US08779843B2
A bias circuit for an operating transistor has a first resistor disposed in a path for supplying a bias current to a base of the operating transistor, a first transistor for applying the bias current flowing to the first resistor, a second transistor for applying a corresponding current corresponding to the bias current supplied via at least one current mirror circuit, a third transistor having bases connected in common with the first transistor for applying the corresponding current, a second resistor for applying the corresponding current and obtaining a voltage drop corresponding to a voltage drop at the first resistor, and a fourth transistor receiving a reference voltage at an emitter side and having a base connected to an emitter side of the third transistor.
US08779841B2
A cascode switch includes a first power transistor configured to be coupled to a load and a second power transistor coupled in series with the first power transistor so that the second power transistor is between ground and the first power transistor. The second power transistor is operable to switch on and off responsive to a pulse source coupled to a gate of the second power transistor. The first power transistor is operable to switch on and off responsive to the same pulse source as the second power transistor or a DC source coupled to a gate of the first power transistor. Alternatively or in addition, a transistor device is coupled to the gate of the first power transistor and operable to actively turn off the first power transistor independent of the load current.
US08779838B2
A method and apparatus for repairing transistors comprises applying a first voltage to a source, a second voltage to the gate and a third voltage to the drain for a predetermined time In this manner the semiconductor structure may be repaired or returned to the at or near the original operating characteristics.
US08779836B2
A method an apparatus for a power switch acceleration scheme during wakeup is disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one power gated circuit block. The power gated circuit block includes a virtual voltage node from which a voltage is provided to the circuitry of the block when active. Power switches are coupled between the virtual voltage node and a corresponding global voltage node. When the power gated circuit block is powered on, power switches are activated sequentially. The rate at which power switches are activated is increased as the voltage on the virtual voltage node increases. Sequentially activating the power switches may prevent an excess of current inrush into the power gated circuit block. The increase in the rate at which power switches are activated when the voltage on the virtual voltage node is at least at a certain level may allow for a faster wakeup.
US08779835B2
A signal processing arrangement including a signal processing stage that divides an input signal (Vin) applied to a signal input (In) of the signal processing stage into at least two subsignals (Vin_a, Vin_b) as a function of a signal amplitude (A) of the input signal (Vin), wherein the signal processing stage is designed for parallel signal processing of the subsignals (Vin_a, Vin_b), and a reconstruction stage connected to the signal processing stage and provides an output signal (Vout) by weighting and combining the at least two processed subsignals (Vin_a, Vin_b).
US08779825B2
A delay element delays an output signal Dt from an arithmetic circuit and outputs a delayed signal Dd. An XOR element compares the output signal Dt with the delayed signal Dd, and outputs an XORout signal with the signal value “0” when the signals match each other, and outputs an XORout signal with the signal value “1” when the signals do not match each other. In a flip-flop, when the signal value of the XORout signal at the rise of a clock of a clock signal CK is “0”, the output signal Dt is output from a flip-flop, and when the signal value of the XORout signal at the rise of the clock becomes “1” even once, a fixed value of the signal value “0” continues to be output.
US08779824B2
Clock signals are distributed on a chip by applying an oscillating magnetic field to the chip. Local clock generation circuits including magnetic field sensors are distributed around the chip and are coupled to local clocked circuitry on the chip. The magnetic field sensors may include clock magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) in which a magnetic orientation of the free layer is free to rotate in the free layer plane in response to the applied magnetic field. The MTJ resistance alternates between a high resistance value and a low resistance value as the free layer magnetization rotates. Clock generation circuitry coupled to the clock MTJs senses voltage oscillations caused by the alternating resistance of the clock MTJs. The clock generation circuitry includes amplifiers, which convert the sensed voltage into local clock signals.
US08779809B2
A signal processing circuit of the present invention includes: first and second input terminals; an output terminal; a bootstrap capacitor; a first output section connected to the second input terminal and the output terminal; a second output section connected to the first input terminal, a first power source, and the output terminal; and an electric charge control section for controlling the electric charge of the bootstrap capacitor, the electric charge control section being connected to the first input terminal, the electric charge control section and the first output section being connected to each other via a relay section for either electrically connecting the electric charge control section and the first output section to each other or electrically blocking the electric charge control section and the first output section from each other, the electric charge control section including a resistor connected to a second power source. This configuration can increase reliability of a bootstrap-type signal processing circuit.
US08779805B1
A switching device for driving a load is provided. The switching device comprises a control terminal and has a conduction threshold which, when crossed by a control signal coupled to the control terminal, causes the switching device to conduct. A control circuit for generating the control signal is also provided. The control circuit is configured to generate a control signal having a first slew rate prior to the control signal crossing the conduction threshold and a second slew rate after the control signal has crossed the conduction threshold. The first slew rate may be faster than the second slew rate.
US08779799B2
A logic circuit is provided which can hold a switching state of the logic circuit even when a power supply potential is not supplied, has short start-up time of a logic block after the power is supplied, can operate with low power consumption, and can easily switch between a NAND circuit and a NOR circuit. Switching between a NAND circuit and a NOR circuit is achieved by switching a charge holding state at a node through a transistor including an oxide semiconductor. With the use of an oxide semiconductor material which is a wide bandgap semiconductor for the transistor, the off-state current of the transistor can be sufficiently reduced; thus, the state of charge held at the node can be non-volatile.
US08779789B2
Translators coupleable to opposing surfaces of microelectronic substrates for testing, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. An arrangement in accordance with one embodiment includes a microelectronic substrate having a first major surface, a second major face facing opposite from the first major surface, and electrically conductive through-substrate vias extending through the substrate and electrically accessible from both the first and second surfaces. The arrangement further includes a first translator releasably connected to the substrate and positioned in a first region extending outwardly from the first surface, the first translator including first electrical signal paths that access the vias from the first surface, and a second translator releasably connected to the substrate simultaneously with the first translator, the second translator being positioned in a second region extending outwardly from the second surface, the second translator including second electrical signal paths that access the vias from the second surface.
US08779788B2
A testing apparatus includes a thermal control chamber including a test room, which temperature is controlled within a testing temperature range; a carrier frame including a direction guiding unit installed securely within the test room and formed with one guiding groove and a carrier rod extending through the guiding groove in the direction guiding unit; and a clamping unit mounted on the carrier rod for clamping a display-panel module securely, wherein, movement of the carrier rod transversely within the guiding groove relative to the direction guiding unit results in disposing the display-panel module to extend along one of several testing directions for undergoing a burn-in test.
US08779781B2
A sensor for sensing an analyte includes capacitive elements, each having a pair of electrodes separated by a dielectric wherein the dielectric constant of the dielectric of at least one of the capacitive elements is sensitive to the analyte, the sensor further including a comparator adapted to compare a selected set of capacitive elements against a reference signal and to generate a comparison result signal, and a controller for iteratively selecting the set in response to the comparison result signal, wherein the sensor is arranged to produce a digitized output signal indicative of the sensed level of the analyte of interest. An IC comprising such a sensor, an electronic device comprising such an IC and a method of determining a level of an analyte of interest using such a sensor are also disclosed.
US08779774B2
The present embodiments include a magnetic resonance antenna having parallel-running longitudinal antenna rods arranged in a birdcage structure and antenna ferrules connecting the parallel-running longitudinal antenna rods at ends of the parallel-running longitudinal antenna rods in radio frequency terms. The magnetic resonance antenna includes a plurality of radio-frequency switching elements configured to interrupt at least a part of the parallel-running longitudinal antenna rods to detune a natural resonance frequency with respect to an operating magnetic resonance frequency in radio frequency terms. At least some radio-frequency switching elements of the plurality of radio-frequency switching elements are arranged at end sections of the parallel-running longitudinal antenna rods.
US08779773B2
A composite RF body coil liner for reducing acoustic noise in an MR System is disclosed. The composite RF body coil liner includes an inner surface layer, an outer surface layer, a fire retardant layer positioned between the inner surface layer and the outer surface layer, and an acoustic barrier positioned between the inner surface layer and the outer surface layer, with the acoustic barrier configured to increase the mechanical damping of the RF body coil so as to reduce RF body coil vibration.
US08779765B2
In the method, a pre-selected working area of a graphene film with a linear dimension of 2,000 nm, which working area is divided into sections having a dimension of 50-100 nm, is subjected to the effect of a pulsed alternating magnetic field with a frequency of 3 terahertz that corresponds to the transition from the ground energy level, corresponding to the non-excited state of spin density, to a fourth working energy level of the excited state of spin density in the graphene film, thus causing spin density pumping. A spatially localized external magnetic field is generated around the edges of the working area, which resonantly reflects spinons having a working frequency of 0.5-1 terahertz that corresponds to the transition from a third working energy level to a second working energy level of the excited state of spin density, said spinons causing the induced coherent radiation of working frequency spin waves as they pass thorough the working area.
US08779764B2
To provide a method which can define the direction and orientation of magnetization of a pinned layer while reducing the number of steps of forming a GMR film. The magnetization direction of the pinned layer is defined in a plurality of directions by forming a plurality of patterns having directivities. Further, when the magneto-resistive effect film is formed, a magnetic field is applied in a direction at an angle set between the angles of the plurality of patterns.
US08779756B2
A current sensor for detecting a first electric current flowing through a current path includes a sensor chip, a coil, a current control circuit, and an output circuit. The sensor chip includes a magnetoresistive element and is adopted to be located near the current path. The coil applies a bias magnetic field to the magnetoresistive element. The current control circuit supplies a second electric current to the coil. The second electric current periodically changes in polarity. The output circuit outputs a difference between a first voltage and a second voltage. The first voltage is generated by the magnetoresistive element, when the second electric current flowing through the coil has a positive polarity. The second voltage is generated by the magnetoresistive element, when the second electric current flowing through the coil has a negative polarity.
US08779746B2
In a first aspect, a control circuit is provided for use with a switch-mode power stage that provides an output voltage signal and an output current signal at an output power. The switch-mode power stage has a nominal voltage, a nominal current, a maximum current, an output power and a maximum power. The control circuit includes a voltage control loop and a current control loop, and the control circuit uses the voltage control loop to provide voltage mode control if the output current signal is greater than or equal to the nominal current and less than the maximum current, wherein the output power is substantially constant. Numerous other aspects are also provided.
US08779741B2
A DC voltage converter produces an output voltage (VS) at an output terminal from an energy source. The DC voltage convert includes a selector switch includes a first input coupled to the energy source, a second input coupled to a ground, and an output coupled to a first terminal of an inductor. A second terminal is coupled to the output terminal of the converter and a capacitor is coupled between the output terminal and the ground. A regulator produces a control signal as a function of a result of a comparison of the output voltage with a reference voltage. A control circuit couples the output of the selector switch to the first or second input of the selector switch, as a function of the control signal. The converter may also include a means of inhibition adapted to inhibiting the control circuit when a current flowing in the inductor gets cancelled.
US08779737B2
A voltage converting circuit for converting an input voltage into an output voltage is disclosed. The voltage converting circuit includes a modulation signal generator, a comparator and a logic unit. The modulation signal generator is configured for generating a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal responsive to a feedback signal corresponding to the output voltage and a load coupled thereto. The comparator is configured for comparing the feedback signal with a reference signal to output a comparing signal. The logic unit is configured for performing a logical conjunction of the PWM signal and the comparing signal to generate a control signal for adjusting an input current corresponding to the input voltage to regulate the output voltage. A method for converting an input voltage into an output voltage is also disclosed herein.
US08779736B2
A linear voltage regulator includes a Miller frequency compensation having a movable zero, which tracks the frequency of the load pole as the load condition changes. The compensated voltage regulator maintains stability under variable load conditions. Because of the Miller effect, DC open-loop gain and bandwidth are not sacrificed for stability. The compensated voltage regulator can therefore maintain high power supply rejection ratio (PSRR).
US08779705B2
A system and method for controlling an alternating current (AC) motor using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) to read the current and position measurements in an the AC motor, perform digital filtering of the position and current data, provide very precise synchronization of the measured phase current and position data, and output the data to a phase converter for control of the AC motor.
US08779699B2
A servo device 30 includes: a control portion 31 for driving and controlling a drive mechanism 32 by receiving a control signal from a transmitter 10, and by transforming the control signal into a drive signal corresponding to characteristic data previously stored in a memory portion 35. The control portion 31 includes: a signal processing portion 33 for discriminating whether the control signal is a maneuver signal or a characteristic data signal; and the memory portion for updating and storing the characteristic data based on the received characteristic data signal when the control signal is discriminated as the characteristic data signal.
US08779695B2
A method of configuring an LED driver is disclosed. The LED driver being arranged to provide a supply current to an LED fixture comprising a plurality of LEDs. The method comprises: identifying the LED fixture (LF), sending via a communication network (NTW) a configuration request to a configuration database (DB), receiving configuration data from the configuration database; and configuring the LED driver (LPS) according to the configuration data.
US08779688B2
A light emitting diode driving circuit includes connected driving units, each of which is configured for driving multiple channels of light emitting diodes generating a feedback voltage for the corresponding driving unit. Each of the driving units includes a selection circuit for comparing the feedback voltage with an input voltage to output a smaller one of the feedback voltage and the input voltage to a next one of the driving units, as the input voltage for the next one of the driving units.
US08779681B2
Described herein are ambient lighting devices, methods, and systems that utilize at least one multimode artificial ambient light source, a control unit, and a remote image sensor. The control unit couples to at least one artificial ambient light source and is configured to output at least one control signal to the at least one artificial ambient light source. The at least one multimode artificial ambient light source is configured to output light of varying color and color temperature in response to said at least one control signal. The remote image sensor couples to the at least one control unit and is configured to detect at least one color and intensity characteristic and output an output signal to the at least one control unit, based on said color and intensity characteristic detected.
US08779678B2
Described herein are segmented electronic ballasts for a high power are lamp, such as a High Intensity Discharge (“HID”) lamp, capable of drop-in replacement of a pre-existing magnetic ballast and methods of use thereof. In certain aspects, the segmented electronic ballasts described herein include a first housing containing a driver circuit configured to receive electrical power from a source of electrical power and configured to output a conditioned power signal; and also include a second housing containing a striker circuit connected to the driver circuit and configured to receive the conditioned power signal and ignite the lamp. In certain aspects, the methods described herein include removing a transformer of the pre-existing magnetic ballast from a transformer mounting position; and also include fixing the first housing to the transformer mounting position.
US08779674B2
This invention provides an integrated power supply for a controller of an electronic ballast for a fluorescent lamp. The integrated power supply couples output power from the electronic ballast and uses the coupled power to provide power to the controller. In one embodiment, the electronic ballast may include a rectifier for converting an alternating current input voltage into a direct current output voltage, and a circuit including a combined power factor correction (PFC) stage and an inverter, wherein the PFC stage and the inverter share a switch. Also provided is a controller for an electronic ballast. The controller may include a voltage mode or current mode duty ratio controller that controls a duty ratio of a switch of the ballast. The controller and the ballast allow dimming of the fluorescent lamp while maintaining a high power factor.
US08779668B2
An AC LED lamp adaptive to ambient luminance has a lamp shell, an LED lamp board, an LED driving circuit and a luminance sensor. The LED lamp board, the LED driving circuit and the luminance sensor are mounted inside the lamp shell and are electrically connected to each other. The luminance sensor is mounted on the LED lamp board, is capable of sensing light emitted from the LED lamp board. Multiple LED elements on the LED lamp board are alternately driven to turn on and turn off and a luminance signal is sensed by the luminance sensor while the LED elements are driven to turn off. As the luminance signal contains an ambient luminance only, accurate ambient luminance for the lamp can be therefore acquired.
US08779660B2
An illumination device for enhancing plant growth includes a substrate unit, a light-emitting unit, a current-limiting unit, and a control unit. The substrate unit includes a substrate body. The light-emitting unit, the current-limiting unit, and the control unit are disposed on the substrate body. The light-emitting unit includes a first light-emitting module, a second light-emitting module, and a third light-emitting module. The current-limiting unit includes a first current-limiting chip electrically connected to the first light-emitting module, a second current-limiting chip electrically connected to the second light-emitting module, and a third current-limiting chip electrically connected to the third light-emitting module. The control unit includes a first PWM control module electrically connected to the first current-limiting chip, a second PWM control module electrically connected to the second current-limiting chip, and a third PWM control module electrically connected to the third current-limiting chip.
US08779640B2
A Stator arrangement for an electric machine includes a stator having a stator yoke with a plurality of stator slots. Each stator slot accommodates at least two adjacently disposed sets of stator windings and at least one cooling device, wherein the at least one cooling device is disposed between the respective adjacently disposed sets of stator windings.
US08779631B2
Provided is a switching circuit with high withstand voltage. The switching circuit switches whether two terminals are electrically connected to each other, according to a switching signal input thereto. The switching circuit comprises a first switching section that switches whether the two terminals are electrically connected to each other; a first control section that is electrically insulated from the first switching section and controls the first switching section according to an input current; a second switching section that switches whether the input current is input to the first control section; and a second control section that is electrically insulated from the second switching section and controls the second switching section according to the switching signal.
US08779628B2
A power integrated circuit includes, in part, a multitude of controllers, a multitude of pulse-width generators, a multitude of output stages and a configuration matrix. Each controller is adapted to be responsive to a feedback signal and a reference signal to generate a control signal carrying pulse width information. Each control signal causes a difference between an associated output voltage feedback signal and the reference signal to be less than a predefined value. Each pulse-width generator is associated with and responsive to a different one of the controllers to generate a pulse-width modulated signal in response. The configuration matrix selectively couples the plurality of pulse-width generators to the output stages.
US08779624B2
Methods and systems for branch encoding an electric network to identify a direction of power flow in the electric network are provided. Sequential numbers are assigned to a first power source, each one of a plurality of power branches, and each one of a plurality of nodes. A rationalized value indicative of a direction of current flow through a branch is assigned to each branch of the plurality of branches. The rationalized value of each branch is determined as the difference between the numbers assigned to that branch's first connecting node and its second connecting node.
US08779620B1
The rotary windmill power generator comprises a rotatable member; a plurality of iso-grid panels interconnected in pairs, with each pair forming a panel assembly of two foldable iso-grid panels with one panel assembly connected to the rotatable member at a first end thereof and a corresponding panel assembly connected to the rotatable member at an end opposite the first end, a hollow upright tower; a turbine assembly assembly in engagement with said rotatable member for converting wind energy provided from each iso-grid panel assembly into electrical power and a drive gear assembly connected to each iso-grid panel assembly at each opposite end of the rotatable member for controlling the opening and closing of each iso-grid panel assembly relative one another in synchronism such that when one iso-grid panel assembly is open the opposite iso-grid panel assembly is closed and vice versa.
US08779615B2
There is provided a maritime current power plant park that includes a plurality of maritime current power plants, where each of the plurality of maritime current power plants has a rotor-like water turbine, an electric generator, and a drive train connecting the electric generator to the rotor-like water turbine. The drive train has bearing components for supporting the rotor-like water turbine. At least two of the plurality of maritime current power plants have differently dimensioned rotor-like water turbines, and the drive train of each of the at least two of the plurality of maritime current power plants is uniform.
US08779607B2
A method of manufacturing a device includes forming a covering layer having affinity for a filler to be injected into a space between a first base and a second base, on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the first base and the second base, and then injecting the filler into the space between the first base and the second base.
US08779604B1
A semiconductor structure includes a device, a conductive pad on the device, and a Ag1-xYx alloy bump over the conductive pad. The Y of the Ag1-xYx bump comprises metals forming complete solid solution with Ag at arbitrary weight percentage, and the X of the Ag1-xYx alloy bump is in a range of from about 0.005 to about 0.25. A difference between one standard deviation and a mean value of a grain size distribution of the Ag1-xYx alloy bump is in a range of from about 0.2 μm to about 0.4 μm. An average grain size of the Ag1-xYx alloy bump on a longitudinal cross sectional plane is in a range of from about 0.5 μm to about 1.5 μm.
US08779602B2
There are provided steps of providing a dielectric layer and a wiring layer on a surface of a support to form an intermediate body, removing the support from the intermediate body to obtain a wiring board, and carrying out a roughening treatment over a surface of the support before the intermediate body forming step.
US08779601B2
An eWLB package for 3D and PoP applications includes a redistribution layer on a support wafer. A semiconductor die is coupled to the redistribution layer, and solder balls are also positioned on the redistribution layer. The die and solder balls are encapsulated in a molding compound layer, which is planarized to expose top portions of the solder balls. A second redistribution layer is formed on the planarized surface of the molding compound layer. A ball grid array can be positioned on the second redistribution layer to couple the semiconductor package to a circuit board, or additional semiconductor dies can be added, each in a respective molding compound layer. The support wafer can act as an interposer, in which case it is processed to form TSVs in electrical contact with the first redistribution layer, and a redistribution layer is formed on the opposite side of the support substrate, as well.
US08779590B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, wiring lines formed above the semiconductor substrate, and an air gap formed between the adjacent wiring lines. In the semiconductor device, top surfaces and side walls of the wiring lines are covered with the diffusion prevention film, and the air gap is in contact with the interconnects via a diffusion prevention film.
US08779581B2
An embodiment of a method for making semiconductor device packages includes a heat sink matrix and a substrate. A plurality of semiconductor devices are attached to the substrate. Then, a package body is formed between the heat sink matrix and the substrate, wherein the package body encapsulates the semiconductor devices. Then, a plurality of first cutting slots is formed, wherein the first cutting slots extend through the heat sink matrix and partially extend into the package body. Then, a plurality of second cutting slots is formed, wherein the second cutting slots extend through the substrate and through the package body to the first cutting slot, thereby singulating the heat sink matrix and substrate into a plurality of individual semiconductor device packages.
US08779578B2
A multi-chip socket includes multiple cavities. The multiple cavities include support surfaces. The support surfaces may be disposed at different heights relative to a reference plane. The different heights may be based on a height of a first component to be disposed in the first cavity and a height of a second component to be disposed in a second cavity.
US08779569B2
A semiconductor device 100 includes a first insulating material 110 attached to a second main surface 106b of a semiconductor chip 106, and a second insulating material 112 attached to side surfaces of the semiconductor chip 106, the first insulating material 110 and an island 102. The semiconductor chip 106 is fixed to the island 102 via the first insulating material 110 and the second insulating material 112. The first insulating material 110 ensures a high dielectric strength between the semiconductor chip 106 and the island 102. Though the second insulating material 112 having a modulus of elasticity greater than that of the first insulating material 110, the semiconductor chip 106 is firmly attached to the island 102.
US08779557B2
An embodiment of the invention provides a chip package which includes: a substrate, wherein the substrate is diced from a wafer; a device region formed in the substrate; a conducting layer disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the device region; an insulating layer disposed between the substrate and the conducting layer; and a material layer formed on the insulating layer, wherein the material layer has a recognition mark, and the recognition mark shows position information of the substrate in the wafer before the substrate is diced from the wafer.
US08779553B2
Stress-aware design for integrated circuits comprising a stress inducing structure and keep out zone
A method of circuit design involving an integrated circuit (IC) having an interposer can include identifying an active resource implemented within the IC within a region of the interposer exposed to an amount of stress that exceeds a normalized amount of stress on the interposer and selectively assigning an element of the circuit design to be implemented within the IC to the active resource according to a stress-aware analysis of the circuit design as implemented within the IC.
US08779549B2
An example embodiment relates to a semiconductor memory device including a plurality of cylindrical bottom electrodes arranged in a first direction and in a second direction. The device includes a supporting base configured to support the plurality of cylindrical bottom electrodes by contacting side surfaces of the plurality of cylindrical bottom electrodes. The supporting base includes first patterns in which first open areas are formed, and second patterns in which second open areas are formed. The first patterns and the second patterns have different oriented shapes.
US08779545B2
A semiconductor structure with dispersedly arranged active region trenches is provided. The semiconductor structure comprises a semiconductor substrate, an epitaxial layer, and an active region dielectric layer. The semiconductor substrate is doped with impurities of a first conductive type having a first impurity concentration. The epitaxial layer is doped with impurities of the first conductive type having a second impurity concentration and is formed on the semiconductor substrate. The epitaxial layer has a plurality of active region trenches formed therein being arranged in a dispersed manner. The active region dielectric layer covers a bottom and a sidewall of the active region trenches. Wherein, the active region trench has an opening in a tetragonal shape on a surface of the epitaxial layer, and the first impurity concentration is greater than the second impurity concentration.
US08779542B2
Photodetectors, methods for use in manufacturing photodetectors, and systems including photodetectors, are described herein. In an embodiment, a photodetector includes a plurality of photodiode regions, at least some of which are covered by an optical filter. A plurality of metal layers are located between the photodiode regions and the optical filter. The metal layers include an uppermost metal layer that is closest to the optical filter and a lowermost metal layer that is closest to the photodiode regions. One or more inter-level dielectric layers separate the metal layers from one another. Each of the metal layers includes one or more metal portions and one or more dielectric portions. The uppermost metal layer is devoid of any metal portions underlying the optical filter.
US08779540B2
Light sensor devices are described that have a glass substrate, which includes a lens to focus light over a wide variety of angles, bonded to the light sensor device. In one or more implementations, the light sensor devices include a substrate having a photodetector formed therein. The photodetector is capable of detecting light and providing a signal in response thereto. The sensors also include one or more color filters disposed over the photodetector. The color filters are configured to pass light in a limited spectrum of wavelengths to the photodetector. A glass substrate is disposed over the substrate and includes a lens that is configured to collimate light incident on the lens and to pass the collimated light to the color filter.
US08779539B2
An image sensor comprises a substrate, a plurality of photoelectric transducer devices, an interconnect structure, at least one dielectric isolator and a back-side alignment mark. The substrate has a front-side surface and a back-side surface opposite to the front-side surface. The interconnect structure is disposed on the front-side surface. The photoelectric transducer devices are formed on the front-side surface. The dielectric isolator extends downwards into the substrate from the back-side surface in order to isolate the photoelectric transducer devices. The back-side alignment mark extends downwards into the substrate from the back-side surface and references to a front-side alignment mark previously formed on the front-side surface.
US08779534B2
A motion-sensitive low-G MEMS acceleration switch, which is a MEMS switch that closes at low-g acceleration (e.g., sensitive to no more than 10 Gs), is proposed. Specifically, the low-G MEMS acceleration switch has a base, a sensor wafer with one or more proofmasses, an open circuit that includes two fixed electrodes, and a contact plate. During acceleration, one or more of the proofmasses move towards the base and connects the two fixed electrodes together, resulting in a closing of the circuit that detects the acceleration. Sensitivity to low-G acceleration is achieved by proper dimensioning of the proofmasses and one or more springs used to support the proofmasses in the switch.
US08779530B2
The invention relates to integrated circuit fabrication, and more particularly to a Field Effect Transistor with a low resistance metal gate electrode. An exemplary structure for a gate electrode for a Field Effect Transistor comprises a lower portion formed of a first metal material having a recess and a first resistance; and an upper portion formed of a second metal material having a protrusion and a second resistance, wherein the protrusion extends into the recess, wherein the second resistance is lower than the first resistance.
US08779526B2
A method for fabricating semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a substrate having a transistor region and a resistor region; forming a shallow trench isolation (STI) on the substrate of the resistor region; forming a tank in the STI of the resistor region; and forming a resistor in the tank and on the surface of the STI adjacent to two sides of the tank.
US08779519B1
A semiconductor device includes an n-type first doped region for receiving an external voltage, an n-type second doped region and a p-type third doped regions all formed in a p-type substrate, and is configured to have a first threshold voltage for forward conduction between the first and second doped regions, and a second threshold voltage for forward conduction between the first and third doped regions. A current is drained by flowing through the first doped region, the substrate and the second doped region if the external voltage is greater than the first threshold voltage or by flowing through the third doped region, the substrate and the first doped region if the external voltage is less than the second threshold voltage.
US08779514B2
The invention relates to a transistor and a method for manufacturing the transistor. The transistor according to an embodiment of the invention may comprise: a substrate which comprises at least a back gate of the transistor, an insulating layer and a semiconductor layer stacked sequentially, wherein the back gate of the transistor is used for adjusting the threshold voltage of the transistor; a gate stack formed on the semiconductor layer, wherein the gate stack comprises a gate dielectric and a gate electrode formed on the gate dielectric; a spacer formed on sidewalls of the gate stack; and a source region and a drain region located on both sides of the gate stack, respectively, wherein the height of the gate stack is lower than the height of the spacer. The transistor enables the height of the gate stack to be reduced and therefore the performance of the transistor is improved.
US08779513B2
A non-planar semiconductor structure includes a substrate, at least two fin-shaped structures, at least an isolation structure, and a plurality of epitaxial layers. The fin-shaped structures are located on the substrate. The isolation structure is located between the fin-shaped structures, and the isolation structure has a nitrogen-containing layer. The epitaxial layers respectively cover a part of the fin-shaped structures and are located on the nitrogen-containing layer. A non-planar semiconductor process is also provided for forming the semiconductor structure.
US08779501B2
Provided is an ultra highly-integrated flash memory cell device. The cell device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first doping semiconductor area formed on the semiconductor substrate, a second doping semiconductor area formed on the first doping semiconductor area, and a tunneling insulating layer, a charge storage node, a control insulating layer, and a control electrode which are sequentially formed on the second doping semiconductor area. The first and second doping semiconductor areas are doped with impurities of the different semiconductor types According to the present invention, it is possible to greatly improve miniaturization characteristics and performance of the cell devices in conventional NOR or NAND flash memories. Unlike conventional transistor type cell devices, the cell device according to the present invention does not have a channel and a source/drain. Therefore, in comparison with the conventional memories, the fabricating process can be simplified, and the problem such as cross-talk or read disturb can be greatly reduced.
US08779499B2
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes sheet-like memory strings arranged in a matrix shape substantially perpendicularly to a substrate. A control gate electrode film includes a common connecting section that extends in a first direction and an electrode forming section that is provided for each of memory cells above or below a floating gate electrode film via an inter-electrode dielectric film to project from the common connecting section in a second direction. The floating gate electrode film extends in the second direction and is formed on a first principal plane of a sheet-like semiconductor film via a tunnel dielectric film.
US08779497B2
An electrical erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) including a floating transistor formed on a semiconductor substrate and a tunneling transistor formed on a semiconductor substrate and configured to erase electrons trapped in the floating transistor. The tunneling transistor has a source junction region and a drain junction region that are integrally joined by lateral diffusion. The EPROM maintains a small cell size without any additional mask process, and is useable as an MTP EEPROM because electrical erasure is enabled. In addition, the adjustment of the width of a gate constituting the tunneling transistor ensures an improved degree of freedom to adjust an erasure voltage can be enhanced.
