresses a GLUT4 gene.
US08574904B2
The present invention provides a method for producing mesenchymal cells for production of mesenchymal cells for formation of a tooth, the method comprising: culturing totipotent stem cells in the presence of a differentiation inducer to produce a cell population after differentiation induction treatment, the cell population containing CD44-positive and CD29-positive cells or CD44-positive and CD106-positive cells; and selecting, from the cell population after the differentiation induction treatment, the CD44-positive and CD29-positive cells or CD44-positive and CD106-positive cells as the mesenchymal cells for the formation of the tooth. The present invention also provides a method for producing a tooth comprising: positioning, in a support carrier capable of retaining cells in a state of contacting therewith, a first cell mass substantially consisting of only either one of mesenchymal cells and epithelial cells and a second cell mass substantially consisting of only the other one of the mesenchymal cells and epithelial cells, the first and second cell masses being not mixed with each other but made to closely contact with each other; and culturing the first and second cell masses; wherein the mesenchymal cells comprise the mesenchymal cells for the formation of the tooth.
US08574903B2
The invention relates to an ex vivo method for expanding monocytes, macrophages or dendritic cells, which method comprises inhibiting the expression or the activity of MafB and c-Maf in monocytes, macrophages or dendritic cells; and expanding the cells in the presence of at least one cytokine or an agonist of cytokine receptor signaling.
US08574899B2
The subject matter of this invention is a novel method to augment the process of obtaining populations of placental hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells for use in medical practices. A method of augmentation of stem cells collection from placenta is claimed comprising the steps of (a) infusing placental vessels cell preservation compound and a with a composition containing blockers of cell adhesion receptors, (b) incubating said placenta for a sufficient period of time, (c) placing placenta in a containment with sufficient intensity of electromagnetic or ultrasound field for a sufficient period of time; (d) eluting cell suspension from placental vessels, (e) collecting cell suspension and harvesting cells. Invention further claims a method of treatment a disease by means of administering therapeutic composition containing said placental-derived hematopoietic stem cells.
US08574889B1
The invention provides a process for producing ammonia or ammonium from an organic material, the method by contacting the organic material with at least one hydrolytic enzyme, in a medium, to produce a medium including hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed organic material suitable for microbial fermentation. The hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed medium with organic material is then fermented in the presence of at least one microorganism capable of ammonification, wherein the fermenting is under conditions, and for a sufficient period of time, to produce a fermentation product that comprises ammonia or ammonium. The organic material includes nitrogenous compounds suitable for conversion to ammonia or ammonium.
US08574886B2
The present invention relates to methods for producing a hyaluronic acid, comprising: (a) cultivating a Bacillus host cell under conditions suitable for production of the hyaluronic acid, wherein the Bacillus host cell comprises a nucleic acid construct comprising a hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence operably linked to a promoter sequence foreign to the hyaluronan synthase encoding sequence; and (b) recovering the hyaluronic acid from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to an isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding a hyaluronan synthase operon comprising a hyaluronan synthase gene and a UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase gene, and optionally one or more genes selected from the group consisting of a UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase gene, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase gene, and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase gene. The present invention also relates to isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding a UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase, UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase.
US08574884B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one neutral metalloprotease enzyme that has improved storage stability. In some embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease finds use in cleaning and other applications. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions comprising neutral metalloprotease(s) obtained from Bacillus sp. In some more particularly preferred embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is obtained from B. amyloliquefaciens. In still further preferred embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is a variant of the B. amyloliquefaciens neutral metalloprotease. In yet additional embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is a homolog of the B. amyloliquefaciens neutral metalloprotease. The present invention finds particular use in applications including, but not limited to cleaning, bleaching and disinfecting.
US08574882B2
A protein comprising an amino acid sequence having at least one mutation selected from a Gly-4 to Ala mutation, a Glu-6 to His mutation, a Ser-14 to Thr mutation, an Ala-37 to Thr or Arg mutation, a Pro-50 to Gln mutation, a Glu-67 to Gly mutation, an Asp-80 to Tyr mutation, a Val-93 to Met mutation, an Arg-156 to Pro mutation, a Leu-164 to Met mutation, an Asn-202 to Asp mutation, a Thr-235 to Ala mutation, an Asn-348 to Tyr mutation, a Gly-362 to Arg mutation and a Val-473 to Ala mutation in the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ II NO:4. (2) A thermostable protein which comprises an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence having at least one variation described in (1) and having 1,5-anhydroglucitol dehydrogenase activity. These proteins act specifically on 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), have thermal stability and exhibit excellent storage stability.
US08574881B2
The present invention provides dyes, reactive dyes and labeled reagents that may be used in the detection or quantification of desirable target molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. Dyes are provided that may be used free in solution where the binding of the dye to the target molecule provides signal generation. Dyes are also provided that comprise reactive groups that may be used to attach the dyes to probes that will bind to desirable target molecules. The novel dyes of the present invention have been modified by the addition of charged and polar groups to provide beneficial properties.
US08574871B2
The present application relates to genetically modified yeasts for the production of glycoproteins having optimized and homogeneous glycan structures. These yeasts comprise an inactivation of the Och 1 gene, the integration by homologous recombination, into an auxotrophic marker, of an expression cassette comprising a first promoter, and an open reading frame comprising the coding sequence for an α-1,2-mannosidase I, and the integration of a cassette comprising a second promoter different from said first promoter and the coding sequence for an exogenous glycoprotein. These yeasts make it possible to produce EPO with an optimized and 98% homogeneous glycosylation.
US08574865B2
Methods and assays for identifying a compound that modulates a protein-protein interaction between a first and a second protein. The methods and assays require a protease that is attached to the second protein and a split and rearranged reporter activating protein that is attached to the first protein, wherein the reporter activating protein comprises a cleavage site for the protease that is interposed between two portions of the reporter activating protein and wherein the two portions of the reporter activating protein are in a rearranged order.
US08574855B2
The present invention provides assays for detecting and measuring the presence or level of anti-TNFα drug therapeutics and autoantibodies in a sample. The present invention is useful for optimizing therapy and monitoring patients receiving anti-TNFα drug therapeutics to detect the presence or level of autoantibodies (e.g., HACA and/or HAHA) against the drug.
US08574854B2
Described herein are compositions and methods of use of anti-pancreatic cancer antibodies or fragments thereof, such as murine, chimeric, humanized or human PAM4 antibodies. The antibodies show novel and useful diagnostic characteristics, such as binding with high specificity to pancreatic and other cancers, but not to normal or benign pancreatic tissues and binding to a high percentage of early stage pancreatic cancers. Preferably, the antibodies bind to pancreatic cancer mucins such as MUC1 or MUC5ac and are of use for the detection and diagnosis of early stage pancreatic cancer. In more preferred embodiments, the anti-pancreatic cancer antibodies can be used for immunoassay of serum samples, wherein the immunoassay detects a marker for early stage pancreatic cancer in serum. Most preferably, the serum is extracted with an organic phase, such as butanol, before immunoassay. Alternatively, immunoassay with PAM4 and anti-CA19.9 antibodies may be utilized to improve sensitivity for pancreatic cancer.
US08574851B2
The present disclosure relates to methods for detecting an increased risk of preeclampsia, determining the presence of preeclampsia, reducing the likelihood that preeclampsia will develop and treating preeclampsia. It also provides methods of measuring relaxin levels in a biological sample of a pregnant woman.
US08574850B2
An individual at risk for necrotizing enterocolitis and related disorders can be identified by measuring the level of at least one secretor antigen in a biological sample from the individual and comparing the measured level of the at least one secretor antigen to a predetermined value or a predetermined range of values. Among the secretor antigens which can be measured are: the H-1, H-2, Lewisb and Lewisy antigens and derivatives thereof (e.g., a sialylated form of Lewis a, Lewis x, Lewis b, Lewis y; H-1, H-2, Lewis a, Lewis x, Lewis b or Lewis y).
US08574845B2
A method is provided for detecting an increased susceptibility to ulcerative colitis by determining the presence of a polymorphism at position 256 of the nucleotide sequence of rs3024505 in which C is substituted by T or the presence of a polymorphism at position 501 of the nucleotide sequence of rs12612347 in which G is substituted by A.
US08574843B2
The phylogeny of twelve Campylobacter species was determined based on partial (1020-bp) gyrB gene sequences. Methods have been described for detection and speciation of Campylobacter, including 16S rRNA sequence analysis. However, gyrB provides a better resolution than the 16S rDNA gene for Campylobacter species with interspecies sequence similarities ranging from 58.3 to 89.2% compared to those reported for the 16S rRNA gene (ranging from 89 to 99%). A universal primer set, designed to amplify a 900-bp fragment of the gyrB gene in Campylobacter spp., was developed and used for PCR-RFLP of 19 strains representing twelve Campylobacter species and resulted in unique digest patterns for all twelve Campylobacter species PCR assays for amplification of regions of the gyrB gene specific for each Campylobacter species were also developed. Using these PCR and PCR-RFLP methods results in unambiguous identification of the majority of Campylobacter species.
US08574839B2
Targeted sequencing of genetic regions that differ between two DNA preparations uses genomic fragment enrichment. This method can be used to study genetic variation among closely related species and microbial communities, particularly for identifying sources of fecal pollution.
US08574838B2
The present invention is a kit and method for isolating and quantitating miRNA and to the use of such methods in the diagnosis and prognosis of disease.
US08574837B2
The present invention identifies a method for investigating the response of a cell membrane-associated protein in a living cell to a drug by labeling the protein with a visual marker, and also selectively labeling the membrane portion of the protein with another visual marker, such that upon exposure of the cell to a stimulus, the translocation of the cell membrane-associated protein may be observed directly.
US08574835B2
The invention provides particle compositions having applications in nucleic acid analysis. Nucleic acid polymer particles of the invention allow polynucleotides to be attached throughout their volumes for higher loading capacities than those achievable solely with surface attachment. In one aspect, nucleic acid polymer particles of the invention comprise polyacrylamide particles with uniform size distributions having low coefficients of variations, which result in reduced particle-to-particle variation in analytical assays. Such particle compositions are used in various amplification reactions to make amplicon libraries from nucleic acid fragment libraries.
US08574834B2
The invention concerns an in vitro method for selecting the therapy for a steroid resistant patient, wherein the method comprises isolating cells from a sample taken from said patient; cultivating said isolated cells in the presence of a steroid, an immunomodulatory oligonucleotide or a mixture thereof; determining an expression level of at least one marker gene in said isolated cells; and comparing said expression level of said at least one marker gene to a value obtained from the cultivation of cells from a healthy person in the presence of a steroid, an immunomodulatory oligonucleotide or a mixture thereof, or to a normalized value obtained from a healthy population. Examples of marker genes are CD163, Tsp1, IL1-R2, TLR2, TLR4, MKP-1 and TXK.
US08574830B2
Monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins specific to influenza H5 subtype HA protein can be used in serological diagnosis of influenza H5 infection in mammalian and avian serum samples, including human serum samples. Each antibody reacts strongly with a wide variety of strains of H5 subtype and does not show cross-reactivity with non-H5 influenza subtypes.
US08574817B2
A positive resist composition comprising a polymer having carboxyl groups substituted with an acid labile group having formula (1), (2) or (3) exhibits a high contrast of alkaline dissolution rate before and after exposure, a high resolution, a reduced acid diffusion rate, and forms a pattern with good profile, minimal edge roughness, and etch resistance. In formula (1), R1, R2, R5, R6, R8, and R9 are alkyl, aryl, or alkenyl, R3, R4, R7, R10, and R11 are hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, acyloxy, halogen, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl or trifluoromethyl, M is methylene or ethylene, R is a single bond or linking group.
US08574807B2
A method of manufacturing toner is provided, including discharging a toner constituents liquid from multiple nozzles to form liquid droplets and solidifying the liquid droplets into toner particles. The multiple nozzles satisfy the following formula: 2.5≦p/d≦7.5 wherein d represents an outlet diameter of each nozzle and p represents an interval between two nozzles.
US08574799B2
This invention provides an electrophotographic photoreceptor having improved resistance to soiling by a human body-derived substance and a high image stability. The electrophotographic photoreceptor comprises an electroconductie substrate and a photosensitive layer provided on the substrate and is characterized in that the photosensitive layer contains, as a binder resin, a polycarbonate resin comprising constituent units represented by the following formula (A) and the following formula (B), wherein R1 to R4 represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or the like; and X represents an alkylene group or the like. 3 to 50% by weight of the total constituent units is accounted for by the constituent units of formula (A) and the intrinsic viscosity is 0.3 to 2 dl/g. [Chemical formula 1] (A)(B).
US08574794B2
Disclosed herein is a photosensitive resin composition which exhibits proper optical density and hydrophobicity when it is formed into a light-shielding film, and which is useful in preventing the color mixing or position deviation of color ink when the color ink is charged in a region defined by a light-shielding film.
US08574792B2
A photomask includes a substrate, a mask pattern layer and a super lens. The substrate includes a pattern which includes protruding portions, and open portions between the protruding portions. The mask pattern layer is in the open portions of the pattern and fills the open portions of the pattern. The super lens is on the substrate and the mask pattern layer.
