US08729720B1
A system for generating output energy with minimal input energy is disclosed. The system's components include a crankshaft, a speed multiplier, a first electrical generator, a transformer, and a fluid power circuit. The speed multiplier is coupled to the crankshaft by way of a low-speed shaft. The first electric generator is coupled to the speed multiplier by way of a high-speed shaft. The transformer is configured to receive electricity produced by the first electrical generator. The transformers output electricity is used to power the fluid power circuit. The fluid power circuit is reciprocally coupled to the crankshaft, such that operation of the fluid power circuit sets the crankshaft in motion. The fluid power circuit may be an oleo-hydraulic circuit or a pneumatic circuit. A rotor and fluid-propelled turbine may also be affixed to the crankshaft in order to set the crankshaft into motion.
US08729715B2
The present invention relates to an epoxy resin composition for semiconductor encapsulation, including the following components (A) to (D): (A) an epoxy resin; (B) a phenol resin; (C) an inorganic filler, and (D) a silicone compound containing an alkoxy group directly bonded to silicon atom in an amount of 10 to 45 wt % based on the entire silicone compound and having a specific gravity of 1.10 to 1.30.
US08729713B2
A vent hole precursor structure (26) in an intermediate product for a semi-conductor device has delicate structures (27, 28), and said intermediate product has a cavity (21) with a pressure therein differing from the pressure of the surroundings. The intermediate product comprises a first wafer (20) in which there is formed a depression (21). The first wafer is bonded to a second wafer (22) comprising a device layer (23) from which the structures (27, 28) are to be made by etching. A hole or groove (26) having a predefined depth extends downwards into the device layer, such that the cavity (21) during etching is opened up before the etching procedure breaks through the device layer (23) to form the structures (27, 28).
US08729710B1
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided multiple embodiments of a semiconductor package including one or more semiconductor dies which are electrically connected to an underlying substrate through the use of a conductive pattern which is at least partially embedded in a patterning layer of the package. In a basic embodiment of the present invention, the semiconductor package comprises a substrate having a conductive pattern disposed thereon. Electrically connected to the conductive pattern of the substrate is at least one semiconductor die. The semiconductor die and the substrate are at least partially encapsulated by a patterning layer. Embedded in the patterning layer is a wiring pattern which electrically connects the semiconductor die to the conductive pattern. A portion of the wiring pattern is exposed in the patterning layer.
US08729705B2
A semiconductor chip includes a seal ring adjacent to edges of the semiconductor chip; an opening extending from a top surface to a bottom surface of the seal ring, wherein the opening has a first end on an outer side of the seal ring and a second end on an inner side of the seal ring; and a moisture barrier having a sidewall parallel to a nearest side of the seal ring, wherein the moisture barrier is adjacent the seal ring and has a portion facing the opening.
US08729698B2
Grooves are formed on the front surfaces of first and second semiconductor wafers each including an aggregate of a plurality of semiconductor chips. The grooves each extend on a dicing line set between the semiconductor chips and to have a larger width than the dicing line. Thereafter the first and second semiconductor wafers are arranged so that the front surfaces thereof are opposed to each other, and the space between the first semiconductor wafer and the second semiconductor wafer is sealed with underfill. Thereafter the rear surfaces of the first and second semiconductor wafers are polished until at least the grooves are exposed, and a structure including the first and second semiconductor wafers and the underfill is cut on the dicing line.
US08729692B2
Disclosed herein is a power module package including: a first heat dissipation plate including a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path which are sequentially formed, the first flow path and the third flow path being formed to have a step therebetween; and a second heat dissipation plate formed under the first heat dissipation plate, having one face and the other face, having a semiconductor device mounting groove formed in the one face thereof, and including a fourth flow path having one end connected to the second flow path and the other end connected to the third flow path, wherein a cooling material introduced through the first flow path is distributed to the third flow path and the fourth flow path based on the second flow path.
US08729685B2
A sealing and bonding material structure for joining semiconductor wafers having monolithically integrated components. The sealing and bonding material are provided in strips forming closed loops. There are provided at least two concentric sealing strips on one wafer. The strips are laid out so as to surround the component(s) on the wafers to be sealed off when wafers are bonded together. The material in the strips is a material bonding the semiconductor wafers together and sealing off the monolithically integrated components when subjected to force and optionally heating. A monolithically integrated electrical and/or mechanical and/or fluidic and/or optical device including a first substrate and a second substrate, bonded together with the sealing and bonding structure, and a method of providing a sealing and bonding material structure on at least one of two wafers and applying a force and optionally heat to the wafers to join them are described.
US08729680B2
A semiconductor device includes a structure in which a semiconductor element (chip) is mounted in a cavity formed in a wiring board with an adhesive interposed between the chip and a bottom surface of the cavity, and electrode terminals of the chip are connected via wires to wiring portions formed on the board around the cavity. The chip is mounted in close contact with a side wall of the cavity, the side wall being near a region where a wiring for higher frequency compared with other wirings within the wiring portion is formed. A recessed portion is provided in a region of the bottom surface of the cavity, and a thermal via extending from the bottom surface of the recessed to the outside of the board is provided, the region being near a portion where the chip is in close contact.
US08729676B2
The present invention includes a method for manufacturing a silicon epitaxial wafer having a silicon homoepitaxial layer formed on a surface of a silicon single crystal wafer, including the steps of: preparing the silicon single crystal wafer such that a plane orientation of the silicon single crystal wafer is tilted at an angle in the range from 0.1° to 8° in a <112> direction from a {110} plane; and growing the silicon homoepitaxial layer on the prepared silicon single crystal wafer. According to the present invention, a silicon epitaxial wafer using the {110} substrate with improved surface quality, such as Haze and surface roughness and a method for manufacturing the silicon epitaxial wafer are provided.
US08729671B2
A method for fabricating a high quality freestanding nonpolar and semipolar nitride substrate with increased surface area, comprising stacking multiple films by growing the films one on top of each other with different and non-orthogonal growth directions.
US08729660B2
The present invention discloses a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) integrated chip with cross-area interconnection, comprising: a substrate; a MEMS device area on the substrate; a microelectronic device area on the substrate; a guard ring separating the MEMS device area and the microelectronic device area; and a conductive layer on the surface of the substrate below the guard ring, or a well in the substrate below the guard ring, as a cross-area interconnection electrically connecting the MEMS device area and the microelectronic device area.
US08729656B2
A germanium semiconductor radiation detector contact made of yttrium metal. A thin (˜1000 Å) deposited layer of yttrium metal forms a thin hole-barrier and/or electron-barrier contact on both p- and n-type germanium semiconductor radiation detectors. Yttrium contacts provide a sufficiently high hole barrier to prevent measurable contact leakage current below ˜120 K. The yttrium contacts can be conveniently segmented into multiple electrically independent electrodes having inter-electrode resistances greater than 10 GΩ. Germanium semiconductor radiation detector diodes fabricated with yttrium contacts provide good gamma-ray spectroscopy data.
US08729655B2
Methods of forming isolation structures are disclosed. A method of forming isolation structures for an image sensor array of one aspect may include forming a dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate. Narrow, tall dielectric isolation structures may be formed from the dielectric layer. The narrow, tall dielectric isolation structures may have a width that is no more than 0.3 micrometers and a height that is at least 1.5 micrometers. A semiconductor material may be epitaxially grown around the narrow, tall dielectric isolation structures. Other methods and apparatus are also disclosed.
US08729652B2
The invention provides a semiconductor device (11) for radiation detection, which comprises a substrate region (1) of a substrate semiconductor material, such as silicon, and a detection region (3) at a surface of the semiconductor device (11), in which detection region (3) charge carriers of a first conductivity type, such as electrons, are generated and detected upon incidence of electromagnetic radiation (L) on the semiconductor device (11). The semiconductor device (11) further comprises a barrier region (2,5,14) of a barrier semiconductor material or an isolation material, which barrier region (2,5,14) is an obstacle between the substrate region (1) and the detection region (3) for charge carriers that are generated in the substrate region (1) by penetration of ionizing radiation (X), such as X-rays, into the substrate region (1). This way the invention provides a semiconductor device (11) for radiation detection in which the influence on the performance of the semiconductor device (11) of ionizing radiation (X), such as X-rays, that penetrates into the substrate region (1) is reduced.
US08729645B2
Structures and methods for reducing backside polysilicon peeling are disclosed. A structure includes a substrate having a first side and a second opposite side, a first dielectric layer on the second side of the substrate extending in a direction from an edge of the substrate towards a center of the substrate, a high-k layer on the first dielectric layer, and a polysilicon layer on the high-k layer. The first dielectric layer has a first innermost sidewall relative to the center of the substrate, and the high-k layer has a second innermost sidewall relative to the center of the substrate. The second innermost sidewall is within 2 millimeters from the first innermost sidewall in a direction parallel to the second side. The polysilicon layer extends towards the center of the substrate further than the first innermost sidewall.
US08729641B2
A semiconductor device includes a first, second, and third MIS transistors of a first conductivity type respectively including a first, second, and third gate electrodes on a first, second, and third active regions of a semiconductor substrate with a first, second, and third gate insulating films interposed therebetween. The first gate insulating film is formed of a first silicon oxide film and a first high-k insulating film on the first silicon oxide film. The second gate insulating film is formed of a second silicon oxide film and a second high-k insulating film on the second silicon oxide film. The third gate insulating film is formed of a third silicon oxide film and a third high-k insulating film on the third silicon oxide film. The second silicon oxide film has a same thickness as the first silicon oxide film, and a greater thickness than the third silicon oxide film.
US08729639B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a gate electrode formed on a substrate with a gate insulation film interposed therebetween, and a source region of a first conductivity type and a drain region of a second conductivity type reverse to the first conductivity type, which are formed so as to hold the gate electrode therebetween within the substrate. The work function of a first region on the source region side within the gate electrode is shifted toward the first conductivity type as compared to the work function of a second region on the drain region side within the gate electrode.
US08729635B2
A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device comprises a substrate, a stacked gate structure, doped regions and high stress material layers. The stacked gate structure is located on the substrate. The stacked gate structure includes at least a dielectric layer and a gate sequentially disposed over the substrate. The doped regions are disposed in the substrate on each side of the stacked gate structure. The high stress material layers are disposed on the substrate to cover the doped regions. The high stress material layers can increase the mobility of the carriers in the doped regions and hence accelerate the operating speed of the device.
US08729631B2
A MOS transistor is described, including: a source region and a drain region in a semiconductor substrate, an isolation between the source region and the drain region, a first gate conductor between the source region and the isolation, at least one conductive plug electrically connected to the first gate conductor and penetrating into the isolation, and at least one second gate conductor on the isolation, which is electrically connected to the first gate conductor and the at least one conductive plug. One of the at least one conductive plug is between the first gate conductor and the at least one second gate conductor.
US08729628B2
Junction field-effect transistors with vertical channels and self-aligned regrown gates and methods of making these devices are described. The methods use techniques to selectively grow and/or selectively remove semiconductor material to form a p-n junction gate along the sides of the channel and on the bottom of trenches separating source fingers. Methods of making bipolar junction transistors with self-aligned regrown base contact regions and methods of making these devices are also described. The semiconductor devices can be made in silicon carbide.
US08729626B2
A semiconductor device may include, but is not limited to: a semiconductor structure extending upwardly; a first insulating film covering at least a side surface of the semiconductor structure; a gate electrode extending upwardly, the gate electrode being adjacent to the first insulating film; and an insulating structure extending upwardly, the insulating structure being adjacent to the gate electrode.
US08729623B2
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a stacked body including a plurality of electrode layers and a plurality of insulating layers, which are alternately stacked, and diffusion suppressing layers each provided between each of the plurality of electrode layers and each of the plurality of insulating layers; and a memory film provided on a side wall of a hole penetrating the stacked body in a stacking direction. Each of the plurality of electrode layers is a first semiconductor layer containing a first impurity element. The diffusion suppressing layer is a second semiconductor layer containing a second impurity element which is different from the first impurity element. The diffusion suppressing layer is a film having an effect of suppressing diffusion of the first impurity element.
US08729617B2
A semiconductor memory device includes: a lower pillar protruding from a substrate in a vertical direction and extending in a first direction by a trench formed in the first direction; an upper pillar protruding on the lower pillar in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a buried bit line junction region disposed on one sidewall of the lower pillar; a buried bit line contacting the buried bit line junction region and filling a portion of the trench; an etch stop film disposed on an exposed surface of the buried bit line; a first interlayer dielectric film recessed to expose a portion of an outer side of at least the upper pillar disposed on the etch stop film; a second interlayer dielectric film disposed on the first interlayer dielectric film; and a gate surrounding the exposed outer side of the upper pillar and crossing the buried bit line.
US08729603B2
A GaN-based semiconductor element includes a substrate, a buffer layer formed on the substrate, including an electrically conductive portion, an epitaxial layer formed on the buffer layer, and a metal structure in ohmic contact with the electrically conductive portion of the buffer layer for controlling an electric potential of the buffer layer.
US08729598B2
The present invention provides a light-emitting diode that includes two electrodes provided on a light-emitting surface, and exhibits high light extraction efficiency and high-brightness. The present invention relates to a light-emitting diode (1) including: a compound semiconductor layer (2) including a light-emitting portion (7) containing a light-emitting layer (10); and a transparent substrate (3), wherein the compound semiconductor layer (2) and the transparent substrate (3) are bonded, and a first electrode (4) and a second electrode (5) are provided on the side of a main light-emitting surface (2a) of the compound semiconductor layer (2), wherein the transparent substrate (3) includes: an upper surface (3A) bonding to the compound semiconductor layer (2); a bottom surface (3B) having smaller dimensions than dimensions of the upper surface (3A); and a side surface including at least inclined surface (3b) inclined from the side of the upper surface toward the side of the bottom surface, wherein the first and second electrodes (4) and (5) are disposed within a region in which the bottom surface (3B) is projected when viewed from the top of the light-emitting diode.
US08729594B2
A semiconductor light-emitting element includes, a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer provided between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, a first electrode connected to the first semiconductor layer, and a second electrode provided on the second semiconductor layer. A side of the second electrode facing to the second semiconductor layer is composed of at least any one of silver and silver alloy. The second electrode has a void having a width of emission wavelength or less of the light-emitting layer in a plane of the second electrode facing to the second semiconductor layer.
US08729588B2
The present invention provides a light emitting diode (LED) element which comprises a substrate, a buffer layer, a plurality of nano-spheres and a light emitting structure. The substrate comprises a plurality of grooves arranged at intervals on a surface of the substrate. The buffer layer is disposed on the surface of the substrate where the grooves being formed, wherein the grooves are disposed between the substrate and the buffer layer. The nano-spheres are received in the grooves, so each groove is provided with at least a nano-sphere. The light emitting structure is disposed on the buffer layer.
US08729586B2
A light-emitting diode device includes: a substrate; an upper metal film disposed on an upper surface of the substrate, and including a chip-mounting region and a plurality of conductive pad regions; two first light-emitting chips and two second light-emitting chips disposed on the chip-mounting region, the first and second light-emitting chips being disposed alternately, two of the first and second light-emitting chips being opposite to each other; a fluorescent layer coated on the first light-emitting chips; and a lens disposed on the substrate to cover the first and second light-emitting chips and the fluorescent layer.
US08729584B2
The present invention relates to a light emitting device (1) comprising a light emitter (10) and a support (13) to which a plurality of protruding fibers (11) are attached. The light emitter (10) and the protruding fibers (11) are arranged to interact with light emitted from the light emitter (10) so that the light may be diffused. The plurality of protruding fibers comprises fibers (11) which are inclined or perpendicular in relation to the support (13).
US08729580B2
A light emitting device based on a AlInGaN materials system wherein a coating is used to improve the extraction of light from a device. A coating has a very low optical loss and an index of refraction greater than 2. In a preferred embodiment the coating is made from Ta2O5, Nb2O5, TiO2, or SiC and has a thickness between about 0.01 and 10 microns. A surface of a coating material may be textured or shaped to increase its surface area and improve light extraction. A surface of the coating material can also be shaped to engineer the directionality of light escaping the layer. A coating can be applied directly to a surface or multiple surfaces of a light emitting device or can be applied onto a contact material. A coating may also serve as a passivation or protection layer for a device.
US08729578B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer and a light emitting layer. The second semiconductor layer is provided on a [0001]-direction side of the first semiconductor layer. The light emitting layer includes a first well layer, a second well layer and a first barrier layer. An In composition ratio of the barrier layer is lower than that of the first well layer and the second well layer. The barrier layer includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion has a first region and a second region. The first region has a first In composition ratio higher than that of the first portion. The second region is provided between the first region and the first well layer. The second region has a second In composition ratio lower than the first In composition ratio.
US08729576B2
A light emitting device is provided that includes a substrate, a buffer layer disposed on an r-plane of the substrate, the buffer layer having a rock salt structured nitride, and a light emitting structure arranged on the buffer layer, the light emitting structure being grown in an a-plane.
US08729568B2
A light emitting device includes a substrate, a first conductive type semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate, an active layer disposed on one part of the first conductive type semiconductor layer, a second conductive type semiconductor layer disposed on the active layer, a first electrode disposed on the second conductive type semiconductor layer, and a second electrode disposed on the other part of the first conductive type semiconductor layer, wherein a trench is formed at a portion of the second conductive type semiconductor layer, the active layer or the first conductive type semiconductor layer so that the trench is disposed under the first electrode.
US08729558B2
According to one embodiment, a nitride semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a first and a second gate electrode. The semiconductor layer includes a nitride semiconductor. The source electrode provided on a major surface of the layer forms ohmic contact with the layer. The drain electrode provided on the major surface forms ohmic contact with the layer and is separated from the source electrode. The first gate electrode is provided on the major surface between the source and drain electrodes. The second gate electrode is provided on the major surface between the source and first gate electrodes. When a potential difference between the source and first gate electrodes is 0 volts, a portion of the layer under the first gate electrode is conductive. The first gate electrode is configured to switch a constant current according to a voltage applied to the second gate electrode.
US08729547B2
To provide a method by which a semiconductor device including a thin film transistor with excellent electric characteristics and high reliability is manufactured with a small number of steps. After a channel protective layer is formed over an oxide semiconductor film containing In, Ga, and Zn, a film having n-type conductivity and a conductive film are formed, and a resist mask is formed over the conductive film. The conductive film, the film having n-type conductivity, and the oxide semiconductor film containing In, Ga, and Zn are etched using the channel protective layer and gate insulating films as etching stoppers with the resist mask, so that source and drain electrode layers, a buffer layer, and a semiconductor layer are formed.
US08729545B2
An object is to provide a semiconductor memory device that enables low power consumption of a memory cell of a CAM including a nonvolatile memory device. Another object is to provide a semiconductor memory device without degradation due to repeated data writing. Still another object is to provide a nonvolatile memory device that enables high density of memory cells. A semiconductor memory device is provided which includes a memory circuit including a first transistor including an oxide semiconductor in a semiconductor layer, and a capacitor in which a potential corresponding to written data can be retained by turning off the first transistor; and a reference circuit for referring the written potential. The semiconductor memory device enables a high-speed search function by obtaining the address of data generated by detecting the conducting state of a second transistor in the reference circuit.
US08729543B2
Methods and devices are provided for forming multi-nary semiconductor. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising of depositing a precursor material onto a substrate, wherein the precursor material may include or may be used with an additive to minimize concentration of group IIIA material such as Ga in the back portion of the final semiconductor layer. The additive may be a non-copper Group IB additive in elemental or alloy form. Some embodiments may use both selenium and sulfur, forming a senary or higher semiconductor alloy.
US08729541B2
The present invention provides an organic light emitting device having high light emission efficiency. The organic light emitting device includes an anode, a cathode and an organic compound layer which is sandwiched between the anode and the cathode, wherein the organic compound layer contains a phenanthrene compound represented by the following general formula [1]: wherein R1 to R3 each represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and Ar is a substituent selected from any in the group consisting of aryl groups represented by the following formulae [2a] to [2h]:
US08729537B2
The present invention relates to a device comprising an organic field effect transistor (OFET) with charge injecting contacts containing a semiconductor layer formed by a perylene derivative, to uses of said device as a medical sensor and/or as a medical cell stimulator and to methods of stimulating and/or monitoring biological cellular activity by using said device.
US08729536B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide an organic light-emitting device which can emit white light by easily controlling dopant concentrations. The organic light-emitting device has a first electrode (112) and second electrode (111) which hold a light-emitting layer (113) in-between, wherein the light-emitting layer contains a host material (104), red-light-emitting dopant (105), green-light-emitting dopant (106) and blue-light-emitting dopant (107), the red-light-emitting dopant containing a first functional group for transferring the dopant toward the first electrode and the green-light-emitting dopant containing a second functional group for transferring the dopant toward the second electrode.
US08729522B2
Some embodiments include memory constructions having a film of phase change material between first and second materials; with the entirety of film having a thickness of less than or equal to about 10 nanometers. The memory constructions are configured to transit from one memory state having a first phase of the phase change material to a second memory state having a second phase of the phase change material, and are configured so that an entirety of the phase change material film changes from the first phase to the second phase in transitioning from the first memory state to the second memory state. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second materials may be carbon, W, TiN, TaN or TiAlN. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second materials may be part of a structure having bands of two or more different compositions.
US08729519B2
Some embodiments include memory constructions having a plurality of bands between top and bottom electrically conductive materials. The bands include chalcogenide bands alternating with non-chalcogenide bands. In some embodiments, there may be least two of the chalcogenide bands and at least one of the non-chalcogenide bands. In some embodiments, the memory cells may be between a pair of electrodes; with one of the electrodes being configured as a lance, angled plate, container or beam. In some embodiments, the memory cells may be electrically coupled with select devices, such as, for example, diodes, field effect transistors or bipolar junction transistors.
US08729509B2
A drawing apparatus performs drawing on a substrate with a plurality of charged particle beams. The apparatus comprises a stage configured to hold the substrate and to be moved; a projection system configured to project the plurality of charged particle beams onto the substrate; a measurement device configured to detect a charged particle beam that reaches the measurement device due to a charged particle beam incident, via the projection system, on a mark formed on the substrate, to measure a position of the mark; and a controller. The controller is configured to control operations of the projection system and the measurement device so that the position of the mark is measured with at least one of the plurality of charged particle beams, in parallel with drawing on the substrate with a part of the plurality of charged particle beams.
US08729498B2
High throughput UV curing systems for mass curing of a plurality of articles without compromising product quality. The systems comprise a plurality of UV banks, each bank comprising a plurality of fluorescent UV lamps, thereby creating a consistent blanket of UV energy. A plurality of coated articles are positioned between pairs of banks such that the UV exposure or dosage is evenly distributed for each article. The fluorescent UV lamps use proportionally lower energy per unit and generate less heat than standard UV lamps, while sufficiently curing the coating on each article. Throughput is increased compared to currently available systems because the systems are easier to maintain requiring less downtime, can cure significantly more articles per cycle, and reduce the number of rejected products.
US08729496B2
In various embodiments of the invention, a cargo container can be monitored at appropriate time intervals to determine that no controlled substances have been shipped with the cargo in the container. The monitoring utilizes reactive species produced from an atmospheric analyzer to ionize analyte molecules present in the container which are then analyzed by an appropriate spectroscopy system. In an embodiment of the invention, a sorbent surface can be used to absorb, adsorb or condense analyte molecules within the container whereafter the sorbent surface can be interrogated with the reactive species to generate analyte species characteristic of the contents of the container.
US08729487B2
A neutron detector comprises at least two conductive cathode sheets lying parallel to one another and coated with neutron reactive material on at least one side thereof; dielectric material separating the cathode sheets and covering less than about 80% of their surface area; and a plurality of anode wires lying generally parallel to the cathode sheets and separated from them by the dielectric, with the distance between adjacent anode wires being no more than twenty times the distance between said cathode sheets. The cathode sheets may be flat or curved; they may be separate plates or they may be successive folds or windings of a single folded or spiral-shaped metal sheet. Related methods for building the detector are disclosed.
US08729484B2
There is provided a radiographic imaging device including: an imaging panel at which sensor portions, that detect radiation or light converted from radiation, are formed at a detection region, and that captures a radiographic image expressed by radiation or light converted from radiation; a light illuminating section at which light-emitting portions, that can individually illuminate light for erasing residual images, are provided per sectional region obtained by dividing the detection region into the sectional regions; a storage section that stores imaging actual results information that expresses past actual results of imaging carried out by the imaging panel; and a control section that, in accordance with at least one of actual results of imaging and imaging conditions, controls absence/presence of illumination of, light amount of, and illumination time period of light from the respective light-emitting portions of the light illuminating section.
US08729479B1
A nuclear medicine mammography system and method for conducting concurrent examinations of both breasts of a patient, thereby reducing examination time in molecular breast imaging. The system comprises first and second pairs of generally opposed articulatable gamma photon detectors, wherein each pair of detectors can be arranged to image a respective breast independently from the other pair of detectors. In one or more embodiments, the first detector pair is dedicatedly oriented in a first orientation and the second detector pair is dedicatedly oriented in a second, different orientation.
US08729471B2
A charged particle beam device includes an electron source structured to generate an electron beam, the electron source being coupled to an electron column that at least partially houses a system structured to direct the electron beam toward a specimen positioned in a sample chamber to which the electron column is coupled, and an electron detector. The electron detector includes one or more assemblies positioned within the electron column or the sample chamber, each of the assemblies including an SiPM and a scintillator directly connected face-to-face to an active light sensing surface of the SiPM without a light transporting device being positioned in between the scintillator and the SiPM.
US08729469B1
An improved method for extracting and handling multiple samples for S/TEM analysis is disclosed. Preferred embodiments of the present invention make use of a micromanipulator that attaches multiple samples at one time in a stacked formation and a method of placing each of the samples onto a TEM grid. By using a method that allows for the processing of multiple samples, the throughput of sample prep in increased significantly.
US08729463B2
The invention describes a method of quantification of an analyte selected from the group consisting of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and C3-epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in a specimen containing the analyte; comprising the steps of subjecting the specimen to UPLC reverse-phase separation; and; detecting the protonated precursor pseudo-molecular ion of the analyte using a mass spectrometry technique to determine the amount of the analyte.
US08729461B2
A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a first storage ion trap arranged upstream of a high performance analytical ion trap. According to an embodiment ions are simultaneously scanned from both the first and second ion trap. At any instant in time the quantity of charge present within the second ion trap is limited or restricted so that the second ion trap does not suffer from space charge saturation effects and hence the performance of the second ion trap is not degraded.
US08729458B2
A detection head includes a plurality of detection array portions that are arranged in a direction along which the head is relatively displaceable. Position signals indicating a position of the detection head are calculated from output signals output from the detection array portions. In order to combine the position signals with one another and determine the position of the detection head with respect to the scale, weighting according to a level of the output signal is performed on the position signal of each of the detection array portions, and the weighted position signals are averaged.
US08729448B1
A system and method for processing optical signals. A photo detection signal is generated in response to sensed conditions determined by one or more pixels of a pixel array. A drive signal is generated for a comparator. An increment signal is generated in response to the drive signal exceeding a reference signal. A counter is incremented in response to receiving the increment signal. The increment signal further activates a switch to reset a capacitor controlling the drive signal. A count value in the counter is read utilizing a summation function to further process the count value corresponding to the photo detection in response to a time period elapsing.
US08729444B2
A photovoltaic system comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules which are electrically connected to a string or to multiple parallel-connected strings and form a PV generator. The first string end forms the negative pole of the photovoltaic generator, and the second string end forms the positive pole. A voltage reduction device is provided with the aid of which the potential of the negative pole is lowered to ground. Advantages with regard to the insulation class of the connecting cable used are also provided.
US08729443B2
Some embodiments pertain to a projectile and method that includes a flight vehicle and a propulsion system attached to the flight vehicle. The propulsion system includes a plurality of motors that propel the projectile. A guidance system is connected to the propulsion system. The guidance system ignites an appropriate number of the motors to adjust the speed of the projectile based on the location of the projectile relative to a desired destination for the flight vehicle. In some embodiments, the flight vehicle is a kinetic warhead. The projectile may be an interceptor that includes a first propulsion stage, a second propulsion stage and a third propulsion stage that includes the third propulsion system. The number of booster motors that will be ignited by the guidance system depends on the speed that the projectile needs to be adjusted to in order to maneuver the projectile to a desired location.
US08729439B2
A microwave oven is capable of preventing a door that can be opened from a left side or a right side thereof from being simultaneously opened from both sides thereof. The microwave oven includes a body, a door, and a change device. The door is coupled with the body. The change device allows the door to be opened from both sides thereof. The change device includes a pair of holders, a pair of sliders, and at least one lever. The holders rotate as the door is opened from both sides thereof. The sliders linearly move in cooperation of the holders. The at least one lever restricts the linear movement of the sliders when the door is opened from one side thereof, thereby preventing the door from being open from a remaining side.
US08729437B2
A microwave popcorn package is provided. The preferred package includes a flexible bag construction reinforced with a sidewall construction. The package is such that the flexible bag construction and the sidewall construction are selectively expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. After the package is opened, the sidewall construction provides for a rigid sidewall to provide a stand up bowl for access to the popped popcorn.
US08729433B2
An electrical heating device includes an open housing in which a layer structure is held under tension. The layer structure includes at least one radiator element and at least one heat emitting element with at least one PTC heating element. The layer structure further includes at least one spring element holding the layer structure in the housing under tension. The spring element is provided adjacent to a spring counter element. Spring tongues, formed on the spring element, interact with matching receptacles on the spring counter element. Displacement of the spring element in a direction essentially parallel to the planes of the layer structure stresses the layer structure within the housing. A method of assembling an electrical heating device is also disclosed.
US08729428B1
One embodiment of a welding rod expander assembly is useful for expanding a welding rod to a remote location. The welding rod expander assembly may include a first attachment member, a second attachment member, at least one elongated member and a welding rod holder. The second attachment member may be pivotally carried by the first attachment member. Further the at least one elongated member may have an external threaded end portion and a connecting end portion. The welding rod holder may be carried by the second attachment member. The welding rod holder may include a holding unit carried by the second internal threaded portion. The holding unit may be capable of receiving the welding rod. The welding rod holder may further include a clamping unit disposed on the second internal threaded portion. Further, the welding rod secured in the holding unit may be capable of expanding to the remote location.