US08779478B2
A TFT 20 includes a gate electrode 21, a gate insulating film 22, a semiconductor layer 23, a source electrode 24, a drain electrode 25, etc. The semiconductor layer 23 is comprised of a metal oxide semiconductor (IGZO), and has a source portion 23a that contacts the source electrode 24, a drain electrode 23b that contacts the drain electrode 25, and a channel portion 23c that is located between the source and drain portions 23a, 23b. A reduced region 30 is formed at least in the channel portion 23c of the semiconductor layer 23, and the reduced region 30 has a higher content of a simple substance of a metal such as In than the remaining portion of the semiconductor layer 23.
US08779474B2
The electric device (1, 100) has a body (2, 101) with a resistor (7, 250) comprising a phase change material being changeable between a first phase and a second phase. The resistor (7, 250) has an electric resistance which depends on whether the phase change material is in the first phase or the second phase. The resistor (7, 250) is able to conduct a current for enabling a transition from the first phase to the second phase. The phase change material is a fast growth material which may be a composition of formula Sb1−cMc with c satisfying 0.05≦c≦0.61, and M being one or more elements selected from the group of Ge, In, Ag, Ga, Te, Zn and Sn, or a composition of formula SbaTebX100−(a+b) with a, b and 100−(a+b) denoting atomic percentages satisfying 1≦a/b≦8 and 4≦100−(a+b)≦22, and X being one or more elements selected from Ge, In, Ag, Ga and Zn.
US08779463B2
A sapphire substrate having one principal surface on which a nitride semiconductor is grown, said one principal surface having a plurality of projections. Each of the projections has a generally pyramidal shape with a not truncated, more sharpened tip and with an inclined surface composed of a crystal growth-suppression surface that lessens or suppresses the growth of the nitride semiconductor and also which has an inclination change line at which an inclination angle discontinuously varies.
US08779460B2
An embodiment discloses a light source unit including a first terminal, a first semiconductor layer supporting the first terminal, a second semiconductor layer surrounding the first terminal, and a second terminal electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer and not surrounding the first terminal.
US08779457B2
An electrode structure includes at least two first electrodes and at least two second electrodes configured to be electrically connected in parallel to a power supply. Each of the first electrodes includes at least one first pad and at least one first extending wire with one end connected to the first pad, and the at least two first electrodes are spaced apart from each other. Each of the second electrodes includes at least one second pad and at least one second extending wire with one end connected to the second pad, and the at least two second electrodes are spaced apart from each other.
US08779445B2
A light emitting diodes (LEDs) is presented. The LED includes a stress-alleviation layer on a substrate. Open regions and stress-alleviation layer regions are formed on the substrate. Epitaxial layers are disposed on the substrate, at least in the open regions therein, thereby forming an LED structure. The substrate is diced through at least a first portion of the stress-alleviation regions, thereby forming the plurality of LEDs.
US08779444B2
An L.E.D. lamp assembly (20) includes an electrically insulative coating (24) disposed on a thermally conductive substrate (22). A plurality of light emitting diodes (26) are secured to the coating (24) and a circuit (40) is adhesively secured to the coating (24) in predetermined spaced lengths (42) along the coating (24) to establish discrete and electrically conductive spaced lengths (42) with the light emitting diodes (26) disposed between the spaced lengths (42). LED electrical leads (32) are secured to the spaced lengths (42) of the circuit (40) to electrically interconnect the light emitting diodes (26). The circuit (40) includes a foil tape (46) having an electrically conductive tape portion (48) and a coupling portion (50) disposed on the tape portion (48) for securing the foil tape (46) to the insulated substrate (22). Heat generated by the light emitting diodes (26) is transferred through the insulative coating (24) to the electrically and thermally conductive substrate (22) for dissipating the heat.
US08779443B2
A sensor package is provided having a light sensitive component and a light emitting component attached to a same substrate. Light from the light emitting component is emitted from the package through a first opening and reflected back into the package to the light sensitive component through a second opening in the package. A glass attachment is placed between the light emitting component and the light sensitive component. A portion of the glass is removed and filled with an opaque substance to prevent light travelling between the light emitting component and the light sensitive component in the package.
US08779441B2
Disclosed is a semiconductor light emitting element (1) which is provided with: a laminated semiconductor layer which is formed on a substrate, and in which a first semiconductor layer having a first conductivity type, a light emitting layer, and a second semiconductor layer having a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type; a first electrode (first electrode (170)) which is formed on a surface of the first semiconductor layer in the laminated semiconductor layer, and has a first opening (170a) used for electrical connection with an outside; and a second electrode (second electrode (180)) which is formed on a surface of the second semiconductor layer, and has a second opening (180a) used for electrical connection with the outside. The surface of the second semiconductor layer is exposed by cutting off a part of the laminated semiconductor layer. The first opening (170a) has, on the second opening (180a) side of the first opening (170a) in a planar view, an arc portion which is formed to keep approximately equal distance from an outer edge portion of the second opening (180). With such a semiconductor light emitting element, workability and heat dissipation effects in the FC (flip-chip bonding) mounting technology of the semiconductor light emitting element are improved.
US08779429B2
RC delay in gate lines of a wide display is reduced by using a low resistivity conductor in the gate lines and a different conductor for forming corresponding gate electrodes. More specifically, a corresponding display substrate includes a gate line made of a first gate line metal, a data line made of a first data line metal, a pixel transistor and a first connection providing part. The pixel transistor includes a first active pattern formed of polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) and a first gate electrode formed there above and made of a conductive material different from the first gate line metal. The first connection providing part connects the first gate electrode to the gate line. On the other hand, the source electrode is integrally extended from the data line.
US08779426B2
A thin film transistor for increasing the conductivity of a channel region and suppressing the leakage current of a back channel region, and a display device including the thin film transistor, are discussed. According to an embodiment, the thin film transistor includes a gate electrode arranged on a substrate, a source electrode and a drain electrode spaced from each other on the substrate, a gate insulating film to insulate the gate electrode from the source electrode and the drain electrode, and a semiconductor layer insulated from the gate electrode through the gate insulating film, the semiconductor layer including a channel region and a back channel region, the semiconductor layer made of (In2O3)x(Ga2O3)y(ZnO)z(0≦x≦5, 0≦y≦5, 0≦z≦5), wherein X or Z is greater than Y in the channel region of the semiconductor layer, and Y is greater than X and Z in the back channel region of the semiconductor layer.
US08779425B2
A light emitting device, a light emitting device package, and a lighting system are provided. The light emitting device includes a first conductive type semiconductor layer, a second conductive type semiconductor layer, and an active layer between the first and second conductive type semiconductor layers. The active layer includes a first active layer adjacent to the second conductive type semiconductor layer, a second active layer adjacent to the first conductive type semiconductor layer, and a gate quantum barrier between the first and second active layers.
US08779416B2
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display is disclosed. In one aspect, the OLED display includes: i) gate wires positioned on a substrate in a first direction, ii) data wires positioned on the gate wires in a second direction crossing the first direction, iii) a pixel circuit including first thin film transistors respectively connected to the gate wires and the data wires and iii) an OLED connected to the pixel circuit. The first thin film transistor may also include a first active layer interconnecting the data wires and the OLED and including a channel region and source and drain regions doped with an impurity, and a first gate electrode positioned over the first active layer with first and second insulation layers sequentially interposed therebetween, wherein the second insulation layer is positioned on the channel region.
US08779399B2
The present invention provides an electrostatic deflector which deflects a plurality of charged particle beams, the deflector comprising a first electrode member including a plurality of first electrode pairs arranged along a first axis direction in an oblique coordinate system, and a second electrode member including a plurality of second electrode pairs arranged along a second axis direction in the oblique coordinate system, wherein each of the plurality of charged particle beams is deflected by a corresponding first electrode pair of the plurality of first electrode pairs, and a corresponding second electrode pair of the plurality of second electrode pairs.
US08779386B2
The invention relates to an assembly for disinfecting/sterilizing surfaces and lumens of a device with a light source which emits disinfecting/sterilizing light. The assembly comprises a device (9) for transporting fluid having a lumen and a connector part (10), at least one light source (100) configured to emit light having disinfecting/sterilizing effect, and a separate unit (8); where the light source (100) comprises: a housing (1) comprising a light emitting unit (11) emitting light having disinfecting/sterilizing effect and a connector part (5). The separate unit (8) comprises: an optical window (4) being transparent for light emitted from the light emitting unit (11), a first coupling part and a second coupling part, where the first coupling part during use is attached to the connector part (5) of the light source (100), and the second coupling part during use is attached to the connector part (10) of the device, such that the device (9) are in complete extension of the light source (100) with no overlap, and the first coupling part is located at one side of the optical window (4) and the second coupling part is located on the other side of the optical window (4), when disinfection/sterilization of the device takes place.
US08779383B2
Isotopically enriched silicon precursor compositions are disclosed, as useful in ion implantation to enhance performance of the ion implantation system, in relation to corresponding ion implantation lacking such isotopic enrichment of the silicon precursor composition. The silicon dopant composition includes at least one silicon compound that is isotopically enriched above natural abundance in at least one of 28Si, 29Si, and 30Si, and may include a supplemental gas including at least one of a co-species gas and a diluent gas. Dopant gas supply apparatus for providing such silicon dopant compositions to an ion implanter are described, as well as ion implantation systems including such dopant gas supply apparatus.
US08779381B2
An aperture unit for a particle beam device, in particular an electron beam device, is disclosed. Deposit supporting units are arranged at the aperture unit, with which deposit supporting units contaminations can be bound in such a way that the contaminations can no longer deposit at an aperture opening of the aperture unit. Coatings which can be arranged on the aperture unit make it possible to reduce interactions which cause contaminations to deposit at the aperture opening.
US08779379B2
An acquisition method of a charged particle beam deflection shape error includes writing a plurality of figure patterns, each smaller than a deflection region of a plurality of deflection regions, with charged particle beams, at a pitch different from an arrangement pitch of the plurality of deflection regions to be deflected by a deflector that deflects the charged particle beams, synthesizing writing positions of the plurality of figure patterns into one virtual deflection region of the same size as the deflection region, based on a positional relationship between the deflection region including a position where a figure pattern concerned of the plurality of figure patterns has been written and the position where the figure pattern concerned has been written, and calculating, to output, a shape error in the case of writing a pattern in the deflection region, using a synthesized writing position of each of the plurality of figure patterns.
US08779370B2
Described herein is a method for determining the presence or absence of anomalous radioactive materials in a target in a detection zone. In the method, a target gamma ray spectrum is obtained from the target and a target data set is prepared from the target gamma ray spectrum. This data set comprise a plurality of intensity values, each intensity value being associated with an energy bin representing a gamma ray energy or range of gamma ray energies in the target gamma ray spectrum. The target data set is then pre-processed and projected into a principal component space which contains a pre-processed data library projected into the principal component space. A distance is then determined between the projected pre-processed target data set and one or more clusters of the projected pre-processed data library in the principal component space and this distance is compared with a predetermined threshold distance so as to determine if an anomalous radioactive material is present in the target.
US08779358B2
An interface, a scanning electron microscope and a method for observing an object that is positioned in a non-vacuum environment. The method includes: passing at least one electron beam that is generated in a vacuum environment through at least one aperture out of an aperture array and through at least one ultra thin membrane that seals the at least one aperture; wherein the at least one electron beam is directed towards the object; wherein the at least one ultra thin membrane withstands a pressure difference between the vacuum environment and the non-vacuum environment; and detecting particles generated in response to an interaction between the at least one electron beam and the object.
US08779351B2
An ion source includes a cathode emitting primary electrons, a cathode grid downstream of the cathode, a reflector electrode downstream of the cathode grid, a reflector grid radially inward of the reflector electrode, and an extractor electrode downstream of the reflector electrode. The cathode and the cathode grid have a voltage difference such that the electric field accelerates the primary electrons on a trajectory toward the extractor electrode. The reflector grid and the extractor electrode have a voltage difference such that the electric field repels the primary electrons on a trajectory away from the extractor electrode and toward the reflector electrode. The cathode and reflector electrode have a voltage difference such that some primary electrons strike the reflector electrode, creating secondary electrons. The reflector grid has a positive potential such that the electric field attracts the primary and secondary electrons into the ionization region where they interact with ionizable gas.
US08779350B2
The present disclosure relates to borehole logging methods and apparatuses for estimating at least one parameter of interest of a volume of interest of an earth formation using nuclear radiation. The method may include obtaining an energy spectrum; using at least one processor to remove at least one energy spectrum component using a method selected from a spectral decomposition and spectral windows method; and estimating the concentration of at least one radionuclide using the energy spectrum after the removal. The estimation of the at least one radionuclide concentration may include using the other of the method selected form the removal. The apparatus may include at least one processor configured to perform the method.
US08779347B2
The present disclosure relates to a multi-channel detector having a reduced number of output channels and including: a linear amplifier linearly amplifying an input signal; an offset correcting unit configured by a circuit that is independent from the linear amplifier, including an operational amplifier inside, and correcting an offset level that changes in accordance with an amplification rate of the operational amplifier; a uniformity correcting unit reducing a non-uniform characteristic of the input signal by finely adjusting a gain of an output signal of the linear amplifier; a signal delay unit delaying an output signal of the uniformity correcting unit until a time point when output signals are generated from a comparison unit and a signal determining unit, and a switch circuit receives a trigger from the signal determining unit; a comparison unit comparing the output signal of the uniformity correcting unit with a signal of a predetermined level with each other; a signal determining unit receiving a trigger signal from the comparison unit, determining channel position information of a channel in which an event occurs, transmitting a trigger signal to a switch circuit located at the determined channel position, and outputting the determined position information; and a channel information processing unit receiving energy information, time information, or the channel position information of a channel in which an event occurs as input when a trigger signal is input from the signal determining unit to the switch circuit located at the determined channel position.
US08779345B2
Systems and methods are provided for detecting ambient light with reduced sensitivity to infrared sources. An electronic device may include an infrared sensor, an ambient light sensor, a decoder, and a processor. The infrared sensor may detect an intensity of infrared light. The ambient light sensor may be configured to detect incident light and to generate an electronic signal indicative of an intensity of visible light. The decoder may be configured to receive the intensity of infrared light and to generate an intensity of decoded infrared light. The processor, which may be coupled to the decoder and the ambient light sensor, may be configured to substitute an alternate electronic signal for the electronic signal if the intensity of infrared light exceeds a threshold amount.
US08779344B2
An image sensor includes a substrate with a front side and a back side, the substrate having a sensor array region and a peripheral region defined thereon, a plurality of sensor device disposed in the sensor array region, a first metal layer disposed on the front sides within the peripheral region, a bonding pad disposed on the backside within the peripheral region, and at least a connecting element penetrating the substrate and substantially connect to the first metal layer and the bonding pad, wherein parts of the substrate is between the bonding pad and the first metal layer.
US08779341B2
A control unit sets a first control value for causing a charge accumulation unit to execute a first accumulation and obtaining first image data and a second control value for causing the charge accumulation unit to execute a second accumulation and obtaining second image data, depending on whether an operation mode set by a setting unit executes image recognition processing based on image data obtained through accumulation by the charge accumulation unit. If the operation mode set by the setting unit does not execute the image recognition processing, the control unit sets the first and second control values to be different from each other, even if an object field has a constant luminance.
US08779339B2
A microwave heating apparatus (101) includes a burning chamber (103) in which an object (102) to be burned is placed, a magnetron (116) for applying microwaves into the heating apparatus, a cooling gas introducing mechanism (112b) for introducing a cooling gas from outside the heating apparatus into the heating apparatus, a cooling gas channel (113b) through which the cooling gas flows to the burning chamber (103), heat-generating members (114a to 114e) for self-heating with microwaves applied thereto to heat the cooling gas flowing through the cooling gas channel (113b) and a control section (117) for, when the burning chamber (103) having the object (102) to be burned placed therein is cooled, causing the cooling gas introducing mechanism (112b) to introduce the cooling gas into the heating apparatus, and causing the magnetron (116) to intermittently apply microwaves into the heating apparatus.
US08779337B2
A thermal type flow sensor measures a flow rate of a fluid by means of a heat resistive element having a temperature dependency. The sensor is comprised of: plural heat resistive elements used for a flow rate measurement; and a driver circuit for controlling a current applied to these heat resistive elements to cause their heating. The driver circuit is configured to sense a resistance change of a lower-temperature side heat resistive element among the plural heat resistive elements and to control the current to be applied to the plural heat resistive elements in accordance with a sensed value of the lower-resistance's variation.
US08779335B2
An image heating apparatus includes first rotatable member and second rotatable member; a heater provided in the second rotatable member; a moving mechanism for integrally moving the second rotatable member and the heater between a contact position in which the second rotatable member is contacted to the first rotatable member and a separation position in which the second rotatable member is separated from the first rotatable member; and an electrical connecting piece for electrically connecting an electric energy supplying portion of the heater and an electric wire under pressure application. A direction of the electrical connecting piece is set so that a smaller angle formed between a longitudinal direction of the electrical connecting piece in cross section of the electric wire and a movement direction of the electrical connecting piece during an operation by the moving mechanism is 45 degrees or less.
US08779332B2
There is provided a method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure forming die, the method includes: an introduction hole forming step for forming, in plate-shaped die substrate having one side end face and the other side end face, a plurality of introduction holes for introducing kneaded clay on the other side end face to function as a kneaded clay introduction face, and a slit forming step for forming slits communicating with the introduction holes in order to form the partition walls of the honeycomb structure by extruding the kneaded clay by performing a comb-like electro-discharge machining by a comb-like electrode 21 where a plurality of plate-shaped protrusion electrodes 23 corresponding with width of the slits are disposed on the one side end face to function as a kneaded clay formation face of the die substrate.
US08779326B2
A device for accurately positioning laser scribed lines in a thin top layer of material with respect to lines already scribed in lower layers for the purpose of making solar panels. An alignment detector system is attached to and displaced from an optics unit that generates laser beams by a distance such that the detector measures the position of scribed lines in the lower layers in the area of the panel that will be scribed at a subsequent time. A motion and control system moves the panel such that the detector follows the path of one or more of the lines scribed in one of the lower layers and measures the position of the lines. The system accepts data from the alignment detector and uses the data to correct the relative position of the optics unit.
US08779325B2
A laser beam processing machine includes a laser beam application device and a controller. The controller controls deflecting of the optical axis of a pulse laser beam from the laser beam application device in the processing-feed direction according to a plurality of processing position coordinates, and according to the frequency of the beam, to ensure that there is a predetermined time interval between pulses applied to the same processing position coordinates. One pulse is applied at a time to each of the plurality of processing position coordinates.
US08779322B2
A method and apparatus for processing metal bearing gases involves generating a toroidal plasma in a plasma chamber. A metal bearing gas is introduced into the plasma chamber to react with the toroidal plasma. The interaction between the toroidal plasma and the metal bearing gas produces at least one of a metallic material, a metal oxide material or a metal nitride material.
US08779320B2
Exemplary embodiments provide a resistance welding method capable of stabilizing quality or improving efficiency of resistance welding such as spot welding. This resistance welding method comprises a calculating step of calculating resistance ratio X of a second electric resistance value R2 of workpieces to be joined in residual heat after Joule heating stops to a first electric resistance value R1 of the workpieces immediately before the Joule heating stops or vice versa (R2/R1 or R1/R2); a determining step of determining whether the resistance ratio X is equal to or greater than a threshold value Xn, and a reheating step of carrying out the Joule heating again when the resistance ratio X is smaller than the threshold value Xn. Thereby at least part of a welding portion is melted and solidified to reliably form a nugget, and a stably resistance-welded member can be provided.
US08779318B2
A switching device for electric power distribution, electrically connectable to an electrical conductor, the switching device including a breaker electrically connectable to the electrical conductor, and an electrically conductive housing to which the breaker is mounted, the switching device providing a current path between the breaker and the electrical conductor, and the housing houses a guiding member for operating the breaker, the guiding member being movable in relation to the housing, the housing having an outer surface, wherein the housing has a smooth outer shape to distribute the electric field generated by the voltage of the current through the switching device. A switchgear including such a switching device.
US08779310B2
A switching device includes a switching element movable from a first position into a second position, a drive unit producing a rotary movement, and a flexible shaft transmitting the rotary movement to the switching element. The shaft has rotatable input and output sections on input- and output-drive sides, respectively. During movement of the shaft, a first rotary angle is producible at the output section, which first rotary angle is less than a second rotary angle at the input section at the same time, such that a first rotary angle shift is produced. The input section is connected to a switching position detection element having a control means with a first region which corresponds to the first position of the switching element and is coupled to the detection element. An identical indication of the detection element can be achieved in case of different rotary angle shifts in the same electrical switching state.
US08779308B2
A key switch device including a key top; a pair of link members connected to the key top and interlocked with each other to guide a vertical motion of the key top; a switch mechanism including a membrane sheet switch capable of opening and closing a contact section of an electrical circuit in accordance with the vertical motion of the key top; a flexible thin film sheet attached to the membrane sheet switch; and a housing attached to the thin film sheet, the housing adapted to connect the link members to the thin film sheet.
US08779307B2
Apparatus including: a body portion having a surface comprising a first surface electrode and a second surface electrode, spaced from the first surface electrode, and a controller configured to apply a time varying potential difference between the first surface electrode and the second surface electrode and configured to control at least the time variation in the potential difference.
US08779304B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for fixing a cable to a cable outlet stub (30), comprising a clamping sleeve (2), a spring element (10) and a locking ring (20), wherein the spring element (10) comprises at least one locking hook (15) which can be inserted into a peripheral groove (31) in the cable outlet stub (30) as a result of a movement of the locking ring (20) relative to the clamping sleeve (2), and wherein the locking hooks (15) of the spring element (10), as the locking ring (20) rotates into an end position of a first direction (locking direction), are fully inserted into the peripheral groove in the cable outlet stub (30), so that the clamping sleeve (2) is captively held on the cable outlet stub (30).
US08779302B2
A system for fitting and electrically connecting lighting elements, including at least one junction box accommodated in a wall (11), the junction box having a housing (12) provided with an open front side parallel to the wall and with a power supply (15) therein, and a lath cover (2) with a pattern of holes (3) which is coupled to the front side of the housing in order to conceal the junction box in the wall, with a cover plate (1) being provided between the housing (12) and the lath cover (2).
US08779284B2
The disclosure herein provides for an electrical device housing that includes a protrusion, or bump, for securing a electrical ground wire to the housing. The housing may include a plurality of walls defining an interior space for housing the electrical device, including at least one side wall and a back wall orthogonal to the at least one side wall. The back wall may include an opening configured to allow access to the interior space of the housing. A protrusion may extend forward from the back wall into the interior space of the housing, and may include a mounting surface offset from the back wall in a direction toward the interior space of the housing, and a hole formed in the mounting surface for receiving a fastener to secure a ground wire to the housing.
US08779282B2
Disclosed are a solar cell apparatus and a method for manufacturing the same. The solar cell apparatus includes a substrate; a back electrode layer on the substrate; a light absorbing layer on the back electrode layer; and a front electrode layer on the light absorbing layer, wherein an outer peripheral side of the back electrode layer is aligned on a plane different from a plane of an outer peripheral side of the light absorbing layer.
US08779281B2
A solar cell includes a semi-conductive substrate, a doping layer, an anti-reflection layer, an electrode, a passivation stacked layer and a contact layer. The semi-conductive substrate has a front and a back surface. The doping layer is disposed on the front surface. The anti-reflection layer is disposed on the doping layer. The electrode is disposed on the anti-reflection layer and electrically connected to the doping layer. The passivation stacked layer is disposed on the back surface and has a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer and a middle dielectric layer sandwiched between the first and the second dielectric layer. The dielectric constant of the middle dielectric layer is substantially lower than the dielectric constant of the first dielectric layer and the dielectric constant of the second dielectric layer. The contact layer covers the passivation stacked layer and electrically contacts with the back surface of the semi-conductive substrate.
US08779277B2
A method of transferring electrons with a light energy conversion material is described. The material includes a silica porous material having silicon atoms chemically bonded with an organic group that is an electron donor in a skeleton thereof, and an electron acceptor disposed in at least one portion among a pore, the skeleton and the outer circumference of the porous material. The method includes absorbing light energy by the organic group and transferring electrons excited by the light energy to the electron acceptor.
US08779276B2
The present invention relates to a thermoelectric device, in particular an all-organic thermoelectric device, and to an array of such thermoelectric devices. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric device, in particular an all-organic thermoelectric device. Moreover, the present invention relates to uses of the thermoelectric device and/or the array in accordance with the present invention.
US08779274B2
An electronic signal processor for processing signals includes a complex first filter, one or more gain stages and a second filter. The first filter is characterized by a frequency response curve that includes multiple corner frequencies, with some corner frequencies being user selectable. The first filter also has at least two user-preset gain levels which may be alternately selected by a switch. Lower frequency signals are processed by the first filter with at least 12 db/octave slope, and preferably with 18 db/octave slope to minimize intermodulation distortion products by subsequent amplification in the gain stages. A second filter provides further filtering and amplitude control. The signal processor is particularly suited for processing audio frequency signals.
US08779271B2
There is provided a tonal component detection method including performing a time-frequency transformation on an input time signal to obtain a time-frequency distribution, detecting a peak in a frequency direction at a time frame of the time-frequency distribution, fitting a tone model in a neighboring region of the detected peak, and obtaining a score indicating tonal component likeness of the detected peak based on a result obtained by the fitting.
US08779263B2
A percussive shaker instrument with improved control in producing rhythmic sound and capable of producing different percussive sounds in a single shaker is disclosed. The shaker comprises one or more channels filled with a striker material. The channel isolates the striker material from the striker material in other channels and from any other part of the shaker. The striker material is freely movable within the channel such that it may collide with a striking surface when the shaker is moved.
US08779259B1
A reduced-friction pad is positioned between a tremolo and a guitar body. The pad substantially prevents direct contact between the tremolo and the guitar body, and reduces friction produced when the tremolo is pivoted or moved. The result is a tremolo which more reliably returns to its original position. The guitar also includes a roller block for accommodating a guitar string. The block includes a chamber which houses at least one low-friction shim, and a low-friction roller, the shim and roller being held within the chamber by a snap spring. The roller block can be implemented at either or both ends of the guitar, and can also be installed on a tremolo. The roller block reduces friction on the string, and enables the guitar to be more reliably tuned.
US08779257B2
A stringed instrument has a body, a neck connected to the body, strings extending from the body to a distal end of the neck, frets on the neck under the strings, and at least one spike between two of the frets and under at least one of the strings. The strings are arranged so that the thickest string and the thinnest string are adjacent to each other.
US08779255B1
A wheat variety designated W020556F1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W020556F1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W020556F1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W020556F1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W020556F1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W020556F1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US08779252B1
A novel maize variety designated X18B753 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X18B753 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18B753 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X18B753, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18B753. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18B753.
US08779251B2
The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 09R532B2R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 09R532B2R2. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the cotton variety 09R532B2R2 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 09R532B2R2 with itself or another cotton variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08779250B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1035378. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1035378. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1035378 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1035378 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08779248B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1026561. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1026561. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1026561 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1026561 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08779246B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated S100303. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety S100303. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety S100303 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety S100303 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08779239B2
Compositions and methods for modulating flower organ development, leaf formation, phototropism, apical dominance, fruit development, initiation of roots and for increasing yield in a plant are provided. The compositions include an AP2 transcription factor sequence. Compositions of the invention comprise amino acid sequences and nucleotide sequences selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1-11 as well as variants and fragments thereof. Nucleotide sequences encoding the AP2 transcription factors are provided in DNA constructs for expression in a plant of interest are provided for modulating the level of an AP2 transcription factor sequence in a plant or a plant part are provided. The methods comprise introducing into a plant or plant part a heterologous polynucleotide comprising an AP2 transcription factor sequence of the invention. The level of the AP2 transcription factor polypeptide can be increased or decreased. Such method can be used to increase the yield in plants; in one embodiment, the method is used to increase grain yield in cereals.
US08779234B2
The present invention relates to plants of the Allium cepa species, which are resistant to the downy mildew of onion caused by the fungus Peronospora destructor, due to a Pd resistance locus, wherein any fragment of a chromosome, comprising the Pd resistance locus, can be present homozygously in progeny without causing lethality. The present invention also encompasses plants of the Allium cepa species which are resistant to downy mildew of onion caused by the fungus Peronospora destructor (Pd) due to Pd resistance locus present homozygously in the genome of the plants. The present invention also provides processes for obtaining plants resistant to downy mildew of onion, which are suitable for obtaining cultivated onions and shallots.
US08779233B1
The present invention relates to a method for determining an ear productivity trait in maize, which involves analyzing genomic DNA from a maize plant, germplasm, pollen, or seed for the presence of a molecular marker linked to a QTL associated with an ear productivity trait in maize. Also disclosed are methods of selecting a maize plant with a desired ear productivity trait; reliably and predictably introgressing an improved ear productivity trait into a maize line; and producing a maize line having a desired ear productivity trait. A kit for selecting a maize plant by marker assisted selection of a QTL associated with a desired ear productivity trait; an isolated nucleic acid comprising a QTL associated with an ear productivity trait in maize; and a transgenic plant comprising a recombinant nucleic acid genetically linked to a locus in maize, are also disclosed.
US08779232B2
The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding. More specifically, the present invention includes a method of using haploid plants for genetic mapping of traits of interest such as disease resistance. Further, the invention includes a method for breeding corn plants containing quantitative trait loci (QTL) that are associated with resistance to Gray Leaf Spot, a fungal disease associated with Cercospora spp.
US08779229B2
An apparatus for stimulating healing of a wound, includes a porous pad adapted to contact a surface of the wound on an affected part of a body. An envelope for receiving the porous pad and the affected part of the body is provided, and the envelope includes a re-sealable opening that permits the wound to be inspected. A connector is fluidly connected to an interior of the envelope and to a source of negative pressure.
US08779227B2
The method of making diethylbenzene selectively produces diethylbenzene by reacting ethylbenzene and ethanol over a zeolite catalyst, such as ZSM-5. The zeolite catalyst is first heated in argon gas within a reaction chamber. The zeolite catalyst is then selectively coked with a precursor mixture of ethylbenzene and ethanol. Argon gas is then flowed over the coked zeolite catalyst, and a reaction mixture of ethylbenzene and ethanol is injected into the reaction chamber to produce diethylbenzene, which is then removed from within the reaction chamber.
