US08294439B2
The present invention discloses a buck-boost switching regulator, and a control circuit and a method therefor, to convert an input voltage to an output voltage. The control method comprises: obtaining a feedback signal relating to the output voltage; comparing the feedback signal with a reference voltage to generate an error amplified signal; when the error amplified signal is between a first voltage (V1) and a second voltage (V2), causing the switching regulator to operate in a buck conversion mode; when the error amplified signal is between a third voltage (V3) and a fourth voltage (V4), causing the switching regulator to operate in a boost conversion mode; and when the error amplified signal is between the second voltage and the third voltage, causing the switching regulator to operate in a buck-boost conversion mode in which each power switch operates according to a respective predetermined pulse width, wherein V1
US08294437B1
A power management device for controlling a power supply device includes a pulse generator, a delay unit, a first XOR gate, an OR gate, and a second XOR gate. The pulse generator generates a pulse signal, the delay unit, the first XOR gate, the OR gate, and the second XOR gate cooperatively generate an enabling signal corresponding to the pulse signal to enable and disable the power supply, and receive an output voltage of the power supply device as a feedback signal. Upon receiving the feedback signal, the power management device can stay at correct enabled and disabled statuses of the power supply device.
US08294436B2
A DC/DC converter comprises an inductive element (L) having a first terminal connected to an input connection (1) and a second terminal (4) coupled to a reference potential connection (3) by a first switching element (N1). A second switching element (P1) being a p-channel field-effect transistor couples the second terminal (4) to an output connection (2). A control unit (CTL) comprises a detection unit which is configured to detect a first mode of operation in which an input voltage (VIN) is higher than a desired output voltage (VOUT). The control unit is configured, upon detection of the first mode of operation, during a first phase (PH1) to control the first switching element (N1) to a closed state and a second switching element (P1) to an open state, during a second phase (PH2) which comprises a first sub-phase (PH2A) and a second sub-phase (PH2B), to control the first switching element (N1) to an open state, during the first sub-phase (PH2A), to control the second switching element (P1) to a closed state, and, during the second sub-phase (PH2B), to provide a control voltage to a gate terminal of the second switching element (P1) which is higher than a difference between an output voltage (VOUT) and a threshold voltage of the second switching element (P1).
US08294435B2
A power supply apparatus converting electric power stored in a first power storage unit into a prescribed voltage for supply to a load includes: a power storage unit-side terminal coupled to the first power storage unit; a second power storage unit; a load-side terminal coupled to the load; a converter unit for increasing output voltage of the first power storage unit to a first voltage and outputting the first voltage to the load-side terminal at a time of discharging of the first power storage unit; a step-up circuit for increasing the output voltage of the first power storage unit and supplying the increased voltage to the second power storage unit; and a backflow prevention circuit arranged between the second power storage unit and the load-side terminal to allow current to flow from the second power storage unit to the load-side terminal and block current flowing from the load-side terminal to the second power storage unit.
US08294429B2
A system and method are disclosed for regulating a generator controlled power signal. An exemplary embodiment of the system may include both a digital voltage regulator and an analog voltage regulator and a selector switch configured to switch modulation control between the digital and analog voltage regulators. A watchdog detection circuit may be included for detecting an upsetting event in the digital voltage regulator and may trigger switching of the generator excitation input voltage modulation from the digital voltage regulator to the analog voltage regulator. An exemplary embodiment of the method may include modulating the generator excitation input voltage using the digital voltage regulator, detecting an occurrence of an upsetting event in the digital voltage regulator, disabling the digital voltage regulator, and switching modulation of the generator excitation input voltage to the analog voltage regulator.
