US09001042B2
A pointing device includes a displacement detection section that detects an amount of displacement and a direction of displacement of the self-pointing device; a wireless communication section that transmits information of the amount of displacement and the direction of displacement which are detected by the displacement detection section as a radio signal; one or a plurality of contact detection sections that detect the presence or the absence of a contact; and a power source control section that, while at least one of the contact detection sections detects any contact, supplies electric power to the wireless communication section and the displacement detection section, and that, while none of the contact detection sections detects any contact, does not supply electric power to the wireless communication section and the displacement detection section.
US09001037B2
A pointer positioning system includes an image generating unit, a light-spot generating unit, an operating unit, a calculating unit, and an image unit. The image generating unit creates an image on a display region. The light-spot generating unit projects positioning spots and identifying spots on the display region. The operating unit has an invisible-light camera to sense an image of a part of the entire display region. The calculating unit compares a distribution of the positioning spots and the identifying spots which is sensed by the invisible-light camera with a reference distribution stored in a memory, and the image unit shows a pointer image at a pointing position of the display region accordingly.
US09001033B2
An object can be displayed on a screen of a two-dimensional coordinate system based on xyz-coordinate values of the object in a three-dimensional coordinate system, operation information of a two-dimensional coordinate system with respect to the object can be received from an input device, and whether the operation information is in accordance with a predetermined rule or not is determined. If the operation information is not in accordance with the predetermined rule, xy-coordinate values of the object can be updated in accordance with the operation information. If the operation information is in accordance with the predetermined rule, a z-coordinate value of the object can be updated in accordance with the operation information.
US09001029B2
A detector (110) for optically detecting at least one object (112) is proposed. The detector (110) comprises at least one optical sensor (114). The optical sensor (114) has at least one sensor region (116). The optical sensor (114) is designed to generate at least one sensor signal in a manner dependent on an illumination of the sensor region (116). The sensor signal, given the same total power of the illumination, is dependent on a geometry of the illumination, in particular on a beam cross section of the illumination on the sensor area (118). The detector (110) furthermore has at least one evaluation device (122). The evaluation device (122) is designed to generate at least one item of geometrical information from the sensor signal, in particular at least one item of geometrical information about the illumination and/or the object (112).
US09001022B2
An LCD device and a driving method thereof are provided. The LCD device includes a panel, a timing controller, and a backlight unit. The panel is driven by a data driver and a gate driver. The timing controller controls the data driver and the gate driver. The backlight unit turns on or off a light source according to a dimming control signal transferred from the timing controller. The backlight unit is configured such that a turn-off delay time of a light source turned off according to the dimming control signal is shorter than a turn-on delay time of a light source turned on according to the dimming control signal.
US09001018B2
A liquid crystal display wherein power consumption of a gate drive circuit is reduced and a method of driving the same are disclosed. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel having pixel regions defined by intersection of a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines, a timing controller to output a clock pulse selectively having a first voltage level, second voltage level and third voltage level of different voltage levels and a data control signal, a gate drive unit to drive the gate lines in response to the clock pulse, and a data drive unit to drive the data lines in response to the data control signal.
US09001014B2
An embodiment of the present invention provides a display including: a first substrate; gate lines and data lines defining a first color, second color, and third color pixel area; a first color, second color, and third color pixel transistor located in the first color, second color, and third color pixel area respectively; a second substrate; and a black matrix, wherein the black matrix has a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion extends from an edge of a first color pixel active layer for a first shading distance, the second portion extends from an edge of a third pixel active layer for a second shading distance larger than the first shading distance.
US09001011B2
An electroluminescent display panel has pixel circuits for an active matrix driving system. At least one of the pixel circuits has a thin-film transistor in which a portion of a pattern of a metal wiring material above a channel layer of the thin-film transistor is disposed to shield the channel region of the thin-film transistor.
US09001004B2
A wireless communication device includes a receiver section, a transmitter section, an antenna interface, and an antenna assembly. The receiver section is operable to convert an inbound wireless signal into an inbound symbol stream. The transmitter section is operable to convert an outbound symbol stream into an outbound wireless signal. The antenna interface is operable to convert the outbound wireless signal into a plurality of phase-shifted outbound wireless signals and to convert a plurality of phase-shifted received wireless signals into the inbound wireless signal. The antenna assembly includes a plurality of interwoven spiral antenna units coupled together by a plurality of connection traces, wherein an interwoven spiral antenna unit of the plurality of interwoven spiral antenna units receives a corresponding one of the plurality of phase-shifted received wireless signals and transmits a corresponding one of the plurality of phase-shifted outbound wireless signals.
US09001003B2
A handheld device is provided, wherein the handheld device comprises a housing, a circuit board, a planar antenna and a switch. The housing comprising an outer surface is configured to define a receiving space. The circuit board is disposed in the receiving space. The planar antenna comprises a metal layer, wherein the metal layer comprising a first connecting point and a second connecting point is patterned on the outer surface. The switch comprising a first electrode and a second electrode is configured to control the electrical connection between the first connecting point and the second connecting point, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected between the first connecting point and the second connecting point. The planar antenna operates at a first central band when the switch is turned on, and operates at a second central band when the switch is turned off.
US09001001B2
An antenna device which includes a coil conductor and a booster conductor. The coil conductor is defined by wound loop-shaped conductors and includes a first opening at a winding center and two ends connected to a feeding circuit. The booster conductor includes a coupling conductor portion and a frame-shaped radiation conductor portion. The coupling conductor portion includes a second opening overlapped at least partially by the first opening, is split in a portion thereof by a slit, and is electromagnetically coupled to the coil conductor. The frame-shaped radiation conductor portion includes a third opening and is connected to the coupling conductor portion.
US09000999B2
An enclosure system for antennas including satellite dish antennas and single frequency, narrowband and broadband ones. The system includes at least upper and lower housing portions mounted to each other for rotational movement about a first axis inclined to the vertical. The portions have respective, peripheral sections extending about the first axis and substantially perpendicular to the inclined, first axis. The satellite antenna dish is mounted to the upper housing portion to extend substantially about a second axis substantially intersecting the first axis at an inclined angle. The upper housing portion can be rotated about the inclined, first axis relative to the lower housing portion wherein the second axis of the dish essentially forms or defines a cone about the first axis to position the plane of the dish rim portion in any of a plurality of orientations essentially between a substantially horizontal one and a substantially vertical one.
US09000998B2
A tri-column antenna array architecture, containing a plurality of active radiating elements that are spatially arranged on a modified reflector structure is disclosed. Radiating elements disposed along (P1 and P2) outlying center lines are movable and provided with compensating radio frequency feed line phase shifters so as to provide broad range of beam width angle variation of the antenna array's azimuth radiation pattern.
US09000996B2
A modular wideband antenna element for connection to a feed network. There is a ground plane, and first and second flared fins above the ground plane. The fins each define a connection location that is relatively close to the ground plane and tapering to a free end located farther from the ground plane. The connection location of the first fin is electrically coupled to the feed network and the connection location of the second fin is electrically coupled to the ground plane. There are one or more additional first traces electrically connecting the first fin to the ground plane and one or more additional second traces electrically connecting the second fin to the ground plane.
US09000991B2
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of antenna assemblies having dipole elements and Vivaldi elements. In an exemplary embodiment, an antenna assembly includes a plurality of dipole elements operable in at least a first frequency range and a plurality of Vivaldi elements operable in at least a second frequency range. The plurality of Vivaldi elements may be crossed or arranged relative to each other in a cruciform or a crossed Vivaldi arrangement.
US09000990B2
Antenna assembly for providing HF radio communication in two different operating modes. The antenna assembly includes a whip antenna and at least two antenna wire segments. The whip antenna establishes short range HF radio communication with a communication target, via ground wave or low-efficiency skywave propagation, allowing communication when the antenna assembly is in motion. The antenna wire segments are deployable to form an inverted-V antenna using the whip antenna as a center mast. The inverted-V antenna establishes short or medium range HF radio communication with a communication target, via NVIS or directional skywave propagation, allowing rapid deployment of the antenna wire segments when the antenna assembly is stationary. The antenna assembly may be mounted aboard a mobile platform, such as a vehicle.
US09000988B2
A field device includes a housing having at least an antenna receiving bore. Field device electronics are disposed within the housing and include wireless communication circuitry configured to communicate wireless process information. An antenna assembly includes an antenna base engaged within the antenna receiving bore of the housing. The antenna assembly including an antenna operably coupled to the wireless communication circuitry. The antenna assembly is rotatable within the bore by an amount less than one full rotation, and rotation of the antenna assembly varies orientation of the antenna.
US09000987B2
A multi-band antenna component is provided. The multi-band antenna component comprises a carrier, a first antenna array, and a second antenna array. The carrier is composed of a ceramic material characterized by a permittivity of at least about 6, said carrier having a first region and a second region distinct from the first region. The first antenna array is disposed on the first region and comprises one or more antennas selected from the group consisting of a first antenna adapted for about 2.4 GHz wireless communication, a second antenna adapted for about 5 GHz wireless communication, and a third antenna adapted for wireless communication for a global positioning system. The second antenna array is disposed on the second region and comprises at least one of a fourth antenna adapted for about 850 MHz wireless communication or a fifth antenna adapted for about 1800/1900 MHz wireless communication.
US09000983B2
Provided is a planar inverted F antenna including a ground surface having a finite plane and formed of a conductive material, an antenna body at a certain distance from the ground surface and transmitting and receiving radio waves, a feed line for electrically connecting the ground surface and the antenna body, a ground pin for grounding the antenna body to the ground surface, and at least one auxiliary plate disposed between the antenna body and the ground surface. Therefore, it is possible to readily overcome design restrictions of the antenna in keeping with the slimming and miniaturization of mobile communication terminals by installing the auxiliary plate between the ground surface and the antenna body.
US09000979B2
Systems, methods and devices for improving the performance of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers are disclosed. In particular, the improvement of the ability to calculate a satellite position or a receiver position where a receiver has degraded ability to receive broadcast ephemeris data directly from a GNSS satellite is disclosed. Correction terms can be applied to an approximate long-term satellite position model such as the broadcast almanac.
US09000973B2
A personal electronic device such as a smart phone can include a micro-impulse radar (MIR).
US09000969B2
A received plurality of signals may be filtered to select an in-band signal and/or an out-of-band. A signal strength of the selected signal(s) may be measured. A resolution of an analog-to-digital converter may be controlled based on the measured signal strength(s). The selected in-band signal may be converted to a digital representation via the analog-to-digital converter. The resolution may be decreased when the strength of the in-band signal is higher, and increased when the strength of the in-band signal is lower. The resolution may be increased when the strength of the out-of-band signal is higher, and decreased when the strength of the out-of-band signal is lower. A signal-to-noise ratio and/or dynamic range of the selected signal(s) may be determined based on the measured signal strength(s), and may be utilized to adjust the resolution of the analog-to-digital converter.
US09000958B1
A data rate conversion device generates a first parameter representing a memory address position to sample and a second parameter representing a phase value of an estimation time point, records input data at a memory based on an input clock, outputs sampled continued data from the memory using the first parameter based on an output clock, and generates and outputs final data using the continued data, a plurality of filter coefficients, and the second parameter.
US09000957B2
The present invention is directed to a system and method for typing Ethiopic characters in a computer system using at most two keystrokes. The rendering of characters is based on the timing between a first and second keystroke and on whether the first and second keystroke are, together, one of a predetermined number of ordered key pairs. Conventional symbol typing may be preserved by a prioritized assignment of the symbols to alternative shift keys. A timing disable key may be defined that allows typing of default characters at a comfortable speed.
US09000956B2
A portable terminal includes a finger sensor that recognizes, in response to contact of a finger, the contact and a movement of the finger; and a conversion unit that converts the movement of the finger recognized by the finger sensor into an input event corresponding to an operation instruction to an application running on the portable terminal. If a period of time from recognition of release of the finger from the finger sensor to recognition of placement of the finger on the finger sensor is less than a predetermined amount of time corresponding to physical limitations of a human, the conversion unit does not convert to the input event the recognition of placement of the finger, and recognition of a movement of the finger until recognition of release of the finger after the recognition of placement of the finger.
US09000945B2
The disclosure relates to a system and method for communicating with a meter at a remote premise through power transmission lines. The system comprises a head end for collecting and analyzing data from the meter; a power transmission network connected to the meter and to the head end; and a gateway. The network provides both power to the remote location and data communications; the network includes a first network providing a first voltage and a second network connected to the first network and the remote location. The gateway is a bridge between the first and second networks; the gateway provides an interface communication point. The communications are carried over the network following Internet protocol (IP) communication standards.
US09000943B2
A computer-implemented method and system of providing utility service network information for a utility service network. The method includes obtaining utility service network information from a plurality of external sources, integrally combining the utility service network information obtained from each of the plurality of external sources into and displaying the utility service network information in real-time in a global positioning map to a user via a graphical user interface, selecting, via the user, specific utility service network information of the utility service network information, to be displayed, and automatically reconfiguring the system or manually reconfiguring the utility service network via the user, as needed based on the specific utility service network information selected.
US09000931B2
A noise processing apparatus measures a first potential difference signal, between a first electrode and a second electrode that is used as a reference electrode, and measures a second potential difference signal, between the second electrode and a third electrode that is arranged on the steering unit in the apparatus. The apparatus calculates the difference between the intensities of the first potential difference signal and the second potential difference signal calculated at the predetermined intervals. The apparatus corrects the first potential difference signal or the second potential difference signal by using the calculated difference such that the intensities of the first potential difference signal and the second potential difference signal are canceled out. The apparatus calculates a differential signal indicating the difference between the first potential difference signal and the second potential difference signal by using the corrected potential difference signal, and outputs the differential signal.
US09000929B2
Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.
US09000925B2
A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag is provided that comprises an RFID transceiver configured to transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals, the RFID transceiver comprising an integrated circuit chip (IC) coupled to an antenna having an impedance, gain and directionality that in conjunction with the characteristics of the IC defines a first read range of the RFID tag. The RFID tag also comprises a releasable coupler configured to be releasably engagable with the RFID transceiver comprising a coupling material, the releasable coupler being configured such that when the releasable coupler is releasably engaged with the RFID transceiver, the coupling material altering at least one of the impedance, the gain and the directionality of the antenna to define a second read range of the RFID tag, wherein the second read range is greater than the first read range.
US09000922B1
An honesty test system for immediately identifying a thief. The system features a decoy such as a book or magazine that presents a piece of money. Disposed inside the decoy is circuitry. As the money is removed from the decoy, the circuitry loop is completed, which activates a transmitter. The transmitter sends a signal to a receiver in a nearby alarm box, causing an alarm to sound.
US09000921B2
A power strip may automatically disconnect wired connections in response to received weather alert data based on a configuration file including one or more user preference settings. The power strip may include a receiver to receive the weather alert data. The power strip may process the received weather alert data and disconnect the wired connections based on the one or more user preference settings. A timer function may also define a time period that the power strip monitors its receiver for weather alert data and automatically disconnects and reconnects the wired connections.
US09000913B2
Embodiments relate generally to low pressure warning devices which may be worn with encapsulated protective suits and hoods by a user and may provide audio and visual alerts. In an embodiment, a low pressure warning device may comprise an earpiece operable to be retained to the ear of a user, wherein the earpiece may comprise a control system operable to sense the pressure inside the encapsulated protective suit or hood and activate the audio and/or visual alerts when necessary. In an embodiment, the low pressure warning device may be equipped with short range wireless communication capabilities.
US09000911B2
A distributed antenna system includes a master unit and a plurality of remote units in communication with the master unit. A plurality of sensors are associated with the respective remote units and the sensors include receiver circuitry configured for capturing RF signals from mobile devices and a controller. The sensors are configured for using the RF signals from at least one mobile device captured by the receiver circuitry and determining position information for the at least one mobile device in the distributed antenna system. The receiver circuitry of the sensor includes an RF receiver integrated with a respective remote unit that is operable to receive RF signals from mobile devices for providing RF communications in the distributed antenna system.
US09000905B2
A fuel system for an engine includes a fuel line that delivers fuel from a main fuel tank to the engine and a first control device that releases a flow of the fuel from the main fuel tank into the fuel line. An auxiliary fuel tank is connected to the fuel line, and a second control device controls a flow of the fuel between the auxiliary fuel tank and the fuel line. After the fuel is released from the main fuel tank into the fuel line, the second control device fills the auxiliary fuel tank with the fuel from the main fuel tank.
US09000904B2
A tire pressure sensor has an RFID (radio frequency identification) device having a parallel resonant circuit including an inductor and a first capacitor for generating a first radio frequency (RF) signal for transmission to a reader circuit, and a second capacitor coupled across the parallel resonant circuit by a first switch in a first position and generating a second RF signal for transmission to the reader circuit. A capacitive pressure sensor is coupled across the parallel resonant circuit by the first switch in a second position for generating a third frequency RF signal for transmission to the reader, wherein a difference in frequency between the first and third RF signals is indicative of a pressure of a tire.
US09000899B2
A body-worn device configured in size and shape to be worn by a user, the body-worn device comprising a tactile feedback actuator configured to supply tactile feedback to the user, wherein said tactile feedback actuator configured to supply the feedback based on instructions provided via a communication channel. Optionally, the body-worn device is configured in size and shape to be worn around a torso of the user. Optionally, the tactile feedback actuator is configured to supply the tactile feedback to a back and/or a chest of the user. Optionally, wherein said body-worn device comprises a first and a second tactile feedback actuators, wherein the first tactile feedback actuator is positioned to be in proximity to a chest of the user, and wherein the second tactile feedback actuator is positioned to be in proximity to a back of the user.
US09000894B2
A method and apparatus for improving reception of responsive RFID signals is provided. The method includes transmitting a plurality of interrogation signals each having a different polarization to activate one or more RFID tags. Responsive signals from the RFID tags are analyzed for receive symbol quality data to select a transmit polarization subset. These polarizations are then used for transmitting further interrogation signals to the RFID tags. The apparatus includes a dual element orthogonal radiator coupled to a transmitter and receiver. A processor controls the transmitter and receiver to transmit a series of RFID interrogation signals each having a different polarization, and receive a series of responsive signals from one or more RFID tags. The responsive signals are analyzed to select a particular a transmit polarization subset that will improve reception of future responsive signals from the RFID tags.
US09000886B2
The present invention relates to a method, computer program product, and system for preventing an inadvertent configuration of an electrical device provided with an infrared interface (30). The method, computer program product, and system include activation of one or more infrared buttons (31, 32, 33, or 34) provided on the infrared interface (30) in order to configure the electrical device. The method, computer program product, and system include a display (40) that indicates an infrared button sequence), wherein said button sequence is entered before the configuration occurs and includes activation of at least a first infrared button (31, 32, 33, or 34) and at least a second infrared button (31, 32, 33, or 34).
US09000882B2
An electronic power apparatus is provided, including a circuit board having a conductive pads and a sense pad coupled to an output signal, and an actuator having a wiper portion accommodating a conductive wiper. The wiper includes a first end arranged to engage the sense pad and a second end arranged to slidably engage at least one of the conductive pads on the circuit board. The conductive pads are arranged in a first row of conductive pads and a second row of conductive pads in parallel with and at a distance to the first row of conductive pads. An alignment of the second row of conductive pads is offset with respect to the first row of conductive pads.
US09000879B2
An electronic device comprising a first magnetic powder; a second magnetic powder, wherein the mean particle diameter of the first magnetic powder is larger than the mean particle diameter of the second magnetic powder, the Vicker's Hardness of the first magnetic powder is greater than the Vicker's Hardness of the second magnetic powder by a first hardness difference, and the first magnetic powder mixes with the second magnetic powder; and a conducting wire buried in the mixture of the first magnetic powder and the second magnetic powder; wherein by means of the first hardness difference of the first magnetic powder and the second magnetic powder, the mixture of the first magnetic powder and the second magnetic powder and the conducting wire buried therein are combined to form an integral magnetic body at a temperature lower than the melting point of the conducting wire.
US09000869B2
A parallel plate waveguide structure may be configured to suppress spurious propagating modes by including a lossy frequency selective surface (FSS) formed from a resistive film. The electromagnetic material properties of individual layers disposed between the conductive plates of the waveguide may be engineered to extend the suppression band of the fundamental TE mode up to the cutoff frequency of the second TE mode, and to simultaneously create a multi-octave TM mode suppression band. Applications include, for example, cavity mode suppression in microwave and millimeterwave assemblies at the board, package, and chip level.
US09000860B2
A circuit for a low-loss electrical balance duplexer (EBD) with noise cancellation may include an EBD circuit. The EBD circuit may be coupled to one or more output nodes of a transmit (TX) path, an antenna, and a one or more input nodes of a receive (RX) path. The EBD circuit may be configured to isolate the TX path from the RX path, and to provide low-loss signal paths between the one or more output nodes of the TX path and the antenna. A balancing network may be coupled to the EBD circuit and configured to provide an impedance that matches an impedance associated with the antenna. A noise cancellation circuit may be configured to sense a noise signal generated by the balancing network, and to use the sensed noise signal to improve a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the RX path.
US09000855B2
An oscillating frequency drift detecting method, which comprises: receiving an oscillating signal with an oscillating frequency, wherein the oscillating signal is generated by a crystal oscillator; generating a self-mixing signal according to the oscillating signal; obtaining a self-mixing frequency of a maximum power of the self-mixing signal in a specific frequency range; and computing a frequency drift of the oscillating frequency, according to the self-mixing frequency of the maximum power, and the oscillating frequency.
US09000852B1
Aspects of the disclosure provide a circuit. The circuit includes a signal amplifying circuit coupled with a crystal component of a natural frequency to form a crystal oscillator, and a signal generator circuit configured to generate a signal with an energy distribution about the natural frequency, and to provide the signal to the crystal oscillator to assist the crystal oscillator to begin oscillating.
US09000851B1
A cavity resonator integrated on a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) is provided. The cavity resonator includes a cavity defined by an upper metal surface and a lower metal surface embedded in a low conductivity semiconductor, and a plurality of discrete metal connections coupled between the upper and lower metal surfaces, and at least one port for coupling to the cavity electromagnetically.
US09000840B2
An integrated with a block including first and second oppositely doped semiconductor wells. There are standard cells placed next to one another, each standard cell including first transistors and a clock tree cell encircled by standard cells. The clock tree cell has a third semiconductor well with the same doping type as the doping of the first well and second transistors. The clock tree cell also has a semiconductor strip extending continuously around the third well and having the opposite doping type to the doping of the third well to electrically isolate the third well from the first well.
US09000825B2
Various active diode circuits are described. In one example, there is provided an active diode circuit having an active diode and a control circuit. The active diode includes an anode terminal, a cathode terminal and a control terminal. The control circuit is configured to generate a control current of the active diode on the control terminal proportional to the diode current of the active diode. The control circuit is also configured to control the diode voltage of the active diode below a predetermined threshold.
US09000824B2
An offset cancel circuit includes a first amplifying section, a second amplifying section, a third resistor connected between a non-inverting input terminal of the first amplifying section and a non-inverting input terminal of the second amplifying section, and a current source. In the offset cancel circuit, the current source causes a constant current to flow through the third resistor to cancel an offset voltage from output signals of first and second amplifying sections, the constant current corresponding to the offset voltage contained in first and second output signals output from a bridge resistance type sensor.
US09000813B2
Waveform generation circuits are provided. A waveform generation circuit includes a waveform generation block configured to generate a waveform signal corresponding to a driving control signal, and a control signal generation block configured to generate the driving control signal to compensate the waveform signal for an environmental factor affecting the waveform generation circuit.
US09000809B2
In accordance with various embodiments, a method for sampling an input signal may be provided, wherein the method may include providing a single frequency clock signal; selecting clock pulses from the single frequency clock signal in a random manner to generate a spread spectrum clock signal; and sampling the input signal using the spread spectrum clock signal. A corresponding device for sampling an input signal may be provided.
US09000808B2
A state-detection circuit facilitates the detection of the state of an input pin relative to several different types of input circuits. According to an example embodiment, a state-detection circuit includes a plurality of comparators and circuit components, configured to provide a plurality of binary output signals that collectively indicate a state of an input pin to which the comparators are coupled. The state-detection circuit is configured to facilitate the detection of several different types of input circuits, based upon the binary output signals.
US09000805B2
The present disclosure provides for a clock distribution network for distributing clocking signals within a synchronous sequential logic circuit. The clock distribution network distributes the one or more clock signals by inductively and/or capacitively coupling a clocking signal from a primary distribution node to various secondary distribution nodes within the synchronous sequential logic circuit. The various secondary distribution nodes resonate at respective resonant frequencies to generate other clocking signals for use within the synchronous sequential logic circuit in response to receiving the clocking signal.
US09000801B1
An integrated circuit (IC) that includes multiple clock domains is provided. Each clock domain operates at a user specified data rate, and the data rates of at least two of the clock domains are related by a common base clock. The specified data rate of each clock domain is controlled by a modulating signal. Each clock domain includes reconfigurable circuits that operate on the common base clock, and the modulating signal controls the data rate of the clock domain by modulating reconfiguration of the reconfigurable circuits. The reconfigurable circuits reconfigure when the modulating signal enables the reconfiguration.
US09000798B2
A system and method for aligning a probe, such as a wafer-level test probe, with wafer contacts is disclosed. An exemplary method includes receiving a wafer containing a plurality of alignment contacts and a probe card containing a plurality of probe points at a wafer test system. A historical offset correction is received. Based on the historical offset correct, an orientation value for the probe card relative to the wafer is determined. The probe card is aligned to the wafer using the orientation value in an attempt to bring a first probe point into contact with a first alignment contact. The connectivity of the first probe point and the first alignment contact is evaluated. An electrical test of the wafer is performed utilizing the aligned probe card, and the historical offset correction is updated based on the orientation value.
US09000794B2
An elastic micro high frequency probe includes a conductor, which includes a stationary body and a movable body. The stationary body has a conductive terminal, a contacting end, and a guider. The movable body has a conductive terminal, a spring mechanism, and a guider. The spring mechanism is connected to the stationary body and to one conductive terminal. The second guider connects to the spring mechanism in such a manner that the compression direction of the spring mechanism is confined by a guiding rail. Since the width of the spring mechanism is not limited by the first and second guiders, the width of the spring mechanism can be enlarged to maximize within limited space. Therefore, the HF probe as a whole can have shortest length while acquiring the predetermined total length of the elastic stroke, such that the transmission performance of the high frequency signals can be effectively enhanced.
US09000789B2
A method for testing a plurality of semiconductor apparatuses, the method including mounting a plurality of semiconductor apparatuses on a first test board, wherein the plurality of semiconductor apparatuses include test circuits, loading test software into the test circuits, performing, by using the test circuits, self-tests on the plurality of semiconductor apparatuses based on the test software, and removing the plurality of semiconductor apparatuses, which have completed the self-tests, from the first test board. Upon completion of the loading of the test software, the test software is loaded into test circuits of a plurality of semiconductor apparatuses on a second test board, while the self-tests are performed on the plurality of semiconductor apparatuses on the first test board.
US09000788B2
A method of electrical testing electronic devices DUT, comprising: connecting at least an electronic device DUT to an automatic testing apparatus suitable for performing the testing of digital circuits or memories or of digital circuits and memories; sending electrical testing command signals to the electronic device DUT by means of the ATE apparatus; performing electrical testing of the electronic device DUT by means of at least one advanced supervised self testing system “Advanced Low Pin Count BIST” ALB which is built in the electronic device DUT, the ALB system being digitally interfaced with the ATE through a dedicated digital communication channel; and sending reply messages, if any, which comprise measures, failure information and reply data to the command signals from the electronic device DUT toward the ATE apparatus by means of the digital communication channel.
US09000786B2
Methods and systems are disclosed that may be implemented to complete individual phase current sense calibration of a multi-phase voltage regulator (VR) and/or to detect any and all individual bad phases of such a VR by utilizing the reconfiguration capability of a digital VR controller-based VR in conjunction with an improved test process. The disclosed systems and methods may be employed in one example to identify that all individual phases of the multi-phase VR are operational to contribute to the output of the multi-phase VR using a rotating single phase operation testing mode. Individual phase current sense calibration may also be additionally or alternatively completed while the VR is operating under the rotating single phase operation mode.
US09000778B2
A method for underground pipeline monitoring in which a continuous alternating electrical current having a current frequency in a range of about 1 kHZ to about 8 kHz is imparted onto a pipeline, producing an alternating magnetic field at the current frequency along the pipeline. Distributed along the pipeline is a network of RFID tag sensors which absorb an amount of energy from the alternating magnetic field. The impedance of the sensors is modulated, producing a modulated sensor impedance which is detected at a location proximate the location at which the continuous alternating electrical current is imparted onto the pipeline.
US09000768B2
A method of surveying the condition of an underground enclosure including the steps of: (a) positioning at least one transmitter/receiver unit (including an antenna) within an underground, substantially nonconductive enclosure, such that a substantial air gap exists between the antenna and the inner wall of the enclosure; (b) transmitting an ultra wideband (UWB) signal toward at least a portion of the inner wall; and (c) processing the return signal in order to identify the interface between the soil and a region of conductivity different from the soil.
US09000765B2
In a magnetic resonance method and system to determine a position of a slice relative to a region moving relative to the slice within a predetermined volume segment of an examination subject located in the magnetic resonance system, a physical property within the slice is detected with spatial resolution at multiple points in time, such that a time curve of the physical property is detected for at least one voxel of the slice. The position of the slice relative to the region is determined with respect to defined points in time, depending on the time curve.