US08779222B2
A production method of 1,1,3-trichloro-1-propene comprising the following steps A and B; Step A: 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane is dehydrochlorinated at a temperature between 30° C. and 50° C. in the presence of at least one base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and a phase transfer catalyst, Step B: 3,3,3-trichloro-1-propene obtained in the step A is isomerized into 1,1,3-trichloro-1-propene in the presence of a metal catalyst.
US08779212B2
The use of a supported noble metal catalyst obtainable by applying a sparingly soluble noble metal compound to a support from solution or suspension, and subsequently treating thermally, for preparing olefinically unsaturated carbonyl compounds.
US08779210B2
Processes for the treatment of an aqueous mixture comprising a dipolar aprotic compound, comprise: a) an adsorption step, in which the aqueous mixture is brought into contact with a porous adsorbent, whereby the porous adsorbent is chosen such that the dipolar aprotic compound adsorbs to it more readily than water; b) a desorption step, in which the porous adsorbent is brought into contact with a desorbing agent, whereby a recovery solution is formed comprising the desorbing agent and the dipolar aprotic compound.
US08779207B2
The present subject matter relates to methods for the synthesis of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and fullerene derivatives in a yield of at least 40%.
US08779201B2
There is provided a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, X and Y are as described in the description. Such compounds may, for example, be useful intermediates in the synthesis of drugs such as Dronedarone.
US08779200B2
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of some novel 2-aryl and 2,2-diaryl aldehydes and analogues which are privileged intermediates for commercially important nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including naproxen, flurbiprofen and potent anticancer drug candidates, including phenstatin through a unique single step synthetic methodology utilizing easily available substrates in the form of aryl alkenes as well as environmentally benign aqueous reaction conditions in the form of solvents such as mixtures of water and DMSO or Dioxane and reagents N-bromosuccinimide, N-iodosuccinimide, N-cholorosuccinimide and phase transfer catalyst such as cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, N-hexyl ammonium chloride for a reaction time varying from 1 min-30 min, depending upon microwave or conventional heating, without using expensive transition metal catalysts or lewis acids/bases with yield varying from 35-55%, depending upon the solvent and substrate used. The developed method provides a clean and convenient alternative to access a diverse range of medicinally important 2-aryl and 2,2-diaryl aldehyde based scaffolds in lieu of the conventional multistep protocols employing expensive and hazardous transition metal catalysts and lewis acids/bases.
US08779198B2
The present invention provides a novel process for opening a lactone and/or a lactam ring. More particularly, the present invention provides a process that employs a novel catalyst in the opening of a lactone ring and/or a lactam ring. Additionally, the present invention also provides a novel deprotection process of any protecting group present in either the lactone ring-containing and/or lactam ring-containing compound and/or in the ring-opened product thereof.
US08779193B2
On producing a purified borazine compound, a borazine compound is filtrated under an atmospheric condition of a water content of not higher than 2000 volume ppm. Or, on filling a borazine compound into a container, the above described borazine compound is filled into the above described container under an atmospheric condition of a water content of not higher than 2000 volume ppm. Or, as a container for preservation for preserving a borazine compound, a container for preserving a borazine compound, which has withstanding pressure of not lower than 0.1 MPa, is used.
US08779190B2
According to the present invention, a new process for producing a sulfur-containing amino acid without using of hydrogen cyanide or sodium azide which requires careful handling as a raw material can be provided. The present invention relates to a process for producing a sulfur-containing amino acid represented by the following formula (1) or a salt thereof: wherein R1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms and optionally having substituents or a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms and optionally having substituents, and n is an integral number of from 1 to 4, comprising a step of reacting a sulfur-containing 2-ketocarboxylic acid represented by the formula (2) or a salt thereof: wherein R1 and n mean the same as defined above, with ammonia and hydrogen in the presence of a transition metal catalyst.
US08779186B2
New fluorinated ethers of aromatic acids and diesters are disclosed. These compositions can be applied to, e.g., fibers, yarns, carpets, garments, films, molded parts, paper and cardboard, stone, and tile to impart soil, water and oil resistance. By incorporating the fluorinated ethers of aromatic acids, or diesters thereof, into polymer backbones, more lasting soil, water and oil resistance, as well as improved flame retardance, can be achieved.
US08779184B2
The present invention provides a method for efficiently producing a sulfonic acid group-containing ether compound having a high purity and a good polymerizability while preventing production of a byproduct, and provides a sulfonic acid group-containing ether compound containing fewer impurities and having a good radical (co)polymerizability.The present invention provides a method of producing a sulfonic acid group-containing ether compound by reacting a sulfurous acid compound with a compound represented by the formula (1): wherein R1 represents a single bond, a CH2 group, or a CH2CH2 group, and R2 represents H, or a CH3 group, the method comprising the steps of: adjusting pH of a reaction system to 5.5 or greater with use of an alkaline substance; and adding the compound represented by the formula (1) to a reaction vessel containing the sulfurous acid compound.
US08779179B2
The present disclosure provides a method of preparing silylethynyl compounds in which two of the hydrocarbyl groups bonded to the silicon exclusive of the ethynyl group, are the same and one is different, that may be used in preparing novel silylethynyl functionalized acene semiconductor chromophores.
US08779158B2
The present invention relates to 1-alkyl-3-aniline-5-aryl-pyrazole derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy, according to Formula (I).The invention particularly relates to positive allosteric modulators of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, such positive allosteric modulator having the capability to increase the efficacy of nicotinic receptor agonists.
US08779152B2
A method for preparing a ruthenium carbene complex precursor includes reacting a ruthenium refinery salt with a hydrogen halide to form a ruthenium intermediate, and reacting the ruthenium intermediate with an L-type ligand to form the ruthenium carbene complex precursor. A method for preparing a ruthenium vinylcarbene complex includes converting a ruthenium carbene complex precursor into a ruthenium hydrido halide complex, and reacting the ruthenium hydrido halide complex with a propargyl halide to form the ruthenium vinylcarbene complex. A method for preparing a ruthenium carbene complex includes converting a ruthenium carbene complex precursor into a ruthenium carbene complex having a structure (PR1R2R3)2Cl2Ru═CH—R4, wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are alike or different, and wherein covalent bonds may optionally exist between two or more of R1, R2, and R3.
US08779151B2
The present invention concerns compounds and their use to treat cell proliferative diseases such as cancer. Compounds of the present invention display significant potency as inhibitors of Jak2/STAT3 pathways and downstream targets and inhibit the growth and survival of cancerous cell lines.
US08779131B2
Compounds that inhibit PI3Kδ activity, including compounds that selectively inhibit PI3Kδ activity, are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase delta isoform (PI3Kδ) activity, and methods of treating diseases, such as disorders of immunity and inflammation in which PI3Kδ plays a role in leukocyte function, using the compounds also are disclosed. An exemplary compound disclosed in this application is shown below.
US08779128B2
Oligonucleotide analogues comprising modified intersubunit linkages and/or modified 3′ and/or 5′-end groups are provided. The disclosed compounds are useful for the treatment of diseases where inhibition of protein expression or correction of aberrant mRNA splice products produces beneficial therapeutic effects.
US08779123B2
Process for the synthesis of the compound of formula (I): Application in the synthesis of ivabradine, addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid and hydrates thereof.
US08779120B2
The present invention relates to novel macrocyclic derivatives of glycolurils of general formula I, and methods of their preparation. These novel derivatives can be used for the selective removing of various compounds from solutions in polar and nonpolar solvents, and from water, e.g. for water purification and desalination, also for separation of liquid mixtures and mixtures of gases and organic solvent vapors, preparation of ion-exchange materials and materials which are used as stationary phase in chromatography, construction of sensors, transport and targeting of drugs in organisms, and also preparation of materials bearing aromatic or curative compounds.
US08779116B2
The present invention is directed to small interfering RNA molecules (siRNA) targeted against an allele of interest, and methods of using these siRNA molecules.
US08779114B2
Provided are an siRNA-polymer conjugate, and a method for preparing the same, and more specifically, to a hybrid conjugate formed by covalently bonding siRNA and a polymeric compound for improving the in vivo stability of siRNA, and to a preparation method of the hybrid conjugate. The conjugate of the present invention can improve the in vivo stability of siRNA, thereby achieving an efficient delivery of therapeutic siRNA into cells and exhibiting the activity of siRNA even with a small dose of a relative low concentration. Therefore, the conjugate can advantageously be used as not only an siRNA treatment tool for cancers and other infectious disease, but also a novel type siRNA delivery system.
US08779111B2
A novel gene 024P4C12 (also designated 24P4C12) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 24P4C12 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 24P4C12 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 24P4C12 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 24P4C12 can be used in active or passive immunization.
US08779107B2
The present disclosure relates to a composition for targeting dendritic cells. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a composition comprising: a) one or more antigens; b) an anti-DC-SIGN immunoglobulin single variable domain; and c) a carrier which carries a) and b). The disclosure further relates to formulations, compositions and devices comprising such anti-DC-SIGN molecules and their use as a medicament and in the treatment of cancer, suitably melanoma.
US08779104B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the treatment or prevention of Chlamydia infections and cancer. The methods and compositions inhibit the entry of Chlamydia into a host cell expressing EMP2 by interfering with the interaction between the Chlamydia and EMP2. The methods and compositions target cancers which express or overexpress EMP2 nucleic acids and polypeptides by targeting EMP2.
US08779099B2
Methods and compositions for using the MHC class II invariant chain polypeptide, Ii (also known as CD74), as a receptor for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), are disclosed. These include methods and compositions for using this receptor, as well as agonists and antagonists of MIF which bind to this receptor, or which otherwise modulate the interaction of MIF with CD74 or the consequences of such interaction, in treatment of conditions characterized by locally or systemically altered MIF levels, particularly inflammatory conditions and cancer.
US08779096B2
The invention relates to novel neurogenin proteins, nucleic acids and antibodies.
US08779091B2
A selective targeting method is disclosed comprising contacting a library of ligands, particularly a peptide library, with an anti-target to allow the ligands to bind to the anti-target; separating the non-binding ligands from the anti-target bound ligands, contacting the non-binding anti-target ligands with a target allowing the unbound ligands to bind with the target to form a target-bound ligand complex; separating the target-bound ligand complex from ligands which do not bind to the target, and identifying the target-bound ligands on the target-bound ligand complex wherein the target-bound ligands have a KD in the range of about 10−7 to 10−10 M. Additionally claimed are the ligands identified according to the method.
US08779089B2
Compositions and methods for tissue repair are provided including cell binding peptides and growth factor binding peptides. The cell binding peptides bind to one or more of stem cells, fibroblasts, or endothelial cells. The growth factor binding peptides include platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) binding peptides and growth differentiation factor (GDF) binding peptides. The tissue for repair includes tendon, muscle, connective tissue, ligament, cardiac tissue, vascular tissue, or dermis. Implantable devices for tissue repair are provided to which the cell and growth factor binding peptides are attached, such as acellular extracellular matrix having attached binding peptide.
US08779083B2
Disclosed are polylactide resin that may exhibit and maintain excellent mechanical properties, exhibit excellent heat resistance, and thus can be used for a semi-permanent use, a method for preparing the same, and a polylactide resin composition comprising the same.The polylactide resin has a low hydrolysis rate constant of 0.1 day−1 or less and a weight average molecular weight of 100,000˜1,000,000, under specific conditions.
US08779073B2
A method for preparing a modified thermoplastic resin by mixing a thermoplastic resin having a tg of 95° C. or greater and having a melt processing temperature of 250° C. or greater with a silicone base comprised of 100 parts by weight of a diorganopolysiloxane gum and having an average of at least 2 alkenyl groups per molecule in conjunction with 0 to 50 parts by weight of a reinforcing filler along with a radical initiator. The silicone base and this combination are dynamically vulcanized to cure the silicone base at an elevated temperature.
US08779072B2
The present invention provides a heat-curable silicone rubber composition having antistatic properties, even after secondary vulcanization at high temperatures. Specifically disclosed is a heat-curable silicone rubber composition which is obtained by adding 0.05 to 1000 ppm of (B) a poorly water-soluble or water-insoluble ionic substance whose anionic component is bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, to 100 parts by weight of (A) a heat-curable silicone rubber.
US08779064B2
Provided is a polypropylene resin composition having excellent impact resistance, impact strength at low temperature and transparence comprising ethylene-alpha olefin copolymer (c) to a polypropylene resin composition in which the ratio of viscosity is regulated by adjusting molecular weight of propylene-alpha olefin random copolymer (a) and propylene-alpha olefin elastic copolymer (b), thereby regulating impact resistance and flexural modulus of the polypropylene resin composition and improving transparence; therefore, applying as various products including cold-storage containers for freezer and refrigerator, food packaging container, extrusion blow molding material, film, sheet and bottle cap, etc.
US08779059B2
An optical semiconductor sealing resin composition includes a rubber-particle-dispersed epoxy resin (A) containing an alicyclic epoxy resin and, dispersed therein, rubber particles, in which the rubber particles comprise a polymer including one or more (meth)acrylic esters as essential monomeric components and have a hydroxyl group and/or a carboxyl group in a surface layer thereof as a functional group capable of reacting with the alicyclic epoxy resin, the rubber particles have an average particle diameter of 10 nm to 500 nm and a maximum particle diameter of 50 nm to 1000 nm, and the difference in refractive index between the rubber particles and a cured article obtained from the optical semiconductor sealing resin composition is within ±0.02. The optical semiconductor sealing resin composition can give a cured article which exhibits excellent cracking resistance while maintaining satisfactory thermal stability and high transparency.
US08779056B2
Provided is an aqueous polyurethane resin dispersion having a good film-forming property, and excellent mechanical properties and water resistance. The present invention is an aqueous polyurethane resin dispersion comprising water and a polyurethane resin (U) and satisfying all of the following conditions (1) to (6): (1) a urethane group content in the polyurethane resin (U) is 0.5 to 5.0 mmol/g, based on weight of the polyurethane resin (U); (2) a terminal amino group content in the polyurethane resin (U) is not more than 0.35 mmol/g, based on the weight of the polyurethane resin (U); (3) a number average molecular weight (Mn) of the polyurethane resin (U) is 10,000 to 1,000,000; (4) a ratio (Mw/Mn) of a weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the polyurethane resin (U) is 1.5 to 3.5; (5) a melting temperature of the polyurethane resin (U) is 70 to 280° C.; and (6) a volume average particle diameter (Dv) of the polyurethane resin (U) is 0.01 to 1 μm.
US08779054B2
Aqueous emulsions curable to elastomeric solids are preparable without the use of an organic emulsifier, and may be prepared to the exclusion of organic solvents.
US08779052B2
This invention provides an effect pigment-containing, water-borne base coating composition comprising water-dispersible acrylic polymer particles (A) and effect pigment (B), the water-dispersible acrylic polymer particles (A) being obtained by emulsion polymerization of a radical-polymerizable unsaturated monomeric mixture including an amido-containing, radical-polymerizable unsaturated monomer having at least two radical-polymerizable unsaturated groups per molecule, and the effect pigment (B) being contained at a pigment weight concentration (PWC) within a range of 15-50%.
US08779050B2
The present invention relates to non-aging, impact-modified polycarbonate compositions and molding compositions comprising: A) from 60 to 86 parts by weight (based on the sum of components A+B+C) of aromatic polycarbonate and/or aromatic polyester carbonate, B) from 4 to 12 parts by weight (based on the sum of components A+B+C) of graft polymer comprising: B.1 from 10 to 50 wt. % (based on the graft polymer B) of a shell of at least one vinyl monomer, and B.2 from 90 to 50 wt. % (based on the graft polymer B) of a graft base of silicone-acrylate composite rubber, C) from 10 to 30 parts by weight (based on the sum of components A+B+C) of a polymer or copolymer based on vinyl monomer, and D) from 0 to 20 parts by weight of polymer additives.
US08779048B2
The invention first relates to a feedstock for PIM, including a metal or ceramic powder; a polymeric binder; metallic or ceramic fibers or nanofibers, the fibers or nanofibers being metallic when the powder is metallic, and the fibers or nanofibers being ceramic when the powder is ceramic. It also relates to the method for producing such a feedstock, as well as the method for producing parts by means of powder injection molding (PIM) using said feedstock.
US08779042B2
A polylactic acid based resin composition includes a polylactic acid based resin (A), a flame retardant (B) and a carbodiimide compound (C), the flame retardant (B) including at least a phosphorus compound (b1) having a phosphaphenanthrene skeleton and a hydroxy group, and the carbodiimide compound (C) including at least an aliphatic carbodiimide.
US08779040B2
The present invention is directed to a composition comprising: (a) a polyethylene terephthalate; (b) a copolycarbonate of 2-phenyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalimidine (PPPBP) and another bisphenol; (c) a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer; and (d) a non-halogenated flame retardant. The invention is also directed to processes for making such compositions as well as articles derived therefrom.
US08779037B2
A polycarbonate resin composition is provided. The composition comprises (A) 50 to 90% by weight of a polycarbonate resin, (B) 5 to 30% by weight of a polymethyl methacrylate resin, (C) 5 to 20% by weight of a phosphate compound, (D) 0.01 to 2% by weight of a metal sulfonate as an organic salt, and (E) 0.05 to 2% by weight of a fluorinated olefin. The composition is highly flame retardant and scratch resistant.
US08779036B2
The present invention relates to epoxy resin formulations comprising a specific catalyst mixture for enhancing the reactivity thereof.
US08779024B2
Disclosed herein are acid-neutralizing polymerizable and/or non-polymerizable resins, methods of making such resins, and dental compositions having such resins.
US08779020B2
A polishing pad generates very few scratches on a surface of a polishing object, and is excellent in planarization property. The polishing pad has a high polishing rate and is excellent in planarization property. The polishing pad grooves become very little clogged with abrasive grains or polishing swarf during polishing and, even when continuously used for a long period of time, the polishing rate is scarcely reduced.
US08779008B2
The present invention relates to the field of polymer chemistry and more particularly to multiblock copolymers and micelles comprising the same.
US08779002B2
In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel compounds that have a variety of properties, i.e., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Invention compounds, therefore, have the ability to impart a variety of beneficial physiological effects, e.g., to protect neurons and/or to promote neuroregeneration and/or to promote memory formation and/or to act as protein phosphatase or kinase inhibitors and/or to act as lipoxygenase inhibitors. Such compounds are useful for treatment of a variety of indications, including neurodegenerative diseases and conditions, diabetes, ischemia associated with heart disease, and memory deficit. In another aspect of the present invention, there are also provided formulations containing one or more of the above-described compounds, optionally further containing additional neurologically active compound(s) and/or adjuvants to facilitate delivery thereof across the blood/brain barrier. In still another aspect of the present invention, there are further provided methods for treating a wide variety of neurological indications, e.g., acute neural injuries, chronic injuries, promoting memory formation, and the like.
US08778998B2
The present invention relates to new biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid modulators of beta-3-adrenoceptor activity, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof, wherein R1-R23 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and deuterium; and at least one of R1-R23 is deuterium.
US08778995B2
Use of hydroxyoleic acid and its analogous compounds in the manufacture of drugs. Describes the use of hydroxyoleic acid and its analogs of general formula I: COOH—CHR—(CH2)m—CH═CH—(CH2)n—CH3, in which m and n have, independently, a value of 0-15 and R can be any residue with molecular weight below 200 Da, in the manufacture of drugs that can be used in the treatment of cancer, hypertension, obesity or diseases mediated by alteration of the membrane structure and the consequent regulation of G-proteins or of the receptors coupled to them.
US08778985B2
Small molecules are used to inhibit specific receptor-ligand interaction between Alzheimer's amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and Receptor for Advanced Gly-cation Endproducts (RAGE). Objectives include treating Alzheimer's disease and other pathologies involving cerebral amyloid angiopathy; improving blood flow to or within the brain; decreasing the level of Aβ in the brain; reducing neuropathology associated with Alzheimer's disease; reducing inflammation and/or oxidant stress in the brain; improving memory and/or learning; treating other conditions involving Aβ/RAGE interaction at the blood-brain barrier, RAGE-mediated transport of Aβ into the brain, or RAGE activation in brain vasculature and/or brain parenchyma (e.g., diabetic complications); or any combination thereof.
US08778980B2
Disclosed are compounds of the formula I or a stereoisomer, tautomer, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein W is a bond, —C(═S)—, —S(O)—, —S(O)2—, —C(═O)—, —O—, —C(R6)(R7)—, —N(R5)— or —C(═N(R5))—; X is —O—, —N(R5)— or —C(R6)(R7)—; provided that when X is —O—, U is not —O—, —S(O)—, —S(O)2—, —C(═O)— or —C(═NR5)—; U is a bond, —S(O)—, —S(O)2—, —C(O)—, —O—, —P(O)(OR15)—, —C(═NR5)—, —(C(R6)(R7))b— or —N(R5)—; wherein b is 1 or 2; provided that when W is —S(O)—, —S(O)2—, —O—, or —N(R5)—, U is not —S(O)—, —S(O)2—, —O—, or —N(R5)—; provided that when X is —N(R5)— and W is —S(O)—, —S(O)2—, —O—, or —N(R5)—, then U is not a bond; and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 are as defined in the specification; and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula I. Also disclosed is the method of inhibiting aspartyl protease, and in particular, the methods of treating cardiovascular diseases, cognitive and neurodegenerative diseases, and the methods of inhibiting of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, plasmepins, cathepsin D and protozoal enzymes.Also disclosed are methods of treating cognitive or neurodegenerative diseases using the compounds of formula I in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor or a muscarinic m1 agonist or m2 antagonist.
US08778979B2
Methods of treating mental disorders, including anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, are provided. The methods comprise administering an effective amount of a glutamate modulator to an individual in need thereof. Also provided are methods of enhancing the activity of a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) comprising co-administering a glutamate modulator and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Pharmaceutical composition comprising a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a glutamate modulator are also provided.
US08778978B2
Patients susceptible to or suffering from conditions and disorders, such as central nervous system disorders, are treated by administering to a patient in need thereof compositions that are hydroxybenzoate salts of E-metanicotine-type compounds. The formation of hydroxybenzoate salts of the E-metanicotine compounds is also useful in purifying the E-metanicotine compounds, as the hydroxybenzoate salts tend to crystallize out, leaving impurities such as Z-metanicotine compounds, and compounds where the double bond has migrated, in solution. If desired, the hydroxybenzoate salts can be converted to either the free base (the E-metanicotine) or to another pharmaceutically acceptable salt form.
US08778968B2
A compound having formula I. R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently H or lower alkyl. R5 is aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, arylamino, heteroarylamino, cycloalkylamino, heterocycloalkyl amino, arylthio, heteroarylthio, cycloalkylthio, heterocycloalkylthio, or cyclic olefin, any of which may be substituted or non-substituted; or substituted alkyl, substituted alkyl oxy or substituted alkyl amino wherein the substituent is an aryl, a heteroaryl, a cycloalkyl, a heterocycloalkyl or a cyclic olefin, any of which may be substituted or non-substituted. X is C or N. n and p are independently whole numbers selected from 0, 1 and 2. (CH2)n and (CH2)p may be substituted or non-substituted. Ar1 and Ar2 are independently aryl or heteroaryl groups which may be substituted or non-substituted. Certain specific compounds are excluded.The compounds can be used in a medicament or a method for the reduction or prevention of the emission of sperm, or for the reduction or prevention of transmission of viral agents transmitted in seminal fluid.
US08778965B2
It is intended to provide a lotion preparation which exerts an excellent antibacterial effect, is excellent in the stability of active ingredient and does not contain an additive having a safety problem. The lotion preparation contains (a) 1-cyclo-propyl-8-methyl-7-[5-methyl-6-(methylamino)-3-pyridyl]-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (b) a lower alcohol, (c) a water-soluble polymer and (d) a polyhydric alcohol and the pH of the preparation is in the range of 9 to 12.
US08778964B2
The present application relates to novel substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-carboxamides, to processes for their preparation, to their use alone or in combinations for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and to their use for preparing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, in particular for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of cardiovascular disorders.
US08778960B2
The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel opioid modulator effective in reducing pharmacologically induced weight gain associated with atypical antipsychotic use. The present invention provides methods of reducing antipsychotic induced weight gain, methods for suppressing food intake and reducing ghrelin levels induced by atypical antipsychotic medications in a patient.
US08778959B2
The present application relates to indole and indoline derivatives of formula (I) wherein a, R1, R2, R3, h, i, j, m, n, L, Q, and X are as defined in the specification. The present application also relates to compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of treating disease conditions using such compounds and compositions.
US08778953B2
Compounds of formula (I) are p38 MAP kinase inhibitors useful for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases: wherein: G is —N═ or —CH═; D is an optionally substituted divalent mono- or bi-cyclic aryl or heteroaryl radical having 5-13 ring members; R6 is hydrogen or optionally substituted CrC3 alkyl; P represents hydrogen and U represents a radical of formula (IA); or U represents hydrogen and P represents a radical of formula (IA); wherein A represents an optionally substituted divalent mono- or bicyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic radical having 5-13 ring members; z is O or 1; —X1-L1-Y— is a linker radical or bond; R1 is a carboxylic acid group (—COOH), or an ester group which is hydrolysable by one or more intracellular esterase enzymes to a carboxylic acid group; and R2 and R3 are as defined in the claims.
US08778952B2
A method of treating osteoarthritis by reducing intraosseous hypertension in a patient in need thereof by administering to a patient an effective amount of a composition containing a bone edema medication, such as a vasoactive medication or phosphodiesterase inhibitor, including a PDE-5.
US08778945B2
Compositions and methods are disclosed in embodiments relating to induction of cell death such as in cancer cells. Compounds and related methods for synthesis and use thereof, including the use of compounds in therapy for the treatment of cancer and selective induction of apoptosis in cells are disclosed. Compounds are disclosed that have lower neurotoxicity effects than other compounds.
US08778943B2
The present invention is directed to a class of substituted 10-hydroxy-9,11-dioxo-2,3,4a,5,9,11,13,13a-octahydro-1H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrrolo[1′,2′:3,4]imidazo[1,2-d]pyrazine-8-carboxamides useful as anti-HIV agents. The compounds have the formula (I-1-1): wherein ring A is an optionally substituted hexahydro-1H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]-imidazole; R14 and RX are independently hydrogen or optionally substituted lower alkyl; R3 is selected from various groups; R1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R is halogen; m is 0, 1, 2 or 3; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08778941B2
Compounds of Formula I are useful as antagonists of TRPM8. Such compounds are useful in treating a number of TRPM8 mediated disorders and conditions and may be used to prepare medicaments and pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating such disorders and conditions. Examples of such disorders include, but are not limited to, migraines and neuropathic pain. Compounds of Formula I have the following structure: where the definitions of the variables are provided herein.
US08778933B2
A diazepinedione derivative represented by the formula (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof is used as a P2X4 receptor antagonist: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or the like, R2 and R3 represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, or the like, R4 and R5 represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or the like, and W represents tetrazole or the like.
US08778932B2
Compounds of formula (I): wherein: R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; R2 represents an alkyl group; R3 represents an aryl or heteroaryl group. Medicinal products containing the same which are useful in the treatment or prevention of psychiatric and neurological disorders characterized by cognitive deficits.
US08778931B2
This invention provides compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, X, p, q, m, n, and Ring C have values as described in the specification, useful as inhibitors of HDAC6. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of proliferative, inflammatory, infectious, neurological or cardiovascular diseases or disorders.
US08778928B2
This invention relates to novel indolyl-oxadiazolyl-diazabicyclononane derivatives and their use in the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions. The compounds of the invention are found to be cholinergic ligands at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and modulators of the monoamine receptors and transporters. Due to their pharmacological profile the compounds of the invention may be useful for the treatment of diseases or disorders as diverse as those related to the cholinergic system of the central nervous system (CNS), the peripheral nervous system (PNS), diseases or disorders related to smooth muscle contraction, endocrine diseases or disorders, diseases or disorders related to neuro-degeneration, diseases or disorders related to inflammation, pain, and withdrawal symptoms caused by the termination of abuse of chemical substances.
US08778927B2
The invention provides methods for modulating, e.g., antagonizing, the activity of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, and for treating Hedgehog related disorders such as cancers (e.g., medulloblastoma). In particular, the invention provides methods for inhibiting aberrant growth states resulting from phenotypes such as Ptch loss-of-function, Hedgehog gain-of-function, smoothened gain-of-function or Gli gain-of-function by administering to a mammal combinations of Smoothened inhibitors (e.g., a compound of Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III, or any of the compounds listed herein or incorporated by reference) and cholesterol biosynthesis pathway inhibitors (e.g., statins), Gli inhibitors, and/or Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors.
US08778908B2
Interstitial cystitis and related GAG-deficient conditions of the bladder and urinary tract are treated by instillation of high dose chondroitin sulfate, such as 400 mg/20 mL. The higher dose of chondroitin is effective for the rapid reduction of symptoms, particularly in patients with severe and otherwise recalcitrant cystitis.
US08778906B2
A method is provided for treating individuals suffering from cancer characterized by tumor cells which are telomerase negative, do not have telomerase activity or have L1RT expression or alternative lengthening of telomeres. The method includes administering to an individual in need of treatment thereof, and having the aforementioned cancer, a therapeutically effective amount of a nucleoside analog selected from one or more of the group consisting of: 3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (AZT), 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine (ddI) and 2′,3′-didehydro-3′-deoxythymidine (d4T).
US08778901B2
The present invention relates to an anticancer agent containing a TMPRSS4 (transmembrane protease, serine 4) inhibitor as an effective ingredient, more precisely an anticancer agent containing an inhibitor of TMPRSS4 activity as an effective ingredient. The anticancer agent of the present invention can be used effectively for the treatment of cancer by inhibiting TMPRSS4 expression in cancer cells and thereby inhibiting cancer cell invasion and cancer cell growth.
US08778900B2
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of eIF4E-BP1. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding eIF4E-BP1. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of eIF4E-BP1 expression and for diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with expression of eIF4E-BP1 are provided.
US08778898B2
The invention provides small molecule drugs that are chemically modified by covalent attachment of a water-soluble oligomer.
US08778893B2
The present invention is directed to metabolites of (R)-1-(4-(4-fluoro-2-methyl-1H-indol-5-yloxy)-5-methylpyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-6-yloxy)propan-2-ol, the compound of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and to methods of using the metabolites and the pharmaceutical compositions in the treatment of cancer.