US08294411B2
A sensorless induction motor control device with a function of correcting a slip frequency wherein a slip frequency estimation unit estimates the slip frequency from at least one kind of current flowing through the motor. A voltage command value calculation unit calculates a D-phase voltage command value and a Q-phase voltage command value which are used for controlling a voltage applied to the motor using a Q-phase current command value calculated based on a difference between a speed estimation value, which is calculated using an estimation value of the slip frequency, and an externally supplied speed command value. An ideal voltage command value determination unit determines an ideal voltage command value using the speed command value and the Q-phase current command value. An actual voltage command value calculation unit calculates an actual voltage command value using the D-phase voltage command value and the Q-phase voltage command value. and A slip frequency correction unit compares the ideal voltage command value with the actual voltage command value and changes the estimation value of the slip frequency to make it smaller if the actual voltage command value is smaller than the ideal voltage command value.
US08294404B2
The electrical machine includes a movable part and a static part. The movable part rotates in relation to the static part around a dedicated rotary axis. An air-gap is located between the rotating and the static part of the machine. A device is positioned and used to measure the spacing of the air-gap. The static part and/or the movable part is coupled with an actuating-unit, which changes the relative position of the static part in relation to the movable part to adjust the spacing of the air-gap.
US08294397B2
A sensorless starting control method for a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor, comprising a first rotor-positioning step configured to position a rotor in a first position by operating a coil unit in a first excitation state, a second rotor-positioning step configured to operate the coil unit in a second excitation state such that the rotor rotates from the first position to a second position, and an open-looped starting step configured to excite a plurality of coils of the coil unit in sequence so as to drive the rotor to rotate in a predetermined direction, wherein the coil unit generates a back electromotive force (EMF) when the rotor rotates in the predetermined direction. The method further comprises a close-looped operation step configured to control the BLDC motor to attain a predetermined rotational speed via a feedback of the back EMF.
US08294392B2
An arrangement for supplying power to a system includes a first electric drive unit constructed to supply mechanical power to or receive mechanical power from a first coupled system of machines and a second electric drive unit constructed to supply mechanical power to or receive mechanical power from a second coupled system of machines. The first and second coupled system of machines are constructed to receive mechanical power or mechanical energy or to supply mechanical power or mechanical energy. The arrangement further includes a first kinetic energy storage device having a first electrical energy exchange machine which is electrically connected to the first electric drive unit, and a second kinetic energy storage device having a second electrical energy exchange machine which is electrically connected to the second electric drive unit. The first kinetic energy storage device is coupled to the second kinetic energy storage device.
US08294389B2
A thermally efficient liquid motion lamp maintains the proper temperature of liquids within the lamp to provide desired motion while using a minimal amount of energy. The lamp includes a submerged heater and a second heater in the base of the lamp, and an efficient non-incandescent light source for illuminating liquids in the lamp. A sensor measures the temperature of the liquids inside the lamp and the control system controls the heaters to first heat the lamp to operating temperature using the submerged heater and to maintain the temperature within operating limits at the base of the lamp using the second heater. The non-incandescent light source is preferably an LED and may be multi-color or an Ultra Violet (UV) LED cooperating with UV dyes in the liquids, but may be any highly efficient light source. The color and intensity of the LED may be controlled to follow music.
US08294369B1
A plasma generator for delivering a generated plasma to an area that is a distance from the area where the plasma is initially generated, including a dielectric tube portion extending from a gas inlet to a discharge aperture; an anode formed at least substantially around a portion of the discharge tube, wherein the anode is electrically coupled, via an electrical connection, to a power supply; a cathode formed at least substantially around a portion of the discharge tube, wherein the cathode is electrically coupled, via an electrical connection, to the power supply; and an elongate discharge tube attached or coupled to the discharge aperture such that when a generated plasma is produced, the generated plasma flows through the discharge tube.
US08294367B2
Electron sources for a cathodoluminescent lighting system are disclosed. An electron source is a broad-beam reflecting-type electron gun having a cathode for emitting electrons and a reflector and/or secondary emitter electrode and no grids. An alternative electron gun has a cathode having a heater welded to a disk, the disk having an emissive surface on a side facing a dome-shaped defocusing grid and an anode. A lighting system incorporating the electron sources has an envelope with a transparent face, an anode with a phosphor layer to emit light through the face and a conductor layer. The system also has a power supply for providing from five to thirty thousand volts of power to the light emitting device to draw electrons from cathode to anode and excite a cathodoluminescent phosphor, and the electrons transiting from cathode to anode are essentially unfocused. A power-factor-corrected embodiment is also disclosed.