US08574789B2
Embodiment of the present invention relate to dendrimers useful for application as catalysts, in particular as improved electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs). Methods of preparing such catalysts are described. Examples include dendritic nanostructured metal catalysts, such as platinum and platinum-alloy catalysts.
US08574783B2
A fuel cell stack including membrane-electrode assemblies and separators formed between each of the membrane-electrode assemblies is disclosed. The membrane-electrode assemblies may each include an electrolyte membrane, an anode formed on a first surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode formed on a second surface of the electrolyte membrane. Each of the separators may include an anode separator facing the anode and a cathode separator facing the cathode. Each of the separators may include at least two manifolds, a channel separated from the manifolds and facing either the anode or the cathode, and a connection channel fluidly connecting the manifold and the channel. The separator may also include a buffer protrusion system in the connection channel configured to disperse the flow of the fuel or the oxidant.
US08574776B2
A fuel cell system that employs a method for determining the potential that a freeze condition will exist after the system is shut-down based on predetermined input, such as ambient temperature, geographical location, user usage profile, date, weather reports, etc. If the system determines that a freeze condition is probable, then the system initiates a purge shut-down of the fuel cell system where water is purged out of the reactant gas flow channels. If the system determines that a freeze condition is unlikely, then it will initiate a normal shut-down procedure without purging the flow channels. The system will then periodically determine if the conditions have changed, and will initiate the purge if a freeze condition subsequently becomes probable.
US08574772B2
The main object of the present invention is to provide a solid electrolyte with intergranular resistance decreased.The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem by providing a solid electrolyte comprising a garnet-type compound with Li ion conductivity as the main component, characterized in that a phosphate group-containing Li ion conductor is provided between particles of the above-mentioned garnet-type compound, and the phosphate group-containing Li ion conductor has a smaller particle diameter than a particle diameter of the above-mentioned garnet-type compound and makes face contact with the above-mentioned garnet-type compound.
US08574744B1
A three-dimensional nanobattery formed by individually wiring nanostructured electrodes and combining them with an electrolyte. Short, capped nanotubes termed ‘nanobaskets’ are formed by sputtering coating onto nanoporous templates. Metallic nanowires are grown by electrochemical deposition from the nanobaskets and through the template, making electrical contact with each nanobasket electrode. The same procedure can be used to fabricate both a battery anode and a battery cathode. A thin layer of electrolyte is placed between the two nanobasket electrodes, and electrical contact is made through the nanowires.
US08574742B2
The printed battery has cathode and anode electrodes with terminals to connect to an external circuit, separator therebetween and electrolyte. An anode electrode material is applied on one side of the separator and a cathode electrode material on the opposite side. The anode material is dry and hydrophobic and is prepared by providing an anode active material, conductive material, solvent and a binder that are mixed to form an anode ink. The anode ink is applied on a substrate and then dried. In response to the drying, the solvent evaporates and the anode ink forms a film on the substrate. The prepared anode material is applied on the separator. An electrolyte solution is printed on the separator that has the anode material thereon. A cathode material is applied between a collector material and separator.
US08574739B2
Disclosed herein is a heat dissipating device for a battery pack which comprises a heat pipe and a heat collecting plate comprising a bottom heat collecting plate and an upper heat collecting plate each having a hole therein, wherein two ends of the heat pipe are inserted respectively into the holes in the bottom heat collecting plate and the upper heat collecting plate. A battery using the heat dissipating device is also disclosed. During the operation of the heat dissipating device, since the heat generated by the cells can be collected in the upper heat collecting plate, then transmitted to the bottom heat collecting plate through the heat pipe, and finally dissipated outwardly by the bottom heat collecting plate, the heat generated by cells can be dissipated rapidly and efficiently.
US08574737B2
A bioelectric battery may be used to power implantable devices. The bioelectric battery may have an anode electrode and a cathode electrode separated by an insulating member comprising a tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said anode is inserted into said first end of said tube and said cathode surrounds said tube such that the tube provides a support for the cathode electrode. The bioelectric battery may also have a membrane surrounding the cathode to reduce tissue encapsulation. Alternatively, an anode electrode, a cathode electrode surrounding the cathode electrode, a permeable membrane surrounding the cathode electrode. An electrolyte is disposed within the permeable membrane and a mesh surrounds the permeable membrane. In an alternative embodiment, a pacemaker housing acts as a cathode electrode for a bioelectric battery and an anode electrode is attached to the housing with an insulative adhesive.
US08574734B2
A vehicle battery temperature control system includes a battery, a heating device, a housing, a heat exchanger and a sensor. The battery has a heat sink that transfers thermal energy to the battery. The heating device is selectively operable to provide thermal energy. The housing includes a chamber that contains the battery and a saturated liquid coolant that substantially immerses the heat sink, and the coolant receives the thermal energy from the heating device to cause a phase change of the coolant from liquid to vapor to heat the heat sink which heats the battery. The heat exchanger removes thermal energy from the vapor to change the vapor to liquid and returns the liquid to the chamber. The sensor detects a characteristic of the vapor and signals operation of the heating device to provide the thermal energy based on a relationship between the characteristic and a threshold.
US08574730B2
Information storage devices and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. A magnetic track of the information storage device includes a magnetic layer in which at least one magnetic domain forming region and at least one magnetic domain wall forming region are alternately disposed in a lengthwise direction. The at least one magnetic domain forming regions has a different magnetic anisotropic energy relative to the at least one magnetic domain wall forming region. An intermediate layer is formed under the magnetic layer. The intermediate layer includes at least one first material region and at least one second material region. Each of the at least one first material regions and the at least one second material regions corresponds to one of the at least one magnetic domain forming regions and the at least one magnetic domain wall forming regions.
US08574722B2
An electrical conductor has a metal substrate. A seal plating layer is provided on and exterior of the metal substrate. A nickel plating layer is provided on and exterior of the seal plating layer. A gold plating layer is provided on and exterior of the nickel plating layer. The seal plating layer is a non-nickel based metal. Optionally, the seal plating layer may be tin based. Optionally, the seal plating layer may create intermetallic interface layers with the nickel plating layer and the metal substrate. Optionally, the electrical conductor may constitute a contact configured for mating with at least one of a printed circuit board or another mating contact.
US08574716B2
An ionic polymer composite device and methods for fabricating the ionic polymer composite device are provided. The ionic polymer composite device includes two extended electrode layers, each extended electrode layer including at least one ionic polymer with a plurality of electrically conductive particles, and a dielectric layer including at least one sulfonated poly ether sulfone polymer or a derivative between the two extended electrode layers.
US08574709B2
One surface of a first substrate provided with at least light-absorbing layers separately formed, partition layers each formed between the light-absorbing layers and having an inverse taper shape, and material layers formed on the light-absorbing layers and on the partition layers so that the material layers are separated from each other is disposed to face a deposition target surface of a second substrate; light irradiation is performed from the other surface of the first substrate, only the material layers in regions overlapped with the light-absorbing layers are heated and evaporated to the deposition target surface of the second substrate.
US08574703B2
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for positioning and assembly of two or more parts wherein at least one of which is of a creep sensitive material. The method and apparatus enable very precise positioning of parts during assembly by holding a rough alignment with free play permitting finer alignment. Creep resistant annular inserts are molded into the part and provided with flow apertures to conduct plastic material into the annular insert bore. A spindle defined the geometry of a centering hole within the bore during molding. The annular inserts are operable as compression limiters to prevent deformation of the creep sensitive material under the action of heat or tightening stresses.
US08574701B2
A protective bumper device for attachment to an upright member, the device including a flexible base having a first surface for receipt against an upright member and an opposing second surface carries at least one elongated bumper member having a first end and a second end. An aperture extends through the elongated bumper member from the first end to the second end. A strap member extends through the aperture a first end and a second end extending beyond the ends of the elongated bumper member. A fastening mechanism including an engagement element and a complemental engagement element is attached to the ends of the strap member for releasable engagement.
US08574695B2
The present invention is directed to a multilayer film having, as its main component, a hydroxy acid polymer with improved gas barrier and optional heat sealability. The oriented film of predominately hydroxy acid polymer having controlled shrink can be produced by melting and coextruding a hydroxy acid polymer with a much thinner layer of an amorphous aromatic copolyester to form a multilayer film that is quench cooled, then biaxially stretched at a process temperature above the glass transition and below the cold crystallization temperature of the hydroxy acid polymer. A heat-setting treatment with a controlled relaxation of the film above the hydroxy acid polymer glass transition temperature and below its melt temperature may be used to control shrinkage. The films thus obtained are vacuum metallized on the aromatic copolyester surface to produce environmentally friendly packaging from predominately renewable resources having improved gas barrier properties.
US08574692B2
The present invention is a metallized shrinkable label and a method for producing the same. The label of the invention is composed of a shrinkable film base and a graphic. The graphic is created by combining pigmented inks, a metallic coating and a shrink-resistant coating which is printed in a predetermined pattern with gaps so that upon exposure of the label to heat, the gaps close thereby forming a continuous graphic layer. Advantageously, the shrink-resistant coating minimizes discoloration and pleating of the metallic coating.
US08574686B2
A process for forming a coating on a surface of a substrate, so that heating of the coating material is selective and sufficient to cause at least partial melting of the coating material and permit bonding to the substrate without excessively heating the substrate so as not to significantly degrade its properties. The process generally entails forming a brazing paste containing powder particles dispersed in a binder. The particles are formed of a composition that is susceptible to microwave radiation. The brazing paste is then applied to the surface of the substrate and subjected to microwave radiation so that the particles couple with the microwave radiation and are sufficiently heated to burn off the binder and then at least partially melt to form an at least partially molten layer on the substrate. The microwave radiation is then interrupted to allow the at least partially molten layer to cool, solidify, and form the coating.
US08574681B2
A ceramic composite thin film or layer includes individual graphene oxide and/or electrically conductive graphene sheets dispersed in a ceramic (e.g. silica) matrix. The thin film or layer can be electrically conductive film or layer depending the amount of graphene sheets present. The composite films or layers are transparent, chemically inert and compatible with both glass and hydrophilic SiOx/silicon substrates. The composite film or layer can be produced by making a suspension of graphene oxide sheet fragments, introducing a silica-precursor or silica to the suspension to form a sol, depositing the sol on a substrate as thin film or layer, at least partially reducing the graphene oxide sheets to conductive graphene sheets, and thermally consolidating the thin film or layer to form a silica matrix in which the graphene oxide and/or graphene sheets are dispersed.
US08574667B2
A composition including a high temperature thermoplastic polymer and a filler material is disclosed. A method for forming a coating upon a wellbore tool includes forming a powder composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a filler material and applying the composition on the body surface. Wellbore tools having components coated with such compositions are also disclosed.
US08574666B2
A method of imparting corrosion resistance to an edge of a multilayer window film having a metal layer arranged between a pair of polymeric layers includes the step of treating the edge of the window film with a corrosion inhibitor.
US08574656B2
The invention provides methods of purifying Rebaudioside D from the Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant extract along with Rebaudioside A. The methods are useful for producing high purity Rebaudioside D and Rebaudioside A. The invention further provides a low-calorie fruit juice containing the purified Rebaudioside D and a process for making the low-calorie fruit juice containing the purified Rebaudioside D.
US08574655B2
A process for selectively removing caffeine from a caffeine-containing catechin composition, which includes dissolving the caffeine-containing catechin composition in a 9/1 to 1/9 by weight mixed solution of an organic solvent and water, and then bringing the resultant solution into contact with activated carbon alone or with activated carbon and also acid clay or activated clay; and a packaged beverage containing such a decaffeinated composition.
US08574640B2
A method and composition for stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells is used to self-repair injury in mammals. A supplement is administered having an effective dose of blueberry, carnosine, catechin, green tea extract, VitaBlue, Vitamin D3 or combinations of these. For example, a therapeutic amount of two or more of the supplements may be selected having a synergistic effect, allowing a lower dose to achieve the same or greater effective protection as a higher dose of any one of the supplements.
US08574631B2
Water-dispersible particles are provided that disperse into more than 100 pieces upon contact with water. Particles include from 5% to 99.9% of a nitrogen-containing ingredient bioavailable to a targeted desirable organism and 1% to 95% of a bentonite binder component.Additionally provided is a process for making a water-dispersible particle, the process including the steps of mechanically aggregating particle components into a pellet. Particle components include a bioavailable nitrogen-containing ingredient and a binder, the components being such that a product particle is dispersed into more than 100 pieces upon contact with water. In a further step of a process for making a water-dispersible particle, the pellet is dried to form a particle. Following administration of a described particle, water is allowed to contact the particle, dispersing it into pieces and thereby delivering a nutrient.
US08574624B2
The invention provides the addition of highly inhibited starch filler to gelatin-free films and soft capsules. The addition of the highly inhibited starch filler raises the solid levels during processing without substantially increasing the melt viscosity. The resultant films and capsules are transparent.
US08574620B2
The present disclosure provides a biocompatible composite and method for its use in repairing tissue defects, including defects in cartilage. The biocompatible composite includes a fibrous polymeric component and a polymerizable agent, which is capable of forming the biocompatible composite in situ at the site of a tissue defect. In embodiments, the repair site at which the biocompatible composite is to be applied may be treated with a priming agent, permitting polymerization of the polymerizable agent to the tissue located at the repair site.