US09000763B2
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a magnetic field sensor comprising a squat soft-magnetic body disposed on a surface of a substrate comprising a magnetic sensor array having a plurality of spatially diverse magnetic sensor elements disposed in a predetermined configuration. In the presence of an external magnetic field the squat soft-magnetic body becomes magnetized to generate a reactionary magnetic field. The plurality of magnetic sensor elements are respectively configured to measure a magnetic field value of a superposition of the external magnetic field and the reactionary magnetic field along a first axis (e.g., a z-axis), resulting in a plurality of spatially diverse measurements of the magnetic field component along the first axis. The plurality of spatially diverse measurements may be used to compute magnetic field components of the external magnetic field along a plurality of axes (e.g., x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis).
US09000752B2
A detachable current sensor provides an isolated and convenient device to measure current passing through a cable such as an AC power cable or non-metallic (NM) sheathed cable. Information about the magnitude and or phases of the currents passing through and/or voltages on the conductors is obtained by measuring the magnetic field at multiple circumferential positions around the cable using multiple semiconductor magnetic field sensors. A processing subsystem coupled to the multiple semiconductor magnetic field sensors determines information about the currents flowing in the conductors of the cable, including the current magnitude(s), and/or the phases and number of phases present in the cable, which can form part of a power measurement system that is used for energy monitoring, and/or for control purposes.
US09000745B2
A switching regulator includes a high side driver electrically coupled with a power line that is configured to provide a supply voltage. A low side driver is electrically coupled between the high side driver and ground. A regulator control circuit is electrically coupled with a gate of the high side driver and a gate of the low side driver. The regulator control circuit is configured to pre-charge a first node between the regulator control circuit and the gate of the high side driver to a first voltage level and to boost the first node to a second voltage level that is higher than the first voltage level to turn on the high side driver.
US09000740B2
A current reversible DC/DC double-boost quadratic converter, capable of performing high transformation ratios.
US09000736B2
The present disclosure provides techniques for a power factor correction system having an arbitrary input waveform. The present disclosure provides two example methods of digital power factor correction that allow for a high power factor on an arbitrary input waveform. The two example methods are applicable to both constant-current inputs and constant-voltage inputs. One example method samples the arbitrary input waveform to produce a reference table used to synchronize the input voltage with the input current in a constant current system, and to synchronize the input current to the input voltage in a constant voltage system. A second example method uses instantaneous input values as a reference in performing power factor correction.
US09000726B2
Provided are a cell balance device for protecting a switch circuit from an overcurrent flow. The cell balance device includes: a plurality of electric accumulator connection terminals each connected to one of a node and two terminals of electric accumulators connected in series; a voltage hold device connection terminal connected to a voltage hold device; a plurality of first switch circuits provided between the plurality of electric accumulator connection terminals and the voltage hold device; a control circuit for controlling ON/OFF of the plurality of first switch circuits based on a synchronization signal; and an overcurrent detection circuit for detecting an overcurrent flowing through each of the plurality of first switch circuits.
US09000724B2
To achieve improvement in a vehicle battery cooling device in its effect on the cooling of a battery, and also in its mountability in a vehicle through simplification of a passage structure for the cooling. A structure is such that: an upstream end portion of an air inlet passage for cooling down a battery is opened behind and above a rear seat while an upstream end portion of an air inlet passage for cooling down a charger is opened to a space in front of a lower side of the rear seat; and in a case in which an air conditioning device takes in air from a lower part of a cabin and blows out cool air to an upper part of the cabin, air having cooled down the battery is returned into the cabin through the air inlet passage for cooling down the charger.
US09000715B2
A system has a primary unit (1) and a number of secondary units (16), which may be stored in receiving slots in the primary cleaning unit (1) or be coupled to the primary unit. The primary and secondary units are configured as movable cleaning or grounds maintenance units capable of performing at least one cleaning or grounds maintenance operation. The primary unit (1) is powered by a power source (2), which also powers the secondary unit (16) or charges a power source (17) in the secondary unit (16). Each unit has a communications module (13, 25) capable of communicating with each other and/or a remote location. At least one of the units (1, 16) may include one or more proximity or near-field sensors and/or one or more sensor for sensing the performance of the unit (1, 16).
US09000711B2
Provided is a power converter that is capable of ensuring a conduction current without expanding the configuration of a DC voltage conversion circuit such as a DC chopper. Power can be supplied from both a DC chopper and a voltage source rectifier converting AC power into DC power, to a voltage source inverter. The voltage source rectifier has an upper arm part and a lower arm part having switching elements. The voltage source rectifier converts AC power obtained from an alternator into DC power, performs a DC chopper operation using the upper and lower arms thereof and a winding wire of the alternator, and supplies power of a DC power source to the voltage source inverter.
US09000705B2
There is provided a power controller including a drive circuit connected to a DC power supply to apply a first voltage to the drive circuit and configured to supply power to an external load, a current detection circuit configured to detect a current flowing in the drive circuit by converting the current into a second voltage corresponding to the current, and a current-voltage control unit configured to generate a reference voltage corresponding to a limit value of the current flowing in the drive circuit when the first voltage is applied to the drive circuit, and configured to control the drive circuit to operate in a desired current according to the first voltage, based on a comparison result of the reference voltage and the second voltage.
US09000702B2
A packaged device includes a first die, a second die, and specially spaced and positioned sets of package terminals. The first die includes a pulse-width modulator (PWM), a processor, a timer, high-side drivers, low-side drivers, and a fault protection circuit. The second die includes ultra-high voltage high-side drivers. In an ultra-high voltage application, the PWM and external circuitry together form a switching power supply that generates a high voltage. The high voltage powers external high-side transistors. The processor and timer control the ultra-high voltage high-side drivers, that in turn supply drive signals to the external high-side transistors through the package terminals. External low-side transistors are driven directly by low-side drivers of the first die. If the fault protection circuit detects an excessive current, then the fault protection circuit supplies a disable signal to high-side and low-side drivers of both dice. The disable signal is generated without execution of processor instructions.
US09000699B2
According to one illustrative embodiment, a washing machine comprises a motor including a plurality of coils and one or more permanent magnets, an inverter configured to supply current to the plurality of coils and to measure a back electromotive force (BEMF) waveform from the plurality of coils, and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to (i) integrate the BEMF waveform to generate an integrated BEMF waveform, (ii) determine a magnetic flux of the one or more permanent magnets using an amplitude of the integrated BEMF waveform, and (iii) control the current supplied by the inverter based at least in part upon the determined magnetic flux.
US09000697B2
The present invention provides a method for driving a three-phase motor with a driver. The driver can provide a pulse-width modulated driving signal and a linear driving signal. The three-phase motor has a first leg, a second leg and a third leg. The method includes: connecting the second leg to the driver; floating the third leg; driving the second leg with the pulse-width-modulated driving signal from the driver; estimating a time when a voltage in the third leg will reach a predetermined threshold; and driving the second leg with the linear driving signal during that time.
US09000696B2
The system discloses structure for synchronizing sequential phase switching in driving a set of stator windings of a multi-phase sensorless brushless permanent magnet DC motor. A drive voltage drives a plurality of the stator windings thereby producing a magnetic field. On an undriven stator winding among the stator windings, a voltage induced by the magnetic field is sampled. The induced voltage changes as a function of a magnetic rotor transitioning across a plurality of angular positions. A first value corresponding to the sampled voltage induced on the currentless winding is compared with a commutation threshold to determine a proper commutation point. The system is switched to a next drive configuration of the sequence when the first value surpasses the threshold.
US09000695B2
A sensorless control apparatus may include: a speed command unit configured to output a speed command to an electric motor; a current detector unit configured to detect electric current flowing through the electric motor if a voltage being output according to the speed command is supplied to the electric motor; a rotor angle calculation unit configured to calculate a magnetic flux of a rotor of the electric motor based on the detected electric current and the voltage being output according to the speed command, and to calculate an angle of the rotor from the calculated magnetic flux; and/or an out-of-step sensing unit configured to sense an out-of-step of the rotor according to a comparison of the calculated angle of the rotor with an angle of the rotor estimated based on a sensorless control algorithm.
US09000694B2
A control apparatus includes, a first calculating unit which calculates first d-phase and q-phase current limit candidate values, a second calculating unit which calculates second d-phase and q-phase current limit candidate values, a q-phase unit which, when the absolute value of the first d-phase current limit candidate value is smaller than that of the second d-phase current limit candidate value, sets the first q-phase current limit candidate value as a q-phase current limit value, but otherwise sets the second q-phase current limit candidate value as the q-phase current limit value, and a d-phase unit which, when the absolute value of the first d-phase current limit candidate value is smaller than that of the second d-phase current limit candidate value, sets the first d-phase current limit candidate value as a d-phase current limit value, but otherwise sets the second d-phase current limit candidate value as the d-phase current limit value.
US09000688B2
A control circuit for light emitting diode (LED) of display includes a central processing unit (CPU), an AND gate, and a driving circuit. The CPU comprises a general purpose input output (GPIO) contact which outputs an instant high level voltage when a battery is installed into a portable electronic device. The AND gate includes a first input contact connected to the GPIO contact, a second input contact connected to a system power supply, and a first output contact. The system power supply outputs a low level voltage when the electronic device is powered off and outputs a high level voltage when the electronic device is powered on. The driving circuit includes a second output contact connected to an anode of the LED, a feedback contact connected to a cathode of the LED and an enable connected to the first output contact.
US09000679B2
This straight tube LED illumination lamp includes the following: an LED element; a first plug having an input-output terminal and an empty terminal; a second plug having an input-output terminal and an empty terminal; a first rectifier that is connected to the input-output terminal of the first plug and the empty terminal of the second plug in order to convert alternating current to direct current; a second rectifier that is connected to the input-output terminal of the second plug and the empty terminal of the first plug in order to convert alternating current to direct current; and a bypass circuit through which current is flown back from either the first or second rectifier to the other rectifier. The bypass circuit has a current-limiting resistor to prevent the first and second rectifiers from being damaged.
US09000678B2
An LED lamp with an integrated circuit, a rectifier, and a string of series-connected LEDs rectifies an incoming AC signal. The integrated circuit includes power switches that can separately and selectably short out a corresponding one of several groups of LEDs in an LED string across which the rectified AC signal is present. As the voltage across the string increases, the integrated circuit controls the power switches to increase the number of LEDs through which current flows, whereas as the voltage across the string decreases the integrated circuit controls the power switches to decrease the number of LEDs through which current flows. The flow of LED string current is broken to reduce flicker. Alternatively, a valley fill capacitor peaks LED current during the valleys of the incoming AC signal to reduce flicker. LED current is regulated to provide superior efficiency, reliability, power-factor correction, and lamp over-voltage, -current, and -temperature protection.
US09000677B2
There is provided a light emitting diode driving apparatus, including: a power supplying unit converting input power into driving power according to a control and supplying the converted driving power to a light emitting diode channel; a driving unit controlling current flowing in the light emitting diode channel according to a pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming signal from the outside; and a controlling unit comparing a reference level set by a duty of the PWM dimming signal with a detection voltage level of the light emitting diode channel and controlling a power converting operation of the power supplying unit according to the comparison result.
US09000668B2
The invention discloses an self-adaptive LED fluorescent lamp, comprising: a housing comprising a lampshade and a radiator fastened with each other, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) consisting of one or more LED lamp sets and LED driving control units, and lamp caps sleeved on two sides of the housing; the LED driving control unit comprises a voltage detection module, an intelligent switching module and a linear constant current module; the voltage detection module comprises a first resistor and a second resistor, which are connected between two output ends of the rectifier filter module for voltage division, and a first capacitor connected with the second resistor in parallel; the intelligent switching module is connected with a common end of the first resistor and the second resistor, the output of the intelligent switching module is connected with a plurality of LED lamp sets, and each of the LED lamps is connected with a compensation resistor in series; and the linear constant current module consists of two IC linear driving chips. In the invention, the number of the LED lamps in serial connection is automatically changed by automatically detecting the output voltage of the rectifier, to reach the optimal driving efficiency, so as to ensure normal operating under any voltage.
US09000664B2
Provided is a phosphor particle group of divalent europium-activated oxynitride green light emitting phosphor particles each of which is a β-type SiAlON represented by a general formula: EuaSibAlcOdNe, where 0.005≦a≦0.4, b+c=12, d+e=16, wherein a mean value of a value obtained by dividing a longer particle diameter by a shorter particle diameter is not greater than 1.75. Also provided are a light emitting apparatus using the phosphor particle group in a light converter, and a liquid crystal display television using the light emitting apparatus. With these, a high-efficiency and stable light emitting apparatus using a β-type SiAlON, and a phosphor particle group therefor are provided.
US09000662B2
A field emission device includes a cathode and a carbon nanotube (CNT) gate electrode. The CNT gate electrode which is electrically insulated from the cathode includes a CNT layer and a dielectric layer. The CNT layer which has a surface includes a number of micropores. The dielectric layer is coated on the surface of the CNT layer and an inner wall of each of the micropores.
US09000661B2
An energy efficient light source comprising photoluminescent material and a selective mirror is disclosed. In an embodiment, a first light source emanates light of a particular spectrum, a layer of photoluminescent material surrounding the first light source absorbs light of the spectrum emanated by the first light source and emanates light of a different spectrum, and a selective mirror surrounding the layer of photoluminescent material reflects light emanated by the first light source and transmits light emanated by the photoluminescent material.
US09000659B2
A lamp socket includes a first socket portion having a first diameter, and a second socket portion being concentric with the first socket portion and having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.
US09000655B2
The present invention provides a non-lead piezoelectric film having high crystalline orientation, the low dielectric loss, the high polarization-disappear temperature, the high piezoelectric constant, and the high linearity between an applied electric field and an amount of displacement. The present invention is a piezoelectric film comprising: a NaxLa1-x+yNi1-yO3-x layer having only an (001) orientation and a (1-α) (Bi, Na, Ba) TiO3-αBiQO3 layer having only an (001) orientation. The (1-α) (Bi, Na, Ba) TiO3-αBiQO3 layer is formed on the NaxLa1-x+yNi1-yO3-x layer. The character of Q represents Fe, Co, Zn0.5Ti0.5, or Mg0.5Ti0.5 The character of x represents a value of not less than 0.01 and not more than 0.05. The character of y represents a value of not less than 0.05 and not more than 0.20. The character of α represents a value of not less than 0.20 and not more than 0.50.
US09000649B2
The present invention relates to a multi-set switched DC brushless electric machine having its rotary part of electric machine being installed with an auxiliary excitation winding set, for being connected in series with a magnetic field winding set of electric machine of another electric machine through the auxiliary excitation winding set installed on the rotary part of electric machine, such that the excitation can be variable through altering the current of the magnetic field winding set of electric machine of the another electric machine thereby changing the operational characteristic of the electric machine.
US09000647B2
An electric motor that generates mechanical energy whilst increasing both the motor efficiency and the mechanical power density. The electric motor includes: a plurality of disk surfaces having a main longitudinal axis; a plurality of stationary support structures; and a rotating shaft affixed to the disk surfaces. Each disk surface is coupled to an array of offset magnets. The magnets are arranged as matching magnetic pairs on two adjacent disk surfaces to create a plurality of magnetic fields between the matching magnetic pairs. The magnetic fields are titled at an angle A with respect to the main longitudinal axis. Each stationary support structure has an electromagnetic coil array located in-between each of the matching magnetic pairs, which provides an axial magnetic field when voltage is applied on the electromagnetic coil. Each of the electromagnetic coil array is titled at said angle A with respect to the main longitudinal axis.
US09000646B2
A method for assembling rotors which is applicable to a large axial gap type permanent magnet rotating machine is provided.A permanent magnet rotating machine comprising: a rotating shaft; at least two rotors comprising a table-like structure and permanent magnets attached thereto, the table-like structures being connected to the rotating shaft and being disposed in an axial direction of the rotating shaft; and a stator comprising a table-like structure and stator coils around which a copper wire is wound, said stator being disposed in a gap formed by the rotors so that the stator being separated from the rotating shaft, is manufactured by the following steps of: assembling the two rotors such that a predetermined gap is formed therebetween; and mounting the magnets on the table-like structures by inserting the magnet from the radially outer side of the table-like structures towards the center of the rotation with the assembled state being maintained.
US09000644B2
An apparatus is provided and includes a hub, including opposing faces, a first sidewall fixed to the opposing faces to define a first interior and a second sidewall fixed to one of the opposing faces to define a second interior within the first interior, a first assembly, disposed within the second interior, to generate current from input mechanical energy, a second assembly, electrically coupled to the first assembly and disposed within the first interior, to generate mechanical energy to be transmitted to external mechanical elements from current associated with the current generated by the first assembly and first and second couplings, the first coupling being disposed to mechanically couple the first and second assemblies and the second coupling being disposed to mechanically couple the second assembly and the external mechanical elements.
US09000643B2
Provided with a sealed rotational output unit (3) which includes a tubular shaft (12) having an outer circumferential surface sealed with a ferrofluidic seal (13); a rotating output shaft (14) disposed inside the tubular shaft (12); and an O-ring (17, 18) that seals between the tubular shaft (12) and the rotating output shaft (14). When the rotating output shaft (14) is directly coupled to a hollow motor shaft (9), shaking thereof is absorbed by the O-ring (17, 18), causing no excessive stress to be produced on the bearing side of the hollow motor shaft (9) or on a bearing (15, 16) side of the ferrofluidic seal (13). Since the tubular shaft (12) rotates in conjunction with the rotating output shaft (14), the O-ring (17, 18) that seals therebetween does not degrade in sealing capability due to wear by sliding. The sealed rotational output unit can be used with high rotational accuracy by directly coupling to a hollow motor (2) without any joint.
US09000631B2
An electric drive unit includes a stator which is received in a metal housing, and a rotor rotates within the stator. A synthetic material housing is arranged on the metal housing in the region of the stator, the synthetic material housing forming at least one cooling channel for a cooling fluid in order to cool the stator via the metal housing.
US09000628B1
Described herein is a ball joints universal rotary motor, a manufacturing method and a working mechanism thereof. The ball joints universal rotary motor comprises a housing, a spherical-cap shaped stator body, and a rotor body configured to be secured within the stator body. The stator body is made from a permanent magnet. The rotor body comprises multiple layers of armatures and multiple spacer layers. The multiple layers of armatures are symmetrically distributed along the axis of the rotor body. A spacer layer is provided between two adjacent layers of armatures. The multiple layers of armatures and multiple spacer layers are securely connected by a bolt. The bolt and the rotor body are axially connected. The rotor body is of a spherical shape. Each layer of the armatures is wound with two layers of coils: a first layer and a second layer. The motor as provided is configured to realize movement in multiple directions. The present disclosure provides an embodiment of a motor with a pump assembly, and another embodiment of a motor without a pump assembly. Examples of applications of the present disclosure include joints and areas of an intelligent bionic robot, various industrial devices, and household appliances.
US09000623B2
A high voltage direct current (HVDC) switchyard is provided. The switchyard is arranged for interconnecting three or more sections of an HVDC power network, such as transmission lines, converters, or any other type of HVDC equipment. The switchyard comprises at least one main circuit breaker and at least four transfer switches. The at least one main circuit breaker and the at least four transfer switches are arranged so as to enable to individually disconnect any one of the at least three sections of the HVDC power distribution network. In an embodiment of the invention, the transfer switches which usually are comprised in direct current (DC) hybrid circuit breakers are used as selector switches, thereby reducing the number of main breakers in the switchyard.
US09000617B2
A circuit for combining direct current (DC) power including multiple direct current (DC) voltage inputs; multiple inductive elements connected in a series circuit having first and second end terminals and intermediate terminals. The inductive elements are adapted for operatively connecting respectively to the DC voltage inputs at the first and second end terminals and intermediate terminals. Multiple switches connect respectively with the inductive elements. A controller is configured to switch the switches periodically so that direct currents flowing through the inductive elements are substantially zero. A direct current voltage output is connected across one of the DC voltage inputs and a common reference to both the inputs and the output.
US09000613B2
An uninterruptible power supply includes a rectifier coupled to an input of an uninterruptible power supply and converts a first alternating current having a first alternating current voltage to a direct current. An inverter is coupled to an output of the uninterruptible power supply and converts the direct current to a second alternating current having a second alternating current voltage. A bypass switch bypasses the rectifier and the inverter and provides a bypass power from the input to the output when in a bypass state. A control module switches the bypass switch to the bypass state when in a bypass mode and switches the bypass switch to a non-bypass state when in a UPS mode. The control module adjusts the second alternating current voltage between first and second voltage levels when in an adaptive voltage control mode after switching from the bypass mode to the UPS mode.
US09000610B2
The disclosure relates to a field device of a process automation system, having at least one first intrinsically safe power supply unit, which provides locally stored electrical energy in an integrated storage element for supplying power to an electronics unit for process control. To supply power to intrinsically safe field devices from locally stored electrical energy in line with demand, it is proposed that in addition, at least one additional intrinsically safe power supply unit is integrated therein, which is fed by a power generation unit providing locally renewable electrical energy.
US09000606B2
A power supply apparatus for a vehicle supplies/charges electric power to/from a power supply unit. The vehicle includes a first power-inverter circuit, a capacitor, high-resistance and low-resistance electric-paths between the capacitor and a battery, a first switching unit opening/closing the electric-paths, and a unit operating the first switching unit, when connecting between the battery and the first power-inverter circuit, in such a manner that after the high-resistance electric path is closed and the low-resistance electric path is opened, the high-resistance electric-path is opened and the low-resistance electric-path is closed. The apparatus includes an electric power transferring electric-path, an operating unit operating the first power-inverter circuit to supply/receive electric power to/from the power supply unit, and a prohibiting unit prohibiting the electric-path between the power supply unit and the first power-inverter circuit from closing when the amount of charge of the capacitor is equal to or less than a predetermined value.
US09000599B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to integrated circuit (IC) package assemblies with three-dimensional (3D) integration of multiple dies, as well as corresponding fabrication methods and systems incorporating such 3D IC package assemblies. A bumpless build-up layer (BBUL) package substrate may be formed on a first die, such as a microprocessor die. Laser radiation may be used to form an opening in a die backside film to expose TSV pads on the back side of the first die. A second die, such as a memory die stack, may be coupled to the first die by die interconnects formed between corresponding TSVs of the first and second dies. Underfill material may be applied to fill some or all of any remaining gap between the first and second dies, and/or an encapsulant may be applied over the second die and/or package substrate. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09000594B2
A contiguous layer of graphene is formed on exposed sidewall surfaces and a topmost surface of a copper-containing structure that is present on a surface of a substrate. The presence of the contiguous layer of graphene on the copper-containing structure reduces copper oxidation and surface diffusion of copper ions and thus improves the electromigration resistance of the structure. These benefits can be obtained using graphene without increasing the resistance of copper-containing structure.
US09000587B1
A wafer-level package device and techniques for fabricating the device are described that include embedding a silicon chip onto an active device wafer or a passive device wafer, where the embedded silicon chip is a thin chip (e.g., <50 μm). In implementations, the wafer-level package device that employs the techniques of the present disclosure includes an active device wafer, a thin integrated circuit chip, an encapsulation structure covering at least a portion of the active device wafer and the thin integrated circuit chip, a redistribution layer structure, and at least one solder bump for providing electrical interconnectivity. Once the wafer is singulated into semiconductor devices, each semiconductor device including the embedded thin integrated circuit chip may be mounted to a printed circuit board.
US09000575B2
A first substrate with a penetration electrode formed thereon is stacked on a second substrate with a protruding electrode formed thereon. The penetration electrode has a recessed portion. The substrates are stacked with the protruding electrode entered in the recessed portion. A distal width of the protruding electrode is smaller than an opening width of the recessed portion.
US09000570B2
A Quad Flat Pack (QFP) type semiconductor device includes four corner tie bars that, instead of being trimmed, are used for power and/or ground connections, and alternatively, to control mold flow during the encapsulation step of the assembly process.
US09000569B2
A semiconductor structure includes a carrier, a first protective layer, a second protective layer, and a third protective layer. A first surface of the first protective layer comprises a first anti-stress zone. A first extension line from a first bottom edge intersects with a second extension line from a second bottom edge to form a first base point. A first projection line is formed on the first surface, an extension line of the first projection line intersects with the second bottom edge to form a first intersection point, a second projection line is formed on the first surface, and an extension line of the second projection line intersects with the first bottom edge to form a second intersection point. A zone by connecting the first base point, the first intersection point and the second intersection point is the first anti-stress zone.
US09000568B2
A semiconductor structure includes a substrate, an oxide layer, a metallic oxynitride layer and a metallic oxide layer. The oxide layer is located on the substrate. The metallic oxynitride layer is located on the oxide layer. The metallic oxide layer is located on the metallic oxynitride layer. In addition, the present invention also provides a semiconductor process for forming the semiconductor structure.
US09000566B2
A compliant monopolar micro device transfer head array and method of forming a compliant monopolar micro device transfer array from an SOI substrate are described. In an embodiment, the micro device transfer head array including a base substrate and a patterned silicon layer over the base substrate. The patterned silicon layer may include a silicon interconnect and an array of silicon electrodes electrically connected with the silicon interconnect. Each silicon electrode includes a mesa structure protruding above the silicon interconnect, and each silicon electrode is deflectable into a cavity between the base substrate and the silicon electrode. A dielectric layer covers a top surface of each mesa structure.
US09000560B2
An anti-fuse array of a semiconductor device and a method for forming the same are disclosed. The anti-fuse array for a semiconductor device includes a first-type semiconductor substrate formed to define an active region by a device isolation region, a second-type impurity implantation region formed in the active region, a first-type channel region isolated from the semiconductor substrate by the second-type impurity implantation region, a gate electrode formed over the channel region, and a first metal contact formed over the second-type impurity implantation region.
US09000559B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate and an electrical fuse formed on the semiconductor substrate, and including a first conductor and a second conductor electrically separated from the first conductor. In a state of the electrical fuse after a cutting processing, the first conductor is cut and separated into a first part electrically separated from the second conductor and a second part including a flowing region from which a material constituting the first conductor flows outward and which is electrically connected to the second conductor.
US09000552B2
In a semiconductor integrated circuit device including a digital circuit region in which a digital circuit is formed, and an analog circuit region in which an analog circuit is formed, the analog circuit region is separated into an active element region in which an active element of the analog circuit is formed, and a resistive and capacitive element region in which a resistor or a capacitor of the analog circuit is formed, the resistive and capacitive element region is arranged in a region adjacent to the digital circuit region, and the active element region is arranged in a region separated from the digital circuit region.
US09000548B2
The present invention relates to a reflective and/or refractive secondary lens system for focusing sunlight onto semiconductor elements, the secondary lens system being characterized according to the invention by a projection which is disposed around the basic body forming the secondary lens system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a semiconductor assembly which includes the secondary lens system according to the invention, and also to a method for the production of this semiconductor assembly. In particular, this semiconductor assembly represents a concentrating solar cell module.
US09000538B2
A downsized semiconductor device having an excellent reverse characteristic, and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device is sought to improve. The semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor body having a polygonal contour. An active area is formed in the semiconductor body. An EQR electrode is formed so as to surround the active area and to have curved portions of the EQR electrode along the corners of the semiconductor body. An interlayer insulating film is formed to cover the active area and the EQR electrode. The EQR electrode is embedded in the interlayer insulating film around the active area. EQR contacts are in contact with the curved portions of the EQR electrode and the semiconductor body outside the curved portions, and have at least side walls covered with the interlayer insulating film.
US09000532B2
A PMOS field effect transistor includes a substrate, a first nitride layer, a mesa structure, two gate oxide films, a gate stack layer and a second nitride layer. The substrate has a oxide layer and a first doping area. The first nitride layer is located on the oxide layer. The mesa structure includes a first strained Si—Ge layer, an epitaxial Si layer and a second strained Si—Ge layer. The first strained Si—Ge layer is located on the oxide layer and the first nitride layer. The epitaxial Si layer is located on the first strained Si—Ge layer. The second strained Si—Ge layer is located on the epitaxial Si layer. In the surface layer of the second strained Si—Ge layer, there is a second doping area. The two gate oxide films are located at two sides of the mesa structure.
US09000530B2
A memory device includes a first plurality of semiconductor nanowires tethered between landing pads and suspended over a substrate. A first gate electrode surrounds each of the first plurality of semiconductor nanowires, making them gate-all-around (GAA) semiconductor nanowires. First, second, and third field effect transistors (FETs) are formed by the first plurality of semiconductor nanowires. The memory device also includes a second plurality of semiconductor nanowires tethered between landing pads and suspended over the substrate. A second gate electrode surrounds each of the second plurality of semiconductor nanowires, making them GAA semiconductor nanowires. Fourth, fifth, and sixth FETs are formed by the second plurality of semiconductor nanowires. The first gate electrode is aligned with and cross-coupled to a landing pad of the second plurality of semiconductor nanowires, and the second gate electrode is aligned with and cross-coupled to a landing pad of the first plurality of semiconductor nanowires.
US09000511B2
A non-volatile memory device includes a substrate having an active region defined by a device isolation region that has a trench and an air gap, a device isolation pattern positioned at a lower portion of the trench, a memory cell layer including a tunnel insulation layer, a trap insulation layer and a blocking insulation layer that are sequentially stacked on the active region and one of which extends from the active region toward the device isolation region encloses top of the air gap whose bottom is defined by a layer other than that of the top, and a control gate electrode positioned on the cell structure. The one of the insulation layer extending includes a recess at a region corresponding to the center of the air gap.