US08294364B2
A plasma display panel is disclosed. In one embodiment, the plasma display panel includes a first member, which is a base substrate for forming a phosphor layer, having at least one inclined surface. Also a method of manufacturing the plasma display panel is disclosed. In one embodiment, both the first member and a second member formed on the first member are manufactured using a photolithography method using different exposure masks. Accordingly, the plasma display panel may be manufactured having increased reliability and productivity and a method of manufacturing the plasma display panel is provided.
US08294363B2
The invention provides a light-emitting device and an electronic apparatus, which are capable of preventing reduction of the amount of current flowing through light-emitting elements and which have an excellent display characteristic. Cathode wiring lines connected to a cathode are provided to surround an effective area outside the effective area where a plurality of pixels having light-emitting elements are provided. First to third power source lines connected to pixel electrodes are provided between the cathode wiring lines and the effective area.
US08294361B2
An organic electric field light-emitting element, containing an anode; a cathode; and an organic layer provided therebetween and containing a first organic layer, a second organic layer and a third organic layer laminated in this order from the anode side, wherein the first organic layer contains a first host material in an amount of 10 to 90 mass % and a first hole-transporting phosphorescent material in an amount of 10 to 90 mass %; the second organic layer contains a second host material in an amount of 65 to 96.9 mass %, a second hole-transporting phosphorescent material in an amount of 3 to 30 mass %, and an electron-trapping material in an amount of 0.1 to 5 mass %; the third organic layer contain a hole-blocking material whose T1 is higher than that of the second hole-transporting phosphorescent material by at least 0.1 eV, wherein the second host material, the second hole-transporting phosphorescent material, and the electron-trapping material satisfy the following relationship: |HOMOt2|>|HOMOh2| |HOMOt2|>|HOMOp2| |LUMOh2|+0.25 eV<|LUMOt2| |LUMOp2|+0.25 eV<|LUMOt2| and wherein the total average thickness of the first and second organic layers is at least 40 nm.
US08294353B1
Embodiments of a lighting apparatus comprise a barrier coating with multiple layers. Each layer comprises metal oxide particles such as gamma alumina particles and alpha alumina particles. In one embodiment, the barrier coating comprises a first layer that reduces mercury depletion and a second layer that improves opacity.
US08294350B2
A cathode HAS a cathode head in which a surface emitter is arranged that emits electrons upon application of a heating voltage. The surface emitter is fashioned as a parallel surface emitter with at least two emitter surfaces spaced apart from one another, to which at least one electrically conductive cutoff electrode is fed that is galvanically separated from the parallel surface emitter. Such a cathode has a good cutoff capability.
US08294348B2
Provided are a field emission electrode, a method of manufacturing the field emission electrode, and a field emission device including the field emission electrode. The field emission electrode may include a substrate, carbon nanotubes formed on the substrate, and a conductive layer formed on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate. Conductive nanoparticles may be attached to the external walls of the carbon nanotubes.
US08294344B2
A spark member (70) is formed by joining a noble metal member (71) and an intermediate member (75) and is provided in a spark discharge gap between a center electrode and a ground electrode (30). A bottom surface (80) of the intermediate member (75) is resistance-welded to an inner surface (33) of the ground electrode (30), and a weld metal zone (73) is formed in the region of joint therebetween. As viewed on the section of the spark member (70) which contains a centerline (Q), the weld metal zone (73) is reliably formed within the range of the length (D) of a columnar portion (76) as measured along a direction orthogonal to the projecting direction of the spark member (70) and has a length (d) of at least 0.1 times (10% of) the length (D).
US08294343B2
A side electrode for a spark plug is provided. The side electrode includes a side wire having a first end and a second end; an opening proximate to the first end, the opening extending from a first surface of the side wire to a second surface of the side wire, wherein the first surface has a flared portion proximate to the opening; and an electrode tip secured to the first end of the side wire, the electrode tip having a tip portion and a shaft portion, wherein the tip portion is located on the second surface and the shaft portion is secured to the side wire by engaging the flared portion.