US08778892B2
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing targetable bioconjugates of hydralazine, a direct vasodilating agent previously shown to decrease tumor blood flow, oxygenation and interstitial fluid pressure in solid tumors. These bioconjugates are hydralazine prodrugs that contain hydralazine conjugated to biocompatible carrier molecules which specifically bind to sites that are expressed on a diverse variety of tumor cell types. These hydralazine prodrugs are preferably conjugated through an acid-labile hydrazone link that is designed to be stable in plasma and release hydralazine through acid-catalyzed hydrolysis in the acidic environment of the target tumor. Because these prodrugs are stable at physiological pH and in plasma, they are devoid of systemic vasoactive activity; however, they are acid-labile conjugates that can be hydrolyzed upon reaching the more acid environment of the tumor where the vasoactive activity of hydralazine is restored. These prodrugs selectively bind to tumor-specific receptors on tumor cells, and are degraded in the acidic tumor cell environment or the acidic lysosomal compartments after being internalized into the cell.
US08778878B2
Methods and compositions for treating an iron disorder in a patient are presented, including methods for delivering a therapeutically effective amount of iron to the brain. Iron disorders that may be treated by these methods include iron deficiency disorders and iron overload disorders. A recombinant yeast expressing human H-ferritin and a composition for treating an iron disorder comprising this recombinant yeast are also presented.
US08778876B2
The present invention concerns methods and compositions involving small molecule inhibitors for the treatment or prophylaxis of flavivirus infection, such as dengue virus and West Nile virus.
US08778872B2
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.
US08778866B2
A continuous process of making a fabric softener composition comprising di(C6-C14)alkyl di(C1-C4 alkyl and/or hydroxyalkyl) quaternary and perfume, and a fabric softener composition obtained by the continuous process. The fabric softener composition obtained by the continuous process demonstrates a stable viscosity, especially while being stored for a prolonged period of time.
US08778864B2
Provided are compositions comprising one or more compounds having a structure comprising a node structure with from four to twelve carbon atoms, one or more (poly)glyceryl groups, and one or more hydrophobic moieties, wherein each of the one or more (poly)glyceryl groups is linked to the node structure by a first primary linking group, the one or more hydrophobic moieties are each independently linked either to the node structure by a primary linking group or to one of the (poly)glyceryl groups by a secondary linking group, and wherein the polyglyceryl thickener has an average degree of glyceryl polymerization of from greater than 3 to less than about 11 and an average number of hydrophobic groups per primary linking group of about 0.35 or greater. Also provided are polyglyceryl compounds, compositions comprising water, a surfactant, and a polyglyceryl thickener, as well as, methods of making polyglyceryl compounds and compositions of the present invention.
US08778861B2
An aqueous and liquid cleansing composition comprises a fatty acid soap, a salt of a lauryl ether sulfate surfactant that is present in an amount that is at least 50% of the weight of the fatty acid soap, a betaine surfactant that is present in an amount that is at least 23% of the weight of the fatty acid soap, and at least 0.05% by weight of the composition of triclocarban. The lauryl ether sulfate and betaine surfactant in the specified amount in relation to the fatty acid soap amount keep the triclocarban from precipitating out of the composition.
US08778858B2
A composition is provided for use as a friction modifier for an automatic transmission, comprising a long chain hydrocarbyl amine having one or two additional groups on one or two different amine nitrogen atom thereof of the structure —R3-C(=0)X(R4)c. R3 is an alkylene group or a group comprising a group of 1-4 carbon atoms or a chain of 2 to 9 carbon atoms interrupted by one or two nitrogen or oxygen atoms within the chain; X is nitrogen or oxygen, and R4 is a long chain hydrocarbyl group, or H, or —R3-NHR5. The compound does not contain a primary amino group.
US08778857B2
A lubricant composition, additive concentrate, and method for lubricating an engine. The crankcase lubricant has less than 30 weight percent of a relatively low Noack volatility base oil and a viscosity additive. The viscosity additive has a minor effective amount of sacrificial polymeric viscosity index improver having a shear stability index (SSI) of greater than about 45 and a major amount of a viscosity index improver having an SSI of less than about 26. The minor amount of sacrificial viscosity index improver additive is effective to provide a lubricant composition having a ratio of absolute viscosity increase at 40° C. to an absolute viscosity increase at 40° C. of an RL 216 reference oil of less than about 0.8.
US08778854B2
The disclosed invention relates to a composition comprising a grafted polymer. The polymer comprises a backbone with at least one olefin block and at least one vinyl aromatic block. The polymer is grafted with a pendant carbonyl containing group, the grafting being conducted by halogenating the vinyl aromatic carbon of the vinyl aromatic block and then grafting a carboxylic acid or derivative thereof on the halogenated vinyl aromatic carbon in the presence of an activating agent. The carbonyl containing-group is optionally substituted to provide ester, imide and/or amide functionality. The grafted polymer is useful as a dispersant viscosity modifier in lubricating compositions such as engine oils.
US08778853B2
A functional fluid comprising a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity, and at least about 0.05 wt-% glycerol. A method of preparing a functional fluid comprising adding glycerol to a functional fluid, wherein the glycerol is not glycerol monooleate. A method of preparing an additive concentrate comprising adding glycerol to a diluent oil wherein the concentrate contains from about 1% to about 99% by weight of said diluent. A method of reducing wear comprising contacting a metal surface with a functional fluid comprising a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity and at least about 0.05 wt-% glycerol.
US08778851B2
Fiber bundles are prepared by affixing at least two fibers with a binding agent. The binding agent is designed such that the fiber bundles remain intact as the fiber bundles are mixed with and suspended in a fluid. After the fiber bundles exit the mixing apparatus, the binding agent degrades and releases the individual fibers. This allows higher concentrations of fibers to be added to fluids without fouling the mixing apparatus.
US08778850B2
Formulation for a natural product as a replacement for the use of traditional acidic chemical stimulation methods for the emulsification, removal and release of paraffin and asphaltenes from low producing or pumped off wells and reservoirs with the use of traditional methodologies. Also a method of use of formulation for stimulating an oil well consisting of introducing into the wellbore a biodegradable, non-reactive fluid system containing a water-miscible fatty acid solvent, a solution of fatty acids, an amino alcohol, and at least one non-ionic surfactant. The fluid system may be further in the form of a nanoemulsion that is formed by combining a colloidal solution with one or more emulsifiers, an alcohol, and water. The fluid system may be used in well remediation and stimulation as well as additional, alternative applications such as the cleaning of surface and/or downhole equipment.
US08778848B2
Provided is a surface having metal regions and an interstitial region having a composition that differs from the metal regions, wherein a continuous gel layer coats the surface across the metal regions and the interstitial regions. Nucleic acids or other analytes can be attached to the continuous gel layer such that a greater amount is attached over the metal regions than over the interstitial region. Also provided are methods for making such surfaces. Methods are also provided for making an array of nucleic acids or other analytes using such surfaces.
US08778837B2
The invention relates to the novel use of known active substance combinations which consist firstly of 3,4-dichloro-2′-cyano-1,2-thiazole-5-carboxanilide, of the formula which is known, and secondly further known insecticidal active substances, for controlling animal pests, especially arthropods, in particular insects.
US08778825B2
Partition walls are provided with small pores and large pores, a porosity of the partition walls is from 50 to 70%, a porosity of the large pores of the partition walls is 30% or larger, a ratio of a total volume of the small pores to a total volume of the large pores is 20% or larger, and in a graph showing a pore diameter distribution of the partition walls, the pore diameter at a maximum peak value of the large pores is from 20 to 200 μm, and the pore diameter at a maximum peak value of the small pores is from 0.1 to 8 μm. Furthermore, a value obtained by dividing a porosity value (%) of the large pores by a thickness value (μm) of the partition walls is 0.2 or larger in a honeycomb structure.
US08778821B2
The invention discloses an optical glass and an optical element. The optical glass comprises 0.1 wt % -8 wt % of SiO2, 20 wt % -32 wt % of B2O3, 20 wt % -35 wt % of La2O3, 15 wt % -30 wt % of Gd2O3, 1-6 wt % of Ta2O5, 1 wt % -15 wt % of ZnO, and 0.1 wt % -2 wt % of Li2O. The optical glass claimed in the invention has a refractive index of 1.75-1.8, an Abbe number of 45-52, a transformation temperature of less than 610° C., and a wavelength of less than 390 nm at 80% transmittance. Thus the claimed optical glass meets the requirements for a modern imaging device.
US08778819B2
Disclosed is a dielectric ceramic composition which has high dielectric constant and suppressed low thermal expansion coefficient. Also disclosed are a multilayer dielectric substrate using the dielectric ceramic composition, and an electronic component. Specifically disclosed is a dielectric ceramic composition which contains an ATiO3 (wherein A represents either Ca and/or Sr) phase and an AAl2Si2O8 phase, said dielectric ceramic composition being characterized in that the dielectric constant is not less than 10 at 3 GHz and the average thermal expansion coefficient over the temperature range of 40-600° C. is less than 7 ppm/° C.
US08778808B2
The invention relates to semiconductor devices and a method of fabricating the same. In accordance with a method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to an aspect of the invention, a tunnel insulating layer, a first conductive layer, a dielectric layer, a second conductive layer, and a gate electrode layer are sequentially stacked over a semiconductor substrate. The gate electrode layer, the second conductive layer, the dielectric layer, and the first conductive layer are patterned so that the first conductive layer partially remains to prevent the tunnel insulating layer from being exposed. Sidewalls of the gate electrode layer are etched. A first passivation layer is formed on the entire surface including the sidewalls of the gate electrode layer. At this time, a thickness of the first passivation layer formed on the sidewalls of the gate electrode layer is thicker than that of the first passivation layer formed in other areas. A cleaning process is performed to thereby remove byproducts occurring in the etch process. A gate pattern is formed by etching the first passivation layer, the first conductive layer, and the tunnel insulating layer.
US08778795B2
In sophisticated metallization systems of semiconductor devices, a sensitive core metal, such as copper, may be efficiently confined by a conductive barrier material comprising a copper/silicon compound, such as a copper silicide, which may provide superior electromigration behavior and higher electrical conductivity compared to conventionally used tantalum/tantalum nitride barrier systems.
US08778794B1
Disclosed are a method to fabricate interconnection wires of a semiconductor device in a way to utilize benefits of copper interconnection and low k dielectric insulation while avoiding the problem of low k damage due to etching processes, and so fabricated interconnection wires. The method saves fabrication time and cost by reduced number of steps and also resolves metal gap fill issue. The method may comprise providing layers of a substrate, an etch stop layer and a sacrificial layer, forming first spacers, forming first copper interconnecting wires, removing the first spacers; forming polymer-like second spacers by depositing plasma gases in an etching chamber, forming second metal interconnecting wires, removing the second spacers to define channels interwoven with alternating first and second metal interconnecting wires, forming an anti-diffusion barrier around each of the first and second metal interconnecting wires, and filling the channels with a dielectric material for insulation.
US08778789B2
Methods for fabricating integrated circuits having low resistance metal gate structures are provided. One method includes forming a metal gate stack in a FET trench formed in a FET region. The metal gate stack is etched to form a recessed metal gate stack and a recess. The recess is defined by sidewalls in the FET region and is disposed above the recessed metal gate stack. A liner is formed overlying the sidewalls and the recessed metal gate stack and defines an inner cavity in the recess. A copper layer is formed overlying the liner and at least partially fills the inner cavity. The copper layer is etched to expose an upper portion of the liner while leaving a copper portion disposed in a bottom portion of the inner cavity. Copper is electrolessly deposited on the copper portion to fill a remaining portion of the inner cavity.
US08778787B2
Methods of forming contacts for solar cells are described. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a silicon layer above a substrate, forming and patterning a solid-state p-type dopant source on the silicon layer, forming an n-type dopant source layer over exposed regions of the silicon layer and over a plurality of regions of the solid-state p-type dopant source, and heating the substrate to provide a plurality of n-type doped silicon regions among a plurality of p-type doped silicon regions.
US08778783B2
Methods are disclosed for growing high crystal quality group III-nitride epitaxial layers with advanced multiple buffer layer techniques. In an embodiment, a method includes forming group III-nitride buffer layers that contain aluminum on suitable substrate in a processing chamber of a hydride vapor phase epitaxy processing system. A hydrogen halide or halogen gas is flowing into the growth zone during deposition of buffer layers to suppress homogeneous particle formation. Some combinations of low temperature buffers that contain aluminum (e.g., AlN, AlGaN) and high temperature buffers that contain aluminum (e.g., AlN, AlGaN) may be used to improve crystal quality and morphology of subsequently grown group III-nitride epitaxial layers. The buffer may be deposited on the substrate, or on the surface of another buffer. The additional buffer layers may be added as interlayers in group III-nitride layers (e.g., GaN, AlGaN, AlN).
US08778779B2
A method for producing semiconductor device includes: performing first, second and third exposures of a photoresist film formed on a semiconductor wafer via a mask; wherein: first, second and third shot regions respectively defined by the first, second and third exposures are aligned in a first direction; the mask has a shot region including a peripheral scribe region having a first and second side crossing the first direction; the photoresist film is of positive type, a first pattern is formed as a light shielding pattern disposed on the first side, and a second pattern is formed as a light transmitting region disposed on the second side; the first and second exposures are performed in such a manner that the first and second patterns do not overlap each other; and the second and third exposures are performed in such a manner that the first and second patterns overlap each other.
US08778778B2
According to an embodiment, an active layer is formed on a first surface of a semiconductor substrate, a wiring layer is formed on the active layer, and an insulating layer is formed covering the wiring layer. The first surface of the semiconductor substrate is bonded to a support substrate via the insulating layer, and the semiconductor substrate bonded to the support substrate is thinned leaving the semiconductor substrate having a predetermined thickness which covers the active layer from a second surface. At least a part of area of the thinned semiconductor substrate is removed to expose the active layer.
US08778773B2
Embodiments of the present invention include methods of directly bonding together semiconductor structures. In some embodiments, a cap layer may be provided at an interface between directly bonded metal features of the semiconductor structures. In some embodiments, impurities are provided within the directly bonded metal features of the semiconductor structures. Bonded semiconductor structures are formed using such methods.
US08778771B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes steps of providing a substrate including a semiconductor portion, a non-porous semiconductor layer, and a porous semiconductor layer arranged between the semiconductor portion and the non-porous semiconductor layer, forming a porous oxide layer by oxidizing the porous semiconductor layer, forming a bonded substrate by bonding a supporting substrate to a surface, on a side of the non-porous semiconductor layer, of the substrate on which the porous oxide layer is formed, and separating the semiconductor portion from the bonded substrate by utilizing the porous oxide layer.
US08778750B2
A method for fabricating a CMOS device includes the following steps. A wafer is provided. STI is used to form at least one active area in the wafer. A silicon oxide layer is deposited onto the wafer covering the active area. A first high-k material is deposited onto the silicon oxide layer. Portions of the silicon oxide layer and the first high-k material are selectively removed, such that the silicon oxide layer and the first high-k material remain over one or more first regions of the active area and are removed from over one or more second regions of the active area. A second high-k material is deposited onto the first high-k material over the one or more first regions of the active area and onto a surface of the wafer in the one or more second regions of the active area. A CMOS device is also provided.
US08778747B2
Embodiments include but are not limited to apparatuses and systems including a buffer layer, a group III-V layer over the buffer layer, a source contact and a drain contact on the group III-V layer, and a regrown Schottky layer over the group III-V layer, and between the source and drain contacts. The embodiments further include methods for making the apparatuses and systems. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08778739B2
A method of manufacturing a lead frame, includes forming a rectangular first dimple includes, first inclined side surfaces inclined to a depth direction, and arranged in two opposing sides in one direction, and standing side surfaces standing upright to a depth direction, and arranged in two opposing sides in other direction, on a backside of a die pad by a first stamping, and forming a second dimple having second inclined side surfaces inclined on the backside of the die pad by a second stamping, such that a second inclined side surfaces of the second dimple are arranged in side areas of the standing side surfaces of the first dimple, wherein the standing side surfaces are transformed into reversed inclined side surfaces inclined to a reversed direction to the first inclined side surfaces, and a front side of the die pad is semiconductor element mounting surface.
US08778738B1
Packaged semiconductor devices and packaging devices and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of packaging a semiconductor device includes providing a first integrated circuit die that is coupled to a first surface of a substrate that includes through-substrate vias (TSVs) disposed therein. A conductive ball is coupled to each of the TSVs on a second surface of the substrate that is opposite the first surface of the substrate. A second integrated circuit die is coupled to the second surface of the substrate, and a molding compound is formed over the conductive balls, the second integrated circuit die, and the second surface of the substrate. The molding compound is removed from over a top surface of the conductive balls, and the top surface of the conductive balls is recessed. A redistribution layer (RDL) is formed over the top surface of the conductive balls and the molding compound.
US08778733B2
In one embodiment, a method of forming a semiconductor package includes placing a first die and a second die over a carrier. At least one of the first and the second dies are covered with an encapsulation material to form an encapsulant having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. The encapsulant is thinned from the bottom surface to expose a first surface of the first die without exposing the second die. The exposed first surface of the first die is selectively etched to expose a second surface of the first die. A back side conductive layer is formed so as to contact the first surface. The second die is separated from the back side conductive layer by a first portion of the encapsulant.
US08778731B2
A method of manufacturing silver (Ag)-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires and a method of manufacturing an energy conversion device are provided. In the method of manufacturing Ag-doped ZnO nanowires, the Ag-doped nanowires are grown by a low temperature hydrothermal synthesis method using a Ag-containing aqueous solution.
US08778721B2
An embodiment of array of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes, wherein each photodiode is formed by a body of semiconductor material, having a first conductivity type and housing an anode region, of a second conductivity type, facing a top surface of the body, a cathode-contact region, having the first conductivity type and a higher doping level than the body, facing a bottom surface of the body, an insulation region extending through the body and insulating an active area from the rest of the body, the active area housing the anode region and the cathode-contact region. The insulation region is formed by a first mirror region of polycrystalline silicon, a second mirror region of metal material, and a channel-stopper region of dielectric material, surrounding the first and second mirror regions.
US08778719B2
The linear semiconductor substrate 1 or 2 of the present invention comprises at least one desired thin film 4 formed on a linear substrate 3 having a length ten or more times greater than a width, thickness, or diameter of the linear substrate itself. Adopting semiconductor as the thin film 4 forms a linear semiconductor thin film. The linear semiconductor substrate 1 or 2 of the present invention is produced by utilizing a fiber-drawing technique which is a fabricating technique of optical fibers.
US08778718B2
Disclosed are a method of manufacturing a dye sensitized solar battery and a solar battery assembling apparatus. The method includes: forming electrode pads on electrodes of respective solar battery sub modules; applying a conductive adhesive on the electrode; and overlapping the electrodes of the solar battery sub modules, applying a current to the electrode pads, and then heating and hardening the conductive adhesive.
US08778697B2
The invention provides a method of measuring the affinity of first and second biomolecules in which a first biomolecule is tethered by a first tether portion having a first tether portion length and a second biomolecule is tethered by a second tether portion having a second tether portion length, the method comprising determining binding of adjacent first and second biomolecules to each other, varying at least one of the first and second tether lengths and determining binding of the first and second biomolecules. The invention also provides apparatus suitable for use in the method of the invention.
US08778694B2
Provided herein are batch methods and devices for enriching trace quantities of impurities in gaseous mixtures, such as hydrogen fuel. The methods and devices rely on concentrating impurities using hydrogen transport membranes wherein the time period for concentrating the sample is calculated on the basis of optimized membrane characteristics, comprising its thickness and permeance, with optimization of temperature, and wherein the enrichment of trace impurities is proportional to the pressure ratio Phi/Plo and the volume ratio V1/V2, with following detection of the impurities using commonly-available detection methods.
US08778675B2
The present invention relates to specific immortalized avian cell lines expressing telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), and exhibiting distinct biologics production patterns. More particularly, the present invention relates to immortalized avian cell line capable of either amplifying Flaviviridae but not capable of amplifying Vaccinia virus strain Copenhagen (VV-COP) nor Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), or capable of amplifying both Flaviviridae and Poxviridae. The invention further relates to the use of said immortalized avian cell lines and related methods for producing biologics, including viruses and proteins.
US08778674B2
Embodiments of the present invention include the use of placental alkaline phosphatase alone or in combination with human transferrin and, optionally, human α1-antitrypsin to enhance the proliferation and survival of transplanted stem cells and stem cell-derived progenitor cells.
US08778673B2
The present invention generally relates to a method for seeding cells on to a support. In particular, the method relates to a method for seeding cells onto a porous hydrophobic support. The method utilizes centrifugal forces to uniformly guide cell seeding into the support with no loss in viability.
US08778669B2
The present invention discloses a vessel for culturing cells which includes: a bottom including a base with an upwardly extending wall at least partially bounding the base of the bottom; a top including a base with a downwardly extending wall at least partially bounding the base of the top; a tubular neck with an opening defined therein; and, one or more shelves, wherein, each shelf includes a base with an upwardly extending wall at least partially bounding the base of the shelf. The upwardly extending wall of a first shelf adjoins the downwardly extending wall of the top with the first shelf being located intermediate the bottom and the top. The base of each of the shelves having at least one aperture formed therein. The bottom, the top and the one or more shelves collectively define an enclosed volume for culturing cells. The tubular neck extends from the vessel with the enclosed volume being accessible by the opening in the tubular neck. Advantageously, this vessel provides high volume cell culture in a manner that increases efficiency and reduces the cost of culturing cells.
US08778668B1
The present invention provides a modular ethanol production plant constructed of a number of identically sized modules each having a supporting structure main framework to which the components contained in the modules are attached. The plurality of modules includes a fermentation module, a distillation module, a ground grain module, or a sugar source feedstock module, and an optional heating module. Each of the modules are sized to occupy the same approximate space as a standard sized ocean going shipping container. Also, each of the modules has a central walkway including piping and electrical control boxes that are aligned for each connection to the next adjacent module.
US08778657B1
The present invention discloses culture medium unit doses for cultivating microorganisms comprising at least two compositions, each composition packaged in a composition unit dose of a predetermined amount, the composition unit doses being used for combining one of each composition unit dose forming the culture medium unit dose. The composition unit doses being packaged separately and individually until a time the culture medium unit dose is to be prepared for use for cultivation of microorganisms, wherein the time one of each composition unit dose are combined thereby forming the culture medium unit dose. The invention also discloses a method of manufacturing the composition unit doses, and a kit for cultivating microorganisms, the kit comprising a combination of the composition unit doses.
US08778643B2
The present disclosure relates to methods of increasing lipid levels in an algal or yeast cell population, methods of producing saturated or monounsaturated triacylglycerols in an algal or yeast cell population, and methods of decreasing polyunsaturated triacylglycerol production in an algal or yeast cell population by contacting the cell population with a chemical compound that is capable of increasing lipid levels or altering the lipid composition in the cell population.
US08778638B2
The present disclosure provides methods for determining phased nucleic acid sequence for a single chromosome of interest and/or a single chromosomal fragment of interest. The present disclosure also provides methods for determining phased nucleic acid sequence for a plurality of single chromosomes of interest and/or a plurality of single chromosomal fragments of interest. The plurality of single chromosomes of interest may be of one or more chromosome types. The present disclosure also provides a method for isolating a plurality of chromosomal fragments of a specified size range, where the chromosomal fragments are from one or more specified regions of the genome. The plurality of chromosomal fragments may be separated into single chromosomal fragments and sequenced to provide phased nucleic acid sequence for the single chromosomal fragments. Alternatively, the plurality of chromosomal fragments may be sequenced together to provide unphased nucleic acid sequence for the chromosomal fragments.
US08778637B2
The present invention provides a method for performing thermal melt analysis using a microfluidic device, the method comprising providing a microfluidic device having at least one microfluidic channel, introducing fluid comprising into the at least one microfluidic channel, continuously flowing the fluid through the at least one microfluidic channel while varying the temperature of the entire fluid stream as it moves through the at least one microfluidic channel by uniformly heating the entire fluid stream, and measuring, while continuously flowing the fluid through the at least one microfluidic channel, a detectable property emanating from the fluid.
US08778636B2
Processes for preparing pimecrolimus starting from ascomycin, exploiting the selectivity characteristics of the purified enzymatic systems particularly regarding the selective functionalization of the hydroxyl groups present in position 24 and 33 of ascomycin. Such method represents the first example of chemoenzymatic synthesis for preparing pimecrolimus.
US08778622B2
Disclosed herein are methods and kits which are useful for detecting presence of an enzyme in a test sample based upon the intrinsic enzymatic activity of such test sample. The present invention provides the ability to evaluate cell culture conditions and optimize the desired glycoform content of recombinantly prepared enzymes.
US08778617B2
The invention relates to a method for determining the binding constant of a compound of interest to proteins comprising the following steps: a) adding the high affinity compound to a two-chamber system, wherein the two chambers are separated by a semipermeable membrane, which is permeable for the compound of interest, and determining the amount of the high affinity compound of interest in one of the chambers after the distribution equilibrium has been reached, b) adding a sink compound to one of the chambers whereby the sink compound can not permeate the membrane, and determining the distribution coefficient of the compound of interest to the sink compound after the distribution equilibrium has been reached, c) adding an unspecific protein to the other chamber, whereby the unspecific protein can not permeate the membrane, and determining the distribution coefficient of the compound of interest to the unspecific protein in presence of a sink compound after the distribution equilibrium has been reached, and d) determining the binding constant of the test compound with the distribution coefficient of steps b) and c).
US08778613B2
A resin which is prepared by polymerizing a monomer component incorporating a hydrophilic spacer, and a ligand-immobilized solid phase carrier obtained by immobilizing a ligand to the resin, are capable of reducing the non-specific adsorption of substances, other than the target molecule for the ligand, which mingle in the sample, to the resin and/or the ligand. Therefore, target molecule search, identification and the like with less noise are enabled.
US08778597B2
A curable composition that maintains good handleability in the liquid form and that can be photo- or heat-cured to form a cured product having physical properties including both high transparency and high flexural strength. A curable composition includes, an epoxy compound of (1): [where each of E1, E2, and E3 is independently an organic group of Formula (2) or Formula (3); and each of R1, R2, and R3 is independently an optionally branched alkylene group or oxyalkylene group: (where R4 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group)]; and an acid generator.
US08778595B2
A resist composition containing a base component (A) which generates acid upon exposure, and exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under the action of acid, wherein the base component (A) contains a polymeric compound (A1) having a structural unit (a5) represented by general formula (a5-0) shown below and a structural unit (a6) that generates acid upon exposure. In the formula, R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R1 represents a sulfur atom or an oxygen atom, R2 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group, and Y represents a hydrocarbon group in which a carbon atom or a hydrogen atom may be substituted with a substituent.
US08778591B2
An aralkylcarbamate of imidazole base is effective as the quencher. In a chemically amplified positive resist composition comprising the carbamate, deprotection reaction of carbamate takes place by reacting with the acid generated upon exposure to high-energy radiation, whereby the composition changes its basicity before and after exposure, resulting in a pattern profile with advantages including high resolution, rectangular shape, and minimized dark-bright difference.
US08778586B2
A toner used for electrostatic latent image development which is excellent in fixing separability with maintaining sufficient low temperature fixability even in a high-speed machine and is also superior in crashing resistance, comprising toner particles, each comprising a core particle and a shell layer provided on the surface of the core particle, wherein the core particle comprises a binder resin containing a styrene-acrylic resin and a first styrene-acrylic modified polyester, and the shell comprises a second styrene-acrylic modified polyester resin.
US08778584B2
The present disclosure provides toners and methods for their production. In embodiments, the amount of coagulant utilized in producing those toners may be less than amounts currently in use, which may have a beneficial effect by reducing the time for coalescence. Modified waxes may also be utilized which provide excellent gloss and charging characteristics.
US08778581B2
A toner is provided that exhibits a high long-term image stability even during high-speed printing and that also exhibits an excellent environmental stability. The toner comprises a binder resin, a colorant, and a nonionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant has an oxyethylene group (EO) and an oxypropylene group (PO) and has a ratio of the number of moles of the oxypropylene group to the number of moles of the oxyethylene group (PO/EO) of at least 0.01 and not more than 5.00; and when A (μg/g) is defined as a nonionic surfactant content on the surface of the toner that can be extracted by methanol from 1 g of the toner and B (m2/g) is defined as a theoretical specific surface area determined from a toner particle diameter distribution obtained by a precision particle diameter distribution analyzer that operates based on an aperture electrical resistance method, a ratio A/B is at least 100 μg/m2 and not more than 9000 μg/m2.
US08778579B2
Provided is a laminate type electrophotographic photoreceptor including an electrically conductive substrate, and an undercoat layer, a charge generation layer, and a charge transport layer sequentially disposed on the electrically conductive substrate, in which a characteristic response time of the photoreceptor is about 10 msec or more and about 85 msec or less and a thickness of the charge transport layer is greater than about 18 μm and equal to or less than about 45 μm. Also, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and an electrophotographic cartridge using the electrophotographic photoreceptor are provided. An electrophotographic photoreceptor according to the present general inventive concept has an improved response time and thus, charge stain characteristics are excellent even when a thick charge transport layer is selected. Therefore, the electrophotographic photoreceptor of the present general inventive concept may have both excellent lifetime characteristics and excellent charge stain characteristics.
US08778576B2
In an exposure method, a photomask and a substrate having a resist applied thereto are positioned so as to be opposed to a blinking light source that repeatedly emits light and emits no light. The blinking light source is caused to blink with the substrate being continuously conveyed in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which openings in the photomask are aligned, so that multiple exposures are intermittently performed. In each exposure, a speed at which the substrate is conveyed is controlled such that the openings of the photomask overlap a portion of exposed patterns having been obtained by an immediately preceding exposure, thereby obtaining colored layers which are formed into a striped-shape and extend in the direction in which the substrate is conveyed.
US08778566B2
Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a metal steel separator for fuel cells that has corrosion resistance and contact resistance not only at an initial stage but also after being exposed to high temperature/high humidity conditions in the fuel cell for a long period of time. The method includes preparing a stainless steel sheet as a matrix of the metal separator, forming a discontinuous coating film on the surface of the stainless steel sheet, the coating film being composed of at least one selected from gold (Au), platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir), ruthenium oxide (RuO2), and iridium oxide (IrO2), and heat treating the stainless steel sheet having the discontinuous coating film to form an oxide film on a portion of the stainless steel sheet on which the coating film is not formed. A metal separator for fuel cells manufactured by the method is also disclosed.