US08574617B2
A system comprising a plurality of implantable pellets, wherein one such implantable pellet delivers localized, controlled and sustained release of a predetermined quantity of one or more pain relief agents, in optional combination with one or more anti-inflammatory agents, one or more polymeric excipients, and/or one or more surfactants. An anesthetic/analgesic pellet is used in combination with one or more pharmaceutical pellets as part of a single procedure to provide desired a pharmaceutical to the animal while simultaneously alleviating pain and, optionally, inflammation at the injection site.
US08574615B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided which contain (a) one or more depressions that contain at least one therapeutic agent, and (b) a nanoporous coating, disposed over the therapeutic-agent-containing depressions, which regulate transport of species between the therapeutic-agent-containing depressions and the exterior of the device. The implantable or insertable devices are configured to preform a role beyond mere drug delivery, for example, providing mechanical and/or electrical functions within the body, among other functions. An advantage of the present invention is that medical devices may be provided, which release therapeutic agents in quantities far exceeding the void volume within the nanoporous coating, while at the same time providing functionality that extends beyond drug delivery. Such release may further approach or achieve a zero order kinetic drug release profile.
US08574612B2
A medical device having a coating of biologic macromolecules. The coating of biologic macromolecules is protected by a temporary protective layer disposed over the biologic macromolecules. The temporary protective layer serves to protect the structure (e.g., conformation) and/or function (e.g., target binding capacity) of the biologic macromolecules during processing, storage, handling, and/or delivery (e.g., implantation or insertion into a patient) of the medical device. Upon implantation or insertion into a patient's body, the temporary protective layer may dissolve to expose the biologic macromolecules to the physiologic environment.
US08574610B2
An article or material is applied to the environment of the body of an animal (including humans) to provide both absorbency and antimicrobial activity. The article or material may comprise a water absorbent material; and a composition that reacts with water to produce molecular iodine. The composition provides a local concentration (in the water) of at least 10 parts per million iodine in water carried by the material (that is actual water supported by the water absorbent material) when the material has 5% by weight of water present in the water absorbent. The material may be a flowable material, or the article may be diaper, sanitary pad, bandage, adhesive pad or wrap for an animal.
US08574608B2
Disclosed are surfactant compounds and compositions that are antimicrobial. Also provided are polymeric compositions incorporating the surfactant compounds. The polymeric compositions may be used to form antibacterial coatings on surfaces.
US08574587B2
Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.
US08574562B2
The invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions of macrolide immunosuppressants. The compositions comprise a hydrophilic component, a lipophilic component, and an amphiphilic component. Preferably, the compositions are formulated as liquid microemulsion. Furthermore, the invention provides uses of such compositions, such as for the topical treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Methods for preparing the compositions are also provided.
US08574560B2
A hair styling method including: (A) increasing the number of intersections of hair fibers, thereby enhancing the volume of the hair; and (B) applying an aerosol hair cosmetic composition capable of forming a film having a film strength, as measured by a film strength evaluation method, of 800 gf/cm2 or greater.
US08574558B2
A photopolymerizable composition for forming a cosmetic coating for natural and artificial nails of humans and animals comprising a photoinitiator and a (meth)acrylate monomer prepared by reacting a core polyol derived or functionalized from a renewable resource with an a (meth)acrylate monomer and coatings formed from such compositions under UV or other radiation.
US08574555B2
The invention relates to a high-temperature stable, one-part, aqueous tooth bleaching composition for contacting a tooth surface. The composition comprises a bleaching agent comprising a high level of a aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The bleaching agent is derived from multiple components within the composition and comprises at least about 15% by weight of the total composition weight. The Composition also comprises a bleaching agent stabilizer comprising from about 0.01% to about 1.00% by weight of the total composition weight.
US08574542B2
A new configuration of ZSM-5 is provided whereby the crystals have a higher average silica to alumina ratio at the edges of each crystallite than in the center as determined from a narrow slit line scan profile obtained from SEM/EDX or TEM/EDX elemental analysis. Such ZSM-5 crystals are obtained by a preparation process using L-tartaric acid. The new configuration ZSM-5 provides significantly reduced xylene losses in ethylbenzene dealkylation, especially when combined with silica as binder, and one or more hydrogenation metals selected from platinum, tin, lead, silver, copper, and nickel. Further advantages are found if used in combination with a small crystal size ZSM-5.
US08574538B2
The invention relates to a solid material with the following formula (A): (Cu+1a-u; Ag+1u; Zn+2b-v-(y/2); Cd+2v; Sn+4c-w-(y/2); 1X+4w; 2X+3y; S−2x)(A), in which the solid material: is in divided state in the form of particles having a mean equivalent diameter of 15 nm to 400 nm; has, according to X-ray diffraction analysis of the solid material, a unique crystalline structure; is suitable for forming a stable dispersion of at least one solid material with formula (A) in a liquid, referred to as dispersion liquid, made up of at least one compound with a value of δp higher than 8 and a value of δH higher than 5.
US08574537B2
A carbon black having an I2 number from 30 mg/g to 200 mg/g and a DBP from 20 cc/100 g to 40 cc/100 g.
US08574531B2
A method for generating nitric oxide is disclosed in one embodiment in accordance with the invention as including the steps of providing a solid tablet comprising non-deliquescent reactants and heating the tablet with a heat source to melt at least one of the reactants to promote reaction thereof, thereby generating nitric oxide, and mixing the nitric oxide with diluent gas to provide a therapeutically safe concentration of nitric oxide.
US08574528B2
A method of growing an epitaxial layer on a substrate is generally provided. According to the method, the substrate is heated in a chemical vapor deposition chamber to a growth temperature in the presence of a carbon source gas, then the epitaxial layer is grown on the substrate at the growth temperature, and finally the substrate is cooled in a chemical vapor deposition chamber to at least about 80% of the growth temperature in the presence of a carbon source gas. Substrates formed from this method can have a carrier lifetime between about 0.25 μs and about 9.9 μs.
US08574525B2
Boron-containing compounds, gasses and fluids are used during ammonothermal growth of group-Ill nitride crystals. Boron-containing compounds are used as impurity getters during the ammonothermal growth of group-Ill nitride crystals. In addition, a boron-containing gas and/or supercritical fluid is used for enhanced solubility of group-Ill nitride into said fluid.
US08574522B2
A process for selective oxidative dehydrogenation of a hydrogen-containing CO mixed gas, comprising contacting a hydrogen-containing CO mixed gas raw material with at least one catalyst entity having an increased activity gradient disposed in a reactor under at least one reaction condition chosen from a reaction temperature ranging from 100 to 300° C., a volume space velocity ranging from 100 to 10000 h−1, and a reaction pressure ranging from −0.08 to 5.0 MPa, wherein the molar ratio of oxygen to hydrogen in the raw material ranges from 0.5:1 to 5:1.
US08574519B2
The invention generally relates to methods of selectively removing lithium from various liquids, methods of producing high purity lithium carbonate, methods of producing high purity lithium hydroxide, and methods of regenerating resin.
US08574517B2
Method of separating recoverable material from products containing mercury. The method including crushing products to form crushed material, mixing crushed material with a liquid which has an oxidizing agent which has been chosen from a group which sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide and chlorates, oxidizing at least a portion of metallic mercury in the products for forming mercury oxide under influence of oxidizing agent. The method further includes separating a sludge, which sludge having formed mercury oxide, from at least a portion of the liquid.
US08574511B2
It is an object to provide a test instrument and an optical measurement apparatus which enable easy matching of test results when tests by optical measurement are performed with respect to a large number of patients.To the above end, a test instrument B is provided, which includes reagent retaining portions 8A, 8B, 8C retaining a reagent which reacts with a sample to produce a color reaction. The test instrument B includes a patient information entry section 64 as an example of patient identifying information region in which patient identifying information is to be written.
US08574503B2
An instrument for producing hydrogen-dissolved liquid comprises a hydrogen generating system stored in a separator, and the hydrogen generating system comprises: a hydrogen generating agent that reacts with raw water to generate hydrogen; a metal-ion sequestering agent that sequesters metal ions dissolved from the hydrogen generating agent; and a pH adjusting agent.
US08574497B2
A separator (1a) under the invention for the taking of blood serum or blood plasma contained in a blood sample from a separating strip comprises a top part (3), a bottom part (4) and a joint (5). Said top part (3) and bottom part (4) are linked by the joint (5) in a pivoting way. Bottom part (4) is designed to support the separating strip. At least one nose (7a, 7b) is provided at the bottom part (4) and/or underside of top part (3) which can exert local pressure on the separating strip once top part (3) and bottom part (4) are folded together thus pressing blood serum or blood plasma out of the rear end of the separating strip.
US08574494B2
An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. The reaction conditions for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.
US08574491B2
A unit for sterilizing a web of packaging material for a machine for packaging pourable food products includes a sterilizing chamber containing a liquid sterilizing agent at a first temperature; a conveying device for feeding the web through the sterilizing chamber before the web is formed into a succession of sealed packages of pourable food products; a hold tank for the sterilizing agent; a feed mechanism activated selectively to feed the sterilizing agent from the tank to the sterilizing chamber; a drain activated selectively to drain the sterilizing agent from the sterilizing chamber into the tank in the event of stoppage of the packaging machine; and a cooling device activated selectively, at the end of the package production cycle, to cool the sterilizing agent in the tank to a second temperature lower than the first temperature.
US08574483B2
A method of deforming a component includes the step of forming the component from thermosetting, elastomeric microcellular polyurethane. The method further includes the step of heating at least a first portion of the component to a first temperature. The method further includes the step of compressing the first portion of the component while maintaining the first portion at the first temperature and while maintaining the second portion of the component at an undeformable state. The method of deforming the component shapes the first portion of the component. Preferably the method shapes the first portion of the component into a thin and/or complexly shape. The method of deforming the component also increases the first portion of the component relative to the second portion of the component, i.e. to densifying the component such that the component has varying density.
US08574475B2
The present invention relates to a method of making mineral fibers, comprising providing a circulating combustion chamber (1) which comprises a top section (2), a bottom section (3) and a base section (4), injecting primary fuel, particulate mineral material and primary combustion gas into the top section of the circulating combustion chamber and combusting the primary fuel thereby melting the particulate material to form a mineral melt and generating exhaust gases, separating the mineral melt from the exhaust gases wherein the exhaust gases pass through an outlet (8) in the circulating combustion chamber and the mineral melt collects in the base section of the circulating combustion chamber, injecting secondary fuel, which comprises liquid or gaseous fuel, and secondary combustion gas into the bottom section of the circulating combustion chamber to form a flame in the bottom section which heats the melt, and flowing a stream of the collected melt through an outlet (15) in the base section to a centrifugal fiberising apparatus and forming fibers. The present invention also provides an apparatus for use in the method of the invention.
US08574473B2
An injection molding apparatus and method are provided. The method includes a molded cavity coupled to a resin injection apparatus which injects molten resin under pressure with a gas such that the resin foams within the mold cavity. An electrical heater is in contact with a first cavity surface, and a cooling medium cools the mold. The resin may include metallic flakes.
US08574472B2
Moulding equipment for the production of plastic parts via the injection of a molten thermoplastic resin, chiefly consisting of a mould (2) which consists of at least two mould halves (3,4), which when closed together produce a cavity (11) and a core (8), wherein at least one mould half or mould part (3 and/or 4) contains at least one moveable mould part (7) with the necessary system to control the movement of the mould part or parts (7) using the active control of the cavity (11) pressure.
US08574471B2
One possible embodiment of the invention could be a system for creating forms used to make concrete structures comprising of plurality of panels, each panel having two or more sets of spaced-apart tie apertures; a plurality of ties, each tie forming a body between two ends, each end having a locking aperture, a plurality of L-shaped brackets with two flanges having a respective set of spaced-apart perforations; a plurality of locking mechanisms that attach to ties and connect L-shaped brackets together; wherein two or more ties are located between a pair of parallel and opposing panels, the ends of the ties protruding through respective tie apertures and perforations of L-shaped brackets located on the outside of the panels, the locking mechanisms engaging respective locking apertures to form an assembled pair of panels, the assembled pairs being connected together to create a form with a continuous cavity to receive plastic concrete.
US08574467B1
A benzo-fused-heterocyclic elongated dye having a superior molecular hyperpolarizability and yet having an acceptably-low optical absorbance of light near 1550 nm in wavelength, which is an important optical communication band for telecommunication applications.
US08574465B2
The present invention relates to organic polymeric photon up-conversion nanoparticles for biological applications, such as labeling and/or detection of cells, biological (macro-) molecules or other analytes, as well as for sensing temperature, pressure, oxygen and other substances that influence the up-conversion process. It further relates to organic photon up-conversion nanoparticles for singlet oxygen generation and the treatment of diseases, such as cancer.
US08574462B2
The invention relates to polyelectrolytes having backbone aromatic groups, and in particular to aromatic backbone group polyelectrolytes having high levels of sulfonation as well as cross-linking functionality. Preferably the polyelectrolyte backbone is free of linear alkyl groups.