US08729425B2
An engraving laser assembly comprises a tubular rail defining a plenum in an interior of the rail. A carriage is operatively associated with to the tubular rail for axial movement along the rail. A focusing optic is mounted to the carriage for focusing a laser beam to a focal point on an engraving plane operatively with the carriage. A gas inlet is operatively associated with the tubular rail and the inlet is configured for attachment to a source of pressurized gas to provide pressurized gas to the plenum. A plurality of holes are provided in the tubular rail in fluid communication with the plenum. The holes are configured so that, with a source of pressurized gas attached to the gas inlet, a stream of pressurized gas is directed from each hole toward the engraving plane.
US08729418B2
A method produces a welded connection between first and second components each having inner and outer sides interconnected by an end face. The first component has a ferritic basic body carrying a plating at the inside and having an end face with a buffer layer of Ni-based alloy. The second component is of austenitic material. The end faces of the components enclose a weld groove. An austenitic root, connecting the plating to the end face of the second component, is welded in the weld groove. An intermediate layer of a nickel alloy having at least 90% nickel is welded onto the root. The intermediate layer is connected to the end faces of the plating and the second component. A weld seam is then produced in the remaining weld groove using a nickel-based welding additive. A method for repairing a welded connection between first and second components is also provided.
US08729413B2
A push switch includes a case having a recess portion, a first fixed contact placed in the recess portion, and a second fixed contact placed in the recess portion. Furthermore, the push switch includes a dome-shaped movable contact placed in the recess portion and having a center portion facing the first fixed contact with a space therebetween, a protective sheet for covering the recess portion, and a protrusion member fixed to the protective sheet by welding at a convex side of the center portion of the movable contact. The first fixed contact and the second fixed contact are provided at positions that are brought into contact with the movable contact when the movable contact is elastically reversed.
US08729410B2
A weighing arrangement includes an infeed for product material to be weighed and at least one dosing mechanism for controlled conveying of product material portions from the infeed to a weighing system. The dosing mechanism includes a motor-driven transport screw positioned in an open trough for conveying the product material from the infeed to the weighing system, and a control unit for controlling the motor in order to deliver a desired portion of product material to the weighing system. This weighing arrangement provides a gentle, well-defined conveyance of product materials that are not suited for vibrational conveyance or conveyance by a screw conveyor in a tubular housing.
US08729409B2
A wire-guiding portion includes a rib protruding from an outer surface of the wire-guiding portion for tape slippage prevention. At least a rear end face of the rib defines a sloping surface intersecting at an acute angle with the outer surface at the edge of the electrical wire guiding portion. The wire-guiding portion may be provided obliquely downward with respect to a vertical wall of the electrical junction box body.
US08729408B2
Moulding to conceal wiring has at least one piece, a cavity within the piece and a resilient flap for the cavity. The cavity and the flap extend for the length of the moulding. The moulding has a major piece that receives a minor piece. The major piece has a top portion upon a stem above a base portion. The top portion has a contour of architectural form. The top portion has cladding over it and nearly half way down the stem. The base portion has a keyway for the minor portion. The minor piece has a tongue with cladding upon it and that extends for half of the cavity. The cladding of the top portion has a free end that extends inside of the tongue. The free end deflects into the cavity for wire insertion but resiliently closes against the tongue. Alternatively, the invention has single piece construction.
US08729405B2
A printed wiring board wiring board including a substrate having a first penetrating hole and multiple second penetrating holes formed around the first penetrating hole, a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion formed on one surface of the substrate, a third conductive portion and a fourth conductive portion formed on the opposite surface of the substrate, a first through-hole conductor formed in the first penetrating hole and connecting the first conductive portion and the third conductive portion, and multiple second through-hole conductors formed in the second penetrating holes and connecting the second conductive portion and the fourth conductive portion. The first through-hole conductor and the second through-hole conductors are made of conductive material filled in the first penetrating hole or the second penetrating holes.
US08729390B2
The present invention provides a torsion resistant shielded cable which includes at least one conductor; an insulating layer covering outside the conductor; a first isolating layer surrounding the insulating layer; and a shielded layer including a number of wires, single wires or strand wires, wound around the first isolating layer in a clockwise and counter-clockwise alternative order along an axial direction of the conductor to prevent the strand wires from breaking while the torsion resistant shielded cable is twisted.
US08729373B2
The present cupping device attaches to the harmonica holder and provides a simulated cupping effect when the musician is playing the harmonica hands-free. The cupping device is generally a U-shaped elongate channel formed by bending a rigid sheet material to create a chamber. The elongate channel attaches to a harmonica holder and the open side of the elongate channel receives the back of a harmonica also mounted on the harmonica holder. Each end of the elongate channel is open to permit the ingress and egress of air while playing. A microphone may be clipped to one or both open ends and positioned within the elongate channel. The cupping device isolates the harmonica sound so that it can be amplified at higher volumes without feedback or interference.
US08729370B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH558436. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH558436, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH558436 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH558436.
US08729363B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV672639. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV672639, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV672639 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 CV672639 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 CV672639.
US08729354B2
A soybean cultivar designated 15183211 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 15183211, to the plants of soybean cultivar 15183211, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 15183211, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 15183211. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 15183211. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 15183211, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 15183211 with another soybean cultivar.
US08729347B2
A novel soybean variety, designated XB28C12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB28C12, cells from soybean variety XB28C12, plants of soybean XB28C12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB28C12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB28C12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB28C12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB28C12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB28C12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB28C12 are further provided.
US08729345B2
A soybean cultivar designated S070160 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S070160, to the plants of soybean S070160, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S070160 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S070160 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety S070160, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S070160 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S070160 with another soybean cultivar.
US08729343B2
The present invention relates to an iceberg lettuce having one or more romaine lettuce characteristics. The invention further relates to methods for producing iceberg lettuce varieties containing one or more romaine lettuce characteristics.
US08729339B2
The invention provides methods and compositions useful in target sequence suppression and target sequence validation. The invention provides polynucleotide constructs useful for gene silencing, as well as cells, plants and seeds comprising the polynucleotides. The invention also provides a method for using microRNA to silence a target sequence.
US08729338B2
A method of modifying at least one carbohydrate in a tissue of a plant is described. The method is typically applied to a sugarcane plant of the genus Saccharum method and includes the steps of inserting into a plant cell a gene silencing cassette which includes nucleic acid operably linked to transcription elements such as a monocotyledonous promoter for transcribing the nucleic acid in a plant cell, wherein transcription of the nucleic acid decreases activity of UMP synthase. The method further includes the steps of regenerating a transgenic plant from the plant cell and producing the tissue with increased carbohydrate content. Vectors for use therefor, as well as a transformed plant cell and a transgenic plant or plant part containing or derived from a transformed plant cell are also described.
US08729326B2
A method for producing a selective hydrogenation catalyst for hydrogenating a highly unsaturated hydrocarbon to an unsaturated hydrocarbon comprising contacting an inorganic catalyst support with a chlorine-containing compound to form a chlorided catalyst support and adding palladium to the chlorided catalyst support to form a supported-palladium composition. A selective hydrogenation catalyst for hydrogenating a highly unsaturated hydrocarbon to an unsaturated hydrocarbon formed by the method comprising contacting an inorganic catalyst support with a chlorine-containing compound to form a chlorided catalyst support and adding palladium to the chlorided catalyst support to form a supported-palladium composition. A method of selectively hydrogenating a highly unsaturated hydrocarbon to an unsaturated hydrocarbon comprising contacting the highly unsaturated hydrocarbon with a selective hydrogenation catalyst composition produced by contacting an inorganic catalyst support with a chlorine-containing compound to form a chlorided catalyst support and adding palladium to the chlorided catalyst support to form a supported-palladium composition.
US08729306B2
The present invention provides an alternative synthesis of N-substituted aminotetralines which synthesis comprises catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation of compounds of general formula (A).
US08729300B2
The present invention provides a simple, safe and more efficient process for preparing metal salts of valproic acid. The process includes steps of: (i) mixing valproic acid and a metal hydroxide (either dry solid or aqueous solution) in a drier to form a reaction mixture; and (ii) removing water, which is produced during the step of mixing the valproic acid and the metal hydroxide, from the reaction mixture to obtain the desired metal salts of valproic acid.
US08729297B2
The present invention is directed to Mannich condensation product sequestering agents or mixtures of Mannich condensation product sequestering agents for use in fuels and lubricating oils. The present invention is also directed to a process for preparing the Mannich condensation product sequestering agents. The present invention is also directed to a product formed by combining, under reaction conditions, a polyisobutyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic compound, an aldehyde, an amino acid or ester thereof, and an alkali metal base to form the Mannich condensation product sequestering agent. The present invention is also directed to a lubricating oil composition, a lubricating oil concentrate, a fuel composition, and a fuel concentrate having the Mannich condensation product sequestering agents of the present invention.
US08729296B2
The present disclosure provides methods for generating percarboxylic acid compositions and/or peroxycarboxylic acid compositions formed external to a point of use in non-equilibrium reactions for use in certain bleaching and antimicrobial applications, in particular laundry applications. The compositions are generated external to a point of use, at alkaline pH levels, viz. greater than about pH 12, and optionally suitable for use with detergents and/or surfactants for synergistic bleaching efficacy. Methods of bleaching and/or disinfecting are further provided.
US08729288B2
A method for the production of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyronitrile having good storage stability in a multi-zone reactor, is provided. 3-methylmercaptopropionaldehyde is reacted with hydrogen cyanide in the presence of a base as catalyst in a main reaction zone of the multizone reactor to form a reaction mixture comprising the 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyronitrile, unreacted 3-methylmercaptopropionaldehyde, the catalyst and residual amounts of gaseous hydrogen cyanide. The residual gaseous hydrogen cyanide is removed from the main reaction zone to an absorption and post-reaction zone of the reactor which comprises a mixture of 3-methylmercaptopropionaldehyde and the catalyst; and the gaseous hydrogen cyanide is further reacted with the 3-methylmercaptopropionaldehyde in the absorption and post reaction zone. A molar ratio of hydrogen cyanide to 3-(methylthio)propanal in the main reaction zone is from 0.98 to 1.03.
US08729277B2
The present invention discloses processes for producing γ-nitrocarbonyl and γ-dicarbonyl compounds, which can be precursors in the synthesis of pyrrole compounds. A process for producing pyrroles such as 2,5-dimethylpyrrole, and structurally similar pyrrole compounds, is also disclosed.
US08729269B2
The present invention provides agents having antimicrobial activity for preventing and treating infectious diseases. Thus, the present invention provides novel substituted piperidino phenyloxazolidinone derivatives, processes for making compounds as well as antimicrobial compositions containing said derivatives as active ingredients and methods of treating bacterial infections with the said derivatives.
US08729262B2
Conformationally constrained compounds that mimic the secondary structure of reverse-turn regions of biologically active peptides and proteins are disclosed. Such reverse-turn mimetic structures have utility over a wide range of fields, including use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Libraries containing the reverse-turn mimetic structures of this invention are also disclosed as well as methods for screening the same to identify biologically active members. The invention also relates to the use of such compounds for inhibiting or treating disorders modulated by Wnt-signaling pathway, such as cancer, especially colorectal cancer, restenosis associated with angioplasty, polycystic kidney disease, aberrant angiogenesis disease, rheumatoid arthritis disease, tuberous sclerosis complex, Alzheimer's disease, excess hair growth or loss, or ulcerative colitis.
US08729260B2
The present invention relates to an efficient process of synthesizing some known Ertapenem compounds and to provide new intermediate compounds of Meropenem and Doripenem. The process and the intermediate can substantially increase the effective yield and reduce the impurity generation. The present invention further provides a novel and effective process for recovering and purifying ertapenem compounds by utilizing a low cost, materials with chemical stability as a carrier for isolating ertapenem compounds from extracts.
US08729259B2
The present invention relates to the production and the use of 1:1 adducts having a low monomer content from hydroxyalkyl(meth)acrylates and diisocyanates.
US08729256B2
Disclosed are processes for isomerizing saccharides. Also disclosed are processes for converting saccharides to furan derivatives. Also disclosed are processes for converting starch to furan derivatives.
US08729253B2
Regioselectively substituted cellulose esters having a plurality of aryl-acyl substituents and a plurality of alkyl-acyl substituents are disclosed along with methods for making the same. Such cellulose esters may be suitable for use in optical films, such as optical films having certain Nz values, −A optical films, and/or +C optical films. Optical films prepared employing such cellulose esters have a variety of commercial applications, such as, for example, as compensation films in liquid crystal displays and/or waveplates in creating circular polarized light used in 3-D technology.
US08729252B2
A method for isolating polynucleotides, such as DNA, RNA and hybrids thereof from an aqueous solution containing polynucleotides by reversibly binding the polynucleotides to silica-coated magnetic particles in the presence of a salt and non-ionic hydratable additive is disclosed. The salt and non-ionic hydratable additive concentrations are adjusted to levels that result in adhesion of the nucleic acid to the particles without degradation or precipitation of the nucleic acid.
US08729251B2
The present invention provides massively parallel oligonucleotide synthesis and purification for applications that utilize large collections of defined high-fidelity oligonucleotides (e.g., from about 101 to about 105 different sequences, generally between 25-160 bases in length).
US08729248B2
Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper2) are disclosed. The CatSper2 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper2 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper2 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper2, methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper2-mediated disorders, including infertility, as well as methods of doing business related to CatSper2-mediated disorders.
US08729246B2
The present invention provides a composition for selectively delivering an active agent to a portion of an organism. The composition comprises first and second polymer portions, having first and second functional groups attached as a side-chain thereto, respectively. The first and second functional groups form cross-links between the first and second polymer portions. The cross-links are capable of being broken by a substance of the organism, thereby resulting in release of the active agent. The composition provides a novel means for controlling the selective release of the active agent in the organism.
US08729242B2
Methods for reducing the T-cell mitogenicity of lectin compositions are provided. In one aspect this is achieved by chemically modifying mitogenic lectin compositions under optimized conditions. Additionally or alternatively, the reduction in T-cell mitogenicity is achieved by removing unmodified subunits chemically modified mixtures. Modified lectin compositions with reduced T-cell mitogenicity are also provided as are uses of the inventive compositions.
US08729237B1
The present invention provides a polypeptide adjuvant composition with thermostability, which is designed from wild-type chicken interleikin-1β to construct a new chicken interleikin-1β, named CP-interleikin-1β. The CP-interleikin-1β having improved heat resistance keeps the original biological activity, and which helps to develop protein adjuvant with high efficiency and uses in medical application. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing such polypeptide adjuvant composition.
US08729224B2
Methods for use of a melanocortin receptor agonist cyclic peptide of the formula where R, x and y are as defined in the specification, and compositions and formulations including the peptide of the foregoing formula, for preventing, ameliorating or treating female sexual dysfunction.
US08729216B2
Disclosed are multifunctional sulfur-containing polymers that are the reaction products of a sulfur-containing diol, a polyol containing at least three hydroxyl groups per polyol molecule, and an aldehyde, a ketone, or a combination thereof. Sealant compositions comprising the multifunctional sulfur-containing polymers are also disclosed.
US08729210B2
Prepolymers, which are accessible from formamides of low molecular weight di- or triamines (formamide-terminated low molecular weight compounds) and di- or polyisocyanates, of the general formula (II): X—[—N(CHO)—CO—NH—R1—NCO]n (II) wherein X represents a linear or branched aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic and/or aromatic structural unit having 2 to 40 carbon atoms, and which is optionally further substituted and/or optionally comprises one or more heteroatoms, wherein R1 represents an organic radical which may optionally contain one or more heteroatoms and which may further contain one or more additional free isocyanate groups and/or one or more urethane, biuret, carbodiimide, isocyanurate, allophanate, iminooxadiazinedione and/or uretdione structural units, and wherein n≧2; processes for making the same; compositions containing the same; and uses thereof.
US08729208B2
A curable composition is provided. A cured product showing excellent light extraction efficiency, crack resistance, hardness, thermal shock resistance and adhesive strength after a curing, as well as showing excellent processability and workability is provided. Also, surface stickiness may be prevented in the cured product without causing turbidity etc.
US08729206B2
A polypropylene homopolymer with a melting point of less than 147° C., a percentage of 2.1 errors of at least 1% and a xylene soluble fraction of less than 0.5 wt %.
US08729205B2
A flowability improver for engineering plastics which comprises a polymer (A) comprising of 50 to 99.5% by mass of aromatic vinyl monomer units (a1), 0.5 to 50% by mass of (meth)acrylate monomer units (a2) having an ester group of phenyl or substituted phenyl group, and 0 to 40% by mass of other monomer units (a3) (with the proviso that the total of the units (a1) to (a3) is 100% by mass) and having a weight average molecular weight of 5000 to 150000. The flowability improver can improve engineering plastics in melt-flow characteristics (processability in molding) and chemical resistance without impairing the plastics in heat resistance, exfoliation resistance, and transparency.
US08729203B2
The present invention provides a monomer for a polymerizable composition, a polymerizable composition containing the monomers, a polymer formed from the polymerizable composition, and ophthalmic lens blanks and ophthalmic lenses formed from the polymer. The monomer is a compound having the formula (I) or (Ia).
US08729202B2
The present invention provides a biocompatible polymer composition for use in biomedical applications comprising a base molecule, a linker molecule and at least one initiator compound, said base molecule having at least two differing functionalities, and said linker molecule having a functionality reactive with at least one functionality of said base molecule, the first of said at least two functionalities of said base molecule enabling a first curing stage of said polymer composition by reaction with said linker molecule, and the second and any further functionality of said base molecule enabling second and further curing stages of said polymer composition, said first, second and any further curing stages being capable of activation simultaneously or independently of each other as required.
US08729201B2
The present invention generally relates to a process that polymerizes an olefin monomer, and a precatalyst and catalyst useful in such process.
US08729196B2
This invention discloses cationic electrodeposition paint compositions which comprise specific amino group-containing modified epoxy resin, specific xylene-formaldehyde resin-modified, amino group-containing epoxy resin and blocked polyisocyanate curing agent at specific blend ratios, and which can form coating film of excellent film thickness retention, finished appearance and electrocoatability on galvanized alloy steel sheet and of good corrosion resistance, even when the amount of volatile organic compound in the cationic electrodeposition paint is reduced.
US08729187B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide (1) a copolymer for a cured product that is satisfactory in properties, such as adhesion properties, as a chip stacking adhesive or the like. The present invention is a copolymer comprising repeating units represented by formula (I), formula (II), and formula (III), (wherein R1, R2, and R3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R4 represents an alkyl group or a cycloalkyl group, R5 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C6 alkyl group, m, n, and k represent a molar ratio of the respective repeating units, m represents a positive number of 0 or more and less than 1, n and k each independently represent a positive number, and satisfy a relation of m+n+k=1), and having a weight-average molecular weight in the range of 50,000 to 200,000.
US08729186B2
A high pressure polymerization process to form an ethylene-based polymer comprises the steps of: A. Injecting a first feed comprising ethylene and optionally a chain transfer agent system (CTA system) into a first autoclave reactor zone operating at polymerization conditions to produce a first zone reaction product, the CTA system of the first reactor zone having a transfer activity Z1; and B. (1) Transferring at least part of the first zone reaction product to a second reactor zone selected from a second autoclave reactor zone or a tubular reactor zone and operating at polymerization conditions, and, optionally, (2) freshly injecting a second feed into the second reactor zone to produce a second zone reaction product, with the proviso that the second reactor zone contains a CTA system having a transfer activity Z2; and with the proviso that the ratio of Z1/Z2 is less than 1.
US08729183B2
Aqueous emulsions of high viscosity organopolysiloxanes can be prepared having a very low content of cyclic siloxanes by condensing low molecular weight alkoxy-functional organopolysiloxanes in aqueous emulsion with an alkylphosphate emulsifier and at least one selected polyoxyethylene non-ionic surfactant.
US08729175B2
Fluoroelastomeric gel having the following properties: appearance: transparent gelatinous solid; water content between 10% and 90% by weight; density between 1.1 and 2.1 g/cm3; said gel satisfies the following test: dried in a stove at 90° C. until a constant weight gives curable fluoroelastomers.
US08729172B2
The present invention relates to engineering plastics having a high flame retardancy and a good compound processability, where the engineering plastics comprises microsilica as a flame retardant additive and as a processing aid.
US08729171B2
A biodegradable nanocomposite and a method of forming a biodegradable nanocomposite are provided. In one aspect, the biodegradable nanocomposite includes a biodegradable polymer and a reinforcing agent substantially dispersed throughout the biodegradable polymer by rapid depressurization of a supercritical fluid. The biodegradable nanocomposite further includes a plurality of pores formed in the nanocomposite, the plurality of pores having an average pore size greater than about 100 μm.
US08729170B2
A curable coating composition that exhibits improved cure and adhesion to various substrates, especially synthetic textiles used in the manufacture of air bags, and good air pressure holding performance.
US08729162B2
The present invention also relates to a vinyl ester resin composition, wherein the vinyl ester resin composition comprises a vinyl ester resin and a manganese compound, a 1,3-dioxo compound, a base; and the resin being curable with a peroxide. The present invention also relates to a process for radically curing such a resin composition wherein a peroxide is added to the resin composition and the curing is effected essentially free of cobalt.
US08729150B2
Granules or pellets comprising polymeric materials such as polyaryletherketones and ceramic materials may be prepared and used to make a variety of different parts of components for use in medical applications, by melt-processing. The ceramic material may be a bioactive glass and/or a controlled-release glass, and may include less than 20 mole % sodium oxide and/or be water soluble.
US08729149B2
Embodiments of silicone hydrogels, ophthalmic lenses made therefrom, and methods of making the same are described. Fully hydrated silicone hydrogels have relatively high water content and oxygen permeability, along with relatively low modulus of elasticity. Embodiments of the silicone hydrogels in substantially dehydrated condition are adapted to lathe cutting at or above room temperature. Variations of the silicone hydrogels include silicon-containing monomers in an amount of 7.5% or greater by weight, a hydrophilic substituted N-vinyl acetamide monomer, and a hydrophilic non-acetamide monomer in an amount resulting in a hydrophilic substituted N-vinyl acetamide monomer to hydrophilic non-acetamide monomer weight to weight ratio of greater than 2.1 to 1.
US08729145B2
Disclosed are bowing agent compositions, foamable compositions, foams, foaming methods and/or foamed articles comprising one or more C2 to C6 fluoroalkenes, more preferably one or more C3 to C5 fluoroalkenes, and even more preferably one or more compounds having Formula I as follows: XCFzR3-z (I) where X is a C1, C2, C3, C4, or C5 unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted radical, each R is independently Cl, F, Br, I or H, and z is 1 to 3, it generally being preferred that the fluoroalkene of the present invention has at least four (4) halogen substituents, at least three of which are F and even more preferably none of which are Br.
US08729141B2
Disclosed is a method for methanol synthesis using synthesis gas obtained from reforming of natural gas with carbon dioxide. First, synthesis gas is obtained from steam carbon dioxide reforming of methane, in which steam reforming of natural gas is carried out simultaneously with carbon dioxide reforming of methane, by using a catalyst (Ni/Ce/MgAlOx, or Ni/Ce—Zr/MgAlOx) and processing condition capable of maintaining a predetermined ratio of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen [H2/(2CO+3CO2)=0.85-1.15]. Next, methanol synthesis is carried out by using the obtained synthesis gas and a catalyst system suitable for methanol synthesis with minimum byproduct formation (a catalyst system including a Cu—Zn—Al oxide containing CuO, ZnO, and Al2O3 at a predetermined ratio in combination with a cerium-zirconium oxide obtained by a sol-gel process). In addition, unreacted synthesis gas remaining after the operation of methanol synthesis is recycled efficiently to improve the carbon availability (methane and CO2 availability) and energy efficiency in the overall process.
US08729140B2
A process for regenerating one or more deactivated cobalt comprising Fischer-Tropsch catalyst particle(s), comprising the steps of: (i) oxidizing the catalyst particle(s) at a temperature between 20 and 400° C.; (ii) treating the catalyst particle(s) for more than 5 minutes, (iii) drying the catalyst particle(s); and (iv) optionally reducing the catalyst particle(s) with hydrogen or a hydrogen comprising gas. This process may be preceded by a step in which Fischer-Tropsch product is removed from the catalyst particle(s). The treatment is performed using carbon dioxide and a liquid comprising ammonia.
US08729133B2
This invention relates to a process of treating/affecting cancers that are particularly susceptible to radiation therapy by administering to a host in need of such treatment an amino acid and radiation therapy.
US08729126B2
The present invention provides a compound which is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) derivative of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or solvate thereof, for use in treating various skin disorders.
US08729124B2
The invention is directed to a method for preventing cerebral damage in patients having symptoms of atherosclerosis of arteries supplying the brain by administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or a combination thereof.
US08729119B2
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds of formula I: where X, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4, R4, and n are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds of formula I are serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US08729118B2
The present invention relates to the use of new and known dithiine derivatives for controlling unwanted microorganisms, more particularly phytopathogenic fungi, in crop protection, in the household and hygiene sector and in the protection of materials, and also to new dithiine derivatives, to processes for preparing them, to their use, and to crop protection compositions comprising these new dithiine derivatives.
US08729117B2
The present invention relates to novel inhibitors of Factors VIIa, IXa, Xa, XIa, in particular Factor VIIa, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these inhibitors, and methods for using these inhibitors for treating or preventing thromboembolic disorders, cancer or rheumatoid arthritis. Processes for preparing these inhibitors are also disclosed.
US08729107B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a novel pyridine, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such pyridine, and the use of such compositions in treating injured mammalian nerve tissue, including but not limited to an injured spinal cord. In at least one embodiment of the method, the method comprises the step of administering to the mammal in need thereof with a pharmaceutical composition, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt, comprising 4-aminopyridine-3-methanol.
US08729106B2
A pesticidal composition comprising synergistically effective amounts of at least one anthranilamide compound represented by the formula (I) or its salt and other pesticide: wherein each of R1a and R1b which are independent of each other, is halogen; each of R2 and R3 is halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy or cyano; A is alkyl substituted by Y; Y is C3-4 cycloalkyl which may be substituted by at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl and haloalkyl; n is 0 or 1; and q is an integer of from 0 to 4; provided that R1a and R1b are not simultaneously chlorine nor bromine.
US08729105B2
The present invention relates to compounds of the formula wherein A1, A2, A3 and R1 to R8 are defined in the description, and to pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases which can be treated with HDL-cholesterol raising agents, such as particularly dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
US08729101B2
The present invention relates to a group of novel 1H-imidazole derivatives, to methods for the preparation of these compounds, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of these compounds as an active component. These 1H-imidazole derivatives are potent cannabinoid-CB1 receptor agonists, partial agonists or antagonists, useful for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders, as well as and other diseases involving cannabinoid neurotransmission. The compounds have the general formula (I), wherein R and R1-R4 have the meanings given in the specification.
US08729094B2
The present invention relates to shelf-stable liquid formulations of palonosetron for reducing chemotherapy and radiotherapy induced emesis with palonosetron. The formulations are particularly useful in the preparation of intravenous and oral liquid medicaments.
US08729093B2
A soil treating agent or a seed treating agent having excellent prevention effects against various plant pathogens (particularly against rice blast) is provided.A soil treating agent or seed treating agent, comprising one or more compounds of the general formula (Ia), (Ib) or (Ic): (wherein R1, R2: C1-C6 alkyl (may be substituted), aryl (may be substituted), heteroaryl (may be substituted), aralkyl (may be substituted) and the like; R3, R4: H, C1-C6 alkyl (may be substituted), halogen, C1-C6 alkoxy and the like; X: halogen, C1-C6 alkyl (may be substituted), C2-C6 alkenyl (may be substituted), C2-C6 alkynyl (may be substituted), aryl (may be substituted), heteroaryl (may be substituted), C1-C6 alkoxy and the like; Y: halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, OH; n: 0 to 4; m: 0 to 6) or salts thereof as an active ingredient.
US08729091B2
This invention relates to novel phenyl amide or pyridyl amide derivatives of the formula wherein A1, A2, B1, B2 and R1 to R11 are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds are GPBAR1 agonists and can be used as medicaments for the treatment of diseases such as type II diabetes.
US08729090B1
Embodiments of the invention include compositions effective for inhibiting collagen production and related methods. A preferred method comprises contacting at least one cell capable of producing collagen with a composition effective for inhibiting collagen production thereby. The composition comprises one or more of the compounds effective for inhibiting collagen production disclosed herein.
US08729078B2
This application discloses compounds according to generic Formula I: wherein all variables are defined as described herein, which inhibit Btk. The compounds disclosed herein are useful to modulate the activity of Btk and treat diseases associated with excessive Btk activity. The compounds are further useful to treat inflammatory and auto immune diseases associated with aberrant B-cell proliferation such as rheumatoid arthritis. Also disclosed are compositions containing compounds of Formula I and at least one carrier, diluent or excipient.
US08729069B2
The invention relates to compounds of structural formula (Ia): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, clathrate, or prodrug thereof, wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, X6, X10, R1, Y, Z, L, and n are defined herein. These compounds are useful as immunosuppressive agents and for treating and preventing inflammatory conditions, allergic disorders, and immune disorders.
US08729068B2
The purpose is to provide a compound which has an intestinal phosphate transporter (NPT-IIb) inhibitory action and is useful as an active ingredient of an agent for treating and/or preventing hyperphosphatemia.A tetrahydrobenzothiophene compound of the following formula (I) has NPT-IIb inhibitory action and can be used as an agent for treating and/or preventing hyperphosphatemia: wherein, R1 represents —O-lower alkyl, -lower alkylene-phenyl, or the like; R2 and R3 are the same as or different from each other and represent H, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or the like, or, R2 and R3 may be combined with a nitrogen atom to which they bind to form 5- to 7-membered saturated cyclic amino; R4's are the same as or different from each other and represent halogen, lower alkyl; and n represents 0 to 2.