US08294338B2
A piezoelectric resonator element includes: a resonating arm extending in a first direction and cantilever-supported; a base portion cantilever-supporting the resonating arm; and an excitation electrode allowing the resonating arm to perform flexural vibration in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. In the piezoelectric resonator element, the resonating arm includes an adjusting part adjusting rigidity with respect to a bend in a third direction that is orthogonal to the first and second directions.
US08294335B2
Elliptical vibrations are generated by combining longitudinal primary resonance vibrations resulting from expansion and contraction of a vibrator in a direction of a central axis and torsional secondary resonance vibrations or torsional tertiary resonance vibrations resulting from twisting of the vibrator around the central axis. A dimension ratio of a rectangle of the vibrator is set such that a resonance frequency of the longitudinal primary resonance vibrations and a resonance frequency of the torsional secondary resonance vibrations or the torsional tertiary resonance vibrations almost match. The vibrator includes a plurality of piezoelectric sheets. The longitudinal primary resonance vibrations and the torsional secondary resonance vibrations or the torsional tertiary resonance vibrations are generated because of formation of activation regions by polarization in a thickness direction of the piezoelectric sheets.
US08294332B2
A pressure transducer for high-pressure measurements comprising a housing and a piezoelectric resonator located in the housing, wherein the resonator comprises double rotation cut piezoelectric material configured or designed for vibrating in the fundamental tone of dual modes of the fast and slow thickness-shear vibrations.
US08294326B2
A stator for an electric motor has a laminated stator core 10 formed from a plurality of stacked laminations, and a stator winding formed from a plurality of coils 20 wound on bobbins 30. The stator core 10 has a plurality of teeth 40 which extend radially and alternately spaced between and connected to circumferentially extending yokes 50. The yokes and the teeth are separately formed with each yoke 50 being a stack of yoke laminations 12 and each tooth 40 being a stack of tooth laminations 14. The teeth 40 are inserted through the bobbins 30 and arranged in a cylindrical form with each tooth 40 extending radially. Yokes 50 are then fixed between radially outer ends 144 of adjacent teeth to complete the radially outer portion of the stator core. Each tooth 40 has a radial location surface 144b which contacts an inner surface of the adjacent yokes 50. The yokes 50 and teeth 40 are fixed together by welding the yokes 50 to the outer ends 144 of the teeth 40.
US08294321B2
An apparatus is provided having a cylindrical stator and a rotor that is spaced from a stator to define an annular primary air gap that receives AC flux from the stator. The rotor has a plurality of longitudinal pole portions disposed parallel to the axis of rotation and alternating in polarity around a circumference of the rotor. Each longitudinal pole portion includes portions of permanent magnet (PM) material and at least one of the longitudinal pole portions has a first end and an opposing second end and a side magnet is disposed adjacent the first end and a side pole is disposed adjacent the second end.
US08294320B2
An interior permanent magnet (IPM) machine having a rotor and a stator is provided. The rotor includes a radially inner barrier devoid of magnets, and a radially outer barrier having at least one permanent magnet, each barrier having two pockets with one pocket disposed at an angle relative to the other. At least one of the pockets of the inner barrier has a shape of an irregular quadrilateral. At least one of the pockets of the outer barrier has a substantially trapezoidal shape with a first side generally parallel to a second side, wherein the first side has a portion slanted relative to the third side. In such an IPM machine, demagnetization of the outer barrier magnet is limited when operating temperatures and electrical current exceed operating conditions prescribed by design specifications.
US08294312B2
Provided is a sintered bearing with oil for a spindle motor. The bearing is characterized in that at least one portion of upper and lower sides of the bearing is denser than other portions of the bearing.