US08574461B2
A method of manufacturing a biopolymer optical device includes providing a polymer, providing a substrate, casting the polymer on the substrate, and enzymatically polymerizing an organic compound to generate a conducting polymer between the provided polymer and the substrate. The polymer may be a biopolymer such as silk and may be modified using organic compounds such as tyrosines to provide a molecular-level interface between the provided bulk biopolymer of the biopolymer optical device and a substrate or other conducting layer via a tyrosine-enzyme polymerization. The enzymatically polymerizing may include catalyzing the organic compound with peroxidase enzyme reactions. The result is a carbon-carbon conjugated backbone that provides polymeric “wires” for use in polymer and biopolymer optical devices. An all organic biopolymer electroactive material is thereby provided that provides optical functions and features.
US08574453B2
One aspect of the present invention relates to salts that are room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), methods of making them, and methods of using them in connection with temporary or permanent gas sequestration. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a class of solvents which can be transformed into RTILs by exposure to a gas, and methods of using them in connection with temporary or permanent gas sequestration.
US08574448B2
A plasma generation method in a toroidal plasma generator that includes a gas passage having a gas entrance and a gas outlet and forming a circuitous path and a coil wound around a part of the gas passage includes the steps of supplying a mixed gas of an Ar gas and an NF3 gas containing at least 5% of NF3 and igniting plasma by driving the coil with a high-frequency power, wherein the plasma ignition step is conducted under a total pressure of 6.65-66.5 Pa.
US08574447B2
A method for etching features into a silicon substrate disposed below a mask in a plasma processing chamber is provided. The silicon substrate is etched through the mask comprising a plurality of cycles, wherein each cycle comprises a sidewall deposition phase and an etch phase. The sidewall deposition phase comprises providing a flow of sidewall inorganic deposition phase gas comprising a silicon containing compound gas and at least one of oxygen, nitrogen or NOx, into the plasma processing chamber, forming a plasma from the sidewall deposition phase gas in the plasma processing chamber, and stopping the flow of the sidewall deposition gas into the plasma processing chamber. The etch phase comprises, providing a flow of an etching gas comprising a halogen component, forming a plasma from the etching gas in the plasma processing chamber, and stopping the flow of the etching gas.
US08574446B2
At the time of plasma igniting or during plasma processing, only optimizing the distance between electrodes in each case caused a limitation to the prevention of charging damage. To resolve this, a novel plasma processing method employs a plasma processing apparatus which includes an upper electrode to which first high-frequency power is applied, a lower electrode to which second high-frequency power is applied, and a lift mechanism for controlling the spacing between the upper and lower electrodes. The first high-frequency power is applied to the upper electrode to cause plasma igniting. The method is adapted to make the spacing between the upper and lower electrodes larger at least at the time of plasma extinction than during plasma processing of a wafer on the lower electrode.
US08574440B2
The present invention relates to a method and article for manipulating an amount of organic material entrained in an aqueous phase of a solvent extraction process. The method includes estimating an interfacial shear stress between an aqueous phase and an organic phase of a solvent extraction apparatus, estimating an amount of organic material entrained in the aqueous phase based on the estimated interfacial shear stress, and manipulating one or more solvent extraction process parameters to manipulate the amount of organic material entrained in the aqueous phase. The method and apparatus can be used to improve performance of and reduce operating costs associated with the solvent extraction apparatus.
US08574428B2
In some embodiments, the invention is a method of removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon feed using the steps of dissolving metallic sodium in a first solvent, combining the sodium/first solvent solution with a sulfur-free alkane or cycloalkane second solvent, vaporizing the first solvent from sodium/first solvent/second solvent combination to transfer the dissolved metallic sodium into the second solvent, and then combine the resultant liquid with a liquid hydrocarbon feed containing an organosulfur species. The resulting stream is combined with a hydrogen donor. The combination is heated and pressurized to form a liquid hydrocarbon product containing sodium sulfide. The liquid hydrocarbon product containing sodium sulfide is then cooled, and the sodium sulfide is extracted. The extracted sodium sulfide is then processed in a sodium sulfur cell to regenerate the sodium and recycle it to the feed.
US08574425B2
The present invention is an improved process for stripping HPNA's from hydroprocessed streams in a fractionation column having a split shell configuration. Only one vapor stripping feed is required to the split shell of the fractionation column. The resulting reduction in steam requirement provides a superior fractionation in the column.
US08574424B2
A method for determining a concentration of an analyte is disclosed. The method includes applying a potential excitation to a fluid sample containing an analyte and determining if a current decay curve associated with the fluid sample has entered an analyte depletion stage. The method also includes measuring a plurality of current values associated with the fluid sample during the analyte depletion stage and calculating an analyte concentration based on at least one of the plurality of current values.
US08574416B2
A method for producing an exhaust pipe includes electrocoating a surface of a metal base material with a paint to form a coat film. The paint includes inorganic glass particles and an electrocoating resin. The coat film is heated to a first temperature that is not lower than a burning-out temperature of the electrocoating resin. The coat film is heated, after heating the coat film to the first temperature, to a second temperature that is not lower than a softening point of the inorganic glass particles to produce the exhaust pipe which includes the metal base material and a surface coating layer formed on the surface of the metal base material.
US08574402B2
The feed system is for a continuous digester where at least two pumps are arranged in parallel at the bottom of a pre-treatment vessel. The outlets of the pumps are combined at a merging point before a common transfer line extends to the top of the digester. The system makes it possible to provide a feed system with an improved accessibility and operational reliability, and to operate the main part of the pumps at optimal efficiency even if the production capacity is reduced.
US08574401B2
An apparatus (24) for inserting an endless, flexible clothing (15) in or removing such a clothing from an industrial machine in which the clothing is arranged to run in an endless loop, comprising first and second units (25, 26) between which the clothing is to be fed in an advancement direction (F) essentially transversal to the run direction of the clothing in the machine. According to the invention the apparatus comprises an upstream zone (A), an intermediate zone (B) and a downstream zone (C) along the advancement direction of the clothing; and also a member (29) for bringing the units to interact in the first zone and the third zone, alternately, such that the clothing is locked between the units in the first zone and the third zone, alternately, allowing the feeding of the clothing into the upstream zone when the clothing is locked between the units in the downstream zone such that the clothing is accumulated in the intermediate zone, and allowing the feeding of the clothing accumulated in the intermediate zone into the downstream zone when the clothing is locked between the units in the first zone such that the clothing is fed out of the apparatus through the downstream zone (C).
US08574396B2
A method for adhesively bonding a metallic substrate and a component together includes treating the metallic substrate to form an oxide layer thereon, treating the oxide layer with a conversion coating solution to form a bond promoter coating on the oxide layer, and depositing an adhesive material on the bond promoter coating to bond the component and the metallic substrate together.
US08574395B2
Provided is a protective sheet for a coating layer comprising a substrate sheet and provided thereon a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, which can be applied as well to a coated surface insufficiently cured immediately after dried, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer described above comprises an addition reaction type silicone-based pressure-sensitive adhesive.
US08574389B2
A method of manufacturing a thin film device according to an aspect of the invention may include: preparing a substrate on which a sacrificial layer and a thin film to be transferred are sequentially formed; temporarily bonding the thin film to a circumferential surface of the transfer roll, and simultaneously removing the sacrificial layer to separate the thin film from the substrate at a first position of a transfer roll that is rolling; and transferring the thin film onto a sheet by running the sheet so that a surface of the sheet is bonded to the thin film temporarily bonded to the circumferential surface of the transfer roll.The substrate may be a transparent substrate.
US08574383B2
A corrugator includes a separation sensor for sensing separation of a corrugated medium and liner of a corrugated paperboard. Sensing the separation, also known as blowout or fluff out, allows the corrugator to be controlled to prevent problems which arise when corrugated paperboard having such a separation continues downstream along the corrugator. Typically, the corrugator is operated to cease downstream movement of the paperboard while a faulty segment which includes the separation is removed and the problem causing the separation is fixed, thereby providing for subsequent production of corrugated paperboard which is properly glued.
US08574380B2
The present invention discloses a composite magnetic material. The composite magnetic material may comprise an Nd—Fe—B alloy and a Fe-based soft magnetic alloy having the general formula of Fe100-x-y-z-aAxRaSiyBz. A may be at least one element selected from Cu and Au. R may be at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, Mo, Nb, Ta, W and V. And the x, a, y, and z may satisfy: 0≦x≦3, 0≦a≦10, 0≦y≦20 and 2≦z≦25. The present invention further discloses a method of preparing the composite magnetic material as described above. According to the present invention, the composite magnetic material may have an enhanced magnetic energy product and residual magnetism respectively.
US08574379B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a method for cutting with gas which uses a cutting tip including a preheating hole for forming a preheating flame with a fuel gas and an oxygen gas for preheating, and an oxygen gas hole for cutting a workpiece by injecting oxygen gas for cutting, and which can decrease an amount of hydrogen gas used by supply a fuel gas to the preheating hole, which is appropriate in both heating and cutting the workpiece, and an apparatus for cutting with gas, and the present invention provides an apparatus for cutting with gas (30) which supplies an oxygen gas, and a fuel gas to a cutting tip (20) including a preheating hole (23) and an oxygen gas hole for cutting (22), wherein the apparatus (30) includes a supply circuit for oxygen gas (50), a supply circuit for hydrogen gas (41), a supply circuit for hydrocarbon-based gas (45), and a gas supply control means (60), and the gas supply control means (60) can alter a ratio of the hydrogen gas and the hydrocarbon-based gas which are supplied to the preheating hole in a case of heating the workpiece and a case of cutting the workpiece.
US08574372B2
A nozzle cleaning method includes cleaning an outer wall of a dispenser nozzle after liquid is sucked and before the liquid is discharged and cleaning at least an inner wall of the dispenser nozzle after the liquid is discharged.
US08574370B2
The present invention relates to the use of at least one alkane sulphonic acid, with formula R—SO3H, where R represents a saturated, linear or branched hydrocarbon chain, comprising 1 to 4 atoms of carbon for removing rust from all types of surface, in particular from metal surfaces, specifically iron, steel and others. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning rust from all types of surfaces using at least one alkane sulphonic acid.
US08574362B2
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an ultra low defect semiconductor single crystalline ingot, which uses a Czochralski process for growing a semiconductor single crystalline ingot through a solid-liquid interface by dipping a seed into a semiconductor melt received in a quartz crucible and slowly pulling up the seed while rotating the seed, wherein a defect-free margin is controlled by increasing or decreasing a heat space on a surface of the semiconductor melt according to change in length of the single crystalline ingot as progress of the single crystalline ingot growth process.
US08574359B2
The invention relates to a sulfo-aluminous clinker with optimal setting time and short term compressive strengths, comprising a mixture of the following phases: —calcium sulfoaluminate, or C4A3$, in amounts higher than 50% by weight of the mixture, —belite, or C25, in amounts between 2 and 23%, —3C25 3C$ CaX2, X being fluorine or chlorine, between 3 and 15% —C11A7CaX2, X being fluorine or chlorine, between 2 and 12%, both fluorine and chlorine being altogether present in the mixture, and phase C5S2$ being absent. The invention also relates to a method for preparing this sulfo-aluminous clinker, and hydraulic binders comprising this clinker.
US08574351B2
A two phase gas-liquid separation apparatus is provided that shapes the flow in a flow shaping line. Shaping the two-phase flow allows centrifugal force to send the heavier, denser liquid to the outside wall of the flow shaping line and allows the lighter, less dense vapor or gas to occupy the inner wall of the flow shaping line. With the gas positioned on the inner wall of the flow shaping line, an exit port on the inner wall will allow for the majority, if not all, of the gas, along with a low amount of liquid, to be sent to a conventional separator. A high ratio of vapor/liquid at a flow rate much lower than the total flow rate within the flow shaping line is sent to the conventional separator. This allows for efficient separation of the vapor from the liquid with the use of a smaller conventional separator.
US08574348B2
A temperature swing adsorption process to purify a gas comprising at least one adsorption step and at least one regeneration step wherein the regeneration step takes place at a lower pressure than the adsorption step. The pressure is increased by a repressurization step between the regeneration step and the adsorption step, and then a purge step takes place after said repressurization step.
US08574340B2
Methods involve producing carbon, metal and/or metal oxide porous materials that have precisely controlled structures on the nanometer and micrometer scales. The methods involve the single or repeated infiltration of porous templates with metal salts at controlled temperatures, the controlled drying and decomposition of the metal salts under reducing conditions, and optionally the removal of the template. The carbon porous materials can be prepared by methods that involve the infiltration of a carbon precursor into a porous template, followed by polymerization and pyrolysis. These porous materials have utility in separations and catalysis, among others.
US08574327B2
A molten metal reactor for converting a carbon material and steam into a gas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide is disclosed. The reactor includes an interior crucible having a portion contained within an exterior crucible. The interior crucible includes an inlet and an outlet; the outlet leads to the exterior crucible and may comprise a diffuser. The exterior crucible may contain a molten alkaline metal compound. Contained between the exterior crucible and the interior crucible is at least one baffle.
US08574322B2
Formulated propellants and methods of forming the same are described herein. The formulated propellants include a hydrocarbon fluid, wherein the formulated propellant exhibits a distillation curve 10% point at a temperature between 365° F. (185° C.) and 410° F. (210° C.) and an end point at or below 525° F. (273° C.).