US08729065B2
Described are crystalline forms of the pharmaceutical compound “[9S-(9α,10β,12α)]-5,16-Bis[(ethylthio)methyl]-2,3,9,10,11,12-hexahydro-10-hydroxy-9-methyl-1-oxo-9,12-epoxy-1H-diindolo[1,2,3-fg:3′,2′,1′-kl]pyrrolo[3,4-i][1,6]benzodiazocine-10-carboxylic acid methyl ester”, as well as methods for their use and preparation.
US08729061B2
The invention relates to a compound of formula (I) wherein A and R1 to R7 are defined as in the description and in the claims. The compound of formula (I) can be used as a medicament.
US08729053B2
An embodiment of the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I) a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, hydrate, or solvate thereof. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of treating or preventing a condition associated with increased expression and/or activity of an NFκB pathway using same compounds. A further embodiment of the invention provides a method of diagnosing a condition in an individual using same compounds.
US08729048B2
This document provides methods and materials involved in assessing responsiveness to PARP inhibitors and platinating agents. For example, methods and materials for using levels of non-homologous end-joining pathway members (e.g., artemis mRNA or polypeptide levels, Ku80 mRNA or polypeptide levels, or DNA-PKcs mRNA or polypeptide levels) to determine if cancer cells that are homologous recombination-deficient are likely to be susceptible or resistant to PARP inhibitors and platinating agents are provided.
US08729037B2
The present invention relates to the specific inhibition of expression of a target gene in mammals using a short double stranded RNA. The dsRNA is less than 49 nucleotides in length and has a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to at least a part of the target gene. The dsRNAs of the present invention are useful for treating diseases, for example, cancer, viral diseases or neurodegenerative diseases.
US08729031B2
Compounds of formula (IV) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same are described, wherein X1 and X2, R3, L, Ar1, p and Z have the values disclosed herein.
US08729028B2
Disclosed are a noggin-derived peptide and a composition containing the same for promoting hair growth, improving skin conditions, providing anti-inflammatory function, or preventing or treating bone diseases. The disclosed noggin-derived peptide performs a function identical or similar to that of natural human noggin and is superior in stability and skin permeability as compared thereto. The composition containing the peptide of the present disclosure as an active ingredient exhibits remarkably superior effects in treating, preventing or improving growth factor-related symptoms, e.g. hair loss, skin conditions or cut, or treating, preventing or improving growth factor overexpression-related symptoms. Therefore, the superior activity and stability of the peptide of the present disclosure are greatly advantageous in application to medicine, quasi-drugs and cosmetics.
US08729025B2
This invention relates to methods for altering the splicing of mRNA in cells. In particular, this invention also relates to methods for increasing the ratio of wild type to misspliced forms of mRNA and corresponding encoded proteins in cells possessing a mutant gene encoding either the i) misspliced mRNA corresponding to the mutant protein or ii) a component in the splicing machinery responsible for processing the misspliced mRNA. In addition, this invention relates to treating individuals having a disorder associated with a misspliced mRNA, such as Familial Dysautonomia or Neurofibromatosis 1, by administering to such an individual a cytokinin such as kinetin.
US08729024B2
Techniques are provided for targeting a pharmaceutically active compound using, as a carrier, a molecule (or molecules) having greater affinity for a particular site in a living organism's body than for other sites therein. A compound of the formula B-L-A is provided, where B represents the residue of a small synthetic molecule, preferably one that is approved for human use, having a greater affinity for a particular site in a patient's body than for other sites in the patient's body, L represents a direct bond or a linking group, and A represents the residue of a pharmaceutically active compound.
US08729011B2
Prodrug formulations of glucagon superfamily peptides are provided wherein the glucagon superfamily peptide has been modified by the linkage of a dipeptide to the glucagon superfamily through an amide bond linkage. The prodrugs disclosed herein have extended half lives and are converted to the active form at physiological conditions through a non-enzymatic reaction driven by chemical instability.
US08729009B2
The present invention concerns new thiolysine and selenolysine compounds that can be used as building blocks for peptides and proteins, providing ligation handles for site- and chemoselective modification of said peptides and proteins. In particular, the invention provides. In particular, the invention provides (the use of) the compounds 5-thiolysine (also referred to as δ-thiolysine); 4-thiolysine (also referred to as γ-thiolysine); 5-selenolysine (also referred to as δ-selenolysine) and 4-selenolysine (also referred to as γ-selenolysine). The positioning of the thiol or selenol group at the respective carbon atom allows for a very efficient intramolecular transfer reaction to take place after conjugation with a selected ligand, and the thiol or selenol group may subsequently be removed using reported procedures, thereby restoring the native lysine structure, or be used as an additional conjugation handle. The methodology is fast and gives well-defined material.
US08729008B2
The invention relates to solubilizers for metal ions and poorly soluble metal compounds, containing an oxidation product of starch hydrolysate as a solubilizing agent, to a method for solubilizing metal ions and to the use of said solubilizer.
US08729005B2
An aqueous liquid acidic hard surface cleaning composition having a pH of about 2-4 which necessarily comprises: an acid constituent, which is preferably an organic acid constituent, and especially preferably acetic acid, at least one nonionic surfactant, and especially preferably wherein the nonionic surfactants are derived from Guerbet alcohols; an organic solvent constituent which comprises at least one glycol ether solvent, preferably a glycol ether solvent; a sequestering polymer constituent; optionally a cosurfactant constituent, including one or more anionic, cationic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants; optionally one or more further constituents selected coloring agents, fragrances and fragrance solubilizers, viscosity modifying agents including one or more thickeners, pH adjusting agents and pH buffers including organic and inorganic salts, optical brighteners, opacifying agents, hydrotropes, abrasives, and preservatives, as well as other optional constituents known to the art; and the balance, water, wherein water comprises at least 80% wt. of the composition.
US08729003B2
Processes and compositions for cleaning mixing devices are disclosed that improve the production and quality of polycarbonate resins subsequently produced in the mixing device, while reducing the time needed for cleaning and/or change over. A cleaning mixture comprising polycarbonate resin pellets coated with an alkyl aryl sulfonate salt aqueous solution are used to purge the mixing device.
US08728998B2
Cooling lubricant (concentrate or solution) comprising a cooling lubricant base based on mineral and/or synthetic oil and preservative comprising (a) one or more 1- or 2-(C3 to C24 alkyl)glyceryl ethers.
US08728995B2
A polyalkenyl succinic anhydride is prepared with low amounts of resinous or chlorinated byproducts in a two-step process whereby a polyalkene is first reacted with an unsaturated organic acid in a thermal ene reaction, followed with exposure to a gaseous halogen in presence of an additional amount of the unsaturated organic acidic reagent. The foregoing process produces a polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride having a high ratio of succinic anhydride functional groups to polyisobutenyl backbone groups. Such a polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride is particular suitable for the production of oil-soluble hydrocarbyl succinimides that have good dispersant properties when added to lubricating oil compositions.
US08728988B2
A probe array base including probe-holding portions which are periodically arranged on a solid base member and which have grooves is prepared by anisotropically etching a single-crystalline silicon substrate. Probe solutions are supplied to the probe-holding portions by capillary action from a plurality of tank arrays having a certain cylinder period. This allows a probe array to be completed. The probe array is used as, for example, a DNA or antigen chip, has a high degree of integration, and is capable of holding a constant and sufficient number of probe molecules.
US08728979B2
Methods for identifying and/or distinguishing a homogeneous population of cells based on their replication domain timing profile using high resolution genomic arrays or sequencing procedures are provided. These methods may be used to compare the replication timing profile for a population of cells to another replication timing profile(s), a replication timing fingerprint, and/or one or more informative segments of a replication timing fingerprint, which may be simultaneously or previously determined and/or contained in a database, to determine whether there is a match between them. Based on such information, the identity of the population of cells may be determined, or the identity of the population of cells may be distinguished from other populations of cells or cell types. Methods for determining a replication timing fingerprint for particular cell types are also provided.
US08728970B2
A solid catalyst component comprising the product of a process comprising (a) reacting a magnesium alcoholate of formula Mg(OR1)(OR2) compound, in which R1 and R2 are identical or different and are each an alkyl radical having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, with titanium tetrachloride carried out in a hydrocarbon at a temperature of 50-100° C., (b) subjecting the reaction mixture obtained in (a) to a heat treatment at a temperature of 110° C. to 200° C. for a time ranging from 3 to 25 hours (c) isolating and washing with a hydrocarbon the solid obtained in (b), said solid catalyst component having a Cl/Ti molar ratio higher than 2.5.
US08728967B2
This invention relates to high purity yttria or ytterbia stabilized zirconia powders comprising from about 0 to about 0.15 weight percent impurity oxides, from about 0 to about 2 weight percent hafnium oxide (hafnia), from about 6 to about 25 weight percent yttrium oxide (yttria) or from about 10 to about 36 weight percent ytterbium oxide (ytterbia), and the balance zirconium oxide (zirconia). Thermal barrier coatings for protecting a component such as blades, vanes and seal surfaces of gas turbine engines, made from the high purity yttria or ytterbia stabilized zirconia powders, have a density greater than 88% of the theoretical density with a plurality of vertical macrocracks homogeneously dispersed throughout the coating to improve its thermal fatigue resistance.
US08728964B2
The present disclosure relates to a glass composition having a low thermal expansion coefficient, specifically, a glass composition comprising about 55 to less than 64 weight percent of silicon oxide, about 15 to about 30 weight percent of aluminum oxide, about 5 to about 15 weight percent of magnesium oxide, about 3 to about 10 weight percent boron oxide, about 0 to about 11 weight percent calcium oxide, and about 0 to about 2 weight percent of alkali oxide, the remainder being trace compounds of less than about 1 weight percent, is provided. Glass fibers and composite articles formed therefrom are also provided.
US08728962B2
Provided is a low-dispersion optical glass that is formed of a fluorophosphate glass in which the molar ratio of the content of O2− to the content of P5+, O2−/P5+, is 3.5 or more and that has an Abbe's number (νd) of over 70 or has an F− content of 65 anionic % or more, and the optical glass enables the suppression of the volatilization of a glass component when an optical glass formed of a fluorophosphate glass is produced or when an obtained glass in a molten state is caused to flow out to shape it into a glass shaped material, so that the variation of properties such as a refractive index, etc., involved in the fluctuations of a glass composition and the variation of quality such as the occurrence of striae can be suppressed.
US08728961B2
A method is described for making a float glass convertible into a glass ceramic, by which a largely crystal fault-free glass can be produced. In this method the glass is cooled from a temperature (TKGmax), at which a crystal growth rate is at a maximum value (KGmax), to another temperature (TUEG), at which practically no more crystal growth occurs, with a cooling rate, KR, in ° C. min−1 according to: KR UEG KGmax ≥ Δ T UEG KGmax 100 · KG max , wherein ΔT=TKGmax−TUEG, and KGmax=maximum crystal growth rate in μm min−1. The float glass has a thickness below an equilibrium thickness, a net width of at least 1 m and has no more than 50 crystals with a size of more than 50 μm, especially no crystals with a size of more than 10 μm, per kilogram of glass within the net width.
US08728957B2
A thin film formation method to form a silicon film containing an impurity on a surface of an object to be processed in a process chamber that allows vacuum exhaust includes alternately and repeatedly performing a first gas supply process in which a silane-based gas composed of silicon and hydrogen is supplied into the process chamber in a state that the silane-based gas is adsorbed onto the surface of the object to be processed and a second gas supply process in which an impurity-containing gas is supplied into the process chamber, to form an amorphous silicon film containing an impurity. Accordingly, an amorphous silicon film containing an impurity having good filling characteristics can be formed even at a relatively low temperature.
US08728948B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method may comprise: forming a gate stack on a substrate; depositing a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer sequentially on the substrate and the gate stack; and etching the second dielectric layer and the first dielectric layer sequentially with an etching gas containing helium to form a second spacer and a first spacer, respectively. According to the method disclosed herein, a dual-layer complex spacer configuration is achieved, and two etching operations where the etching gas comprises the helium gas are performed. As a result, it is possible to reduce damages to the substrate and also to reduce the process complexity. Further, it is possible to optimize a threshold voltage, effectively reduce an EOT, and enhance a gate control capability and a driving current.
US08728946B1
The present invention provides, in a plasma etching method for plasma-etching a magnetic film, a plasma etching method that allows a desired etching depth to be obtained regardless of the opening size of a mask. The present invention is, in a plasma etching method for plasma-etching a magnetic film by using a tantalum film as a mask, characterized by including: a first process to plasma-etch the magnetic film to a desired depth by using a mixed gas of an ammonia gas and a helium gas; and a second process, after the first process, to plasma-etch the magnetic film etched to the prescribed depth by using a mixed gas of an ammonia gas and a gas containing the oxygen element or a mixed gas of an ammonia gas and a gas containing a hydroxyl group.
US08728939B2
A single-crystal substrate is placed on a supporting table while maintaining crystalline orientation of the single-crystal substrate. The single-crystal substrate has contacting regions on a periphery of an upper surface of the single-crystal substrate. Linear contacting surfaces of contacting pins are placed in contact with the contacting regions of the single-crystal substrate placed on the supporting table. Longitudinal directions on the contacting surfaces of all the contacting pins are not parallel to intersecting lines of the upper surface of the single-crystal substrate and cleaved surfaces of the single-crystal substrate.
US08728935B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device capable of minimally preventing the property deterioration caused by the oxidation of a metal film, and a substrate processing apparatus are provided. The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: (a) loading a substrate into a processing container; (b) forming a metal film on the substrate using a chemical deposition method by supplying a processing gas into the processing container and exhausting the processing gas; (c) forming an aluminum nitride film on the metal film using the chemical deposition method by supplying an aluminum-containing source gas and a nitrogen-containing gas into the processing container and exhausting the aluminum-containing source gas and the nitrogen-containing gas; and (d) unloading the substrate from the processing container after forming the metal film and the aluminum nitride film, wherein the step (b) and the step (c) are continuously performed while maintaining an inside of the processing container to have an oxygen-free atmosphere.
US08728927B1
Embodiments of the invention include methods of forming borderless contacts for semiconductor transistors. Embodiments may include providing a transistor structure including a gate, a spacer on a sidewall of the gate, a hard cap above the gate, a source/drain region adjacent to the spacer, and an interlevel dielectric layer around the gate, forming a contact hole above the source/drain region, forming a protective layer on portions of the hard cap and of the spacer exposed by the contact hole; deepening the contact hole by etching the interlevel dielectric layer while the spacer and the hard cap are protected by the protective layer, so that at least a portion of the source/drain region is exposed by the deepening of the contact hole; removing the protective layer; and forming a metal contact in the contact hole.
US08728925B2
Adjustment of a switching threshold of a field effect transistor including a gate structure including a Hi-K gate dielectric and a metal gate is achieved and switching thresholds coordinated between NFETs and PFETs by providing fixed charge materials in a thin interfacial layer adjacent to the conduction channel of the transistor that is provided for adhesion of the Hi-K material, preferably hafnium oxide or HfSiON, depending on design, to semiconductor material rather than diffusing fixed charge material into the Hi-K material after it has been applied. The greater proximity of the fixed charge material to the conduction channel of the transistor increases the effectiveness of fixed charge material to adjust the threshold due to the work function of the metal gate, particularly where the same metal or alloy is used for both NFETs and PFETs in an integrated circuit; preventing the thresholds from being properly coordinated.
US08728924B2
When forming complex gate electrode structures, a double exposure double etch strategy may be applied, in which the lateral distance in the width direction of the gate electrode structures may be defined prior to forming mask features for defining the gate length. In this case, the width dimension of the mask opening may be adjusted on the basis of a spacer element, which may thus allow providing a reduced dimension on the basis of well-established process techniques.
US08728920B2
A Schottky diode optimizes the on state resistance, the reverse leakage current, and the reverse breakdown voltage of the Schottky diode by forming an insulated control gate over a region that lies between the metal-silicon junction of the Schottky diode and the n+ cathode contact of the Schottky diode.
US08728917B2
A carbon nanotube forming method including providing a target substrate to be processed, a catalytic metal layer being formed on a surface of the target substrate; producing catalytic fine metal particles whose surfaces are oxidized by action of an oxygen plasma on the catalytic metal layer at a temperature T1; and activating the oxidized surfaces of the catalytic fine metal particles by reducing the oxidized surfaces of the catalytic fine metal particles by action of a hydrogen plasma on the catalytic fine metal particles at a temperature T2 higher than the temperature T1. The method further includes growing a carbon nanotube on the activated catalytic fine metal particles by thermal CVD at a temperature T3.
US08728916B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor element of the present invention, has: a laser irradiation step of focusing a pulsed laser beam inside of a substrate constituting a wafer, thereby forming a plurality of isolated processed portions along an intended dividing line inside of the substrate, and creating a fissure that runs from the processed portions at least to the surface of the substrate and links adjacent processed portions; and a wafer division step of dividing the wafer along the intended dividing line.
US08728907B2
A memory circuit arrangement and a fabrication method are disclosed. The memory circuit arrangement has a memory cell area. The memory cell area contains memory cell transistors, one column of which are selected using a triple gate area selection transistor. The transistor has gate area that extends into isolating trenches. The isolating trenches isolate the memory cell in different columns of the memory cell array.
US08728889B2
A semiconductor memory device includes conductive patterns vertically stacked on the substrate and having pad regions extended further at edge portions of the conductive patterns as the conductive patterns descend from an uppermost conductive pattern to a lowermost conductive pattern, a first contact plug disposed on a first pad region of the lowermost conductive pattern, a buffer conductive pattern disposed on a second pad region positioned above the first pad region, and a second contact plug formed on the buffer conductive pattern.
US08728888B2
In a manufacturing method, gate electrode materials and a hard-mask material are deposited above a substrate. First mandrels are formed on the hard-mask material in a region of cell array. A second mandrel is formed on the hard-mask material in a region of a selection gate transistor. First sidewall-masks are formed on side-surfaces of the first mandrels. A second sidewall-mask is formed on a side-surface of the second mandrel. An upper side-surface of the second sidewall-mask is exposed. A sacrificial film is embedded between the first sidewall-masks. A sacrificial spacer is formed on the upper side-surface of the second sidewall-mask. A resist film covers the second mandrel. An outer edge of the resist film is located between the first mandrel closest to the second mandrel and the sacrificial spacer. The first mandrels are removed using the resist film as a mask. And, the sacrificial film and spacer are removed.
US08728886B2
A first dielectric layer is formed in an NVM region and a logic region. A charge storage layer is formed over the first dielectric layer and 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 in the NVM and logic regions which surrounds the charge storage structure and dummy gate. The second dielectric layer is removed from the NVM region while protecting the second dielectric layer in the logic region. The dummy gate is removed, resulting in an opening. A third dielectric layer is formed over the charge storage structure and within the opening, and a gate layer is formed over the third dielectric layer and within the opening, wherein the gate layer forms a control gate layer in the NVM region and the gate layer within the opening forms a logic gate.
US08728882B2
A manufacturing method for a thin film transistor array panel includes: providing a gate line including a gate electrode, on a substrate; providing a gate insulating layer covering the gate line; providing a semiconductor material layer on the gate insulating layer; providing a data wire material layer on the semiconductor material layer; providing a first photosensitive film pattern on the data wire material layer; etching the data wire material layer by using the first photosensitive film pattern as a mask; providing a second photosensitive film pattern by etching back the first photosensitive film pattern; etching the semiconductor material layer by using the second photosensitive film pattern as a mask; and etching the data wire material layer by using the second photosensitive film pattern as a mask to form a source electrode and a drain electrode. The etching the semiconductor material layer uses a first non-sulfur fluorinated gas.
US08728881B2
Semiconductor devices and methods for manufacturing the semiconductor devices are disclosed. A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a fin formed above the substrate with a semiconductor layer formed between the substrate and the fin, and a gate stack crossing over the fin. The fin and the semiconductor layer may include different materials and have etching selectivity with respect to each other. A patterning of the fin can be stopped reliably on the semiconductor layer. Therefore, it is possible to better control the height of the fin and thus the channel width of the final device.
US08728879B2
Embodiments of the current invention describe methods of processing a semiconductor substrate that include applying a zincating solution to the semiconductor substrate to form a zinc passivation layer on the titanium-containing layer, the zincating solution comprising a zinc salt, FeCl3, and a pH adjuster.
US08728876B2
The invention prevents a conductive fuse blown out by laser trimming from reconnecting by a plating electrode in a plating process and prevents a plating solution etc from entering a fuse blowout portion. On a semiconductor substrate of a multilayered wiring structure including a fuse blowout groove formed by blowing out a conductive fuse by laser trimming in a trimming element forming region, a second protection layer is formed so as to cover the trimming element forming region and then a plating electrode is formed on an draw-out pad electrode made of a topmost metal wiring. A third protection layer is then formed so as to cover the semiconductor substrate including the second protection layer and have an opening on the plating electrode.
US08728875B2
A polycrystalline fuse includes a first layer of polycrystalline material on a substrate and a second layer of a silicide material on the first layer. The first and second layers are shaped to form first and second terminal portions of a first width joined along a length of the fuse by a fuse portion of a second width narrower than the first width. First and second contacts are connected to the first and second terminal portions respectively. The silicide material being discontinuous in a terminal region of the second layer along the length of the fuse.
US08728874B2
Provided is an interleaved or wavy spatial arrangement of the micro-vias providing the electrical pathways for the power and ground leads are described. The spatial arrangement increases the coupling pairs between power and ground vias or leads. This spatial arrangement is maintained even as the micro-vias transition across a plane from a direction of travel. Thus, the charge from the decoupling capacitor is able to more efficiently be delivered as the inductances are minimized through this design.
US08728865B2
A method of making a microelectronic assembly can include molding a dielectric material around at least two conductive elements which project above a height of a substrate having a microelectronic element mounted thereon, so that remote surfaces of the conductive elements remain accessible and exposed within openings extending from an exterior surface of the molded dielectric material. The remote surfaces can be disposed at heights from said surface of said substrate which are lower or higher than a height of the exterior surface of the molded dielectric material from the substrate surface. The conductive elements can be arranged to simultaneously carry first and second different electric potentials: e.g., power, ground or signal potentials.
US08728858B2
Systems and methods are provided in which individual elements of a thin patterned film are deposited by two or more nozzles having different geometries. The different nozzle geometries may include one or more of different throttle diameters, different exhaust diameters, different cross-sectional shapes, different bore angles, different wall angles, different exhaust distances from the substrate, and different leading edges relative to the direction of movement of the nozzles or the substrate. Methods may include steps of ejecting a carrier gas and a material from a plurality of nozzles and depositing the material on the substrate in a plurality of laterally spaced elements, each of the elements deposited by a separate nozzle group. At least one of the nozzles in a group of nozzles depositing an element may be configured to deposit the material on the substrate in a width that is smaller than the width of the element.
US08728847B2
A method for manufacturing a solid-state imaging device including: forming photo sensor portions in a silicon substrate; forming a wiring portion above said silicon substrate; bonding another substrate onto said wiring portion; removing said substrate in response to performing the bonding of the another substrate onto the wiring portion; and sequentially forming an anti-reflective coating on the silicon substrate, a color filter on the anti-reflective coating, and an on-chip lens.
US08728843B2
A nitride semiconductor light emitting element has; a laminate of a first conduction type semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer and a second conduction type semiconductor layer of a different conduction type from that of the first conduction type semiconductor layer; and electrodes with a laminate structure formed on the first conduction type semiconductor layer, the electrodes include a conductive region of a first layer which has the conductive region and an insulated region.
US08728838B2
An organic electroluminescent display device in which a plurality of light-emitting cells each having an organic electroluminescent portion are arranged on a substrate, wherein, for each of the light-emitting cells, a first transistor which controls energization on the organic electroluminescent portion, and a second transistor which switches a signal to be given to an input of the first transistor are disposed, active layers of the first and second transistors are formed by an amorphous oxide semiconductor, and, the first and second transistors are formed so that, when the first and second transistors are driven under same conditions, an amount of an output current of the first transistor is smaller than an amount of an output current of the second transistor.
US08728835B2
The present invention relates to a light emitting device (100) comprising at least one light emitting diode (101) and at least one porous ceramic element (102), which ceramic element (102) is arranged to receive light from the light emitting diode(s) (101). The present invention also relates to methods for the manufacture of the light emitting device (100) and of the porous ceramic element (102).
US08728834B2
A semiconductor device is manufactured by forming at least one epitaxial structure over a substrate. A portion of the substrate is cut and lifted to expose a partial surface of the epitaxial structure. A first electrode is then formed on the exposed partial surface to result in a vertical semiconductor device.
US08728822B2
Disclosed is a performance game, and more particularly is a method, an apparatus, and a recording medium for a performance game, which can provide various presentation effects with a simple presentation operation of a user.
US08728811B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a cytotoxic lymphocyte characterized in that the method comprises the step of carrying out at least one of induction, maintenance and expansion of a cytotoxic lymphocyte in the presence of fibronectin, a fragment thereof or a mixture thereof.
US08728809B2
Stem cells are proliferated with the application of acoustic pressure waves, including cambium cells of periosteum treated in-vivo with acoustic pressure waves. Following harvesting and viability assessment of in-vivo or in-vitro proliferated stem cells, acoustic pressure waves are applied to enhance in-vivo or in-vitro differentiation either before or after implantation of the stems cells to an organism. Acoustic pressure waves also stimulate an implantation site to enhance viability and to grow desired tissue.
US08728807B2
Structures and methods for tissue engineering include a multicellular body including a plurality of living cells. A plurality of multicellular bodies can be arranged in a pattern and allowed to fuse to form an engineered tissue. The arrangement can include filler bodies including a biocompatible material that resists migration and ingrowth of cells from the multicellular bodies and that is resistant to adherence of cells to it. Three-dimensional constructs can be assembled by printing or otherwise stacking the multicellular bodies and filler bodies such that there is direct contact between adjoining multicellular bodies, suitably along a contact area that has a substantial length. The direct contact between the multicellular bodies promotes efficient and reliable fusion. The increased contact area between adjoining multicellular bodies also promotes efficient and reliable fusion. Methods of producing multicellular bodies having characteristics that facilitate assembly of the three-dimensional constructs are also provided.
US08728801B2
A rotary composter having a fuselage member where a drive system is configured to rotate the fuselage member where the end caps are substantially stationary and do not rotate and the fuselage member has a plurality of longitudinally extending slats contained therein.
US08728798B2
The technology relates in part to biological methods for producing adipic acid and engineered microorganisms capable of such production.
US08728789B2
The invention provides a method for producing 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS), the method including subjecting ATP to sulfation and phosphorylation by use of adenosine 5′-triphosphate sulfurylase (ATPS) and adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate kinase (APSK), wherein an adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) supply/regeneration system including adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP), polyphosphate, polyphosphate-driven nucleoside 5′-diphosphate kinase (PNDK), and polyphosphate:AMP phosphotransferase (PAP), or an adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) supply/regeneration system including adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP), polyphosphate, polyphosphate-driven nucleoside 5′-diphosphate kinase (PNDK), and adenylate kinase (ADK) is employed instead of ATP.
US08728777B2
The present invention relates to novel stress-resistant bacteria and the uses thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to isolated stress-resistant bacteria having advantageous properties for the production of organic acids or alcohols in various culture conditions. The invention also relates to methods of producing organic acids or alcohols using said bacteria, particularly from biomass.
US08728772B2
An L-amino acid is produced by culturing a bacterium having an L-amino acid-producing ability in a medium containing a processed product of a microalga which promotes production and accumulation of the L-amino acid by the bacterium. The process product is produced by disrupting the culture of the microalga, and/or extracting the culture of the microalga, or fractionating the culture of the microalga or the disrupted culture. The processed product contains a mixture of organic substances produced by the microalga, a hydrolysate of the disrupted microalga culture, and/or an extract or fractionation product of the microalga culture. The processed product can also contain a saccarification product of starch or a hydrolysate of fats and oils. The bacterium is cultured to produce and accumulate the L-amino acid in culture, and the L-amino acid is collected from the culture.
US08728771B2
The present invention provides a L-succinylacylase consisting of: (a) a protein coded by a gene consisting of a nucleic acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No: 1; (b) a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No: 2; (c) a protein coded by a polynucleotide which hybridizes under a stringent condition with a nucleic acid sequence which is complementary to the nucleic acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No: 1 and having an L-succinylaminoacylase activity; or (d) a protein which consists of an amino acid sequence where one or several amino acid(s) is/are substituted, deleted, inserted and/or added in the protein consisting of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No: 2 and has an L-succinylaminoacylase activity. This enzyme is able to produce a sterically bulky unnatural amino acid such as L-tert-leucine etc. which is useful as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals.
US08728759B2
Recently, the development of inducible expression systems has involved exploitation of the p-cym operon from Pseudomonas putida. Disclosed herein are novel expression systems and components thereof, which involve the development of CymR variants with reverse DNA binding activity, such that they exhibit increased affinity for DNA in a presence rather than an absence of an effector molecule such as cumene or an equivalent thereof. Also disclosed are the CymR variants, fusion proteins incorporating such variants, and their use in the control and expression of polynucleotides.
US08728757B2
The present invention relates to regulation of cold sensation and pain. More particularly, the present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding a member of the transient regulatory protein family, CMR1, which is involved in modulation of the perception of cold sensations and pain. The invention further relates to methods for identifying and using agents that modulate cold responses and pain responses stimulated by cold via modulation of CMR1 and CMR1-related signal transduction.
US08728750B2
The present invention relates to the production of optically active amines, which can be used as intermediate products in a synthesis of for instance pharmaceutical products.
US08728748B2
The invention relates to in vitro method for quantitating the antibodies specific for High mobility group box I (HMGB1) contained in a sample, in particular a serum sample or a cerebrospinal fluid sample obtained from a patient, and the use of this method in the prognostic and/or diagnosis of neurological disorders. These methods are in particular applicable to the monitoring of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of a subject who is known to be infected with HIV and in the prognostic and/or diagnostic of the state of progression of Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or the state of progression toward AIDS, in particular the state of progression or the state of progression toward neurological disorders associated with AIDS. Finally, the invention is also about method to determine the immune deficiency or level of immune activation of a patient, in particular a HIV-infected patient.