US09000509B2
A nonvolatile memory device includes a pipe gate having a pipe channel hole; a plurality of interlayer insulation layers and a plurality of gate electrodes alternately stacked over the pipe gate; a pair of columnar cell channels passing through the interlayer insulation layers and the gate electrodes and coupling a pipe channel formed in the pile channel hole; a first blocking layer and a charge trapping and charge storage layer formed on sidewalls of the columnar cell channels; and a second blocking layer formed between the first blocking layer and the plurality of gate electrodes.
US09000500B2
An image sensor includes an array of pixels, with at least one pixel including a photodetector formed in a substrate layer and a transfer gate disposed adjacent to the photodetector. The substrate layer further includes multiple charge-to-voltage conversion regions. A single photodetector can transfer collected charge to a single charge-to-voltage conversion region, or alternatively multiple photodetectors can transfer collected charge to a common charge-to-voltage conversion region shared by the photodetectors. An implant region formed when dopants are implanted into the substrate layer to form source/drain implant regions is disposed in only a portion of each transfer gate while each charge-to-voltage conversion region is substantially devoid of the implant region.
US09000499B2
A method of fabricating a semiconducting device is disclosed. A carbon nanotube is formed on a substrate. A portion of the substrate is removed to form a recess below a section of the carbon nanotube. A doped material is applied in the recess to fabricate the semiconducting device. The recess may be between one or more contacts formed on the substrate separated by a gap.
US09000498B2
An apparatus of a semiconductor is provided wherein the apparatus comprises a substrate, a stack, and a fin. The substrate supports the stack and the substrate comprises a first material. The stack provides for the fin and the stack comprises: a strain induced in the stack via the substrate; the first material and a second material; and a plurality of concentrations of the second material with respect to the first material. The fin provides a source and a drain of a field effect transistor.
US09000497B2
A trench MOSFET is disclosed that includes a semiconductor substrate having a vertically oriented trench containing a gate. The trench MOSFET further includes a source, a drain, and a conductive element. The conductive element, like the gate is contained in the trench, and extends between the gate and a bottom of the trench. The conductive element is electrically isolated from the source, the gate, and the drain. When employed in a device such as a DC-DC converter, the trench MOSFET may reduce power losses and electrical and electromagnetic noise.
US09000496B1
A FET includes elongated, mutually parallel source regions separated by gate and drain regions. Conductive bridges extend over the gate and drain regions and not in electrical contact therewith to electrically and thermally interconnect the sources. A layer of dielectric is applied over surfaces, and an aperture is defined over the bridges. A thick layer of metal is applied over and in thermal and electrical contact with the bridges. Electrical and thermal connections can be made to the thick metal.
US09000491B2
Insulating layers can be formed over a semiconductor device region and etched in a manner that substantially reduces or prevents the amount of etching of the underlying channel region. A first insulating layer can be formed over a gate region and a semiconductor device region. A second insulating layer can be formed over the first insulating layer. A third insulating layer can be formed over the second insulating layer. A portion of the third insulating layer can be etched using a first etching process. A portion of the first and second insulating layers beneath the etched portion of the third insulating layer can be etched using at least a second etching process different from the first etching process.
US09000490B2
A semiconductor package includes an interposer and a plurality of integrated circuit (IC) dice disposed on and intercoupled via the interposer. A first IC die has a clock speed rating that is greater than a clock speed rating of another of the IC dice. A plurality of programmable voltage tuners are coupled to the plurality of IC dice, respectively. A first voltage tuner is coupled to the first IC die, and the first voltage tuner is programmed to reduce a voltage level of voltage input to the first voltage tuner and output the reduced voltage to the first IC die.
US09000489B2
A multi-field effect transistor (FET) device includes a first FET device arranged on a substrate, the first FET device including a first active region and a second active region, a second FET device arranged on the substrate, the second FET device including a first active region and a second active region, and a first conductive interconnect electrically connecting the first active region of the first FET device to the first active region of the second FET device, the first conductive interconnect having a first cross sectional area proximate to the first active region of the first FET device that is greater than a second cross sectional area proximate to the first active region of the second FET device.
US09000488B2
A semiconductor device includes: an electron transit layer formed with a semiconductor material, the electron transit layer being formed on a semiconductor substrate; an n-type semiconductor layer formed with a semiconductor material having a wider bandgap than the electron transit layer, the n-type semiconductor layer being formed on the electron transit layer; a δ doping area having an n-type impurity doped in a sheet-shaped region, the δ doping area being formed on the n-type semiconductor layer; and a barrier layer formed with a semiconductor material having a wider bandgap than the electron transit layer, the barrier layer being formed on the δ doping area.
US09000486B2
A III-nitride heterojunction semiconductor device having a III-nitride heterojunction that includes a discontinuous two-dimensional electron gas under a gate thereof.
US09000484B2
A high electron mobility field effect transistor (HEMT) includes a two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in the drift region between the gate and the drain that has a non-uniform lateral 2DEG distribution that increases in a direction in the drift region from the gate to the drain.
US09000479B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a base layer, a second conductivity type semiconductor layer, a first insulating film, and a first electrode. The first insulating film is provided on an inner wall of a plurality of first trenches extending from a surface of the second conductivity type semiconductor layer toward the base layer side, but not reaching the base layer. The first electrode is provided in the first trench via the first insulating film, and provided in contact with a surface of the second conductivity type semiconductor layer. The second conductivity type semiconductor layer includes a first second conductivity type region, and a second second conductivity type region. The first second conductivity type region is provided between the first trenches. The second second conductivity type region is provided between the first second conductivity type region and the base layer, and between a bottom part of the first trench and the base layer. The second second conductivity type region is smaller in a quantity of second conductivity type impurities than the first second conductivity type region.
US09000477B2
A vertical topology light emitting device comprises a metal support structure; an adhesion structure on the metal support structure, wherein the adhesion structure comprises a first adhesion layer and a second adhesion layer on the first adhesion layer; a metal layer on the adhesion structure, wherein the adhesion structure is thicker than the metal layer; a GaN-based semiconductor structure on the metal layer, wherein the GaN-based semiconductor structure has a thickness less than 5 micrometers; a multi-layered electrode structure on the GaN-based semiconductor structure; and a protective layer on a side surface and a top surface of the GaN-based semiconductor structure, wherein the protective layer is further disposed on the multi-layered electrode structure.
US09000470B2
Light emitter devices for light emitting diodes (LED chips) and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment a light emitter device includes a substrate and a chip on board (COB) array of LED chips disposed over the substrate. A layer having wavelength conversion material provided therein is disposed over the array of LED chips for forming a light emitting surface from which light is emitted upon activation of the LED chips. In some aspects, the wavelength conversion material includes phosphoric or lumiphoric material that is settled and/or more densely concentrated within one or more predetermined portions of the layer. In some aspects, the devices and methods provided herein can comprise a lumen density of approximately 30 lm/mm2 or greater.
US09000469B2
A nitride group semiconductor light emitting device includes a nitride group semiconductor layer, and an electrode structure. The electrode structure is arranged on or above the semiconductor layer, and includes a plurality of deposited metal layers. The plurality of deposited metal layers of the electrode structure includes first and second metal layers. The first metal layer is arranged on the semiconductor layer side. The second metal layer is arranged on or above the first metal layer. The first metal layer contains Cr, and a first metal material. The first metal material has a reflectivity higher than Cr at the light emission peak wavelength of the light emitting device. According to this construction, the first metal layer can have a higher reflectivity as compared with the case where the first metal layer is only formed of Cr, but can keep tight contact with the semiconductor layer.
US09000467B2
A non-chip LED illumination device includes a retaining layer having one or more chambers for engaging with light emitting diode elements each of which include an outer surface and two terminals disposed on the outer surface of the light emitting diode element. A covering layer is engaged onto the retaining layer and the light emitting diode element and includes one or more openings aligned with the light emitting diode elements respectively. One or more fluorescent members of different colors are engaged into the openings of the covering layer for allowing the light generated by the light emitting diode elements to emit through the fluorescent members of different colors.
US09000465B2
A light emitting device, comprising: a package which is formed of a resin and has a recess which is provided with a bottom face and two pairs of opposite inner walls surrounding the bottom face, the package having two pairs of opposite side walls made of the inner walls and corresponding outer walls; a lead frame exposed at the bottom face; a light emitting element which is provided on the lead frame; and a sealing resin provided in the recess for sealing the light emitting element, wherein the lead frame has a bottom plate portion and a reflector portion exposed along one of the pair of opposite inner walls, and a first angle between the reflector portion and the bottom face is greater than a second angle between another one of the pair of opposite inner walls which is opposite to the reflector portion and the bottom face, is provided.
US09000461B2
An optoelectronic element includes an optoelectronic unit having a first top surface, a first bottom surface opposite to the first top surface, and a lateral surface between the first top surface and the first bottom surface; a first transparent structure covering the lateral surface and exposing the first top surface of the optoelectronic unit; a first insulating layer on the first top surface and the first transparent structure; a second insulating layer on the first insulating layer; a first opening through the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer; and a first conductive layer on the second insulating layer and electrically connecting to the optoelectronic unit via the first opening.
US09000447B2
A first layer has n type conductivity. A second layer is epitaxially formed on the first layer and having p type conductivity. A third layer is on the second layer and having n type conductivity. ND is defined to represent a concentration of a donor type impurity. NA is defined to represent a concentration of an acceptor type impurity. D1 is defined to represent a location in the first layer away from an interface between the first layer and the second layer in a depth direction. D1 in which 1≦ND/NA≦50 is satisfied is within 1 μm therefrom. A gate trench is provided to extend through the third layer and the second layer to reach the first layer. A gate insulating film covers a side wall of the gate trench. A gate electrode is embedded in the gate trench with the gate insulating film interposed therebetween.
US09000445B2
An exemplary light emitting diode includes a substrate and a first undoped GaN layer formed on the substrate. The first undoped GaN layer has ion implanted areas on an upper surface thereof. A plurality of second undoped GaN layers is formed on the first undoped GaN layer. Each of the second undoped GaN layers is island shaped and partly covers at least one corresponding ion implanted area. A Bragg reflective layer is formed on the second undoped GaN layer and on portions of upper surfaces of the ion implanted areas not covered by the second undoped GaN layers. An n-type GaN layer, an active layer and a p-type GaN layer are formed on an upper surface of the Bragg reflective layer in that sequence. A method for manufacturing the light emitting diode is also provided.
US09000432B2
A multilayered structure is provided. The multilayered structure may include a silicon substrate and a film of gadolinium oxide disposed on the silicon substrate. The top surface of the silicon substrate may have silicon orientated in the 100 direction (Si(100)) and the gadolinium oxide disposed thereon may have an orientation in the 100 direction (Gd2O3(100)).
US09000419B2
An organic EL element which has no layer that prevents penetration of holes and electrons to the counter electrode. The organic EL element includes: an anode, a hole injecting and transporting layer formed on the anode, a light emitting layer formed on the hole injecting and transporting layer, an electron injecting and transporting layer formed on the light emitting layer, and a cathode formed on the electron injecting and transporting layer. Ip2≧Ip3 is established when an ionization potential of a constituent material for the light emitting layer is Ip2 and an ionization potential of a constituent material for the electron injecting and transporting layer is Ip3. Ea1≧Ea2 is established when an electron affinity of a constituent material for the hole injecting and transporting layer is Ea1 and an electron affinity of the constituent material for the light emitting layer is Ea2.
US09000415B2
The disclosed light emitting device includes an intermediate layer interposed between the light emitting semiconductor structure and the substrate. The light emitting semiconductor structure includes a first conductivity-type semiconductor layer, a second conductivity-type semiconductor layer, and an active layer interposed between the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer and the second conductivity-type semiconductor layer, wherein the active layer has a multi quantum well structure including at least one period of a pair structure of a quantum barrier layer including AlxGa(1-x)N (0
US09000405B2
A system for an extreme ultraviolet light source includes one or more optical elements positioned to receive a reflected amplified light beam and to direct the reflected amplified light beam into first, second, and third channels, the reflected amplified light beam including a reflection of at least a portion of an irradiating amplified light beam that interacts with a target material; a first sensor that senses light from the first channel; a second sensor that senses light from the second channel and the third channel, the second sensor having a lower acquisition rate than the first sensor; and an electronic processor coupled to a computer-readable storage medium, the medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: receive data from the first sensor and the second sensor, and determine, based on the received data, a location of the irradiating amplified light beam relative to the target material in more than one dimension.
US09000395B2
This invention provides a method for improving performance of a reflective type energy filter for a charged particle beam, which employs a beam-adjusting lens on an entrance side of a potential barrier of the energy filter to make the charged particle beam become a substantially parallel beam to be incident onto the potential barrier. The method makes the energy filter have both a fine energy-discrimination power over a large emission angle spread and a high uniformity of energy-discrimination powers over a large FOV. A LVSEM using this method in the energy filter can obviously improve image contrast. The invention also provides multiple energy-discrimination detection devices formed by using the advantages of the method.
US09000394B2
The present invention provides two ways to form a special permeability-discontinuity unit inside every sub-lens of a multi-axis magnetic lens, which either has a simpler configuration or has more flexibility in manufacturing such as material selection and mechanical structure. Accordingly several types of multi-axis magnetic lens are proposed for various applications. One type is for general application such as a multi-axis magnetic condenser lens or a multi-axis magnetic transfer lens, another type is a multi-axis magnetic non-immersion objective which can require a lower magnetomotive force, and one more type is a multi-axis magnetic immersion objective lens which can generate smaller aberrations. Due to using permeability-discontinuity units, every multi-axis magnetic lens in this invention can also be electrically excited to function as a multi-axis electromagnetic compound lens so as to further reduce aberrations thereof and/or realize electron beam retarding for low-voltage irradiation on specimen.
US09000388B2
A connection substrate 13 includes a base material 130 formed by stacking a plurality of dielectric layers 130a to 130f and a plurality of through conductors 20 provided penetrating through the dielectric layers 130c to 130f adjacent to each other. A plurality of radiation shielding films 21a to 23a formed integrally with each of the plurality of through conductors 20 and separated from each other are provided at two or more interlayer parts in the dielectric layers 130c to 130f. A region PR1 of the radiation shielding film 21a (21b) formed integrally with one through conductor 20 in one interlayer part projected onto a virtual plane normal to a predetermined direction and a region of the radiation shielding film 22b or 22c (22c) formed integrally with another through conductor 20 in another interlayer part projected onto the virtual plane do not overlap each other. Accordingly, the readout circuits of an integrated circuit device can be protected from radiation, and an increase in parasitic capacitance can be suppressed.
US09000382B2
A one-dimensional multi-element photo detector (120) includes a photodiode array (122) with a first upper row of photodiode pixels and a second lower row of photodiode pixels. The photodiode array (122) is part of the photo detector (120). A scintillator array (126) includes a first upper row and a second lower row of scintillator pixels. The first upper and second lower rows of scintillator pixels are respectively optically coupled to the first upper and second lower rows of photodiode pixels. The photo detector (120) also includes readout electronics (124), which are also part of the photo detector (120). Electrical traces (512) interconnect the photodiode pixels and the readout electronics (124).
US09000376B2
An apparatus for detecting electromagnetic radiation within a target frequency range is provided. The apparatus includes a substrate and one or more resonator structures disposed on the substrate. The substrate can be a dielectric or semiconductor material. Each of the one or more resonator structures has at least one dimension that is less than the wavelength of target electromagnetic radiation within the target frequency range, and each of the resonator structures includes at least two conductive structures separated by a spacing. Charge carriers are induced in the substrate near the spacing when the resonator structures are exposed to the target electromagnetic radiation. A measure of the change in conductivity of the substrate due to the induced charge carriers provides an indication of the presence of the target electromagnetic radiation.
US09000375B2
Methods and systems for real time, in situ monitoring of fluids, and particularly the determination of both the energy content and contaminants in a gas or oil transmission facility, are provided. The system may include two separate scanning sources to scan two different, but overlapping, NIR ranges, or may involve two separate scans from a single scanning spectroscopy source. The first scan ranges from approximately 1550 nm up through 1800 nm and a second scan concurrently scans at a high resolution across a band from approximately 1560-1610 nm, the wavelength of interest for hydrogen sulfide (though similar scans are contemplated in alternative wavelength ranges for alternative contaminants). The second scan may provide very narrow (0.005 nm) step resolution over just the wavelength of interest for the contaminant and may scan at a substantially higher power level. The spectroscopic optical data from the two scans, however obtained, must then be combined into an analytical processing module containing models that analyze the multi-scan data and yield both energy content and contaminant quantitative data.
US09000372B2
A thermal detector includes a substrate, a thermal detection element and a support member. The substrate has a concave portion, a bottom surface of the concave portion forming a light-reflecting curved surface. The thermal detection element includes a light-absorbing film. The support member supports the thermal detection element with a cavity being provided between the substrate and the support member. The light-reflecting curved surface and the light-absorbing film overlap each other in plan view, the light-reflecting curved surface having a projected area in plan view larger than an area of the light-absorbing film.
US09000371B2
A camera, computer program, and method for determining and displaying temperature rates of change for objects within the camera's field of view. More specifically, the embodiments provide for the continuous, real-time temperature measurement and display of a plurality of objects within the camera's field of view, and further for the real-time processing and display of the temperature rates of change for said objects.
US09000362B2
The invention relates to devices and methods for the storage of ions in mass spectrometers. The invention proposes the generation and superposition of two multipole fields of different order, independent of each other, in an RF multipole rod system. In an embodiment with eight pole rods, for example, it is thus possible to jointly store low-energy electrons in a central RF quadrupole field, which effectively acts only on electrons and holds them together radially, on the one hand, and multiply charged heavy positive ions in an RF octopole field, which effectively acts only on the ions, on the other hand, in order to fragment the positive ions by electron capture dissociation (ECD). In a different embodiment, multiply charged positive analyte ions and suitable negative reactant ions can react with each other in an octopole field by electron transfer dissociation (ETD) with a high fragmentation yield, and the fragment ions can subsequently be bundled by a transition to a quadrupole field to form a fine ion beam, which can leave the multipole rod system axially. A mixture of hexapole and dodecapole systems is also possible.
US09000359B2
A radiation detector is used in a well-logging tool for positioning in a wellbore of a geologic formation. The radiation detector includes a photomultiplier housing and a scintillator housing. A housing coupler joins together opposing ends of the photomultiplier housing and scintillator housing. A photomultiplier is contained within the photomultiplier housing and a scintillator body is contained within the scintillator housing. A scintillator window is secured to the housing coupler.
US09000357B2
An apparatus and method to identify at least one component from a plurality of components in a fluid mixture, includes a first input channel containing the fluid mixture of components; at least one buffer input channel, into which at least one additional flow of buffer solution is introduced; a plurality of regions disposed at the other end of the apparatus, which are adapted to receive outputs of at least one selected component of the plurality of components, the selected component which is selectively removed from the first flow to one of the regions; a waste channel through which unselected components are removed from the first flow; a plurality of pumps connected to at least one reservoir, to control flow rates of the first flow and the additional flow(s); and a computer which controls a selection of one of the plurality of components from the fluid mixture.
US09000356B2
An encoder (10) includes a sensor (1) configured to illuminate light on a single scale (100) to detect two phase signals having periods different from each other, an error signal generator (2) configured to arrange accumulated amounts of phase changes of the two phase signals when the scale (100) and the sensor (1) are relatively displaced from each other by a predetermined displacement so as to obtain two accumulated phase signals and to obtain a difference between the two accumulated phase signals so as to generate an error signal that is obtained by removing an accumulated phase component corresponding to the predetermined displacement, and an interpolation error detector (3) configured to average the error signal by using at least one of periods of the two phase signals so as to detect an interpolation error contained in at least one of the two phase signals.
US09000354B2
Systems for enhancing the sensitivity of detecting an optical signal using nonlinear optics and method of performing the same. In one embodiment, a single-photon detection system includes an optical amplifier realized in a waveguide, and a photodetector coupled to an output of the optical amplifier. A light detection and ranging system includes the optical amplifier coupled to an optical source and one photodetector. In another embodiment, a photodetection system includes a plurality of optical frequency converters, coupled to an optical source, that sequentially convert a wavelength of photons of the optical source to a final wavelength, and a single-photon photodetector coupled to the optical frequency converters to detect single photons produced by the optical source. In another embodiment, an optical sensor includes an optical pump, and a transducer including an optical ring cavity coupled to the optical pump and configured to utilize optical four-wave mixing to detect an external stimulus.
US09000351B2
A resistor array is provided in an element array. A mean value of a characteristic-value distribution is associated with a median of combined resistance values obtained by the element array. An array of trimming information pieces corresponding to combined resistance values larger than the median is set in a descending order of ‘15’ to ‘8’ in decimal number, and an array of trimming information pieces corresponding to combined resistance values less than the median is set in an ascending order of ‘0’ to ‘7’ in decimal number. A circuit converts trimming information derived from the trimming information generation circuit to generate element selection information for selecting turn-off resistors to obtain combined resistance values from the resistor array. Thus, the number of melted-and-cut fuses involved in generation of trimming information associated within the range of “mean value±2σ” in the distribution is reduced.
US09000350B1
Provided in one embodiment is a method of detecting a pulsing signal, comprising: detecting the pulsing signal using a first sensor device acquiring data at a first time interval; and detecting the pulsing signal using a second sensor device acquiring data at a second time interval; wherein the second time interval overlaps a portion of the first time interval.
US09000330B2
The present invention relates to a connecting apparatus used for connecting underground pipes and to a composition for preparing a foamed sheet for the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to a sheet composition for pipe connection which comprises 1 to 10 parts by weight of a masterbatch including low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, a maleic anhydride graft copolymer, a metallocene polyethylene elastomer, a foaming agent, and an additive, based on 100 parts by weight of a base resin including low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, a maleic anhydride graft copolymer, and a metallocene polyethylene elastomer. When using the composition according to the present invention, a non-foamed sheet is produced during melt extrusion, and a foamed sheet is obtained at a high temperature by laminating the non-foamed sheet with a heater line and applying electricity thereto. Therefore, the sheet composition can be fused and filled into a pipe.
US09000327B2
A focal point controlling section is configured and arranged to control a focal point of the laser beam outputted from a laser oscillator to selectively focus the laser beam on a surface of a workpiece. A laser irradiation position moving section is configured to move a laser irradiation position at which the laser beam strikes on the surface of the workpiece. A control unit is configured to change a heat amount imparted on the surface of the workpiece to switch between a welding state and a non-welding state by controlling at least one of the focal point controlling section and the laser irradiation position moving section while controlling the laser oscillator to continuously output the laser beam before and after switching between the welding state and the non-welding state.
US09000326B2
An apparatus for laser processing a board is provided. The apparatus for laser processing a board includes a chip, a laser, a modulating device and a focus device. The chip receives a first frequency signal to generate a second frequency signal. The laser receives the first frequency signal to emit a first laser beam. The modulating device receives the second frequency signal and the first laser beam, and adjusts the first laser beam to emit a second laser beam. The focus device focuses the second laser beam to emit a third laser beam onto the board for forming plural dots on the board.
US09000323B2
A method for connecting a shaft and a hub, the hub having a first joining portion and a second joining portion for a connection to corresponding joining portions of the shaft. The shaft and the hub are pressed together at contact points in the area of the first joining portions, while the second joining portions are not yet in contact with one another, and a welding current is fed via the contact points of the parts that have been pressed together, so that the contact points fuse. The shaft is pressed into the hub, while the first joining portions are being fused, until substantially a press fit is formed between the second joining portions.
US09000322B2
A method of starting a plasma arc torch is provided that includes directing a pre-flow gas and a start shield gas through the plasma arc torch during generation and transfer of a plasma arc, and switching from the pre-flow gas to a plasma gas, and switching from the start shield gas to a primary shield gas after transfer of the plasma arc to a workpiece. A method of stopping a plasma arc torch is also provided that includes directing a plasma gas and a primary shield gas through the plasma arc torch during steady-state operation, and switching from the primary shield gas to a stop shield gas during ramp down of an operating current.
US09000319B2
A method of and apparatus for sorting foreign matter from a flow, the method comprising the steps of: identifying objects within a flow; for each identified object, determining reflectance intensities at at least two different wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths; and for each identified object, comparing the reflectance intensities at the at least two different wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths to a reference intensity profile, wherein the identified object is characterized as foreign matter when the reflectance intensities at the at least two different wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths fall within a predetermined region of the reference intensity profile.
US09000310B2
A split, non-metallic electrical insulating bushing for placement on a terminating end of an electrical conduit, the bushing rotatable between a first open configuration and a second closed configuration and having first and second hemispherically shaped bushing portions. Both bushing portions have a first end and a second end. The first ends are dimensioned to rotate with respect to each other. The second end of the first bushing portion includes a bore for receipt of a fastener, while the second end of the second bushing portion includes an aperture dimensioned for receipt of the fastener. The second end of the first insulating portion has a projecting pin and the second end of the second insulating portion has an orifice dimensioned for receipt of the projecting pin.
US09000307B2
The disclosed structure (10) is provided with: at least three conductors (111, 131, 151) which face one-another; a through-via (101) which passes through each of the conductors (111, 131, 151); openings (112, 152) which are provided so as to surround the circumference of the through-via (101); and conductor elements (121, 141) which are located in different layers to those in which the conductors (111, 131, 151) are located, and which are connected to the through-via (101). Facing opening 112 is conductor element 121, which is larger than said opening (112), and facing opening 152 is conductor element 141, which is larger than said opening (152).
US09000305B2
The present invention relates to a circuit arrangement (1) having a prescribed electrical capacitance, comprising a substrate (S) having at least one metallic, electrically conductive conductor (L, Lb, Ls). According to the invention, at least one first conductor strip segment (LA1) is disposed on the substrate (S) and at least some regions of at least one second conductor strip segment (LA2, LA3, LA4) are disposed on the first conductor strip segment (LA1), wherein an electrically insulating layer (iS) is disposed between the conductor strip segments (LA1, LA2, LA3, LA4), forming a dielectric. The invention further relates to a method and a device (2) for producing a circuit arrangement (1) having a prescribed electrical capacitance.
US09000299B2
A cable clamp for securing an electrical cable to a support structure has two substantially similar half-shells, each half-shell including a concave inner surface terminating in a pair of abutting surfaces. The half-shells further include a pair of winged flanges offset a distance from the abutting surfaces. The lower half-shell can first be secured to a support structure using a pair of elongate members passing through the winged flanges of the lower half-shell and a plurality of fastening members. A cable can then be placed within a cable receiving region of the lower half-shell and the top half-shell can be secured to the lower half-shell, applying a clamping force to the cable without interference from the fastening members used to secure the lower half-shell to the support structure.
US09000296B2
An electronics frame for a wired pipe drill string, including a housing arranged to be disposed within the wired pipe drill string. The housing includes a chamber formed therein and one or more electronic components disposed in the chamber. A shape memory element is disposed in the chamber. The shape memory element is transitionable in response to a transition stimulus between a first shape permitting positioning within the chamber and a second shape sealingly engagable with the housing to isolate the one or more electronic components from fluid. A method of isolating an electronic component is also included.
US09000289B2
Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.
US09000286B2
A synthetic guitar includes a body, a neck extending from the body, and at least one touch sensor at the neck for indicating finger position of a user. The body has a receptacle for removably securing a tablet computer to the body. The tablet computer has a touch screen for indicating finger position of the user. A processor of the tablet computer is programmed to receive input signals from the touch sensor and the touch screen and to produce an output signal based at least partially on the input signals. The software can enable the synthetic guitar to be used as a music synthesizer or to be used as a video game controller. Synthetic guitar can also include a retainer for removably securing a portable media player to be used as an additional video display while playing the guitar.
US09000282B1
A guitar has improved bracing. Specifically, some embodiments have radial main braces which do not intersect a center of a bridge plate. Some embodiments have radial main braces which are connected by web braces. Some embodiments have suspended main braces extending from the bridge plate.
US09000265B2
The present invention relates to a corn plant and seed with enhanced levels of protein and amino acids. The invention also relates to DNA constructs that provide expression in transgenic corn cells of an asparagine synthetase enzyme. The DNA constructs are used in a method to produce transgenic corn plants and seeds and to select for plants and seeds with enhanced levels of protein and amino acids.
US09000260B2
ETP1 and ETP2 bind to EIN2 and modulate plant ethylene sensitivity.
US09000253B2
A disposable absorbent article that includes an elastic film material. The elastic film resists the growth of a tear and include an SEEPS block copolymer having a Tm of between about 10° C. and about 20° C. The film has a time-to-fail of greater than 1 hour.
US09000245B2
A process is disclosed for converting biomass to fuels and/or valuable chemicals. The process comprises the steps of a) activating biomass to make it more susceptible to conversion; c) partially converting the biomass to a solubilized material; and d) subjecting the unconverted biomass to a second conversion step. The process optionally comprises a step b) of adding a solvent to the activated biomass. In a preferred embodiment the solubilized biomass obtained in step c) is removed before the unconverted biomass is subjected to step d).
US09000243B2
The present invention relates to a process for separating chlorinated methanes utilizing a dividing wall column. Processes and manufacturing assemblies for generating chlorinated methanes are also provided, as are processes for producing products utilizing the chlorinated methanes produced and/or separated utilizing the present process(es) and/or assemblies.