US08574306B2
A method for placing a prosthetic acetabular cup within an acetabulum comprises implanting an acetabular cup with an eccentric socket. The acetabular cup may be substantially hemispherical with a cup rim and a portion of the cup rim removed defining a relief. The cup may accommodate a concentric liner in an eccentric position. Screw apertures may be present on the periphery of the cup and the screw trajectories may converge toward the dome of the cup. The cup is attached to a tool which is offset relative to the cup because of the substantially eccentric socket. The relief, when the cup is secured to the acetabulum, is positioned substantially anterior and the socket is positioned more posterior to provide a more natural center of rotation of a femoral head within the socket. The first relief reduces impingement of the acetabular cup on soft tissue.
US08574304B2
An orthopaedic tibial prosthesis includes a tibial baseplate with an asymmetric periphery which promotes proper positioning and orientation on a resected tibia, while also facilitating enhanced kinematics, soft-tissue interaction, and long-term fixation of the complete knee prosthesis. The asymmetric baseplate periphery is sized and shaped to substantially match portions of the periphery of a typical resected proximal tibial surface, such that proper location and orientation is evident by resting the baseplate on the tibia. The baseplate periphery provides strategically positioned relief and/or clearance between the baseplate periphery and bone periphery, such as in the posterior-medial portion to prevent deep-flexion component impingement, and in the anterior-lateral portion to avoid undue interaction between the anatomic iliotibial band and prosthesis components.
US08574303B2
A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.
US08574297B2
An intervertebral implant having an endplate that can be slidably expanded following its placement in the intervertebral space.
US08574296B2
The present invention relates generally to methods for preparing a dual tendon bundle that is useful as a replacement ligament or tendon graft for, for example, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. More particularly, the dual tendon bundle prepared according to the present invention has a functional cross section diameter and/or a minimum length that meets or exceeds the standard requirements for replacement ligament or tendon grafts. The present invention further relates to the dual tendon bundle prepared by the disclosed methods and packages comprising the same. Methods of using the dual tendon bundle prepared according to the present invention by providing the dual tendon bundle thus obtained for implanting into a patient in need thereof are also provided.
US08574288B2
A stent graft has a tubular body of a biocompatible material and at least one fenestration. A tubular side branch is stitched into the fenestration with a portion of the side branch extending within the tubular body and a portion of the side branch extending exteriorly of the tubular body. The stitching by which the side branch is mounted into the fenestration extends circumferentially and diagonally from one end of the side branch to the other such that the side branch extends from the tubular body at an angle thereto. The tubular side branch may have a reinforcement stent having at least one helical wire segment.
US08574287B2
A stent (120) has proximal and distal ends (140, 142), and is configured to assume radially-compressed and radially-expanded states. The stent (120) comprises a plurality of circumferential bands (122) disposed about a longitudinal axis (123) of the stent (120), each of which bands (122) comprises a plurality of struts (124) connected to one another. At least one of the bands (122) is shaped so as to define a plurality of distally-directed peaks (126) alternating with a plurality of proximally-directed troughs (128), and one or more strain-concentration modules (132). Each of the modules (132) has a central axis (156) parallel to the longitudinal axis (123) of the stent (120), and comprises: (a) an open loop section (150), which comprises one of the distally-directed peaks (126); (b) a primary neck section (152); and (c) a secondary section (154). Other embodiments are also described.
US08574286B2
Normally, when stents are bent, inside the body of the stented patient, there is head-to-head collision between facing V-points on the inside of the bend. However, by alternating between two whole numbers the number of struts between successive connectors around the circumference of each of the stenting rings, the V-points are caused to veer circumferentially in opposite directions as they approach each other on the inside of the bend, so allowing them to pass by each other without collision, thereby allowing in the same stent both close packing of the ring stack, and an enhanced ability to tolerate severe bending, after placement in the body.
US08574278B2
A combination therapy pad that includes a first layer and a second layer operatively coupled to the first layer. A fiber-optic array is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. A third layer is operatively coupled to the first layer. The third layer includes a vacuum tube in fluid communication with a vacuum source and a therapeutic fluid tube in fluid communication with a therapeutic fluid source. The third layer provides at least one of vacuum therapy and therapeutic fluid treatment to a wound area.
US08574270B2
A bone plate assembly is disclosed which includes at least one plate segment having at least one aperture extending therethrough for receiving a head portion of a bone screw, and a structure supported by the plate segment and intersecting the aperture for retaining the head portion of the bone screw with respect to the plate segment.
US08574250B2
Ear candle with an air-permeable retaining member disposed at least partially within the ear candle, wherein the retaining member comprises a wall and an interior space, wherein at least two lamellas directed into the interior space are disposed on the wall, wherein the at least two lamellas are disposed opposite from each other in the interior space, and wherein the at least two lamellas are configured so as to overlap in the axial direction.
US08574247B2
A valvuloplasty system includes a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent leaflets of a valve. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The system further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the valve. The shock wave generator is moveable within the balloon to vary shock wave impingement on the valve.
US08574241B2
A steerable stylet for a medical implantable lead has an inner lumen, into which the steerable stylet is insertable for navigating a distal end of the medical implantable lead to the desired location for attachment to tissue. The steerable stylet comprises a wire, a tube and an actuator. By means of the steerable stylet, the distal portion of the lead may be bent in desirable degree and, when the medical implantable lead is bent, the distal portion of the medical implantable lead is pivotal by means of the actuator to which the proximal end of the wire is non-rotatably connected. The tube is connected to the actuator by means of a torque limitation device which, when exceeding a predetermined torque force, will disconnect the torque connection between the tube and the actuator. A method for manufacturing of a steerable stylet for a medical implantable lead includes the step of connecting the stylet tube to the actuator by a torque limiting device as described above.
US08574240B2
A device performs a myringotomy and includes a main body, a hollow positioning member, a cutting edge for piercing a tympanic membrane, a protective sheath and an actuator. The main body is oriented along an axis and has a proximal end, a distal end and an outer surface. The main body includes an attachment hub for receiving components that provide suction. The hollow positioning member extends at least partially along the axis, is coupled to the main body and includes a distal end. The actuator is located on the main body and is configured to move the protective sheath from a first position that surrounds the cutting edge to a second position that exposes the cutting edge and from the second position back to the first position.
US08574239B2
An intraocular lens insertion device for inserting an intraocular lens capable of securely and safely pushing out the lens by a simple structure. An intraocular lens insertion device (1) comprises: a main body (3) having a lens placement portion (8) on which the lens (2) with a pair of loop parts (2b) at its optic part (2a) is placed, a transition portion (12) deforming the lens (2), and a nozzle portion (11) discharging the lens (2); and a lens push-out mechanism (4) pushing out the lens (2) placed on the lens placement portion (8). The lens push-out mechanism (4) comprises a plunger (16) pushing out the lens (2) and a slider (15) having a lens contact part (20) larger than the plunger (16). The slider (15) comprises an operating part (23) projected to the outside of the body (3).
US08574238B2
A cannula has a flange and a body with slots extending through the entire flange and into the body. The cannula may also have a longitudinal slot extending its entire length. An obturator used with the cannula may also have a longitudinal slot extending along its length. A surgical method using these instruments includes separating lengths of suture and managing the suture by placing lengths of suture in the slots in the cannula. The cannula and obturator may be used after suture is already in place by placing the suture in the longitudinal slots and then introducing the cannula and obturator to the tissue defect site. The cannula may also be used to deliver a therapeutic implant to the tissue defect site. The instruments and method may be used in mensical surgery.
US08574228B2
An ultrasound treatment system comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a handpiece, a probe, a sheath, a clamping member, an operation unit, an operating member, a suction base, and a perfusion base. The ultrasonic transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. The handpiece has the ultrasonic transducer incorporated therein. The probe is connected to the ultrasonic transducer for transmitting ultrasonic vibrations to a distal member realizing a stationary portion that is a treatment portion for treating a living tissue. The sheath serves as a protecting member for shielding the probe. The clamping member is opposed to the distal member at the distal end of the sheath for clamping a living tissue in cooperation with the distal member. The operation unit is manipulated for clamping a living tissue with the clamping member and distal member or freeing the living tissue therefrom.
US08574226B2
This invention relates to a novel surgical device scalable to small dimensions for thermally-mediated treatments or thermoplasties of targeted tissue volumes. An exemplary embodiment is adapted for fusing, sealing or welding tissue. The instruments and techniques utilize a thermal energy delivery means, for example an electrical energy source, to instantly elevate the temperature of a biocompatible fluid media within an electrically insulated instrument portion. The altered media which may then be a gas is characterized by a (i) a high heat content, and (ii) a high exit velocity from the working end, both of which characteristics are controlled to hydrate tissue and at the same time denature proteins to fuse, seal, weld or cause any other thermally-mediated treatment of an engaged tissue volume—while causing limited collateral thermal damage and while totally eliminating electrical current flow the engaged tissue volume. The system can further utilize a piezoelectric material that carried fluid channels to apply compressive forces to the fluid eject the fluid from the working end of make it require less electrical energy to convert it to a gas.
US08574224B2
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for a compact surgical device include a laser unit and one or more laser outlet assemblies. The laser unit has a power regulator, one or more diode laser assemblies, each having a single diode laser source, and a laser trigger mechanism. The laser unit can emit an aiming light beam and a treatment laser beam either both from the same single diode laser or from two separate single diode lasers. The beam can pass through the one or more laser outlet assemblies. The aiming light beam can have a first energy level. The treatment laser beam can have a second energy level that is substantially greater than the first energy level of the aiming light beam.
US08574221B2
A feeding tube is configured for nasal insertion and advancement to the jejunum of a patient. The tube has a plurality of projections disposed along the surface of the distal tube portion for promoting advancement of the tube along the GI tract by peristaltic contractions. The tube includes first and second strings. The first string is aligned along the tube such that upon exertion of a pulling force on the first string, the distal end of the tube flexes in a direction of the force. The second string is aligned such that upon exertion of a pulling force on the second string, the tube is withdrawn from the GI tract responsive to the force. A snare may be provided for capturing the second string to promote withdrawal of the tube through the mouth of the patient.
US08574215B2
Apparatuses and methods for pumping fluid are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus is a miniature pump that includes a shape memory wire that obtains a plastic condition below a transformation temperature and has a memorized shape such that the shape memory wire produces a work stroke by returning to the memorize shape at least at the transformation temperature. A spring biased against the shape memory wire is deflected by the work stroke to deform the shape memory wire from the memorized shape below the transformation temperature. A fluid pump is coupled to the shape memory wire and driven by the biased spring and shape memory wire to produce a fluid flow. The miniature pump can be incorporated into a self-contained infusion device in the form of a compact self-adhesive patch including a fluid reservoir, control electronics and power supply that is place directly at the infusion site of a user.
US08574206B2
An intestinal irrigation device that includes a waste collection bag and a rectal catheter. The rectal catheter has a first end for coupling with the waste collection bag and a free end for insertion into the rectum, while the waste collection bag has a first wall circumferentially united with an opposing second wall and an inlet opening for irrigated waste. The inlet opening has a first coupling part for coupling the rectal catheter into fluid communication with the bag, and the bag has a second coupling part inside it for mating the first coupling part. The device provides a time saving alternative to known devices, and no odor emissions and unpleasant smell is recognized during the irrigation procedure.
US08574205B2
The present disclosure provides a device (1) for the cutaneous application of a substance (2) that contains: a patch (3) containing the substance (2); and a single-use wrist strap (4) containing an irreversible attachment system for maintaining the substance (2) of the patch (3) against the skin of a subject.
US08574203B2
A flushable catheter assembly having features to enable selective activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly is disclosed herein. A septum is placed within the catheter adapter of the catheter assembly and includes a pathway that is closed prior to being biased open via a septum activator also positioned within the catheter adapter. A plurality of air vent channels is interposed between the septum and the inner surface of the catheter adapter to permit “flashback” of blood during insertion of the catheter into a patient. The septum activator is advanced through the pathway of the septum as a coupler is attached to a proximal opening of the catheter adapter.
US08574198B2
The present disclosure is directed to a dose setting mechanism that may be used with a drug delivery device. The dose setting mechanism may include an inner body having a helical thread along an outer cylindrical surface of the inner body, and a drive sleeve for driving a piston rod in an axial direction, the drive sleeve positioned within at least a portion of the inner body. The dose setting mechanism may further include a dose dial sleeve rotatably engaged with the helical thread of the inner body and a dial grip connected to the dose dial sleeve and releasably connected to the drive sleeve. Further when a dose is set, the dial grip is rotated so that both the dose dial sleeve and the drive sleeve rotate with respect to the inner body.
US08574190B2
Embodiments of the present invention include a enteral feeding apparatus and/or system in which an enteral feeding pump can be configured to deliver enteral formula to a patient in accordance with a delivery parameter determined using patient information associated with a patient to be treated and formula information associated with an enteral formula to be delivered to the patient. Exemplary embodiments can determine an estimated daily caloric intake for a patient and can configure the enteral feeding pump to satisfy the caloric requirements of the patient. Exemplary embodiments are also able to monitor the delivery of the enteral formula to ensure that the patient is being properly treated.
US08574189B2
Dispensing devices and systems for oral transmucosal administration of small volume drug dosage forms to the oral mucosa are provided. The dispensing device may be a single dose applicator (SDA), or an electromechanical device comprising a means for patient identification such as a wrist worn RFID tag and annular bidirectional antenna together with a lock-out feature.