US08728747B2
Methods and compositions are provided for the persistent modification of cell membranes with exogenous proteins so as to alter the function of the cell to achieve effects similar to those of gene therapy, without the introduction of exogenous DNA. DNA sequences, the proteins and polypeptides embodying these sequences are disclosed for modulating the immune system. The modulations include down-regulation, up-regulation and apoptosis.
US08728743B2
The invention concerns micro-organism strains, in particular of lactic acid bacteria, having a glycosylation modulating effect of intestinal cell surface. The invention also concerns a method for selecting micro-organism strains, in particular of lactic acid bacteria, which consists in measuring the average fluorescence intensity variation of HT29-MTX cells incubated in the presence of a lectin coupled with a fluorochrome after being in contact with the supernatant of the strain concerned. Said lactic acid bacteria strains can be used, optionally in the form of their active fraction, for preparing food compositions or medicines or food supplements, modulating glycosylation of glycoproteins of intestinal epithelial cells.
US08728724B2
The present invention relates to the identification of miRNAs that are involved in the process of neuromuscular synaptic maintenance and regeneration following injury or disease. Modulation of these miRNAs is proposed as treatment for spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative disease.
US08728722B2
A method for producing a device in one or more layers of patternable material disposed over a substrate uses multiple exposure tools having different resolution limits and maximum expose field sizes. An abutting field pattern is exposed and stitched in one layer of patternable material using one exposure tool and a first mask. A periphery pattern is then exposed in the same layer or in a different layer of patternable material using a second exposure tool and a second mask. The maximum expose field of the first exposure tool is smaller than a size of the device while the maximum expose field of the second exposure tool is at least as large as, or larger, the size of the device so that the combination of the stitched abutting field pattern and the periphery pattern forms a complete pattern in the patternable material.
US08728721B2
A method of processing a substrate includes forming first photoresist on a substrate. A portion of the first photoresist is selectively exposed to actinic energy and then the first photoresist is negative tone developed to remove an unexposed portion of the first photoresist. Second photoresist is formed on the substrate over the developed first photoresist. A portion of the second photoresist is selectively exposed to actinic energy and then the second photoresist is negative tone developed to remove an unexposed portion of the second photoresist and form a pattern on the substrate which comprises the developed first photoresist and the developed second photoresist. Other implementations are disclosed.
US08728719B2
A method of manufacturing a plurality of diffractive optical elements includes providing a partially transmissive slide, providing a first piece of PTR glass, and directing first UV radiation through the partially transmissive slide to impinge on the first piece of PTR glass. The method also includes exposing predetermined portions of the first piece of PTR glass to the first UV radiation and thermally treating the exposed first piece of PTR glass. The method further includes providing a second piece of PTR glass and directing second UV radiation through the thermally treated first piece of PTR glass to impinge on the second piece of PTR glass. The method additionally includes exposing predetermined portions of the second piece of PTR glass to the second UV radiation, thermally treating the exposed second piece of PTR glass, and repeating providing and processing of the second piece of PTR glass using additional pieces of PTR glass.
US08728717B2
Embodiments according to the present invention relate generally to PAG bilayer and PAG-doped unilayer structures using sacrificial polymer layers that incorporate a photoacid generator having a concentration gradient therein. Said PAG concentration being higher in a upper portion of such structures than in a lower portion thereof. Embodiments according to the present invention also relate to a method of using such bilayers and unilayers to form microelectronic structures having a three-dimensional space, and methods of decomposition of the sacrificial polymer within the aforementioned layers.
US08728716B2
There is provided that a method for producing a resin pattern, and the method includes at least the steps (1) to (7) in this order; (1) a coating step of coating a photosensitive resin composition on a substrate; (2) a solvent removal step of removing the solvent from the applied photosensitive resin composition; (3) an exposure step of patternwise exposing the photosensitive resin composition from which the solvent has been removed, to an active radiation; (4) a development step of developing the exposed photosensitive resin composition using an aqueous developer liquid; (5) an overcoating step of providing an overcoat layer on the developed photosensitive resin composition; (6) a heat-treating step of heat-treating the photosensitive resin composition on which the overcoat layer has been provided; and (7) a removal step of removing the overcoat layer.
US08728714B2
Methods for adhering materials and methods for enhancing adhesion between materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, a polymer brush material is bonded to a base material, and a developable polymer resist material is applied over the grafted polymer brush material. The resist material is at least partially miscible in the grafted polymer brush material. As such, the resist material at least partially dissolves within the grafted polymer brush material to form an intertwined material of grafted polymer brush macromolecules and resist polymer macromolecules. Adhesion between the developable polymer resist and the base material may be thereby enhanced. Also disclosed are related semiconductor device structures.
US08728709B2
A lithographic printing plate precursor includes a support and an image-recording layer containing a star polymer, a radical polymerizable compound and a radical polymerization initiator, the star polymer is a star polymer in which a polymer chain is branched from a central skeleton via a sulfide bond and the polymer chain contains an acid group and a crosslinkable group in a side chain of the polymer chain.
US08728708B2
Disclosed is a photosensitive resin composition comprising: (Component A) an oxime sulfonate compound represented by Formula (1); (Component B) a resin comprising a constituent unit having an acid-decomposable group that is decomposed by an acid to form a carboxyl group or a phenolic hydroxy group; and (Component C) a solvent wherein in Formula (1) R1 denotes an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a heteroaryl group, each R2 independently denotes a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a halogen atom, Ar1 denotes an o-arylene group or an o-heteroarylene group, X denotes O or S, and n denotes 1 or 2, provided that of two or more R2s present in the compound, at least one denotes an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a halogen atom.
US08728707B2
A resist composition having a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (I), a resin being insoluble or poorly soluble in alkali aqueous solution, but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid and not including the structural unit represented by the formula (I), an acid generator, and a compound represented by the formula (II), wherein R1, A1, A13, A14, X12, R23 and ring W21 are defined in the specification.
US08728706B2
A radiation-sensitive resin composition includes a first polymer including an acid-labile group, an acid generator to generate an acid upon exposure to radiation, and a second polymer including a fluorine atom and a functional group shown by a general formula (x). The second polymer has a fluorine atom content higher than a fluorine atom content of the first polymer. R1 represents an alkali-labile group. A represents an oxygen atom, —NR′—, —CO—O—# or —SO2—O—##, wherein the oxygen atom represented by A is not an oxygen atom bonded directly to an aromatic ring, a carbonyl group, or a sulfoxyl group, R′ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkali-labile group, and “#” and “##” indicates a bonding hand bonded to R1. -A-R1 (x)
US08728691B2
An image forming apparatus includes a developer tank which houses two-component developer containing toner and carrier, and a supply unit which supplies the developer tank with supply developer containing toner and carrier, wherein, when the ratio of mass of inorganic fine particles attached to the carrier contained in the two-component developer to mass of the carrier contained in the two-component developer is A, and when the ratio of mass of inorganic fine particles attached to the carrier contained in the supply developer to mass of the carrier contained in the supply developer is B, the following Formula (1) is satisfied: 0.7
US08728689B2
Provided are a toner containing at least a binder resin and a colorant, the toner having a specific hue angle and an absorbance at a specific wavelength in reflectance spectrophotometry, and a full-color image-forming method involving the use of the toner, the method including the steps of: forming an electrostatic image on a charged electrostatic image bearing member; developing the formed electrostatic image with the toner to form a toner image; transferring the formed toner image onto a transfer material; and fixing the transferred toner image to the transfer material to form a fixed image.
US08728687B2
A resin including (i) a main chain portion containing a nitrogen atom, (ii) a group X that has a functional group having a pKa of 14 or less and is bonded to a nitrogen atom present in the main chain portion, and (iii) an oligomer chain or polymer chain Y having a number average molecular weight of from 500 to 1,000,000 in a side chain.
US08728685B2
Articles for recording a holographic image are described. The articles include a holographic recording medium having a plurality of surfaces, having a transparent polymeric binder and a photochemically active dye, the holographic recording medium having a holographic image recorded therein formed by exposed areas of the photochemically active dye and unexposed areas of the photochemically active dye; and a first light-blocking layer or material over a first surface of the holographic recording medium from which surface the holographic image is viewed, the light blocking layer or material absorbing light in the wavelength range to which the photochemically active dye is sensitive and allowing transmission of light in a different wavelength range for viewing the holographic image.
US08728682B2
A fuel cell of the present invention includes: four fastening bolts which extend in a stack direction of a stack structure so as to penetrate through openings of end plates and nuts which are disposed at both ends of the fastening bolts and can adjust fastening forces applied by the fastening bolts to the stack structure sandwiched between the end plates. Each fastening bolt is disposed in the vicinity of an intermediate point of each side of the end plate. In an electrode facing region of the end plate, one or more springs are disposed on a first straight line passing through two fastening bolts one or more springs are disposed on a second straight line passing through two fastening bolts one or more springs are disposed on a third straight line passing through two fastening bolts and one or more springs are disposed on a fourth straight line passing through two fastening bolts.
US08728679B2
An electrically conductive laminate composition for fuel cell flow field plate or bipolar plate applications. The laminate composition comprises at least a thin metal sheet having two opposed exterior surfaces and a first exfoliated graphite composite sheet bonded to the first of the two exterior surfaces of the metal sheet wherein the exfoliated graphite composite sheet comprises: (a) expanded or exfoliated graphite and (b) a binder or matrix material to bond the expanded graphite for forming a cohered sheet, wherein the binder or matrix material is between 3% and 60% by weight based on the total weight of the first exfoliated graphite composite sheet. Preferably, the first exfoliated graphite composite sheet further comprises particles of non-expandable graphite or carbon in the amount of between 3% and 60% by weight based on the total weight of the non-expandable particles and the expanded graphite. Further preferably, the laminate comprises a second exfoliated graphite composite sheet bonded to the second surface of the metal sheet to form a three-layer laminate. Surface flow channels and other desired geometric features can be built onto the exterior surfaces of the laminate to form a flow field plate or bipolar plate. The resulting laminate has an exceptionally high thickness-direction conductivity and excellent resistance to gas permeation.
US08728676B2
A system for optimizing the purge cycle of a fuel cell stack responsive to the performance of the fuel cell. The system includes a controller that measures a process parameter indicative of the rate at which water is being produced in the fuel cell. If the measured value exceeds a threshold value, then the purge assembly is automatically actuated.
US08728674B2
A fuel cell system of the present invention includes: a fuel cell (1) having an electrolyte membrane (2), an anode (3) and a cathode (4) sandwiching the electrolyte membrane (2), a cathode gas passage (98) through which an oxidizing gas is supplied to and discharged from the cathode (4), and an anode gas passage (97) through which a fuel gas is supplied to and discharged from the anode (3); a fuel gas channel having an anode gas passage (97) and through which the fuel gas is supplied to and discharged from the anode (3); and an oxidizing gas channel having the cathode gas passage (98) and through which the oxidizing gas is supplied to and discharged from the cathode (4). When the fuel cell system stops generating electric power, the fuel gas channel and the oxidizing gas channel are closed, and a gas is supplied from a downstream side of the cathode gas passage (98) to an oxidizing gas filled space (112) which is practically isolated from outside by closing the oxidizing gas channel and includes the cathode gas passage (98).
US08728669B2
A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode contains active material particles and a coating material. The active material particles are represented by any one of the following formulae (1) to (3): LixM1yO2 (1) LizM22wO4 (2) LisM3tPO4 (3) and have an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 10 μm. The coating material comprises at least particles having an average particle diameter of 60 nm or less or layers having an average thickness of 60 nm or less. The particles or the layers contain at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ti, Zr, Ba, B and C.
US08728662B2
Disclosed is a polyradical compound which can be used as an electrode active material for at least one of a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The polyradical compound has a repeating unit represented by general formula (1) and is crosslinked using a bifunctional crosslinking agent having two polymerizing groups in the molecule represented by general formula (2), wherein R1 to R3 each independently represent hydrogen or methyl group; R4 to R7 each independently represent C1 to C3 alkyl group; X represents single bond, linear, branched or cyclic C1 to C15 alkylenedioxy group, alkylene group, phenylenedioxy group, phenylene group or structure represented by general formula (3); and R8 to R13 each independently represent hydrogen or methyl group, and k represents an integer of 2 to 5.
US08728656B2
A battery pack includes a pack body that includes a battery cell and that has an external shape substantially symmetric with respect to the horizontal and vertical axes, viewed from a front face on which terminals are arranged, and a terminal unit on the front face. The terminal unit includes a positive terminal, a negative terminal, a control terminal, and a temperature detection terminal for outputting temperature data. The positive terminal and the negative terminal are arranged on one side with respect to a center line in the width direction of the pack body. The control terminal is arranged symmetrically to the temperature detection terminal with respect to the center line in the width direction of the pack body.
US08728646B2
A battery lock structure of an electronic device includes a main body and a fastener. The main body includes a concave area for accommodating a battery, wherein the concave area includes a latch hole and a stopping member. The fastener is arranged on the battery and includes a main latch, an auxiliary latch and a resilient member. The main latch is slidably connected with the battery. The auxiliary latch is connected with the main latch, and slid simultaneously with the main latch relative to the battery. The resilient member is connected with the fastener at an end and connected with the battery at an opposite end, whereby providing a resilient force for the fastener to be secured within the concave area. When the battery is fully accommodated within the concave area, the main latch engages within the latch hole. When the main latch is off the latch hole, the stopping member stops the auxiliary latch, and the stopping member has a width sufficient to enable the main latch not to engage within the latch hole when the auxiliary latch is off the stopping member.
US08728637B2
A corrosion-resistant granular magnetic recording medium with improved recording performance comprises a non-magnetic substrate having a surface; and a layer stack on the substrate surface, including, in order from the surface: a granular magnetic recording layer; an intermediate magnetic de-coupling layer; and a corrosion preventing magnetic cap layer. The intermediate magnetic de-coupling layer has an optimal thickness and/or composition for: (1) promoting magnetic exchange de-coupling between the granular magnetic recording layer and the magnetic cap layer; and (2) reducing the dynamic closure field (Hcl) for determining writeability and eraseability of the medium. Grain boundaries of the magnetic cap layer are substantially oxide-free, and have a greater density and lower average porosity and surface roughness than those of the granular magnetic recording layer.
US08728628B2
The present invention provides a passivant for hot-dip Al—Zn-coated sheet of which the raw materials include: 2˜6 parts by weight of water soluble molybdate, 4˜12 parts by weight of water soluble manganese salt, 50˜100 parts by weight of basic silica sol and 50˜100 parts by weight of water soluble organic resin. The present invention also provides a method to prepare the passivant for hot-dip Al—Zn-coated sheet including the following steps: adding and dissolving water soluble molybdate and water soluble manganese salt into deionized water; adding basic silica sol into the solution and mixing well; adding water soluble organic resin into the solution and mixing well; regulating the pH value of the solution to 5˜8 by using phosphoric acid. The present invention also provides a hot-dip Al—Zn-coated sheet treated with the present passivant and a method to passivate hot-dip Al—Zn-coated sheet.
US08728624B2
A fixing material includes a silane compound polymer as the main component, the silane compound polymer being produced by condensing a silane compound mixture that includes at least one silane compound (1) shown by the following formula (1): R1Si(OR2)p(X1)3-p (wherein R1 represents a group including an ester structure or a cyanoalkyl group, R2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or the like, X1 represents a halogen atom, and p is an integer from 0 to 3), and at least one silane compound (2) shown by the following formula (2): Si(OR3)q(X2)4-q (wherein R3 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, X2 represents a halogen atom, and q is an integer from 0 to 4). A sealed optical device includes an optical device that is sealed with a cured product of the fixing material. The fixing material produces a cured product that exhibits high hardness, excellent transparency and heat resistance, and rarely undergoes coloration even when subjected to high-energy light or heat for a long time.
US08728619B2
The present invention provides a highly functional polyethylene fiber excellent in the cut resistance, has a high dimensional stability at about room temperature at which products are used, has a high shrinkage rate and stress, and excellent in forming processability when processed at a low temperature much less than a melting point of a polyethylene. And the present invention provides a highly functional polyethylene fiber excellent in processability at a low temperature, wherein an intrinsic viscosity [η] is higher than or equal to 0.8 dL/g, and is not higher than 4.9 dL/g, ethylene is substantially contained as a repeating unit, and a thermal stress at 40° C. is lower than or equal to 0.05 cN/dtex, and a thermal stress at 70° C. is higher than or equal to 0.05 cN/dtex, and is not higher than 0.25 cN/dtex. Further the present invention provides strings, ropes, woven/knitted textiles, and gloves thereof.
US08728618B2
A coating composition for a metal thin film for coating a vapor-deposited film or sputtered film provided on the surface of a base material, comprising: a coating film forming component containing 50% by weight or more of urethane(meth)acrylate that is a reaction product of hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate and/or hydrogenated diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polyol, and (meth)acrylate having a hydroxyl group.
US08728607B2
A ceramic honeycomb structure comprising a ceramic honeycomb body having cell walls defined by a large number of longitudinally extending cells, and an outer peripheral wall formed on an outer peripheral surface of the ceramic honeycomb body, the outer peripheral wall being formed by coating longitudinally extending grooves defined by cell walls on the outer peripheral surface of the ceramic honeycomb body with a coating material, and the outer peripheral wall having higher hardness in its outer peripheral portion than in its inside portion in a thickness direction.
US08728605B2
A water vapor permeable multi-layer thermal insulation (10) includes two water vapor permeable outer layers (16, 18) encapsulating inner air and water vapor permeable layers (14) of insulation material and at least one inner separating layer (12) of an air-open fibrous material interleaved with the inner thermal insulation layers (14) and having a mean flow pore size that allows water vapor to move from one side of the at least one inner fibrous separating layer to the other and through the inner insulation layers yet restricts mass movement of air from one side to the other of the at least one inner fibrous separating layer (12) to form a barrier to convection.
US08728604B2
A vehicle interior part may include a base member, a foamed resin material covering a surface of the base member, and a surface cover member covering a surface of the foamed resin material and a periphery of the base member. The base member has a plurality of through holes that penetrates the same in a thickness direction thereof. The foamed resin material has a squeezed out portion that is squeezed out via the through holes formed in the base member. The squeezed out portion is adhered to the surface cover member.
US08728592B2
The present invention relates to a container made from fiber based board wherein the container comprises a sleeve and a bottom, said bottom comprises polymer coated board, at least one side of said sleeve is uncoated and the sleeve is formed by sealing two edges of the sleeve together along a side seam. The invention further relates to a method for producing said container.
US08728581B2
Disclosed is a floor covering having an embossed polyurethane foam backing layer and methods of making and using same. A bottom surface of the backing layer can be thermo-embossed with a predetermined pattern, and the bottom surface of the backing layer can define at least one fluid pathway in communication with a side edge of the floor covering. The floor covering can also have a layer of skid-resistant material connected to the bottom surface of the backing layer.
US08728578B2
A method for preparing a graphene sheet greater than 1 μm in length that includes: combining graphitic oxide with a solvent having a ratio of from about 50:50 to about 80:20 deionized water and ethanol to form a graphitic oxide solution; mixing a solution of NaBH4 and deionized water and the graphitic oxide solution to form a mixture having a concentration of from 10 mmolar to 20 mmolar NaBH4; depositing the mixture on a substrate to form a sheet; and heating the mixture at a temperature of from 25° C. to 85° C. for from 3 to 30 minutes.
US08728572B2
A device and method relating to a layer system is provided. A substrate with a multi-layer system disposed on the substrate is provided. The multi-layer system has at least one upper layer and at least one layer. A contact element is applied through cold-gas spraying in such a manner that the contact element penetrates the upper layer and contacts the lower layer. The upper layer of the multi-layer system has a scratch-resistant top-layer.
US08728570B2
A droplet discharge method is for discharging a liquid into a plurality of drawing regions partitioned on a substrate from a plurality of nozzles formed in a droplet discharge head while moving the droplet discharge head relative to the substrate. The droplet discharge method includes dividing the nozzles into a plurality of nozzle groups so that the nozzles in one of the nozzles groups face the same drawing region, correcting an amount of the liquid discharged from the nozzles so that an average value of an amount of the liquid discharged from the nozzles constituting the nozzle groups is substantially uniform among the nozzle groups, and discharging the liquid from the nozzles while the droplet discharge head is moved relative to the substrate.
US08728553B2
A method for maintaining, optimizing, strengthening or promoting cardiovascular health of an individual, wherein an amount of menaquinone has been added to a food product such that the level of menaquinone is 5 to 5000 μg per 100 g of food product.
US08728550B2
Disclosed herein are compositions comprising an isolated cellulose degrading fungus. Also disclosed are culture compositions and bioreactor compositions comprising the cellulose degrading fungus. Further described herein are filtration and extraction devices comprising the cellulose degrading fungus. Still further disclosed are bioprocessing facilities for and methods for producing co-products resulting from one or more bioprocesses of the cellulose degrading fungus.
US08728536B2
A method and composition are provided for treating cancer in a mammal. The method includes administering to a tumor site of the mammal an anticancer composition comprising a mixture of an anticancer agent and a nanocrystalline or poorly crystalline calcium phosphate paste, said paste comprised of one or more calcium phosphates and a physiologically acceptable fluid, the paste having an injectable or formable consistency at the time of administration and hardenable at the tumor.
US08728526B2
The present invention relates to novel microparticles formed using a coacervation process, methods of forming the microparticles, and methods of using the microparticles for the sustained release administration of therapeutic agents.
US08728523B2
The present invention relates to injecting a high specificity cytokine antagonist into a diseased intervertebral disc.
US08728522B2
Methods and compositions are provided which comprise effective amounts of one or more analgesics, such as hydrocodone or acetaminophen, and an antiemetic, such as promethazine, to treat a subject, including reducing or eliminating an adverse effect associated with the analgesics.
US08728521B2
Physically/molecularly distributed and/or chemically bound medicaments in empty, hard capsule shells
The present invention incorporates medicaments in the empty hard capsule shells (body and cap). The medicament is either physically/molecularly distributed and/or chemically bound to the polymer matrix of the capsule shell composition. Other medicaments in the form of drug-loaded matrices (powders, granules, beads, pellets, mini-tablets, and mini-capsules) can be filled in the drug-loaded empty, hard capsule shells. The same capsule dosage form contains medicaments in the core matrix and in the shell.
US08728518B2
The present invention relates to a novel drug delivery and release system, i.e. Self-emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SEDDS), of butylphthalide, to a preparation process thereof, and to a use thereof in a pharmaceutical formulation. The drug delivery system comprises as essential ingredients 1% to 65% of butylphthalide and 10% to 65% of a emulsifying agent, together with various excipients as required depending on the desired dosage forms. The present invention significantly increases the contact area between butylphthalide and the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, and therefore improves the absorptivity of the drug.
US08728516B2
An orally deliverable pharmaceutical composition comprises a Bcl-2 family protein inhibitory compound, e.g., ABT-263, a heavier-chalcogen antioxidant and a substantially non-aqueous lipid carrier, wherein said compound and said antioxidant are in solution in the carrier. The composition is suitable for oral administration to a subject in need thereof for treatment of a disease characterized by overexpression of one or more anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, for example cancer.
US08728515B2
A compound of formula (I) for use as an adjuvant in vaccination; wherein R is an optionally-substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl moiety having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms; R1 is an optionally-substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl moiety having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms; each of R2, R3 and R4 is independently selected from an optionally-substituted alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, arylene, arylalkylene or alkylarylene moiety having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms; each of X, Y and Z is independently selected from an optionally-substituted alkylene, alkenylene, alkynylene, arylene, alkylarylene or cycloalkylene, ketone, ester, amide, imide, imine, thioether, ether, thioester, thioketone; and P is selected from hydrogen, an alkyl group, a sugar residue, or a metal, phosphonium or ammonium species; wherein at least one of X, Y and Z includes a moiety selected from cyclopropyl, C=A, C-AH and C—OR5; wherein R5 is alkyl or haloalkyl, and A is S, O or NR6, wherein R6 maybe H or 20 alkyl.
US08728513B2
A wound dressing having anti-microbial activity comprises a first fiber capable of bonding with silver (1) cations. The wound dressing comprises a blend of the first fiber to which silver (1) cations are bonded and a second fiber which is substantially free from silver. The wound dressing comprises from 0.01 to 5.0 percent by weight of silver (1) cations, based on the weight of fiber.
US08728508B2
The present invention provides a method for the preparation of a cross-linked hydrophilic coating of a hydrophilic polymer on a substrate polymer surface of a medical device, involving the use of a polymer solution comprising 1-20% by weight of a hydrophilic polymer, 0-5% by weight of additive(s), and the balance of a vehicle with plasticizing effect on the hydrophilic polymer, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one plasticizer having a solubility in water of at least 6 g/L, a boiling point above 210° C. at 760 mmHg, and Hansen δH parameter of less than 20. Furthermore, the invention provides a medical device, e.g. a catheter or guide wire, provided with such a hydrophilic coating. The invention also provides the use of specific polymer solution for the preparation of a cross-linked hydrophilic coating.
US08728506B2
Disclosed is a pest repellent that has excellent heat resistance and solvent resistance, that can be kneaded into a resin molded article or a synthetic fiber, and that has excellent durability and persistence for which a pest repellent effect is sustained for a long period even when it is used for a long period or washed. A durable pest repellent that has both high heat resistance and persistence has been accomplished by supporting on a specific layered silicate a pest repellent chemical containing as an essential component at least one selected from N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, 1-piperidinecarboxylic acid-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylpropyl ester, and N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide and 1-piperidinecarboxylic acid-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylpropyl ester.
US08728502B2
This disclosure is directed to a black effect pigment and a method of forming said pigment. The pigment comprises a platy substrate coated with SnO2 and/or SnO2 hydrates and Fe3O4 with an optional coating of metal oxides such as SiO2, TiO2, ZrO2 and ZnO2. The deposition of the SnO2 and/or SnO2 hydrates onto the substrate improves the adhesion and prepares the substrate surface for deposition of the iron oxides onto the platy surface, especially mica surfaces. While the pigment may be used in such applications as coating, powder coating, printing ink, plastic, ceramic material, glass, cosmetic formulation, laser marking pigment, pigment composition or dry preparation, the pigment is especially suitable for cosmetic applications.
US08728492B2
Malaria vaccines based on polyepitope constructs that elicit cell-mediated immunity against a broad spectrum of malaria parasites and which cover the majority of HLA alleles are provided. Epitopes in the polyepitope constructs are from regions of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP) known to contain CD4 and CD8 T cell epitopes, and include both epitopes from highly variable and highly conserved regions of CSP.
US08728486B2
The present disclosure provides novel imidazoquinoline derived compounds, derivatives thereof, analogues thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and methods of making and using such compounds. The present disclosure also provides TLR7 agonists and TLR7/TLR8 dual agonists, probes, tissue-specific molecules, adjuvants, immunogenic compositions, therapeutic compositions, and self-adjuvanting vaccines including the imidazoquinoline derived compounds, derivatives thereof, analogues thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Derivatives of the imidazoquinoline derived compounds also include dendrimers and dimers of the imidazoquinoline derived compounds, and methods of making and using the dendrimeic and dimeric imidazoquinoline derived compounds. The present disclosure also provides dual TLR2/TLR7 hybrid agonists that include imidazoquinoline derived compounds of the present disclosure.
US08728484B2
The present invention includes polypeptides, polynucleotides, antibodies, and vaccines associated with Runting Stunting Syndrome (RSS) in poultry. The present invention also includes diagnostic methods based on such polypeptides, polynucleotides, and antibodies and methods of protecting poultry, including chickens, against RSS by the administration of such polypeptides, polynucleotides, antibodies, and vaccines.
US08728472B2
The present invention relates to a monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof, which binds specifically to the cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) activating protein, p25 and not to p35, a hybridoma cell line producing the monoclonal antibody, and methods for the detection and/or isolation of p25, p25 fragments or homologs thereof from biological material. The invention further relates to the use of the monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof for detection and treatment of neuronal disorders and cancers.
US08728470B2
The present invention relates to CAB molecules, ADEPT constructs directed against CEA, and their use in therapy.
US08728465B2
Compositions comprising dendritic cells pulsed with tumor lysate and at least one toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand which may be used for eliciting a specific immune response in a mammal in need thereof for treating diseases including a tumor are disclosed. Also disclose are methods of activating dendritic cells, comprising providing at least one toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand; and pulsing a dendentic cell with the at least one TLR ligand. A method further comprises pulsing the dendritic cell with a tumor lysate.
US08728459B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a means for imparting resistance against pathogenic fungal, pathogenic bacterial, or pathogenic viral disease to agriculturally useful plants. The present invention relates to a bacterium belonging to the genus Azospirillum or the genus Herbaspirillum capable of imparting resistance against pathogenic fungal, pathogenic bacterial, or pathogenic viral disease to a host plant by living symbiotically within the plant, a method for controlling plant disease using the bacteria, and plants produced by such method.
US08728449B2
Water-soluble articles such as films, which can be made resistant to contact with small amounts of water, and methods of making the same are disclosed. The water-soluble article is formed from a water-soluble film-forming composition, such as polyvinyl alcohol, and includes a salt that is distributed more closely to at least one of the surfaces than throughout its thickness.
US08728448B2
The present invention is related to the use of glyoxal-free compositions, more particularly, to the use of hydroxyethylcellulose agglomerated with low molecular weight hydroxyethylcellulose in consumer products, in particular, pharmaceutical, personal care (excluding oral care compositions), as well as household care applications.
US08728444B2
A method of producing a nicotine delivery product includes preparing a first mixture including nicotine, a cation exchange resin and water by mixing the constituent components of the first mixture. The method optionally includes removing up to 85 wt. % of the water contained in the first mixture to form a second mixture. A mixture selected from the first and second mixtures is combined with further components to produce a nicotine delivery product.