US08778564B2
Disclosed is a unit cell of a honeycomb-type solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) having a plurality of channels. The channels include cathode channels and anode channels. The cathode channels and anode channels are set up alternately in the unit cell. A collector is installed inside each of the cathode channels and the anode channels, and a packing material is packed into the channels having the collector. Disclosed also is a stack including the unit cells and methods for manufacturing the unit cell and the stack.
US08778562B2
A method of depositing a thin gold coating on bipolar plate substrates for use in fuel cells includes depositing a gold coating onto at least one surface of the bipolar plate substrate followed by annealing the gold coating at a temperature between about 200° C. to 500° C. The annealed gold coating has a reduced porosity in comparison with a coating which has not been annealed, and provides improved corrosion resistance to the underlying metal comprising the bipolar plate.
US08778557B2
Disclosed is a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane disposed therebetween. The anode includes an anode catalyst layer laminated on one principal surface of the electrolyte membrane, and an anode diffusion layer laminated on the anode catalyst layer. The cathode includes a cathode catalyst layer laminated on the other principal surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode diffusion layer laminated on the cathode catalyst layer. At least one of the anode and cathode diffusion layers includes a conductive porous substrate, a porous composite layer laminated on the conductive porous substrate at the catalyst layer side, and a modified layer disposed on the porous composite layer at the catalyst layer side. The porous composite layer includes a conductive carbon material, and a first water-repellent resin material. The modified layer includes a second water-repellent resin material having a needle-like shape.
US08778551B2
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack and a flow control device that controls a supply of a first phase fluid flowing through the fuel cell stack. A controller monitors at least one parameter of the fuel cell stack and controls the supply to generate pulses of reactant when the at least one parameter crosses a threshold to flush a second phase fluid from said fuel cell stack.
US08778544B2
Disclosed is a battery with terminal, including a power generating element and a housing can accommodating the power generating element. The power generating element includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode includes a material mixture including a negative electrode active material and a binder. The negative electrode active material contains an amorphous Si phase, and the binder includes a polyacrylic acid. The non-aqueous electrolyte includes a non-aqueous solvent, and a lithium salt dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent, and the non-aqueous solvent contains vinylethylene carbonate. The housing can has at least one lead terminal welded thereto. The molar ratio of the vinylethylene carbonate to the amorphous Si phase in the negative electrode active material is 0.09 to 0.17.
US08778537B2
Methods, systems and devices are implemented in connection with rechargeable batteries. One such device includes a cathode that has lithiated sulfur. The device also includes a porous structure having pores containing the lithium-sulfide particles introduced during a manufacturing stage thereof.
US08778533B2
An electrolyte includes a mixture of polymerizable compounds, or a polymer, in which the mixture includes a polymerizable compound having an aromatic functional group and a polymerizable functional group, and a polymerizable compound having a phosphorus-containing functional group that contains phosphorus, and having a polymerizable functional group, and in which the polymer has residues of each of the phosphorus-containing functional group, the aromatic functional group and the polymerizable functional group.
US08778522B2
Disclosed are ionically conductive membranes for protection of active metal anodes and methods for their fabrication. The membranes may be incorporated in active metal negative electrode (anode) structures and battery cells. In accordance with the invention, the membrane has the desired properties of high overall ionic conductivity and chemical stability towards the anode, the cathode and ambient conditions encountered in battery manufacturing. The membrane is capable of protecting an active metal anode from deleterious reaction with other battery components or ambient conditions while providing a high level of ionic conductivity to facilitate manufacture and/or enhance performance of a battery cell in which the membrane is incorporated.
US08778516B2
A production method of a base plate for a disk drive made by aluminum die casting which can reduce scattering of particles and minimizes particle contamination is provided. The production method of a base plate for a disk drive includes a forming step for forming a base member by aluminum die casting, a coating step for coating the base member with a resin film, a machining step for removing a part of the resin film and a surface layer of the base member in order to expose the aluminum surface, a pretreatment step for immersing the base member with the exposed aluminum surface in a pretreatment solution containing no fluoride, and a metal film forming step for coating the exposed aluminum surface with a metal film.
US08778513B2
An article including a perovskite manganese (Mn) oxide thin film, includes a substrate having an oriented perovskite structure that is (m10) oriented, where 19≧m≧2, and having an [100] axis direction; and a perovskite manganese (Mn) oxide thin film having a perovskite crystal lattice containing barium Ba and a rare earth element Ln in A sites of the perovskite crystal lattice, the perovskite manganese (Mn) oxide thin film being formed on the substrate so as to cover at least part of a surface of the substrate, and having atomic planes stacked in a pattern of LnO—MnO2—BaO—MnO2-LnO . . . in the [100] axis direction of the substrate. The perovskite manganese (Mn) oxide thin film provided thoroughly exploits the resistance changes caused by charge and orbital ordering in the perovskite manganese oxide.
US08778511B2
An organic light emitting device is provided. The device includes an anode and a cathode. A first organic layer is disposed between the anode and the cathode. The first organic layer is an emissive layer that includes a first organic emitting material. The device also includes a second organic layer disposed between the anode and the first organic layer. The second organic layer is a non-emissive layer. The second organic layer includes an organic small molecule hole transport material having a concentration of 50 to 99 wt %, and an organic small molecule electron transport material having a concentration of 0.1 to 5 wt %. Other materials may be present.
US08778507B2
Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent (EL) device having high emission luminance and high emission efficiency. Particularly disclosed are a blue-light emitting organic EL device, which is high in emission luminance, color purity, emission efficiency and durability, a display and an illuminating device each employing the organic EL device. The organic El device is characterized in that it comprises a light emission layer containing two or more kinds of host compounds and at least one dopant, wherein at least one of the two or more kinds of host compounds has an excited triplet energy of not less than 2.7 eV, and the dopant is a phosphorescent compound.
US08778501B2
A fluorescence based oxygen sensor can be prepared comprising a polyaniline polymer doped with one or more pyrene carboxylic acids. The polyaniline has the formula: and the pyrene carboxylic acids have the formula: Pyrene-R—COOH (II); wherein R is an aliphatic linking group having 1 to 11 carbon atoms, n represents half the degree of polymerization, x is about 0.5, and (1−x) is about 0.5. The sensor can be coated onto a support. Upon excitation with an appropriate wavelength, the polyaniline/pyrene coating fluoresces. Upon exposure to oxygen the fluorescence rapidly decays.
US08778500B2
The present invention provide a laminated polyester film which is capable of ensuring a good dimensional stability without being subjected to such a surface saponification treatment with an alkali solution as required for triacetyl cellulose films, is available at low costs, exhibits a good adhesion property to adhesives and a high total light transmittance, and can be suitably used as a protective film for polarizing films. The laminated polyester film of the present invention comprises a polyester film; a coating layer formed on one surface of the polyester film which comprises an acrylic resin or a urethane resin as a main component; and a coating layer formed on the other surface of the polyester film which comprises a urethane resin having a polycarbonate structure. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coating layer comprising the acrylic resin or the urethane resin as a main component has a thickness of 0.04 to 0.15 μm, and the polyester film comprises an ultraviolet absorber.
US08778497B2
An underlayment mat for single ply roof membranes which provides the following: insulation, separate the roof membrane from incompatible materials in the substrate, protect the roof membrane from puncture or undue wear from irregular surfaces on the substrate, provide adequate support while being flexible enough to work with the single ply membrane to absorb shock and, or provide a continuous, flat upper surface on which a roof covering is applied. The underlayment member may be woven or unwoven, it may be spun bound or needled punched or constructed by whatever method best achieves the desired physical characteristics herein described at the most economical cost. Further, this mat may be made of the following materials including but not limited to and either individually or combined: Various synthetic fibers, acrylic, rayon, nylon, polyester, foam or foam scraps, and or mineral fibers such as glass, carbon, mineral wool, ceramic, and slag wood fibers. These materials being made of either new raw materials and/or from recycled materials and selected for their hydrophobic properties. The underlayment is lightweight, pliable, cuttable, flexible, resilient, and maneuverable. This underlayment mat may be made in rolls of various lengths and widths to facilitate optimum handling on the roof top. The underlayment mat is perpetually recyclable. An underlayment as just described.
US08778494B2
The present invention relates to an intrinsically markable laser pigment in the form of a reducible metal compound in the form of a preparation, and to the use thereof in inorganic systems and in organic polymers, in particular plastics, surface coatings, automobile paints, powder coatings, printing inks, paper coatings and papermaking stocks.
US08778483B2
A method for producing an optical article includes laminating on a plastic substrate a first layer using a first composition. The first composition includes a first polyurethane resin containing an aromatic ring, a second polyurethane resin containing a carbonate backbone, metal oxide particulates, and an organosilicon compound.
US08778477B2
Disclosed are a vacuum insulation member, a refrigerator having a vacuum insulation member, and a method for fabricating a vacuum insulation member. The vacuum insulation member includes: an envelope having gas impermeability and having a certain decompressed space therein; and a core having a certain shape, having an empty space formed therein, and disposed at an inner side of the envelope to support the envelope. The use of a glass fiber core can be avoided, and thus, employing equipment for preprocessing the glass fiber core and time required therefor can be restrained and fabrication can be facilitated.
US08778474B2
A repositionable medium includes a base, a paper, and a first repositionable adhesive. The base has a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end edge, and a second end edge. The paper is fixedly coupled to the top surface of the base proximate to the first end edge. The paper has an inner edge and an outer edge. The outer edge is closer to the first end edge than the inner edge is to the first end edge. The inner edge is spaced a first distance from the first end edge of the base. The first repositionable adhesive is fixed to the bottom surface of the base and is not present in a first low adhesion area at a line across a width of the base and spaced a second distance from the second end edge of the base. The second distance equals the length of the first distance.
US08778471B2
A propylene resin composition which contains as essential components thereof (A) an ethylene-propylene random copolymer having an ethylene content of 0.5 to 3.0 parts by mass; (B) an elastomer having an average particle diameter of 10 to 800 nm in an amount of 1 to 10 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the ethylene-propylene random copolymer; and (C) a crystalline nucleating agent, and in which after kneading thereof, the kneaded propylene resin composition exhibit a melt flow rate (MFR) of 0.01 to 1.00 g/10 min. The propylene resin composition is suitable for the production of a wide variety of molded articles.
US08778470B2
There is provided a multilayer bottle including outermost and innermost layers each made mainly of a polyester (A) and at least one barrier layer interposed between the outermost and innermost layers. The polyester (A) is a thermoplastic resin obtained by polymerizing a dicarboxylic acid component containing 80 mol % or more of terephthalic acid with a diol component containing 80 mol % or more of ethylene glycol. The barrier layer is composed of a polyamide (B) and a polyamide (C). The polyamide (B) is obtained by polycondensing a diamine component containing 70 mol % or more of m-xylylenediamine with a dicarboxylic acid component containing 70 mol % or more of an α,ω-linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 4 to 20 carbon atoms. The polyamide (C) has a higher saturation water content than that of the polyamide (B) as measured at 23° C. and 50% RH under 1 atm, and a content of the polyamide (C) in the barrier layer is 20% by weight or less on the basis of a weight of the barrier layer. The multilayer bottle hardly suffers from delamination upon dropping or upon exposure to impact and, therefore, is not required to have a shape with less irregularities or less bends for preventing the delamination, and further has a large freedom of design choice.
US08778467B2
Provided is a recording medium including an ink-receiving layer containing an inorganic pigment and a binder on at least one surface of a substrate. The ink-receiving layer contains a compound including zirconium, silicon, and at least one element selected from Group 2 and Group 3 elements of the periodic table.
US08778466B2
The present invention relates to a liquid-crystal display of the PSA (polymer sustained alignment) type, and to novel liquid-crystal media and novel polymerizable compounds for use in PSA displays.
US08778462B2
A composite sheet comprises a substrate and a multi-layer coating on its outer surface, the coating comprising a metal layer and an outer polymeric layer formed from a precursor comprising a polymerizable composition that includes an olefin group and a moisture curable group, such as an isocyanate or silane group. The function of the polymeric layer includes protecting the metal layer from corrosion. A production process for the composite sheet includes depositing the precursor and exposing it to both beam radiation and moisture, which respectively promote polymerization and curing at different sites of the precursor. The amenability of the isocyanate or silane functionality to moisture-promoted coupling promotes substantially full conversion and curing of the precursor, even of portions of the substrate that are geometrically shadowed from incident beam radiation.
US08778461B1
A method is provided for surface treating a substrate utilizing powder coating so that the substrate can be adorned with a decorative pattern and/or color, and can have a durable, aesthetically appealing finish. The decorative pattern can be applied via transfer printing processes, for example, by a sublimation process or a hydrographic process. The method optionally can be used to produce a visually perceivable transition between a decorative pattern, for example, a camouflage pattern, and a generally solid color on the substrate. The transition can be gradual, so that the decorative pattern appears to fade into the generally solid color to provide an appealing visual effect on a product. The method can be used to surface treat a variety of products, for example, archery products and/or firearm products.
US08778454B2
The invention provides a method for producing a modified surface (5) comprising: patterning a surface (7) by forming thereon a porous molecular network (9) defined by non-covalent interactions between constituent molecules; and depositing in said porous network (9) and on said patterned surface (11) molecules (13) so as to form a self-assembled monolayer (15), wherein both said patterning and said depositing are effected by contact with liquids.
US08778444B2
A method of manufacturing a wire for straightening irregular teeth, which is not harmful to a human body and preserves the color of the teeth, is provided. The method of manufacturing a wire for straightening irregular teeth includes manufacturing a metal wire with metal alloy; physically or chemically etching a surface of the metal wire and then performing heat treatment; coating the surface of the metal wire with a metal material, Teflon, epoxy or urethane to show white or ivory and then performing heat treatment; forming a transparent parylene film on the metal material, Teflon, epoxy or urethane and then performing heat treatment; and removing one side of the foregoing coating layer from the surface of the metal wire, and then applying surface treatment to the one side with the coating layer removed.
US08778440B2
A plastic oil and fat composition provides a plastic oil and fat food that has a good filling operability, keeps the feeling of melt-in-the-mouth after long preservation, and is excellent in spreadability, oil-off resistance and the like. In the plastic oil and fat composition, a content of PPP is from 5.5 to 12% by weight, a content of PPLi+PLiP is from 5.5 to 15.5% by weight, a content of PPO+POP is from 7 to 20% by weight, and a value of PPO/(PPO+POP) is from 0.55 to 0.7. A method for producing the plastic oil and fat composition is also provided.
US08778435B2
Apparatus for heating a wedge-shaped food product, such as one or more slices of pizza, includes an assembly and a handle mechanically connected with the assembly. The assembly includes a first arm including a side wall and a floor, and a second arm including a side wall and a floor. The second arm is pivotably connected with the first arm such that the wedge-shaped food product can be held between the first arm and the second arm with the wedge-shaped food product being supported by the floors of the first and second arms and abutting the side walls of the first and second arms. Additional supports may be provided between the arms. The handle may be removeably connected with the assembly, for example, via a riser.
US08778434B2
A method and system for preparing a granulated product, whereby one or more ingredients are first ground in a centrifugal grinding unit, and then granulated in a centrifugal granulating unit before being fed to a centrifugal mixing and flavoring unit; each of the centrifugal units having a tubular outer shell having an axis and defining a processing chamber; and a powered shaft housed in the shell, coaxially with the axis, and fitted with a row of appendixes projecting radially from, and connected integrally and interchangeably to, the shaft.
US08778428B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a straight stick-shaped snacks and a method for producing the same.The present invention provides a method for producing a stick-shaped snack from a string-like dough 10 containing a cereal flour as a principal component, the method including: a baking step S6 of baking the string-like dough 10 provided with a plurality of non-through cuts 15 formed therein across the longitudinal direction and impregnated with lye, the string-like dough 10 being mounted on a heating surface; and a cutting step S7 of cutting the baked string-like dough 40 at the cuts 15 to thereby form stick-shaped pastries 40.
US08778426B2
The self-making bread method includes: weighing a certain amount of ingredients according to a bread recipe and placing them in a bread ingredient box; putting the bread ingredient box into the corresponding containing region of the top portion of the bread machine; using the jagged ring of the bottom portion of said containing region to open the thin film of the bottom portion of the bread ingredient box, so the ingredients will fall into the mixing container in the bread machine; controlling the water delivering mechanism inside the bread machine to deliver a certain amount of water into said mixing container; starting the mixing device inside the bread machine, which mixes the ingredients into an appropriate dough; turning off the mixing device; energizing the electric heating tube in the bread machine, to bake the dough inside the mixing container into bread.
US08778414B2
An apparatus 110 for increasing extracts 100E taken from cellular plant tissue 100 has a preparation container 114 for holding the cellular plant tissue 100, the container 114 having an inlet or opening 112 to receive a fluid 101 to wet the cellular plant tissue 100 and take extracts 100E from the cellular plant tissue 100 to create a fluid with extracts mixture 101E, and an outlet to pass the fluid with extracts mixture, a lower portion of the container is a holding vessel 111 to receive the fluid with extracts 101E; and an acoustic shock wave device 43 for transmitting shock waves 200 to the wet cellular plant tissue 100 to enhance release of extracts 100E into the fluid 101. The invention further discloses a method of increasing extracts 100E taken from cellular plant tissue 100 comprises the steps of placing prepared cellular plant tissue 100 in a container 114; introducing a fluid 101 into the container 114 to wet and immerse the prepared cellular plant tissue 100; and emitting acoustic shock waves 200 into the fluid 101 immersed cellular plant tissue 100 to increase the extracts 100E released by the plant tissue 100 into the fluid 101 and a product made from the method, the product being a beverage, medicine or drug.
US08778412B2
Disclosed herein are methods for controlling the activity of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and diseases, conditions, or syndromes related thereto, inter alia, Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), heart failure, ischemia, and anemia. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising HIF-1α prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors useful in treating diseases, conditions, and/or syndromes related thereto the activity of HIF-1α.
US08778411B2
The present invention relates to a heat-generating composition, comprising a hetero-structure nanomaterial which comprises (a) a first material comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal chalcogen, a metal pnicogen, an alloy and a multi-component hybrid structure thereof; and (b) a second material comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of metal, metal chalcogen, metal pnicogen, alloy and the multi-component hybrid structure thereof; wherein the first material is enclosed in the second material; wherein at least one of the first material and the second material comprise a magnetic material. The specific loss power of the present nanomaterial is much higher than that of conventional nanomaterials (e.g., 40-fold higher than commercially accessible Feridex) and may be controlled by changing compositions or ratios of the first material and/or the second material. The heat-generating nanomaterial of the present invention may be used in a variety of application fields, for example cancer hyperthermia.
US08778406B2
A composition and method which prevents or mitigates irritation on the skin of a subject by protecting against or relieving chafing, itching and moisture, and which provides a cooling sensation where applied.
US08778403B2
Disclosed herein are diketopiperazine microparticles having a specific surface area of less than about 67 m2/g. The diketopiperazine microparticle can be fumaryl diketopiperazine and can comprise a drug such as insulin.
US08778399B2
Tablets and other objects are film coated by including in the tablet a film-forming polymer that is activated upon contact with an activating amount of liquid. The film-forming polymer, e.g., a cellulosic ether, is homogeneously mixed with the other ingredients of the tablet, shaped into any desirable form, loaded into a conventional coating apparatus, and sprayed or foamed with an activating amount of fluid, e.g., water, alcohol, etc., and dried. This coating process eliminates potential problems such as spray nozzle clogging, inappropriate coating fluid viscosity, and the inability to properly atomize the coating fluid. This coating process does not impart any appreciable weight or thickness gain to the tablet.
US08778393B2
Compositions, methods and systems for administration of small volume sufentanil-containing drug dosage forms to the oral mucosa of a subject are disclosed.
US08778387B2
An antimicrobial medical dressing provides a combination of antimicrobial agents in various concentrations that protect against microorganisms, absorb exudates, and promote healing. The antimicrobial agents may include compositions of ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and/or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.
US08778379B2
The invention discloses a method of coating a medical device. The method includes applying a coating composition on the medical device to form a layer on the medical device. The coating composition includes one or more of one or more biological agents and heparin dissolved in a mixture of a first solvent and a second solvent. The first solvent and the second solvent have different evaporation temperatures. Subsequently, at least a part of one of the first solvent and the second solvent present in the coating composition is evaporated to create a plurality of pores in the layer. Thereafter, one or more drugs are deposited in the plurality of pores. When the medical device is positioned and expanded at a target site, the one or more drugs are released from the plurality of pores.
US08778378B2
The present invention generally relates to bioactive antibacterial materials and composites that enhance bone growth while preventing surgical site infection. The present invention also relates to bioactive antibacterial materials and composites that include a bimodal bioactive glass particle size distribution. The bioactive antibacterial composite finds utility in a variety of clinical applications including spine and orthopaedic procedures.
US08778377B2
The present invention relates to ceramic precursor material exhibiting injectability and properties that make the material suitable as a carrier material used in drug delivery. According to the invention this is accomplished by selecting a microstructure based on pre-reacted phases and after injection established phases, which contain anti-infective and/or anti-inflammatory drugs. The present invention also relates to a cured ceramic material and a method of manufacturing said cured material. The precursor and the cured ceramic material according to the present invention can suitably be used for filling orthopaedic cavities and other bone voids.
US08778375B2
Implantable devices formed of or coated with a material that includes an amorphous poly(D,L-lactide) formed of a starting material such as meso-D,L-lactide are provided. The implantable device can be used for the treatment, mitigation, prevention, or inhibition of a disorder such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, hemorrhage, vascular dissection or perforation, vascular aneurysm, vulnerable plaque, chronic total occlusion, patent foramen ovale, claudication, anastomotic proliferation for vein and artificial grafts, bile duct obstruction, ureter obstruction, tumor obstruction, or combinations thereof.
US08778370B2
A composition and method for treating industrial water is described, wherein the composition has microbe inhibiting properties. The composition utilizes a cationic phase transfer agent, such as a quaternary ammonium compound in the presence of a peroxide source. The composition does not significantly reduce the anti-scaling properties of anionic dispersants present in the water.
US08778364B2
A nanodispersion containing nanoparticles having a mean size less than 300 nm dispersed in a vehicle that includes a water miscible solvent and water. The nanoparticles contain one or more drugs, a polymer and a surfactant, and the surfactant includes a mixture of fatty acids or its salts and sterol or its derivatives or its salts.
US08778362B2
Disclosed are mammalian tumor and/or cancer cell conditioned substrate preparations having tumor inhibiting activity. In some embodiments, the mammalian tumor and/or cancer cell conditioned substrate preparations are essentially free of cellular components. These preparations comprise a conditioned heterologous acellular collagenous tissue preparation, and may be prepared using a mammalian extracellular matrix substrate. The conditioned substrates include many different anti-tumor and/or anti-cancer biomolecules, such as that population of anti-tumor biomolecules that are secreted and/or produced by mammalian tumor and/or cancer cells as they grow on a substrate, thus imparting the anti-tumor and/or anti-cancer properties to the conditioned substrates of the invention. The present disclosure also provides methods for preparing the mammalian tumor and/or cancer cell conditioned substrates, as well as methods for using the preparations to inhibit tumor growth, such as in a vaccine or wound dressing. Methods for inhibiting prostate tumors and melanoma with the described conditioned substrates are also described. The conditioned mammalian tumor and/or cancer cell substrate preparations are essentially free of viable and/or carcinogenic or invasive tumor and/or cancer cells. The conditioned substrates and substrate preparations include anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties that may be used in preparations and formulations for the treatment of cancer.
US08778350B2
Disclosed are: a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence composed of contiguous nine amino acid residues derived from a WT1 protein, wherein an amino acid residue at position 2 in the amino acid sequence is selected from the group consisting of Ala, Ile, Leu, Val, Phe, Tyr, Ser and Asp and an amino acid residue at position 9 in the amino acid sequence is Arg; a polynucleotide encoding the peptide; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide; and others.
US08778344B2
The present invention relates to zcytor17lig polynucleotide, polypeptide and anti-zcytor17 antibody molecules. The zcytor17lig is a novel cytokine. The polypeptides may be used within methods for stimulating the immune system, and proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.
US08778326B2
A hydrogel tissue adhesive formed by reacting an aldehyde-functionalized polysaccharide containing pendant aldehyde groups with a water-dispersible, multi-arm amine is described. The hydrogel may be useful as a tissue adhesive or sealant for medical applications that require a more rapid degradation time, such as the prevention of undesired tissue-to tissue adhesions resulting from trauma or surgery.
US08778315B2
A method for the modification of melanin distribution, and the composition thereof to modify melanin distribution are disclosed. A method for the reduction of melanin distribution, and the composition thereof to reduce melanin distribution are disclosed. A representative composition comprises 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde and one or more additional active agents as well as a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Carriers and excipients may be formulated for topical administration. Compositions may also be formulated for transdermal administration. The compositions may be used for the prevention and treatment of pigmentation disorders, by way of non-limited example, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and others. The compositions may be used for lightening skin.
US08778311B2
The present invention relates to an oral composition comprising, in an orally acceptable carrier, from about 0.1% to about 5% zinc oxide; and from about 0.1% to about 5% of a source of carbonate ions selected from alkali metal and ammonium carbonates and bicarbonates. The molar ratio of carbonate ion to zinc ion is from about 0.05:1 to about 1:1. The composition has good antiplaque efficacy and taste. Preferred compositions are toothpastes.
US08778297B2
A sulfur recovery unit comprising: a reaction furnace configured to carry out a high-temperature Claus reaction between hydrogen-sulfide-containing gas and oxygen-containing gas introduced to the reaction furnace; a sulfur condenser configured to cool reaction gas discharged from the reaction furnace and condense sulfur contained in the reaction gas; and a pipe that connects the reaction furnace to the sulfur condenser, wherein the reaction furnace is fixed to the ground; and the sulfur condenser and the pipe are arranged so as to be able to move relative to the reaction furnace.
US08778285B2
The present invention relates to a clamping system comprising two or more grids of springs in a flow module or in a plate reactor. The invention also relates to methods for opening and closing a clamping system, a frame arrangement, a control system for pressure release, and a use of the clamping system as a plate reactor.
US08778281B2
A sample preparation dosing unit for liquid dosing is provided comprising an inlet port and an outlet port fluidically coupling the sample preparation dosing unit to a supply and target, respectively; a pump, fluidically arranged between the inlet port and the outlet port; an outlet flow restrictor with an outlet flow resistance, fluidically arranged between a pump outlet and outlet port; and a control arrangement with a branch, a control valve, and a control flow restrictor with a control flow resistance. The branch divides the flow at the pump outlet into an outlet flow through the outlet flow restrictor and into a control flow through the control flow restrictor. The control flow downstream of the control flow restrictor is fed, depending on the state of the control valve, either into the outlet port thereby merging with the outlet flow downstream of the outlet flow restrictor, or into a bypass conduit.
US08778262B2
One aspect is an alloy consisting of niobium, zirconium, tantalum, and tungsten. The alloy is formed with a melt metallurgical route such that all four metals solidify as a homogeneous alloy having no inclusions more than 10 μm in size.
US08778260B2
The present invention provides duplex stainless steel superior in corrosion resistance in a chloride environment and impact properties suitable as a material for pumps for seawater desalination plants, facilities and equipment, and materials for chemical tanks, that is, duplex stainless steel characterized by containing, by mass %, C: 0.06% or less, Si: 0.05 to 3.0%, Mn: 0.1 to 6.0%, P: 0.05% or less, S: 0.010% or less, Ni: 1.0 to 10.0%, Cr: 18 to 30%, Mo: 5.0% or less, Cu: 3.0% or less, N: 0.10 to 0.40%, Al: 0.001 to 0.08% or less, Ti: 0.003 to 0.05%, Mg: 0.0001 to 0.0030%, and O: 0.010% or less, having a product of an activity coefficient fN of N, Ti content, and N content fN×Ti×N of 0.00004%2 or more, and having a product of Ti content and N content Ti×N of 0.008%2 or less.
US08778258B2
A tundish nozzle is used in a device for exchanging tundish nozzles juxtaposed at a bottom of a tundish. The device includes a pair of first arms pressing and supporting a first lower nozzle located at an undersurface of a first upper nozzle, the first upper nozzle being placed at the bottom of the tundish. The device includes a pair of second arms pressing and supporting a second lower nozzle located at an undersurface of a second upper nozzle, the second upper nozzle being placed at the bottom of the tundish and next to the first upper nozzle. The pair of first arms and the pair of second arms are adjoined to each other, the pairs at least partly overlapping. The tundish nozzle includes a zirconia based nozzle inserted into an alumina based refractory, and is one of the first and second lower and upper nozzles.
US08778250B2
A method of manufacturing together a support (10) and frame (20) of a container assembly (1), the method comprising: providing a single mold (100) with a first cavity (110) defining the support (10) and a second cavity (120) defining the frame (20); injecting first material into the first cavity (110); and injecting second material into the second cavity (120); wherein the first and second materials are different materials.
US08778240B2
Described herein are apparatuses and methods of creating fibers, such as microfibers and nanofibers. The methods discussed herein employ centrifugal forces to transform material into fibers. Apparatuses that may be used to create fibers are also described. Described herein are fiber producing devices that are composed of two or more members, that, when coupled together, define an internal cavity and a plurality of openings.
US08778234B2
A process for manufacturing indium tin oxide (ITO) sputtering targets as described. The process includes the precipitation of indium and tin hydroxides, sintering in the absence of chloride ions, using the resultant oxide powders to prepare an aqueous slip with dispersing agent, binder, special high density promoting agents and compacting the slip in a specially surface coated porous mold using the method of slip casting followed by sintering the resultant compacted target body to yield high density ITO target.
US08778229B2
An electrophoretic dispersion with at least two particle species is proposed in which a minimal number (and concentration) of free compounds is present in solution. All chemicals needed to color and stabilize the pigment particles are preferably covalently attached to or within the particles. This enhances the robustness of the system and minimizes the conductivity of the dispersion so that the driving voltage for an electrophoretic display is reduced.
US08778227B2
The present invention provides an organic/inorganic composite containing an inorganic phase dispersed in an organic polymer, the inorganic phase comprises one or more metal atoms that are coordinated to at least one rare earth metal atom via oxygen. The composite contains at least 5 mass % of rare earth metal. This rare earth metal is dispersed in the inorganic phase.