US08574184B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and controlling obesity and/or type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, a device comprises a hollow sleeve sized and shaped for positioning within a duodenum of the patient, an anchor coupled to the proximal end of the sleeve and being sized and shaped to inhibit distal migration of the sleeve and a plurality of elastomeric objects coupled to the distal end of the sleeve and being sized and shaped to inhibit proximal migration of the sleeve through a pylorus of the patient. The bypass device can be placed and removed endoscopically through the patient's esophagus in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and it is “self-anchoring” and does not require invasive tissue fixation within the patient's GI tract, thereby reducing collateral tissue damage and minimizing its impact on the digestive process.
US08574177B2
A phototherapy and massage apparatus is disclosed for treating medical conditions in a patient's body cavity. The phototherapy and massage apparatus comprises a light source embedded in a hollow massage wand to produce therapeutic light. The massage wand can be inserted into the patient's body cavity to provide mechanical massage to the tissue inside. A portion of the massage wand is substantially transparent to the therapeutic light such that the therapeutic light can transmit through the massage wand to provide phototherapy to the same subject tissue.
US08574170B2
A guidewire comprising an elongate guide member dimensioned for insertion within a body vessel of a subject is disclosed. The guide member defines a longitudinal axis and has trailing and leading end segments. The leading end segment has a reduced cross-sectional dimension relative to a cross-sectional dimension of the trailing end segment. The leading end segment includes at least one finger thereon. A first transverse dimension of the finger is greater than a corresponding first transverse dimension of the leading end segment in contact therewith.
US08574164B2
A device according to some embodiments may include a primary antenna configured to be located external to a subject. The device may also include at least one processor in electrical communication with the primary antenna and configured to receive a condition signal from an implantable device, the condition signal indicative of a precursor to sleep disordered breathing, and cause transmission of a primary signal from the primary antenna to the implantable device, in response to the condition signal, to stimulate at least one nerve in response to the precursor to sleep disordered breathing.
US08574160B2
Needle guide systems for a sonography device are disclosed. The needle guide systems include both fixed and adjustable needle guides. In one embodiment, the needle guide includes a needle guide body that is rotatably mounted to a probe of a sonography device. A plurality of needle channels is disposed on a surface of the needle guide body. Each needle channel can be selectively rotated into position to guide a needle into a body of a patient at a predetermined needle insertion angle. If another needle insertion angle is desired, the needle guide is rotated to place a new needle channel defining the desired needle insertion angle into position.
US08574159B2
The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe provided with a piezoelectric element for ultrasonic generation that has drive electrodes formed on two main surfaces thereof; an acoustic matching layer formed on the first main surface side of the piezoelectric element; a backing member attached to the second main surface side of the piezoelectric element; a base for heat dissipation provided on a lower surface of the backing member; and a thin metal plate for heat transfer that is thermally bonded between at least one of the main surfaces of the piezoelectric element and the base for heat dissipation; wherein the thin metal plate for heat transfer is surface-bonded to extend from one end of the piezoelectric element over the center thereof toward the other end. This configuration ensures that heat generated by the electrical-mechanical conversion of the piezoelectric element is transferred away in a satisfactory manner, enabling suppression of any temperature rise in the piezoelectric element.
US08574151B2
A body-insertable apparatus includes an imaging unit that captures an in-vivo image of a subject; a signal processing unit that writes the in-vivo image in a memory, reads the in-vivo image from the memory on a pixel basis and converts the in-vivo image to serial information to transfer the serial information; and a rate converter that converts a transfer processing rate to a rate higher than a writing processing rate. The transfer processing rate is at which the signal processing unit reads the in-vivo image from the memory and converts the in-vivo image to the serial information to transfer the serial information. The writing processing rate is at which the signal processing unit writes the in-vivo image in the memory. The apparatus also includes a transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits the serial information transferred from the signal processing unit at a transmission rate corresponding to the transfer processing rate.
US08574141B2
An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects.
US08574136B1
The Barbell having parallel forearm engaging bar is an accessory for use with a barbell. The accessory can be installed upon an existing barbell and includes a second bar that is parallel with the barbell by a distance defined by a cross brace. The second bar features a paid of foam pads that engage the forearm of an end user so as to minimize wrist strain during a curling exercise with the barbell. The accessory includes a clamp assembly that enables the accessory to be installed and/or removed from the barbell.
US08574134B2
An exercise machine for strengthening the foot and for treating plantar fasciitis includes a foot pad for receiving a patient's foot and a resistance member associated with the foot pad. As the patient pivots the foot pad on a pivot pin located near the heel section of the foot pad, a resistance is applied to the toe section of the foot pad thereby providing strengthening for the plantar fasciitis band of tissue.
US08574133B2
A collapsible ladder for use primarily for athletic training and the like has a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially rigid rungs secured with collapsible connectors to a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially rigid spacers extending therebetween. In one disclosed embodiment, the collapsible connectors are strips of flexible material extending between the rungs and spacers. Another disclosed embodiment has a second set of rungs aligned substantially parallel to the plurality of spaced-apart rungs along a common central set of spacers. The collapsible connectors allow the ladder to be quickly and easily transitioned between an extended, operational position, and a collapsed, storage position.
US08574130B1
An exercise apparatus includes a frame, a footpad for supporting a user's foot, and a sensor that generates a force indicating signal indicative of a force applied to the footpad in a horizontal direction by the user's foot. A mechanism couples the footpad to the frame and guides the footpad in a closed path having at least first and second mutually perpendicular dimensions in response to forces applied to the footpad by the user's foot, the first dimension being parallel to said horizontal direction. The mechanism resists movement of the footpad in the horizontal direction in response to an electrical control signal supplied as input to the mechanism. A control system receives the force indicating signal and generates the control signal such that the mechanism resists movement depending on the force indicated by the force indicating signal.
US08574127B2
A vehicle engine control device stopping fuel injection if a predetermined fuel cut condition is satisfied, is provided, during running with the fuel injection stopped, when inertia of a power transmission system rotating with the engine has a smaller rate of inertia of the power transmission system acting on rotation of an output shaft of the engine, the fuel injection being started at a lower engine rotation speed as compared to the case of a larger rate of inertia of the power transmission system acting on rotation of the output shaft of the engine, a clutch capable of connecting and interrupting power transmission between the engine and the power transmission system being interposed between the engine and the power transmission system, a rate of inertia of the power transmission system acting on rotation of the output shaft of the engine being configured to decrease as a clutch stroke of the clutch that is an operation amount of a clutch pedal increases, and an engine rotation speed for starting the fuel injection being set to a lower value as the clutch stroke increases.
US08574108B2
The present sprocket wheel invention enhances the efficiency of the sprockets made of two materials, e.g., a lighter material at central portion of the sprocket and a hard material at peripheral portion of the sprocket comprising teeth, by drilling half holes on the outer edge of the central portion and half holes on the inner edge of the peripheral portion of the sprocket. In the preferred embodiment, half of the thickness of the sprocket is the entire hole on the peripheral portion of the sprocket with harder materials, and the other half of the thickness of the sprocket is designed to have said half holes for rivets to attach the central portion and the peripheral portion of the sprocket.
US08574094B2
Embodiments of golf clubs head sets with varying characteristics are disclosed herein. Other examples and related methods are also generally described herein.
US08574088B1
A swing includes an annular track that carries a pair of moveable trolleys. Suspended from the trolleys by flexible suspension members is a support member, such as a swing seat. The support member may be moved to any desired position by moving the trolleys about the track, whereupon the trolleys may be locked in position. Once locked in the desired position, a user seated upon the support member is able to swing back and forth via the flexible suspension members.
US08574076B2
A method of updating virtual worlds based on interactions between real-world items is disclosed. An interaction between a first real-world item and a second real-world item is detected. The first real-world item is a real-world item that is associated with a first player of a computer-implemented game and the second real-world item is a real-world item that is associated with a second player of the computer-implemented game. A virtual world of the computer-implemented game is updated based on the detection of the interaction.
US08574068B2
The present invention provides a gaming apparatus, method and system for transferring the play of a feature earned from one gaming machine, provided as a system bonus or as a promotional award to another gaming machine. The apparatus, method and system provides for selection between feature values FVA−FVX of the gaming machine.
US08574061B2
A gaming system configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of symbols. For a play of the game, the gaming system displays a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of the symbols and being associated with a plurality of symbol display areas. For an activation of the reels, the gaming system randomly generates and causes each of the reels to display one of the symbols on that reel at each of the symbol display areas associated with that reel. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system: adds one or more wild symbols to one or more of the reels and provides a plurality of additional activations of the reels. If a removal condition is satisfied prior to a final one of the additional activations of the reels, the gaming system removes a remaining wild symbol from one of the reels.
US08574056B2
A game server communicates game record groups to a site controller associated with a gaming site, and the site controller stores the game record groups in associated data storage. The site controller selects one of the stored game record groups in response to a game availability request associated with a respective game presentation, and communicates the selected game record group from the site controller to a player station services controller associated with the gaming site. The player station services controller stores that respective game record group in its associated data storage device and communicates data from a respective game record to a player station in response to a game play request from the player station, thereby allowing the player station to present a player with a lottery game result for the game play request.
US08574053B1
Disclosed herein is a new bonus game for use with primary games of chance (reels, poker, keno, bingo, etc.). The bonus game uses a plurality of elements comprising both “good” and “bad” elements. The “bad” elements count towards an end-game condition, and are called end-game elements. The “good” elements do not contribute to ending the bonus game. When enough end-game elements are collected, selected, etc., the bonus game ends.
US08574048B1
A spreader assembly for a combine harvester is disclosed, the assembly including a pair of disks configured to be rotated such that chaff material dropped onto the disks is spread about the combine harvester, wherein each disk is operably connected to its own motor and a spreader frame assembly. The spreader frame assembly includes a first side support pivotably connected to a frame of the combine harvester, a second side support pivotably connected to the frame of the combine harvester, and at least one disk support configured to support at least one of the pair of disks. The spreader frame assembly further defines an opening configured such that when the combine harvester is windrowing material, no portion of the spreader frame assembly interferes with the flow of windrowing material.
US08574042B1
An apparatus for removing a portion of a hide from an animal is provided. The apparatus includes a base, and a tether that is adjustable relative to the base. A hide connector is included, and cooperates with a portion of loose hide that extends from the animal, but is connected to a remaining portion of the hide on the animal that is to be removed. An animal connector cooperates with a portion of the animal. One of the hide connector and the animal connector is coupled to the base and the other one of the hide connector and the animal connector is coupled to the tether. A driver is provided to adjust a position of the tether relative to the base and cause separation of the hide connector and the animal connector, thereby removing at least some of the remaining portion of the hide from the animal.
US08574038B2
The invention concerns a rotating sanding/grinding/polishing tool (1) provided with a number of undercut mounting grooves (5) for mounting one or more displaceable grinding elements (4), at which is provided an annular groove (8) in a plane largely perpendicularly to the rotary axis of the tool, and a ring-shaped securing means (9) provided in the groove and a resilient means (11) along the periphery of the rotating tool (1), at which the securing means (9) has one side bearing against the resilient means (11) and another side bearing against part of the grinding elements (4).
US08574034B2
There is provided a cutting and edge-coating removal head for sheets of glass (V) coated by a film (S) to be mounted on cutting benches. The cutting tool (20) is positioned inside the edge-coating removal tool (10), consisting of a diamond-tipped disc, a cup grinder or spark grinder, a pad, a blade, or a brush with steel bristles.
US08574031B2
A workpiece has two cylindrical workpiece surfaces centered on respective parallel axes and each flanked by a pair of arcuately rounded and annular corners also centered on the respective axes. Some of the corners have a small radius of curvature and others of the corners have a large radius of curvature. The workpiece is held and rotated about a main axis parallel to the axis of one of the workpiece surfaces. A pair of grinders have wheels generally diametrally flanking the workpiece and each having a central cylindrical outer wheel surface centered on the respective wheel axis and a pair of arcuately rounded edge and surfaces also centered on the respective wheel axis. Two of the edge surfaces are the large radius and the other two of the small radius.
US08574029B2
The invention concerns a grinding machine having displaceable grinding means for the processing of workpieces made from wood, wood composite materials, plastics, metals and similar materials. The invention further concerns a method of grinding a workpiece by means of the inventive grinding machine. The grinding aggregate comprises: at least one translational driving means configured to translate the grinding means (6) and at least one eccentric tappet configured to rotatingly move the grinding means (6). The inventive device is characterized in that the grinding aggregate comprises a suctioning device which suctions waste products of the processing, such as chips, through the grinding means. In this way, it is possible to achieve a qualitatively superior grinding result.
US08574028B2
An improved grinder/polisher includes a base having a bowl, a rotating drive plate and a drive plate drive that is adapted to support a platen. The grinder/polisher includes a head configured to support a specimen holder. The head has a first drive for rotational drive of the specimen holder and a second drive for moving the specimen holder toward and away from the drive plate. The head includes a load cell operably connected to the first drive and a counter operably connected to the second drive. The counter is configured to determine movement and the extent of movement of the head toward and away from the drive plate. The grinder/polisher includes a control panel mounted within a housing and including a microprocessor controlled control system having a touch panel or screen.
US08574022B2
In one embodiment there is provided a toy car that includes four wheels which have a weight that is at least 40%, 50%, 70% or 80% of the total weight of the car. In another aspect each wheel has a center point, with a combined weight such that a horizontally planar center of gravity defined by the car and measured from a lowest point on an outer edge of the four wheels towards a center of the body is positioned substantially about the center point of the four wheels. In either embodiment, the body may include an upper outer portion and the upper outer portion includes a finger detent.