US09000240B2
The present invention is directed to processes for the production of 1233zd from 240fa and HF, with or without a catalyst, at a commercial scale. The 240fa and HF are fed to a reactor operating at high pressure. The resulting product stream comprising 1233zd, HCl, HF, and other byproducts is treated to one or more purification techniques including phase separation and one or more distillations to provide purified 1233zd, which meets commercial product specifications, i.e., having a GC purity of 99.5% or greater.
US09000237B2
The present invention relates to processes for producing and recovering ethanol using an intermediate reboiler. An intermediate stream may be withdrawn from a removal zone of a distillation column and recirculated through the intermediate reboiler to the distillation column. The distillation column may also comprise a bottoms reboiler.
US09000233B2
A process for recovering ethanol obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid and water. Acetal byproduct can be reduced or removed through configurations of hydrolysis secondary reactors. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.
US09000232B2
Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using an extractive distillation column. The column yields a first residue that comprises ethanol, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, and water. The first residue is separated in a second column to yield a second distillate comprising ethanol and ethyl acetate. The second distillate is then separated in a third column to yield a third distillate comprising ethyl acetate and a third residue comprising ethanol.
US09000210B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of substituted 2-fluoroacrylic acid derivatives.
US09000201B2
Disclosed are effective and simple adsorbents and methods of using the adsorbents for removing metal impurities generated during storage, transportation and supply of organometallic compounds. The disclosed adsorbents and methods provide for the easy and effective removal of the metallic impurities or compounds generated from decomposition of the organometallic compound during its transportation, storage, and supply. Namely, the disclosed adsorbents and methods permit the stable supply of a high purity organometallic compound desired in the semiconductor and photovoltaic cell.
US09000200B2
A process to prepared bridged bis(indenyl)ligands, comprising the step of reacting a 2-indenylpinacolyl borane compound with a bromosubstituted compound in the presence of a Pd catalyst and a base to form the corresponding bridged bis(indenyl) ligand. The process may further comprise the step of reacting a 2-bromo indene compound with pinacolborane in the presence of a Pd catalyst and a base to form the corresponding 2-indenylpinacolylborane compound. These bridged bis(indenyl)ligands may suitably be used in the preparation of metallocene complexes, such as 2,2′-bis(2-indenyl)biphenyl ZrCl2 and 1,2-bis(2-indenyl)benzene ZrCl2. These metallocene complexes may be used for the polymerization, optionally in the presence of a cocatalyst, of one or more α-olefins, preferably for the polymerization of ethylene.
US09000193B2
The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of 4-acetoxy-2α-benzoyloxy-5β,20-epoxy-1-hydroxy-7β,10β-dimethoxy-9-oxotax-11-en-13α-yl(2R,3S)-3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-2-hydroxy-3-phenyl-propionate Cabazitaxel (I).
US09000191B2
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds of formula I: where X, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4, R4, and n are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds of formula I are serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US09000183B2
Cyclohexane-1,2′-indene-1′,2″-imidazole compounds, therapeutically acceptable salts thereof, processes for preparation thereof, therapeutic uses of such compounds for treating Aβ-related pathologies such as Down's syndrome, β-amyloid angiopathy, Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, attention deficit symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease, neurodegeneration associated with diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia including dementia of mixed vascular and degenerative origin, pre-senile dementia, senile dementia and dementia associated with Parkinson's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy or cortical basal degeneration, methods of therapy using such compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.
US09000181B2
A compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: Wherein: Het is a 5 to 10-membered heteroaromatic ring; Either X is N and Y is CR5; or X is C and Y is S; Z is selected from N and CH; R1 is selected from H and C1-2alkyl; R2 is selected from H, C1-2alkyl, OH, —CH2OH and C1-2alkoxy; Each R3 is independently selected from OH, C1-3alkyl, F, Cl, Br, NH2, and C1-3alkoxy; R4 is selected from C1-3alkyl and haloC1-3 alkyl; R5 is selected from H, C1-3alkyl and haloC1-3alkyl; R6 and R7 are either i) each independently selected from H, C1-3alkyl and C1-3alkoxy; or ii) R6 and R7 together with the ring to which they are attached form a 9-membered bicylic ring; p is 0-3; and RA is selected from H and C1-3alkyl, compositions containing them, their use in therapy, for example in the treatment of tuberculosis, and methods for the preparation of such compounds, are provided.
US09000180B2
In one form, processes for the production of certain N-substituted sulfoximine N-oxides are provided. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the description.
US09000176B2
The present invention provides pyrazole derivative compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of the present invention have an excellent effect of preventing and treating osteoporosis.
US09000173B2
This invention relates to a compound of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Such compounds possess both muscarinic receptor antagonist and β2 adrenergic receptor agonist activities. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds, and methods of using such compounds as bronchodilating agents to treat pulmonary disorders.
US09000167B2
The present invention describes chemical systems and methods for silylating aromatic organic substrates, said system comprising a mixture of (a) at least one organosilane and (b) at least one strong base, said system being substantially free of a transition-metal compound, and said methods comprising contacting a quantity of the organic substrate with a mixture of (a) at least one organosilane and (b) at least one strong base, under conditions sufficient to silylate the aromatic substrate; wherein said system is substantially free of a transition-metal compound.
US09000166B2
The present invention describes novel ionic metal complexes. Compounds of this type can be employed as functional materials in a number of different applications which can be ascribed to the electronics industry in the broadest sense.The compounds according to the invention are described by the formulae (1) and (1a).
US09000165B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparation of aripiprazole crystal form II by recrystallizing aripiprazole in a mixture of acetone and 1-methoxy-2-propanol or a single solvent of 1-methoxy-2-propanol. The simple process according to the present invention can produce aripiprazole crystal form II with high purity and high yield in a mass scale.
US09000164B2
An organic electroluminescence (EL) material and an organic EL device including the same, the organic electroluminescence (EL) material being represented by following Chemical Formula 1:
US09000163B2
Provided is a method for selectively demethylating a 2-methoxy group. Specifically provided is a production method of a compound represented by formula (7) below through the following reactions.
US09000159B2
The invention described herein relates to novel fused pyrimidinediones derivatives of formula (I) which are TRPA (Transient Receptor Potential subfamily A) modulators. In particular, compounds described herein are useful for treating or preventing diseases, conditions and/or disorders modulated by TRPA1 (Transient Receptor Potential subfamily A, member 1). This invention also provides processes for preparing compounds described herein, intermediates used in their synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for treating or preventing diseases, conditions and/or disorders modulated by TRPA1.
US09000158B2
In an embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing (−)-6-(4-aminophenyl)-5-methylpyridazin-3-(2H)-one, which process comprises: a) reacting racemic 6-(4-aminophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-3-(2H)-pyridazinone of formula II with a chiral tartaric acid derivative to obtain a diastereomeric salt of (−)-6-(4-aminophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-3-(2H)-pyridazinone and the chiral tartaric acid derivative; and b) reacting the diastereomeric salt with a base to obtain (−)-6-(4-aminophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-3-(2H)-pyridazinone. The (−)-6-(4-aminophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-3-(2H)-pyridazinone may be used to prepare levosimendan.
US09000152B2
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing triazinon-benzoxazinones of formula (I), by reacting amino-benzoxazinones of formula (II) with 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) and a (thio)urea compound of formula (III); wherein the variables are defined according to the description.
US09000148B2
Flame retardant cellulose acetate is prepared comprising cellulose acetate flakes and an organophosphate compound bonded to the cellulose acetate flakes. Accordingly, the bonded phosphate-functional group provides the cellulose acetate flakes with pendant phosphate ester functionality. Numerous phosphate derivatives can be envisaged that will accomplish the intended task.
US09000144B2
In Caenorhabditis elegans, lin-4 and let-7 encode 22- and 21-nucleotide RNAs, respectively, that function as key regulators of developmental timing. Because the appearance of these short RNAs is regulated during development, they are also referred to as “small temporal RNAs” (stRNAs). We show that many more 21- and 22-nt expressed RNAs, termed microRNAs, (miRNAs), exist in invertebrates and vertebrates, and that some of these novel RNAs, similar to let-7 stRAN, are also highly conserved. This suggests that sequence-specific post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms mediated by small RNAs are more general than previously appreciated.
US09000142B2
There is disclosed a photocleavable sense-antisense nucleobase polymer complex capable of modulating gene expression comprising an unnatural antisense nucleobase polymer that targets an mRNA, and a photocleavable sense nucleobase polymer noncovalently bound to the antisense nucleobase polymer, wherein the photocleavable sense nucleobase polymer comprises a plurality of nucleobase polymers connected by a photocleavable linkage. There is also disclosed a method for controlling the time and spatial position of gene expression comprising selecting a target mRNA, introducing the photocleavable sense-antisense nucleobase polymer complex into a cell, and selectively irradiating the cell with light.
US09000138B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulase activity. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US09000137B2
The present invention provides nucleic acid aptamers that bind to Plasmodium proteins lactate dehydrogenase and histidine-rich protein II, and uses thereof for the diagnosis of malaria. Aptamers against histidine-rich protein II may be used to detect the presence of Plasmodium species in general, whereas aptamers against lactate dehydrogenase can be used to specifically detect Plasmodium falciparum.
US09000125B2
The present invention relates to the use of antisecretory factors, such as antisecretory proteins, homologues, derivatives and/or fragments thereof having antisecretory activity, for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment and/or prevention of intraocular hypertension. The invention thus relates to the use of pharmaceutical compositions comprising antisecretory factors in the treatment and/or prevention of intraocular hypertension, which is preferably characterized by hampered outflow of body fluid resulting in elevated pressure in the eye. The invention provides for a novel approach for treating and/or preventing such a condition turning the intraocular pressure to an acceptable level, optionally 21 mm Hg, or less.
US09000122B1
The present invention is for aromatic poly(ether sulfone imide) membranes and methods for making and using these membranes for gas, vapor, and liquid separations. The membranes may be fabricated into any known membrane configuration including a flat sheet or hollow fiber. An embodiment of the present invention is for aromatic poly(ether sulfone imide) polymers, aromatic poly(ether sulfone imide) membranes and UV cross-linked aromatic poly(ether sulfone imide) membranes made from these polymers.
US09000113B2
New plastomer material for use in automotive parts such as bumpers is devised here, which is a novel polyethylene produced by a gas phase process.
US09000108B2
The present invention generally relates to a process that selectively polymerizes ethylene in the presence of an alpha-olefin, and to a metal-ligand complex (precatalyst) and catalyst useful in such processes, and to related compositions. The present invention also generally relates to ligands and intermediates useful for preparing the metal-ligand complex and to processes of their preparation.
US09000104B2
A polyarylene sulfide includes 0.01 to 5 mol %, per mol of arylene sulfide structural units, of a function group selected from the group consisting of an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydroxyl group, an acid anhydride group, an isocyanate group, an epoxy group, a silanol group, and an alkoxysilane group having a dispersity represented by (weight average molecular weight)/(number average molecular weight) of 2.5 or less and a weight loss ratio at 100° C. to 330° C. of 0.2% by weight or less when the polyarylene sulfide is subjected to thermogravimetric analysis from 50° C. to 340° C. at a temperature ramp-up rate of 20° C./min under a non-oxidative atmosphere of normal pressure.
US09000099B2
The invention provides compositions comprising at least one propylene-based polymer, at least one peroxide and at least one coagent. In a preferred example, a composition comprising at least one propylene-based polymer, at least one peroxide, at least one grafting agent, and at least one coagent, and wherein the at least one coagent has a substituted carbon-carbon double bond structure selected from the group consisting of structures (I), (II), (III), (IV) and (V) as follows, including cis and trans isomers wherein D1, D2, D3 and D4 are each, independently, one of the following: (a) a hydrocarbon substituent containing a heteroatom with a nonbonding pair of electrons, and where the heteroatom with the nonbonding pair is directly attached to the carbon-carbon double bond, or (b) a hydrocarbon substituent containing a carbon-carbon pi bonding pair, and where the first carbon of the carbon-carbon pi bonding pair is directly bonded to the carbon-carbon double bond; and wherein the R1, R2 and R3 are each, independently, H, a hydrocarbon substituent, or a substituted hydrocarbon substituent; and wherein R1, R2 and R3, each, independently, does not have the same chemical structure as D1, D2, D3 or D4; and wherein the molar ratio of the “coagent(s)” to “free radicals formed from the peroxide(s)” is from 0.5:1 to 5:1; and wherein the coagent selected from structures (I)-(V) does not contain only one phenyl group, or does not contain only one furyl group.
US09000095B2
The invention relates to a polyethylene molding composition which has a multimodal molecular mass distribution and comprises a low molecular weight ethylene homopolymer A, a high molecular weight ethylene copolymer B and an ultrahigh molecular weight ethylene copolymer C. The molding composition has a density at a temperature of 23° C. in the range from 0.940 to 0.957 g/cm3, an MFR (190° C./2.16 kg) in the range from 0.5 to 4 dg/min and a viscosity number VN3 of the mixture of ethylene homopolymer A, copolymer B and ethylene copolymer C, measured in accordance with ISO/R 1191 in decalin at a temperature of 135° C., in the range from 150 to 300 cm3/g. The invention further relates to the use of such a molding composition for producing injection-molded finished parts, and to finished parts produced by injection molding.
US09000089B2
Polyurea systems comprising: (a) an amino-functional aspartic ester of the general formula (I) wherein X represents an n-valent organic radical derived from a corresponding n-functional primary amine X(NH2)n, R1 and R2 each independently represent an organic radical having no Zerevitinov active hydrogens and n represents an integer of at least 2; and (b) an isocyanate functional prepolymer having a residual monomer content of less than 1% by weight, the prepolymer prepared by reacting: (b1) an aliphatic isocyante; and (b2) a polyol component having a number average molecular weight of ≧400 g/mol and an average OH functionality of 2 to 6, wherein the polyol component comprises one or more constituents selected from the group consisting of polyester polyols, polyester-polyether polyols and mixtures thereof; processes for making the same; postoperative adhesions barriers prepared therewith and dispensing systems for such polyurea systems.
US09000082B2
Heat and light-stabilized polyamide compositions containing a stabilization system that includes copper oxide and KBr, and have an excellent preservation of color and of the mechanical properties thereof after exposure to heat or to light; these compositions are especially useful for producing shaped articles in the automotive field.
US09000081B2
There are provided an organic-inorganic composite having a high refractive index and a low Abbe number in which metal oxide particles of at least one type is added to a polymer containing a repeating unit having the general formula (1) described in Claim 1, and a molded product and an optical element made of the organic-inorganic composite.In the general formula (1), R1 and R2 independently denote a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, and Q denotes an oxyethylene group, a thioethylene group, or a single bond.
US09000080B2
A dry ground calcium carbonate filler or additive made by dry grinding calcium carbonate in the presence of an organo-amine and then surface treating the ground calcium carbonate with a dispersant and the method of making the same is disclosed. Dry ground calcium carbonate filler or additive made by dry grinding calcium carbonate in the presence of an organo-amine such as triethanolamine and then surface treating the ground calcium carbonate with a dispersant such as sodium polyacrylate when added to a polyester polymer composition yields a lower viscosity of the polymer system than without the addition of triethanolamine followed by surface treating the ground calcium carbonate with a dispersant.
US09000079B2
It has been discovered that amorphous polybutene copolymers that have a softening point of from about 70 to about 105° C. and viscosity of less than about 1,900 cP at 190° C. possesses desirable properties and may be used to make a low application temperature hot melt adhesive for disposable absorbent articles.
US09000069B1
The present invention relates to coating compositions formed by combining two latex resins: a base latex resin and a stratifying latex resin. The stratifying latex resin comprises at least one “driver” to promote migration of the stratifying latex to the surface of the coating during curing or drying. Drivers may be selected from one or more of fluorine containing monomers incorporated into the stratifying latex, long chain acrylate monomers, such as lauryl methacrylate, wax, small particle size, or relatively low Tg.
US09000064B2
A composition for forming a pattern includes: about 1% to about 10% by weight of a liquid prepolymer, about 40% to about 60% by weight of an acrylate having a hydrophilic group, about 10% to about 20% by weight of a viscosity modifier, about 1% to about 5% by weight of a photoinitiator, and an additive.
US09000060B2
Disclosed is expandable modified resin beads (1), comprising a modified resin as a base resin in which a dispersion phase (3) containing a styrene resin as a major component is dispersed in a continuous phase (2) containing an olefin resin as a major component, and a physical blowing agent. Further disclosed are expanded modified resin beads obtained by expanding the expandable modified resin beads (1), and a foamed molded article formed from the expanded modified resin beads obtained by molding the expanded modified resin beads in a mold. A volume average diameter of the dispersion phase (3) dispersed in the continuous phase (2) is 0.55 μm or more. The expandable modified resin beads (1) have, as a base resin, the modified resin contains 80 to 50 parts by mass of the styrene resin with respect to 20 to 50 parts by mass parts of the olefin resins.
US09000055B2
A method for producing synthetic hydrocarbons from at least one carbonaceous material is provided. The method includes evaluating the resources of the carbonaceous material available on a determined territory; determining from the resources a total production capacity of synthetic hydrocarbons; determining from the total production capacity, a number of elementary production units required for obtaining the total production capacity, each elementary production unit having an elementary production capacity between a 100 and a 1,000 barrels a day of synthetic hydrocarbons; building the number of elementary production units on the territory; transporting the carbonaceous material from the territory as far as the elementary production units; producing the synthetic hydrocarbons in the elementary production units from the transported carbonaceous material.
US09000051B2
The present invention relates mainly to a cosmetic composition and in particular a composition for making up and/or caring for keratin material and more particularly the skin and/or the lips, including at least one supramolecular polymer and a filler with an oil uptake of greater than or equal to 1.5 ml/g.
US09000030B2
A method of inhibiting excitotoxicity by indirectly activating α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) which indirectly activate synaptic AMPA and NMDA receptors is disclosed Inhibitors of α7 nACHRs, such as macrocyclic diterpenoids, more specifically cembranoids or methyllycaconitine (MLA), indirectly activate α4β2 nAChRs and can be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson Disease, AIDS related dementia and the delayed effects of stroke. They can also be used to treat diseases associated with neuronal impairment, including, but not limited to glaucoma caused by optical nerve damage, delayed effects of epilepsy; and multiple sclerosis.
US09000011B2
Provided are in vitro and in vivo methods for determining whether a patient with Fabry disease will respond to treatment with a specific pharmacological chaperone.
US09000007B2
The present application relates to a series of substituted pyra-zolopyridin-6-amines having the general formula (I), including their stereoisomers and/or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Wherein R, R1, R2, Ra, Raa, Rb and n are as defined herein. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of formula (I). The compounds of this application are useful as CETP inhibitors for increasing HDL cholesterol and decreasing LDL cholesterol in a patient.
US09000004B2
An ambroxol hydrochloride composition and a preparation method therefor. 0.1%-99.9% by mass of ambroxol hydrochloride and 99.9%-0.1% by mass of scopolamine serving as main ingredients and mannitol are added into water for injection; dissolve, then adjust to pH 5.0; add 0.1% of activated carbon with stirring; filter out the activated carbon, and then filter the liquid; send into a lyophilizer, cool to −40° C., and hold the temperature for 2 hours; warm to −5° C. to 0° C. slowly to lyophilize the liquid, heat to 35° C., and hold the temperature for 3 hours; take out of the lyophilizer to obtain a lyophilized powder injection containing ambroxol hydrochloride and scopolamine; crush the lyophilized powder injection under sterile conditions, and sieve to obtain sterile lyophilized powder containing ambroxol hydrochloride and scopolamine; and prepare various dosage forms by using the lyophilized powder as a raw material.
US08999995B2
Provided herein are isotopically enriched arylsulfonamides, for example, of Formula I, that are useful for modulating CCR3 activity, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided herein are methods of their use for treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a CCR3-mediated disorder, disease, or condition.
US08999992B2
The invention relates to various polymorphic forms and amorphous form of sodium 4-((3-(4-cyclohexylpiperazin-1-yl)-6-oxo-6H-anthra[1,9-cd]isoxazol-5-yl)amino)benzate, including the polymorphic form A, mixtures of the polymorphs, process for the preparation thereof and the use thereof in a pharmaceutical composition containing thereof.
US08999988B2
Protein kinase inhibitors are disclosed having utility in the treatment of protein kinase-mediated diseases and conditions, such as cancer. The compounds of this invention have the following structure: including steroisomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein A is a ring moiety selected from: and wherein R1, R2, R3, X, Z, L1, Cycl1, L2 and Cycl2 are as defined herein. Also disclosed are compositions containing a compound of this invention, as well as methods relating to the use thereof.
US08999987B2
A compound having the structure set forth in Formula (I) and Formula (II): wherein the substituents Y, Z, A, B, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined herein. Provided herein are inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase activity. Also described herein are pharmaceutical compositions that include at least one compound described herein and the use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition described herein to treat diseases, disorders and conditions that are ameliorated by the inhibition of PARP activity.
US08999979B2
A novel compound able to inhibit JAK is disclosed, that is according to Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compound may be prepared as a pharmaceutical composition, and may be used for the treatment of a variety of conditions in mammals including humans, including by way of non-limiting example, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, proliferative diseases, transplantation rejection, diseases involving impairment of cartilage turnover, congenital cartilage malformations, and/or diseases associated with hypersecretion of IL6.
US08999976B2
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating diseases using such CFTR modulators.
US08999971B2
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.
US08999970B2
The present disclosure relates to methods for weight management in an individual in need thereof by determining the level of renal sufficiency of the individual and prescribing or administering a therapeutically effective amount of (R)-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrate thereof to the individual, provided that the individual has a level of renal sufficiency selected from the group consisting of: no renal impairment, mild renal impairment, and moderate renal impairment. In addition, the disclosure relates to a method for selecting an individual for treatment with (R)-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrate thereof from a plurality of individuals in need of weight management by determining the level of renal sufficiency of the individual and selecting the individual for treatment with (R)-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrate thereof if the individual has a level of renal sufficiency selected from the group consisting of: no renal impairment, mild renal impairment, and moderate renal impairment.
US08999964B2
The invention relates to compounds of Formula (A): (A) or a salt, solvate, hydrate, or amino acid conjugate thereof. The compounds of formula A are TGR5 modulators useful for the prevention and treatment of disease.
US08999963B2
Compositions and methods for alleviating the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome are provided. The compositions are based on use of a transdermal gel formulation delivery system for androgens, either alone or in combination with other hormones.
US08999950B2
The present invention provides compositions comprising therapeutic nucleic acids such as interfering RNA (e.g., dsRNA such as siRNA) that target aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene expression, lipid particles comprising one or more (e.g., a cocktail) of the therapeutic nucleic acids, methods of making the lipid particles, and methods of delivering and/or administering the lipid particles (e.g., for treating alcoholism in humans).
US08999944B2
The present invention relates to screening assays for the identification of agents that can modify the interaction of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNEP) on thioredoxin (TRX)5 preferably by inhibiting TXNIP downregulation of TXR. The use of such compounds, including the disclosed siRNA and antibodies against TXNIP, is contemplated for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of vascular disease conditions, particularly those associated with pro-inflammatory activity of the TNF-ASK1-JNK-p38 pathways.
US08999938B2
The ophthalmic drug delivery vehicles provide comfort and compliance; drug solubility, residence time and permeability; and reduce side effects. In addition, the delivery vehicle can be slightly modified to provide an artificial tear formulation.
US08999937B2
Polypeptide compositions that mimic the activity of glucocorticoid induced leucine zipper (GILZ) on the immune system are described. Also described is a method of treating multiple sclerosis using compositions comprising GILZ or lower molecular weight polypeptides with structural relationships to GILZ.
US08999935B2
The present invention is directed to a method of treating, preventing, or reducing the risk of bone deterioration or osteoporosis in a peri- or post-menopausal female subject. The method involves selecting a peri- or post-menopausal female subject in need of treating, preventing, or reducing the risk of bone deterioration or osteoporosis and administering hepcidin to the selected subject under conditions effective to treat, prevent, or reduce the risk of bone deterioration or osteoporosis.
US08999934B2
The disclosure relates to an endothelin receptor antagonist for use in the prevention or treatment of brain metastases in combination with a cytotoxic chemotherapy agent, radiotherapy or both. The endothelin receptor antagonist may for example be bosentan, macitentan or a mixture of bosentan and macitentan.
US08999929B2
The present invention relates to a chimeric protein that includes an N-terminus coupled to a C-terminus, where the N-terminus includes a portion of a paracrine fibroblast growth factor (“FGF”) and the C-terminus includes a C-terminal portion of an FGF19 molecule. The portion of the paracrine FGF is modified to decrease binding affinity for heparin and/or heparan sulfate compared to the portion without the modification. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions including chimeric proteins according to the present invention, methods for treating a subject suffering from diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome, and methods of screening for compounds with enhanced binding affinity for the βKlotho-FGF receptor complex involving the use of chimeric proteins of the present invention.
US08999924B2
The invention relates to a composition comprising pea protein hydrolysate for the treatment and/or prevention of infection by gastrointestinal pathogens, in particular Helicobacter pylori and/or a disease associated with infection by said gastrointestinal pathogen in mammals.
US08999921B2
The invention relates to polypeptides reacting with rheumatism-associated autoantibodies. The invention moreover relates to a diagnostic agent comprising any of said polypeptides, to a diagnostic kit comprising said diagnostic agent and to a process for in vitro detection of rheumatic diseases. The invention furthermore relates to a medicament comprising any of said polypeptides and to the use of said polypeptides for preparing a medicament for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of rheumatic diseases.
US08999920B2
A reconstituted high density lipoprotein formulation having relatively low toxicity comprises an apolipoprotein such as ApoAI or fragment thereof, a lipid and a detergent at a level which is about 5-50% of that which would normally cause liver toxicity upon administration to a human. The lipid is optimally phosphatidylcholine at about 30-50 g/L and the molar ratio of apolipoprotein:lipid is optimally in the range 1:40 to 1:75. The formulation is useful for treating diseases or conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolaemia and hypocholesterolaemia inclusive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.
US08999919B2
The present invention features compositions and methods for increasing the cell surface expression of degradation-prone CFTR proteins and preventing or treating cystic fibrosis. The invention provides peptides and peptidomimetics that selectively inhibit the interaction between CAL and mutant CFTR proteins, thereby stabilizing the CFTR and facilitating transport of the same to the cell surface.
US08999911B2
A cleaning composition for treating a surface comprises a purified enzyme and an enzyme denaturant system. The enzyme denaturant system is configured to denature the purified enzyme such that any residue remaining on the surface after the treatment of the surface is virtually free of active purified enzymes.
US08999908B2
The invention relates to a variant of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to the parent alpha-amylase: substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage pattern, thermal stability, pH/activity profile, pH/stability profile, stability towards oxidation, Ca2+ dependency and specific activity.
US08999907B2
Polymeric compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The polymeric composition can include a first ethylene-based copolymer and a second ethylene-based copolymer. The first ethylene-based copolymer can have a weight percent of ethylene-derived units based on a weight of the polymeric composition (EA) ranging from about 35 wt % to about 52 wt % and a weight-average molecular weight (MwA) of less than or equal to 130,000. The second ethylene-based copolymer can have a weight percent of ethylene-derived units based on the weight of the polymeric composition (EB) ranging from about 65 wt % to about 85 wt % and a weight-average molecular weight (MwB) of less than 130,000.
US08999902B2
The engine oil additive contains multiple 300 to 500 nm-long polygonal plate-shaped silver crystal particles. The engine oil contains a base oil and the engine oil additive. The method of adding the additive to an engine oil includes adding multiple 300 to 500-nm-long polygonal plate-shaped silver crystal particles as an additive to the engine oil.
US08999897B2
The use of a tag moiety comprising a biotinylation domain, such as biotin carboxyl carrier protein (BCCP), as a protein folding marker and protein solubility enhancer in the orientated surface capture of products of heterologously expressed genes is described. Methods for increasing the solubility of proteins and determining the folded state of a protein are also disclosed. The uses and methods of the invention can be carried out in a multiplexed manner on more than one protein in the formation of libraries. In addition the nucleic acid molecule encoding the biotinylation domain of the tag moiety can be used to increase the proportion of clones in a library that express the protein of interest.
US08999881B2
The present disclosure relates to a Cu/Zn/Al catalyst and a method for preparing same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a Cu/Zn/Al catalyst including copper particles having high surface area and thus having excellent activity, which is prepared by: preparing a metal precursor solution by dissolving a copper precursor, a zinc precursor and an aluminum precursor in an organic solvent; mixing an aqueous basic solution with the metal precursor solution and precipitating metal particles; and preparing a Cu/Zn/Al catalyst by collecting and sintering the precipitated metal particles, and a method for preparing same.
US08999880B2
A method for producing a dehydrogenation catalyst including an immersion step of impregnating an alumina layer of an alumina carrier with a platinum solution containing hexahydroxo platinate (IV) ions with an immersion method, wherein the alumina carrier has the alumina layer formed by anodic oxidation on at least a part of the surface of an aluminum support; and a calcination step of calcining the alumina carrier subjected to the immersion step to provide a dehydrogenation catalyst.