US08728442B2
The present invention relates to novel compounds and compositions and the use of them for the control of fungal and bacterial pathogens, insect pests, acari, nematodes and other invertebrate pests including, but not limited to post-harvest and soil diseases, building mold remediation, and seed and grain sanitation.
US08728438B2
The invention relates to the treatment of mycobacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, lymphoproliferative disorders and induction of immunosuppression following transplantation using coronin 1 and modulators of coronin 1. Particular modulators of coronin 1 are compounds which inhibit the production of coronin 1 or the formation of active coronin 1 from a coronin 1 precursor, partly or entirely inactivate coronin 1, inhibit concentration of coronin 1 at the site of T cell activation, or inhibit the coronin 1 mediated signaling pathway downstream of the T cell receptor. Examples of such modulators are antibody or antibody fragments, coronin 1 peptide fragments or corresponding phosphopeptides, or anti-sense oligonucleotides, e.g. siRNA or shRNA. The invention further relates to a method of screening for a compound effective in the treatment of mycobacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, lymphoproliferative disorders and induction of immunosuppression following transplantation comprising contacting a candidate compound with coronin 1 or coronin 1 expressing cells, and selecting appropriate compounds.
US08728433B2
A method of forming and processing of graphene is disclosed based on exposure and selective intercalation of the partially graphene-covered metal substrate with atomic or molecular intercalation species such as oxygen (O2) and nitrogen oxide (NO2). The process of intercalation lifts the strong metal-carbon coupling and restores the characteristic Dirac behavior of isolated monolayer graphene. The interface of graphene with metals or metal-decorated substrates also provides for controlled chemical reactions based on novel functionality of the confined space between a metal surface and a graphene sheet.
US08728427B2
A method for the manufacture of concentrated phosphorous acid starting from pure P4O6 is disclosed. The P4O6 is hydrolyzed, preferably under stirring in water in the presence of a homogeneous Broensted acid catalyst while maintaining in the hydrolysis/reaction medium a pH below 5 whereby the free water level, at the completion of the hydrolysis, is in the range from 0 to 40%.
US08728425B2
A method for performing an energy efficient desulphurization and decarbonization of a flue gas comprising sulphur oxides and carbon dioxide includes (a) starting a reaction between an electropositive metal and the sulphur oxides and the carbon dioxide of said flue gas; (b) reducing the sulphur oxides and the carbon dioxide of said flue gas simultaneously in an exothermic reaction with an electropositive metal and thereby generating reduced gaseous carbon products and solid reaction products while cooling; (c) extracting the solid reaction products of the reducing step (a) in a solvent to generate a first suspension comprising suspended carbon containing reaction products and sulphur containing reaction products; (d) oxidizing the first suspension obtained in step (b) to generate a second suspension comprising suspended carbon containing reaction products and oxidized sulphur containing reaction products; and (e) separating the oxidized sulphur containing reaction products from the suspended carbon containing reaction products.
US08728421B2
The present invention relates to environmental protection field. The present invention provided a method and a system thereof for treating flue gases generated from waste incinerator by using a dual-purpose reactor, wherein said dual-purpose reactor includes a connected incineration chamber and gas-solid suspension chamber. The method and the system of the invention can continuous operate under high temperature and remove acid gases and dioxin or dioxin precursor completely.
US08728414B2
A closure for a container has a closure body having a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion opposite the first portion. The closure also has a connector disposed in at least one of the first and second portions. The connector is adapted to connect one of a sample collection device and an applicator to the closure. A containing apparatus including the closure, a container, and optionally one of a sample collection device and an applicator is also disclosed. A method of using the containing apparatus is also disclosed.
US08728411B2
A device and a method are provided for isolating a fraction in a biological sample. The fraction is bound to solid phase substrate to define a fraction-bound solid phase substrate. The device includes an input zone for receiving the biological sample therein and a second zone for receiving an isolation fluid therein. A force is provided that is generally perpendicular to gravity. The force is movable between a first position adjacent the input zone and a second position adjacent the isolation zone. The force captures the fraction-bound solid phase substrate and the fraction-bound solid phase substrate moves from the input zone to the isolation zone in response to the force moving from the first position to the second position.
US08728409B2
A method of forming a device on a substrate comprising creating a depository and at least one attached capillary; the depository being of millimeter scale; providing a liquid containing particles in the range 1 nanometer to 1 millimeter; depositing into the depository the liquid containing particles which flows into at least one capillary by capillary action; evaporating the liquid such that the particles form an agglomerate beginning at the end of the at least one capillary with a substantially uniform distribution of the particles within the agglomerate; which is used to form a device. A microelectronic integrated circuit device comprising a substrate; a depository coupled to said substrate, the depository being formed by at least one wall adjacent to the substrate; at least one capillary channel coupled to at least one depository that is formed by walls adapted to be filled with a liquid (by capillary action) comprising nanoparticles.
US08728390B2
A method of making a permanent magnet includes a step of forming a coating on an alloy powder by physical vapor deposition. The alloy powder includes neodymium, iron, boron and other metals. The coating includes a component selected from the group consisting of dysprosium, terbium, iron, and the alloys thereof. The alloy powder is vibrated during formation of the coating. Finally, a permanent magnet is formed from the coated powder, the permanent magnet having a non-uniform distribution of dysprosium and/or terbium. A method of making a permanent magnet using a vibrating transport belt is also provided.
US08728387B2
A method of forming an implant having a porous tissue ingrowth structure and a bearing support structure. The method includes depositing a first layer of a metal powder onto a substrate, scanning a laser beam over the powder so as to sinter the metal powder at predetermined locations, depositing at least one layer of the metal powder onto the first layer and repeating the scanning of the laser beam.
US08728386B2
A method and apparatus for annealing cylindrical cases for ammunition cartridges or other tubular casings is provided. In one embodiment, a case annealing apparatus is provided. The case annealing apparatus includes a base, a feeding device having a first end tapering to a second end that is coupled to the base, a rotatable feed wheel assembly disposed adjacent a second end of the feeding device, a linear slide mechanism disposed adjacent the rotatable feed wheel assembly defining a portion of a case receiving region, and a heating device disposed adjacent the case receiving region, the heating device operable to heat a portion of a case retained in the case receiving region.
US08728377B2
Disclosed is an imprinting apparatus and imprinting method using the same that prevent a process of forming a pattern on a substrate from being affected by flatness of a stage. The imprinting apparatus comprises a chamber unit in which a process of forming a pattern on a substrate is carried out; a stage for supporting the substrate on which a resin layer is formed; an installing member positioned above the stage and having a mold member attached to transform the resin layer so as to form the pattern on the substrate; and a first spraying unit for spraying fluid to separate the substrate supported by the stage from the stage, wherein the installing member moves the mold member in the direction getting near to the substrate separated from the stage so that the mold member and the resin layer are brought into contact with each other.
US08728375B2
A laminated rotor core (36) wherein permanent magnets (47) are inserted in respective magnet insertion holes (46) is disposed between and pressed by an upper die (37) and a lower die (29). The upper die (37) has resin reservoir pots (50) provided above the laminated rotor core (36) and at positions corresponding to the respective magnet insertion holes (46). Raw resin material put in the resin reservoir pots (50) is heated by the upper die (37). Subsequently, the resin material in a liquefied state is ejected from the resin reservoir pots (50) by plungers (52) that are inserted and moves vertically in the resin reservoir pots (50) and is directly filled in the magnet insertion holes (46). Consequently, the respective magnet insertion holes (46) are filled with the resin material more evenly and highly reliable products can be supplied at low cost.
US08728374B1
A panel for use in a foundation or above-grade may be made with studs for strength, and for attachment to an interior wall. The composite panel has two outer facing sheets, and a core. Studs are provided on one of the outer facing sheets. The manufacturing process involves forming the panel on a mold by laying down a gel coat (optional), a lower facing sheet (used instead of, or with, the gel coat), the core piece(s), and the top facing layer. This can be done by a lamination process, or preferably is done by laying down fibrous material for the facing sheet(s) and vacuum-infusing it with resin, and curing the panel. The core pieces may either be pre-made, or (if infusion is used) may themselves be made in this process, by infusing them with the resin as well. The studs are preferably of galvanized steel and are secured by means of an adhesive.
US08728372B2
Thin PTFE layers are described having little or no node and fibril microstructure and methods of manufacturing PTFE layers are disclosed that allow for controllable permeability and porosity of the layers. In some embodiments, the PTFE layers may act as a barrier layer in an endovascular graft or other medical device.
US08728370B2
A molding composition is suitable for the production of pipes having improved resistance to thermooxidative degradation when these pipes are in long-term contact with liquids comprising disinfectants having an oxidizing effect. Such molding composition comprises, in addition to thermoplastic polyolefins, a polyoxy compound and/or a polyhydroxy compound as additive in an amount of from 0.01 to 1.0% by weight. In addition, the molding composition can further comprise an unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon in an amount of up to 5% by weight. The invention also relates to a process for improving the long-term resistance of water pipes to damage caused by oxidizing disinfectants from the water by use of this molding composition.
US08728366B2
A method for making an optical plate formed with a microstructure includes: extruding a substrate material and advancing the same to pass through a first nip formed between an embossing roller and a first pressing roller, the embossing roller having a micropatterned surface formed with a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of grooves, the protrusions and the grooves cooperatively defining a microstructure-forming space; applying a photosensitive resin to the micropatterned surface and filling the same into the microstructure-forming space upstream of the first nip to form a plurality of microelements respectively in the microstructure-forming space; allowing the photosensitive resin applied to the micropatterned surface to pass through the first nip together with the substrate material, thereby bonding the microelements to the substrate material; and irradiating and curing the photosensitive resin downstream of the first nip to form the optical plate.
US08728365B2
There is provided a method for producing construction material utilizing loose pieces of aggregate, enzyme producing bacteria, an amount of urea and an amount of calcium ions. A first solution is prepared which includes urease which is formed by enzyme producing bacteria. A second solution is prepared which includes urea and calcium ions. The first and second solutions are added to the loose aggregate. The calcium ions contribute to the formation of calcium carbonate wherein the calcium carbonate fills and bonds between at least some of the gaps between the loose pieces of aggregate forming a solid construction material.
US08728364B2
A foam form sheet material having a first large surface comprising substantially only closed cells and an opposite large surface and an interior comprising substantially only open cells. This material comprises a cross linked olefin thermoplastic polymer or copolymer. The foam is made by mixing the polymer with a blowing agent and a cross linking agent. The mixture is maintained in a two roll mill means for a time sufficient to initiate cross linking and to initiate foaming to form closed cells. The sheet material is then disposed in a second two roll mill means having a nip that is larger than the thickness of the foamed sheet material and maintained under elevated temperature and pressure sufficient to initiate further cross linking and foaming. The fully cross linked cell foam is then compressed to rupture the closed cells that are disposed in the interior to form open cells.
US08728363B2
A die plate for a die block can have a coat-hanger-shaped flow path for extruding a molten foamable thermoplastic resin in a form of a sheet. The die plate can be on a downstream side of the coat-hanger-shaped flow path to make a flow rate of the molten foamable thermoplastic resin uniform in a width direction. The die plate can have a multiplicity of delivery apertures. The delivery apertures in opposite side regions can have a diameter greater than a diameter which the delivery apertures in a center region have. A die unit can include a die block, which has a multiple bifurcated manifold terminating in plural coat-hanger-shaped flow paths at downward ends thereof, and a like plural number of similar die plates as described above. A process for producing a wide thermoplastic resin foam can use the die unit.
US08728358B2
An amorphous film comprising indium, tin, calcium and oxygen, wherein tin is contained at a ratio of 5 to 15% based on an atomicity ratio of Sn/(In+Sn+Ca) and calcium is contained at a ratio of 0.1 to 2.0% based on an atomicity ratio of Ca/(In+Sn+Ca), and remnant is indium and oxygen, is provided. The film can be crystallized by annealing at 260° C. or lower in which resistivity of the film will be 0.4 mΩcm or less. In this manner, an ITO thin film for use as a display electrode or the like in a flat panel display can be made into an amorphous ITO film by way of sputter deposition without heating the substrate or adding water during deposition. This ITO film can be crystallized by annealing at a low temperature and will have low resistivity. Methods of producing such films and sintered compacts are provided.
US08728357B2
Disclosed are new compound semiconductors which may be used for solar cells or as thermoelectric materials, and their application. The compound semiconductor may be represented by a chemical formula: InxMyCo4-m-aAmSb12-n-z-bXnQ′z, where M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu; A is at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir and Pt; X is at least one selected from the group consisting of Si, Ga, Ge and Sn; Q′ is at least one selected from the group consisting of O, S and Se; 0
US08728354B2
Disclosed herein is an electrically conducting polymer composition and method of making a composition including an organic polymer; and a first filler including at least one ceramic filler, at least one metallic filler, or a combination including at least one of the foregoing fillers, wherein a trip temperature of the composition does not change by an amount of greater than or equal to ±10° C. when the composition is cycled 100 times between room temperature and the trip temperature. Disclosed herein as well is an electrically conducting polymer composition including a first filler including at least one ceramic filler, at least one metallic filler, or a combination including at least one of the foregoing fillers and a second filler. The compositions of the present invention have a trip temperature that is lower than the HDT temperature of the composition and can have tunable trip temperatures.
US08728347B2
The oxygen absorber of the present invention contains gallic acid and a transition metal compound; in addition, it may contain an alkali carbonate whereby the oxygen absorbent provides safety and the same oxygen absorption capability as the oxygen absorber using iron powder.
US08728342B2
An object of the present invention is to realize more effective intercalation and deintercalation of lithium ions in a cathode active material. The preset invention provides a cathode active material plate-like particle for a lithium secondary battery, the particle having a layered rock salt structure, wherein lithium-intercalation/deintercalation-plane-oriented grains (primary crystal grains whose (003) plane is oriented so as to intersect a plate surface of the plate-like particle) are present in a dispersed state among numerous (003)-plane-oriented grains (primary crystal grains whose (003) plane is oriented in parallel with the plate surface of the plate-like particle).
US08728332B2
Integrated circuit methods are described. The methods include providing a photomask that includes two main features for two via openings and further includes an optical proximity correction (OPC) feature linking the two main features; forming a hard mask layer on a substrate, the hard mask layer including two trench openings; forming a patterned resist layer over the hard mask layer using the photomask, wherein the patterned resist layer includes a peanut-shaped opening with two end portion aligned with the two trench openings of the hard mask layer, respectively; and performing a first etch process to the substrate using the hard mask layer and the patterned resist layer as a combined etch mask.
US08728325B2
Advanced oxidation process namely ozonation and Fenton's (hydrogen peroxide/Fe:2+) were utilized to degrade kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI). The oxidized solution after scavenging oxygen can be successfully disposed to the injection well. This facilitates use of KHI more frequently and in higher concentrations for future projects oil & gas operations. It also offers an alternative that competes efficiently with thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor (THI) or complements THI.
US08728319B2
A purifying device and a process for deeply treating printing and dyeing wastewater are provided. The device includes a nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis system, a membrane filtration and separation system and a a membrane washing regeneration system. The method includes the following steps of: drawing the printing and dyeing wastewater by a first water pump (12), pumping a first part of the wastewater into a nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis tank (13) to perform catalysis microelectrolysis, and a second part of the wastewater into a neutralization tank (16) to mix with the water from the nanometer catalytic microelectrolysis tank (13) to precipitate, filtering the wastewater by a sand filtration tank (17), and then pumping the wastewater into an adsorption and filteration device of granular active carbon (18) for adsorption and filtration. The process has lower cost and higher energy efficiency, and can realize recycled water to be reused.
US08728316B2
A membrane filter unit includes a hollow fiber membrane module with a plurality of sheet-like hollow fiber membrane elements arrayed in parallel at predetermined intervals, each of the hollow fiber membrane elements obtained by arranging a great number of porous hollow fiber membranes in parallel, and an air diffuser arranged below the hollow fiber membrane module for releasing minute bubbles toward a lower end of the hollow fiber membrane module and generating a gas-liquid mixed flow vertically swirling between an inner space and an outer space of the hollow fiber membrane module. The membrane filter unit has a residue eliminating mechanism for forming a forced flow in part of the mixed flow between the porous hollow fiber membranes and between the sheet-like hollow fiber membrane elements of the fiber membrane module.
US08728314B2
A membrane element is provided between a pair of water collecting cases. Water collecting spaces in which permeate having penetrated through the membrane element is collected are formed in the water collecting cases. The water collecting case of one membrane module and the water collecting case of the other membrane module are coupled via coupling portions. The coupling portions have flow holes. The water collecting space of the water collecting case of the one membrane module and the water collecting space of the water collecting case of the other membrane module communicate with each other via the flow holes of the coupling portions.
US08728313B2
A water filter system including a base configured for receiving water from a faucet and a filter cartridge connected to the base. The filter cartridge defines a peripheral opening and a first chamber having at least one filter element, and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. An enhancement cartridge is removably inserted through the peripheral opening and into the second chamber. The enhancement cartridge includes an enhancement material for adding minerals to the water and is removable from the system independently from the filter cartridge.
US08728309B2
In a system and method for feature alignment in chromatographic systems, the system runs a first sample through a first separation column. The system determines a first set of features for the first sample run. The system runs a second sample through a second separation column and detects a second set of features for the second sample run. The system estimates a systematic shift in features between the first sample run through the first separation column and the second sample run through the second separation column. The system adjusts the second set of features detected for the second sample run through the second separation column based on the estimated systematic shift to obtain a third set of adjusted features.
US08728304B2
Trace element levels of heavy metals such as mercury in crude oil are reduced by contacting the crude oil with an iodine source, generating a water soluble heavy metal complex for subsequent removal from the crude oil. In one embodiment, the iodine source is generated in-situ in an oxidation-reduction reaction, by adding the crude oil to an iodine species having a charge and a reductant or an oxidant depending on the charge of the iodine species. In one embodiment with an iodine species having a positive charge and a reducing reagent, a complexing agent is also added to the crude oil to extract the heavy metal complex into the water phase to form water soluble heavy metal complexes which can be separated from the crude oil, for a treated crude oil having reduced levels of heavy metals.
US08728301B2
Integrated isomerization and ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation processes may comprise integrating ionic liquid alkylation and n-butane isomerization using a common distillation unit for separating an n-butane containing fraction from at least one of an alkylation hydrocarbon phase from an ionic liquid alkylation reactor and an isomerization hydrocarbon stream from an isomerization unit. The n-butane containing fraction may undergo isomerization to provide an isomerization reactor effluent comprising the isomerization hydrocarbon stream. An isobutane containing fraction, separated from at least one of the alkylation hydrocarbon phase and the isomerization hydrocarbon stream, may be recycled from the distillation unit to the ionic liquid alkylation reactor.
US08728300B2
Systems and methods for deasphalting a hydrocarbon are provided. A hydrocarbon can be heated to a first temperature and pressurized to a first pressure. The pressurized hydrocarbon can be depressurized to separate at least a portion of the hydrocarbon to provide a vaporized hydrocarbon mixture and a residual hydrocarbon that can include asphaltenes. The residual hydrocarbon can be mixed with a solvent to provide a first mixture. The first mixture can be heated to a second temperature. The asphaltenes can be separated from the first mixture to provide a first product and a second product. The first product can include a deasphalted oil and at least a portion of the solvent. The second product can include the asphaltenes and the remaining portion of the solvent.
US08728299B2
The present invention relates to electrochemical sensor strips and methods of determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample or improving the performance of a concentration determination. The electrochemical sensor strips may include at most 8 μg/mm2 of a mediator. The strips, the strip reagent layer, or the methods may provide for the determination of a concentration value having at least one of a stability bias of less than ±10% after storage at 50° C. for 4 weeks when compared to a comparison strip stored at −20° C. for 4 weeks, a hematocrit bias of less than ±10% for whole blood samples including from 20 to 60% hematocrit, and an intercept to slope ratio of at most 20 mg/dL. A method of increasing the performance of a quantitative analyte determination also is provided.
US08728296B2
Disclosed is a method for extracting gallium from fly ash, which comprises the following steps: crushing the fly ash and removing Fe by magnetic separation; then dissolving it by using hydrochloric acid to obtain hydrochloric acid leachate; adsorbing gallium contained in the hydrochloric acid leachate with macro-porous cationic resin, followed by eluting to obtain an eluent containing gallium; adding masking agent to mask ferric ion to obtain an eluent containing gallium after masking; adsorbing gallium in the eluent containing gallium after masking with macro-porous cationic resin, followed by eluting to obtain a secondary eluent; adding sodium hydroxide solution into the secondary eluent to react; filtering and removing precipitates after reaction, and then concentrating the filtrate and electrolyzing to obtain metal gallium. The method simplifies the process and improves extraction efficiency of gallium.
US08728292B2
An apparatus (1) for the measurement of a concentration of a charged species in a sample (10) is disclosed. The sample (10) comprises a plurality of types of charged species and at least one insoluble component. The apparatus (1) comprises a first circuit with a voltage control device (54) connectable to two first electrodes (30, 30′) arranged along a channel (12) holding the sample (10) and a second circuit with a conductivity detection device (55) connectable to two second electrodes (5, 5′) arranged in the channel (12). The first circuit and the second circuit are dc and ac electrically isolated from each other.
US08728291B2
We introduce a new method for implementing cell-based assays and long-term cell culture. The method is based on digital microfluidics (DMF) which is used to actuate nanoliter droplets of reagents and cells on a planar array of electrodes. DMF method is suitable for assaying and culturing both cells in suspension and cells grown on surface (adherent cells). This method is advantageous for cell culture and assays due to the automated manipulation of multiple reagents in addition to reduced reagent use and analysis time. No adverse effects of actuation by DMF were observed in assays for cell viability, proliferation, and biochemistry. These results suggest that DMF has great potential as a simple yet versatile analytical tool for implementing cell-based assays and cell culture on the microscale.
US08728281B2
A system for separating contaminants from wellbore cuttings that includes a processing chamber, a heat source connected to the processing chamber adapted to vaporize hydrocarbons and other contaminants disposed on the material, a condenser operatively connected to an outlet of the process chamber and adapted to condense the vaporized hydrocarbons and other contaminants, and an ozone source operatively connected to the condenser.
US08728266B2
An electro-optic display is produced using a sub-assembly comprising a front sheet, an electro-optic medium; and an adhesive layer. An aperture is formed through the adhesive layer where the adhesive layer is not covered by the electro-optic medium, and the sub-assembly is adhered to a backplane having a co-operating member with the aperture engaged with a co-operating member, thus locating the sub-assembly relative to the backplane. In another form of electro-optic display, a chip extends through an aperture in the electro-optic medium and adhesive layer. In a third form, the aforementioned sub-assembly is secured to a backplane and then a cut is made through both backplane and sub-assembly to provide an aligned edge.
US08728251B2
A chromium-free aqueous treatment solution for coating metal surfaces is described. The treatment solution contains fluorocomplex ions of titanium and/or zirconium and molybdate ions, vanadium ions and one or more aromatic carboxylic acids with at least one carboxyl groups and at least two further functional groups, wherein the two further functional groups are selected from the group comprising carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups, amino groups and nitro groups.
US08728243B2
The present invention relates to the use of a comparatively cheap material for the containment of at least a strongly acidic mineral acid solution highly diluted with water, by means of which saccharides are extracted from lignocellulose material by hydrolysis at a temperature of 175-240° C. and a pressure of 6-34 bar (0.6-14 MPa) as well as a time of 1-60 minutes and is characterized in that the material comprises, in addition to iron in an amount greater than any other individual substance and usually at least 50% by weight, at least chromium in an amount of 10.5-30% by weight, nickel in an amount of 2.5-29% by weight, and molybdenum in an amount of 0-7% by weight. The invention also relates to an apparatus.
US08728238B2
This invention includes a system and a method for growing crystals including a batch auto-feeding mechanism. The proposed system and method provide a minimization of compositional segregation effect during crystal growth by controlling growth rate involving a high-temperature flow control system operable in an open and a closed loop crystal growth process. The ability to control the growth rate without corresponding loss of volatilize-able elements enables significantly improvement in compositional homogeneity and a consequent increase in crystal yield. This growth system and method can be operated in production scale, simultaneously for a plurality of growth crucibles to further the reduction of manufacturing costs, particularly for the crystal materials of binary or ternary systems with volatile components, such as Lead (Pb) and Indium (In).
US08728237B2
A method for growing nitride semiconductor crystals contains: growing a first semiconductor layer containing InxGa1-xN (0
US08728235B2
A manufacturing method for three-dimensional GaN epitaxial structure comprises a disposing step, in which a substrate of LiAlO2 and a source metal of Ga are disposed inside an vacuum chamber. An exposing step is importing N ions in plasma state and generated by a nitrogen source into the chamber. A heating step is heating up the source metal to generate Ga vapor. A growing step is forming a three-dimensional GaN epitaxial structure with hexagonal micropyramid or hexagonal rod having a broadened disk-like surface on the substrate by reaction between the Ga vapor and the plasma state of N ions.
US08728229B2
The present invention provides a cement slurry composition, containing a hydraulic cement material, (A) a first water-soluble low molecular weight compound and (B) a second water-soluble low molecular weight compound differing from the compound (A), wherein a combination of the compounds (A) and (B) is (I) the compound (A) selected from cationic surfactants and the compound (B) selected from anionic aromatic compounds; or (II) the compound (A) selected from cationic surfactants and the compound (B) selected from brominated compounds, and in the compound (A), a ratio of compounds having a hydrocarbon group of 18 or more carbon atoms is not less than 45% by weight.
US08728217B2
In some embodiments, the present invention provide filtration media for the treatment of flue gas streams and methods of making and using the same. In one embodiment, a filtration medium comprises a pollutant absorbent layer comprising a plurality of activated carbon fibers, at least one woven fabric, and at least one non-woven fabric, wherein the pollutant absorbent layer is positioned between the at least one woven fabric and the at least one non-woven fabric.
US08728206B2
Method of removing metal carbonyls from a gaseous stream comprising contacting the metal carbonyl containing gaseous stream at elevated temperature with a particulate sorbent comprising modified copper aluminum spinel, wherein the copper aluminium spinel has been modified by a thermal treatment in a reducing atmosphere and a particulate sorbent for use in a method comprising a copper aluminium spinel being modified by thermal treatment in a reducing atmosphere at a temperature of between 250 and 500° C.
US08728195B2
Direct reduced iron (DRI) is obtained from iron ore by reduction using microwave assisted low temperature hydrogen plasma. The process includes steps of: (a) loading iron ore onto a sample holder (b) placing the sample holder inside a chamber followed by evacuating the chamber; (c) introducing hydrogen gas in the chamber at flow rate ranging between 100-500 standard cubic centimeters (sccm) followed by heating the sample holder and the iron ore at a temperature ranging between 300-800° C., a pressure ranging between 20-100 torr and a microwave power ranging between 500-1500 W to obtain direct reduced iron; and (d) cooling the direct reduced iron obtained in step (c) by flowing hydrogen at flow rate of about 300 sccm.
US08728175B2
An exemplary manufacturing method for a battery is provided in the present invention. The manufacturing method includes step S1: providing a high polymer solution; step S2: providing a negative-electrode structure; step S3: providing a separation structure; step S4: assembling the negative-electrode and the separation structure into a housing; and step S5: inserting a current collector into the housing and filling a positive-electrode material therein to form a positive-electrode structure. At least one of the negative-electrode structure and the positive-electrode structure comprise chlorophyll. Thus, the manufacturing process of the battery is simple, and economical, and natural and non-toxic substances are used. Unlike the manufacturing process of conventional batteries, the battery manufactured according to embodiments of the present invention will not cause environmental pollution even when it is discarded after being used.
US08728170B1
A bioerodible conductive tissue scaffold that can provide, e.g., improved tissue growth.
US08728169B2
The present invention provides implantable or insertable medical apparatuses that deliver one or more urologically beneficial agents to the urinary tract. In one aspect, the medical apparatuses comprise a reservoir, a catheter, an implantable or insertable urological medical device, and an optional pump.
US08728163B2
An artificial disk replacement device includes opposing plate members with a pivoting assembly disposed therebetween. The pivoting assembly allows the plate members to pivot relative to each other in a first direction, but inhibit movement of the plate members in a second direction. The plate members may be installed prior to installing the pivoting assembly. An installation tool for use with the artificial disk replacement device is also disclosed.
US08728157B2
Disclosed are soft, high refractive index, acrylic device materials. The materials contain a hydrophilic side-chain macromer for glistening resistance.
US08728156B2
Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
US08728146B2
A stent may comprise a plurality of serpentine bands, wherein adjacent serpentine bands are connected by at least one connector strut. A serpentine band may comprise alternating straight struts and s-shaped struts. Connector struts may comprise first connector struts and second connector struts, wherein the first connector struts are nonparallel to the second connector struts.
US08728143B2
A device and method for treating pathological narrowing of fluid-carrying conduits of the human body (such as blood vessels) in an area of a bifurcation is disclosed. In particular, a stent delivery system configured to carry one or more of a pair of dissimilar stents. At least one of the stents is particularly suited for treating a widened portion of a blood vessel immediately proximal to a bifurcation. The stent delivery system can also include a handpiece adapted to selectively deliver the stents.
US08728137B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.
US08728133B2
A bone repair system and method for percutaneously fixing a first bone segment to a second bone segment, such as rib bone segments, in a body of a patient include drilling a first hole through the first bone segment and a second hole through the second bone segment, and feeding a first tether through the first hole and a second tether through the second hole, each tether having a proximal end and a distal end. The first and second tether distal ends are withdrawn from the body while the first and second tether proximal ends have not passed through the first and second bone segments, respectively. A reinforcing member, such as a bone plate, having first and second openings, is passed onto the first and second tether distal ends, and the reinforcing member is pulled into engagement with the first and second bone segments guided by the tethers. The reinforcing member is secured to the first bone segment with a first fastener assembly through the first hole and the first opening and to the second bone segment with a second fastener assembly through the second hole and the second opening to fix the first bone segment to the second bone segment.