US08574007B2
An electrical connector assembly is provided having an electromagnetic interference shield. The electrical connector assembly includes a backshell having a backshell bore and a shielding ferrule positioned within the backshell bore to provide an electromagnetic interference shield. The shielding ferrule includes an outer ferrule portion arranged circumferentially around an internal ferrule bore, and a shielding adapter received within the backshell bore of the backshell. The shielding adapter includes a cable extending longitudinally through the shielding adapter and the internal ferrule bore, the shielding adapter engaging the shielding ferrule such that axial movement of the shielding adapter towards the shielding ferrule radially compresses the shielding ferrule onto the cable. The shielding ferrule provides a substantially 360° electromagnetic interference shield around the cable.
US08574006B2
A high-power, shielded, multi-pole electrical connector and method for installing such a connector are disclosed. The connector has separate structure for connecting each line of a multi-pole connector, with this structure housed within an electrically conductive outer shell. The inner connections are electrically insulated and shielded from the outer shell. A shielding trap is used to provide electrical contact between the outer shell of the connector and a shielding layer of a shielded electrical supply cable. The inner structure may be a male-female type or a lug-type connection. In a typical arrangement, a three-pole connector is used to provided a shielded connection to each of three power lines within a shielded cable.
US08574001B2
An electronic connector comprises: an insulating body, a plurality of terminals contained in the insulating body, a metal shield housing the insulating body, and a light pipe covering the metal shield. The insulating body and the metal shield define a mating space having an inserting opening. The light pipe is made of transparent, compressible LSR and comprises a base body and a ring sealing gasket in front of the base body covering the periphery of the insertion opening. When the electronic connector is assembled in a panel, the sealing gasket is held between a hold of the panel and the metal shield to form a sealing structure, so that the electronic connector and assembly comprising the same are excellently waterproofed.
US08573999B2
The invention pertains to a plug-connector for insertion of a multi-wire cable, wherein the wires are attached with the clamping-cutting technique. The plug-in connector exhibits a substrate and a plurality of clamping-cutting devices configured on the substrate and suitable for the insertion of wires. A first subset of the plurality of clamping-cutting devices is located on top of the substrate, while a second subset of the plurality of clamping-cutting devices is located at the bottom of the substrate. The plug-in connector furthermore exhibits wiring flaps suitable for the hinged insertion of the wires into the clamping-cutting devices.
US08573990B2
A cover structure, adapted for mounting on a housing that is formed with an opening and a connection base having a plugging end exposing by the opening, comprising: a frame, formed with a first end and a second end that are arranged opposite to each other with respect to the radial of a coupling position where the frame is coupled to the housing through a pivot axis of two pivot blocks in a direction parallel to a first axis direction and enabling the first end to expose by the opening; and an elastic element, disposed inside the housing for providing an elastic force to the frame, for enabling the first end and the second end to move relative to each other centering the coupling position; wherein an accommodation space is formed between the frame and the connection base so as to be used for receiving a plug of a connector.
US08573979B2
A tactile display may comprise an array of pins that may be raised in height relative to one another to represent contours of objects in a graphic image or picture when touched. Various physical attributes may be given to individual pins to represent color or brightness. For example, pins may be heated or cooled to represent cool or warm colors in the original image. Pins may also be vibrated or otherwise enhanced to represent color or brightness information in the original image.
US08573974B2
The cleaning apparatus includes a source of gas under pressure (12) and a source of fluid (14), along with associated gas (26) and fluid (34) chambers, adapted for successive single uses. A user-operated metered valve (22) connects the gas reservoir to the gas chamber, while a liquid pump (30) and a one-way valve (32) connects the liquid reservoir to the liquid chamber. When gas is released from the gas reservoir, it expands rapidly from the valve into the gas chamber, resulting in pressure therein sufficient to open a one-way valve (38) connecting the gas chamber to the liquid chamber. The gas in the liquid chamber forces liquid therein through a liquid line (15) to a connecting point with a gas stream line (13) from the gas chamber. The interaction of the fluid with the gas stream results in a spray of liquid droplets (17) which are directed out of the gas stream line exit orifice (16) to the teeth for cleaning.
US08573972B2
System and method for automatic construction of orthodontic reference objects, such as the occlusal plane, arch form, and the local occlusal plane for a patient's teeth are disclosed. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented system and method for automatic construction of orthodontic reference objects comprises receiving three dimensional data for the teeth, setting an initial direction for a normal of the occlusal plane, determining tips for selected teeth, calculating a plane that matches the determined tip, and determining a new normal for the calculated plane.
US08573968B2
A wall structure (21) for a burner (19), with a first wall (40), which has elevations (41) and which defines a first supply chamber (22), and with a second wall (43), which has recesses (44) cooperating with end sections (42) of the elevations (41) and which defines a reaction chamber (20). The first wall (40) has first openings (34), which connect the first supply chamber (23) to the reaction chamber (20). The second wall (43) has second openings (37), which connect a second supply chamber (24) located between the walls (40, 43) to the reaction chamber (20). The first openings (34) are arranged in first rows (35) and the second openings (37) in second rows (38). The mixture formation or homogenization of the gases in the reaction chamber (20) can be improved if at least one second opening (37) is arranged within the first row (35) between two openings (34).
US08573961B2
The present invention relates to a foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB), and its mold design, method for manufacturing, product appearance, and drug delivery property and so on. A mold for molding a foldable artificial vitreous body comprises an upper mold (1), a lower mold (2) and a core (3). The core (3) is disposed between the upper mold (1) and the lower mold (2) and is connected with a drainage-tube pin connected with an injection channel (4). Heating holes (6) are disposed in the upper mold (1) and/or the lower mold (2). Material is injected to the mold and is heated to vulcanize to mold vitreous body. The FCVB is adapted to be injected with any harmless medium and can be used as a delivery vehicle inside or around the eye ball. The size or shape of the FCVB can be changed depending on the different implant site.
US08573959B2
The rotary spinning electrode of elongated shape, serving to carry polymer solution from reservoir of polymer solution or melt into electric field for spinning in devices for production of nanofibers through electrostatic spinning of polymer solutions or melts, including a pair of end faces (2, 3), which are arranged on the carrying mean (1), and between which are mounted the spinning members (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46), which are formed of a cord or wire (4). The spinning members (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) are in a skew position to an axis (11) of rotation of the rotary spinning electrode.
US08573953B2
A mounting structure for mounting a separate shaft type oil pump in a case of a transmission. The separate shaft type oil pump is driven by a shaft that is separate from and rotated in cooperation with a shaft arranged in a torque input route extending from an engine to the transmission to supply hydraulic oil to a transmission oil pressure control mechanism. The mounting structure includes a spacer coupler that fastens the oil pump to the transmission case. The spacer coupler includes a plurality of spacers that couple the oil pump and the transmission case. An oil passage is formed in the spacers of the spacer coupler to connect an oil pressure system, which includes the oil pressure control mechanism, and the oil pump. A manual shaft for operating the transmission is arranged in a clearance between the spacers of the spacer coupler.
US08573944B2
An anti-wear device of a turbomachine rotor including a disk with a rim and axial recesses machined on the rim for the individual housing of blades; and a ring being fitted to one face of the rim, the ring being pierced with holes in the axial extension of the recesses, is disclosed. At least one of the holes in the extension of the recesses is closed by a plug including a metal head forming a bearing surface for the blades. The plug includes a stud in the extension of the metal head, an insert made of deformable material surrounding at least partly the stud, and a clamping device. The insert is made of deformable material being deformed by the clamping device so as to immobilize the plug in the hole.
US08573943B2
A turbine rotor having a plurality of rotor blades assembled into rotor blade rows and arranged on a turbine disk is provided. The respective turbine disc on the side surfaces thereof includes a plurality of sealing plates having edges that are arranged radially towards the inside, enables a simplified design and assembly, while maintaining maximum operational reliability and maximum efficiency of a turbine equipped therewith. Therefore, between the edge of the respective sealing plate and a side wall of the turbine disc groove, a closure member is provided, wherein the edge extends over the entire azimuthal length of the sealing plate and the closure members abut each other in the azimuthal direction for sealing purposes. The closure members may be inserted into the turbine disc groove via a recess interrupting the respective edge and extending substantially azimuthally on the side facing the turbine axis.
US08573938B1
A turbine stator vane with endwall cooling that includes a row of submerged cooling air channels or slots that include a metering hole at an inlet end, a diffusion chamber downstream from the metering hole, and an open slot that channels and discharges the cooling air from the slots as film cooling air for the endwalls. Each submerged cooling air slot can be customized for pressure and flow to control metal temperature and cooling capability.
US08573930B2
According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve improved durability by improving the connection structure of operation links and a control ring to reduce friction and wear between the operation links and the control ring, facilitate manufacturing by simple configuration and structure, and achieve silent and stable operation by making it possible to set the gaps between the parts relatively small.
US08573926B2
A gas turbine engine includes a fan section. A turbine section is coupled to the fan section via a geared architecture. The geared architecture includes a torque frame and a flex support spaced apart from one another at a location. A gear train is supported by the torque frame. A damper is provided between the torque frame and the flex support at the location.
US08573925B2
A cooled component for a gas turbine engine, the component includes a segment region defining a segment of an annulus for passage of hot gases therethrough, the segment region having a pair of opposed side faces configured to lie substantially adjacent respective corresponding side faces of segments of similar operationally and circumferentially adjacent components, wherein: the segment region includes an elongate cooling slot in at least one of the side faces, the cooling slot being arranged in fluid communication with at least one flow passage within the segment region for a supply of cooling fluid to the slot, and the slot is substantially closed at an upstream end of the slot and open at a downstream end of the slot so as to define an outlet for the cooling fluid at an operationally downstream region of the at least one of the side faces.
US08573920B2
A stacking device for print products that includes a table to receive the print products such that the print products form a stack. The device also includes at least two ejector elements arrangeable against the stack to push the stack in an ejection direction away from the table. The stacking devices further includes at least two drive elements operatively connected, respectively, with the at least two ejector elements so that the at least two ejector elements move independent of one another.
US08573917B2
A bulk seed handling system (20) is provided to facilitate seed transfer from a distributor to a farm and then to a planter or the like. The handling system (20) includes one or more upright bin assemblies (22) adapted to be moved in a filled condition, and a trailer (24) designed to move the bin assembly (22) and unload seed therefrom. The bin assembly (22) includes a seed bin (26) having a lower unload opening (34) and supported by a frame assembly (38) including telescopic legs (50) shiftable between a retractable travel position and an extended bin support position. The trailer (24) includes a lift frame (60) operable to engage and elevate the bin assembly (22) for travel with the legs (50) thereof in a retracted position, and a seed-conveying arrangement including an intermediate conveyor (62) and a delivery conveyor (64). At an unloading site, the intermediate conveyor (62) is shifted to an unloading position in communication with the bin unload opening (34) and the delivery conveyor (64) in order to transfer seed from the bin.
US08573904B2
A cutting insert having a base portion structured to be coupled to a tool body, the base portion having a leading end, a trailing end, and a mounting face extending therebetween. A number of cutting portions extend from the base portion opposite the mounting face. Each cutting portion of the number of cutting portions includes a cutting face disposed adjacent the leading end of the base. The cutting face having an angled portion disposed at a first angle with respect to a reference plane oriented parallel to the leading end and perpendicular to the mounting face. The cutting face also having a curved portion disposed between the angled portion and the base portion.
US08573902B2
A grooving tool for cutting grooves in workpieces and a grooving tool tool holder for permitting replacement of inserts and permitting inserts to be replaced without moving the tool holder with respect to the grooving tool in which the tool holder is installed.
US08573886B1
A slip forming curbing machine includes a hopper and slip former selectively raised or lowered as a unit relative to a wheeled frame. A grader is movably connected to and supported by the frame, the grader having a grader portion selectively slidably movable to extend beyond the frame. Sensors attached to and extending from the frame are used to control movement of the machine and operation of several components, including mechanism for raising and lowering the hopper and slip former.
US08573883B2
A system and method are provided for coupling a manhole cover to an underground utility box to support the manhole cover substantially flush with a ground surface such as a roadway. A holder couples to an underground utility box and includes upper and lower ends and a channel extending therebetween, and a support structure extending into the channel and defining an upwardly facing support surface. An adjustment member for coupling to a manhole cover is inserted within the channel, and includes upper and lower ends, and a passageway extending therebetween and communicating with the channel. The adjustment member is movably receivable within the channel to be seated on the support surface, and to define an adjustment space between the adjustment member and the holder. The adjustment member may thus be adjusted for accommodating a slope and elevation of a ground surface, and sealed with the holder after adjustment.
US08573877B2
A ball joint with a ball pin and a steel ball pin with a joint ball. The ball joint and ball pin are suitable for use when solid-on-solid friction predominates, for example under high static pre-loading or under high operational loads and with small joint movements. At least in a bearing contact area, between the joint ball and the bearing shell, does not include any nitrided layer. The surface of the ball pin has an oxide layer, provided as wear protection, at least in the bearing contact area of the joint ball. The oxide layer in the ball joints, previously regarded (as part of the nitriding treatment) as only improving corrosion protection functions as a form of wear protection. Thus, the mutual exclusion between increasing the fatigue strength (by surface layer hardening) and improving the wear resistance (by nitriding/oxidation) is overcome with such ball pins.