US08999872B2
Porous composites of acicular mullite and tialite are formed by firing an acicular mullite body in the presence of an oxide of titanium. In some variations of the process, the oxide of titanium is present when the acicular mullite body is formed. In other variations, the oxide of titanium is applied to a previously-formed acicular mullite body. Surprisingly, the composites have coefficients of linear thermal expansion that are intermediate to those of acicular mullite and tialite alone. Some of the tialite is believed to form at grain boundaries and/or points of intersection between acicular mullite needles, rather than merely coating the needles. The presence of the titanium oxide(s) during acicular mullite formation does not significantly affect the ability to produce a highly porous network of mullite needles.
US08999871B2
Provided is a high refractive index glass, comprising, as a glass composition in terms of mass %, 0 to 10% of B2O2, 0.001 to 35% of SrO, 0.001 to 30% of ZrO2+TiO2, and 0 to 10% of La2O2+Nb2O5, having a mass ratio of BaO/SrO of 0 to 40 and a mass ratio of SiO2/SrO of 0.1 to 40, and having a refractive index nd of 1.55 to 2.3.
US08999869B2
The glass-ceramic joining material, which is suitable for bonding or joining at low processing temperatures, especially less than 800° C., is composed of a BaO—SiO2—CaO—B2O3—Al2O3 system and has a coefficient of thermal expansion α(20-300)≧9.5·10−6 K−1.
US08999863B2
A stress liner having first and second stress type is provided over a first type and a second type transistor to improve reliability and performance without incurring area penalties or layout deficiencies.
US08999859B2
Methods of depositing a film on a substrate surface include surface mediated reactions in which a film is grown over one or more cycles of reactant adsorption and reaction. In one aspect, the method is characterized by intermittent delivery of dopant species to the film between the cycles of adsorption and reaction.
US08999844B2
Methods for forming semiconductor structures are disclosed, including a method that involves forming sets of conductive material and insulating material, forming a first mask over the sets, forming a first number of contact regions, forming a second mask over a first region of the sets, and removing material from of the sets in a second, exposed region laterally adjacent the first region to form a second number of contact regions. Another method includes forming first and second contact regions on portions of sets of conductive materials and insulating materials, each of the second contact regions more proximal to an underlying substrate than each of the first contact regions. Apparatuses such as memory devices including laterally adjacent first and second regions each of which including contact regions of a different portion of a plurality of conductive materials and related methods of forming such devices are also disclosed.
US08999842B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device with a cap layer for a copper interconnect structure formed in a dielectric layer is provided. In an embodiment, a conductive material is embedded within a dielectric layer, the conductive material comprising a first material and having either a recess, a convex surface, or is planar. The conductive material is silicided to form an alloy layer. The alloy layer comprises the first material and a second material of germanium, arsenic, tungsten, or gallium.
US08999834B2
An integrated circuit structure includes a first gate strip; a gate spacer on a sidewall of the first gate strip; and a contact etch stop layer (CESL) having a bottom portion lower than a top surface of the gate spacer, wherein a portion of a sidewall of the gate spacer has no CESL formed thereon.
US08999831B2
A method of fabricating a replacement gate stack for a semiconductor device includes the following steps after removal of a dummy gate: growing a high-k dielectric layer over the area vacated by the dummy gate; depositing a thin metal layer over the high-k dielectric layer; depositing a sacrificial layer over the thin metal layer; annealing the structure at a high temperature of not less than 800° C.; removing the sacrificial layer; and depositing a metal layer of low resistivity metal for gap fill. Optionally, a second annealing step can be performed after the first anneal. This second anneal is performed as a millisecond anneal using a flash lamp or a laser.
US08999830B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having metal gate includes providing a substrate having a first transistor and a second transistor formed thereon, the first transistor having a first gate trench formed therein, forming a first work function metal layer in the first gate trench, forming a sacrificial masking layer in the first gate trench, removing a portion of the sacrificial masking layer to expose a portion of the first work function metal layer, removing the exposed first function metal layer to form a U-shaped work function metal layer in the first gate trench, and removing the sacrificial masking layer. The first transistor includes a first conductivity type and the second transistor includes a second conductivity type. The first conductivity type and the second conductivity type are complementary.
US08999826B2
Method of producing a vertically inhomogeneous platinum or gold distribution in a semiconductor substrate with a first and a second surface opposite the first surface, with diffusing platinum or gold into the semiconductor substrate from one of the first and second surfaces of the semiconductor substrate, removing platinum- or gold-comprising residues remaining on the one of the first and second surfaces after diffusing the platinum or gold, forming a phosphorus- or boron-doped surface barrier layer on the first or second surface, and heating the semiconductor substrate for local gettering of the platinum or gold by the phosphorus- or boron-doped surface barrier layer.
US08999822B2
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to creating semiconductor junctions with reduced contact resistance. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of forming a composition of material, the method comprising: providing at least two populations of semiconducting materials; layering the at least two populations of semiconducting materials to form at least two layers; and consolidating the at least two populations of semiconducting materials, wherein the consolidating creates an electrical connection between the at least two layers.
US08999819B2
The present invention relates generally to dendritic metal structures and devices including them. The present invention also relates particularly to methods for making dendritic metal structures without the use of solid electrolyte materials. In one aspect, a method for constructing a dendritic metal structure includes providing a substrate having a surface and a cathode disposed on the surface; providing an anode comprising a metal; and disposing a liquid on the surface of the substrate, such that the liquid is in electrical contact with the anode and the cathode; and then applying a bias voltage across the cathode and the anode sufficient to grow the dendritic metal structure extending from the cathode. The methods described herein can be used to grow dendritic metal electrodes, which can be useful in devices such as LEDs, touchscreens, solar cells and photodetectors.
US08999816B1
Approaches for protecting a wafer during plasma etching wafer dicing processes are described. In an example, a method of dicing a semiconductor wafer with a front surface having a plurality of integrated circuits thereon involves laminating a pre-patterned mask on the front surface of the semiconductor wafer. The pre-patterned mask covers the integrated circuits and exposes streets between the integrated circuits. The method also involves plasma etching the semiconductor wafer through the streets to singulate the integrated circuits. The pre-patterned mask protects the integrated circuits during the plasma etching.
US08999808B2
A nonvolatile memory element includes a first and a second electrode layers, and a variable resistance layer provided between the first and the second electrode layers and having a resistance value reversibly changing according to application of an electrical pulse, wherein the variable resistance layer includes a first variable resistance layer contacting the first electrode layer and comprising an oxygen-deficient first metal oxide, and a second variable resistance layer contacting the first variable resistance layer and comprising a second metal oxide having a smaller oxygen deficiency than the first metal oxide, and including host layers and an inserted layer between each of adjacent pairs of the host layers, wherein the second metal oxide of the inserted layer has a larger oxygen deficiency than the second metal oxide of the host layer, and the first metal oxide has a larger oxygen deficiency than the second metal oxide of the host layer.
US08999806B2
A thermal transfer method includes a step of forming a donor member having a base layer, a light-to-heat conversion layer disposed on the base layer, an intermediate layer disposed on the light-to-heat conversion layer, an organic transfer layer disposed on the intermediate layer, and a first protecting film disposed over the base layer and contacting at least one edge of the base layer, irradiating a first laser onto the donor member to form a preliminary organic layer on the display substrate, forming a pressing member having a second protecting film and a third protecting film disposed over the second protecting film and contacting at least one edge of the second protecting film, disposing the display substrate within a space formed by the second protecting film and the third protecting film, and irradiating a second laser onto the pressing member to change the preliminary organic layer to an organic layer.
US08999795B2
An asymmetrical field effect transistor (FET) device includes a semiconductor substrate, a buried oxide layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate, an extended source region disposed on the buried oxide layer and a drain region disposed on the buried oxide layer. The asymmetrical FET device also includes a silicon on insulator region disposed between the extended source region and the drain region and a gate region disposed above the extended source region and the silicon on insulator region.
US08999794B2
An integrated circuit device and method for manufacturing the integrated circuit device are disclosed. In an example, the method includes forming a gate structure over a substrate; forming a doped region in the substrate; performing a first etching process to remove the doped region and form a trench in the substrate; and performing a second etching process that modifies the trench by removing portions of the substrate.
US08999791B2
A plurality of doped sacrificial semiconductor material portions of a first width and a plurality of doped sacrificial semiconductor material portions of a second width, which is different from the first width, are provided on a sacrificial gate dielectric material. Exposed portions of the sacrificial dielectric material are removed. A dielectric material is formed adjacent each doped sacrificial semiconductor material portion such that an upper surface of each doped sacrificial semiconductor material portion is exposed. Each doped sacrificial semiconductor material portion is removed providing a first set of gate cavities having the first width and a second set of gate cavities having the second width. Each gate cavity is filled with a gate structure. The gate structures formed in the first set of gate cavities have the first width, while the gate structure formed in the second set of gate cavities have the second width.
US08999784B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming first auxiliary patterns, alternately forming first material layers and second material layers on the sidewalls of the first auxiliary patterns so that a gap region between the first auxiliary patterns adjacent to each other is filled, removing the second material layers, and forming charge storage layers in respective regions from which the second material layers have been removed.
US08999783B2
A method for producing a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes providing a semiconductor body having a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface, producing a first trench having a bottom and sidewalls and extending from the first surface into the semiconductor body, forming a dielectric layer along at least one sidewall of the trench, and filling the trench with a filling material. Forming the dielectric layer includes forming a protection layer on the least one sidewall such that the protection layer leaves a section of the at least one sidewall uncovered, oxidizing the semiconductor body in the region of the uncovered sidewall section to form a first section of the dielectric layer, removing the protection layer, and forming a second section of the dielectric layer on the at least one sidewall.
US08999779B2
A low resistance contact to a finFET source/drain can be achieved by forming a defect free surface on which to form such contact. The fins of a finFET can be exposed to epitaxial growth conditions to increase the bulk of semiconductive material in the source/drain. Facing growth fronts can merge or can form unmerged facets. A dielectric material can fill voids within the source drain region. A trench spaced from the finFET gate can expose the top portion of faceted epitaxial growth on fins within said trench, such top portions separated by a smooth dielectric surface. A silicon layer selectively formed on the top portions exposed within the trench can be converted to a semiconductor-metal layer, connecting such contact with individual fins in the source drain region.
US08999778B2
Some embodiments include a method of providing a semiconductor device. The method can include: (a) providing a flexible substrate; (b) depositing at least one layer of material over the flexible substrate, wherein the deposition of the at least one layer of material over the flexible substrate occurs at a temperature of at least 180° C.; and (c) providing a diffusion barrier between a metal layer and an a-Si layer. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application.
US08999777B2
The present disclosure discloses a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. A first layer is formed over a substrate. A patterned second layer is then formed over the first layer. The patterned second layer includes an opening. A spacer material is then deposited in the opening, thereby reducing the opening in a plurality of directions. A direction-specific trimming process is performed to the spacer material and the second layer. Thereafter, the first layer is patterned with the second layer.
US08999772B2
Two layers of protection films are formed such that a sheet resistance at a portion directly below the protection film is higher than that at a portion directly below the protection film. The protection films are formed, for example, of SiN film, as insulating films. The protection film is formed to be higher, for instance, in hydrogen concentration than the protection film so that the protection film is higher in refractive index the protection film. The protection film is formed to cover a gate electrode and extend to the vicinity of the gate electrode on an electron supplying layer. The protection film is formed on the entire surface to cover the protection film. According to this configuration, the gate leakage is significantly reduced by a relatively simple configuration to realize a highly-reliable compound semiconductor device achieving high voltage operation, high withstand voltage, and high output.
US08999768B2
A semiconductor device and its method of manufacture. In the method, a front surface element structure is formed on a front surface of a semiconductor wafer, for example an SiC wafer. Then, a supporting substrate is bonded to wafer's front surface through an adhesive. The wafer's rear surface is ground and polished to thin it, with the supporting substrate bonded to the wafer. Next a V groove passing through the SiC wafer and reaching the adhesive is formed in the wafer's rear surface, and the wafer is cut into individual chips. An electrode film is formed on the groove's side wall and the chip's rear surface and a Schottky junction is formed between a drift layer, which is the chip, and the film. Then, the film is annealed. A tape is attached to the wafer's rear surface which has been cut into the chips. Then, the supporting substrate peels off from the wafer.
US08999765B2
Embodiments of the present description include methods for attaching a microelectronic device to a microelectronic substrate with interconnection structures after disposing of an underfill material on the microelectronic device, wherein filler particles within the underfill material may be repelled away from the interconnection structures prior to connecting the microelectronic device to the microelectronic structure. These methods may include inducing a charge on the interconnection structures and may include placing the interconnection structures between opposing plates and producing a bias between the opposing plates after depositing the underfill material on the interconnection structures.
US08999744B2
Provided are an avalanche photodiode and a method of fabricating the same. The method of fabricating the avalanche photodiode includes sequentially forming a compound semiconductor absorption layer, a compound semiconductor grading layer, a charge sheet layer, a compound semiconductor amplification layer, a selective wet etch layer, and a p-type conductive layer on an n-type substrate through a metal organic chemical vapor deposition process.
US08999740B2
A solar cell according to an embodiment of the invention includes a substrate configured to have a plurality of via holes and a first conductive type, an emitter layer placed in the substrate and configured to have a second conductive type opposite to the first conductive type, a plurality of first electrodes electrically coupled to the emitter layer, a plurality of current collectors electrically coupled to the first electrodes through the plurality of via holes, and a plurality of second electrodes electrically coupled to the substrate. The plurality of via holes includes at least two via holes having different angles.
US08999727B2
Methods are described for detection of autoimmune antibodies against the TSH receptor using TSH receptor chimeras, which preferably only contain the extracellular portion of the TSH wild type receptor modified as chimera, and are modified by highly immunogenic peptide residues or by enzymes suitable for detection, wherein the determination methods described allow simple detection of stimulating, blocking and neutral autoimmune antibodies.
US08999723B2
A reliable, low cost device for determining when dangerous levels of hydrogen gas have been generated in a transformer is disclosed. The hydrogen indicator is defined by a module assembly that threads into either the headspace or into the oil-filled body of a transformer. The module has an open interior that contains a film that incorporates a hydrogen-sensitive chemochromic indicator. The indicator film is visible through a lens. When the film has been exposed to hydrogen, chemical changes in the chemochromic indicator cause the film to change color—the color change is immediately visible through the lens.
US08999719B2
The present invention relates to a quality control marker and method of using such marker in qualitative and quantitative authentication of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo, which is known as a Chinese medicine under the name of Tiepi Shihu ().
US08999718B2
A vapochromic gold-copper complex [AuL2(Cu(Y)n)2](X)3 exhibiting luminescence is provided, where L is an N-heterocyclic carbene; Y is a heteroatom-containing ligand; X is an anion, and n is an integer having a value of 1 or 2, and solvates thereof. A reaction of [AuL2(Cu(Y)n)2](X)3 with water vapor or an organic compound vapor, for example, affords a modified complex that yields a change in luminescence color under UV excitation. These tricationic vapochromic materials exhibit large changes in the emission through ligand substitution reactions between the solid complex and vapors, which permit use in luminescent vapochromic sensors.
US08999709B2
Provided herein are novel methods and compositions utilizing adipose tissue-derived stromal stem cells for treating fistulae.
US08999705B2
This invention provides nucleic acids and proteins involved in oligosaccharide modification in the species Bifidobacteria. The invention provides methods for utilizing the proteins of the invention to generate human milk oligosaccharides or oligosaccharide mimics. The invention also provides compositions containing the human milk oligosaccharides or oligosaccharide mimics and methods for use.
US08999696B2
The present invention relates to methods for degrading or converting a cellulose-containing material, comprising: treating the cellulose-containing material with an effective amount of a cellulolytic enzyme composition comprising a polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, and one or more (several) components selected from the group consisting of a CEL7 polypeptide having endoglucanase activity, a CEL12 polypeptide having endoglucanase activity, a CEL45 polypeptide having endoglucanase activity, a CEL7 polypeptide having cellobiohydrolase activity with a cellulose binding domain, and a CEL7 polypeptide having cellobiohydrolase activity without a cellulose binding domain. The present invention also relates to such cellulolytic enzyme compositions.
US08999688B2
A polysaccharide-protein binding model of SBD, and a fibril-forming 14-residue peptide consisting of X1NNNX2X3NYQX4X5X6X7X8, wherein the X1 and X8 mean a pair of opposite charged amino acid residues, and the X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, or X7 means an amino acid residue is described. A mixture for diminishing a polysaccharide, comprising at least two starch binding domains (SBDs) and a polysaccharide in a helix form is also presented. A method of providing an oligosaccharide, and a method of producing an amyloid-like fibril and use thereof are further described.
US08999686B2
Methods and compositions, including nucleotide sequences, amino acid sequences, and host cells, for producing fatty alcohols are described.
US08999685B2
The present invention relates to methods of producing a C4 dicarboxylic acid, comprising: (a) cultivating a filamentous fungal host cell comprising a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of a heterologous first polynucleotide encoding a C4 dicarboxylic acid transporter, a heterologous second polynucleotide encoding a malate dehydrogenase, and a heterologous third polynucleotide encoding a pyruvate carboxylase; wherein the filamentous fungal host cell is capable of secreting increased levels of the C4 dicarboxylic acid compared to the filamentous fungal host cell without the heterologous polynucleotide when cultivated under the same conditions; and (b) recovering the C4 dicarboxylic acid. The present invention also relates to methods for increasing C4 dicarboxylic acid production, filamentous fungal host cells and malate dehydrogenase variants.
US08999674B2
Provided herein are systems and methods for nucleotide incorporation reactions. The systems comprise polymerases having altered nucleotide incorporation kinetics and are linked to an energy transfer donor moiety, and nucleotide molecules linked with at least one energy transfer acceptor moiety. The donor and acceptor moieties undergo energy transfer when the polymerase and nucleotide are proximal to each other during nucleotide binding and/or nucleotide incorporation. As the donor and acceptor moieties undergo energy transfer, they generate an energy transfer signal which can be associated with nucleotide binding or incorporation. Detecting a time sequence of the generated signals, or the change in the signals, can be used to determine the order of the incorporated nucleotides, and can therefore be used to deduce the sequence of the target molecule.
US08999657B2
Reagents, methods, and kits for the classification of cancer that comprise or employ antibodies that bind specific regions of CD43. One method includes contacting tissue with an antibody capable of specifically binding the cytoplasmic tail of CD43, contacting the tissue with an antibody capable of specifically binding the extracellular domain of CD43, and resolving cellular localization of any binding to the tissue with the antibody capable of specifically binding the cytoplasmic tail of CD43 and the antibody capable of specifically binding the extracellular domain of CD43. The binding patterns of the antibodies can be used to characterize cancer as more aggressive or less aggressive and can distinguish small cell lung cancer from non-small cell lung cancer. The cancer may therefore be treated in accordance of the characterization.
US08999652B2
Mixtures of cell types can be analyzed by having at least two signal markers, with at least one at three different levels to provide a barcode for each cell type. The mixture of cells may be subjected to a common candidate moiety and the effect of the moiety on the cells determined along with identification of the cell by the barcode. Conveniently, surface marker proteins and labeled antibodies can be used to create the barcode and the cells analyzed with flow cytometry.
US08999641B2
The invention provides for engineering and optimization of systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are vectors and vector systems, some of which encode one or more components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors with additional functional domains. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to ensure enhanced specificity for target recognition and avoidance of toxicity.
US08999637B2
The invention relates to vectors comprising two or more homologous nucleotide sequences and methods for generating them. The invention concerns substituting bases in the homologous nucleotide sequences with different bases that do not alter the encoded amino acid sequence. The invention allows for the reduction of intramolecular recombination between homologous nucleotide sequences, in particular in mammalian cells. The invention further relates to nucleotide sequences containing substituted bases.
US08999635B2
The present invention relates to the identification of loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene and their use in diagnosing ichthyosis vulgaris and/or susceptibility to other diseases including atopic dermatitis (eczema), asthma, psoriasis and allergies (including food allergy).
US08999628B1
The present application discloses methods, systems and devices for using charged particle beam tools to pattern and inspect a substrate. The inventors have discovered that it is highly advantageous to use write and inspection tools that share the same or substantially the same stage and the same or substantially the same designs for respective arrays of multiple charged particle beam columns, and that access the same design layout database to target and pattern or inspect features. By using design-matched charged particle beam tools, correlation of defectivity is preserved between inspection imaging and the design layout database. As a result, image-based defect identification and maskless design correction, of random and systematic errors, can be performed directly in the design layout database, enabling a fast yield ramp.
US08999624B2
The present invention relates to a developable bottom antireflective coating (BARC) composition and a pattern forming method using the BARC composition. The BARC composition includes a first polymer having a first carboxylic acid moiety, a hydroxy-containing alicyclic moiety, and a first chromophore moiety; a second polymer having a second carboxylic acid moiety, a hydroxy-containing acyclic moiety, and a second chromophore moiety; a crosslinking agent; and a radiation sensitive acid generator. The first and second chromophore moieties each absorb light at a wavelength from 100 nm to 400 nm. In the patterning forming method, a photoresist layer is formed over a BARC layer of the BARC composition. After exposure, unexposed regions of the photoresist layer and the BARC layer are selectively removed by a developer to form a patterned structure in the photoresist layer. The BARC composition and the pattern forming method are especially useful for implanting levels.
US08999623B2
Polymer films comprising crosslinked random copolymers and methods for making the films are provided. Also provided are polymer films comprising random copolymers that are covalently linked to an underlying substrate. The polymer films can be incorporated into structures in which the films are employed as surface-modifying layers for domain-forming block copolymers and the structures can be used for pattern transfer applications via block copolymer lithography. The crosslinks between the random copolymer chains in the polymer films or the links between the random copolymer chains and the substrate surface are characterized in that they can be cleaved under relatively mild conditions.
US08999621B2
A pattern forming method includes: (i) forming a film from a chemical amplification resist composition; (ii) exposing the film, so as to form an exposed film; and (iii) developing the exposed film by using an organic solvent-containing developer, wherein the chemical amplification resist composition contains: (A) a resin substantially insoluble in alkali; (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation; (C) a crosslinking agent; and (D) a solvent, a negative chemical amplification resist composition used in the method, and a resist film formed from the negative chemical amplification resist composition.
US08999618B2
A toner set, including: at least one chromatic toner containing a colorant; and a transparent toner containing no colorant, wherein the chromatic toner and the transparent toner each include a releasing agent and a binder resin, and wherein an amount of a tetrahydrofuran insoluble matter in the transparent toner is smaller than an amount of a tetrahydrofuran insoluble matter in the chromatic toner.
US08999617B2
An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes toner particles and silica particles that have a titanium content of from 0.001% by weight to 10% by weight in a surface layer, an average particle diameter of from 30 nm to 500 nm, and a particle size distribution index of from 1.1 to 1.5, and are surface-treated with a titanium compound in which an organic group is bonded to a titanium atom via an oxygen atom, and a hydrophobizing agent in sequence.
US08999612B2
According to one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a reflective mask includes: forming a reflection layer on a major surface of a substrate; forming a capping layer containing ruthenium on the reflection layer; forming an absorption layer on the capping layer; forming a pattern region in the absorption layer; removing a first resist mask used in forming the pattern region; and forming a light blocking region surrounding the pattern region in the absorption layer, the capping layer, and the reflection layer. The removing the first resist mask used in forming the pattern region includes: performing dry ashing processing using a mixed gas of ammonia gas and nitrogen gas or only ammonia gas.
US08999608B2
The invention relates to a photopolymer formulation comprising matrix polymers, writing monomers, and photoinitiators, to the use of the photopolymer formulation for producing optical elements, in particular for producing holographic elements and images, to a method for illuminating holographic media made of the photopolymer formulation, and to special fluorourethanes.
US08999607B2
A compact of a support-member divided-member, which has a shape formed by dividing a support member into two in the thickness direction so as to divide the fuel channel into two in the thickness direction, is manufactured by a gel cast method in which slurry is filled in a molding die. A compact of a fuel-side electrode and a compact of an electrolyte are successively stacked on the upper surface of the compact of the support-member divided-member, whereby a compact of a cell divided member is obtained. The two compacts of the cell divided member are bonded and sintered, whereby an SOFC cell (sintered body) in which an oxygen-side electrode is not formed is formed. A compact of the oxygen-side electrode is formed respectively on the upper and lower surfaces of the sintered body, and then, the compact of the oxygen-side electrode is sintered, whereby the SOFC cell is completed.
US08999603B2
A gas diffusion layer for fuel cell of the present invention is structured with a porous member mainly comprised of conductive particles such as acetylene black, graphite and a polymer resin such as PTFE. This makes it possible to achieve both an improvement in power generation performance of the fuel cell and a reduction in costs.
US08999596B2
A fuel cell stack comprising a second metal separator set to have an external dimension larger than a first metal separator, wherein the second metal separator comprises, formed integrally, a first seal member in contact with the peripheral edge of a first electrolyte membrane/electrode structure, a second seal member in contact with the peripheral edge of the first metal separator, and a third seal member in contact with the peripheral edge of an adjoining fourth metal separator. Since the first seal member, the second seal member and the third seal member are integrally formed on one surface of the second separator or one surface of the first separator, a seal-forming step can be carried out at one effort, simply and economically. In addition, use of a triple seal structure containing the first through the third seal members can favorably improve the sealing feature of reaction gas and minimize reaction gas leakage.
US08999577B2
Provided are a negative active material, a method of preparing the same, and a lithium battery including the negative active material. The negative active material includes a carbonaceous core that has a sulfur content of about 10 ppm to 900 ppm; and an amorphous carbon layer continuously formed on a surface of the carbonaceous core, wherein the carbonaceous core has a crystalloid plate structure, and a crystallite size measured from a full width at half maximum of the peak with respect to the surface (002) of about 10 nm to about 45 nm in an X-ray diffraction spectrum of the carbonaceous core. The lithium battery including a negative electrode including the negative active material has improved capacity characteristics and ring lifetime characteristics.
US08999575B2
Disclosed is a positive electrode and a lithium battery including the positive electrode. The positive electrode includes a current collector, a first layer irreversibly deintercalating lithium ions, and a second layer allowing reversible intercalation and deintercalation of lithium ions. In one embodiment, the first layer further comprises a first sublayer and a second sublayer, in which the first sublayer is interposed between the current collector and the second sublayer. The first sublayer comprises a first active material represented by Formula 1 Li2Mo1-nR1nO3, and the second sublayer comprises a second active material represented by Formula 2 Li2Ni1-mR2mO2. In Formula 1, 0≦n<1; and R1 is selected from the group consisting of manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), nickel (Ni), and combinations of at least two of the foregoing elements. In Formula 2, 0≦m<1; and R2 is selected from the group consisting of Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Mg, molybdenum (Mo), and combinations of at least two of the foregoing elements.
US08999571B2
The present invention generally relates to batteries or other electrochemical devices, and systems and materials for use in these, including novel electrode materials and designs. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to small-scale batteries or microbatteries. For example, in one aspect of the invention, a battery may have a volume of no more than about 5 mm3, while having an energy density of at least about 400 W h/l. In some cases, the battery may include an electrode comprising a porous electroactive compound. In some embodiments, the pores of the porous electrode may be at least partially filled with a liquid such as a liquid electrolyte. The electrode may be formed from a unitary material. Other aspects of the invention are directed to techniques of making such electrodes or batteries, techniques of forming electrical connections to and packaging such batteries, techniques of using such electrodes or batteries, or the like.
US08999567B2
A lithium polymer battery comprising an internal sheath, reinforcement members, and an external sheath and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The lithium polymer battery comprises a pouch-type internal sheath with an electrode assembly positioned therein and a protective circuit module that is attached to the surface thereof to control the charging and discharging processes of the electrode assembly. The battery further comprises reinforcement members that couple with surfaces of the internal sheath and an external sheath for integrally enclosing the internal sheath and the reinforcement members. The external sheath may comprise a tube, a thermally contractible tube, or a melted resin.
US08999563B2
Disclosed is a battery pack which includes: a battery case comprising a first case member and a second case member, which in combination define an enclosed space, the first case member comprising a first sealing portion, the second case member comprising a second sealing portion, wherein the first and second sealing portions adhere to each other for sealing the enclosed space; an electrode assembly contained in the enclosed space, the electrode assembly comprising a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator disposed between the first and second electrode plates; an electrolyte contained in the enclosed space; and a pocket formed in at least one of the first and second sealing portions, wherein the pocket contains an ionic material.
US08999554B2
The present invention provides a lithium secondary battery and the preparation thereof, more specifically a lithium secondary battery comprising an electrode assembly having a cathode, an anode, and a separator interposed between the cathode and the anode; and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution impregnated in the electrode assembly, wherein the separator further comprises a layer having a plurality of destroyed capsules dispersed therein, the layer being formed on at least one surface of the separator coming into contact with the cathode and the anode, and the destroyed capsules has a film formed from a binder polymer and inorganic particles dispersed therebetween. The lithium secondary battery of the present invention can be prepared without the separate introducing process of a non-aqueous electrolyte solution, and has a separator exhibiting improved mechanical property and safety.
US08999551B2
A carrier matrix for battery cell connectors 1, comprising a carrier formed from a non-conductive material, at least one vertical receiver 34 formed in a column to vertically receive a battery cell connector 1, at least two columns arranged horizontally next to one another and a horizontal receiver 36 formed to horizontally receive a battery cell connector 1 connecting batteries arranged next to one another into columns.