US08294310B2
A motor 10 with reduction gear mechanism has a first worm 15 and a second worm 15′ having mutually opposite screw torsion directions; a first counter gear 30 including a first large-diameter gear 31 meshing with the first worm 15 and a first small-diameter gear 35 rotating as one piece with the first large-diameter gear 31; a second counter gear 30′ including a second large-diameter gear 31′ meshing with the second worm 15′ and a second small-diameter gear 35′ rotating as one piece with the second large-diameter gear 31′; and an output gear 40 meshing with both the small-diameter gears 35, 35′; wherein a first device 50 for applying a force to press the first counter gear 30 towards a gear case 21 is arranged between the tip of the first small-diameter gear 35 and a gear case cover 29, and a second device 50′ for applying a force to press the second counter gear 30′ towards the gear case 21 is arranged between the tip of the second small-diameter gear 35′ and the gear case cover 29.
US08294300B2
A base including a magnetically resonant antenna therein for relaying energy to a portable device.
US08294299B2
A control device for a DC-DC converter includes a PWM controller for generating a PWM signal to a switch module of the DC-DC converter according to a feedback signal of the DC-DC converter, a logic circuit for generating a selection signal according to a magnitude of an output current of the DC-DC converter, and a multiplexer coupled to a plurality of voltages for selecting one of the plurality of voltages to be a supply voltage according to the selection signal.
US08294297B2
A scalable power distribution system for a data center and methods for scaling a power distribution system are described. The scalable power distribution system includes a transformer that is connected to a load at its output. The input of the transformer is connected to two isolation switches. A source is connected to one switch at all times, and the source can be switched without affecting power to the load by synchronizing the two sources at the transformer before switching sources. The load is not de-energized at any time during the transfer process.
US08294293B2
Provided is a high-voltage electrical component unit for vehicles, including: an electrical storage device; a power control block disposed above the electrical storage device for controlling input-output power of the electrical storage device; and a power distribution block disposed across both side portions of the electrical storage device and the power control block for electrically connecting the electrical storage device and the power control block, the electrical storage device, the power control block and the power distribution block being fastened to one another, wherein a temporarily fastening section is provided at a separately-provided conductive functional component which electrically connects a connection terminal of the power distribution block and a connection terminal of the power control block, the temporarily fastening section engaging to both the power control block and the power distribution block to hold relative positions thereof.
US08294289B2
The disclosure concerns a method for operating a wind turbine having an electrical system, the electrical system comprises a permanent magnet generator having a rotor and a stator, and a power electronic device electrically connected to the permanent magnet generator, wherein the power electronic device and a circuit breaker are electrically disposed in series between the permanent magnet generator and a grid, wherein the permanent magnet generator has permanent magnets and a generator winding into which a voltage is induced by the permanent magnets when the rotor is rotating, the method comprising: generating a signal for tripping the circuit breaker based on a field modification that is modifying the field of the permanent magnets of the permanent magnet generator. Further, the disclosure concerns a method for determining the temperature of at least one permanent magnet of a permanent magnet machine and a controller for a wind turbine.
US08294287B2
Systems and methods are disclosed relating to a system including a launch tube and a generator connected with the launch tube. The generator uses multiphase materials (MPM) and compressed air to convert kinetic energy of the MPM into electrical energy.
US08294283B2
A disclosed semiconductor device includes a wiring board, a semiconductor element mounted on a principal surface of the wiring board with flip chip mounting, a first conductive pattern formed on the principal surface along at least an edge portion of the semiconductor element, a second conductive pattern formed on the principal surface along the first conductive pattern and away from the first conductive pattern, a passive element bridging between the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern on the principal surface of the wiring board, and a resin layer filling a space between the wiring board and the semiconductor chip, wherein the resin layer extends between the semiconductor element and the first conductive pattern on the principal surface of the wiring board.
US08294281B2
A method of forming a semiconductor device may include, but is not limited to, the following processes. A supporting substrate is prepared. The supporting substrate has a chip mounting area, and a plurality of penetrating slits around the chip mounting area. At least a stack of semiconductor chips is formed over the chip mounting area. A first sealing member is formed, which seals the stack of semiconductor chips without the first sealing member filling the plurality of penetrating slits.