US08573875B2
The invention relates to an applicator for a fluid product such as a cosmetic product, of the type including: a container (101) having an outlet, a control ring (133) which is mounted to the container such that it can move between a closed position in which it seals the outlet and an open position in which it opens the outlet, and an application member (155) which is mounted to the control ring such as to communicate with the outlet when the ring is in the open position. The control ring is rotatably mounted to the container, abutment means (129, 135) being provided in order to stop the travel of the ring towards the closed position thereof.
US08573868B2
A camera accessory is detachably engaged with a camera body including a camera body mount and body-side electric contact points. The camera accessory includes a camera accessory mount assuming a bayonet structure with a first tab, a second tab and a third tab. The camera accessory mount is configured to be inserted through the camera body mount without any of the first through third tabs hindered by three camera body-side tabs disposed at the camera body mount as long as the camera accessory mount is inserted at the camera body mount at a correct interlock phase. The camera accessory mount is configured such that insertion of the camera accessory mount through the camera body mount is disallowed at any phase other than the correct interlock phase with at least two tabs among the first through third tabs coming into contact with at least two of the camera body-side tabs.
US08573867B2
A focal plane shutter includes: a board including an opening; an arm including: a rear end portion rotatably supported by the board; and a front end portion swingable in response to rotation of the rear and portion; blades coupled to the arm for opening and closing the opening; and a sensor arranged at a position opposite to the arm across the opening, and detecting a state of the blades.
US08573864B2
An image pickup apparatus includes a first timer configured to start measuring a first time period when a mirror located at a mirror-up position is moved to a mirror-down position, a second timer configured to start measuring a second time period when the mirror reaches the mirror-down position, and a controller configured to enable processing when the first timer finishes measuring the first period and the second timer finishes measuring the second period. The first period is a time period enough to attenuate mirror's bounds after the mirror located at the mirror-up position starts moving to the mirror-down position, when a high power-supply voltage is set to the image pickup apparatus, and the second period is a time period enough to attenuate mirror's bounds after the mirror reaches the mirror-down position, when a low power-supply voltage is set to the image pickup apparatus.
US08573863B2
An optical module on the invention provides a multi-layered ceramic package in which the LD, the sub-mount to mount the LD, the optical component to bend the optical axis of the light emitted from the LD toward the lens, and the monitor PD to monitor a portion of the light transmitted through the optical component. These components are mounted on a metal in the package with an adhesive. At least one of the sub-mount and the optical component provides a chamfer in a front bottom corner thereof to provide a room to receive fillets formed in the surfaces facing to and abutting against the other surface.
US08573861B2
Electronic devices are provided that communicate over cables and other communications paths that include optical and electrical paths. A cable may include wires for forming an electrical path and one or more optical fibers for forming an optical path. Connectors at one or both ends of the cable may include electrical contacts and an optical coupling structure associated with the optical path. Optical paths may be included in connectors such as tip-ring-sleeve connectors and connectors of other types. Interface circuitry may be included in a connector to convert between optical and electrical signaling schemes. Wavelength-division-multiplexing may be used to support bidirectional communications. Breakout boxes and other equipment may be connected using the cables. Digital signals such as digital noise cancellation signals may be conveyed over the optical paths. Power and other electrical signals may be conveyed over the electrical paths.
US08573860B2
In one example embodiment, a pluggable ONU transceiver module comprises a top shell, a bottom shell configured to mate with the top shell to form a cavity, and a PCB disposed within the cavity. A plurality of pins are coupled to the PCB and are configured to be inserted into a protruding socket of a host device through the bottom shell. The protruding socket is mounted on a PCB of the host device. The pluggable ONU transceiver module further comprises one or more guiding features integrated with the bottom shell and configured to ensure that the pins are inserted correctly into the protruding socket, and means for positioning the top shell at a predetermined height above the PCB of the host device to allow coupling of the top shell to a heatsink of the host device.
US08573856B2
A method for preparing a ferrule assembly avoids polishing while providing adequate control over fiber end protrusion and co-planarity. A distal end of the fiber is prepared before securing the fiber in a ferrule, and before or after inserting the fiber into the ferrule. The prepared fiber is manipulated to provide a desired spatial relationship between the fiber end and the ferrule's end face, and then secured to maintain the desired spatial relationship. Preferably, the fiber end is prepared using a laser cleaving technique to provide a suitable end without abrasive polishing. An interferometer may be used to obtain measurements, during manipulation of the prepared fiber within the ferrule, that indicate whether the prepared fiber is satisfactorily positioned. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, a ferrule assembly prepared in accordance with the method, and a connector or other optical package including such a ferrule assembly are provided.
US08573850B2
The invention relates to a support arrangement for the yielding support of a shaft bearing, having a radial inner support ring, into which the shaft bearing can be installed, and having a bearing housing for fixing the support arrangement. The radial inner support ring is connected to the bearing housing via a connection structure such that the radial inner support ring can be deflected from an initial position relative to the bearing housing with respect to a central axis of the shaft bearing both in the axial and radial directions from a starting position. The deflection delimitation device delimits the axial deflection of the radial inner support ring relative to the hearing housing in the axial direction.
US08573849B2
A bearing arrangement having at least two parts (10, 12) rotatable relative to one another, in which one (10) of the parts has at least one annular groove (14) concentric with the axis of rotation (A), and the other part (12) has a tongue (16) that is complementary to the groove (14) and engaged therein, and in that each of the parts (10, 12) is divided into at least two sectors (10a; 12a) along separating faces that pass through the groove (14) and the tongue (16), the tongue (16) extending over all sectors (12a, 12b) of the corresponding part (12).
US08573845B2
Food packaging of the present invention is particularly adapted for microwave, conventional oven, stove top and boiler cooking techniques and includes an integral pocket or trap compartment for receiving fluids created by the cooking process, such as grease. Embodiments further include food packaging having food compartments that may contain food products that may be individually selected and/or combined together to form combination food products.
US08573843B2
Provided is a temperature measuring device capable of continuously measuring a body temperature without imposing a load on a subject or a measurer. The temperature measuring device includes: a temperature measuring unit (10, 210) to be attached to an object to be measured, including a temperature measuring unit-side temperature sensing element (21, 221) and a first coil (11, 211); and a power supplying unit (30, 230) including a second coil (31, 231), for supplying power to the temperature measuring unit (10, 210), in which the temperature measuring unit (10, 210) and the power supplying unit (30, 230) are formed integrally with each other.
US08573842B2
A sensor control circuit for controlling a sensor unit for measuring a physical value includes a timing controller which selects periodically one or more sensor units among multiple sensor units and converts an output signal from the sensor unit to a continuous serial input signal, an oscillator which receives the serial input signal input by the controller and outputs a frequency signal corresponding to the output signal detected by the sensor unit, a counter which counts for a predetermined duration a number of pulses of the frequency signal output from the oscillator, a data converter which converts the number of pulses to voltage data and outputs the data, and an RLC selector which inputs to the converter information indicating a characteristic value on which the number of pulses is based. The characteristic value is resistance, inductance or electrostatic capacitance. The sensor units measure physical values, respectively.
US08573839B2
A heat conductive structure for a thermometer with a structure with temperature indication markings includes a probe structure with a thermal conductive surface. A temperature indication portion is disposed adjacent to the probe structure. A reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer is formed on the temperature indication portion to overlap the structure of the temperature indication markings. The probe structure is adapted for sensing the thermal contact surface to conduct heat flow to the reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer, producing a sensed temperature and a color changing zone of the reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer in response to the sensed temperature thereby exhibiting a corresponding temperature value.
US08573826B2
The present invention discloses a side-light type light guide plate assembly and a backlight module, which has a light guide plate and at least one reflector sheet. The light guide plate has a lower surface, a light output surface opposite to the lower surface, and at least one light input side surface connected between the lower surface and the light output surface. The reflector sheet is correspondingly disposed on at least one side surface of the light guide plate except for the light input side surface, while a medium layer is defined between the reflector sheet and the light guide plate. The refraction index of the medium layer is smaller than or equal to 1.12. By providing the air layer and the reflector sheet, light beam emitting out of a side of the light guide plate and going back to the light guide plate can meet conditions of total reflection, so as to prevent from generating a light leakage phenomenon at edges of the light guide plate.
US08573824B2
The periphery of a fluorescent body is reliably sealed, and entry of moisture or volatilized gas is prevented. An illumination optical unit includes an optical fiber, a fluorescent body, a ferrule as a holding member holding the fluorescent body and the optical fiber, a tubular sleeve member that covers the outer periphery of the fluorescent body, and a protective cover. The ferrule holds the fluorescent body and is fitted into a fitting hole of the sleeve member. An inner peripheral face of the sleeve member and an outer peripheral face of the protective cover are bonded together to seal the distal end side of the fluorescent body, and the fitting hole of the sleeve member and an outer peripheral face of the ferrule are bonded together to bond the proximal end side of the fluorescent body.
US08573823B2
In one embodiment, a solid-state luminaire has a strip of high power LEDs, where each LED emits light into an optical coupler. Light from the optical coupler is then coupled into a light guide. Light coupled into the light guide is mixed and guided to an exit aperture of the light guide. An optical extractor proximate the exit aperture of the light guide redirects light outward, which is optionally redirected generally downward by a secondary reflector that extends outwardly along the length of the light guide. The secondary reflector may be configured to create a variety of light-emission patterns. The luminaire may be hung from a ceiling, in track lighting, used as a pendant or pedestal fixture, or in other applications.
US08573819B2
The present invention combines control for lighting on/off a right side semiconductor-type light source 5R, control for lighting on/off a left side semiconductor-type light source 5L, and control for moving a movable shade 7 between a first position and a second position via control for driving/stopping the movement mechanism 70 with one another so as to radiate luminous intensity of a light distribution pattern HP1 for high beam having a first function, a light distribution pattern HP2 for high beam having a second function, and a light distribution pattern HP3 for high beam having a third function toward a forward direction of a vehicle 3. As a result, since the present invention includes a set of lamp unit, in comparison with the conventional vehicle headlamp system, the present invention requires a less number of components, and thus downsizing and cost reduction can be achieved accordingly.
US08573818B2
A luminaire including a housing with a service compartment that is accessible through an opening in the housing, a light source, electrical components disposed in the service compartment for powering and operating the light source, and a door rotatably connected to the housing for rotation between a closed position where the door covers the opening and an open position where the door does not cover the opening. The rotatable connection includes an asymmetric pin extending from the door and a cavity formed in the housing having a hinge opening of width W. The asymmetric pin has a cross sectional thickness t and a cross sectional height h. Width W is less than height h and greater than thickness t, such that the pin is removable through the hinge opening when the door is in a removal position where the pin thickness t is aligned to the hinge opening width W.
US08573811B2
A backlight module includes a light guide plate, a back plate, a heat-dissipating element, a light-emitting element, and at least one high-performance heat sink. The heat-dissipating element is disposed adjacent to a light incident surface of the light guide plate, and the heat-dissipating element has a bottom portion and a side portion forming an angle with the bottom portion. The light-emitting element is disposed on one side of the heat-dissipating element facing the light guide plate. The high-performance heat sink is disposed on the back plate, one end of the high-performance heat sink overlaps the heat-dissipating element, and another end of the high-performance heat sink extends away from the light-emitting element.
US08573795B1
A warning lamp has a first assembling member, a second assembling member, a clamping space, an illuminating unit and a battery unit. The first assembling member is pervious to light and has a concave clamping section. The second assembling member is detachably and securely connected with the first assembling member and has a concave pressing section. The clamping space is formed between the pressing section and the clamping section and is capable of receiving a bar. The illuminating unit and the battery unit are securely mounted in the first assembling member. Because the second assembling member is detachably and securely connected with the first assembling member, the warning lamp can clamp different objects at different positions of the objects.
US08573781B2
A projector that includes: a light source; a light-on/off unit that turns on or off the light source; a recording medium reproduction unit that reproduces information recorded on a recording medium, and outputs a video signal; a video signal processing section that converts the video signal provided by the recording medium reproduction unit, and generates a projection-video-use video signal; a light modulation unit that modulates a light coming from the light source based on the video signal generated by the video signal processing section, and emits a resulting video light; a projection system that includes a projection lens, and magnifies and projects the video light coming from the light modulation unit; a lens cover that opens and closes the front of the projection lens; a lens cover open/close detection sensor that detects an open/close state of the lens cover; and a control section that at least controls operation of the light-on/off unit and that of the recording medium reproduction unit. In the projector, the control section turns off the light source, and interrupts reproduction by the recording medium reproduction unit when the lens cover open/close detection sensor detects a state change of the lens cover from open to close, and turns on the light source, and starts reproduction by the recording medium reproduction unit in accordance with predetermined requirements when the lens cover open/close detection sensor detects a state change of the lens cover from close to open.
US08573777B1
A patient examination assembly comprises a rotatable stand adapted to mount a slit lamp microscope, and a phoropter attached to the stand by a telescoping arm assembly, comprising an arm and a connector, and the connector comprises a first link and a second link. The first link is telescopeable within the second link.