US08728126B2
A bone fixation system includes a bone plate having bi-directional combination holes extending therethrough, each hole being composed of a pair of domains and an interconnect which prevents the holes from overlapping. Each of the holes is configured and dimensioned to receive a set of full head bone screws adapted to be anchored into a bone or fragments thereof. The system also includes a pair of bone screws received in at least one of the combination holes, each bone screw having a shaft and a full head and being oriented in non-parallel directions. Various bone plate and screw embodiments are disclosed as is a method for fixating a bone fracture using the fixation system.
US08728123B2
Interspinous/inter-laminar spinal spacers are configured to be placed between bony structures of adjacent vertebrae. In one form, spinal spacers are defined by a unitary body comprising a first contoured plate and a second contoured plate. The first contoured plate comprises first and second wings configured to engage first and second vertebra, and a post extending from the contoured plate and having a bullet nose and an outer surface with a curved portion and a planar portion. The second contoured plate is slidably coupled to the post of the body and comprises first and second wings configured to engage first and second vertebra, a rear portion extending between the first wing and the second wing, and a front portion extending between the first wing and the second wing. The first wing, second wing, rear portion, and front portion define a first bore configured to receive the post.
US08728119B2
A generally U-shaped surgical staple comprises a base 10 and a pair of generally “L”-shaped legs 12 extending substantially perpendicularly from opposite ends of the base respectively. The legs 12 in use of the staple are bent through approximately 90° relative to the base. To effect a greater compression of the stapled tissue the legs include a penetrative portion 16 adjacent the tip and a compressive structure 30 which, due to its increased height relative to that of the penetrative portion, spreads the compressive forces of the staple further along the length of the incision being closed. The compressive portion also provides a depth stop to avoid the tip penetrating too deeply into the tissue in which it is deployed.
US08728118B2
The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. A rotation lock provides for enablement and disablement of rotatability of the end effector.
US08728113B2
Interventional catheters are disclosed for use in performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in vessels that are accessed retrograde to blood flow. The catheters include an elongated shaft slidably disposed within a sheath, a distal region having an end effector and a filter disposed proximal to the end effector to capture emboli liberated during the diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. The filter includes a plurality of struts that cooperate with an exterior surface of the catheter to define a reservoir to retain captured emboli, the reservoir configured so that advancement of the sheath contracts the filter without squeezing or dislodging captured emboli beyond a distal end of the filter.
US08728104B2
Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The device may include, for example, an elongated tubular member having a proximal end for extending outside of the body and a distal end for positioning proximate the multiple tissue layers, a grasper configured for positioning proximate the distal end of the tubular member and for grasping at least one of the multiple tissue layers, a device coupled to the distal end of the tubular member for folding the multiple tissue layers together, a tissue fastener configured to be inserted into the tissue layers to hold the tissue layers together, and a fastener head for inserting the tissue fastener into the tissue layers.
US08728095B2
An instrument for fastening tissue within a body includes an elongated tube having a proximal end for extending outside of the body and a distal end for positioning proximate the tissue; and a distal member configured to fold the tissue together. The distal member includes a first member having a proximal end coupled to the distal end of the tube; and a second member pivotably coupled to the distal end of the first member. The first and second members are configured to install at least one fastener. A grasper is coupled to at least one of the first member and the second member. The second member is pivotable between an open position for receiving tissue and a closed position for folding tissue therebetween. The grasper is configured to project outward from at least one of the first member and the second member when in the open position.
US08728093B2
A lung volume reduction system includes a percutaneously, laparoscopically or thorocospically insertable delivery element comprising a control end which remains outside the body and an insertion end which, when in an operative position, is adjacent to an external surface of a target portion of a lung and a constriction element deployable from the distal end of the delivery element to apply compressive force to an external surface of the target portion of the lung to constrict at least one airway therein and collapse the target portion of the lung.
US08728089B2
An endoscope treatment instrument provided with a flexible transmitting member, a treatment portion that is attached to the distal end of the transmitting member, and an actuator which is attached to the proximal end of the transmitting member and is for operating the treatment portion, this endoscope treatment instrument being designed to transmit the action of the actuator to the treatment portion via the transmitting member. The transmitting member consists of the connection in the longitudinal direction of a first coil sheath that has excellent rotation follow-up and good relative bending properties, and a second coil sheath that has excellent rotation follow-up and good ease of motion in the relative longitudinal direction.
US08728088B2
An instrument includes a flexible shaft portion and a hook portion. The flexible shaft portion has a proximal end and a distal end and includes markings along an outer surface of the shaft portion. The hook portion is located at the distal end of the shaft portion. The shaft portion and the hook portion define a lumen that terminates in an opening at the hook portion.
US08728086B2
Methods and apparatus for performing knee arthroplasty, including, but not limited to, bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty, are described herein. Methods and apparatus for preparing a distal femur for a femoral implant as well as methods and apparatus for preparing a proximal tibia for a tibial implant are described. These methods and apparatus, in at least some embodiments and uses, facilitate decreasing the complexity of knee arthroplasty procedures such as bicruciate retaining procedures, while maintaining, if not improving on, the safety, accuracy and/or effectiveness of such procedures.
US08728084B2
A system for repairing a soft tissue or bone defect can include a plurality of sizing guides each having a base with a different perimeter size and a plurality of apertures aligned with a plurality of cannulated guide shafts extending therefrom. A plurality of perimeter cutting devices can each have a base with a perimeter size corresponding to the different perimeter size of each sizing guide base, a cutting edge on a perimeter thereof, and a plurality of apertures corresponding in location to the plurality of apertures in each sizing guide base. A cutting member guide can have at least one aperture configured to receive a portion of a cutting member therein. The plurality of implants can have a perimeter size and shape corresponding to each base of the plurality of perimeter cutting devices.
US08728079B2
A clamp applicable to both temporary and definitive orthopaedic external fixation systems comprising a first coupling element having a pair of opposite jaws defining one or more seats to house a first component of the orthopaedic external fixation system. A second coupling element comprises a pair of opposite jaws defining one or more seats to house a second component of the orthopaedic external fixation system. An interconnection pin passes through and connects the first and second coupling elements along an axis of rotation. A fastening means is arranged to bring the clamp from a slack configuration. The first and second coupling elements are relatively rotatable along the axis of rotation to a locked configuration, and are relatively rotatable with each other. These fastening means include manually operable temporary fastening means to temporarily lock the clamp, and definitive fastening means operable with a fastening tool, to definitively lock the clamp.
US08728076B2
A surgical apparatus for coagulating and cutting tissue includes a handle assembly and a tool cartridge. The tool cartridge includes electrically conductive movable tools, such as jaws and a blade, for cutting tissue. The jaws and blade each are connected to a transmission to facilitate movement. Multiple sheaths are used to encompass and protect the transmissions. Slidable grips are disposed outside of the sheaths and operatively connected to the transmissions that are disposed within the sheaths. At least one lever is supported by the handle assembly and engagable with the grips to facilitate movement of the grips, and thus, the tools.
US08728074B2
Improved devices, systems and methods for treating a tissue region provide straightforward, yet reliable ways for installing diverse functional components within the confined space of a catheter-based instrument.
US08728072B2
An electrode structure and a mechanism for automated or user-selected operation or compensation of the electrodes, for example to determine tissue coverage and/or prevent arcing between bottom electrodes during electrocautery is disclosed.
US08728068B2
A device for treating tissue adjacent to a body lumen includes a catheter shaft and an energy emitting assembly. The catheter shaft is insertable into the body lumen and includes a plurality of cooling lumens arranged generally circumjacent a generally central lumen. At least some of the circumjacent cooling lumens are in fluid communication with the central lumen and the energy emitting assembly extends through the central lumen. The central lumen and at least one portion of the energy emitting assembly are configured to direct a flow of cooling fluid about an outer surface of the at least one portion of the energy emitting assembly within the central lumen.
US08728067B2
A surgical ablation system employing an ablation probe having a deployable ground plane is disclosed. The disclosed system includes a source of ablation energy and a source of electrosurgical energy, and a switching assembly configured to select between ablation and electrosurgical modes. The probe includes a cannula having a shaft slidably disposed therein. The shaft includes a deployable ground plane electrode assembly and a needle electrode disposed at distal end of the shaft. As the shaft is extended distally from the cannula, the ground plane electrode unfolds, and the needle electrode is exposed. Electrosurgical energy is applied to tissue via the needle electrode to facilitate the insertion thereof into tissue. Ablation energy is applied to tissue via the needle electrode to achieve the desired surgical outcome. The shaft, ground plane electrode and needle electrode are retracted into the cannula, and withdrawn from the surgical site.
US08728066B2
Tissue may be cut and extracted from an interior location in a patient's body using a probe or tool which both effects cutting and causes vaporization of a liquid or other fluid to propel the cut tissue through an extraction lumen of the cutting device. The cutting may be achieved using an electrosurgical electrode assembly, including a first electrode on a cutting member and a second electrode within a cutting probe or tool. Thus, over a first cutting portion, radio frequency current may help cut the tissue and over a second or over transition region, the RF current may initiate vaporization of the fluid or other liquid to propel the tissue from the cutting device.
US08728064B2
An apparatus for treating a subcutaneous fat region is provided. The apparatus includes a housing that has a skin contacting portion defining a chamber. The apparatus also includes a first spaced region in the housing through which a coolant passes and a second spaced region in the housing that is at least partially evacuated of air. The apparatus further includes a source of electromagnetic radiation, a source of vacuum in fluid communication with the chamber, and a source for the coolant.
US08728059B2
The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for assuring validity of monitoring parameters in combination with a therapeutic device. An exemplary embodiment of the present technique comprises perturbing a treatment administered to a patient, measuring at least one parameter of the patient reflecting the underlying physiological state and associated with the treatment, and comparing the perturbations of the treatment to measurements of the at least one parameter to determine if the perturbations to the treatment are reflected by the parameter.
US08728057B2
Catheter advancing devices, systems and methods for advancing a catheter into the urethra of a user are disclosed. The catheter advancement device includes a body portion that couples to a guide portion of the catheter, the guide portion being movably coupled to the proximal end of a catheter. The catheter advancement device further includes a pair of flexible handles extending outwards from the body portion, and a gripping portion extending inwards from each of the flexible handles. A surface of the gripping portion comes in contact with the catheter when the flexible handles are engaged, and the surface of the gripping portion in contact with the catheter applies pressure to the catheter when the handles are engaged to advance the catheter through the guide portion.
US08728045B2
Methods and devices for treatment of damaged tissue are disclosed, including treatment of wounds by employing non-electrically powered, reduced pressure therapy devices with a pressure oscillation mechanism. Maintenance and control of the sub atmospheric pressure exerted may be provided by such devices while minimizing discomfort to the user. The devices may be configured to be worn inconspicuously underneath clothing.
US08728044B2
The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to an apparatus, system, and method for storing liquid from a tissue site. The apparatus may include a drape having an aperture, and a fluid pouch coupled to the drape such that the fluid pouch is in fluid communication with the aperture. In one embodiment, the fluid pouch is operable to transfer reduced pressure to the aperture such that the liquid from the tissue site is drawn into the fluid pouch. The fluid pouch may have a cavity that stores the liquid that is drawn from the tissue site. In another embodiment, the fluid pouch may include at least one baffle. The fluid pouch may also include a fluid channel at least partially defined by the at least one baffle. The fluid channel may be operable to store liquid from the tissue site when reduced pressure is applied through the fluid channel.
US08728043B2
A dose setting mechanism for a drug delivery device is disclosed. The mechanism comprises an outer housing and an inner housing having an external groove. The inner housing guides a driver having either a blocking or locking member disposed inside the driver that can lock a flexible tab to an internal groove during dose delivery in the inner housing such that the driver follows the path of the groove and to advance a spindle to move a cartridge bung. A dial sleeve is disposed between the outer and inner housing and is rotatably engaged with the inner housing.
US08728035B2
A catheter insertion device with a housing and an interior space. An access needle and a guide wire supported by and moveable relative to the access needle. A restraining element attached to a handle to limit the motion of the guide wire relative to the access needle. A catheter insertion device with a housing and an interior space. An access needle and a guide wire channel attached to the access needle. A guide wire supported by the guide wire channel. A handle attached to the guide wire to move the guide wire relative to the guide wire support channel. A method of introducing a catheter into a vessel by inserting a guide wire substantially contained within a housing into a vessel. Next, advance a catheter over the guide wire and into the vessel. Next, withdraw the guide wire out of the vessel and completely into the housing.
US08728030B2
The present disclosure relates to a catheter device comprising a catheter hub in which a valve member is disposed, a needle fixed in a needle hub, the needle extending through the valve member in the catheter hub in a ready position, and a tubular receptacle in which the needle hub is displaceably guided and biased by a spring in a proximal direction relative to the receptacle, wherein the needle hub is releasably held in the ready position in the receptacle against the force of the spring by frictional force between needle circumference and catheter or catheter hub, which frictional force is reduced on retraction of the needle through the catheter hub such that the force of the spring prevails.
US08728027B2
The invention relates to a safety needle assembly for injecting a fluid into a human body comprising a cylindrical housing with a bottom surface supporting a needle cannula and a shield telescopically movable relative to the housing. A spring located within the housing urges the shield in a distal needle covering direction and a locking member also provided inside the housing moves simultaneously with the shield during injection and automatically locks the shield in a position where the sharp end of the needle cannula is concealed thereby irreversible immobilizing the safety needle assembly.
US08728024B2
A system for priming an infusion pump is disclosed. The system includes a priming cap including a septum and configured to matably connect with a male part comprising a needle and attached to a length of tubing for fluid, wherein when matably connected with the male part, the priming cap occludes the tubing.
US08728014B2
A moving body attitude angle processing apparatus capable of reducing cumulative errors in continuously measuring the attitude angle of a moving body is provided. The moving body attitude angle processing apparatus estimates the attitude angle of a moving body in accordance with outputs from an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, and a gyro sensor that are mounted to the moving body, and outputs the attitude angle thus estimated. The moving body attitude angle processing apparatus includes: a gyro sensor that outputs an angular velocity vector; an acceleration sensor that outputs an acceleration vector; a magnetic sensor that outputs a magnetic field vector; a movement state determining device that determines a movement state of a moving body in accordance with an output from the acceleration sensor; and a gyro-sensor zero-point output estimating device that, when the movement state determining device determines the movement state to have been detected as a stationary state of the moving body, carries out a process of estimating a zero-point output of the gyro sensor in accordance with the output from the acceleration sensor, an output from the magnetic sensor, and an output from the gyro sensor.
US08728013B2
There is provided a device for measuring an inside shape of a vagina, including a device body, operationally connected to one or more movable cheeks, the cheeks movable in a direction substantially transaxially relative to the device body longitudinal axis, and a width indicator, for indicating a distance between opposite faces of the cheeks. There is provided a method for fitting a pessary including inserting a Pessary Caliber (PC) into a vagina, extending cheeks of the PC to press against sides of the vagina, measuring a distance between the cheeks, measuring how deep the PC is inserted into the vagina, and selecting a pessary size based, at least in part, on the measuring. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
US08728009B2
The present invention provides a biosensor with finger-positioning function, comprising: a bottom plate, a cover, and a test-strip socket; wherein the cover mounted on the bottom plate has a front end provided with a guiding plate for positioning a finger, and the guiding plate has a center line and a guiding surface, in which the center line passes through a center of the guiding surface; and the test-strip socket is formed at the front end of the cover. When using the biosensor, the user can rest his/her wrist and palm on the cover of the biosensor and rest the punctured finger on the guiding surface provided at the front end of the cover to align the test strip with the blood drop on the finger so as to simplify the measurement.
US08728006B2
A biopsy needle system includes a carrier. A trocar is inserted into the carrier for percutaneous insertion to a biopsy site. A biopsy needle is inserted into the carrier, replacing the trocar, for removal of a tissue biopsy specimen. A biopsy needle and a method for obtaining a tissue biopsy specimen with the system, are also provided.
US08728004B2
A biopsy needle system includes a cylinder with a fluid connection end, an open end and a cylinder wall. A piston is coupled to a threaded spindle shaft. The threaded spindle shaft is configured to extend from the piston and through the open end of the cylinder. The piston is inserted in the open end such that a cylinder interior volume is defined between the piston and the fluid connection end. A spindle nut is mounted to the open end of the cylinder. The spindle nut is threadably engaged with the threaded spindle shaft and configured to displace the piston via a linear translation of the threaded spindle shaft when the spindle nut is rotated. A biopsy needle is connected in fluid communication with the fluid connection end of the cylinder.
US08728003B2
The present invention provides for exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sample biopsy device. Exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling device with integrated marker release.
US08728002B2
A system and method of calculating an accurate estimate of pulmonary mechanics of a patient, including but not limited to compliance, resistance, and plateau pressure without modification of ventilator flow pattern. The accurate estimation of pulmonary mechanics is derived from airway pressure and flow sensors attached to the patient using novel mathematical models. These estimated figures for pulmonary mechanics (respiratory system compliance and resistance) are important for monitoring patient treatment efficacy during mechanical ventilation and ensuring alveoli do not over distend to avoid baro- and/or volutrauma, especially in patients with restrictive lung diseases. The subject method of calculating these accurate estimated figures for pulmonary mechanics is based on linear or non-linear calculations using multiple parameters derived from the above-mentioned sensors.
US08728000B2
The invention relates to a method and device for carrying out a signal-processing viewing of a measurement signal that is correlated with the respiratory activity of an individual, for example, of a measurement signal that is correlated with the respiratory gas. The aim of the invention is to provide solutions with which an improved electronic analysis of the signals that are representative with regard to respiratory activity can be achieved. To this end, the invention provides that viewing results are obtained within the scope of a signal-processing viewing of said measurement signal and make a differentiation between obstructive and central respiratory disorders possible. The viewing results are determined, in particular, while taking into account changes of selected breathing characteristics such as, for example, the change in the ratio of inhalation time to exhalation time.
US08727993B2
A catheter tip (50, 170, 750) is provided that is adapted for mating attachment to a catheter body (90, 300, 790). In an embodiment, the catheter tip (50, 170, 750) comprises a transducer array (32, 60, 110, 210, 710) in electrical communication with an interconnect (120, 220, 720) and in a mechanical driven relationship with an actuator (80, 730), also in the catheter tip (50, 170, 750), via a drive shaft (38, 82, 732). The transducer array (710) is encapsulated in a potting material body 711 providing a desired ultrasound acoustical transmission, A defined annular space 761 exists between an outer capsule 752 of the catheter tip 750 and the potting material body 711. Oscillating back and forth motion of the transducer array (32, 60, 110, 210, 710) provides ultrasonic imaging functionality that may include real time three-dimensional imaging. Other embodiments of the catheter tip (50, 170, 750) and methods of fabrication also are provided.
US08727992B2
An ultrasonic Doppler diagnostic apparatus sends ultrasonic waves to a specimen, receives a reflection signal of the ultrasonic waves from the specimen to detect a Doppler signal, obtains blood flow information indicating a peak flow velocity of coronary blood flow, and displays the flow velocity information before and after the administration of a drug to the specimen on a display unit. Then, at least velocity ranges of the flow velocity information before and after the administration of the drug to the specimen are adjusted, and during an ultrasonic scan of the specimen, data on a plurality of acquired images having different velocity ranges are adjusted to the same velocity range. A system control unit displays the data on the plurality of images adjusted to the same velocity range on the display unit.
US08727991B2
A heart rate of a subject is determined using a probabilistic segmental model. Reflections of ultrasound signals from the subject, for instance, are down modulated to an audio band and velocity samples are obtained. For a signal analysis window of the samples, e.g., 25 msec. of samples, features of the samples are obtained. Based on the features, a first set of probabilities is obtained for different candidate current heartbeat periods. A second set of probabilities is determined based on combinations of different previous heartbeat periods. One of the candidate current heartbeat periods is determined to be most probable, based on the first and second sets of probabilities.
US08727986B2
An apparatus for assessing the risk of preterm delivery and the success of induction of labor at term uses a steered ultrasound beam to assess microstructure of the cervix revealed by backscatter power attenuation at a range of angles. It is believed that objective and precise description of cervical microstructure will reveal stage of cervical remodeling an as such may reveal risk of preterm delivery and/or success of labor induction. The backscatter power loss can be combined with elasticity measurements to provide a more precise indication of tissue structure.
US08727981B2
Methods, computer systems, and computer-readable storage media for monitoring and managing patient discomfort are provided. Inputs are received from ambient sensors located in a clinical care room. Based on a determination that the inputs exceed predetermined thresholds, it is determined that the patient is experiencing discomfort. Various measures are automatically initiated to help diminish the patient's discomfort. The measures include aromatherapy, visual relaxation therapy, audio therapy, and automatic administration of pain relief.
US08727972B2
A tissue extender includes a ring defining a proximal end opening to engage a head of a subcutaneous screw, a first extender portion coupled to the ring at a proximal end of the first extender portion, and a second extender portion coupled to the ring at a proximal end of the second extender portion. The first extender portion includes a first coupling portion disposed at a distal end of the first extender portion, and the second extender portion includes a second coupling portion at a distal end of the second extender portion. The first and second extender portions define two side openings disposed on opposite sides of the tissue extender. The distal ends of the first and second extender portions together define a distal end opening. The first coupling portion engages the second coupling portion when the tissue extender is in an extended state. The distal end opening is larger in the extended state than in an unextended state.
US08727967B2
An instrument for use with an endoscope may include an elongate section configured to move exterior to the endoscope. The elongate section may include a distal end and a proximal end. The instrument may also include an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate section, and an actuation device attached to the proximal end of the elongate section. The actuation device may be configured to operate the end effector. The instrument may also include a guiding member coupled to the elongate section. The guiding member may be configured to be coupled to an external surface of the endoscope to permit the guiding member to move longitudinally relative to the endoscope. The guiding member may be coupled to the elongate section such that the end effector may extend past a distal end of the endoscope and move in a transverse direction independent of the movement of the distal end of the endoscope.
US08727964B2
An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.
US08727962B2
The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence.The present invention relates to prefabricated urethral suspension slings, methods of making the slings, methods of attaching suture to the slings, kits comprising the slings, and methods of using the slings to treat urinary incontinence. The slings comprise a biocompatible material having an elongate shape adapted for urethral suspension. The material has a central portion extending longitudinally between a first end portion and a second end portion. Each end portion of the sling contains at least one suture receiving site. The suture receiving sites are formed prior to surgery and may be reinforced through a variety of means. Sutures may be attached to the suture receiving sites during the manufacturing process or by the physician prior to or during surgery. Additionally, the end portions of the sling containing the suture receiving sites may be thicker than the central portion of the sling.
US08727961B2
An apparatus for treating urinary incontinence, comprising a node; a support section adapted for providing urethral support attached to the node; and, an anchoring section adapted for resisting movement of the apparatus attached to the node; wherein the node is no longer than 30% of the entire length of the apparatus comprising the node, support section and the anchoring section together.
US08727960B2
An auxiliary artificial heart pump drive device for driving an auxiliary artificial heart pump includes first and second pump control parts which are arranged in duplexed configuration. Each pump control part controls the auxiliary artificial heart pump by outputting a drive signal to the auxiliary artificial heart pump. Each pump control part has a means which, when a failure is detected in the pump control part, electrically cuts off a path through which the drive signal is outputted to the auxiliary artificial heart pump. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an auxiliary artificial heart pump drive device and an auxiliary artificial heart system which exhibit high availability even when a serious failure occurs by any chance without duplexing a pump device.
US08727958B2
The presently disclosed subject matter proposes an apparatus (42) and a method for transferring energy and/or a substance from a non-rotating component of an apparatus to a rotating device (43)—or vice versa—through an intermediary component (1, 1′). In one configuration, the intermediary component (1,1′) is a symmetrically arranged pair of tubes, useful in centrifugal separation, and which is subject to continuous rotation while tube ends are fixed in a lower, stationary range or stand still.
US08727957B2
A disposable flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly incorporating an integrated fastening system. The disposable flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly includes a barrier panel configured to be folded around content to be sterilized to form a package. The assembly further includes a fold protection panel having a proximal end adjacent the barrier panel and a distal end such that the distal end covers the one or more panel edges of the barrier panel after the barrier panel is in the folded configuration. The integrated fastening system is a barrier panel attachment means located on a portion of the barrier panel for securing one or more panel edges of the barrier panel in a folded configuration around content to be sterilized. The barrier panel attachment means are configured to secure the one or more panel edges in a folded configuration.
US08727947B2
An apparatus compares athletic information relating to a user performing an athletic activity. The apparatus has a module (503, 505, 509) that generates a first set of athletic data corresponding to athletic information corresponding to the athletic activity performed by the user. The module has a memory (511) storing a second set of athletic data. The module compares the first set of athletic data to the second set of athletic data and communicates content to the user based on the comparison of the first set of athletic data to the second set of athletic data. The apparatus also has a module (803, 805) that determines the expected time of athletic activity and selects a set of feedback data having a duration proximate the expected time of athletic activity, wherein the module communicates the selected set of feedback data to the user.
US08727946B2
A spotting device for use during exercise routines is provided where a linear motor includes a forcer that travels along a magnetic shaft to provide a resistance force in response to a force generated by a weight in order to provide assistance and safety to a user performing the exercise routine.
US08727943B2
A vehicle propulsion system and method of operation are presented. As one example, cylinder deactivation and transitioning from four to two strokes is coordinated with transmission shifting to improve vehicle response. Additionally, it is possible to reduce transitions in operating modes to improve drive feel.
US08727939B2
A series/parallel hybrid electric drive unit for vehicle comprises an engine (1), a main traction motor (2), an integrated starter-generator (3), a differential (4), a first shaft (main shaft) (5), a first stage decelerating device (9), a second stage decelerating device (10), a first clutch (6), a second clutch (7) and a synchronizer (8). The synchronizer (8) is slidably arranged on the first shaft (5) which is connected to the first stage decelerating device (9) or the second stage decelerating device (10) by the synchronizer (8), respectively. The hybrid electric drive unit of the invention has a compactly-arranged internal structure and an efficient and appropriate internal connection, and a switch between connection and disconnection of respective hybrid power sources and wheels and a shifting among operating modes and gear positions of the hybrid drive system can be realized.
US08727938B2
An engine stop control system for a hybrid electric vehicle including a powertrain having an engine, an electric motor/generator, and driving wheels, including a first clutch coupling the engine to the motor/generator, a second clutch coupling the motor/generator to the driving wheels, a controller configured to select between two driving modes of the vehicle by controlling engagement and disengagement of the first clutch and the second clutch so that the vehicle may be driven either solely by the motor/generator or a combination of the engine and the motor/generator, and to control the stop position of the engine to be a desired stop position by controlling the rotation speed of the motor/generator while the first clutch in complete engagement and the second clutch in a slip state.
US08727937B2
A toroidal continuously variable transmission includes: an input disk; an output disk; a plurality of power rollers; a plurality of trunnions; an oil pump; a pressing hydraulic mechanism that moves and brings the input disk and output disk closer to each other; a shifting hydraulic mechanism that moves the trunnions forward and rearward; and a hydraulic control device that controls the pressing hydraulic mechanism and the shifting hydraulic mechanism by oil pressure. The hydraulic control device has an oil pressure regulation unit that sets an oil pressure in a shifting hydraulic line that is a hydraulic source of the shifting hydraulic mechanism to an oil pressure at which shifting control can be performed by the shifting hydraulic mechanism till the transmission of power between the input disk and output disk is interrupted when the operation of the oil pump is stopped.
US08727936B2
A rotary connector includes a stationary housing that includes an outer cylindrical body, and a movable housing that is disposed coaxially with the stationary housing and includes an inner cylindrical body facing the outer cylindrical body. An annular space portion is formed between the inner and outer cylindrical bodies facing each other and flat cables are wound and received in the annular space portion. An internal gear is provided on the outer cylindrical body of the stationary housing. A sun gear is provided on the inner cylindrical body of the movable housing. A planetary gear, which meshes with both the sun gear and the internal gear and is movable along the inner surface of a bottom plate portion of the stationary housing, is provided between the sun gear and the internal gear. The planetary gear and the sun gear include a plurality of void portions in the circumferential direction.
US08727934B2
A reduction gear includes a stationary sun gear, a coaxial mobile sun gear, planet gears, and a planet carrier. In order to ensure easy, reliable assembly for the reduction gear, while transmitting high torques having a considerable speed reduction, the helical gear teeth of the stationary and mobile sun gears are reversed relative to one another and are mutually separated in the direction of the main axis of rotation, thus forming a free space between them, which is suitable for adjusting the axial position of the planet gear or gears when assembling the reduction gear, such as to engage the first and second gear teeth of the planet gear with the respective gear teeth of the stationary and mobile sun gears.
US08727932B2
A hybrid vehicle drive device includes a planetary gear mechanism, a one way clutch, and a torque limiter, wherein a sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism is connected to a first electric rotating machine, a carrier thereof is connected to an engine, and a ring gear thereof is connected to a second electric rotating machine and drive wheels, respectively, the ring gear is disposed on an inner peripheral side of a hollow rotary member as well as connected to drive wheels via counter drive gear disposed on an outer peripheral side of the rotary member, the one way clutch regulates a rotation of the carrier in a negative direction when it is assumed that a rotation direction of the ring gear at the time a hybrid vehicle travels forward is a positive direction, the torque limiter operates in response to transmission torque of the one way clutch and restricts the transmission torque of the one way clutch, and the one way clutch and the torque limiter are disposed inside of the rotary member.
US08727926B2
A driving mechanism is arranged such that at least a part is contained within a space corresponding to the external shape of a driving motor, that is, within a space corresponding to a distance in the radial direction of the driving motor. The driving mechanism comprises a pinion, a transmission gear, a ring gear that forms a fixed axis, and a carrier. The pinion is connected to a rotary shaft of the driving motor. The transmission gear has a disk gear portion that meshes with the pinion, and a sun gear portion that is located on the same side as the pinion with respect to the disk gear portion. The carrier has a planet gear and rotates with a drum.
US08727924B2
Planetary ratios of first and second planetary gear mechanisms are set such that all of the following values become equal to each other: a maximum value of a drive force of a first MG, which is generated when a total input-to-output speed ratio is a minimum value upon operation of the first MG as a motor; a maximum value of a drive force of the first MG, which is generated when the total input-to-output speed ratio is a maximum value upon operation of the first MG as the motor; and a maximum value of a drive force of the first MG, which is generated when the total input-to-output speed ratio is in a range from the minimum value to the maximum value upon operation of the first MG as a generator.