US08778224B2
The present invention provides a fluorescent dye-silane hybrid resin manufactured by polycondensing an alkoxysilane bonded with a fluorescent dye with an organo-silane. More particularly, the present invention provides a fluorescent dye-siloxane hybrid resin that is manufactured by reacting a fluorescent dye having one or more functional groups with an alkoxysilane having an organic functional group to form an alkoxysilane bonded with the fluorescent dye and then polycondensing the alkoxysilane bonded with a fluorescent dye with an organo-silanediol and an organo-alkoxysilane having a thermocurable or ultraviolet-curable functional group without water. The fluorescent dye-silane hybrid resin has excellent thermostability, photostability, fluorescence characteristics, and processibility.
US08778216B2
A slow release anti-icing material for a bituminous pavement and a method of manufacturing the same. The material includes X, Y and Z components. The X component is a chloride of 80-95 parts. The Y component comprises sodium silicate sodium gluconate and zinc dihydrogen phosphate. The Z component is an acrylate polymer obtained from polymerization of an acrylate monomer, as a cross-linking agent, and a hydrogen containing silicone oil. The manufacturing method includes preparing the X component, preparation the Y component, mixing the X component and the Y component evenly, and encapsulating the surface of the mixture of component X and Y by the component Z evenly through polymerization, to produce the slow release anti-icing material for a bituminous pavement. The anti-icing effects are remarkable for the bituminous pavement, and the material has effects of completely preventing the pavement from icing at −5 to 0° C.
US08778206B2
In a substrate processing method, a polysilicon layer 38 on a wafer W is etched with a bromine cation 45a and a bromine radical 45b in plasma generated from a processing gas containing a hydrogen bromide gas, an oxygen gas, and a nitrogen trifluoride gas, and then, is ashed with an oxygen radical 46 and a nitrogen radical 47 in plasma generated from a processing gas containing an oxygen gas and a nitrogen gas. Thereafter, the polysilicon layer 38 is etched with a fluorine cation 48a and a fluorine radical 48b in plasma generated from a processing gas containing an argon gas and a nitrogen trifluoride gas. While the polysilicon layer 38 is ashed, an oxidation process is performed on a silicon bromide generated by etching the polysilicon layer 38 with the bromine cation 45a.
US08778199B2
The present disclosure provides a process for manufacturing a solar cell by selectively freeing an epitaxial layer from a single crystal substrate upon which it was grown. In some embodiments the process includes, among other things, providing a first substrate; depositing a separation layer on said first substrate; depositing on said separation layer a sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming a solar cell; mounting and bonding a flexible support on top of the sequence of layers; etching said separation layer while applying an agitating action to the etchant solution so as to remove said flexible support with said epitaxial layer from said first substrate.
US08778196B2
Capsules and similar objects are made from materials having diamond (sp3) lattice structures, including diamond materials in synthetic crystalline, polycrystalline (ordered or disordered), nanocrystalline and amorphous forms. The capsules generally include a hollow shell made of a diamond material that defines an interior region that may be empty or that may contain a fluid or solid material. Some of the capsules include access ports that can be used to fill the capsule with a fluid. Capsules and similar structures can be manufactured by growing diamond on suitably shaped substrates. In some of these methods, diamond shell sections are grown on substrates, then joined together. In other methods, a nearly complete diamond shell is grown around a form substrate, and the substrate can be removed through a relatively small opening in the shell.
US08778194B2
A method is described for manufacturing a component having a through-connection. The method includes providing a substrate; forming a trench structure in the substrate, a substrate area which is completely surrounded by the trench structure being produced; forming a closing layer for closing off the trench structure, a cavity girded by the closing layer being formed in the area of the trench structure; removing substrate material from the substrate area surrounded by the closed-off trench structure; and at least partially filling the substrate area surrounded by the closed-off trench structure with a metallic material. A component having a through-connection is also described.
US08778186B2
The invention provides a method of contacting a membrane having a highly cross-linked polydicyclopentadiene matrix with a feed solution having a) a first component with a molecular weight in the range of from about 100 g mol−1 to about 600 g mol−1 and a cross-sectional area of less than about 0.40 nm2 and b) a second component with a molecular weight in the range of from about 100 to about 600 grams g mol−1 and a cross-sectional area of greater than about 0.50 nm2 so that the feed solution is fractionated into a permeate comprising the first component and a retentate enriched in the second component.
US08778184B2
A modular, vertical bioreactor system includes a plurality of vertical bioreactor chambers each of which encloses an interior volume and has a height dimension which is greater than its width dimension; a drain manifold which maintains the bioreactor chambers in a spaced apart relationship and defines a fluid channel which is in fluid communication with each of the vertical bioreactor chambers; and, a fluid delivery assembly which delivers a fluid to each of the bioreactors. The system may be reconfigured so as to accommodate varying applications. The system may be integrated with an aquaculture system.
US08778183B2
A filtering apparatus that sucks liquid in hollow portions (10) of the filtering elements (1) via suction pipes (3) so that liquid passes the filtering elements and is filtered. Each suction pipe has suction holes (4) connected to the hollow portions. The suction pipes are inserted into through holes (2) of the filtering elements. The filtering elements are arranged side by side and connected to the suction pipes. A ring-shaped packing is interposed between the filtering elements, and water-tightly seals the clearance between the filtering element and the suction pipe. The through holes are arranged at peripheral locations of each filtering element. The suction pipes are inserted into the through holes of each filtering element. The filtering elements are held at the peripheral locations by the suction pipes.
US08778176B2
A potable water producing system for disposition at a body of salt water and a method of producing potable water is provided. The system includes a wave energy conversion system (AWECS) and a portable filtration-anchor system. The AWECS is in the form of a floating articulated barge housing a desalination system including a reverse osmosis membrane. The filtration-anchor system is submerged in the body of salt water and includes a sand filter to filter the adjacent salt water and to provide the filtered salt water to the desalination system on the articulated barge. The action of the waves on the articulated barge provides energy to pump the filtered salt water from the sand filter to the reverse osmosis member to produce potable water. Moreover, the action of the waves on the articulated barge effects the shaking of the reverse osmosis filter, thereby rendering it self-cleaning.
US08778172B2
The invention is related to hydrogen sulfide scavenging additive, capable of scavenging hydrogen sulfide in hydrocarbons by forming water soluble scavenged products which are capable of getting separated from hydrocarbon even at acidic pH without causing fouling and decomposition problems, consisting of aldehyde or aldehyde and polyethylene glycol [PEG], and wherein said aldehyde is glyoxylic acid. The invention is also related to a method of scavenging hydrogen sulfide employing present scavenging additive.
US08778171B2
This invention relates to hydrocracking catalysts utilizing stabilized aggregates of small primary crystallites of zeolite Y that are clustered into larger secondary particles. At least 80% of the secondary particles may comprise at least 5 primary crystallites. The size of the primary crystallites may be at most about 0.5 micron, or at most about 0.3 micron, and the size of the secondary particles may be at least about 0.8 micron, or at least about 1.0 μm. The silica to alumina ratio of the resulting stabilized aggregated Y zeolite may be 4:1 or more. This invention also relates to the use of such catalysts in hydrocracking processes for the conversion of heavy oils into lighter fuel products. The invention is particularly suited for the selective production of diesel range products from gas oil range feedstock materials under hydrocracking conditions.
US08778156B2
A process for producing a gas using an electrodialysis apparatus includes flowing at least two solutions and an electrode solution into the apparatus, pressurizing the apparatus at a stack pressure, applying a voltage to the apparatus's electrodialysis stack so a dissolved gas is generated in the second solution, flowing the second solution out of the apparatus, regenerating the gas out of the second solution, and collecting the gas. A process for generating a product, like a gas, liquid, or supercritical fluid, using an electrodialysis apparatus includes flowing at least two solutions and an electrode solution into the apparatus, adjusting the temperature and pressure so the product will be generated from the second solution, applying a voltage to the electrodialysis stack of the apparatus so that the product is generated in the second solution, flowing the second solution out of the apparatus, and regenerating the product from the second solution.
US08778155B2
A cartridge-based bio-separation system configured to utilize a pen shaped bio-separation cartridge that is easy to assemble and use with no moving parts and that has an integrated reagent (separation buffer) reservoir. The cartridge includes a body, defining an opening as a detection window for receiving external detection optics, at least one capillary column supported in the body, having a first end extending beyond a first end of the body, wherein the detection window exposes a section along the capillary column, to which the external optics are aligned through the detection window, and a reservoir attached to a second end of the body in fluid flow communication with a second end of the capillary column. The reservoir is structured to be coupled to an air pressure pump that pressurizes the gel reservoir to purge and fill the capillaries with buffer as the separation support medium.
US08778150B2
To provide a magnetron sputtering cathode, a magnetron sputtering apparatus, and a method of manufacturing a magnetic device, capable of generating a leakage magnetic field sufficiently large to form a magnetic tunnel necessary for discharge on the surface of a target even when the target is a magnetic body and thick and a ferromagnetic body is used as the target. The magnetron sputtering cathode of the present invention includes a target having a second annular groove provided on the sputtering surface of the target, a third annular projection provided on the non-sputtering surface of the target, a fourth annular groove provided outside the third annular projection on the non-sputtering surface, and a fourth annular projection provided outside the fourth annular groove on the non-sputtering surface. Further, the magnetron sputtering cathode includes a first magnet and a second magnet 6 having a polarity different from that of the first magnet on the non-sputtering surface side.
US08778148B2
Apparatus for hydrogen chloride electrolysis, comprising a cathode that has a layer of nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes having functional groups containing nitrogen.
US08778142B2
A suction roll for dewatering a fibrous web, having a rotatable and perforated suction roll jacket and a suction box in the interior of the suction roll. The suction box has a first suction channel that extends in the interior of the roll essentially along the axis of the suction roll. The suction box also has a second suction channel that extends in the interior of the roll along the inner surface of the suction roll jacket and is delimited by seals. The first suction channel is connected to the second suction channel via at least one connecting channel.
US08778132B2
A fixture for etching PCD drill inserts is provided. The fixture design allows the fixture to be injection molded, significantly reducing costs and allowing the fixture to be disposed of after a single use. The fixture allows for faster use and more accurate etching of the PCD insert.
US08778127B2
A method of joining web portions includes advancing web portions onto a rotating drum such that the web portions overlap at an overlap area as the web portions wrap around the drum. The web portions each have a melting temperature. A fluid is heated to a temperature sufficient to at least partially melt the web portions. A fluid nozzle retracts from an aperture in the drum and a jet of the heated fluid is directed from a fluid nozzle onto the web portions at the overlap area. The heated fluid penetrates and at least partially melts the web portions. The web portions are at least partially melted using the heated fluid. A press member shifts through the aperture in the drum to compress the web portions between the pressure member and an anvil roll to join the web portions together at the overlap area.
US08778123B1
A carbon fiber tubular pole and method of construction thereof. The pole includes a left in place lightweight mandrel, preferably formed of tubular polyvinylchloride or cardboard, which substantially reduces cost of manufacture. A socket is formed in the carbon fiber tubular pole for receiving an adjacent carbon fiber tubular pole.
US08778101B2
According to the method of production of a steel sheet pressed part with locally modified properties, the steel sheet blank is first heated in a device for heating to the austenitic temperature of the material. Next, the steel sheet blank is converted in a tool for deep drawing by deformation into a final drawn part. Subsequently, the final drawn part is cooled inside the tool for deep drawing. Various locations of the final drawn part are cooled to various temperatures and/or at various rates during the cooling process. Thereafter, the drawn part is placed in an annealing device, where retained austenite stabilization occurs by diffusion-based carbon partitioning within the material from which the drawn part is made. After stabilization, the final drawn part is removed from the annealing device and air cooled to ambient temperature.
US08778097B2
A low specific gravity and high strength steel sheet includes C of 0.2% to 0.8%, Mn of 2% to 10%, P of 0.02% or less, S of 0.015% or less, Al of 3% to 15%, and N of 0.01% or less. A ratio of Mn/Al is 0.4 to 1.0. Retained austenite in a structure is included in the range of 1% or more. The steel sheet further includes one or two or more elements selected from the group consisting of Si of 0.1% to 2.0%, Cr of 0.1% to 0.3%, Mo of 0.05% to 0.5%, Ni of 0.1% to 2.0%, Cu of 0.1% to 1.0%, B of 0.0005% to 0.003%, Ti of 0.01% to 0.2%, Zr of 0.005% to 0.2%, Nb of 0.005% to 0.2%, W of 0.1% to 1.0%, Sb of 0.005% to 0.2%, and Ca of 0.001% to 0.2%.
US08778091B1
A system and method for washing a gas turbine engine. The method for washing the gas turbine engine includes coupling a pressurized air supply assembly to an air supply and to a secondary air system, cranking a compressor rotor assembly of the gas turbine engine, supplying pressurized offline buffer air from the air supply to the pressurized air supply assembly, and spraying a cleaner into the compressor.
US08778089B2
In the dishwasher and the control method therefor of the present invention, the turbidity of washing water is measured and, if it is decided that the level of dirtiness of the tableware is low, then the time over which a heater operates during the washing routine is reduced and, instead, the time over which the heater operates during the rinsing routine is increased. This is advantageous in that it can improve the performance of the drying which is carried out after the rinsing routine. Further, if it is decided that the level of dirtiness of the tableware is high, then the time over which the heater operates during the washing routine is increased and the time over which the heater operates during the rinsing routine is reduced. This is advantageous in that the washing performance can be improved while the overall heater operating time can be maintained.
US08778085B2
A dissolved nitrogen concentration monitoring method is used for monitoring a dissolved nitrogen concentration of a cleaning liquid when an ultrasonic wave is irradiated onto the cleaning liquid in which a substrate is dipped. The method includes measuring an amount of increase of a dissolved oxygen concentration of the cleaning liquid resulting from an oxygen molecule generated from a water molecule as a result of a radical reaction caused by ultrasonic wave irradiation. A dissolved nitrogen concentration of the cleaning liquid is calculated from the measured amount of increase of dissolved oxygen concentration based on a predetermined relationship between a dissolved nitrogen concentration and an amount of increase of dissolved oxygen concentration.
US08778082B2
A point source assembly for a thin film deposition device having a chamber for holding a substrate, includes a crucible configured for holding and vaporizing a deposition material therein, where the crucible is configured for operative engagement to the chamber, an opening in the crucible configured for directing therefrom a vaporized form of the deposition material, where the opening includes a longitudinal line extending through the center of the crucible opening, and means operatively engaged to the crucible for facilitating rotational movement of the crucible for varying the orientation of the longitudinal line relative to the position of the substrate in the chamber.
US08778080B2
Disclosed is an atmospheric-pressure double-plasma graft polymerization apparatus. The apparatus includes a workbench, an initial roller of a roll-to-roll device, an atmospheric-pressure plasma activation device, a peroxide formation device, a coating and grafting device, a drying device, a graft polymerization and curing device, a curing device and a final roller of a roll-to-roll device. The devices are sequentially provided on the workbench.
US08778077B2
A solvent comprising 40 to 100 wt % of 1,3-dioxolane and 0 to 60 wt % of tetrahydrofuran, wherein the solvent further comprises 30 ppm to 800 ppm of an antioxidant, based on the total weight of the solvent, provides a long shelf life with good adhesive strength even after exposure to air. The solvent can be effectively used for labeling of heat-shrinkable polyester-based labels.
US08778072B2
An ink composition contains a dye whose free acid is expressed by formula (1), lithium ions, and an aromatic compound having a carboxy group. In formula (1), Q represents a halogen atom, x represents an integer of 2 to 4, and y represents an integer of 1 to 3.
US08778068B2
A water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion ink which is suitable for use in inkjet printing and superior in ejection performance and storage stability is provided. A polyglycerin fatty acid ester which fatty acid moiety is oleic acid or isostearic acid and which has an HLB value of 7-14, is used as an emulsifier. The polyglycerin fatty acid ester preferably has a glycerin polymerization degree of 4-20 and preferably contains 1-3 fatty acids per one molecule thereof. The polyglycerin fatty acid ester has an organic value of preferably 550-2300 and an inorganic value of preferably 600-2500. Preferably, the emulsion ink comprises 40-99 mass % of the oil phase and 60-1 mass % of the water phase, and comprises 0.5-40 mass % of the polyglycerin fatty acid ester relative to the total amount of the ink. The water phase may contain a dye and optionally a solubilizer such as an amine based surfactant.
US08778053B2
A method of removing ash from a wall flow type particulate filter which is arranged in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine in which combustion is performed in an excess of oxygen for trapping particulate matter in exhaust gas, using a solid acid which is carried on the particulate filter, renders the state of the particulate filter a state where the exhaust gas which flows into the particulate filter is lowered in concentration of oxygen and the particulate filter is raised in temperature, and then renders the state of the particulate filter a state where the exhaust gas which flows into the particulate filter in an oxidizing atmosphere contains SOx.
US08778048B2
The present invention discloses a new resource processing method of kitchen waste, in particular, provides a method of preparing biochemical humic acid from kitchen waste and biochemical humic acid product prepared therefrom. The kitchen waste treated by technical solution of the present invention has a high conversion rate of organic matter, reaching over 90%. Meanwhile, the biochemical humic acid product prepared by the invention is nutritious, the amount of the total humic acid, free humic acid and water soluble humic acid in the product reach up to 38-42%, 35-40% and 14-16%, respectively; it contains not only the major elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but also the trace elements such as zinc, iron and manganese as well as other active substances. Thus the product is suitable for fertilizer in agricultural production.
US08778047B2
The fiber webs described herein may be incorporated into filter media and filter elements. The fiber webs may exhibit a high dust holding capacity. The fiber webs may also exhibit a low thickness. The fiber webs may be sufficiently flexible and/or deformable so that they may be processed to include a series of waves (also known as flutes) that extend along the cross-machine direction.
US08778044B2
The invention relates to a compact filter element (1) for exchangeable use in a filter housing (2). The compact filter element (1) has a filter body (3) with a longitudinal axis (7) and at least one seal (4) arranged in the area of a front end (5) of the filter body (3), the seal having a seal section (8) which is arranged across the width (10) of a housing wall (6), sealing same. The seal section (8) projects beyond a front surface (12) of the filter body (3) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (7). The seal section (8) has a peripheral support wall (9) and at least one seal lip (17) integrally bonded to the outside of the support wall (9), across the width (10) of the latter, wherein the support wall (9) and the seal lip (17) consist of a rubber elastic material.
US08778037B2
A process is provided where a waste stream is directed to an evaporator that produces a vapor having volatile compounds. The vapor including the volatile compounds is directed through a vapor scrubber that contacts the volatile compounds with a scratching solution. The scrubbing solution reacts with the gaseous volatile compounds in the vapor such that the volatile compounds pass from a vapor state into the scrubbing solution and form volatile compounds in the liquid scrubbing solution. The scrubbing solution is collected and recycled.
US08778024B2
A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores shock absorption, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device is pre-tensioned to improve the fit of the prosthetic device within the knee joint and, thereby, maximize the contact area of the load-bearing surfaces to distribute loading through the prosthetic device in a manner substantially similar to that of a healthy natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the pre-tensioned prosthetic device is smaller, or scaled-down, relative to the size of a healthy natural meniscus.
US08778021B2
An implantable device system for controlling the dimensions of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implantable devices are disclosed which employ various mechanisms for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the dimensions of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ.
US08778018B2
A prosthetic heart valve having an internal support frame with a continuous, undulating leaflet frame defined therein. The leaflet frame has three cusp regions positioned at an inflow end intermediate three commissure regions positioned at an outflow end thereof. The leaflet frame may be cloth covered and flexible leaflets attached thereto form occluding surfaces of the valve. The support frame further includes three cusp positioners rigidly fixed with respect to the leaflet frame and located at the outflow end of the support frame intermediate each pair of adjacent commissure regions. The valve is desirably compressible so as to be delivered in a minimally invasive manner through a catheter to the site of implantation. Upon expulsion from catheter, the valve expands into contact with the surrounding native valve annulus and is anchored in place without the use of sutures.
US08778008B2
A catheter deliverable stent/graft especially designed to be used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure for treating a variety of vascular conditions such as aneurysms, stenotic lesions and saphenous vein grafts, comprises an innermost tubular structure and at least one further tubular member in coaxial arrangement. In one embodiment, the innermost tubular structure is of a length (L1) and is formed by braiding a relatively few strands of highly elastic metallic alloy. The pick and pitch of the braid are such as to provide relative large fenestrations in the tubular wall that permit blood flow through the wall and provide the primary radial support structure. A portion of the innermost tubular structure of a length L1 is surrounded by a further braided tubular structure having relatively many strands that substantially inhibit blood flow through the fenestrations of the innermost tubular structure. The composite structure can be stretched to reduce the outer diameter of the stent/graft, allowing it to be drawn into a lumen of a delivery catheter. The catheter can then be advanced through the vascular system to the site of treatment and then released, allowing it to self-expand against the vessel wall. Various optional embodiments are disclosed that allow one skilled in the art to tailor the design to the specific application.
US08778006B2
A delivery system having a release mechanism (70) for releasing an object (12), in particular, a supporting body, which is carried by the catheter (20), whereby the catheter (20) has at least one outer shaft (50) which is relatively displaceable toward the object (12) to release the object (12). The catheter (20) has a winding device (100) on its proximal end (24) which winds up a proximal section (52) of the outer shaft (50) to create a relative displacement of the outer shaft (50).
US08778000B2
An orthopedic plate comprising, a frame portion and a bearing rotatably coupled with the frame portion, wherein the bearing defines an opening configured to receive a fastener for fastening the orthopedic plate to a body, wherein the bearing includes an outer surface that is eccentric to the opening such that a position of the opening with respect to the frame portion is adjustable as the bearing rotates.
US08777996B2
The present invention includes the steps for creating an access path to the posterior portion of the spine, positioning a first and second elongate rod longitudinally on opposing portions of the spine, piercing a portion of the interspinous ligament with a third elongate rod, and positioning the third elongate rod connecting the first and second elongated rods in a cross connection assembly. The cross connection assembly includes a one-piece connecting body comprising a receptacle facing outwards towards the first rod and away from the second rod and a clamp, and a set screw selectively positioned to securely hold the connecting body to the first rod. The connecting body is disposed substantially between the first and second elongate rods. The clamp allows the connecting body to slidingly engage with the third rod.
US08777989B2
Subcutaneous sinusoidal wound-closure techniques use one-way sutures. The one-way sutures have tissue-grasping surface features which allow passage of the suture in one direction through tissue, but not in the opposite direction. In closing a wound, the one-way suture is deployed along a curvilinear path which passes alternately through subcutaneous tissue on opposed sides of the wound. The wound-closure techniques allow approximation of the sides of the wound without knots, avoid loop stitching and reduce scarring.
US08777988B2
Endoscopic methods utilize self-retaining sutures to approximate tissue in a cavity of a subject. An endoscopic instrument is provided containing the self-retaining suture. The endoscopic instrument may be provided in combination with an endoscope and/or an endoscopic manipulator. The endoscopic instrument is passed through a cavity wall into a cavity of a patient. The self-retaining suture is deployed, using the endoscopic instrument, into a first tissue portion and a second tissue portion within the cavity. The self-retaining suture may be deployed endoscopically in patterns which include, purse string stitch, alpha stitch, linear stitching, curvilinear stitching, continuous helical stitch, and continuous sinusoidal stitch.
US08777980B2
Apparatus for filtering and entrapping debris in the vascular system of a patient, the apparatus including a filter to allow blood to flow therethrough and to restrict passage of debris, wherein the filter captures debris carried in a first direction of blood flow. The apparatus further includes an entrapment mechanism which allows passage of debris and blood therethrough, in the first direction of blood flow and prevents debris passage in a second direction. The entrapment mechanism and filter allow blood and debris therethrough in the first direction of blood flow. The entrapment mechanism prevents debris flow in the second direction of blood flow. A method for filtering and entrapping debris in the vascular system includes inserting the apparatus into the vascular system, allowing blood and debris carried therein to flow through the entrapment mechanism, and removing the apparatus and accumulated debris from the vascular system.
US08777971B2
Devices and methods for attaching an end of a body vessel to another body vessel are disclosed. An adhesive may be used along with a rigid member having one or more protrusions. The invention is useful in surgery, especially vascular surgery and the creation of anastomoses.
US08777963B2
A method and a system for destruction of an undesirable formation in a mammalian body are described. The invention is based on inserting a probe into mammalian body; said probe is electrically connectable to a control unit and upon bringing the probe in physical contact with the formation supplying pulses of energy from the control unit to the probe in order to destroy the formation. The invention further comprises counting amount of pulses being supplied to the probe and establishing a remaining service life of the probe by subtracting the amount of pulses being supplied to the probe from an amount of pulses corresponding to initial service life of the probe. The treatment session is automatically terminates as soon as amount of pulses being supplied to the probe approaches at least a fraction of the established remaining service life of the probe. The established remaining service life of the probe is stored for new treatment session. Delivery of pulses automatically terminates when the remaining service life is exhausted and use of such probe becomes impossible.
US08777959B2
A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space.
US08777950B2
Apparatus and methods for separating an internal bone fixation device from an introducer are disclosed herein. A device for separating an internal bone fixation device from an introducer includes a functional portion having an outer shaft surrounding and controlling operation of a cutting mechanism; and a control portion having an actuating mechanism for initiating activation of the outer shaft.
US08777945B2
A system for monitoring and/or controlling tissue modification during an electrosurgical procedure includes an electrosurgical apparatus connected to an electrosurgical generator and configured to grasp tissue therebetween via a pair of jaw members. The system also includes an optical system having an optical source that directs light through tissue. One or more optical detectors analyze the light transmitted through and reflected back from the tissue and a processor utilizes this information to control the delivery of electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator to the tissue.
US08777936B2
A cooling device for cooling a catheter, the cooling device comprising a main cooling unit adapted for supplying the catheter with a main cooling medium and a precooling unit adapted for precooling the main cooling medium before supply of the main cooling medium to the catheter, wherein the main cooling unit comprises a cooling pathway through which a fluid is guidable as the main cooling medium, and comprising a control unit adapted for automatically controlling the main cooling unit and the precooling unit to perform a predetermined cooling procedure, wherein the control unit is adapted for activating the precooling unit before activating a supply of the main cooling medium by the main cooling unit to the catheter.
US08777933B2
A novel and non-obvious apparatus, system, and method for managing respiratory secretions and fluids in sections of artificial airways. In an embodiment of the invention, a respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device configured to fluidly connect to an artificial airway can be provided. The respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device can include a housing that defines a passageway for the flow of respiratory gases, a chamber defined by the housing with a portion of the chamber configured to retain exhaled respiratory particulate and liquid, a patient side port coupled with the housing, which is in fluid communication with an artificial airway and at least one access port coupled with the housing were the at least one access port includes a control valve. In an aspect of this embodiment, the housing further can include an instillation port.
US08777932B2
Catheter connectors, systems, and methods of use in which a catheter is attached to a connector such that the catheter is retained on the connector by inward radial compression between an outer surface of a hollow pin located within the catheter and a collet fitted over the portion of the catheter containing the pin. The collet may be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position by axial displacement of the collet along a longitudinal axis of the connector.
US08777924B2
An infusion system, which may be a closed loop, or “semi-closed-loop”, infusion system, uses state variable feedback to control the rate at which fluid is infused into a user's body. The closed loop system includes a sensor system, a controller, and a delivery system. The “semi-closed-loop” system further includes prompts that provide indications to the user prior to fluid delivery. The sensor system includes a sensor for monitoring a condition of the user and produces a sensor signal which is representative of the user's condition. The delivery system infuses a fluid into the user at a rate dictated by the commands from the controller. The system may use three state variables, e.g., subcutaneous insulin concentration, plasma insulin concentration, and insulin effect, and corresponding gains, to calculate an additional amount of fluid to be infused with a bolus and to be removed from the basal delivery of the fluid.
US08777922B2
It is an object of the resent invention to provide a multi-chamber container that has a weak seal portion having an increased joining strength and being easy to be opened when in administration of medicine, and that is provided at low cost. The multi-chamber container includes a medicine accommodation chamber 1, a diluting solution chamber 3 jointed to one side of the medicine accommodation chamber 1 via a partitioning weak seal portion 2, an unoccupied chamber 5 having a port 6 and joined to an opposite side of the medicine accommodation chamber 1 via a discharging weak seal portion 4, a film member 7 attached to the medicine accommodation chamber 1 for increasing a joining strength of each of the discharging weak seal portion 2 and the discharging weak seal portion 4, the discharging weak seal portion 4 having an easy-to-open portion 8 that enables the discharging weak seal portion 4 to easily opened therethrough.
US08777921B2
An apparatus and method that allow multiple samples of a liquid in a primary container (here called a ‘pouch’) to be taken with minimal danger of contaminating the liquid in the container during the sampling process are disclosed. In an embodiment, a closed sterile sight chamber is connected with the pouch in a sterile manner to allow fluid to flow into the chamber while at the same time allowing air within the chamber to be displaced through a bacterial filter to atmosphere. The connection between the sight chamber and the pouch is then terminated (severed or closed), isolating the pouch from the sampling apparatus. Only then are samples of liquid withdrawn from the sight chamber, while allowing air to flow into the chamber through the bacterial filter.
US08777917B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure include disposable wearable absorbent articles with anchoring systems. In an embodiment, a disposable wearable absorbent article includes an absorbent core, an outer cover, and an anchoring system configured to anchor the absorbent core to a wearer, wherein the outer cover includes a first portion, in which substantially all of the anchoring system is integral with the outer cover, and a second portion, outside of the first portion.
US08777916B2
A tampon applicator assembly is described which has a compact tampon applicator and a tampon having a longitudinal body defining an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a central section extending there between, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the tampon has at least one area of radial depression.
US08777912B2
A waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste management system may include a securement device for maintaining the position of the waste transport device following insertion. The waste transport device may include a modular medication delivery apparatus with a disposable delivery device for delivering medication to the patient following insertion of the waste transport device.
US08777907B2
Medicament delivery device comprising: a first housing part (12) having a container holder (14) into which a medicament container (16) can be placed and wherein the container has a front opening with or for a delivery member for delivering the medicament therethrough and a movable stopper (17); a second housing part (38) arranged to be moved between a closed position and an open position in relation to said first housing part (12); a plunger rod (48) having a front end and a rear end, and wherein said plunger rod is arranged parallel beside said container holder when the second housing part is in its closed position; wherein the second housing part comprises resiliently displacement means (50, 52) wherein one of the resiliently displacement means (50) is fixedly connected to said plunger rod, such that when said second housing part (38) is moved from its closed position to its open position, the plunger rod (48) is moved by said resiliently displacement means into a position where the front end of the plunger rod is facing the stopper (17).