US08999547B2
A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells, and a heat exchanging member adjoining the plurality of battery cells in heat exchanging relationship therewith. The heat exchanging member includes a plurality of tubes arranged therein, and each tube defines a plurality of heat exchanging medium flow passageways therein.
US08999540B2
Disclosed is a battery cell holder configured so that a cylindrical battery cell is mounted therein, the battery cell holder including an upper cover including a first main body to cover an upper part of the battery cell in a state in which a first electrode terminal of the battery cell is exposed and at least one first extension fastening part extending downward from the first main body and a lower cover including a second main body to cover a lower part of the battery cell in a state in which a second electrode terminal of the battery cell having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode terminal is exposed and at least one second extension fastening part extending upward from the second main body.
US08999539B2
A secondary battery including an electrode assembly; first and second collector plates connected to respective first and second electrodes of the electrode assembly; a case accommodating the electrode assembly, the first collector plate, and the second collector plate; a cap plate sealing an opening of the case; a first electrode terminal electrically connected to the first collector plate and passing through the cap plate; a second electrode terminal electrically connected to the second collector plate and passing through the cap plate; and a short-circuit member electrically connected to the first collector plate and passing through the cap plate, the short-circuit member including a duct part in communication with an inside of the case; and a deformable part covering a top portion of the duct part and being deformable by a gas pressure inside the case to electrically connect the first electrode to the second electrode.
US08999532B2
Provided is a coating layer for cutting tools, as a hard coating layer stacked and formed in the sequence of a TiN layer, a TiCN layer, a bonding layer, an alumina (Al2O3) layer, and a cover layer from the bottom by using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method on a parent material, able to improve cutting performance, because surface residual stress of the coating layer may be maintained in a compressive stress state by adjusting a composition of the cover layer without using a separate additional process, such as a blasting operation, or a mixed process of CVD and physical vapor deposition (PVD), and simultaneously the cover layer may also be used as a wear-resistant layer.
US08999529B2
A nitrogen-containing graphene structure has a graphene structure including a monolayer or multilayer graphene nanosheet and nitrogen introduced into the graphene structure. The nitrogen-containing graphene structure preferably includes the above-described graphene structure having a sheet portion comprised of a monolayer or multilayer graphene nanosheet and containing, at an edge portion thereof, an armchair edge-face portion and a terminal six-membered ring bound to the armchair edge-face portion while sharing only one side therewith; and a nitrogen-containing functional group bound to any one or more carbon atoms selected from (a) the carbon atoms constituting the terminal six-membered ring but not bound to the armchair edge-face portion, and (b) the carbon atoms constituting the sheet portion (including the carbon atom on the side shared by the terminal six-membered ring). A phosphor dispersion is a dispersion of such a nitrogen-containing graphene structure in a solvent.
US08999528B2
A condensation compound is represented by Formula 1, 2, or 3 where R1 to R24 and A to F are further defined in the detailed description.
US08999527B2
An electronic device employing a polymeric anode with high work function.
US08999519B2
A solder joint manufactured of an alloy essentially composed of 0.01-7.6 wt % Cu, 0.001-6 wt % Ni, and the remaining of Sn. Each of Cu and Ni has a maximum concentration range. The lower limit of the range of Ni is 0.01 wt % and preferably 0.03 wt %. The upper limit of the range of Ni is 0.3 wt % and preferably 0.1 wt %. The lower limit of the range of Cu is 0.1 wt % and preferably 0.2 wt %. The upper limit of the range of Cu is 7 wt % and preferably 0.92 wt %. The invention includes the solder joint essentially having these compositions.
US08999505B2
The present invention relates to a sizing composition in the form of a physical gel for glass strands which contains 0.1 to 5% by weight of at least one texturing agent chosen from xanthans, guars and succinoglycans, 2 to 8% by weight of at least one film-forming agent, 0.1 to 8% by weight of at least one compound chosen from plasticizing agents, surface-active agents and dispersing agents, 0.1 to 4% by weight of at least one coupling agent, and 0 to 6% by weight of at least one additive. Another subject-matter of the present invention is glass strands coated with the abovementioned sizing composition and the composite materials containing an organic or inorganic material reinforced with the said glass strands.
US08999502B2
A cover tape having a temperature at which a heat shrinkage rate in at least one of a machine direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the machine direction is 5% or more between 80° C. to 200° C.
US08999493B2
A necessary and sufficient adhesive force of an adhesive agent layer is certainly kept while the dot diameter of the adhesive agent is made smaller and the thickness of the adhesive agent layer is made smaller. For the purpose, in an adhesive product, comprising an adhesive agent layer in which dots of a dot-form adhesive agent 12 are intermittently arranged, and a base material 11 which supports the adhesive agent layer, the dot diameter of the adhesive agent 12 is made into a very small value of less than 1.5 mm, and the thickness of the adhesive agent layer is set to less than 25 μm while the area ratio that is the proportion of an area where the adhesive agent 12 occupies per unit area of the base material 11 is set to 0.7 or more.
US08999492B2
Methods for fabricating stamps and systems for patterning a substrate, and devices resulting from those methods are provided.
US08999479B2
A honeycomb structure includes a porous partition wall defining a plurality of cells serving as fluid passages, an outer peripheral wall located at the outermost periphery, a first cell having one end opened and the end plugged, and a second cell having the one end plugged and the other end opened. The first cells and the second cells are disposed alternately, and the area of the first cells is larger than that of the second cells in a cross section perpendicular to a center axis. The thickness of the partition wall that forms at least one cell from the outermost periphery in the outer peripheral section is 1.1 to 3.0 times the thickness of the partition wall in the center section.
US08999475B2
A component of a substrate processing apparatus that performs plasma processing on a substrate includes a base mainly formed of an aluminum alloy containing silicon. A film is formed on the surface of the base by an anodic oxidation process which includes connecting the component to an anode of a power supply and immersing the component in a solution mainly formed of an organic acid. The film is impregnated with ethyl silicate.
US08999474B2
A device includes at least one built-in flexible portion (1) between two stiffer portions (10) that are made of a stiff composite material, the flexible portion (11) being suitable for forming a flexible hinge and made of a flexible material including a reinforcing armature that includes at least one connecting layer (13) common to the material(s) forming each stiff portion (10). The device has end surfaces (20) that oppose each other when extended, the opposing end surfaces being arranged to be suited to serve as a longitudinal compression abutment while enabling the thus-made hinge to fold back at least in a direction away from the extended state.
US08999456B2
A method for manufacturing a drug-releasing stent is provided. The method includes providing a titanium precursor, a carrier gas and a reactant gas in a plasma vacuum chamber, and generating a plasma for 1 to 6 hours to form a titanium oxide thin film on the surface of a stent. The method further includes providing steam or oxygen and hydrogen in the plasma vacuum chamber and generating a low-temperature plasma for 10 minutes to 2 hours to modify the surface of the titanium oxide thin film. The method further includes reacting the titanium oxide thin film of the stent with a drug in an acidic solution and under an inert gas atmosphere at room temperature to 100° C. for 30 minutes to 4 hours to attach the drug.
US08999451B2
The present invention relates to aqueous coating compositions having low gloss for floor polishes, finishes and sealer, as well as wall and floor paints and sealers. These aqueous coating compositions contain one or more water soluble poly(ethylene oxide) resins having the general formula [—CH2CH2O—]n and one or more polymer binders.
US08999443B2
A method for fabricating a microarray of plural soft materials includes: vapor-depositing a first layer poly(para-xylylene) resin on a substrate, forming a first micro pattern in the poly(para-xylylene) resin; obtaining a substrate including a first microarray formed by pouring a first soft material solution, freeze-drying the first soft material to obtain a micro-arrayed substrate of the freeze-dried first soft material; vapor-depositing a second layer poly(para-xylylene) resin on the micro-arrayed substrate of the freeze-dried first soft material, forming a second micro pattern placed differently from the first micro pattern by penetrating the poly(para-xylylene) resin of the first and second layers, forming a second microarray on the substrate by pouring a second soft material solution; and forming a microarray of the first and second soft materials on the substrate by peeling off the poly(para-xylylene) resin of the first and second layers.
US08999436B2
Provided are an optical functional film including at least one functional layer, where the functional layer comprises a copolymer having a polymerization unit derived from a fluoroaliphatic group-containing monomer in a content of 10 weight % or more and the fluoroaliphatic group-containing copolymer is localized on the surface of the functional layer; an optical functional film obtained by coating an upper layer on the functional layer; an antireflection film, where the upper layer is a low refractive index layer; a polarizing plate using such a film for one of two protective sheets of a polarizer; and an image display device using the above-described optical functional film, antireflection film or polarizing plate for the outermost surface of the display.
US08999435B2
A process of producing a grating to be used in an X-ray image pickup apparatus includes the steps of preparing a grating having a plurality of protrusions periodically arranged, curving the grating in the direction in which the plurality of protrusions is arranged, and filling spaces between the protrusions with a metal in a state that the grating is curved.
US08999431B2
Metal flakes, an organic metal precursor, an organic solvent and either no binder, or a volatile or a thermally decomposable binder are combined to form a paste. The paste is deposited in a circuit pattern on a substrate and the circuit pattern is cured. While curing, the organic metal precursor decomposes to leave an electrically conductive path, and the printed circuit is thus formed. A precursor to an electrically conductive circuit material includes an organic metal precursor, metal microparticles, and an organic solvent. The method can be employed to form printed circuits, for a variety of electrical, electronic and sensing application, such as crack detection in ceramic, plastics, concrete, wood, fabric, leather, rubber or paper and composite materials.
US08999415B2
A tri-fold plastic egg carton for protecting jumbo eggs in both oriented and non-oriented positions. A cell base and cell cover are hingedly connected in a closed position with the cover over the base to form a complimentary 2×6 matrix of cell pockets for holding individual eggs. A lid is hingedly connected to another edge of the base for closing over the assembled cover and base. The non-hinged peripheral edges of the base, cover and lid form a trim perimeter having a turned up lip edge, the lip edges mating when the carton is in the closed position to increase the carton strength. The carton can accommodate a full range of jumbo eggs, and accept a variety of smaller size eggs, while fitting within standard cases and half-cases.
US08999412B2
Dried fruit has a coating of microcrystalline cellulose in an amount effective to prevent agglomeration of the dried fruit Methods of preparing and using the coated dried fruit are also described. The dried fruit pieces of the present invention are less sticky and are readily separated from one another using ordinary gravity feed handling conditions.
US08999401B2
The present invention provides a delivery system and method to deliver topically homeopathic amounts of at least one Homeopathic Complex. It further provides a Homeopathic Colored Pigment Product containing a coloring agent having a plurality of particles having at least one surface and a homeopathically effective amount of at least one Homeopathic Complex, wherein the at least one surface of particles in the plurality of particles of the coloring agent contains the at least one Homeopathic Complex. It also provides cosmetic formulations containing the Homeopathic Colored Pigment Product for normal skin, problem skin, aged skin, and skin damaged by the harmful rays of the sun.
US08999395B2
The invention relates to a liquid pharmaceutical composition, in the form of a suspension of micronized powder of active substance in an acceptable physiological liquid medium, stabilized over time, for administration via the oral route.
US08999390B2
The present invention relates to sustained release formulations comprising as active ingredient octreotide or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof and three different linear polylactide-co-glycolide polymers (PLGAs).
US08999384B2
The present invention provides a method of creating a macro environment in the stomach for immediate release of acid labile compounds stable at alkaline or near alkaline pH comprising the step of administering a composition comprising acid labile compound stable at alkaline or near alkaline pH together with a water soluble buffer, a water insoluble buffer, a disintegrant and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition of a multi component system in which one component essentially contains an acid labile drug and the other component comprises a fast releasing buffer composition along with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients for oral administration and ingestion by a subject, and process for preparing the same.
US08999382B2
This invention relates to a drug delivery system for administration of poorly water soluble pharmaceutically active substance, a pharmaceutical composition comprising such a drug delivery system, and a method for the preparation of such a drug delivery system. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the particle size and/or particle shape and/or particle size distribution in such a drug delivery system, and to a method for increasing the drug loading capacity of the particles. Furthermore the invention also relates to the use of such a drug delivery system for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of cancer.
US08999372B2
Methods for modulating dissolution, bioavailability, bioequivalence and drug delivery profile of thin film drug delivery systems, controlled-release thin film dosage formats, and methods for their manufacture and use are disclosed.
US08999371B2
Provided herein are compositions for applying a reference marker pattern or grid to the surface of an object to be imaged three-dimensionally. These compositions can be quick drying for ease of use. Methods of use of the compositions are also provided as well as devices and kits for the application of the compositions.
US08999364B2
Endothelialization of a bodily fluid or tissue-contacting, particularly blood-contacting, surface may be accomplished to render that surface substantially non-thrombogenic. Thrombosis may also be mitigated or eliminated by providing an eroding layer on the surface that results in the removal of any thrombus formation as the layer erodes. An implantable device may utilize at least one surface having a plurality of nano-craters thereon that enhance or promote endothelialization. Additionally, an implantable device may have at least one first degradable layer for contacting bodily fluid or tissue and disposed about a central core, and at least one second degradable layer between the first degradable layer and the central core. The first degradable layer has a first degradation rate and the second degradable layer has a second degradation rate which degrades more slowly than the first degradable layer on contact with bodily fluid or tissue.
US08999355B2
The present invention relates to a non-rinse-off cosmetic composition that provides to the skin, especially the lip skin, a hydrating and restoring action. More specifically, the invention relates to a non-rinse-off cosmetic composition particularly usable on the skin in the region of the lips, which comprises ricinoleyl monomaleate triglyceride and palmitic acid. Further, the present invention relates to cosmetic products comprising the cosmetic composition described above.
US08999354B2
The present invention describes a combined vaccine that offers broad protection against meningococcal disease caused by the pathogenic bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. The vaccine is comprised of four distinct polysaccharide-protein conjugates that are formulated as a single dose of vaccine. Purified capsular polysaccharides from Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y are chemically activated and selectively attached to a carrier protein by means of a covalent chemical bond, forming polysaccharide-protein conjugates capable of eliciting long-lasting immunity to a variety of N. meningitidis strains in children as well as adults.
US08999348B2
The present invention relates to the preparation and use of recombinant variants of group 6 allergens of the Poaceae (true grasses), which are characterized by reduced IgE reactivity compared with known wild-type allergens and at the same time substantially retained reactivity with T-lymphocytes.
US08999342B2
Specific binding members, particularly antibodies and fragments thereof, which bind to Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) are provided, particularly recognizing both human and mouse FAP. These antibodies are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions associated with activated stroma, including wound healing, epithelial cancers, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cirrhosis and pulmonary fibrosis. The anti-FAP antibodies, variable regions or CDR domain sequences thereof, and fragments thereof may also be used in therapy in combination with chemotherapeutics, immune modulators, or anti-cancer agents and/or with other antibodies or fragments thereof. Antibodies of this type are exemplified by the novel antibodies ESC1 1 and ESC 14 whose sequences are provided herein.
US08999340B2
The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, compositions containing an inhibitor of human complement and/or an inhibitor of interferon alpha, and the use of the compositions in methods for treating or preventing Degos' disease in a subject. In some embodiments, the inhibitor is an antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that binds to a human complement component C5 protein or to a biologically-active fragment of C5 such as C5a or C5b. In some embodiments, the inhibitor is an antibody, or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, that binds to interferon alpha or to an interferon alpha receptor.
US08999333B2
The invention relates to a humanized form of an antibody capable of preventing tissue factor (coagulation factor F3) signaling but which does not interfere with Factor VII binding or FX binding to tissue factor and does not prolong coagulation time. The antibody of the invention is useful in treating conditions, such as tumor progression, in which the associated cells express tissue factor and tissue factor signaling occurs.
US08999318B2
A composition is provided that includes Bacillus subtilis 2084 (NRRL B-50013) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of the Bacillus subtilis 2084 (NRRL B-50013), B. subtilis 27 (NRRL B-50105) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of the B. subtilis 27 (NRRL B-50105), and B. licheniformis 21 (NRRL B-50134) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of the B. licheniformis 21 (NRRL B-50134). Animal bedding that includes the Bacillus strains is also provided, as well as a method of making the animal bedding. Also provided are methods of controlling odors from animal waste. A method of making a composition including the Bacillus strains is also provided.
US08999316B2
The present invention relates to novel antiviral compounds which are covalently attached to solid, macro surfaces. In another embodiment, the invention relates to novel antiviral compositions including a polymeric material and, embedded therein, an antiviral compound. In other embodiments, the invention relates to making a surface antiviral and making a polymeric material antiviral.
US08999308B2
The present invention relates to a two-part cosmetic product that imparts a filling and/or swelling effect to hair, eyebrows or eyelashes, preferably a mascara. The invention uses an anhydrous base coat composition with a water absorbing ingredient being a salt of acrylic or polyacrylic acid and a CO2 releasing compound which is a carbonate or bicarbonate to expand or swell the film former of the top coat with the in situ generated CO2 when the water containing top coat is applied to the anhydrous base coat.
US08999306B2
The present invention relates to hair treatment compositions and methods. More particularly, the invention relates to hair treatment compositions comprising lipids and creatine. The hair treatment compositions of the present invention may be used to improve the tensile properties of hair, such as hair elasticity and strength.
US08999305B2
The invention relates to a composition comprising (1) at least one polar modified polymer, (2) at least one compound selected from a hyperbranched polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups, a sugar silicone surfactant, and a gelling agent.
US08999293B2
This invention relates generally to animal models of anxiety and depression. Specifically, this invention relates to an in vivo high utility, high-throughput model for screening anxiolytic/antidepressant drugs in fowl chicks with stress vulnerability. This new animal model utilizes an inexpensive avian model, measures spontaneous behaviors in very young animals, and is capable of detecting and/or differentiating a compound's anxiolytic and/or antidepressant effects. This new animal model is especially useful in detecting and/or differentiating a compound's anxiolytic and/or antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant subjects. Animal costs are less than 10% of rodent costs and the assay can be run in a high-throughput mode.
US08999289B2
The invention relates to methods of treating protein degradation disorders, such cellular proliferative disorders (e.g., cancer) and protein deposition disorders (e.g., neurodegenerative disorders). The invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating these diseases using aggresome inhibitors or combinations of aggresome inhibitors and proteasome inhibitors. The invention further relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating multiple myeloma. New HDAC/TDAC inhibitors and aggresome inhibitors are also provided as well as synthetic methodologies for preparing these compounds.
US08999282B2
The present invention generally relates to carbophosphates and other compounds. Such compounds may be used in batteries and other electrochemical devices, or in other applications such as those described herein. One aspect of the invention is generally directed to carbophosphate compounds, i.e., compounds containing carbonate and phosphate ions. For example, according to one set of embodiments, the compound has a formula Ax(M)(PO4)a(CO3)b, where M comprises one or more cations. A may include one or more alkali metals, for example, lithium and/or sodium. In some cases, x is greater than about 0.1, a is between about 0.1 and about 5.1, and b is between about 0.1 and about 5.1. In certain embodiments, the compound may have a unit cell atomic arrangement that is isostructural to unit cells of the minerals sidorenkite, bonshtedtite, bradleyite, crawfordite, or ferrotychite. In some embodiments, the compound may have a formula Ax(M)(YO4)a(XO3)b, where A comprises one or more alkali metals, M comprises one or more cations, X includes B, C, and/or N, and Y includes Si, P, As, S, V, Nb, Mo, and/or W. In some cases, x is greater than about 0.1, a is between about 0.1 and about 5.1, and b is between about 0.1 and about 5.1. Other aspects of the invention are generally directed to techniques for making or using such compounds, kits involving such compounds, and the like.
US08999268B2
A sample input device for transferring liquid samples, typically blood samples, from sample containers, typically syringes, into analyzer devices for examining the composition of the samples, wherein the sample input device comprises retention elements for at least partly keeping particulate components of the sample from passing over from the sample container into the analyzer, and wherein the sample input device further contains at least one ventilation device that allows ventilating the sample container while transferring the sample from the sample container into the analyzer, typically when aspirating the sample via the analyzer.
US08999264B2
A coating formula and method for surface coating non-porous surfaces. Microfluidic devices including said coating achieve desired properties including increased hydrophilicity, improved adhesion, stability and optical clarity.
US08999263B2
A microfluidic separation device is provided that includes a first sample channel region and a second sample channel region, where the first sample channel region has an array of channels that are smaller than the second channel region, a first detection region and a second detection region located at the interface of the first sample channel region, a detection channel, an illuminating electric field, Raman-scattering nanoparticles having surface plasmon resonances for detection when illuminated by the electric field, where the resonances create an enhanced local electric field along specific directions resulting in an enhanced Raman response, and a nanoparticle input channel disposed to input the nanoparticles into the second sample channel region, where the nanoparticles are larger than the cross-section of the first sample channel region and the cross-section of the second detection region, where the nanoparticles collect in the first detection region to form region of densely packed nanoparticles.
US08999262B2
A time indicating label for attachment to a tube, the label comprising: (A) An impermeable facesheet optionally adapted to accepting a graphic before or after attachment of the label to a tube, (B) An activation layer comprising a polymer matrix and an activating agent, the activation layer in contact with the facesheet, (C) A release liner impermeable to the activating agent and in contact with the activation layer, (D) A timing layer comprising a film-forming polymer and a pigment, the timing layer in contact with the release liner, (E) A dye layer comprising a film-forming polymer and an organic solvent soluble dye and in contact with the timing layer, and (F) A base layer comprising a material impermeable to the activating agent and dye and in contact with both the dye layer and the activation layer.
US08999260B2
A sterilization box seal device including a shaft capable of being slid into a closure device of a sterilization box, and a support part of the proximal end of shaft, which includes a locking element irreversibly capable of cooperating and attaching on the distal end of shaft so as to form therewith a closed loop preventing the closure device from opening, such that the support part includes an additional part to the support one necessary for the sole seal function, the additional part includes an area capable of receiving a readable identification label.
US08999259B2
A floating dispenser for floatingly delivering a dispersant or dispersants to a body of water with the floating dispenser floating in an upright condition when a dispersant is present in a dispenser cartridge of the floating dispenser with the dispenser self inverting 180 degrees in response to consumption of the dispersant in the dispenser cartridge to thereby provide a visual alert that one should replace the dispenser cartridge in the dispenser with a fresh dispenser cartridge.
US08999257B2
Methods and systems for the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons include a direct contact condenser to remove compounds from an offgas process stream. The reduction of compounds can decrease duty on the offgas compressor by removing steam and aromatics from the offgas. The dehydrogenation reaction system can be applicable for reactions such as the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to produce styrene, the dehydrogenation of isoamiline to produce isoprene, or the dehydrogenation of n-pentene to produce piperylene.
US08999250B2
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for mixing catalyst in a regenerator. The process can include providing a first stream of catalyst, a second stream of catalyst mixed with the first stream of catalyst, and an oxygen-containing gas to a chamber via a distributor of the regenerator. Generally, the chamber imparts a swirl to at least one of the oxygen-containing gas, the first catalyst, and the second catalyst for regenerating the catalyst.
US08999249B2
Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for reforming of hydrocarbons including recovery of products are provided. In one example, a method comprises separating a reforming-zone effluent into a H2, C6− hydrocarbon-containing gas phase and a C5+ hydrocarbon-containing liquid phase. The H2, (C1-C11) hydrocarbon-containing gas phase is partially condensed and separated to form a H2, C6− hydrocarbon-containing net gas stream and a C3+ hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream. The C5+ hydrocarbon-containing liquid phase, the C3+ hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream, and at least a portion of the H2, C6− hydrocarbon-containing net gas stream are introduced to a re-contacting recovery zone for forming a H2-rich stream, a C3/C4 hydrocarbon-rich LPG stream, and a C5+ hydrocarbon-rich reformate stream.
US08999240B2
An automatic analyzer and an automatic analyzing system to identify samples and reagents used in the analyzer and members used in measurement of at least two objects in common: system reagents or buffer solution; sensor parts; probes; nozzles; chips; dispensing cups; tubes; ISE electrodes; detectors; deionized water; and waste, and to unify management of identification information thereof and a measurement result.
US08999238B2
A mobile body is configured to travel over a surface inside an aircraft cabin. A source of UV radiation is mounted to the mobile body and configured to direct UV radiation to the surface at a predetermined dosage. At least two articulated arms are mounted to the mobile body, and UV lamps mounted respectively on the arms. The mobile body is a trolley or cart for negotiating an aircraft aisle.
US08999227B2
A sintering method with uniaxial pressing includes: a powder filling step of disposing a spent target in an inner space of a frame jig having the inner space piercing in a uniaxial direction, and filling the inner space with a raw material powder for a target to cover an erosion part side of the spent target with the raw material powder for a target, a cushioning-material disposition step of disposing a deformable cushioning material so that the raw material powder for a target with which the inner space has been filled in the powder filling step is sandwiched between the spent target and the deformable cushioning material; and a sintering step of pressing the raw material powder for a target with which the inner space has been filled and the spent target in the uniaxial direction through the cushioning material and sintering them.
US08999226B2
A method of manufacturing a substrate (16) with a ceramic thermal barrier coating (28, 32). The interface between layers of the coating contains an engineered surface roughness (12, 24) to enhance the mechanical integrity of the bond there between. The surface roughness is formed in a surface of a mold (10,20) and is infused by a subsequently cast layer of material (16, 28). The substrate may be partially sintered (76) prior to application of the coating layer(s) and the coated substrate and coating layer(s) may be co-sintered to form a fully coherent strain-free interlayer.
US08999223B2
A device for producing labeled plastic containers includes a blowing wheel including a plurality of blow molds each being configured to mold one of the containers. A labeling device is disposed in a region of the blowing wheel and is configured to label the containers while the containers are circulating on the blowing wheel.
US08999216B2
A method of manufacturing a component by molding is provided. A mold has a mold surface representing a negative image of the component. The mold has openings in the mold surface. Flow channels extending from the openings in the mold surface and are connectable to a suction device. Further, the mold has a periphery delimiting the mold surface. A bag is fixed to the periphery of the mold. The bag is inflated to a pressure level above ambient pressure. The pressure is released from the bag while sucking the bag to the mold surface using the suction device. Fabrics are layered onto the bag while the bag is kept sucked to the mold surface. Resin is introduced into the fabrics and then the resin is cured.
US08999208B2
An oxide sintered body including indium element (In), gallium element (Ga) and tin element (Sn) in atomic ratios represented by the following formulas (1) to (3): 0.10≦In/(In+Ga+Sn)≦0.60 (1) 0.10≦Ga/(In+Ga+Sn)≦0.55 (2) 0.0001
US08999174B1
A chlorine tablet chlorinator vacuum evacuation system for attaching to a chlorine tablet chlorinator used in a potable water system. The chlorine tablet chlorinator vacuum evacuation system is continuously running to remove chlorine gas as it is liberated from calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, or trichloroisocyanuric acid tablets so that a back pressure event does not expel chlorine gas to the inside of a human occupyable space. The chlorine tablet chlorinator vacuum evacuation system is reliable in that all of the components are resistant to the oxidizing effects of chlorine gas. The apparatus comprises an upper body joined to a lower body secured by a plate fastened to both flanges of the upper and lower body. The upper body has a vacuum port and a discharge port. The lower body has a nozzle and a centrally located cone assembly creating a venturi effect with air movement.
US08999169B2
The invention is directed to a method of determining a dosage of phosphorus binder for a patient undergoing dialysis treatment to achieve a pre-dialysis serum phosphorus concentration within a desired concentration range while achieving a desired net accumulation of calcium. The method includes determining the dosage of phosphorus binder that will achieve pre-dialysis serum phosphorus concentration of the patient that is within the desired concentration range while accounting for the change in the amount of phosphorus removed by the dialysis treatment when the pre-dialysis serum phosphorus concentration of the patient is within the desired concentration range, determining a dialysate calcium concentration that will result in the desired net accumulation of calcium over a complete dialysis cycle, and dialyzing the patient with a dialysate containing a calcium concentration based upon that determination.
US08999166B1
A specially designed hatch apparatus and method for entry to a water treatment chamber containing media for water treatment. The hatch's shape, specially embodied hatch/media gap seal and position allows normal chamber operation and access to the lower chamber cavity for cleaning and maintenance time through treatment media.
US08999164B2
Process for the purification of an aqueous stream coming from the Fischer-Tropsch reaction which comprises: —feeding said aqueous stream containing the organic by-products of the reaction to a distillation column, obtaining two output streams: —an aqueous stream (i) exiting from the column head, enriched with alcohols having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 9 carbon atoms, and other optional volatile compounds; an aqueous stream (ii) exiting from the column bottom, enriched with organic acids having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 6 carbon atoms; —subjecting said aqueous stream (ii) to an anaerobic biological treatment obtaining a purified aqueous stream (iii); wherein said anaerobic biological treatment is carried out with a hydraulic retention time lower than 15 hours, preferably ranging from 4 hours to 10 hours, more preferably ranging from 5 hours to 8 hours.
US08999148B1
Systems and methods to improve the removal and capture of oil from wastewater streams. The water and oil mixture (wastewater) is diluted and treated to provide better solubilization of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions using captive water and a diluent. Two additives are added to demulsify and disperse polymeric and non-hydrocarbon insolubles and layer separation is performed on the treated wastewater to segregate oil and water.