US08727918B1
An illuminated game projectile with a cradled light source with an outer shell, a light source structure disposed within an open inner volume of the outer shell, and a cradle structure disposed within the open inner volume of the outer shell to retain the inner light source structure in a predetermined position. The outer shell can be spherical or puck or otherwise shaped. The cradle structure can be formed by walls disposed in a general X-shape relative to each hemispherical half of the outer shell to encircle the light source structure substantially entirely and retain the light source structure in a position substantially concentric with the outer shell. Where the outer shell is disk shaped, the cradle structure can be formed by a plurality of radially communicating cradling fins.
US08727916B2
A lacrosse head pocket includes an elongated single layer runner with multiple cross pieces. The single layer runner can be constructed from a material, such as a polymeric material, molded over the cross pieces. The cross pieces and/or runner can include speed lace loops with which a net lace can be joined. A related method includes providing cross pieces, overmolding a polymeric material over the cross pieces to form a single layer runner, where the overmolded material is the only structure extending between and connecting the cross pieces, and where the cross pieces are transverse to the runners. Another method includes providing a pocket base overmolding the base with a polymeric material to cover portions of it, and forming connection elements between different portions independently of any other components of the pocket base.
US08727915B2
A lacrosse stick for reducing the rebound of a ball caught therein. The head of the lacrosse stick is affixed to a tubular shaft in which a portion of the shaft wall at the top end is omitted on the front side and another portion is omitted on the backside below the first omitted portion. A resilient member is inserted within the shaft extending past the lower omitted portion of the shaft wall. The resilient member fills the omitted areas to seat flush therein. A head having a socket and throat is affixed to top end of the shaft. The socket engages the resilient insert via the omitted portions. When a force is applied, for example, by a ball caught in the pocket, the socket compresses the resilient member from the front and the throat from the back allowing the head to rotate backward, dissipating some of the energy and reducing rebound.
US08727910B2
A head 2 is hollow. The head 2 includes a face part 4, a crown part 6 and a sole part 8. Ribs 20 and 22 are provided on the inner surface of the head. The ribs 20 and 22 have a height being greater than a thickness. The ribs 20 and 22 are separated from the face part, and are separated from the crown part. An extending direction of the rib 20 is inclined with respect to a front-back direction of the head. The rib 20 has a height change part 30 formed in a face side end part of the rib 20, the height change part 30 having a height gradually lowered as approaching a rib end part. The rib 20 extends toward a heel side in the direction of a backside of the head.
US08727909B2
The present invention is a unique advanced hybrid iron type golf club. The club is characterized by a long blade length with a long heel blade length section, while having a small club moment arm, Zcg, and volume, and producing a high moment of inertia. The golf club incorporates the discovery of unique relationships among key club head engineering variables that are inconsistent with merely striving to obtain a high moment of inertia using conventional golf club head design wisdom.
US08727904B1
A golf club shaft grip and method include a coiled strip component adapted to be spirally wrapped under tension around a golf club shaft; a continuous groove joint formed along a spiral path adjacent the coiled strip component; an elongated bonding strip permanently seated into the continuous groove joint; and a prehensile tab operatively connected at an end of the elongated bonding strip. A single component golf club shaft grip and method include a coiled strip component adapted to be spirally wrapped under tension around a golf club shaft; and continuous groove joint integrally formed with the coiled strip component and positioned along a spiral path adjacent the coiled strip component, wherein the groove joint comprises a flange wall adjacent to only one of a top or bottom of the outer surface of the coiled strip, wherein the flange wall is formed along the spiral path adjacent the outer surface.
US08727897B2
A game apparatus 100 of the present invention includes a mount body 200 and a decoration stand 300. A hollow cavity for letting a user play is formed to mount body 200. And the hollow cavity inner wall is mirrors 220. A decoration stand 300 is located on outside the mount body 200, and part or all of the turn board provided on decoration stand 300 is viewable from the hollow cavity of the mount body 200.
US08727887B2
A method of enabling users to transfer virtual items based on their locations is disclosed. A presence of a player of a computer-implemented game at a location is detected. A presence of an additional player of the computer-implemented game at the location is detected. The player is enabled to transfer a virtual item to the additional player based on the detection of the presence of the player at the location and the detection of the presence of the additional player at the location.
US08727885B2
A method to share challenges between users of a social game system is described. The method may include accessing relationship data reflecting a relationship between a first user and a second user, and accessing challenge data in a challenge database. Based on (1) the challenge data and (2) the relationship between the first user and the second user reflected by the relationship data, the challenge data is selectively communicated as part of a challenge about the first user to the second user, with the challenge forming part of a challenge game.
US08727872B2
In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provides a bonus game which enables players to combine different, independent features without introducing any significant advantage or significant disadvantage to players for combining certain features over other features. The gaming system utilizes one or more bonus game supplemental awards to insure that the average expected payout per selected feature remains the same or substantially the same regardless of which bonus game features or combinations of features are employed for a play of a bonus game.
US08727862B2
A gaming system which is operable to receive an input associated with at least one betting option specified by a roulette betting layout. A plurality of roulette reels are rotatable about a common axis, and each one of the roulette reels has a side display surface or side wall. Each one of the side display surfaces or side walls displays a plurality of numerals which are spaced apart along the side display surface or side wall. The numerals are associated with the roulette betting layout. An outcome occurs based upon one or more indicated numerals.
US08727857B2
Techniques and equipment for providing a voting point leaderboard system are provided. Players playing wagering games may be awarded voting points for use in a poll with a plurality of candidates in exchange for game-play related activity. Players voting for the winning candidate in the poll may be given an award. Polls may include candidates which may be involved in a real-world contest. Players may be rewarded for voting for the candidate which wins the real-world contest.
US08727839B2
A wing cutter for narrow pitch poultry processing lines includes a subframe supporting functional components of the wing cutter and a main frame to which the subframe is pivotally mounted. The subframe, and thus the functional components of the wing cutter, can be pivoted to a selected angle relative to the processing path depending at least in part on the pitch of the processing line. In one embodiment, the subframe and working components are rotated to an angle between about zero degrees and about fifteen degrees when the pitch of the processing line is about 8 inches.
US08727832B2
Cleaning or polishing magnetic recording media (MRM) may comprise mounting and rotating the MRM on a spindle; circulating a tape adjacent to a surface of the MRM; and applying an electrostatic (ES) voltage to the tape and attracting particles located on the MRM to the tape. The ES voltage may apply an ES load to the tape to force the tape into contact with the surface of the MRM. No mechanical load may be applied to the tape to force the tape into contact with the surface of the MRM. Additionally, a mechanical load may be applied to the tape to force the tape into contact with the surface of the MRM.
US08727829B2
An electronic unit incorporating an LED or a sound source, a battery power source, and a displaceable actuator to connect the LED or sound source to the power source, is mounted inside a non-latex balloon by firstly being bonded by means of a cover sheet to the exterior of one of the flexible strips of a self-sealing valve located in and through the neck of the balloon. This may take place by heat sealing and simultaneously with the bonding together by heat seal of the respective elongate strips of the valve. Thereafter, the combined unit and self-sealing valve are bonded, again preferably by heat sealing, between respective balloon sheets in the vicinity of the stem of the balloon. Winged portions on the inflation valve strips and the cover and corresponding bulges where the balloon body emerges to the balloon stem may be provided.
US08727821B2
Provided is an apparatus for generating electricity required by an LNG carrier which stores LNG, which is obtained by liquefying natural gas to ultra low temperature in a gas field, in an LNG storage tank and carries the stored LNG. The apparatus includes: a reformer reforming boil-off gas occurring in the LNG storage tank and producing synthetic gas; and a fuel cell generating electricity through an electrochemical reaction of the synthetic gas produced by the reformer.
US08727817B2
A screwless quick connection system for connecting a lead connector to a generator of an active implantable medical device. The connector head includes a housing (16, 18) receiving a plug (22) of a lead connector. A mechanism for locking the plug into the housing is provided by a U-folded leaf spring (30). Each branch of the U is provided with a respective hole sized so that the plug (22) passes through the holes on both branches when it is inserted into the housing. The blade is deformable between a free state, in the absence of plug, and a deformed state, with the plug inserted therein. In the free state, both holes are misaligned, while in the deformed state they are aligned. In this way, an edge of both holes exerts by reaction a radial stress force against the smooth outer surface of the plug inserted therein. A pushbutton flange (40) unlocks the system by a support maneuver on only one side of the connector head.
US08727815B1
A compliant pin connector mounting system includes a connector housing, a plurality of contacts each disposed in the connector housing and each including a compliant portion and at least one load bearing surface, and a mounting tool arranged to fit into the connector housing and to contact the at least one load bearing surface of each of the plurality of contacts so as to apply a downward force directly to each of the plurality of contacts. The compliant portion of each of the plurality of contacts is arranged to be aligned with a respective hole in a substrate such that when the downward force is applied directly to the at least one load bearing surface of each of plurality of contacts by the mounting tool, the compliant portion of each of the plurality of contacts is press fit into the respective hole in the substrate.
US08727810B2
A connector which is capable of preventing spring characteristics of contacts from changing due to sucking up of solder. A plurality of contacts each include a contact portion in contact with an electrode of a card-type electronic component, a spring portion for pressing the contact portion against the electrode of the card-type electronic component, and a connection portion which is soldered to a pad on a printed substrate. The spring portion of each contact is formed with a low wettability area on an end thereof toward the connection portion, to which solder is less likely to adhere.
US08727801B2
Pluggable module that includes a module housing having mating and trailing ends and a sidewall that extends therebetween. The sidewall extends along a longitudinal axis. The pluggable module further comprises a latch mechanism that is attached to the trailing end of the module housing. The latch mechanism includes a coupling arm that extends along the sidewall toward the mating end and also an operator handle that is operatively connected to the coupling arm at a latch joint. The operator handle projects away from the trailing end of the module housing. The operator handle is configured to be pressed by an actuating force to move the coupling arm into a flexed position. The latch joint moves when the operator handle is pressed and the coupling arm moves away from the sidewall to the flexed position. The coupling arm returns toward the sidewall when the actuating force is removed.
US08727800B2
A male F-Type coaxial cable connector has an improved RF shield including a bridge located between and electrically interconnecting a connector fastening nut and a connector body portion. The bridge may be in the form of a metal ring, or similar material, with a cone-like shape and may include a gap to provide resiliency.
US08727797B2
A DIN rail adapter is provided. The DIN rail adapter is comprised of an adapter sub-assembly, a jack/module carrier, and a cam turn tab. The adapter sub-assembly has a grounding bar configured to make contact to the DIN rail when it is mounted. The jack/module earner attaches to the adapter sub-assembly and can be configured to contain a jack, module, or another similar device. The cam turn tab is configured to reversibly connect the grounding bar to the jack or module contained within the jack/module carrier. In one embodiment, the cam turn tab connects the grounding bar to the jack or module by pushing a portion of the grounding bar such that it makes contact with the jack or module within the jack/module carrier.
US08727793B2
A small form-factor pluggable (SFP) module includes a board with an end portion to be inserted into a connector device. A first set of signal pads is arranged along an edge of a first surface of the SFP board at the end portion and a second set of signal pads along an edge of a second surface of the SFP board at the end portion. A third set of signal pads is disposed on the second surface at the end portion, offset from the edge of the second surface. A transceiver, coupled to the signal pads of the first, second, and third sets of signal pads, is configured to transmit and receive signals via the third set of signal pads and to transmit and receive signals via at least one of the first and second sets of signal pads.
US08727791B2
Electrical connectors for interconnecting circuit boards. One such connector includes an integral flange for mounting a guidance pin in any of multiple orientations. A corresponding keying block may have a polarization component that can be mounted in a corresponding number of positions. The connector can accept conductive elements with different shapes for signals and grounds, but the housing may be adapted to receive either type of contact in any contact location. Protection of contact elements from excessive yield is provided within the insulative housing of the backplane connector. On the daughter card connector, height difference between ground and signal contacts in wafer assemblies protects components from electrostatic discharge.
US08727781B2
A web-based educational system comprising at least one area of skill, interest, or expertise, a plurality of activities associated with each area of skill, interest, or expertise, and at least three navigational modes, wherein the navigational modes comprise a sequenced navigational mode, a guided navigational mode, and an independent navigational mode. Optionally, the learner can switch between available navigational modes.
US08727777B1
A system for conceptualizing spatial concepts comprised of a plurality of elongated barriers having magnets imbedded therein for magnetically coupling the barriers to a planar member such as a magnetic white board and to one another for providing horizontally and vertically extending barriers for defining upper and lower partitioned work areas and left and right partitioned work areas such that a visual and/or tactile medium can be placed in each of the partitioned work areas and partially behind the horizontally extending barriers for locating one or more mediums above and below the horizontally extending barriers and to the left and right of the vertically extending barriers for conveying spatial concepts to students and for aiding students in the conceptualization of these spatial concepts and, in particular, wherein the students are blind, visually impaired, and/or kinesthetic learners.
US08727775B2
The present invention provides polymerizable dental compositions comprising a dimer acid-derived monomer such as a dimer acid-derived di(meth)acrylate monomer. In one embodiment, the dimer acid-derived monomer is of the formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are independently selected from H and optionally substituted C1-C25 straight-chained or branched aliphatic, optionally containing 1 or more double or triple bonds, wherein one or more carbons are optionally replaced by R* wherein R* is —C(O)—, —C(O)C(O)—, —C(O)NR7—, —C(O)NR7NR8—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —NR7CO2—, —O—, —NR7C(O)NR8—, —OC(O)NR7—, —NR7NR8—, —NR7C(O)—, —NR7C(O)O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO2—, —NR7—, —SO2NR7— or —NR7SO2—, where R7 and R8 are independently selected from H and optionally substituted aliphatic, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl; provided that at least two of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are substituted C1-25 straight-chained or branched aliphatic wherein at least one carbon is replaced by R* and at least one of the substituents is an alkenyl group.
US08727757B2
The molding die set includes: a first molding die having a first molding chase, a cavity piece, supported by the first molding chase, movably supported by the first molding chase and enclosing the cavity piece; a second molding die having a second molding chase, a work supporting section biased and supported by the second molding chase and on which a work will be mounted, and a center insert located adjacent to the work supporting section; and a pot being provided to one of the first molding die and the second molding die, the pot feeding resin for molding the work. The second molding die has a thickness adjusting mechanism, which makes the work supporting section absorb thickness variation of the work and brings the work into contact with the movable clamper when the work is clamped with the movable clamper of the first molding die.
US08727752B2
A damper assembly for a fuel pump includes at least one diaphragm assembly formed by joining two metal diaphragms to respective two sides of an imperforate central plate, thereby creating a pair of closely spaced diaphragms, each acting upon its own gas volume. Preferably, the diaphragm assembly has (a) a rigid, relatively thick circular or polygonal central plate, (b) a first circular diaphragm having a rim portion sealingly secured as by welding to the plate and a relatively thin, flexible, convex portion projecting from one side of the plate and defining a first pressurized gas volume, and (c) a second circular diaphragm having a rim portion sealingly secured as by welding to the plate and a relatively thin, flexible, convex portion projecting from the other side of the plate and defining an independent second pressurized gas volume.
US08727749B2
An improved method is provided, for pumping fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, through use of a cranked rod pumping (CRP) apparatus for imparting reciprocating substantially vertical motion to a rod of a sucker-rod pump having a pump stroke. The CRP apparatus includes a motor driven cranked mechanical actuator arrangement. The cranked mechanical actuator arrangement includes a substantially vertically moveable member attached to the rod of the sucker-rod pump for imparting and controlling vertical motion of the rod of the sucker-rod pump. The actuator arrangement may include pneumatic counterbalancing.
US08727729B2
Provided is a two-piece shrouded impeller, and methods for manufacturing and assembling a two-piece shrouded impeller. The two-piece shrouded impeller, in accordance with one embodiment, may have a one-piece partially shrouded impeller having a central hub, a number of blades integrally attached to the hub, and one or more integral partial shroud sections integrally attached to the blades. The two-piece shrouded impeller in this embodiment may also have a separate shroud section that attaches to the one-piece shrouded impeller, so that the separate shroud section and the partial shroud sections combine to form a completed shroud that covers the impeller blades. The separate shroud section may attach to the one-piece shrouded impeller with a snap joint, or with an interference fit, or using a squeeze deformable ring. Once attached, the shroud section may be bonded to the one-piece shrouded impeller by brazing, stick welding, ultrasonic welding, or electron beam welding.
US08727721B2
A vane includes a composite airfoil having one or more pockets and one or more spars received therein respectively. The spars extending radially away from a bridge of a vane mount supporting airfoil. The spars may be integrally formed with the bridge. The spars may be adhesively bonded to the composite airfoil within the pockets. A passage may extend between an airfoil base and an airfoil tip. A gas turbine engine annular fan frame includes an annular row of the composite outlet guide vanes extending radially between and connecting radially inner and outer rings of the fan frame.
US08727720B2
The guide vane of a gas turbine comprises a blade having an outer platform connectable to a guide vane carrier or gas turbine casing, and at the opposite end an inner platform that carries a cover plate. The inner platform has a dovetail housing to which the cover plate is connected. The method for replacing the cover plate consists in separating the cover plate from the inner platform by cutting along the profile of the dovetail housing, then making the cover plate to slide out of the dovetail housing, thus inserting a new or refurbished cover plate into the dovetail housing.
US08727711B2
A turbocharger with a variable turbine geometry, includes at least one rolling body element respectively disposed on an associated fixing element for the variable turbine geometry. A device for adjusting the variable turbine geometry can roll off on the respective rolling body element.
US08727708B2
A reflecting device that enables to prevent infiltration of particles into a processing chamber. The reflecting device is disposed in a communicating pipe. The communicating pipe allows the processing chamber of a substrate processing apparatus and an exhaust pump to communicate with each other. The exhaust pump has at least one rotary blade. The reflecting device comprises at least one reflecting surface. The at least one reflecting surface is oriented to the exhausting pump.
US08727704B2
A ring segment for a gas turbine engine includes a panel and a cooling system. The cooling system receives cooling fluid from an outer side of the panel for cooling the panel and includes at least one cooling fluid supply passage, at least one serpentine cooling passage, and at least one cooling fluid discharge passage. The cooling fluid supply passage(s) receive the cooling fluid from the outer side of the panel and deliver the cooling fluid to a first cooling fluid chamber within the panel. The serpentine cooling passage(s) receive the cooling fluid from the first cooling fluid chamber, wherein the cooling fluid provides convective cooling to the panel as it passes through the serpentine cooling passage(s). The cooling fluid discharge passage(s) discharge the cooling fluid from the cooling system.
US08727702B2
A mount interface between two rotating gas turbine engine components includes a rigid ring to provide radial deflection restraint. In one example, the rigid ring is comprised of a metal matrix composite material.
US08727694B2
A card elevating/lowering device for use with cards may include a card storage part in which the cards are stacked and accommodated, and an elevating/lowering mechanism by which the cards accommodated in the card storage part are elevated and lowered. The elevating/lowering mechanism may be provided with a placing table on which the cards accommodated in the card storage part are placed and an urging member which urges the placing table in an upper direction, and a spring constant of the urging member may be substantially equal to a weight per unit thickness of the card.
US08727691B2
A charging device for a shaft furnace, in particular for a blast furnace and a cooperating distribution chute are proposed, where the distribution chute has an elongated chute body providing a sliding channel for bulk material and two chute-mounting members attached laterally to either side of the chute body for mounting the distribution chute to the charging device, the charging device including a mechanism for rotating the distribution chute, the mechanism having a rotatable support rotor with two suspension flanges cooperating with the chute-mounting members of the distribution chute for mounting the distribution chute, where each chute-mounting member of the chute includes a hook-shaped portion that forms a suspension hook for mounting the distribution chute to the suspension flanges, each suspension flange in turn has a support configured for engagement with the hook-shaped portion of the chute along a hook engagement direction, and furthermore, each chute-mounting member includes an abutment portion that cooperates with a counter-abutment on the corresponding suspension flange to provide abutment in a direction transversal to the hook engagement direction (C) so as to preclude pivoting of the chute about the supports of the suspension flanges.
US08727687B2
A locking and unlocking nut structure contains a body including a through hole and a semi-circular recess, and the semi-circular recess having a starting segment and a stopping segment, the body further including a diameter-decreased screw section; a slidable block including a C-shaped cutout, and the C-shaped cutout including an engaging hook extending outward from a lower end thereof, the slidable block including first threads, while the slidable block is fixed on the starting segment, a distance from the first threads to an inner wall of the through hole is larger than an outer diameter of the screw rod (tube); while the slidable block is fixed on the stopping segment, a distance from the first threads to the diameter-decreased screw section is equal to the outer diameter of the screw rod (tube); the screw rod (tube) including second threads to match with the diameter-decreased screw section and the first threads.
US08727683B2
An improved cargo restraint for installation on a preselected track mounted in or on the surface of a vehicle carrying the cargo and the restraint is mounted on a bracket which abuts the cargo to restrain the movement of the cargo and the restraint is slidingly movable on the track and has a locking position on the track wherein the bracket restrains the cargo and the restraint has no relative movement with respect to the track or the bracket or the vehicle so that there is no rattling of the restraint when in the locked position.
US08727676B2
A double-sided, indexable turning insert having a polygonal basic shape, including at least three corners, and an upper side and an under side, in which first and second opposite, plane support surfaces are included, The plane support surfaces are delimited inside outer contour lines, and parallel to each other and to a neutral plane (NP) situated halfway between the plane support surfaces. A plurality of cutting edges are along the upper side and the under side, each one of which includes a nose edge and two main edges converging toward the nose edge, all nose edges along the individual upper or under side being situated in a common reference plane (RP) that is depressed in relation to the support surface. A circumferential chip surface is adjacent to a peripheral clearance surface, the individual main edge being formed between the chip surface and a part of the clearance surface extending between two corners, and the individual nose edge being between the chip surface and a convex part of the clearance surface. A flank surface, which slopes toward the chip surface, extends from the outer contour line of the support surface. The individual main edge, as viewed in side elevation, declines from a highest point adjacent to the nose edge toward a lowest point between two corners, a level difference between the support surface and the lowest point of the main edge amounts to at most 0.5 mm, and the rake angle (α) of the individual cutting edge is acute along the entire extension of the cutting edge.
US08727674B2
A tool holder includes a tool holder body with an insert-receiving pocket and a clamp for clamping a cutting insert. The clamp includes a pair of downwardly extending nubs that engage a pair of notches in the cutting insert when the clamp is brought into pressing engagement with the insert, thereby securely clamping the cutting insert in the insert-receiving pocket of the tool holder.
US08727672B2
The present invention relates to a method for conveying particulate material during the manufacture of patterns in layers, wherein powder is conveyed out of a reservoir into a spreader unit and, if applicable, excess powder fed to the spreader unit is again conveyed back into the reservoir and wherein this conveying takes place in a closed conveying circuit.
US08727670B2
A tunnel barrier (11) adapted to seal a mine tunnel, the tunnel barrier (11) comprising an inflatable bladder having a front wall (14), a rear wall (15) and a side wall (16) and being adapted to be inflated by a suitable gas, wherein the side wall is adapted to contact the tunnel walls, including the roof and floor to thereby seal the tunnel.
US08727668B2
An improved drill tip 10 for a foundation pile 28 includes a pile attachment structure 12 and a soil penetrating body 14 depending from the attachment structure, the soil penetrating body having a plurality of circular stepped flights 38 forming the shape of a descending continuous conic spiral and having a continuous spiral-shaped lower face 44 and an undercut outer face 46, the soil penetrating body including a lower end 48 having an inverted generally conical center structure 51 surrounded by a plurality of symmetrically distributed downwardly extending soil disturbing blades 52.
US08727650B2
Disclosed is a cosmetic dispenser comprising a reservoir configured to hold a substance; an applicator selectively extendable or retractable from the dispenser; and, means for ejecting the substance in the reservoir through the applicator. Also disclosed are methods related to the use of the cosmetic dispenser.
US08727649B2
The roll paper loading mechanism of a roll paper printer has a left side panel rendered in unison with a roll paper holder. The roll paper holder pivots to the front of the printer in conjunction with the operation opening an access cover. When the access cover is opened completely, the left side panel protrudes through an opening formed in the printer case to the front of the printer. A right side panel disposed to hold the roll paper between it and the left side panel is stationary inside the printer case. A roll paper guide tab that projects to the front of the printer and extends away from the left side panel is formed on the front end of the right side panel.
US08727648B2
A printer has a carriage being movable between a first end and a second end of a reciprocating path; and a driving force transmitting path selecting mechanism provided at the second end of the reciprocating path. The selecting mechanism has: a common driving force outputting member; a plurality of force receiving members; a selecting member; and a position retainer for keeping the position of the selecting member. The selecting member connects the force outputting member to one of the plurality of force receiving members, and moves in association with the carriage when the carriage moves in a vicinity of the second end in a first direction extending from the first end to the second end. The position retainer keeps the position of the selecting member when the carriage moves in a second direction extending from the second end to the first end. The force receiving member connected to the force outputting member via the selecting member is selected in accordance with a movement of the carriage along the reciprocating path.
US08727645B2
A shutter assembly includes a drive ring having a permanent magnet disposed thereon. The shutter assembly also includes a solenoid defining a gap between first and second magnetic poles thereof, the drive ring being disposed coplanar with the solenoid and being rotatable in response to a magnetic field created between the first and second magnetic poles. The shutter assembly also includes a plurality of shutter blades configured to transition between an open position and a closed position in response to rotation of the drive ring. The shutter assembly further includes a base plate separating the plurality of shutter blades from at least one of the drive ring and the solenoid.
US08727624B2
A bearing assembly having a cylindrical outer bearing shell. The outer bearing shell including a first annular outer land, a second annular outer land, and a recess therebetween. The outer bearing shell further including a first positioning bore having a first bore diameter and a second positioning bore having a second bore diameter. The second bore diameter may be smaller than the first bore diameter. A diameter of the first annular outer land may be larger than a diameter of the second annular outer land.
US08727621B2
An easy-open and reclosable package includes a pouch including a reclosure mechanism including a first and second interlocking strip each having an interlocking segment having a base surface and an interlocking surface; a die cut in a first panel, the die cut defining a die cut segment so arranged that when the die cut segment is displaced, and the package is opened, a product can be accessed between the first and second interlocking strips, the first and second interlocking surfaces are at least partially exposed, and the package can thereafter be reclosed by folding the package such that the interlocking surface of the first interlocking strip is interlocked with the interlocking surface of the second interlocking strip. The first and second strips are not exposed until the package is initially opened, and are not interlocked with one another until the package is initially opened and then reclosed.
US08727615B2
A method of and associated device for measuring temperature of an internal surface of a pipe, including: a) at least one temperature-sensitive element that is moved away from a probe, radially with respect to the fore-and-aft axis of the pipe, so as to bring the temperature-sensitive element(s) into contact against the internal surface of the pipe, b) wherein the contact force applied between the sensitive element(s) of the probe and the internal surface is increased until the contact force reaches a defined value at any point on the surface.
US08727609B2
A method for thermal characterization of a portion of first material of elongate shape on which there is arranged a portion of a second, electrically conductive material of elongate shape, the method including: a) determining characteristic of the portion of second material, b) applying an electric current of angular frequency between ends of the portion of the second material, and measuring the angular frequency harmonic of the electric voltage between these ends for different values of angular frequency, c) calculating coefficient of thermal conductivity of the portion of first material from the values of the harmonic and of the determined characteristic, a width of the portion of the first material being between about 0.9 and 1.1 times the width of the portion of second material, the portion of first material being surrounded by thermal insulation.
US08727598B2
In a direct type backlight device of a liquid crystal display device, a light guide plate is used obtain a uniform in-plane distribution of light emission intensity. A reflective sheet (62) having an opening portion is laminated on a front surface of an LED substrate (60), and an LED element (74) is accommodated inside the opening portion. A light guide plate (64) is stacked on the reflective sheet (62). On a front surface of the light guide plate (64), a white reflective film (90) is formed in a non-total reflection region, which is positioned to oppose the LED element (74) and in which an incident angle of light emitted from the LED element (74) to the front surface is smaller than a critical angle. On a rear surface of the light guide plate (64), a pattern made of a white reflective film (92) is formed.
US08727597B2
In various embodiments, an illumination apparatus includes a substantially planar waveguide, a plurality of light sources embedded within the in-coupling region of the waveguide, and a film disposed over the out-coupling region of the waveguide. The film has a thickness less than approximately 100 μm and comprises or consists essentially of a photoluminescent material. The photoluminescent material converts a portion of light emitted by at least one of the light sources to a different wavelength. A surface of the out-coupling region has an average reflectivity of greater than approximately 90%. Light emitted by the light sources mixes with light converted by the photoluminescent material to form substantially white light, and the conversion efficiency of the illumination apparatus is greater than approximately 70%.
US08727595B2
A backlight structure includes a light guide plate, at least one light source module, and a reflective cover. The light guide plate has a light incident side and a light-exiting surface, wherein the light-exiting surface is formed at an edge of the light incident side. The light source module includes a substrate and at least one light emitting element, wherein the light emitting element disposed on the substrate emits light to the light incident side. The reflective cover has a first reflecting portion and a second reflecting portion, wherein the second reflecting portion extends from the first reflecting portion disposed between a surface of the substrate and the light incident side of the light guide plate and covers a part of the light-exiting surface, so that the reflective cover reflects light emitted from the light emitting element to the light guide plate.
US08727593B2
An electronic device may be provided with a display having backlight structures. The backlight structures may include a light source. Light from the light source may be coupled into an edge of a light guide plate. The backlight structures may include layers such as a diffuser layer and one or more layers of brightness enhancing film. The brightness enhancing film layers may be used to collimate light scattered from the light guide plate and thereby enhance backlight efficiency. Brightness enhancing films may be formed from transparent substrates such as layers of polyester. A patterned polymer layer such as a layer of patterned cured resin may be formed on the transparent substrate of a backlight enhancing film. A roller-based manufacturing process may be used to form the patterned polymer layer on the substrate. The patterned polymer layer may include a series of parallel ridges with rounded peaks.