US08777902B2
A cannula assembly having a plurality of outwardly-biased flexible fins capable of inward movement such that the fins converge upon insertion of a trocar device. The fins include a slot formed therein, with a corresponding raised feature on the trocar shaft capable of engaging the slots. Inward movement of the trocar within the cannula lumen causes the fins to converge. An additional embodiment utilizes outwardly-biased flexible fins that lock together in a closed position, with corrugated features in the fin inner surface that contact the trocar shaft such that, upon insertion of the trocar, the fins unlock and splay outward.
US08777898B2
This invention is directed to a medical device with a handle and a catheter. The handle can include a body having a proximal end and a distal end, an actuator moveably coupled to the body, and a handle control member coupled to the actuator, wherein the actuator can be configured to move relative to the body to move the handle control member. The catheter can include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the shaft and the distal end of the body can be configured for releasable coupling. The catheter can also include a steering section located along the shaft and a catheter control member coupled to the steering section. A securing member may move relative to at least one of the handle and the catheter to releasably couple the handle control member to the catheter control member.
US08777885B2
An apparatus for supporting a patient's hand, wrist, and at least a portion of the forearm in order to expose the radial artery to receive an arterial line. The apparatus including a substantially flexible, unitary body adapted to underlie the posterior of the patient's hand, wrist and forearm. The unitary body including a forward portion having an upturned cutout portion for receiving finger portions of a patient's hand. The forward portion configured for mating engagement with the posterior surface of the hand. The unitary body further including a rear portion sloping downward from the forward portion and having an upturned cutout portion for receiving a forearm portion of a patient.
US08777876B2
Devices and methods for determining fallopian tube occlusion. The methods may include determining fallopian tube occlusions through a pressurization or volumetric determination.
US08777871B2
A medical device for reducing the force necessary to penetrate living being tissue using a variety of reciprocating motion actuators, including piezoelectric, voice coil, solenoids, pneumatics or fluidics. The reciprocating actuator drives a penetrating member, such as a needle, through the tissue at a reduced force while the device detects the passage of the penetrating member through the tissue. Upon passage of the penetrating member through the tissue, electrical power to the reciprocating actuator is automatically terminated. One exemplary method for detecting this passage is via a fluid-containing syringe that is coupled to a channel within the penetrating member. Once the penetrating member tip has passed through the living tissue, the fluid within the syringe no longer experiences any pressure and a plunger within the syringe displaces indicating passage of the penetrating member tip. This motion can provide direct tactile feedback to an operator of the medical device or can automatically open a switch providing electrical power to the medical device. Alternatively, a pressure transducer can also monitor the pressure within the penetrating member channel and automatically activate the switch to cut off the electrical power.
US08777870B2
Catheter devices for diagnosing and treating discogenic pain are provided. The catheter devices comprise a tubular body configured for insertion into an intervertebral disc and a pressure measuring device disposed along the length of the tubular body, the pressure measuring device configured to measure the pressure within the intervertebral disc. The catheter devices are capable of measuring the pressure within an intervertebral disc of a subject while the subject is moving.
US08777868B2
This invention includes improved IP sensors that both have improved sensitivity, performance, and other properties and are multifunctional. The improved IP sensors have IP sensor conductors with waveforms having legs that are substantially parallel throughout the operating range of stretch. The multifunctional IP sensors include, in addition to IP sensors, accessory conductors, additional sensors, and other compatible modules. This inventions also includes embodiments of apparel incorporating the improved IP sensors. This apparel can range from band-like to shirt-like, and so forth, and include one or more IP sensors sensitive to expansions and contractions of underlying regions of a monitored subject.
US08777866B2
A pulse rate counting device includes: a short-term average value calculation unit for calculating an average interval of predetermined previous pulses; a fluctuation amount calculation device for calculating the amount of fluctuation on the basis of the difference between the average interval and an actual pulse wave interval; a search range determination unit for calculating the width of the search range, calculating an amount of displacement on the basis of a time change of the average interval, and determining as a search range a range including an appearance prediction value of the next detection point calculated from the average interval and indicated by the width of the search range from a starting point determined on the basis of the amount of displacement; and a pulse wave interval detection unit for detecting the detection point in the determined search range, and outputting a pulse wave interval.
US08777865B2
A blood pressure information measurement device includes a servo control unit for performing a servo control of a pressure adjustment unit so that a value of an arterial volume signal matches a control target value and a fluctuation detection unit for detecting rapid fluctuation of the arterial volume signal at an initial stage during a period of the servo control. The fluctuation detection unit determines that the rapid fluctuation occurred when a control deviation representing a level of the arterial volume signal having the control target value as a reference becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined magnification of a reference deviation. The blood pressure information measurement device further includes an adjustment processing unit for adjusting a control amount of the pressure adjustment unit by the servo control unit so that an excessive response is not made when the rapid fluctuation is detected by the fluctuation detection unit.
US08777864B2
A cuff for a blood pressure monitor includes a bag-shaped cover body containing an air bag and a curled elastic member as a curved elastic plate. The bag-shaped cover body is formed by stacking an inner cover member located on a living body side when applied and an outer cover member located on a side opposite to the living body side when applied, one on the other, and sewing their rims. The curled elastic member contained in the bag-shaped cover body includes a large curvature region and a small curvature region in a winding direction thereof to fit a measurement site. In a state where the air bag is not inflated, the inner cover member at a portion corresponding to the large curvature region of the curled elastic member is stretched in a width direction thereof. With this configuration, a cuff for a blood pressure monitor which is less likely to have wrinkles in a bag-shaped cover body can be provided.
US08777859B2
A method of processing an ultrasound image includes generating a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound images from three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound volume data of an object to be diagnosed, generating a plurality of tissue edge images of an edge of at least one tissue component in the object to be diagnosed based on values of a plurality of pixels forming each of the 2D ultrasound images generated from the 3D ultrasound volume data, and generating a 2D ultrasound image from which a noise component has been removed by discriminating the edge of the at least one tissue component from a position of the noise component based on a difference between a similarity of the edge of the at least one tissue component in the tissue edge images and a similarity of the noise component in the tissue edge images.
US08777855B2
Embodiments of an ultrasound system for outputting an ultrasound image through an ultrasound examination are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system comprises an ultrasound probe, a sensor unit, a processor unit and an input unit. The ultrasound probe transmits and receives an ultrasound beam to and from the examination portion of a target object. The sensor unit is disposed in the ultrasound probe and detects a posture and/or a position of the ultrasound probe to form posture information and/or position information of the ultrasound probe. The processor unit moves an image indicator corresponding to the posture information and/or the position information. The image indicator includes an ultrasound beam direction marker that is indicative of a transmission direction of the ultrasound beam transmitted from the ultrasound probe to the target object. The input unit is configured to control the processor unit.
US08777852B2
An implantable sensing system that includes a sensor for sensing a biological parameter, a processor connected to the sensor for processing the parameter and a drug delivery unit connected to the processor for responding to the processor based on the parameter. The processor is programmed to adjust an output of the sensor by compiling an array of data relating to the sensor, adjusting a sensor parameter a first time based on data in the array, adjusting a curve representing the sensor output based on data in the array and adjusting the sensor parameter a second time based on data in the array.
US08777836B2
Surgical articles, implants and components suitable for female pelvic health procedures are described.
US08777833B2
The present invention relates to providing counter-pulsation heart assist by deforming the aorta. In a preferred embodiment, the deformation pressure is applied by cyclically, preferably in synchrony with the diastolic period of the heart. The deformation pressure may be applied to the outer wall of the aorta or to a patch covering a resected opening in the wall of the aorta.
US08777827B2
The invention relates to a device for forming sleeve-like foil envelopes from a continuous flat strip of a sleeve-like foil material, comprising supply means (12) for supplying the continuous flat strip of sleeve-like foil material (1), cutting means for making a cut in this strip of sleeve-like foil material over the full width thereof so as to obtain the individual sleeve-like foil envelopes, as well as discharge means (20a-20b) for discharging the individual sleeve-like foil envelopes from the device. The device of the invention is characterized in that the device comprises rotational element means (20′) arranged for imparting a rotary motion during operation to the sleeve-like envelope to be discharged from the device. By imparting a rotary motion to an individually formed sleeve-like foil envelope while it is being discharged from the device it is achieved that the foil envelope will remain open, making it possible to place the envelope round a container in a simple and effective manner.
US08777808B2
A working vehicle control apparatus includes: a selection device that selects a power mode or an economy mode; a determination device that determines whether or not a speed restriction condition and a load pressure have been established; an engine rotational speed restriction device that restricts a maximum rotational speed of the motor upon selection of the economy mode to a lower speed side than a maximum rotational speed of the motor upon selection of the power mode when it is determined that the speed restriction condition has been established; and a vehicle speed restriction device that restricts a maximum vehicle speed upon selection of the economy mode to a lower speed side than a maximum vehicle speed upon selection of the power mode when it is determined that a speed restriction condition has not been established.
US08777798B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
US08777788B2
A bicycle component positioning device includes a fixed member, an operating member and a positioning mechanism. The operating member has an input portion and an output portion. The positioning mechanism is operatively disposed between the operating member and the fixed member. The positioning mechanism includes a positioning member that is movable between a first position in which the positioning member is engaged with the fixed member and a second position in which the positioning member is disengaged from the fixed member. The positioning member is held in engagement with the fixed member in the first position by the input portion when the input portion is in an operating position. The positioning member is movable from the first position to the second position upon movement of the input portion from at least one of the operating positions.
US08777781B2
A variable gravity training device allows a user to train skills in controlling a sports device. The training device has a stationary base, a movable support bar, and a sports device, for example, a ball, a badminton birdie, or a volley ball affixed to the end of the bar. The support bar is weighted, so that the amount of force required to move the sports device is reduced. The weighted bar also reduces the speed with which the sports device returns to its home position. The force adjustment means is adjustable, so that, with training, weights may be removed, so that the conditions governing the sports device correspond to real playing conditions.
US08777776B2
A golf club head having a composite face insert attached to a metallic body is provided. The club head preferably has a volume of at least 200 cc and provides superior durability and club performance. The face insert includes prepreg plies having a fiber areal weight (FAW) of less than 100 g/m2. The face insert preferably has a thickness less than 4 mm and a mass at least 10 grams less than an insert of equivalent volume formed of the metallic material of the body of the club head. A metallic cap with a peripheral rim is also provided to protect the ends of the composite material of the face insert. Related methods of manufacturing and alternative materials are disclosed. The resin content of the prepreg plies can be controlled through management of the timing and environment in which the resultant prepreg plies are cured and soaked.
US08777770B2
A golf club 2 is provided with a head 4, a shaft 6, a grip 8, a head cavity body 10 mounted to the head, a grip cavity body 40 mounted to the grip 8, a head weight 12 attachable to/detachable from the head cavity body 10, and a grip weight 12 attachable to/detachable from the grip cavity body 40. A material of the grip cavity body is a polymer. A material of the head cavity body is a polymer. Preferably, the head weight 12 is attachable to/detachable from the grip cavity body 40. Preferably, the grip weight 12 is attachable to/detachable from the head cavity body 40. Preferably, in the golf club 2, a club mass can be adjusted without substantially changing a club balance.
US08777768B2
A golf flagstick is provided with a metal ferrule having a cap. The cap is softer than the metal body of the ferrule. The cap reduces wear and tear on the golf cup into which it is placed. The cap may be applied to the metal ferrule by over molding.
US08777765B2
Present embodiments are directed to features for maintaining or providing a beach area that is adjacent a water feature and that includes beach surface material disposed in one or more containment structures such that a multi-colored or illuminated beach surface is provided. Present embodiments may include multiple containment structures arrayed in an area adjacent a water feature, wherein each containment structure holds beach surface material of a different color. Further, present embodiments may include creating and/or distributing iridescent and/or phosphorescent beach surface material in one or more containment structures that define the beach area. Additionally, present embodiments may include adjustable or attachable barrier extensions to facilitate maintenance. Further, present embodiments may include transparent or translucent beach surface material disposed in one or more containment structures and a lighting system under the beach surface materials.
US08777760B2
The device for torque transmission between a drive pulley (1) and a shaft (2) comprises a coupling flange (4) rotationally driven by the pulley and a hub fitted at the shaft end and rotationally joined to the shaft, with torque limitation means fitted between the coupling flange (4) and the hub (3), characterized in that the torque limitation means comprise a friction ring (28) comprising a plurality of projecting elastic portions in friction contact with a surface of the coupling flange (4) and/or of the hub (3).
US08777759B2
In a universal joint, a cross shaft member includes four shaft parts forming a cross-shape. Each of four bearing cups corresponding respectively to the shaft parts has a hollow-cylindrical shape having a bottom and is rotatably mounted to the corresponding shaft part through a roller disposed between an inner peripheral surface of the each bearing cup and an outer peripheral surface of the corresponding shaft part. Each bearing cup includes an inner bottom surface in sliding contact with a distal end surface of the corresponding shaft part, wherein the sliding contact is in an annular region encompassing a central axis of the corresponding shaft part. The distal end surface of each shaft part is formed with an annular groove encompassing the central axis of the first shaft part for storing oil.
US08777751B2
Individual participants in a multi-participant collaborative computing application may be sent intermittent updates of actions taken by other participants. These updates need not be sent to a participant's device until the participant has interacted with a specified object in the application. The participant's device may then be sent an update including object interactions of the other participants occurring since the participant's previous object interaction. The update may be used to periodically inform the participant of the actions taken by the other participants during the period between the participant's interactions.
US08777745B2
A controller cover includes a main body portion attached to an outer surface of a controller, and the main body portion includes a contacted portion where a contacted inner surface is in contact with the outer surface of the controller and a non-contacted portion where a non-contacted inner surface is not in contact with the outer surface of the controller. Elastic deforming protrusions are formed on the non-contacted inner surface. When the controller attached with the cover interferes with other thing, and the non-contacted portion of the cover is subjected to shock, the elastic deforming protrusion of the non-contacted portion is deformed to ease the shock, so that the controller and the interfering other thing are protected.
US08777740B2
A gaming apparatus having a housing defining a display area on which immoveable display characters and moveable symbol displays are used to present a game outcome, is disclosed. Typically, the immoveable display characters provide background for the moveable symbol displays. A controller is used to cause movement of the moveable symbol displays so that at least one symbol corresponding to the game outcome is displayed. A method of playing a game using the aforementioned gaming apparatus is also disclosed.
US08777736B2
A progressive controller includes a plurality of progressive jackpot award game configuration options. A subset of the progressive jackpot award game configuration options correspond to the subset of EGM configuration options related to participating in the progressive jackpot award game. The progressive controller automatically sends data representing the subset of progressive jackpot award game configuration options to the plurality of EGMs. The EGMs participate in the progressive jackpot award game in accordance with the EGM progressive jackpot award game configuration options.
US08777735B1
The invention relates to systems and methods of selecting and placing real-world wagers responsive to one or more wager triggers, obtaining outcomes of the real-world wagers, facilitating user interactions with various interactive media, and revealing the outcomes of the real-world wagers through the interactive media to give an appearance that the outcomes of the real-world wagers resulted from the user interactions even though the outcomes resulted from the real-world wagers and were determined before the user interactions. An operator of the system may monetize the interactive media and wagering platform described herein and maintain a system account to obtain the funds from various entities, such as users, third party interactive media provider(s), partner promotions provider(s), and/or others.
US08777730B2
The present application provides a game betting device, wherein each of antennas 21 belongs both two major groups, the major groups are further classified into a plurality of small groups, two major groups have different classifications of the small groups from each other, and at least one column or at least one row in the alignment of the betting regions includes a plurality of small groups included in an identical major group in a single column or row. The game betting device according to the present application makes it possible to read out a chip on a betting board in a short time.
US08777726B2
Disclosed herein are techniques and equipment for providing state-based power-ups to a wagering game player. The state-based power-ups may be reused by the player until a game outcome condition is not met.
US08777717B2
A system and method of use wherein players are allowed to vote on a game number from multiple game numbers wherein the game number receiving the most votes is selected as a next game number. Games involving multiple player, including bingo and lottery-style games, may benefit from the disclosed system and method. Given a large set of players and over the course of the game, the voting scheme does not impact the random nature of the game outcome. Advantageously, and despite the continued randomness of game outcomes, players tend to believe that the voting scheme impacts the game outcome by skewing the game outcome in the player's favor. Accordingly, the interactive nature of the game is attractive to players especially new and young players having grown up with interactive video games and also provides more experienced players with a new spin on old games.
US08777703B1
A hide puller for skinning an animal with telescoping upright support member that is retractable for storage. The puller mounts on a truck hitch receiver. A pulley system with movable mounting bracket attached on an upper end of the support member and wings provided on a lower end of the upright support member. Button and loop fasteners are employed for securing the animal's hide to one end of the support member via either the mounting bracket or the wings and means for securing the animal's carcass to the opposite end of the upright support member via either the wings or the mounting bracket. A cable is attached to the pulley system and attached to means for retracting and releasing the cable to raise and lower the mounting bracket relative to the wings to remove hide from the carcass. A hunter's gambrel may substitute for the movable mounting bracket.
US08777699B2
Superabrasive tools and methods for making and using the same are provided. In one aspect, for example, a CMP pad dresser includes a first monolayer of superabrasive particles disposed on and coupled to one side of a metal support layer and a second monolayer of superabrasive particles disposed on and coupled to the metal support layer on an opposite side from the first monolayer. The superabrasive particles of the second monolayer are positioned to have substantially the same distribution as the superabrasive particles of the first monolayer.
US08777694B2
Method and apparatus for detecting an accurate polishing endpoint of a substrate based on a change in polishing rate are provided. The method includes: applying a light to the surface of the substrate and receiving a reflected light from the substrate; obtaining a plurality of spectral profiles at predetermined time intervals, each spectral profile indicating reflection intensity at each wavelength of the reflected light; selecting at least one pair of spectral profiles, including a latest spectral profile, from the plurality of spectral profiles obtained; calculating a difference in the reflection intensity at a predetermined wavelength between the spectral profiles selected; determining an amount of change in the reflection intensity from the difference; and determining a polishing endpoint based on the amount of change.
US08777691B2
An arch type play structure may be formed of a single large sheet of e.g. cardboard, which can be folded to flat form for storage, or which may be folded in such a way that parts of it form a box-like structure containing other parts of it. The arch may be decorated e.g. to represent a fireplace (5) or gate.
US08777690B2
A playset includes a housing defining a chamber, and first and second openings in communication with the chamber. A platform is coupled to the housing and movable in opposing first and second directions through the first opening, and in opposing third and fourth directions through the second opening. A doll is coupleable to the platform and rotatable about an axis between first and second positions relative to the platform. The doll is moved from the first position to the second position as the platform is moved in the second direction, and the doll is moved from the second position to the first position as the platform is moved in the third direction.
US08777686B2
A method of jetting a liquid crystal includes loading a substrate on a stage, controlling a surface temperature of an inkjet head and a substrate to be a setting temperature, and jetting the liquid crystal molecules on the substrate having the setting temperature.
US08777674B1
An electrical contact is provided for an electrical receptacle. The contact includes a main body, a first segment that is an extension of the main body and substantially parallel to the main body, a second segment substantially perpendicular to the main body and the first segment, a third segment substantially perpendicular to the second segment and substantially parallel to the main body and the first segment, a first wipe that extends from the first segment, a second wipe that extends from the second segment, and a third wipe that extends from the third segment.
US08777665B2
A shielded connector includes an inner housing to which terminals connected to a shielded electric wire is attached, a shield shell that includes a shield part and a barrel part, and a shield shell cover that covers a shielded wire exposure part of the shielded electric wire. The shield shell cover has a pair of insertion lap parts which are inserted between two side surfaces of the inner housing and two side surfaces of the shield part. A backlash preventing unit is provided on a top surface and a bottom surface of the inner housing and parts of the shield part which opposite to the top surface and the bottom surface of the inner housing so as to prevent a shaking between the inner housing and the shield shell.
US08777662B2
An electrical connector in the form of a socket assembly defining a plurality of arcuate leaf contacts adapted for insertion of a pin contact therein. The socket assembly comprises an elongate socket core having the leaf contacts formed at a distal end thereof, and a substantially cylindrical hood surrounding the leaf contacts. In one embodiment of the invention, the hood is provided with structure for limiting the radial outward deflection of the leaf contacts when the electrical connector is subjected to shock forces. The limiting structure can be a stepped inner cylindrical sidewall of the hood, defining a reduced inner diameter portion of the hood surrounding at least a distal portion of each leaf contact.
US08777646B2
An adaptor device for electrical sockets is provided that includes a body having an interior; a pair of prongs extending from the body in spaced parallel relationship; a pair of receptacles extending into the interior of the body, each receptacle structured to be in electrical contact with a respective prong of the pair of prongs; and a pair of prong springs received over the pair of prongs, each prong spring having a pair of flexible side walls that are structured to bulge outward away from the prong.
US08777633B2
An embodiment of the present invention discloses a rotatable data card. The rotatable data card includes a data card body, a USB connector, and a rotating shaft assembly. The rotating shaft assembly includes a rotating shaft, a fixed fluted disk, and a rotating shaft casing. The rotating shaft and the fixed fluted disk are accommodated in the rotating shaft casing. Teeth are set on the rotating shaft and the fixed fluted disk, and the rotating shaft and the fixed fluted disk are engaged with each other. The USB connector includes a bracket, where a hole is opened on the bracket. The rotating shaft casing is fixed in the hole. The rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the data card body. The rotating shaft rotates relative to the fixed fluted disk, and an angle between the data card body and the USB connector is never 180 degrees.
US08777630B2
A method is presented to address quantitative assessment of facial emotion sensitivity of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of faces and a background on a display, the plurality of faces comprising a plurality of facial expressions; (2) adjusting at least one facial expression on the scene; (3) receiving feedback from said subject via at least one input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the adjusted facial expression relative to the accuracy of the received feedback; (6) (7) transforming the modulated facial expression; (8) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (9) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium. An apparatus for quantitative assessment of facial emotion sensitivity of a subject comprising a display device, an input device, a control device, and a tangible computer readable medium. In its simplest sense, a quantitative assessment profile of facial emotion sensitivity by psychophysical responses is generated on a tangible computer readable medium.
US08777629B2
The invention relates to a device (1) and a method for simulating a welding process. The device comprises a computer (2) having an input device (11) and an output device (6), a welding torch (3), a magnetic position monitoring device having at least one transmitter and a plurality of sensors, a retaining device (15) for a workpiece (4) used for the simulation and a visualization device (16) for generating a two- or three-dimensional image on the output device (6). The retaining device (15) has a recess into which the workpiece (4) can be inserted, at least one transmitter of the position monitoring device being arranged below the recess at as small a distance from the workpiece as possible, and the retaining device (15) being designed as a small, portable box to be placed on a table (10).
US08777626B2
An interactive computer based system and method for multi-sensory learning to teach students to read, to write, to improve their fluency, and to improve their reading comprehension. The multi-sensory system combines phonics and reading comprehension to teach students how to decode the alphabet and understand what they read. The multi-sensory system can be individually customized and tailored to meet needs of an individual student.
US08777621B2
An activity device including an activity sensor for generating an activity interaction signal responsive to a sustained large-muscle physical activity of a user operating the activity device; a controller, coupled to the activity monitor, generating a virtual environment supporting a virtual user frame-of-reference in the virtual environment, the controller generating a set of virtual education elements in the environment and a goal for the set virtual representation with respect to the virtual education elements wherein the controller is responsive to the activity interaction signal to produce an affected interaction of the virtual representation with the virtual education elements with the controller measuring a conformation of the goal by the affected interaction; and a feedback system, coupled to the controller, for presenting the virtual environment with the frame-of-reference in relation to the virtual education elements for providing the user with feedback.
US08777614B2
A detection system for remotely determining the speed of a rotating tool tip in a pneumatic dental handpiece. A means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool tip monitors a periodic mechanical function at the pneumatic hose connected to the handpiece. The monitored periodic mechanical function serves to provide feedback that is used to control the speed of the rotating tool tip. The means for detecting the speed of the rotating tool detects a mechanical function of the rotating tool tip, which in transmitted to a controller. The controller in turn regulates the operation of an air supply valve in response to the detected mechanical function. The valve regulates the flow of air to the handpiece. By continuously adjusting the flow of air through the valve into the pneumatic hose, the speed of the rotating tool is maintained at the desired cutting speed.
US08777609B2
A heater having first and second oxygen depletion sensors and a main burner injector and configurable for the delivery of at least first and second types of fuels.
US08777605B2
The invention provides a deckle system for extrusion dies. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods of cleaning an extrusion die equipped with a retractable external deckle system. Also provided in some embodiments is a deckle system having a novel deckle adjustment mechanism. In other embodiments, the invention provides an advantageous internal deckle member equipped with a removable, replaceable internally threaded insert.
US08777600B1
The hydraulic curing system contains a first hydraulic curing device, a second hydraulic curing device, and a number of fastener sets fixedly coupling the first and second hydraulic curing devices side by side together. The first hydraulic curing device has a number of first joint hole sets; whereas the second hydraulic curing device has a number of second joint hole sets. The fastener sets fixedly couple the first and second hydraulic curing devices side by side together by fastening corresponding first and second joint hole sets. Through the present invention, the transportation and assembly of the hydraulic curing system can be conducted by handling the first and second hydraulic curing devices separately. The convenience of the transportation and assembly is as such significantly enhanced.
US08777596B2
An apparatus includes a pump, a motor operatively coupled to the pump, and a flushing system. The motor includes a stator and a rotor disposed in a rotor cavity isolated from the stator. The flushing system is operable to provide a flushing medium to the rotor cavity.
US08777595B2
A rotary piston engine comprises at least two rotors, a power component and a blocking component, which interact and have spur gearings, the number of teeth of which differs by one, the rotors and an engine housing accommodating the rotors delimiting working compartments. The rotors are twisted at a defined angle to each other. The power component is driven by and rotationally connected to an electric motor arranged on the same axis. The motor has an internal stator and an external rotor, the engine housing being directly connected to the motor. The engine housing has a supporting tube section projecting into and supporting the internal stator. The external rotor has a bell which encloses the internal stator and has a center drive shaft extending through the supporting tube section and rotationally connected to the power component, the drive shaft being mounted towards the inner wall of the supporting tube section.
US08777582B2
Hybrid components containing a ceramic material, in which detailed features of the components are formed of materials other than ceramic materials, yet result in a robust mechanical attachment of the ceramic and non-ceramic portions of the components. The components includes a first subcomponent formed of a ceramic-based material and a second subcomponent formed of a metallic material. The first subcomponent has a nub and the second subcomponent is separately formed and attached to the first subcomponent by casting the metallic material around the nub of the first subcomponent. The second subcomponent is attached to the first subcomponent by a compression fit and encapsulation of the second subcomponent on the nub of the first subcomponent. The nub has a compliant coating system that provides thermal expansion compliance between the metallic material of the second subcomponent and the ceramic-based material of the first subcomponent.
US08777576B2
A platform is provided for use between adjacent fan blades joined to a rotor disk to provide an inner flowpath boundary. The platform includes: a metallic arcuate body with opposed forward and aft ends and opposed lateral edges; and a pair of frangible wings that extend from the lateral edges laterally and radially beyond the body.
US08777573B2
Wind turbine blade comprising two or more blade sections each of which defines a non-joint zone and, at one or each of its ends, a joint zone. The blade sections are connected in pairs such that the joint zones of each pair are connected at a joint, whereby the joint is positioned between two non-joint zones. At least one of the joints have an increased thickness and a wider chord relative to the thickness and the chord of the two non-joint zone between which the joint is positioned so as to increase the second moment of inertia in the area of the joint.
US08777568B2
A platform cooling arrangement in a turbine rotor blade having a platform at an interface between an airfoil and a root, wherein the rotor blade includes an interior cooling passage that in operation, includes at least a high-pressure coolant region and a low-pressure coolant region, and wherein the platform includes a platform underside. The platform cooling arrangement may include: a plate that comprises a plate topside; a channel formed on the plate topside, the channel comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, and being open through the plate topside such that, upon attaching the plate to the platform, the platform underside comprises a channel ceiling; a high-pressure connector that connects the upstream end of the channel to the high-pressure coolant region of the interior cooling passage; and a low-pressure connector that connects the downstream end of the channel to the low-pressure coolant region of the interior cooling passage.
US08777565B2
A steam turbine has an outer casing that is divided into an upper casing and a lower casing (a lower block) on a horizontal plane through which a rotor passes. The upper casing is divided into a middle block having a through hole and an upper block having a top panel, that is, into a portion including at least a part of the through hole through which the rotor penetrates. With this configuration, machining of a bellows fitting unit provided in an end-plate cone portion can be performed in existing facilities such as a factory, in a state that the lower block and the middle block are assembled without assembling the upper block.
US08777563B2
A brush seal assembly for turbomachinery having a rotor can include a stationary seal component, a floating seal component coupled to the stationary seal component and circumferentially angled bristles arranged in a bristle pack, disposed in the floating seal component and extended axially with respect to the rotor.
US08777558B2
A casing for a turbomachine rotor wheel includes a plurality of circumferential grooves, each of substantially constant section, with the section areas of the circumferential grooves decreasing from upstream to downstream on going from the first groove to the last groove. By treating the casing in this way, the efficiency of the rotor wheel is optimized and its surge margin is improved.
US08777557B2
The present invention provides a controllable compound rotor system for the WECS, with a pilot rotor working under low wind speed conditions and a main rotor working under high speed conditions. By proper switching of the clutch, the WECS can not only achieve a greater starting torque under low wind speed conditions, as well as to capture and utilize the low wind-speed wind energy after being started, but also give full play to the advantage of the main rotor having the excellent wind capturing efficiency under high wind speed and high turning speed conditions. Thus the WECS can capture and utilize wind energy under both low and high wind speed conditions, which greatly expands the speed and zone range wherein the WECS can be applied, facilitating wide application of the WECS.
US08777555B1
A tidal turbine system includes yaw drive for rotating the turbine between a first position associated with tidal flow and a second position associated with tidal ebbs. The yaw drive is capable of moving the tidal turbine to a position where the tidal turbine is pointed substantially directly into the tidal flow in the first position and substantially into the tidal ebb in a second position. A method for harvesting tidal energy includes rotating the tidal turbine between one of the first position and the second position.