US08294278B2
An integrated circuit described herein includes a substrate and a plurality of lines overlying the substrate. The lines define a plurality of first trenches and a plurality of second trenches. The plurality of first trenches extend into the substrate a distance different than that of the plurality of second trenches. Adjacent pairs of lines are separated by a first trench in the plurality of first trenches, and each pair of lines comprises a first line and a second line defining a corresponding second trench in the plurality of second trenches.
US08294268B2
Provided are a resin composition whose storability is not reduced, a prepreg which uses the resin composition and which is uniformly colored, a laminated board, a multilayer printed wiring board having excellent results in reliability tests such as a thermal shock test and the like, and a semiconductor device. The resin composition is a resin composition for a multilayer printed wiring board, comprising (A) a novolac type epoxy resin, (B) a curing agent, (C) an inorganic filler, and (D) a colorant, wherein the exothermic peak temperature of the resin composition, as measured by DSC, is within ±5° C. of the exothermic peak temperature of a resin composition composed of (A) a novolac type epoxy resin, (B) a curing agent, and (C) an inorganic filler.
US08294262B2
A LED chip package including a two-phase-flow heat transfer device, at least one LED chip, a metal lead frame and a package material. The two-phase-flow heat transfer device has at least one flat surface. The LED chip is directly or indirectly bonded or adhered to the flat surface of the two-phase-flow heat transfer device. Heat generated by the LED chip can be easily conducted away from the LED chip by the two-phase-flow heat transfer device such as a heat pipe, a vapor chamber and the like so as to prevent heat from accumulating in the LED chip thereby extending the service duration of the LED chip and to prevent the LED chip from deterioration of the light emitting performance caused by the accumulation of heat.
US08294260B2
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate including a first face and a second face on a side opposite to the first face; an external connection terminal formed on the first face of the semiconductor substrate; a first electrode formed on the first face of the semiconductor substrate and electrically connected to the external connection terminal; an electronic element formed on or above the second face of the semiconductor substrate; a second electrode electrically connected to the electronic element and having a top face and a rear face; a groove portion formed on the second face of the semiconductor substrate and having a bottom face including at least part of the rear face of the second electrode; and a conductive portion formed in the groove portion and electrically connected to the rear face of the second electrode.
US08294253B2
A semiconductor device includes: an electronic component including an electrode pad forming face on which electrode pads are formed, a back face opposite to the electrode pad forming face; a sealing resin including a first face provided on the electrode pad forming face side and a second face provided on the back face side, and provided around the electronic component to seal up a side face of the electrode component; a multilayer wiring structure which is provided on the first face, and in which insulating layers, a wiring pattern and external connecting pads are stacked on each other; and a conductive member which is provided in a through-hole passing through the sealing resin and the insulating layer. The wiring pattern is directly connected to the electrode pads and the external connecting pads, and includes a wiring provided in the insulating layers. The conductive member is connected to the wiring.
US08294250B2
A wiring substrate for a semiconductor chip includes a substrate, first and second wiring layers and a plurality of first and second bonding pads. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a window extending from the first surface to the second surface to expose chip pads of a semiconductor chip adherable to the first surface. The first and second wiring layers of a multi-layered structure are sequentially formed on the second surface of the substrate with at least one insulation layer interposed between the first and second wiring layers. A plurality of the first and second bonding pads are respectively connected to the first and second wiring layers, the first and second bonding pads having a concavo-convex arrangement on the second surface of the substrate along a side of the window.
US08294249B2
A lead frame package is disclosed where transmission signals are coupled into a die from a pair of lead frames through bonding wires that are separated by no more than three times a diameter of one of the bonding wires. In some embodiments, pairs of lead frames carrying differential transmission signals can be shielded by adjacent pairs of ground and power leads that are coupled into the die through bonding wires that are also separated by no more than three times a diameter of one of the bonding wires.