US08999142B2
Fuels hydrocracking can be used to generate a variety of product slates. Varying the temperature can allow an amount of naphtha product and an amount of unconverted product to be varied. The method can be enabled by a hydrocracking catalyst that includes a combination of metals with activity for hydrodesulfurization.
US08999139B2
Oxidation/reduction measurement is described. An aspect provides an oxidation/reduction quantification method, including: receiving intermittent oxidizer/reducer reference measurements from one or more reference sensors; receiving one or more substantially continuous oxidizer/reducer-related measurements from one or more corroboration sensors; and processing the one or more substantially continuous oxidizer/reducer-related measurements with the intermittent oxidizer/reducer reference measurements to generate substantially continuous representative oxidizer/reducer measurements. Other aspects are described.
US08999133B2
An anodized layer formation method includes: providing an aluminum film provided on a support or an aluminum base; and forming a porous alumina layer which has minute recessed portions by applying a voltage between an anode which is electrically coupled to a surface of the aluminum film or the aluminum base and a cathode which is provided in an electrolytic solution with the surface of the aluminum film or the aluminum base being in contact with the electrolytic solution. The forming of the porous alumina layer includes increasing the voltage to a target value and, before the voltage is increased to the target value, increasing the voltage to a first peak value which is lower than the target value and thereafter decreasing the voltage to a value which is lower than the first peak value. As such, an anodized layer with reduced variation of recessed portions can be formed.
US08999130B2
A mechanism is provided for manipulating a molecule. The molecule is driven into a nanochannel filed with electrically conductive fluid. A first vertical electric field is created inside the nanochannel to slow down the molecule and/or immobilize the molecule. The molecule is stretched into non-folded linear chains by the first vertical electric field and a horizontal electric field. Monomers of the molecule are sequentially read.
US08999129B2
The present invention provides a mechanism for separating or isolating charged particles under the influence of an electric field without metal electrodes being in direct contact with the sample solution. The metal electrodes normally in contact with the sample are replaced with high conductivity fluid electrodes situated parallel and adjacent to the sample. When the fluid electrodes transmit the electric field across the sample, particles within the sample migrate according to their electrophoretic mobility.
US08999122B2
Electrically charged droplets and neutral droplets mixed with plasma are removed with better efficiency, and an improvement in the surface treatment precision of film formation by high purity plasma is sought.In a plasma processing apparatus including plasma generating portion A, plasma transport tube B and plasma processing portion C, an insulator interposed plasma processing apparatus is constituted in which plasma transport tube B is made electrically independent from plasma generating portion A and plasma processing portion C electrically by interposing insulator IS and insulator IF between the starting end side and the finishing end side of the plasma transport tube. Plasma transport tube B is divided into multiple small transport tubes B01, B23 through intermediate insulator II1, and each small transport tube is made independent electrically. The electric potential of the plasma transport tube or the small transport tubes is set to GND, a variable positive electric potential, or a variable negative electric potential, by putting the plasma transport tube or the multiple small transport tubes in an electric floating state, or connecting bias power supplies EB 01, EB 23 for transport tube. Also, the small transport tubes are connected in a bent manner, and droplets are removed by the geometric structure.
US08999121B2
The present invention provides a sputtering apparatus and a film-forming method capable of forming a magnetic film having a reduced variation in the orientation of the magnetic anisotropy. The sputtering apparatus of the present invention is equipped with a rotatable cathode and a rotatable stage. The stage can have an electrostatic chuck. Moreover, the stage may electrically be connected with a bias power source capable of applying a bias voltage to the stage. Furthermore, the stage may have the electrostatic chuck and electrically be connected with the bias power source.
US08999118B2
A method is disclosed for defining discrete magnetic and non-magnetic regions on the magnetic film layer of a storage media substrate. The method applies anodic oxidation of a cobalt-containing magnetic film layer to remove cobalt, followed by controlled deposition of a non-magnetic matrix into the regions where the cobalt has been removed. Deposition may either be electrodeposition, collimated vacuum deposition, or other methods depending upon the composition of the non-magnetic matrix being deposited. The method may be performed in a single electrochemical cell.
US08999111B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for increasing the strengthening effect of a starch coating on paper. The method involves contacting the starch with a synthetic polymer before the starch is cooked. This changes how the starch gelatinizes and how the polymer gets distributed on the paper resulting in greater paper surface strength.
US08999108B2
In the separation of a cover tape 15e from a carrier tape 15 performed by a cover tape separating mechanism 50, a cover tape 15e, which is separated from a base tape 15a by a separating blade edge 51f, comes into contact with a concave conical surface 52c, so that one side portion of a cover tape 15e is bent toward the other side portion; and the bent cover tape 15e is pressed against a guide surface 32s from below while the carrier tape 15 is guided to a pick-up position. Accordingly, the cover tape 15e is folded on the base tape 15a in a flat shape.
US08999096B2
A process for manufacturing a curved part of composite material, during which the layers of fibers of composite materials that will compose the part are held taut at least during the bending step, and displacement of the layers with relation to each other is controlled, is disclosed. A device capable of implementing this type of processs is also disclosed.
US08999094B2
A method of continuous manufacture of a composite hollow board material comprising a first surface and a second surface, and between the first and second surfaces a plurality of distance members is disclosed. The method comprises providing material for the first surface from a first reel via a first guide roller towards an output lane; providing material for the second surface from a second reel via a second guide roller towards the output lane; and providing material for the distance members from a third reel towards the output lane such that the distance members comprises strips arranged, at any cross section perpendicular to the first and second surfaces and the direction of the output lane, perpendicular to the first and second surfaces and continuous along the output lane. The providing of material for the distance members comprises guiding at least some of the strips in a meandering pattern, and applying an adhesive to contact the strips on opposite edges thereof such that adhesion to the material of the first and second surfaces is enabled. The first and second guide rollers press the material of the first and second surfaces to the opposite edges of the strips, respectively, such that the material of the first and second surfaces are adhered to the strips. A machine for continuous manufacture of the composite hollow board material, and a computer program for controlling a machine for continuous manufacture of the composite hollow board material are also disclosed.
US08999077B2
Provided is a chromium-free chemical conversion treatment technique that makes it possible to form a conversion layer excellent in corrosion resistance and appearance without using fluorine and hydrogen peroxide. The chemical conversion treatment liquid is for forming a conversion layer on zinc or zinc alloy and free of chromium, hydrogen peroxide and fluorine, includes 0.5 g/L to 38 g/L of magnesium, 0.5 g/L to 3.5 g/L of silicon, and 0.36 g/L or more of nitrate ion, contains the silicon as a water-soluble silicate, optionally further includes cobalt at a concentration of 5 g/L or less, and has an aluminum content of 0.08 g/L or less.
US08999074B2
A cleaning catheter (200) includes fluid-delivery and suction lumens (520, 530). A flow regulator (700) defines suction and fluid ports (830, 827). A mechanical user control element (320) is configured to mechanically and non-electrically set activation states of the flow regulator (700), and transition between first and third configurations via a second configuration. When the control element (320) is in the first configuration, the flow regulator (700) blocks fluid communication (a) between the suction port (830) and the suction lumen (530) and (b) between the fluid port (827) and the fluid-delivery lumen (520). When the control element (320) is in the second configuration, the flow regulator effects fluid communication between the suction port (830) and the suction lumen (530), and blocks fluid communication between the fluid port (827) and the fluid-delivery lumen (520). When the control element (320) is in the third configuration, the flow regulator (700) effects fluid communication (a) between the suction port (830) and the suction lumen (530) and (b) between the fluid port (827) and the fluid-delivery lumen (520).
US08999071B2
Provided is a surfactant composition comprising an oligoglycerol compound of formula I, wherein R and m are as defined above. The compounds exhibit favorable surfactancy properties. Advantageously, the compounds may be prepared from renewable materials.
US08999067B2
A method for fractionating a lignocellulosic material, the method comprising; contacting (2) the lignocellulosic material with an ionic liquid (3) and dissolving the lignocellulosic material therein, providing a second liquid (7) which is immiscible with the ionic liquid and is also a non-solvent for cellulose, adding the second liquid to the ionic liquid so as to form a biphasic system (6) which comprises an ionic liquid phase essentially free of lignocellulose and a second liquid phase comprising lignin in solution and cellulose as a precipitate, separating the two phases and recovering (8) the precipitated cellulose from the separated second liquid phase.
US08999061B2
The method for producing a silicon epitaxial wafer according to the present invention has: a growth step G at which an epitaxial layer is grown on a silicon single crystal substrate; a first polishing step E at which, before the growth step G, both main surfaces of the silicon single crystal substrate are subjected to rough polishing simultaneously; and a second polishing step H at which, after the growth step G, the both main surfaces of the silicon single crystal substrate are subjected to finish polishing simultaneously.
US08999060B2
Method of growing GaN whiskers from a gallium-containing solvent at low pressure and low temperature
Millimeter-scale GaN single crystals in filamentary form, also known as GaN whiskers, grown from solution and a process for preparing the same at moderate temperatures and near atmospheric pressures are provided. GaN whiskers can be grown from a GaN source in a reaction vessel subjected to a temperature gradient at nitrogen pressure. The GaN source can be formed in situ as part of an exchange reaction or can be preexisting GaN material. The GaN source is dissolved in a solvent and precipitates out of the solution as millimeter-scale single crystal filaments as a result of the applied temperature gradient.
US08999055B2
The present invention concerns a calcium carbonate containing material having increased bulk density at equal or improved flowability, and a method of producing such a material. The inventive process comprises the step of contacting a calcium carbonate containing mineral powder with a solution or emulsion or dispersion of a binder.
US08999050B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an anthraquinone based dye having excellent solubility in a low polar solvent and having high absorption coefficient and high light resistance and an ink containing the same. The present invention relates to an ink comprising a specific anthraquinone based dye.
US08999049B2
A water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion ink which is suitable for use in inkjet printing and is superior in ejection performance and storage stability and low in viscosity is provided. A water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion ink which comprises a polyglycerin with a polymerization degree of not less than 3 in a water phase is provided. As an emulsifier, a polyglycerin fatty acid ester with an HLB value of 7-14 in which fatty acid moiety is oleic acid or isostearic acid, or a polyoxyethylene sorbit fatty acid ester is preferably used. The concentration of the polyglycerin in the water phase is preferably 10-70 mass % relative to 100 mass % of the whole water phase. The polymerization degree of the polyglycerin is preferably not less than 4.
US08999048B2
An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for a diesel engine includes a diesel particulate filter (DPF) in an exhaust system in the diesel engine. The exhaust gas purifying apparatus is constructed to execute regeneration of the DPF by raising a temperature of the DPF in a case where a predetermined DPF regeneration condition is fulfilled, interrupt the regeneration of the DPF, execute idling stop, automatically restart the diesel engine and then restart the regeneration of the DPF, and when shifting to the idling operation is carried out during regeneration of the DPF, delay execution of the idling stop until a temperature of the DPF at a time at which the idling stop is started becomes not less than a temperature of the DPF at a time at which shifting to an idling operation is carried out even in a case where the predetermined idling stop condition is fulfilled.
US08999047B2
A system for removing Hg contained in flue gas from a boiler, the system includes: a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange of the flue gas from the boiler; a precipitator for removing soot and dust in the flue gas; a wet desulfurization device for removing mercury oxide Hg2+ in the flue gas using an alkali absorbent; and; a removal assistant supply unit for supplying a removal assistant for removing impurities into a limestone and gypsum slurry that circulates through the wet desulfurization device.
US08999042B2
A cyclone for separating solid particles from an exhaust gas flow includes a housing with a jacket area that is cylindrical at least in some sections, with a cover area, and with a bottom area. An exhaust gas line opens into an inlet opening and is for an exhaust gas flow mixed with solid particles. A discharge opening is for the solid particles separated from the exhaust gas flow. An immersion pipe has a penetration area passing through the housing and has an open end area protruding into the interior of the housing and used as an outlet opening for the purified exhaust gas flow from the housing. At least one pure gas line supplies pure gas, creating a second boundary layer flow to replace a first boundary layer flowing having an increased concentration of solid particles.
US08999033B2
The present invention provides a method for producing direct reduced iron and/or hot metal using high-moisture content carbonaceous material, including: agglomerating carbonaceous material from the high-moisture content carbonaceous material with a metal oxide-bearing material to form an agglomerate suitable for use in a direct reduction and/or hot metal producing process. The method also includes distilling the high-moisture content carbonaceous material. The method further includes dry quenching the carbonaceous material obtained from the distilling step. The method still further includes drying the high-moisture content carbonaceous material with energy from a hot off gas from a furnace for producing direct reduced iron and/or hot metal prior to the distilling step.
US08999030B2
The present invention concerns a process for producing synthetic coal and aqueous liquid plant fertilizing solution products from a fermentation residue such as is left over from the corn based process of producing ethanol. The synthetic coal has a high heat value commensurate with naturally occurring coals and is lower in ash and sulfur content and thus has value as a clean burning energy source. The aqueous fertilizer includes commercially useful amounts of phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen in solution. The process of the invention is also energy efficient in that the products produced thereby involve the use of substantially less energy as compared to the traditional methods of processing fermentation residues in the corn based ethanol production industry.
US08999026B2
An abrasive article having an abrasive body including abrasive grains contained within a bond material, wherein the abrasive grains comprise microcrystalline alumina, and wherein the bond material includes less than about 1.0 mol % phosphorous oxide (P2O5), and a ratio measured in mol % between a total content of sodium oxide (Na2O) and a total content of potassium oxide (K2O) defined by [K2O/Na2O] having a value greater than about 0.5.
US08999025B1
Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond compacts and applications for such polycrystalline diamond compacts. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond body includes mechanically milling non-diamond carbon and a sintering aid material for a time and aggressiveness sufficient to form a plurality of carbon-saturated sintering aid particles and sintering a plurality of diamond particles in the presence of the plurality of carbon-saturated sintering aid particles to form the polycrystalline diamond body.
US08999018B2
Provided are an apparatus and a method for rapidly producing a synthetic gas from a bio-diesel byproduct using microwave plasma, in which, while a plasma flame is generated by a plasma generator and waste glycerin, a bio-diesel byproduct, as fuel, is gasified by being supplied to the generated plasma flame of high temperature, the fuel is supplied in various types to increase the contact time or the contact area with the plasma flame and thus promote gasification thereof and the contents of steam and oxygen supplied and the plasma power are controlled to increase the collection amount of combustible gas and thus allow rapid production of the synthetic gas.
US08998997B2
A knee prosthesis including a femoral implant, a tibial implant, a tibial insert and a cam post. The femoral implant is secured to a femur and has a gap for receiving a natural PCL. The tibial implant is secured to a tibia. The tibial insert comprises a medial cavity with a rotational axis. The tibial insert has articulating surfaces that match the contours of the condyles of the femoral implant and a notch for retaining the natural PCL. The tibial insert has a medial boss that aligns with the medial cavity allowing it to rotate about the rotational axis. A post is secured to the tibial implant and enters a hole of the tibial insert providing anterior and posterior stops for the rotation of the tibial insert about the rotational axis.
US08998996B2
A modular knee prosthesis system includes a femoral component having a stem and a sleeve. The system is modular, and provides the surgeon with the option of distally offsetting the joint line by controlling the relative axial positions of the stem and the sleeve. Alternative options include providing sleeves with tapered bores of different diameters, providing a shim to be placed between the sleeve and the stem and providing the stems as adapters having different diameters.
US08998993B2
A bearing component 2 for a joint replacement prosthesis comprises a first bearing element 4; a second bearing element 6, and a linking element 8, operatively connecting the first and second bearing elements 4, 6 and permitting relative motion there between. The flexible linking element 8 prevents dislocation of mobile bearings in a total knee replacement prosthesis. The invention also relates to a bridging element which retains the linking element 8 with some play, which acts as a ligament support 2051, and which causes a deflection of the line of action of a ligament 1018. A joint replacement prosthesis is also disclosed comprising a biasing element 1140 or a tensioning element 1220 operatively coupled to the artificial ligament 1018. The biasing element 1140 or tensioning element 1220 may be housed in the stem of a tibial tray 1006.
US08998984B2
An adjustable astigmatism-reducing intraocular lens includes a toric optic with a long axis. The optic is rotationally coupled to haptics, and a plurality of struts extend between the optic and the haptics. The struts are held under tension and individually releasable via laser, or are heat shrinkable to increase the tension of selective struts. When a strut is released or shrunk, a torsional force is applied to angularly adjust the optic relative to the haptics. After the lens has been implanted and healed relative to the tissue, struts are individually released via laser ablation to cause torsional instability and resulting net rotational adjustment, or individually heat shrunk to tension the strut, to cause torsional instability, and effect net rotational adjustment to ensure that a long axis of optic is aligned with the axis of astigmatic correction of the eye.
US08998982B2
The invention provides a device for fine adjustment of a prosthetic valve device and a method of adjusting the position of a prosthetic valve after implantation. The adjustment mechanism includes complementary structures on a valve member and device frame that cooperate to provide relative axial and/or angular motion between the valve member and device frame (and thus the native vessel). The adjustment mechanism of the invention may also include a means for selectively maintaining the relative position of the valve member and device frame. The device and method are particularly applicable for use with a modular prosthetic valve device that is assembled in the body lumen.
US08998981B2
A prosthetic heart valve having identifiers for aiding in radiographic positioning is described.
US08998978B2
Medical devices and methods of fabricating such medical devices, such as stents, formed at least in part from a metal matrix composite including bioceramic particles dispersed within an erodible metal are disclosed.
US08998977B2
A stent is formed from a wire having an outer member, a radiopaque member lining at least a portion of the outer member inner surface, and a lumen defined by the outer member inner surface or the radiopaque member inner surface. A substance is disposed in the lumen to be eluted through at least one opening disposed through the outer member to the lumen. The radiopaque member may be substantially continuous along the length of the wire or disposed only along portions of the wire such as crowns. In a method for making the stent, a composite wire including an outer member, a radiopaque intermediate member, and a core member is shaped into a stent pattern and processed to remove the core member and optionally portions of the radiopaque intermediate member, without damaging the outer member.
US08998965B2
A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for receiving a rod, the receiving part having a first bore coaxial with a longitudinal axis and a second bore. The bone anchoring device also includes an anchoring element having a first end for insertion into the bone and a second end positionable within a second bore, the second end having a spherically shaped surface portion. The bone anchoring device further has a locking device provided to the second bore of the receiving part. The locking device protrudes from an inner wall of the second bore and engages with a recessed surface portion of the second end of the anchoring element, such that the anchoring element is pivotable relative to the receiving part around a single axis of rotation. The locking device may comprise pins inserted into through holes formed in the receiving part, which engage with the recessed surface portion of the second end.
US08998959B2
A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. The receiver can have crimp tabs, but is devoid of spring tabs and collet-like flexible structures. A down-loadable compression insert (some with lock and release feature), a down-loadable friction fit split retaining ring having super structure for temporary friction fit with an up-loadable shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled.
US08998958B2
An instrument includes components configured to secure a locking device inside a rod fixation assembly. In one embodiment, an instrument includes an outer sleeve and a pusher member arranged telescopically within the outer sleeve. A drive assembly cooperatively engages the pusher member. In another embodiment, an instrument includes an outer sleeve, a pusher member arranged telescopically within the outer sleeve, and a pair of drive assemblies. A first drive assembly engages the pusher member to distally advance the pusher member under a first loading. A second drive assembly also engages the pusher member to distally advance the pusher member under a second loading, the second loading being substantially greater than the first loading. In another embodiment, a method for reducing and locking a spinal rod includes the step of advancing a locking element while the locking element is retained in a fixed orientation.
US08998954B2
A spinous process spacer that is designed to maintain a desired spatial relationship between adjacent vertebrae, is configured for introduction into a spinal implant site in a compressed state and then expands in situ. Once expanded, formations of the present spinal spacer form areas, pockets or spaces that receive at least one bony portion of each adjacent vertebra. The present spinous process spacer has a changeable circumferential profile wherein a first circumferential profile is smaller than a second circumferential profile in order to provide/achieve its compressed and expanded states. The first circumferential profile defines the collapsed position or state while the second circumferential profile defines the position or state. Upon implantation, the present spinous process spacer is not fixed to any bony structure of the vertebrae but provides support. In this regard, use of the spinous process spacer, by itself, will not result in vertebral fusion. However, fusion can result with the use of bone graft packed about the spinous processes (and the spinous process spacer) or in conjunction with the use of an intervertebral body spacer.
US08998952B2
A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections.
US08998950B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for sealing a puncture in a tubular tissue structure or the wall of a body cavity. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for sealing a puncture site in the wall of a tubular tissue structure, or in the wall of a body cavity with a stabilizer used to stabilize the material used to seal the puncture site as the material is positioned. The material is inserted into the puncture site as a ribbon or sheet on an introducer element such as a needle, a cannula, a guide wire, an introducer element adapted for dialysis, an introducer element adapted for catheterization, a trocar, or any other introducer element used to access the lumen of a tubular tissue structure or used to access a body cavity.
US08998949B2
A method of conducting biological materials to soft tissue. The method includes loading a conduit device onto a delivery shaft of an inserter, inserting at least a portion of the delivery shaft into soft tissue, expelling the conduit device from the delivery shaft into the tissue, and delivering biological material through an access port of the inserter into at least one outer longitudinal channel of the conduit device.
US08998946B2
A blood clot removal device (1), comprising a capture member (2) having a tubular body (3) of prevailing longitudinal extension and provided with a lumen (10) extending longitudinally in said tubular body (3), at least one proximal portion (4), at least one distal portion (5), an apical end (6) of said distal portion (5), and a tip (7); said at least one distal portion (5) of said capture member (2) having at least one helical length (8) provided, with coils (16) wrapped in a helical manner forming a pitch (p) therebetween in the longitudinal direction and adapted to the capture of blood clots (9); an inner cable (11) received in said longitudinal lumen (10) of said tubular body (3) so as to remain within said tubular body (3) helical length (8), said inner cable (11) comprising a proximal length (12) having a proximal maneuvering end (13) and a distal length (14) provided with a tip (15); wherein said tip (15) of said inner cable (11) is secured to said apical end (6) of said capture member (2) tubular body (3), said tip (15) being firmly secured to said apical end (6) so that, when said inner cable (11) is subjected to a relative movement relative to the capture member (2) in the proximal direction, said inner cable (11) brings the tubular body (3) apical end (6) closer to the proximal portion thereof, shortening the pitch (p) of said coils (16) of the helical length (8) of the blood clot (9) capture member (2).
US08998943B2
A needle access assembly and method for obtaining percutaneous needle access with little or no fluoroscopy. The method can include selecting a target for percutaneous access, directing a laser guide at a desired needle-insertion angle and in line with the selected target, aligning the needle access assembly with the laser, and inserting the needle into the target.
US08998941B2
The medical puncturing device includes a housing (12), a shield (13), and a skin puncturing assembly disposed within the housing. The shield is axially movable in the housing. The skin puncturing assembly includes a movable carrier and a skin puncturing element mounted to the carrier. A distal end of the skin puncturing element is adapted for puncturing the skin of a patient. The carrier is movable from a retracted position wherein the skin puncturing element is disposed within the shield to a puncturing position wherein the distal end of the skin puncturing element is exposed. The carrier is maintained in the retracted position by engagement of flexure members or a retaining tab with the carrier. A drive spring is provided to move the carrier from the retracted position to the puncturing position. A retraction spring is provided to return the carrier and skin puncturing element into the housing.
US08998938B2
A fluid ejection device includes: a fluid chamber whose capacity is variable; an inlet flow path and an outlet flow path communicating with the fluid chamber; a capacity changing unit which changes the capacity of the fluid chamber; a fluid supplying unit which supplies fluid to the inlet flow path; a fluid ejection opening disposed at an end of the outlet flow path opposite to an end communicating with the fluid chamber; a vibrating unit which vibrates a component in the vicinity of the fluid ejection opening; a vibration detecting unit which detects the level of vibration of the component in the vicinity of the fluid ejection opening; and an operation control unit which controls operation of the capacity changing unit based on the level of the vibration detected by the vibration detecting unit.
US08998937B2
A method of removing material from a blood flow lumen generally includes providing a device having a cutting element and an opening, advancing the device through the blood flow lumen to a site where material is to be removed, forcing the opening toward a wall of the site where material is to be removed, and moving the cutting element and the opening so that material in the blood flow lumen is cut by the cutting element and directed into the opening for removal as the cutting element and opening are moved through the blood flow lumen. In some embodiments, the device may be deflected or bent to force the opening toward a wall to remove material. The cutting element may be rotatable and may have an axis that is movable, that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, or both.
US08998934B2
Provided is an apparatus that includes a nerve conduit and a nested manifold for providing a reduced pressure. Also provided is a system that includes a source of reduced pressure, a nerve conduit and nested manifold, and a conduit for providing fluid communication between the manifold and the source of reduced pressure. Additionally provided is a method that includes implanting the above nerve conduit and manifold at a site of damaged nerve tissue and applying a reduced pressure to the manifold thereby stimulating repair or regrowth of nerve tissue.
US08998933B2
A surgical fastener clip for proximating tissue, the clip providing an undeflected state in which the clip comprises a center portion, a first leg, and a second leg. The center portion has a perimeter defining a circle-like shape. The legs project outwardly relative to the perimeter from a point of departure to a tip. Extension of each of the legs relative to the perimeter defines an identical wind direction that is either clockwise or counterclockwise. The clip optionally includes a linear cross-member extending across the perimeter. The surgical clip can be formed by a wire that is partially wound onto itself in a spiral-like fashion, with the center portion and the legs being co-planar in the undeflected state. During use, the clip is rotated, drawing tissue into the center portion. Systems incorporating the clip are also provided.
US08998928B2
The present invention improves significantly the success rate of lithotripsy and reduces the risk of tissue damage, by injecting a temporary plug in front, and optionally behind a concretion (for extracorporeal lithotripsy) or behind a concretion (for intracorporeal lithotripsy). One aspect of the present invention relates to injecting an inverse thermosensitive polymer solution into a lumen, thereby preventing the migration of a concretion, or its fragments, upon extracorporeal or intracorporeal lithotripsy.
US08998926B2
An embolic coil deployment system for placing a coil at a preselected site within a vessel of the human body is provided. The deployment system includes a heating element at the distal end of a detachment member and a heat-responsive coupling attached to a delivery member for holding the coil during positioning of the coil. The heating element is heated to reduce the strength of and sever the heat-responsive coupling for releasing the coil at a desired position within the body vessel.
US08998923B2
Described herein are devices, systems and method for assuring that connection regions (e.g., threaded regions) of stabilization devices are clear of bone filling materials such as bone cements. A stabilization device may be referred to as a bone stabilization device or an anchor, and may be a self-expanding device configured for insertion into bone. One exemplary clearing device is configured as a plunger-type device for clearing the connector region by scraping and/or rubbing the surface of the connector region. A clearing device may include a handle, a rod and a connector end that is configured to mate with the connector of a stabilization device. The connector end may include one or more scraping surfaces (e.g., edges) and may include a vacuum port for removing material such as scraped bone cement.
US08998914B2
Method and apparatus for optically stimulating neurons of a plurality of auditory nerve pathways of a person to provide auditory sensations for the person including generating a plurality of pulsed light signals having one or more successive pulses; delivering the plurality of pulsed light signals to one or more auditory nerve pathways of the cochlea of the person; selectively controlling the plurality of light signals to optically stimulate and trigger nerve action potentials (NAPs) in the one or more auditory nerve pathways. In some embodiments, the stimulation rate (i.e., pulse-repetition rate) is optimized for the patient based on comfort levels, speech-recognition scores, and temperature feedback from monitors in the cochlea. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention find practical lower and upper limits to the rate of stimulation to increase the speech-recognition scores while implementing safety limits to preventing overheating.
US08998912B2
A patella drill guide includes a base with a flat patella bone-facing surface, a drill guide bore extending through the base, a cantilever spring member and a bone-gripping member. The cantilever spring member biases the bone-gripping member and the flat patella bone-facing surface toward each other. Flexing the cantilever spring member moves the bone-gripping member away from the flat patella bone-facing surface so that the drill guide can be placed on the patella. When the cantilever spring member is released, the patella is clamped between the bone-gripping member and the flat patella bone-facing surface. The drill guide may have sizing indicia and may be part of a kit including trial components to be mounted to the drill guide.
US08998909B2
Devices and methods for use in hip replacement surgery can incorporate computer models of a patient's acetabulum and surrounding bone structure, a first patient-specific jig designed from the computer model and configured to correspond to a final installation position and orientation of a prosthetic him implant, a second patient-specific jig, also designed from the computer model, configured to refine the procedure, if necessary, following use of the first patient-specific jig, and/or a third patient specific jig, designed from the computer model, configured to refine the procedure, if necessary, following use of the first and second patient-specific jigs, allowing the surgeon to properly position and orient the hip prosthesis. Also shown and described are novel devices for implanting an acetabular cup.
US08998903B2
An orthopedic plate is designed for opening osteotomies and includes a contoured double tabbed or butterfly shaped plate portion which can accommodate selective fixation including locking, variable locking and non-locking. The plate also includes a centrally located osteotomy support that maintains the opening between bone segments at a spaced relationship. The support can be integral to the plate, or can be modular, i.e. a separate and adjustable segment which can be changed to accommodate the desired geometry of the osteotomy site.