US08777552B2
A method of forming layered stacks of bundles includes providing a gripping appliance comprising a first gripping assembly and a second gripping assembly. The first gripping assembly is configured for grasping one or more first bundles and the second gripping assembly is configured for grasping one or more second bundles. The first and second gripping assemblies are configured such that first and second bundles grasped thereby may be reoriented relative to one another. The method further includes retrieving from a first location one or more first bundles with the first gripping assembly and one or more second bundles with the second gripping assembly and transporting the first and second bundles to a second location, During transport of the first and second bundles, the bundles are reoriented relative to one another. The bundles are deposited at a selected position in the second location to form at least a partial layer of a layered stack of bundles.
US08777547B2
A substrate transporting robot apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to transport a substrate to and from a chamber of an electronic device processing system. The apparatus may include an upper arm rotatable in an X-Y plane, a forearm rotatable relative to the upper arm in the X-Y plane, and a wrist member rotatable relative to the forearm in the X-Y plane, the wrist member including an end effector adapted to carry a substrate. The wrist member may be subjected to independent rotation such that various degrees of yaw may be imparted to the wrist member. In some aspects, the independent rotation is provided without a motive power device (e.g., motor) being provided on the arms or wrist member, i.e., the wrist member may be remotely driven. Systems and methods using the robot apparatus are also provided as are numerous other aspects.
US08777544B1
A storage means and transportation method for at least one (1) motorcycle is herein disclosed, comprising a platform plate supported at corner locations by rotating casters. A vertical edging is provided along the long edges of the platform to prevent the motorcycle from rolling off. At least one (1) handles is provided along the long edge to aid in manipulating each motorcycle along a floor surface for shipping or storage. At each end portion of the platform are fold-down ramps to allow each motorcycle to be rolled on and off of the platform. Each ramp comprises a support to anchor the platform against the floor surface by lifting the casters slightly off of the floor. Once the platform is secured in this fashion, each motorcycle can be rolled on and off the platform safely. Each motorcycle is covered by a fiberglass hard cover which is attached thereto the platform for long-term storage and/or shipment.
US08777543B2
A rollback carrier includes a vehicle chassis, a truck bed assembly supported on the vehicle chassis and displaceable between a transport position and a loading position, and a front actuating arm acting between the truck bed assembly and the vehicle chassis. The front actuating arm dampens a tilt position of the truck bed relative to the vehicle chassis.
US08777541B2
A conveyor control apparatus of liquid crystal panel substrates and a control method thereof is disclosed. The apparatus has multiple first side pillars and multiple second side pillars mounted opposite to the first side pillars. A movement control assembly is mounted outside the first side pillars and the second side pillars. The movement control assembly is used to move to a slot where the liquid crystal panel substrate is to move is inserted, and control the certain liquid crystal panel substrate inserted in the slot to move out from the conveyor control apparatus.
US08777540B2
An apparatus for storing contamination-sensitive flat articles, in particular for storing semiconductor wafers, comprises a plurality of box-like compartments stationary arranged on a fixed mounting rack. The compartments are open on a front side and are arranged in rows and columns side by side and one above the other on the fixed mounting rack. The compartments each have a plurality of slotted holders for receiving the flat articles, and they surround a first handling unit configured for automatically inserting and removing the flat articles into and out of the slotted holders. A closed housing forms a clean room where both the plurality of compartments and the first handling unit are arranged.
US08777533B2
A blind fastener including a core bolt having a shank with a head and a threaded portion, and a sleeve having an elongated body with a head, an internal threaded portion, and a tapered notch formed within an exterior surface thereof and defined by a tapered portion having a slope and a frictional enhanced surface. The core bolt is installed within the sleeve such that its threaded portion engages threadedly the internal threaded portion of the sleeve. During installation of the fastener within the plurality of workpieces, a bulb is formed on the elongated body of the sleeve, the bulb defining a portion of a bulbed portion. When a selected axial force is reached, the bulbed portion separates from the elongated body and engages axially the tapered portion of the sleeve, increasing the diameter of the bulb which engages a blind side of one of the workpieces.
US08777530B2
A tool holder has a first holder part for inserting into a receptacle in the machine tool and a second holder part for holding a tool. The tool holder has a conduit for directing a coolant and/or lubricant to the tool from a coolant and/or lubricant source. The tool has a conduit section for the coolant and/or lubricant for directing the latter to a machining point, and wherein, in the fitted state of the tool in the tool holder, the conduit is in contact with the conduit section at a coupling point. Provision is made for there to be an air feed line which directs compressed air from a compressed-air source into the region of the coupling point in such a way that the compressed air acts on the outer circumferential surface of the conduit and of the conduit section. Furthermore, methods for operating such a tool holder are described.
US08777518B2
A skid for positioning a pipe or a piece of earth boring equipment includes a first frame and a second frame slidably mounted on the first frame. The second frame forms a rectangular trough having an open upper end. An upwardly opening cradle rests in the open upper end of the rectangular tough of the second frame that supports the pipe or the piece of earth boring equipment. A first vertical sack mechanism is attached to a first end of the first frame and a first end of the second frame. A second vertical jack mechanism is attached to a second end of the first frame and a second end of the second frame. The first and second vertical jack mechanisms raise and lower the second frame and the upwardly opening cradle supporting the pipe or the earth boring equipment to a desired position.
US08777506B2
A liquid applicator includes a liquid pressing mechanism (liquid pressing means) for pressurizing an application liquid inside a main body so as to supply application liquid to an applying member by the pressing of the liquid pressing mechanism. The applying member is made of an elastic material and is formed with a communication path of a passage hole for communication between the inside and outside of main body, and an applying portion of the applying member is formed projected further forward from an ejection opening of communication path. The liquid applicator that can simply apply an application liquid, even it is high in viscosity, over a wide area.
US08777497B2
Disclosed is a bidirectional optical transceiver module having an efficient optical coupling structure. The bidirectional optical transceiver module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first structure which has a hexahedron shape, has four side surfaces of which two side surfaces are formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a bottom surface, and is transparent to both a transmitted light component and a received light component; and at least one second structure which has a planar shape, is inserted in the first structure so as to form a right angle with the bottom surface of the first structure and be tilted by a predetermined angle from a direction of the transmitted light component or the received light component, and is transparent to one of the transmitted light component and the received light component and reflective of the other one.
US08777495B2
An optical connector includes a printed circuit board (PCB), an optical-electric coupling element, a jumper, and optical fibers. The optical-electric coupling element is attached on the PCB. The jumper is detachably positioned on the optical-electric coupling element. The optical-electric coupling element includes first coupling lenses. The jumper includes a first external sidewall, a second external sidewall, a third external surface, and a fourth external surface. The first external sidewall defines receiving holes. Each optical fiber is received in a respective receiving hole. The third external surface defines a sloped surface extending from the third external surface to the first external sidewall. The third external surface and the sloped surface form an angle therebetween. The fourth external surface defines a cavity. The jumper includes second coupling lenses positioned on a bottom surface of the cavity. Each second coupling lens is aligned with a respective first coupling lens.
US08777492B2
A wheel bearing apparatus of a semi-floating type has a pilot portion 21 on an outer member 20. The pilot portion includes a cylindrical portion 21a and a tapered portion 21b. The tapered portion 21b gradually decreases in diameter from the cylindrical portion 21a to an end surface of the inboard side. A fitting portion 16 of an axle housing 14 corresponds to the shape of the pilot portion 21. An annular groove 22 is formed at the tapered portion 21b of the pilot portion 21. A seal ring 23 is mounted in the annular groove 22. An outer diameter d3 of the seal ring 23, after mounting, is set smaller than an inner diameter d4 of the cylindrical portion 16a of the axle housing 14. The seal ring elastically contacts the axle housing 14. A slight gap of a fitting portion between the outer member 20 and the axle housing 14 is blocked off.
US08777484B2
A resistance temperature sensor with a first temperature sensor element and a second temperature sensor element, wherein the first temperature sensor element comprises a first measuring path and the second temperature sensor element a second measuring path, wherein the first and the second measuring paths extend on a substrate, wherein the substrate has an anisotropic thermal expansion with at least two mutually differing expansion directions (a, c), and wherein a projection of the first measuring path on the expansion directions (a) differs from a projection of the second measuring path on the expansion directions (c).
US08777483B2
The temperature measuring apparatus includes: a light source; a first wavelength-dividing unit which wavelength-divides a light from the light source into m lights whose wavelength bands are different from one another; m first dividing units which divides each of the m lights from the first wavelength-dividing unit into n lights; a transmitting unit which transmits lights from the m first dividing unit to measurement points of an object to be measured; a light receiving unit which receives a light reflected by each of the measurement points; and a temperature calculating unit which calculates a temperature of each of the measurement points based on a waveform of the light received by the light receiving unit.
US08777480B2
The invention concerns a timepiece comprising a middle part (30) closed by a back cover and a crystal, said middle part (30) comprising a peripheral shoulder (34) in which a groove (37) is arranged, said groove being disposed on a surface of the shoulder parallel to the central axis of the middle part (C), said timepiece comprising a rotating bezel system (20) rotatably mounted on said peripheral shoulder, characterised in that said rotating bezel system includes a bezel ring (40, 41) provided with at least a first recess (46) disposed on a surface of the bezel intended to face said groove when said rotating bezel system (20) is fitted onto the middle part, said rotating bezel system (20) further comprising a spring means (80) extending both into said at least one first recess (46) of the bezel and at the same time into the groove (37) in the middle part so as to hold the rotating bezel system (20) on the middle part (30) of the timepiece.
US08777476B2
Apparatus for homogenization of multi-phase fluid; the fluid including at least a first phase and a second phase a gaseous phase and a liquid phase; the apparatus including an inner reservoir fluidly communicative with an outer receptacle; the inner reservoir including an inlet for multiphase fluid, an outlet having a smaller cross sectional area than the body for outflow of the first phase and at least one opening into the outer receptacle for outflow of the second phase, the opening being spaced from the first phase outlet; wherein the outer receptacle has an inlet conduit having a neck which at least partially surrounds the inner reservoir outlet.
US08777474B2
An optical film is formed with a plurality of optical patterns having peak and valley portions and a lighting device may include such an optical film. Pitches of the optical patterns, heights of the peak portions and depths of the valley portions are irregular, and plan and side structures of the optical patterns have a non-linear non-symmetrical arrangement structure in which the peak and valley portions are irregularly bent. According to an optical film and a lighting device including such an optical film, a moiré phenomenon can be prevented in advance, abrasion resistance can be improved, optical defects such as scratches cannot be observed with the naked eye, a wet-out phenomenon can be prevented, and a viewing angle can be broadened.
US08777471B2
An LCD indicator unit contains an LCD indicator with a display portion that includes set temperature and current temperature display portions, a diffusion sheet disposed on the rear surface side of the LCD indicator, a reflective frame body disposed on the rear surface side of the diffusion sheet, a light guide plate disposed on the rear surface side of the reflective frame body such that an outer peripheral portion thereof is covered with the reflective frame body, and an LCD indicator control substrate-disposed on the rear surface side of the light guide plate, with LEDs serving as light sources for the LCD indicator mounted on a right-side outer peripheral portion on the front surface side of the LCD indicator control substrate. Light emitted from the LEDs is caused to enter a side wall surface portion of the light guide plate to irradiate the display portion of the LCD indicator.
US08777470B2
This interior wall includes at least one cladding panel (4) covered with a luminous fabric (6), lying in a substantially vertical plane and having a front face receiving the luminous fabric, a rear face opposite the front face, a bottom edge, and a top edge. The luminous fabric includes optical fibers (7) extending substantially vertically over the front face of the first cladding panel and first ends of which are bent around the bottom edge of the first cladding panel toward its rear face. A casing (8) accommodates light sources and includes connecting elements (10) for the ends of the optical fibers (7) of the luminous fabric bent around the bottom edge of the first cladding panel. The first casing (8) is fastened to the first cladding panel and is supported by feet (20) extending beyond the bottom edge of the first cladding panel.
US08777465B2
Various embodiments of electric lights are described, particularly those capable of being inserted and powered by a light socket. The electric lights can include a base that can electrically couple with a light socket and a housing coupled to the base. A flame element can at least partially extend from the housing and be illuminated via a light source that is configured to emit light on to an outer surface of the flame element. To ensure proper orientation of the flame element with respect to a viewer, the housing can rotate with respect to the base, such that a front surface of the flame element can be reoriented as needed while the base is electrically coupled to the light socket.
US08777457B2
A predetermined illuminated surface pattern is generated from a predetermined energy distribution pattern of an LED light source within an LED package having a light transmitting dome. An estimated optical transfer function of a lens shape of an optic is defined by the shape of an exterior and inner surface which envelopes at least in part the light transmitting dome of the LED package. An energy distribution pattern is obtained by combination of the estimated optical transfer function and the predetermined energy distribution pattern of the light source. A projection of the energy distribution pattern onto the illuminated surface is determined. The projection is compared to the predetermined illuminated surface pattern. The estimated optical transfer function is illuminated surface pattern.
US08777453B2
Disclosed is a kit for converting an existing high discharge light unit to an LED based light unit, with the option of including a networked capability among a group of LED light units. The kit includes a drop-in component mounting plate on which are mounted an LED light source, sensors including a thermal sensor, a control unit, a DC power supply, a heat sink, and a dimmer unit. A wireless transceiver allows the LED light units to operate as a network, with two way flow of information from the LED light units to a control unit.
US08777449B2
A lighting device comprising a trim element, an electrical connector and at least one solid state light emitter, the lighting device weighing less than one kilogram. If current of about 12 watts (or in some cases about 15 watts, or in some cases not more than about 15 watts) is supplied to the electrical connector, the at least one solid state light emitter will illuminate so that the lighting device will emit white light of at least 500 lumens. Also, a lighting device that weighs less than one kilogram and can generate white light of at least 500 lumens using a current of not more than about 15 watts. Also, a lighting device for mounting in a recessed housing, comprising a unitary structure trim element that conducts heat away from at least one solid state light emitter and dissipates at least some of the heat outside of the recessed housing.
US08777439B2
Provided is an illuminating device capable of positioning or fixing a light guide plate in a chassis while preventing intensity distribution in a plane of light emitted from a front face of the plate from becoming nonuniform. An illuminating device (4) includes a plate-shaped light guide plate (11), a box-shaped chassis (14) with its upper face open and arranged to house the plate, a frame-shaped frame (5) extending along an outer peripheral end portion of the plate and attached to an upper side of the chassis, and a light source (21) arranged to project light onto a predetermined lateral end face (11a) of the plate, wherein the frame includes a presser member (6) disposed on its lower face (5b) and arranged to sandwich the plate between the presser member and the chassis, and wherein the plate includes an engagement member (12) arranged to engage with the presser member.
US08777429B2
A blind spot mirror configured to attach to an automobile, thereby providing an enhanced view, comprising a base having a flat rear surface configured to couple to an automobile mirror. The blind spot mirror also includes a mirror housing pivotally coupled to the base through a ball and socket coupling member, wherein the ball and socket coupling member is coupled to the mirror housing substantially off-center on the mirror housing. The ball and socket coupling member is disposed substantially off-center to the mirror housing, 60/40 respectively. The blind spot mirror further includes a mirror disposed within the mirror housing and coupled thereto through a hook and groove coupling device. The mirror is inset into a receiving portion around the perimeter of the mirror housing and secured to the hook and groove coupling device.
US08777416B2
The polarization beam splitting element splits an entering beam according to polarization directions. The element includes, in order from a beam entrance side, an entrance side multi-layered film layer constituted by laminated multiple dielectric films, and a one-dimensional grating structure having a grating period smaller than a wavelength of the entering beam and formed of a metal. When a medium existing on the beam entrance side further than the entrance side multi-layered film layer is referred to as an entrance medium, the multiple dielectric films constituting the entrance side multi-layered film layer include at least one dielectric film having a higher refractive index than that of the entrance medium and at least one dielectric film having a lower refractive index than that of the entrance medium.
US08777410B2
A fundus photographing apparatus with wavefront compensation, includes: a fundus photographing optical system for capturing a fundus image by receiving a reflected light from fundus of an examinee's eye; a wavefront compensation device placed in an optical path of the fundus photographing optical system to compensate a wavefront aberration of the examinee's eye by controlling an incident light wavefront; a wavefront aberration detection optical system for projecting a measurement light on the fundus of the examinee's eye to detect a reflected light of the measurement light from the fundus using a wavefront sensor; and a controller for controlling an effective region formed on the wavefront compensation device so as to correct a difference between the effective region formed on the wavefront compensation device where an aberration correction control is effective and a wavefront measurement region of the wavefront aberration detection optical system where the wavefront aberration is measured.
US08777406B2
Provided is a device-mounting support member (100) for mounting a wearable device (W) onto an eyeglass frame, including: an eyeglass attachment portion (101) having a first pressing portion (101a) to be pressed against a temple portion (T) of the eyeglass frame; a support frame portion (102) to be attached with the wearable device (W) which extends from the eyeglass attachment portion (101) substantially parallel to the temple portion (T); and a head abutment portion (103) which is coupled to the support frame portion (102) and to be abutted to a head of a wearer, in which: the support frame portion (102) is arranged on the outside of the temple portion (T); the head abutment portion (103) is arranged on the inside of the temple portion (T); and the support frame portion (102) and the head abutment portion (103) are coupled to each other via a support bridge portion (104).
US08777398B2
An ink jet printer includes a platen in which a plurality of plate members configuring a support surface supporting a roll paper are disposed at a predetermined interval so that suction grooves are formed between the plate members, a recording unit for performing a recording process on the roll paper placed on the support surface, a pressure chamber disposed at the back side of the platen and communicating with the suction grooves, and a suction mechanism for sucking up the roll paper disposed on the support surface through the suction grooves.
US08777396B2
An aqueous inkjet printer is configured to evaluate and adjust multiple components within the printer with reference to image data of the surface of a rotating member obtained at different times during a single print cycle. The print cycle can be performed in a multiple pass manner to enable a single optical sensor to be used for generation of the image data. Alternatively, the print cycle can be performed in a single revolution of the rotating member and multiple optical sensors positioned about the rotating member to generate the image data.
US08777388B2
A fluid distribution system for a printhead, the system having a fluid container fluidically interconnected with the printhead via a closed fluid flow loop, a bypass fluid path bypassing the printhead on the closed loop, a gas vent on the closed loop and a four-way valve on the closed loop for selectively allowing fluid flow along the closed loop via the printhead and the bypass path and venting of gas in the closed loop via the gas vent.
US08777381B2
According to one embodiment, an inkjet head comprises a substrate, and a nozzle plate. The substrate includes grooves. The nozzle plate includes nozzles that are formed by laser processing to communicate with the grooves. Electrodes are formed on respective internal surfaces of the grooves. Each of the electrodes is formed of a plurality of metal layers, and includes a flat surface that is apart from the internal surfaces of the grooves. A first inorganic film is superposed on the surfaces of the electrodes. A second inorganic film is superposed on the first inorganic film.
US08777379B2
A liquid ejecting head includes a piezoelectric element having a first electrode, a piezoelectric body layer, and a second electrode, in which the piezoelectric body layer is formed of complex oxide of a pevroskite structure including at least bismuth, barium, iron, and titanium, and the mole ratio of titanium to barium (Ti/Ba) is 1.17 or more, and 1.45 or less.
US08777377B2
A liquid discharge head includes a recording element substrate including an electrode pad, a support member including a recess that supports the recording element substrate on a bottom surface thereof, an electric wiring member, and a sealant. The electric wiring member includes an opening through which the recording element substrate is exposed, an electric lead wire extending from the opening and connected to the electrode pad, and a protrusion formed in the opening and extending between a side surface of the recording element substrate and an inner side surface of the recess facing the side surface. A distal end of the protrusion is in contact with the bottom surface of the recess. The sealant is disposed in a region surrounded by a surface of the protrusion, the bottom surface of the recess, the inner side surface of the recess, and the side surface of the recording element substrate.
US08777375B2
A printing system including a substrate support and an ink deposition unit. The ink distribution unit deposits liquid ink onto a substrate positioned on the substrate support. The system allows for relative movement between the substrate support and the ink deposition unit. After printing, the ink deposition unit rotates to be oriented with the longitudinal axis of the next image segment to be printed and wherein the rotation does not affect the image resolution. The system can print at least two axial images sharing at least one common image portion and having an angle between their longitudinal axes less than 90 degrees.
US08777373B2
An image forming apparatus includes a carriage, a drive mechanism, a flexible harness, and a support member. The carriage includes a recording head to jet liquid droplets. The drive mechanism, which moves the carriage in a main scanning direction, includes a belt extending in the main scanning direction. The flexible harness, connecting the recording head and another unit, transmits signals between the recording head and another unit. The support member supports the flexible harness in an upright position over the belt. The flexible harness is routed at least partially in the main scanning direction of the carriage. The support member includes a regulation member at an exit portion of the support member to set a vertical height of the support member at the regulation member smaller than a width of the flexible harness.
US08777363B2
A transport method for transporting a long medium in a recording apparatus is performed using a transport control section. The transport control section performs, in a case where a first motor and a second motor are driven so as to transport a long sheet to the downstream side in a transport direction, prescribed processing that is different from the processing in a case where the deflection amount of the sheet becomes equal to or greater than a reference amount, in a case where the deflection amount of the sheet between a shaft member and a sending roller in the transport direction does not become equal to or greater than the reference amount.
US08777357B2
A method of preparing a two-dimensional bit-mapped image is disclosed in which the image has n pixels per row for printing using one or more printheads each having a row of ejection locations. Each ejection location has associated ejection electrodes to which a voltage is applied sufficient to cause particulate agglomerations to be formed from within a body of printing fluid. In order to cause charged particulate agglomerations to be ejected as printed droplets from selected ejection locations, voltage pulses of predetermined amplitude and duration, as determined by the respective bit values of the individual pixels of rows of the image, are applied to the electrodes of the selected ejection locations.
US08777347B2
A printer has a plurality of dischargers for discharging ink, a detector for detecting an electric signal SW, and an inspector unit for inspecting the dischargers on the basis of the electric signal SW; and a grounding terminal connecting a drive element of a discharger being inspected is electrically disconnected from another grounding terminal and a grounding line GL when the electric signal SW is detected by the detector.
US08777346B2
An ink-jet printing method includes the steps of dividing multiple ink droplet discharging pulses into two or more groups in an ink droplet discharging order, providing the multiple ink droplet discharging pulses to a pressure generator per scan line time, and discharging ink droplets from an ink droplet discharge head in accordance with the multiple ink droplet discharging pulses. The method further includes the steps of combining ink droplets of a former group as a first combined ink droplet, combining ink droplets of a latter group as a second combination droplet, combining the second combined ink droplet of the latter group with that of former group before the ink droplets reach a target, and maintaining a prescribed amount of ink droplets landing on the target by decreasing the number of ink droplet discharging pulses.
US08777336B2
A brake apparatus includes: a master cylinder generating a master cylinder fluid pressure; a wheel brake device applying a braking force to the wheels; a control fluid pressure generation device including a fluid pressure control valve and a fluid pressure pump; an electric motor driving the fluid pressure pump; a control fluid pressure setting unit setting a control fluid pressure; wherein the control fluid pressure generation device rotates the electric motor to circulate a brake fluid and applies a control current to the fluid pressure control valve to thus generate the control fluid pressure in the fluid pressure control valve, and a target rotation number setting unit configured to calculate a pump-necessary discharge flow rate and a brake fluid amount, and set a target rotation number of the electric motor based on the pump-necessary discharge flow rate.
US08777331B2
A brake booster for use in a hydraulic braking system having a brake pedal, a master cylinder, and a hydraulic control unit includes a housing, a screw drive arrangement positioned at least partially in the housing, a motor coupled to the housing for actuating the screw drive arrangement, and a piston assembly positioned in the housing. The piston assembly and the housing together at least partially define a first fluid chamber having an opening for providing fluid communication with the master cylinder, and a second fluid chamber having an opening for providing fluid communication with the hydraulic control unit. The screw drive arrangement is movable relative to a piston of the piston assembly between an engaged position, in which the first fluid chamber is isolated from the second fluid chamber, and a disengaged position in which the first fluid chamber is not isolated from the second fluid chamber.
US08777328B2
A rim (1) for a bicycle wheel, having a body (5) with a substantially annular extension and a radially outer portion (6a) shaped for coupling with a tire is disclosed. The radially outer portion (6a) includes an annular bottom wall (12) provided with a hole for an inflation valve, and the annular bottom wall (12) defines a central annular recess (20) and two side annular portions (24) arranged on axially opposite sides with respect to the central annular recess (20). The recess (20) includes, on at least one side, and in at least one circumferentially distal area from the hole with reference to a cross section of the rim (1), a radially inner surface (26) and a radially outer surface (28). The radially outer surface (28) has a different bending radius than that of the radially inner surface (26).
US08777324B2
A dump bed assembly (18) is provided for coupling to a truck having a chassis (22) for supporting the dump bed assembly (18). The dump bed assembly (18) includes a cargo receiving dump bed (13) coupled to the chassis (22) and movable between a travel configuration and a dump configuration. The dump bed includes a metal skeletal frame (85) including a plurality of frame members that define a plurality of openings (171) between the frame members. A plastic bed (90) comprises at least one plastic bed member coupled to and supported by the plurality of frame members. The plastic bed member extends into the openings defined by the frame members.
US08777315B2
The present invention teaches a high handle seat latch incorporated into a rotating seatback including a body integrated into the seatback and exhibiting a rear facing hook engaging a package shelf supported striker in an upright design position. A lift handle is supported at an upper end of the body and is accessible from a top of the seatback. A linkage interconnects the handle with the hook and is responsive to upward rotation of the handle to rotate the hook to a striker release and forward dump position. A cable actuates the linkage independent of the lift handle to actuate the hook to the release position.
US08777314B2
A vehicle seat assembly has a seat base, a seat back pivotally connected to the seat base and being movable between an upright and a folded position, a spring member connected to the other of the seat base and the seat back, and a follower rotatably connected to the spring member. One of the seat base and the seat back define a cam surface. The spring member is compressed by the follower engaging the cam surface. The follower engages the cam surface when the seat back is in the folded position.
US08777311B1
An infant stimulation and learning apparatus includes an isolation device and an environmental monitoring and control system. The isolation device is constructed as an infant carrier having an isolation canopy hingedly affixed thereto. The environmental monitoring and control system includes an audio-visual display system, media player, fresh air circulation system and infant monitoring system. A video screen, forming part of the audio-visual display system, is mounted to the interior surface of the isolation canopy. The fresh air circulation system includes a blower for conveying air into and through the interior space of the isolation device and a filter for removing particulate matter from the airflow prior to introduction to the isolation device. Means for securing the infant stimulation and learning apparatus in an automobile seat and an infant stroller and an infant restraint are provided. The infant monitoring system transmits video, sound and temperature to a remote location.
US08777304B2
Transformable furniture is provided, which is a unitary structure which itself transforms between seating and a play space. More specifically, the furniture has first and second frame members which move towards each other to form a couch and away from each other to form a play space, such as a playhouse.
US08777289B2
A seat anchoring system that anchors seats in a seating arrangement in a vehicle is provided. The seat anchoring system includes a base and multiple fastening devices, where the fastening devices are attached to the base and extend away from an upper face of the base. The base has a shape similar to an inside configuration of a mounting rail such that the base is inserted into the mounting rail and positioned to any desirable location along the mounting rail. Further, the fastening devices extend through the mounting rail and attach the seat to the mounting rail.
US08777287B2
A reaching apparatus is provided for allowing a user to utilize gross motor skills to actuate the reaching apparatus. The reaching apparatus includes a fixed and a sliding handle on a shaft. An internal pulley system is connected between the first and second handles such that sliding of the second handle activates the pulley system to move the claw of the reaching apparatus between an open and closed configuration. The claw may be locked in an open and/or closed configuration by rotation of the handle on the shaft. The pulley system can be set to specific resistance to activate the claw upon different gross motor levels.
US08777283B2
A hands-free waste collection and disposal device and a method of use are disclosed herein. The disclosed device generally comprises a waste receptacle and a collection tool. The waste receptacle includes an elongated handle, a waste receiving member attached to a second end of the elongated handle, and retractable members connected to the waste receiving member, wherein the retractable members are movable between a bag-supporting position and a bag-release position. The collection tool includes an elongated handle, a rake head connected to a second end of the elongated handle, and a scraper member attached to a rear face of the rake head.
US08777281B2
An outside handle device for a vehicle door is provided which comprises a base mounted on a vehicle door, an operating handle extending lengthwise in a fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle, and a support member assembled to the base while pivotably supporting a supported part formed in one end part, in a longitudinal direction, of the operating handle, wherein the support member pivotably supported on the base so as to be pivotable between a pre-assembly holding position and an assembly completion position is formed so as to be held by the base so that at the pre-assembly holding position the support member can pivot toward the assembly completion position in response to a pressing force acting from the operating handle accompanying an operation of assembling the operating handle, and so as to pivotably clasp the supported part and be engaged with and fixed to the base at the assembly completion position when pivoting accompanying a pressing force acting from the operating handle from the pre-assembly holding position to the assembly completion position. This enables the work efficiency for assembly of the operating handle to be enhanced.
US08777279B2
Container cover/door with high security locking system comprises a metal cover/door having a first through opening surrounded by a first metal sleeve or collar extending inwardly from the outer surface of the cover/door. Fixedly attached to the inner surface of the cover/door is a metal bracket having a second through opening surrounded by a second metal sleeve or collar that extends outwardly within the first collar. The locking system comprises a locking mechanism including a spring loaded latch contained within a housing mounted to an inner surface of the metal bracket, and a security pin having a pin head that is encased within the second collar with a close tolerance therebetween, and a pin shaft of a smaller diameter than the pin head that extends inwardly from the pin head through an opening in the locking mechanism.
US08777277B2
A pipe element has a circumferential shoulder at one end. The shoulder has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A groove is positioned adjacent to the shoulder. The groove has a floor surface with an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A bead is positioned contiguous with the groove. The bead has an apex with an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A combination of roller tools is used to cold work pipe elements and impart a desired shape to the sidewall in one method of manufacture. In another method, a spin forming tool is revolved in an orbit of increasing diameter within the pipe element captured within a die.
US08777271B2
A linerless duplex label system is operable to print and apply a linerless duplex label to a substrate. A plurality of linerless duplex labels are provided and each label includes a single-ply stock with top and bottom faces. The label also includes an endless adhesive border applied to the bottom face. The adhesive border is an unactivated, selectively activatable adhesive, such labels are overlaid on one another without any substantial adhesion therebetween. Each label may essentially be freely removed from the others, and the adhesive may thereafter be activated so that the label can be adhesively applied to the substrate.