US08727584B2
A LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulb structure includes a base, a plurality of fins and a shell. One end of the base is electrically connected to a power source, and the other end of the base is used for holding a LED light source. The fins are disposed on a surface of the base. The shell encloses the fins, and the shell includes a plurality of first heat-dissipation holes and a plurality of second heat-dissipation holes. The first heat-dissipation holes are arranged around the shell and corresponding to the fins for allowing airflow entering the first heat-dissipation holes to directly pass through each of the fins corresponding to each of the first heat-dissipation holes. The second heat-dissipation holes are arranged around the shell and disposed above the first heat-dissipation holes for enabling the first heat-dissipation holes and the second heat-dissipation holes to conduct thermal convection.
US08727571B2
The present invention relates to a backlight module that enhances heat dissipation of LED light sources and a display device. The backlight module that enhances heat dissipation of LED light sources includes an LED light strip, a back panel, a mixed coating layer including two materials, and a thermal diode/triode. The LED light strip is arranged on the back panel. The mixed coating layer is interposed between the LED light strip and the back panel and contacts both for transfer of heat. The thermal diode/triode is connected to the mixed coating layer to control temperature of the mixed coating layer. In operation, through regulation of temperature, the thermal diode/triode makes vibration frequencies of the two materials of the mixed coating layer consistent with each other at a given temperature. The display device includes the above descried backlight module that enhances heat dissipation of LED light sources. The present invention realizes obstruction free transfer of heat from the LED light strip to the aluminum extrusion or the back panel, eliminating bottleneck of heat conduction path; reduces the temperature of the LED light strip, extending the overall lifespan of the LED light strip; and eliminates the use of thermal pad in the backlight module so as to facilitate designing narrow side frame of the backlight module.
US08727569B2
An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
US08727566B1
A system and method of converting a light fixture from a fluorescent light fixture to an LED light fixture. Originally, the fluorescent light fixture has a sheet metal troffer, a fluorescent light power supply, and receptacles for retaining fluorescent tube lights. The conversion is accomplished in the following manner. A circuit board assembly is provided that has a plurality of LEDs mounted thereon. An LED power supply is also provided, as is thermally conductive adhesive. The fluorescent light power supply is removed from the light fixture and the LED power supply is installed in its place. The circuit board assembly is directly mounted to the sheet metal troffer with thermally conductive adhesive. The circuit board assembly is then connected to the LED power supply and the light fixture is ready for use.
US08727554B2
An aquarium having an adjustable lighting system for enhancing the display of fluorescent objects, such as fluorescent fish, contained within the aquarium under various external lighting conditions, such as a dark room or a brightly lit room. The aquarium comprises a tank and a plurality of light sources. Each light source emits light at a different wavelength spectrum which is selected to enhance the display of the fluorescent object under each type of external lighting condition. An electronic control is provided to control the operation of the plurality of light sources such that each light source may be selectively turned on/off based on the external lighting condition, or chronological criteria, to provide the best viewing experience.
US08727551B2
The present invention provides a backlight system, which includes a light source; and a back frame, which includes at least two primary assembling pieces, the at least two primary assembling pieces being joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame; wherein the light source is carried by a first side of at least one of the primary assembling pieces, the backlight system further comprising heat dissipation elements, the heat dissipation elements having a distribution that is denser at locations closer to a center of the primary assembling piece that carries the light source in a lengthwise direction of the primary assembling piece that carries the light source. The backlight system of the present invention forms a back frame through joining so as to make the structure of the back frame simple and reduces the manufacturing cost of the backlight system, and further, through an arrangement that heat dissipation elements are arranged more densely on the primary assembling piece that carries a light source at locations closer to a center thereof in the lengthwise direction, the heat dissipation efficiency and heat dissipation performance of the backlight system are improved.
US08727547B2
An exterior mirror reflective element includes front and rear substrates and a mirror reflector having a stack of thin films. No part of the rear substrate extends beyond any part of the front substrate. A perimeter layer is disposed at a second surface of the front substrate proximate a perimeter edge of the front substrate. Light that reflects off of the mirror reflector and passes through the electrochromic medium and the front substrate exhibits a substantially non-spectrally selective reflectance characteristic to a person viewing the reflective element when no voltage is applied to the electrochromic medium. The substantially non-spectrally selective reflectance characteristic is established by the refractive index and physical thickness of the individual thin films of the stack of thin films. At least a portion of the mirror reflector extends out under the seal towards a perimeter edge of the rear substrate.
US08727545B2
A retroreflective sheet, which may be a beaded retroreflective sheet or a prismatic retroreflective sheet, is comprised of a substrate having a first and second surfaces with a plurality of retroreflective elements disposed on the second surface of the substrate to form the retroreflective sheet having an initial performance standard and a printed pattern disposed on the second surface, the pattern provided in an amount ranging from 30% to about 100% of an area of the second surface to change a performance level of the retroreflective sheet from the initial performance standard to a selected performance standard. A method for producing the retroreflective sheeting and a system for controlling the retroreflectivity of the retroreflective sheeting by altering a surface of the retroreflective sheeting is provided.
US08727544B2
A lens attachment device is provided for use with a camera having a housing, the housing having at least one modular insert compartment, wherein each modular insert compartment is adapted to receive an insert having an optical device. The lens attachment device includes a lens protection device having a circumferential surface, a holding frame adapted to fit within the modular insert compartment of the housing. The holding frame holds the lens protection device. The lens attachment device further includes a motor housing for containing an electromechanical drive, and a drive wheel operable to rotate the lens protection device, wherein the electromechanical drive is operable to rotate the drive wheel.
US08727542B2
According to the present invention, a projection type image display apparatus enables control of a large amount of light masking through a light-masking unit while maintaining a uniform illumination distribution in an area to be illuminated by the illumination light. The apparatus uses two array lenses on which lens cells are arranged in matrix form, where light-masking unit masks the array lens installed on the light source side in their particular area. The light-masking unit adjusts the amount of light emitted from the light source. The light-masking area of lens cells adjacent to lens cells closest to an optical axis is made smaller than the light-masking area of other cells.
US08727538B2
An image processing apparatus includes an acquiring unit, a specifying unit, a smoothing unit, and an output unit. The acquiring unit acquires resolutions of first and second projectors and region information regarding projected regions. The specifying unit specifies a boundary between the projected regions, the second projector having higher resolution than the first projector, based on the acquired region information. The smoothing unit executes smoothing on a predetermined region within a projected region based on the acquired resolutions of the first and second projectors such that a pixel, obtained based on a first pixel by executing the smoothing, has been affected according to a second pixel then a third pixel, wherein the first pixel is in the predetermined region, the first and second pixels are arrayed parallel to the specified boundary, and the first and third pixels are arrayed perpendicular to the boundary. The output unit outputs smoothed image data.
US08727527B2
A recording device includes a device body, a roll accommodating unit accommodating a roll that is a long recording medium wound up into a roll shape, the roll accommodating unit being provided to an exterior of the device body, a recording head that performs recording on the recording medium unwound and conveyed from the roll accommodated in the roll accommodating unit, an ejection conveying unit that ejects the recording medium subjected to recording by the recording head out of the device body, and a carrying unit on which the recording medium ejected by the ejection conveying unit is carried. The carrying unit is formed by a top surface of the device body and a topside surface in a vertical direction of the roll accommodating unit.
US08727525B2
An inkjet recording apparatus includes: an image formation unit which deposits aqueous ink onto a recording surface of a recording sheet to form an image on the recording surface; a drying unit which dries the recording surface on which the image has been formed, the drying unit including a double-side heat application device which performs drying of the recording surface by applying heat to both the recording surface and a rear surface of the recording sheet opposite to the recording surface; and a drying control unit which controls a first intensity of heat applied to the recording surface and a second intensity of heat applied to the rear surface independently from each other, in accordance with a thickness of the recording sheet.
US08727524B2
The present invention provides an image forming method including an ink applying process that applies a water-based ink containing at least polymer particles, wax particles having a ratio of from 0.5% by mass to less than 8% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink, colorant, and water, by an inkjet method (inkjetting), onto a recording base material which is an assembly of a non-absorptive or low-absorptive fiber material.
US08727523B2
An inkjet recording ink including: a colorant; surfactant A; surfactant B; a water-soluble organic solvent; and water, wherein the surfactant A is represented by General Formula (1), and the surfactant B is at least one selected from compounds represented by General Formulas (2a) and (2b): where Rf represents CF3, CF2CF3, (CF2)3F or (CF2)4F, X and Y each are an integer of 1 or greater, and X+Y=4 or 5; where R3 and R4 each represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-20 alkyl group, r is a real number of 0 to 7, and s is a real number of 1 to 10, where each of R3 and R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-20 alkyl group, t is a real number of 0 to 7, and u is a real number of 1 to 10.
US08727517B2
The present disclosure provides apparatus and method for supplying uninterrupted flow of solid-ink pellets to an image-forming device. The apparatus includes a container for retaining solid-ink pellets, and a selectably-inflatable bladder disposed within the container. Further, the apparatus includes a tube communicating the bladder with a pressure supply.
US08727516B2
In one example, a fluid cartridge includes a reservoir for holding a fluid, an electrical interface, an alignment feature, and a keying feature. The alignment feature is configured to, as the cartridge is inserted into a receiver, bias the electrical interface against a corresponding electrical interface on the receiver. The keying feature discriminates the cartridge from other fluid cartridges to prevent the cartridge from being inserted incorrectly into the receiver.
US08727506B2
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an ink jet head capable of ejecting an exact amount of ink, an angular velocity sensor capable of measuring an exact angular velocity, and a piezoelectric generating element capable of generating an electric power due to positive piezoelectric effect, even when the applied electric field of 40 kV/cm or more is applied.The piezoelectric film used for the present invention comprises a piezoelectric layer and first and second electrodes which sandwich the piezoelectric layer therebetween, the first electrode comprises a (001) orientation, the piezoelectric layer is composed of (1-z)(NaxBiy)TiO0.5x+1.5y+2-zBaTiO3 having a (001) orientation, x is not less than 0.30 and not more than 0.46, y is not less than 0.51 and not more than 0.62, and z is not less than 0.07 and not more than 0.09.
US08727505B2
Disclosed is an electromechanical transducer element that includes an electromechanical transducer film formed of a complex oxide (PZT) including lead (Pb), zirconium (Zr), and titanium (Ti). The electromechanical transducer film is formed by laminating plural PZT thin films until a thickness of the formed electromechanical transducer film becomes a predetermined thickness. When an atomic weight ratio (Pb/(Zr+Ti)) of average Pb included in the formed electromechanical transducer film is denoted by Pb(avg) and an atomic weight ratio (Pb/(Zr+Ti)) of Pb in any one of laminate interfaces of the plural PZT thin films is denoted by Pb(interface), the Pb(avg) is greater than or equal to 100 atomic percentage (at %) and less than or equal to 110 atomic percentage (at %), and a fluctuation ratio ΔPb=Pb(avg)−Pb(interface) of Pb in the laminate interface is less than or equal to 20 percent.
US08727504B2
Disclosed herein is a microfluidic jetting device having a piezoelectric member positioned above a displaceable membrane. A voltage is applied across the piezoelectric member causing deformation of the piezoelectric member. The deformation of the piezoelectric member results in a displacement of the membrane, which is formed above a cavity. Displacement of the membrane creates pressure to jet or eject liquid from the cavity and suction liquid into the cavity through ports or apertures formed in the in membrane.
US08727503B2
A primary flow path forming member is provided with a groove which becomes a recording liquid supply path on a bottom surface thereof. A second flow path forming member is provided with an arm portion. The arm portion of the second flow path forming member is used as a cap for closing the opening of the groove which becomes the liquid supply path formed on the bottom surface of the prime flow path forming member. The primary flow path forming member and the second flow path forming member as described above are formed by injection-molding and bonded with each other by a bonding member. The bonding member is formed to cover a portion where the opening edge of the groove which becomes the recording liquid supply path, in the primary flow path forming member abuts on the arm portion of the second flow path forming member.
US08727495B2
A liquid droplet discharge apparatus, which discharges liquid droplets of a liquid, includes: a flow passage unit which is formed with a plurality of nozzles for discharging the liquid droplets of the liquid and a plurality of liquid flow passages including a plurality of pressure chambers communicated with the plurality of nozzles respectively; an actuator which has a sealing plate joined to the flow passage unit for defining the plurality of pressure chambers and which applies a pressure to the liquid contained in each of the plurality of pressure chambers by changing a volume of each of the plurality of pressure chambers by deforming the sealing plate; and a deformation adjusting member which adjusts a deformation amount of the sealing plate.
US08727494B2
A droplet ejection device includes a droplet ejection head. The droplet ejection head includes droplet ejection nozzles, a common liquid chamber, an air vent nozzle, and a nozzle face. The ejection nozzles are arranged side by side in a vertical direction. Each ejection nozzle has a first channel to eject droplets. The vent nozzle has a second channel to vent air from the common chamber. The nozzle face is disposed in the vertical direction or a direction tilted downward relative to the vertical direction. The first channel is tilted downward so that a side proximal to the nozzle face is lower than another side proximal to the common chamber. The vent nozzle is disposed above a topmost one of the ejection nozzles. The second channel is tilted upward so that a side proximal to the nozzle face is higher than another side proximal to the common chamber.
US08727485B2
A printhead wiper assembly includes an elongated member having a first and second wiper, a linkage, and an actuator. The linkage includes a clutch that enables the elongated member to move to a plurality of positions in response to the actuator activating a plurality of times. The sequence of positions enables first wiper and then the other wiper to contact the printhead face to remove purged ink from the face.
US08727480B2
Disclosed is a liquid discharge head including a nozzle plate including plural nozzles that discharge liquid droplets; a flow channel member that forms plural individual liquid chambers, the plural individual liquid chambers communicating with the corresponding nozzles; and a frame member that forms a common liquid chamber that supplies a liquid to the plural individual liquid chambers. The frame member covers a first outer circumferential surface of the nozzle plate and a second outer circumferential surface of the flow channel member. The frame member includes a protecting portion that covers a peripheral portion of a surface of the nozzle plate, where the protecting portion is made molten and adhered to the surface of the nozzle plate.
US08727472B2
With an ink jet head in which color nozzles are aligned with an interval of three times an interval of black nozzles at the right side in a scanning direction of the black nozzles, when an image is recorded by ejecting black ink and color ink superposed on each other, a first unit recording operation is repeatedly executed, in which scanning by ejecting ink from at least one of the black nozzles and color nozzles is repeated three times while moving a carriage in the scanning direction, and a recording sheet is conveyed by a predetermined amount every time scanning is completed. In the first unit recording operation, the carriage is moved to the left side while ink is ejected from both the black nozzles and color nozzles at the first scanning. Moreover, in each of the second and third scanning operations, ink is ejected only from the color nozzles.
US08727470B2
The printing device for carrying out printing on a translucent printing medium includes: a print head having a first applying portion for applying a first color material onto the printing medium, a second applying portion for applying a second color material, and a third applying portion for applying an opaque specialty ink; a conveying portion for conveying the printing medium relative to the print head; and a printing control portion configured to execute printing according to a printing mode in which a first color-producing layer of the first color material is formed on the conveying printing medium using the first applying portion, an opaque light-blocking layer of the specialty ink is formed using the third applying portion, and a second color-producing layer of the second color material is formed over the light-blocking layer using the second applying portion after the light-blocking layer is formed.
US08727466B2
An ink jet printer which uses a common air pump to configure an air path system to supply purge air generated by the air pump to an ink tank and then supply the purge air discharged from the ink tank to a print head or an air path system to supply purge air generated by the air pump directly to the pint head. This solves the following problem inherent to a conventional ink jet printer which recovers ink not used for printing: since an air pump for supplying air to air-purge the print head and an air pump for supplying air to air-purge the ink tank are required, the cost and weight of the printer tends to increase.
US08727464B2
A multi-function peripheral includes: a recording unit having a carriage for recording which supports and moves a recording head for performing recording on a recording medium; and an image reading unit having a carriage for reading which supports and moves a reading sensor for reading an image and a driving source which is mounted in the carriage for reading in order to move the carriage for reading. The carriage for reading moves above the carriage for recording, and the driving source of the image reading unit is disposed to overlap with the carriage for recording in an up and down direction at a position deviating from a movement area of the carriage for recording.
US08727459B2
A multiple-door switchgear cabinet includes a cabinet housing containing electrical equipment and being connectable to a power source. Doors attached to the cabinet housing provide access to the electrical equipment and include a first door and secondary doors. The first door, when closed, provides for electrical continuity through a main electrical power switch, and removes electrical continuity when open. A mechanical interlock controls the order in which the doors are closed. The mechanical interlock is mounted to the cabinet and is in contact with the doors when they are closed, the interlock being biased by a biasing device to bear against the first door when any of the other doors is opened. A locking bar is movably attached to the first door, and releasably attached to the secondary door. wherein attachment to the secondary door prevents both doors from inadvertent opening.
US08727455B2
A brake control apparatus for a vehicle having a regenerative braking system, has first to fourth brake circuits, a pump, a gate-out valve, an inflow valve, an outflow valve, a reservoir, a fluid suction cylinder, a branch oil passage, a switch valve, a regulation valve, and a hydraulic pressure control unit. The hydraulic pressure control unit controls a brake fluid pressure by operating the gate-out valve, the inflow valve, the outflow valve, the switch valve and the pump in accordance with a regenerative operation state of the regenerative braking system. Also the hydraulic pressure control unit stores the brake fluid flowing out from a master cylinder in the fluid suction cylinder by operating the pump when the regenerative braking system works, and supplies the brake fluid stored in the fluid suction cylinder to a wheel cylinder when a regenerative braking amount of the regenerative braking system lowers.
US08727454B2
The method and system for increasing accuracy of clamping force of electric aircraft carbon brakes, once braking has been commenced, provides a first pair of electric brake actuators with a range of low brake clamping force responsive to low brake clamping force commands, and a second pair of electric brake actuators with a range of high brake clamping force responsive to high brake clamping force commands. The first pair of electric brake actuators is actuated to apply a minimum residual braking force once wheel braking is commenced, and the second pair of electric brake actuators is actuated only when the commanded braking force is in the high range of brake clamping force.
US08727444B2
An infant carrier apparatus comprises a support frame including a seat assembly that has a longitudinal axis extending from a front end to a rear end thereof, and a backrest assembly including a backrest frame and at least a holder socket, the backrest frame being mounted with the support frame via the holder socket, and the holder socket being adjustable along the longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position. In other embodiments, a method of adjusting the backrest assembly of the infant carrier apparatus is also described.
US08727439B2
Apparatus is provided for integrated, single and multiple person vehicle car seats, modular car seat systems, dual person car seats, variable base height and width car seats, car seat-inserts inserted into another car seat, foldable, for use in a land, sea or air vehicle, mounted onto the vehicle's built-in seat and used for securing a car seat user within a vehicle's regular seating positions. Car seat systems include components enabling addition or removal of seating positions for a desired number of car seat users as needed, limited only by available width and height space of the vehicle seat onto which it is mounted.
US08727430B2
The invention relates to a roof arrangement having a cover for closing the opening in a vehicle roof, a fixing plate, which is connected to the cover for fixing the cover to the vehicle roof, wherein the fixing plate is partially insert molded with a plastic material, so that the plastic material forms a water channel on the upper side of the plate. According to the invention it is characterized in that an injection-molded masking piece is formed on the underside of the fixing plate and the fixing plate in the area of the masking piece has at least one aperture, through which the plastic material of the water channel and of the masking piece can be connected to one another. The invention also relates to a suitable method for producing such a roof arrangement.
US08727428B2
A front part body structure of a vehicle, includes: an upper frame which is extended in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, one end of which is joined to a front pillar, and which includes an inner panel and an outer panel, the outer panel that is divided in a dividing part in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and a first partition wall which is provided between the inner panel and the outer panel, one end of which is joined to the inner panel, and the other end of which is fastened and fixed to the dividing part of the outer panel by means of a fastening member.
US08727425B1
A system of aerodynamic skirt fairings designed to minimize aerodynamic drag and maintain smoother air flow over highway-operated long-haul tractor-trailer vehicles.
US08727424B1
A spoiler for use in a bed of a truck, said spoiler comprising: at least one deflection surface coupled to the bed of the truck; at least one support coupled to the at least one deflection surface; at least one attachment device coupled to the at least one support, wherein the at least one attachment device couples the at least one support to the bed of the truck; and at least one activator coupled to the spoiler. Alternate embodiments of the spoiler may comprise the at least one deflection surface being hingedly coupled to the bed of the truck. Further embodiments of the present invention may comprise the at least one attachment device removably coupling the at least one support to the bed of the truck.
US08727423B2
A self-drafting device for reducing the aerodynamic drag of sub-sonic vehicles includes an extension projecting forward from the vehicle in order to generate turbulence between a distal (forward) end of the extension and the vehicle itself, in order to reduce aerodynamic drag on the vehicle. The device may include a draft plate to increase the cross sectional area of the distal end and the draft plate may be tilted with respect to a vertical direction. The tilt, cross-sectional size and or extension of the device may be adjustable, and may be dynamically controlled by one or more motors during operation of the vehicle in conformity with a pressure profile across the vehicle that is measured using pressure sensors. The extension may be automatically retracted, e.g., a telescoping extension may be drawn under the hood of an automobile as the velocity of the vehicle decreases.
US08727416B2
A battery 4 and a toolbox storage portion 5 are provided in a laterally arranged state on a reverse side of a seatback 2 of a vehicle, a toolbox 9 stored in the toolbox storage portion 5 is exposed when the seatback 2 is tilted forward, and an emergency stop switch 10 of the battery 4 is exposed so as to be operable when the toolbox 9 is removed from the above toolbox storage portion 5.
US08727410B2
A method for manipulating an object with a remote vehicle having a manipulator attached to a manipulator arm. The manipulator comprises a jamming or other phase change material in a housing. The method comprises pressing the manipulator housing to the object, activating the jamming or other phase change material to cause the manipulator to grasp the object, and moving one or more of the manipulator arm and the remote vehicle to manipulate the object.
US08727407B2
An apparatus and method for holding a cookie includes a handle and a holder configured to hold a cookie to be dipped in a beverage. The holder includes a pair of retainer panels and a generally C-shaped clip. The C-shaped clip separates the pair of retainer panels and is adapted to hold the cookie between the panels. The handle is gripped and the cookie inserted into the holder such that the C-shaped clip resiliently bends around at least a portion of the cookie. The cookie is held by the holder and may be dipped into a beverage, such as milk.
US08727400B1
A concealed security bar comprising a concealing and deploying means for the security bar for a sliding patio door comprises a security bar, a lifting mechanism, and a releasing means. The security bar sits along a ground surface between a wall portion and a sliding door in order to prevent opening of the door. The lifting mechanism comprises a mechanism which pivots the bar into an upright position along the wall surface in order to allow the door to function as normal. The releasing means is located along the wall surface at a height easily accessible by a user. Upon depressing the releasing means, the lifting mechanism is activated in order to lift the bar without need for reaching down to the ground to grab the bar.
US08727396B2
A latch assembly for insertion into an edge of a door and adjustable for actuation by a half-round spindle at either a first backset or a second backset. The latch has an inner casing non-rotatably received within an outer casing and slideable along an axis. The inner casing is provided with a transverse void substantially perpendicular to the sliding axis and is slideable between a first position in which the transverse void is aligned at the first backset and a second position is which the transverse void is aligned at the second backset. A slide within the casing is, without adjustment, engageable by the half-round spindle at either backset. A cam is rotatably mounted within the casing and engaged to the slide and to a bolt also within the casing. The bolt is slideably retractable into the casing by rotation of the cam in response to sliding of the slide. A spring biases the bolt to an extended position extend out from the casing.
US08727395B2
Latch mechanisms for a slidable window generally disposed about the center of mass of a window pane on an edge perpendicular to its travel path to provide a straight line-pull using minimal mechanical effort and to provide a plurality of latch points to selectively secure a window pane in place along its travel path. Preferred embodiment provides a latch assembly for a window having first and second parallel edges slidably disposed between parallel first and second guiderails of a frame and can have a housing attached to a third window edge perpendicular to the first and second parallel sides, a latch handle connected to a drive gear engaged to a locking element slidably disposed within a channel of a housing in response to rotation of the drive gear about a pivot; the locking element movable from a biased extended position to a retracted position in response to rotation of the drive gear by a force sufficient to overcome the bias; and the first guiderail having a plurality of recesses spaced along the window travel path to receive the first end of the locking element in the operational position.
US08727385B2
A gas distribution unit includes a block body (11) made of synthetic resin and to be fixed in a case (20) of an exhaust gas measuring apparatus. An intake passage (15) for device to be connected to an intake pipe (54) and an intake connecting portion (42), an exhaust passage (16) for device to be connected to an exhaust pipe (28) and an exhaust connecting portion (43), and air passages (14) for measuring device to be connected to pipes (53) for measuring device and intake connecting portions (61) are provided in the block body (11).
US08727381B2
A fuel tank assembly includes a hinge assembly, a fuel tank, and at least one hinge bolt. The hinge assembly includes a hinge pin and a hinge stay. The hinge pin pivotally couples the hinge stay to a vehicular frame and defines a hinge axis about which the hinge stay is pivotable with respect to a frame. The at least one hinge bolt releasably couples the hinge stay to the fuel tank such that the fuel tank is pivotable about the hinge axis. The at least one hinge bolt intersects the hinge axis and obstructs the hinge pin from being removed from the hinge stay.
US08727371B2
An airbag apparatus includes a fixing bracket fixed to an upper portion of the side wall of a vehicle. The fixing bracket has an inflator support portion that supports an inflator, a fastening portion fastened and fixed to the upper portion of the side wall of the vehicle at a position below the inflator, and a restraining wall that extends along the axis direction of the fastening portion under the inflator. An airbag body is disposed between the inflator and an upper wall portion of the restraining wall, and the airbag body is compressed by the inflator and the upper wall portion and held between the inflator and the upper wall portion. The restraining wall restrains displacement of the airbag body so that the airbag body does not overlap a fastening operation area into which the fixing bracket is fastened.
US08727365B2
A tractor braking system (10) having independent brake circuits (L,R) for each of a left and a right wheel is provided. Each circuit is activated by a respective brake pedal (16,17). The system comprises a releasable locking mechanism (25) to lock the two pedals together and sensors (50) to detect depression of the respective pedals (16,17). In response to a detection of only one pedal being depressed, warning means are provided to indicate to a driver that the pedals are in an unlocked state. A sensing of simultaneous depression of the pedals may be used to indicate that the pedals are in a locked state.
US08727364B2
A trailer hitch step, integrally injection-molded of a thermoplastic polymer compound, is capable of accepting a predetermined off-axis vertical load without an objectionable degree of torsional displacement, while capable of absorbing energy from rear impacts.
US08727363B1
A suspension assembly for a vehicle including an elongated central torsion axle shaft of a rubber torsion axle assembly, a torsion axle shaft pivot point about which the torsion axle shaft pivots, a spring and an elongated spindle swing arm. The spring has a first end and a second end and the first end of the spring is connected to a fixed point relative to a vehicle frame. The spindle swing arm has a second end with the first end connected to the torsion axle shaft with the second end of the spindle swing arm connected to the second end of the spring. The spring can set the torsion axle shaft to a predetermined position, such as at or near a no-load position, when only static forces are present. This provides for a torsion axle with a greater range of movement and significantly improves its lifespan.
US08727351B2
A puzzle unit for an amusement device comprises a first puzzle unit assembly, a second puzzle unit assembly, a third removable unit face, and a fourth removable unit face. The first puzzle unit assembly includes a first support member and a second support member projecting from a first inner surface of the first unit assembly, and a first triangular unit face on an outer surface of the first unit assembly. A space between the first support member and the second support member define a first linear slot. The second puzzle unit assembly is geometrically identical to the first unit assembly, including a third support member and a fourth support member projecting from a second inner surface of the second unit assembly, and a second triangular unit face on an outer surface of the second unit assembly.
US08727347B2
A sheet feeding apparatus, including: a sheet feeding mechanism; a sheet sensor for detecting, as a detection value, a physical quantity related to a fed sheet; a physical-quantity judgment section for judging whether the detection value falls within a predetermined range; an another-sheet judgment section for judging whether there is another sheet after a sheet to be judged by the physical-quantity judgment section; and a double-feeding judgment section for judging that double feeding has occurred when the physical-quantity judgment section judges that the detection value does not fall within the predetermined range and when the another-sheet judgment section judges that there is another sheet, and judging that the double feeding has not occurred when the physical-quantity judgment section judges that the detection value does not fall within the predetermined range and when the another-sheet judgment section judges that there is no another sheet.
US08727344B2
A system for improving stacking of flat items stacked on edge and forming a batch of items in a sort bin (200a) of the type comprising a stacking deck (210) for supporting the batch of items, a paddle (220) movably connected to a shaft (224) mounted on the stacking deck for registering the batch of items while applying a first stacking pressure to the batch of items, a driving device (228) for applying at least another adjustable pressure to the batch of items for refining their registering against the paddle, and a movement control module (229) for controlling the driving device so as to adjust pressure in the batch of items, wherein the batch of items and the paddle are driven synchronously and separately.
US08727335B1
A gear assembly including a driving gear and a driven gear and an electronic device are provided. The driving gear includes a pawl pivoted on a first surface and an elastic member disposed in a slot of the driving gear. The driven gear includes a ratchet disposed on a second surface facing the first surface. When the driving gear rotates with a driving speed along a driving direction, a centrifugal force is generated to drive the pawl moving to a clutching position to be engaged with the ratchet and drives the driven gear rotating with the driving gear. When the driving gear rotates with a nominal speed slower than the driving speed along a direction opposite to the driving direction, the engagement between the pawl and the ratchet is released, and the pawl is back to a nominal position so the driven gear does not rotate with the driving gear.