US08998899B2
A multi-button electrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having a passage extending therethough, a distal end configured to support an electrode; at least four switches disposed on a surface of the housing configured to be selectively activated by a user; and three wires connected between the housing and a connector, the connector configured to be operatively coupled to an electrosurgical generator, a first wire being coupled to the electrode and configured to receive electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator, a second wire being coupled to a first switch and configured to generate a first activation signal and a third wire being coupled to a second switch and configured to generate a second activation signal, wherein a third and fourth switch are coupled to the first wire and the second or third wire via a respective reactive switching element configured to generate third and forth activation signals.
US08998895B2
An electrosurgical instrument including a probe tube for transporting fluid, at least one electrode for devitalizing tissue, and at least one conducting foil electrical lead arranged along the longitudinal axis of the probe tube for providing a high frequency (RF) voltage at the electrode. A method of producing an electrosurgical instrument, including applying a conductive foil to a probe tube that extends along the longitudinal axis of the probe tube, and providing at least one electrode on the probe tube, wherein the electrode electrically connects to the conductive foil.
US08998892B2
An electrosurgical end effector for ablating tissue is provided that comprises at least one electrically-conductive ablation member adapted to be connected to a source of RF energy, with the ablation member having a tissue engaging surface and an internal fluid passageway. Preferably, the end effector includes two electrically conductive ablation members that are electrically isolated from one another.
US08998884B2
Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled reaction device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to various embodiments, a reaction device is placed in an environment in order to perform a chemical reaction in an environment. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used.
US08998880B2
A method for transferring and mixing a pharmaceutical mixture utilizing a by-pass cartridge and a syringe. After mixing the dry component and the diluent in the by-pass cartridge, the mixture can be passed to a syringe which includes a syringe plunger having a fluid passageway therein with a hydrophobic membrane covering the passageway. The mixture can be transferred back and forth between the by-pass cartridge and the syringe through a small bore to achieve mixing, particularly in the case of microspheres held in suspension.
US08998870B2
Reusable wearable absorbent articles with anchoring systems.
US08998866B2
A process of manufacturing a wound dressing filler and/or wound dressing.
US08998863B2
An apparatus and method are provided for treating wound with negative pressure. The apparatus includes a wound cover, a first pump for providing said negative pressure at a chosen pressure level to the wound, a canister, a first conduit between the wound cover and the canister, first means for measuring the pressure within the canister, and a second conduit which connects the canister with the first pump. A circulating pump is arranged to intermittently transport a gas volume from the canister to the wound region via a third conduit and back to the canister via the first conduit in order to press out possible exudates from the first conduit to the canister. A second means analyzes the pressure curve over time of said pressure in the canister and a third means indicates by alarm when said pressure curve differs from a normal cyclical form.
US08998851B2
An infusion set (201) includes a base (221) and a flexible catheter (242) movable from a first catheter position disposed substantially entirely within the base (221) to a second catheter position in which a free end of the catheter (242) is disposed externally of the base (221). An introducer needle (234) is located within the catheter (242) and is movable between a first introducer needle position disposed substantially entirely within the base (221) and a second introducer needle position in which a free end of the introducer needle (234) is disposed externally of the base (221). A torsion spring (281) is activated to move the catheter (242) from the first to the second catheter position and the introducer needle (234) from the first to the second introducer needle position to facilitate insertion of the catheter (242). The introducer needle (234) is thereafter moved by the torsion spring (281) back to the first introducer needle position to store the introducer needle (234) within the base (221) with the free end of the catheter (242) remaining disposed externally of the base (221).
US08998846B2
Balloon catheters, methods for preparing balloon catheters, and uses of balloon catheters are disclosed. The balloon catheter includes an elongate member, an expandable balloon, and a coating layer overlying an exterior surface of the expandable balloon. The coating layer includes a total drug load of a hydrophobic therapeutic agent and a combination of additives including a first additive and a second additive. The hydrophobic therapeutic agent is paclitaxel, rapamycin, or paclitaxel and rapamycin. The first additive is a surfactant. The second additive is a chemical compound having one or more hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl, carboxyl, acid, amide, or ester groups.
US08998836B2
A method of pneumatically operating a dialysis system includes (i) pumping air in a first valve state from a pneumatic pump to operate a component of the dialysis system, and (ii) recirculating air in a second valve state by pumping air from an outlet of the pneumatic pump to an inlet of the pneumatic pump to minimize at least one of a noise pitch or noise amplitude when switching from the second valve state to the first valve state.
US08998833B1
An orthopedic device for correcting abnormalities in the wrist, hand, fingers and thumb of a newborn baby comprises a lightweight glove shaped semi rigid shell constructed and dimensioned to fit a newborn baby within a few hours of birth. A wrist or lower arm and hand engaging portion are rotatably connected and adjustable in one millimeter increments. The adjustments are made with no more than one millimeter correction per 24 hour period. The shell includes a wrist and lower forearm engaging portion, a hand engaging portion and a finger engaging portion and is adjustable for rotationally clockwise or counterclockwise about the longitudinal axis of the lower arm bone. Further adjustments may be made to rotate the fingers upwardly or downwardly, to the left or right and rotationally and/or rotational movement between the hand and lower arm. The invention also contemplates an orthopedic method for correcting skeletal abnormalities of the wrist, hand, fingers and thumb of a newborn baby.
US08998832B2
The body therapy device includes a thoracic pad having a top edge and a rear surface with a base having a bottom edge, a front angled surfaced and a rear surface. A spherical member is attached to the angled front surface of the base and includes a hard inner core therein. A pump, with active and passive elements, is provided to enable the user to adjust the hardness of ball portion of the device for customized therapy to a head and neck region. As a result, the device of the present invention is effective for physical therapy and treatment of a wide range of ailments and conditions.
US08998823B2
An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve. For example, such a device may be used to measure fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion in order to assess the severity of the lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. Some distance back from the sensor and distal sleeve, the device separates from the guidewire to permit independent control of the sensor delivery device and the guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example.
US08998822B2
A method of recording, storing, analyzing, and displaying changes in a woman's basal body temperature includes the steps of: (a) recording with an intelligent, preprogrammed thermometer the woman's orally-measured temperature; (b) storing in the thermometer the woman's temperature to create a stored temperature reading; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b); (d) analyzing inside the thermometer the significance of any changes in the stored temperature readings; and (e) displaying the changes in the woman's basal body temperature, and displaying an analysis of those changes, on the thermometer, and on any electronic device connected to the thermometer. In other features of the invention, steps (a) and (b) are repeated daily when the woman first awakes from her night's sleep, and the woman first inputs into the thermometer data about herself, including at least her year of birth, her height, her weight, her body mass index, and her current and past menstruation data.
US08998820B2
The present invention relates to an improved medical device and method for accurately and reliably determining a cardiac status of a patient. An implantable medical device, IMD, comprises a sensor arrangement adapted to sense signals related to mechanical activity of the heart and an activity level sensor arrangement adapted to sense an activity level of the patient. Further, the IMD calculates a percentage of left ventricular diastolic time (PLVDT) for a cardiac cycle corresponding to a relation between a diastolic time interval and a cardiac cycle time interval using the determined systolic and diastolic time intervals or a percentage of left ventricular systolic time (PLVST) for a cardiac cycle corresponding to a relation between a systolic interval time interval and a cardiac cycle time interval. A cardiac status is determined based on the calculated PLVDT (or PLVST) and on an activity level of the patient.
US08998816B2
The present invention discloses devices, systems and methods for the isovolumic measurement of vasoactivity in a blood vessel (3). The length and volume of the blood vessel (3) are maintained constant while a chemical or pressure is exposed to the blood vessel (3). The reaction of the blood vessel (3) to the chemical or physical stimuli is measured by internal lumen pressure changes.
US08998811B2
Provided are a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound system and a method for operating the 3D ultrasound system, which are capable of intuitively displaying the abnormality of an object by determining a grade by comparing measurement data obtained by measuring ultrasound data relating to the object and displaying the measurement data in a different way based on the determined grade.
US08998807B2
A retractor extension is provided comprising a body having a distal end and a proximal end extending longitudinally from the distal end, the distal end of the body comprising a first set of engagement members comprising a first projection configured for attaching the body to a first end surface of the retractor, the proximal end of the body comprising a second set of engagement members comprising a second projection configured for attaching the body to a second end surface of the retractor. In some embodiments, the retractor extension holds tissue away from the surgical incision to enhance the surgeon's field of vision. Methods of attaching the retractor extension to the retractor are also described.
US08998806B2
Embodiments of the present invention include an insertion aid device with a handle, a tongue depressor, a tracheal suction catheter guide, and a guide with a recess formed by a pair of prongs. The guide may be configured to accommodate the cross-sectional shape of a tracheal suction catheter, a nasogastric tube, or an orogastric tube. The tracheal suction catheter guide may include a connection port configured to couple to an in-line suction catheter. A light source may be included with the insertion aid device.
US08998804B2
A laryngoscope is provided with a suction catheter assembly that includes a catheter to supply suction for removal of fluids (e.g., blood, vomit, secretions, and so on) proximate to the distal end of the blade of the laryngoscope during intubation. A connector secures the catheter to the distal end of the blade. A retainer holds the catheter against the side of the blade.
US08998803B2
In one embodiment the apparatus includes a first retractor, a second retractor, and a shaft. The shaft defines a central channel extending from a first end portion of the shaft to a second end portion of the shaft. The first retractor and the second retractor are configured to collectively form a lumen. The shaft is configured to be disposed within the lumen. In one embodiment method of disposing a graft within a body of a patient, includes making an incision in the body of the patient, inserting a medical device into the body of the patient through the incision, removing the shaft of the medical device from the body of the patient, and moving the first refractor within the body of the patient away from the second retractor.
US08998800B2
An endoscope has a bending portion operation apparatus at an operation portion, the bending portion operation apparatus being for bending and operating a bending portion, and the bending portion operation apparatus includes a dial for bending operation which bends the bending portion by pivoting about a shaft, a portion of the dial for bending operation provided at the operation portion being protruded at a position where the dial for bending operation is operated with a thumb grasping the operation portion, and an auxiliary dial for bending operation which has a meshing portion meshing with the dial for bending operation and a protruding portion protruding at a position where the auxiliary dial for bending operation is operable with a finger other than the thumb, an operation input entered at the protruding portion with the finger other than the thumb being transmitted to the bending operation dial via the meshing portion.
US08998797B2
A surgical system performs a surgical procedure on a patient with manipulators and an endoscope. The surgical system has a display unit for simultaneously displaying a plurality of items of information including an endoscopic image captured by the endoscope, and a wireless image processor for transmitting information to the display unit and processing the plurality of items of information to be displayed by the display unit. The information about the endoscopic image is transmitted from the endoscope to the wireless image processor through a link including at least a portion based on wireless communications.
US08998788B2
An apparatus for folding articles advancing in a machine direction including a rotatable roll having a roll surface, at least one protrusion that defines an outermost surface of the roll and at least one pocket that defines an innermost surface of the roll. The apparatus also includes a peel assembly and a folding assembly. The peel assembly and/or folding assembly may be configured as one or more movable heads for receiving an article or article portion from a first carrier at a first speed and transferring the article to a second carrier travelling at a second speed.
US08998787B2
A bag machine, and method of making bags, has a sealing station a perforating station, and a downstream seal and perforation inspection station, or a perforation detection station and/or a seal inspection station is disclosed. Control of the perforating and sealing stations is preferably closed loop. The seal and perforation inspection station preferably includes a perforation detector that triggers a vision system and/or a camera, and the film is illuminated. Preferably, the inspection station is enclosed in an opaque housing, or the ambient light is otherwise blocked. The seal and perforation inspection station preferably provides an image output a display visible to a user. The vision system preferably includes a perforation location module and/or determines the distance between the seal and perforation. A downstream processing station can be provided, and can have a detected fault input, connected to a fault detect output from the seal and perforation inspection station.
US08998786B2
This invention provides a process for producing a conductive rubber roller having small aspect ratios of inner and outer diameters, having a stable measure of its inner diameter, having uniform cell distribution and being free from non-uniformity of hardness and electrical resistance in the peripheral direction. The process has a step of continuously extruding a tube composed of a specific unvulcanized rubber composition from a rubber extruder in a microwave vulcanizing unit, and a step of foaming and vulcanizing the tube by using a microwave irradiator having a microwave irradiation zone 4 m or less in length while being transported at given speed. The foamed rubber tube has an inner diameter 20 to 35% smaller than the outer diameter of the conductive core material over the whole region in the lengthwise direction, and the conductive core material is press-fitted into the foamed rubber tube without using any adhesive.
US08998783B2
A push up device includes a support device including a base for positioning on the floor, side supports and a top. A control device at the top includes a push up counter, a timer, and/or an audio signaling device. The support device includes adjustable arms which adjust the relative height between the top and the base. Hand supports extend from opposite sides of the support device. In one embodiment, the hand supports are removably mounted from the support device.
US08998770B2
A hybrid vehicle and method of control include an internal combustion engine and at least one traction motor operated such that engine speed is a function of vehicle speed and target engine power. Target engine power, in turn, is a function of target wheel torque, vehicle speed, and battery state of charge. Target wheel torque, in turn, is a function of vehicle speed and accelerator pedal position. In a select shift mode, these calculations are adjusted based on a virtual gear number which varies in response to driver activation of shift selectors. The adjustments result in decreased engine speed and decreased wheel torque when higher virtual gear number are selected for given accelerator pedal positions and vehicle speeds. The ratio of engine speed to vehicle speed is not necessarily constant when operating in select shift mode.
US08998764B2
A drive module with a planetary transmission that includes a transmission housing, a first ring gear and a second ring gear. The first ring gear is rotatably mounted in the transmission housing, the second ring gear is non-rotatably mounted in the transmission housing, and the first ring gear is supported on the second ring gear to thereby align a central axis of the first ring gear to a central axis of the second ring gear.
US08998763B2
A transmission has a housing having a main axis with a retaining element fixed in the housing and forming a set having a predetermined number of radially extending and angularly equispaced guides. An output element rotatable in the housing about the axis is formed with an array having a number smaller than the predetermined number of radially inwardly open recesses axially adjacent the guides. An input element rotatable in the housing about the axis has a radial outer and generally circular peripheral surface centered on an axis radially offset from the main axis. Respective transmission elements radially displaceable in the guide grooves between inner and outer positions each have a shaft extending substantially parallel to the axis with a guide section engaged and radially shiftable in the respective guide groove, a driven section engageable in the recesses, and a drive section radially engageable with the input-element surface.
US08998762B2
The invention relates to a planetary transmission for a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, having three coupled planetary gear sets, having numerous shift elements, and having at least one electric machine, to which a shaft inside the transmission is allocated, wherein, with a first planetary gear set, the ring gear can be connected to a component permanently attached to the housing, and the planet carrier is connected in a driving manner to the ring gear of a second planetary gear set, wherein, with the second planetary gear set, the planet carrier is connected to the ring gear of a third planetary gear set, and the sun gear can be powered by a transmission input shaft, and wherein, with the third planetary gear set, the planet carrier is connected to a transmission output shaft. In order that the planetary transmission has a compact structure and is cost-effective in terms of its production, and is efficient in terms the operation thereof, it is provided that the sun gear of the first planetary gear set is connected to the component permanently attached to the housing, and that the sun gear of the third planetary gear set can be connected to the component permanently attached to the housing and to the ring gear of the first planetary gear set.
US08998760B2
A hybrid transmission has an input member, an output member, three 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. The input member is driven by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.
US08998758B2
In a transmission chain, interleaved links are articulably connected by connecting pins, each connecting pin comprising two rocker pins arranged to roll on each other. Pin holes in each of at least two overlapping link plates in each interleaved pair of link plates are shaped so that each rocker pin moves with one of the overlapping link plates and is engageable with a bend-blocking surface in the pin hole in the other of the two overlapping link plates when the two overlapping link plates are in a straight part of the chain. The engagement of the rocker pins with the bend-blocking surfaces of the pin holes prevents the links from bending backward beyond their straight condition, i.e., in an outward direction, opposite to the inward direction in which the links bend relative to each other when engaging a sprocket.
US08998757B2
A chain cleaner capable of cleaning dirt and debris from the roller chain of a chain driven vehicle is provided. The chain cleaner is a polymer sheet. The sheet has a leading and a trailing edge, upper and lower surfaces, and a bilateral axis defining a chain line. The chain line extends from the leading to the trailing edge. A clear slot is positioned in the sheet adjacent to the trailing edge. The slot has a predetermined height and width which is at least equal to a respective height and width of the chain to be cleaned. The chain is thereby capable of biased directional travel against the lower and upper surfaces and through the slot, along the chain line when operating the chain drive of the vehicle. The chain cleaner includes an assembly for attaching the sheet to the vehicle adjacent to the leading edge.
US08998755B2
A vehicle powertrain has an engine, a driving shaft having a passage defined therein, a driven shaft, a pump, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, and a CVT. A driving pulley of the CVT includes a fixed sheave and a movable sheave disposed on the driving shaft for rotation therewith, a spring biasing a movable sheave away from the fixed sheave, and a CVT chamber fluidly communicating with the passage of the driving shaft. The pump supplies hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the passage in the driving shaft. The hydraulic fluid flows from the passage to the CVT chamber to create a hydraulic pressure in the CVT chamber. The hydraulic pressure in the CVT chamber biases the movable sheave toward the fixed sheave.
US08998745B2
When a distance from a shaft front end to a shaft gravity center point is LG and a full length of the shaft is LS, 0.54≦LG/LS≦0.65 is satisfied. A golf club shaft, wherein a shaft weight is 56 g or more, and a bending rigidity value EI at a point of 630 mm from the shaft front end to the shaft rear end side is 3.6 kgf·m2 or less.
US08998726B1
One aspect of the disclosure relates to facilitating association of a user of an online game to a shard based on aggregated data related to third party latency and further based on social graphs associated with the user. A first type of aggregated third party latency may be calculated based on one or more of: a plurality of first latencies from a device associated with the user to a first plurality of users associated with the first shard and a plurality of second latencies from the first plurality of users to the first shard. A second type of aggregated third party latency may be calculated based on one or more of: a plurality of first latencies from the device associated with the user to a second plurality of users associated with the second shard and a plurality of second latencies from the second plurality of users to the second shard.
US08998716B2
A system, a computer readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for updating a performance of a presentation of a virtual game environment. A presentation of a virtual game environment is generated based on a visual attribute. The visual attribute may identify a visual quality of the presentation of the virtual game environment. A visual performance metric associated with the presentation of the virtual game environment is then monitored. The visual attribute then updated based on the visual performance metric. After the visual attribute is updated, an updated presentation of the virtual game environment is generated based on the updated visual attribute.
US08998714B2
A gaming system including a control lever having an operation unit which is rotatable by a player and resembles a reel, a display, a storage unit and a controller is provided. When it is determined that the fishing is failed, the controller obtains the number of rotation of the operation unit until a predetermined time elapses from the timing at which fish is hooked by a fishline in a fishing game, and selects one of a plurality of levels based on the obtained number of rotation. The controller then obtains a set of display state data associated with the selected level and causes the display a failure image representing failure in fishing in one of a plurality of display states, based on the set of display state data.
US08998708B2
A transaction facilitation system is disclosed that is configured to affect substantially real-time crediting and debiting of a gaming accounts maintained within a gaming environment and structured to communicate by a private restricted communication link with an issuing financial institution of a stored value account to effect real-time crediting and debiting of the stored value account. Financial transactions using the stored value account can be and used customer relationship purposes.
US08998705B2
A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.
US08998702B2
During a play of a game, the disclosed gaming system determines that an ending condition has occurred. For example, the gaming system determines that an ending condition has occurred when no winning symbol combinations are displayed for the play of the game. Following determination that the ending condition has occurred, the gaming system determines whether to provide access to an additional win opportunity for the play of the game. If the additional win opportunity is to be provided, the gaming system removes one or more symbols from a plurality of symbol positions even though such symbols do not form a winning symbol combination. The gaming system fills any resulting empty symbol positions by shifting symbols and/or displaying generated symbols, and provides awards for any then-generated winning symbol combinations. The additional win opportunity may be accessed because of a player wager or because other additional win opportunity criteria are satisfied.
US08998694B2
Apparatus and methods related to multi-player casino games are described. An electronic gaming device is provided that allows a live player to compete against a virtual player in a multi-player wager-based game using playing cards derived from the insertion of a physical denomination of currency. The electronic gaming device can be configured to simulate the decision making of a virtual player and associated behaviors of the virtual player during game play. In some instances, the simulated behaviors of the virtual player output at the electronic gaming device can be learned by a live player so that the live player can make better or more advantageous game play decisions. The simulated behaviors of the virtual player can be conveyed to the live player via visual images, such as simulated facial expressions of the virtual player.
US08998691B1
An energy efficient and quiet air cooling system for a building structure is provided. The air cooling system includes an evaporator system mounted in the wall of the building, a remotely mounted fan, an air intake, and a sound and heat insulating duct. The fan is mounted in the attic and configured to draw air from the living area of the building through the sound insulating duct with sufficient power to create a negative static pressure in the living area. The negative static pressure in turn causes outside air to flow through the evaporator system which removes heat from the outside air. The cooled air is in turn drawn into the building and pulled into the attic through the duct and expelled through the attic.
US08998688B2
An exhauster baffle is provided that may be used to prohibit fluid flow through a cavity except when a pressure on one side of the exhauster baffle is greater than a pressure on another side of the exhauster baffle. The exhauster baffle includes a body portion defining an opening, a sealer disposed on the body portion, and a flap disposed over the opening for regulating fluid flow through the opening. In one embodiment, the flap exposes the opening of the body portion to allow fluid to flow through the cavity when the pressure on one side of the exhauster baffle greater than the pressure on another side of the baffle to equalize pressure.
US08998686B2
The invention relates to a device for sorting coins, the diameter and thickness of which are within predefined size ranges.
US08998682B2
An apparatus includes: a cleaver configured to automatically cleave a bare fiber extending from an end face of a terminus or connector of a fiber optic cable, the cleaver including a bending element configured to bend the bare fiber and a defect-formation device configured to create a surface defect in surface of the bare fiber under tension when the bare fiber is bent by the bending element; and an abrader configured to automatically finish the end face of the terminus or connector after the bare fiber is cleaved.
US08998678B2
Flat-surfaced workpieces such as semiconductor wafers or sapphire disks are attached to a rotatable floating workpiece holder carrier that is supported by a pressurized-air flexible elastomer sealed air-chamber device and is rotationally driven by a circular flexible-arm device. The rotating wafer carrier rotor is restrained by a set of idlers that are attached to a stationary housing to provide rigid support against abrading forces. The abrading system can be operated at the very high abrading speeds used in high speed flat lapping with raised-island abrasive disks. The range of abrading pressures is large and the device can provide a wide range of torque to rotate the workholder. Vacuum can also be applied to the elastomer chamber to quickly move the wafer away from the abrading surface. Internal constraints limit the axial and lateral motion of the workholder. Wafers can be quickly attached to the workpiece carrier with vacuum.
US08998677B2
Flat-surfaced workpieces such as semiconductor wafers are attached to a rotatable floating workpiece holder carrier rotor that is supported by and rotationally driven by a bellows. The rotating wafer carrier rotor is restrained by a set of idlers that are attached to a stationary housing to provide rigid support against abrading forces. The idlers allow low-friction operation of the abrading system to be provided at the very high abrading speeds used in high speed flat lapping with raised-island abrasive disks. The carrier rotor is also restrained by a rigid rotating housing to allow a limited lateral motion and also a limited angular motion. Air pressure within a sealed bellows chamber provides controlled abrading pressure for wafers or other workpieces. Vacuum can also be applied to the bellows chamber to quickly move the wafer away from the abrading surface. Wafers can be quickly attached to the workpiece carrier with vacuum.
US08998672B2
A facial expression control device is provided. The facial expression control device of the present invention provides multiple structures and links, wherein the links are connected to the linking assembly; therefore varies facial expressions are expressed according to the combination of the structures and links. In this way, the facial expression is changed by means of the least actuators under the condition of maintaining the number of facial expression and imitation.
US08998668B1
A gas discharge device constructed out of one or more plasma-shells with an organic luminescent substance located on an external portion of each plasma-shell, the organic substance being excited by photons from a gas discharge within the plasma-shell. In one embodiment, the plasma-shell is made of an inorganic luminescent substance. The external organic luminescent substance may contain or be combined with an inorganic substance that may also be a luminescent substance. The plasma-shell may contain both inorganic and organic substances.
US08998659B2
A first member including an electric connection portion and a second member including an electric wire connecting portion are joined together. The first member and the second member are made of dissimilar metal materials. Joined portions of the first member and the second member are covered with a resin mold portion.
US08998658B2
The invention relates to a terminal with a housing, with at least two clamp contacts to produce an electronic connection to electric contacts and with connection elements for producing an electric connection to an electronic sub-assembly arranged outside the electrical terminal block, with the electrical terminal block comprising an electronic sub-assembly and with the clamp contacts being connected via the electronic sub-assembly to connection elements as well as an electrical terminal block-circuit board arrangement with an electronic sub-assembly in the form of a circuit board and with a terminal electrically connected to the electronic sub-assembly.
US08998643B2
A connector (27) is adapted to be connected to a circuit board (23) and has an insulating housing (41) adapted to be mounted to one end portion of the circuit board. The housing is provided with conductive contacts (42) each having a shape along the housing. The housing has first and second portions (51, 52) that respectively face both surfaces of the circuit board when the housing is mounted to the circuit board, and a joining portion (54) joining the first and second portions together. The contacts are insulated from the circuit board in the joining portion and are exposed in the first portion so as to be capable of contacting the surface of the circuit board.
US08998642B2
An electrical connector system includes a daughter card connector formed of a plurality of wafers. Each wafer is formed with cavities between the contacts of the signal conductors. The cavities are shaped to receive lossy inserts whereby crosstalk is reduced. The connector system may also or alternatively include a front housing formed with shield plates also to aid in reducing cross-talk. The front housing is adapted to mate between the wafers of the daughter card connector and a backplane connector of the electrical connector system. In an alternative embodiment, the front housing portion may include lossy conductive portions for cross-talk reduction.
US08998641B2
A terminal structure includes an electrical cable that includes an inner conductor, an insulator provided around the inner conductor, a shield layer made of a metal foil around the insulator, and a sheath layer made of a resin tape around the shield layer, a shielded connector that is connected to a terminal of the electrical cable. The shielded connector includes an inner terminal connected to the inner conductor, an insulating member covering the inner terminal, an outer terminal covering the insulating member, and a pressing member for pressing the outer terminal against the shield layer. The outer terminal includes connecting pieces disposed along an outer circumference of the insulator. The pressing member is crimped around the shield layer so that the connecting pieces are pressed against and connected to the shield layer.
US08998639B2
There is provided a board connector that prevents loads due to thermal changes in a connector housing from being directly imposed on soldered areas of anchor hardware and that enhances anchoring reliability of the anchor hardware. A board connector includes a connector housing to be populated on a circuit board, anchor hardware for soldering the connector housing to the circuit board, holding grooves that are formed on the connector housing and capable of press-fitting and holding upper lugs of the anchor hardware, and tapered portions that are formed in the respective holding grooves and that guide the upper lugs of each of the pieces of press-fitted anchor hardware in a direction away from each side surface of the connector housing, thereby creating clearance S between the anchor hardware and respective opposing side surfaces of the connector housing.
US08998634B2
A conductor terminal (1) having an insulating-material housing (6), at least one spring-force clamping contact (4) which is accommodated in the insulating-material housing (6), and having at least one operating pusher (8) which is operatively connected to at least one respective spring-force clamping contact (4) and is displaceably guided in a guide channel (1) in the insulating-material housing (6) in order to open and to close the associated spring-force clamping contact (4) is described. The at least one guide channel (10) has a recess (11) for accommodating a section of the operating pusher (8) which is guided in the respective guide channel (10). The recess (11) and the section of the operating pusher (8) are matched to one another in such a way that the operating pusher (8) can be fixed in an unlocking position, in which the spring-force clamping contact (4) is open, in the recess (11).
US08998630B2
Technologies for reducing the risk of fluid-induced electrical shorting in electrical connectors are provided. An electrical connector comprises a non-conductive member interposed between a first end and a second end of the connector that supports electrical contacts configured to conduct an electrical signal through the non-conductive member. The non-conductive member further has one or more peaks disposed on a surface of the non-conductive member between adjacent contacts.
US08998613B2
A method for determining color information of an object, wherein data is generated of the object with an image generation device having a field of view. The object and a reference implement having one or more regions of predetermined optical properties are positioned in the field of view. Data is generated of the reference implement, which includes a positional location attribute, based on which a position of the one or more regions of predetermined optical properties is determined by a processing system without operator identification of the position of the reference implement in the field of view. Color information of the object is generated by adjusting the data generated of the object based on the data generated of the reference implement. The color information may include value, chroma and hue information, RGB values, XYZ coordinates, or Lab values, and may be transmitted electronically to a remote location.
US08998611B2
A method forms a non-circular socket in a jawbone of a patient for receiving a dental implant. A pilot hole is formed in the jawbone. A framework having one or more sets of opposing drill points configured to rotate along axes that are transverse to a vertical axis is directed along the pilot hole. The framework produces the non-circular socket, which may have a series of tiers. A dental implant is inserted into the socket. The dental implant may have a series of tiered sections shaped so that each tiered section conforms to a respective one of the tiers in the socket. An abutment may be securely fastened to the dental implant.