US08294247B2
Provided is a high-power device having a thermocouple (thermoelectric couple) for measuring the temperature of a transistor constituting a high-power device. The high-power device includes a heating element, a thermocouple formed adjacent to the heating element, and a dielectric body formed between the heating element and the thermocouple.
US08294232B2
An optical detector includes a detector surface operable to receive light, a depleted field region coupled to the underside of the detector surface, a charge collection node underlying the depleted field region, an active pixel area that includes the portion of the depleted field region above the charge collection node and below the detector surface, and two or more guard regions coupled to the underside of the detector surface and outside of the active pixel area. The depleted field region includes an intrinsic or a near-intrinsic material. The charge collection node has a first width, and the guard regions are separated by a second width that is greater than the first width of the charge collection node. The guard regions are operable to prevent crosstalk to an adjacent optical detector.
US08294228B2
A magnetic tunnel junction includes an amorphous ferromagnetic reference layer having a first reference layer side and an opposing second reference layer side. The first reference layer side has a greater concentration of boron than the second reference layer side. A magnesium oxide tunnel barrier layer is disposed on the second side of the amorphous ferromagnetic reference layer. The magnesium oxide tunnel barrier layer has a crystal structure. An amorphous ferromagnetic free layer is disposed on the magnesium oxide tunnel barrier layer.
US08294226B2
The present invention relates to large surface distributed pressure sensors comprising at least two flexible substrates, at least of one of these being entirely or partially coated by a layer of polythiophene containing repetitive structural units with formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 are independently a C1-C12 alkyl group or they form a C1-C12 1,n-alkylene group, with n=1-12, optionally substituted by a C1-C12 alkyl group, C2-C12 alkene, vinylene, benzyl, phenyl group, a halogen atom, or by an ester, amine, amide or ether functional group, optionally substituted by a C1-C12 alkyl group; and one or more insulating spacers. Said sensors are flexible and easy to manufacture and they may present different symmetric, simple or multilayer configurations, as desired.
US08294220B2
Contacts having different characteristics may be created by forming a first silicide layer over a first device region of a substrate, and then forming a second silicide layer over a second device region while simultaneously further forming the first silicide layer. A first contact hole may be formed in a dielectric layer over a first device region of a substrate. A silicide layer may then be formed in the first contact hole. A second contact hole may be formed after the first contact hole and silicide layer is formed. A second silicidation may then be performed in the first and second contact holes.
US08294205B2
A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor pillar, a first insulating film covering a side face of the first semiconductor pillar, a first electrode covering the first insulating film, a second semiconductor pillar, a second insulating film covering a side face of the second semiconductor pillar, and a second electrode covering the second insulating film. The top level of the second electrode is higher than the top level of the first electrode.
US08294204B2
A high-frequency power amplifier of the type to be mounted in an RF module for mobile phones having high-frequency power field effect transistors and gate protective diodes which are coupled between the gates and the sources of the high-frequency power field effect transistors. The gate protective diodes have an n type region formed over the main surface of a p type epitaxial layer, a first p type region formed at the center of the main surface of the n type region, a second p type region formed over the main surface of the epitaxial layer around the n type region from the periphery of the main surface of the n type region, and p+ type buried layers for coupling the second p type region to a substrate body. The distance between the end portions of the p+ type buried layers and the n+ type region is 7 μm or more.
US08294201B2
A device and method of formation are provided for a high-k gate dielectric and gate electrode. The high-k dielectric material is formed, and a silicon-rich film is formed over the high-k dielectric material. The silicon-rich film is then treated through either oxidation or nitridation to reduce the Fermi-level pinning that results from both the bonding of the high-k material to the subsequent gate conductor and also from a lack of oxygen along the interface of the high-k dielectric material and the gate conductor. A conductive material is then formed over the film through a controlled process to create the gate conductor.
US08294200B2
A non-volatile memory device includes a substrate, a tunneling layer over the substrate, a charge trapping layer including a nitride layer and a silicon boron nitride layer over the tunneling layer, and a blocking layer over the charge trapping layer, and a control gate electrode arranged on the blocking layer.
US08294199B2
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes first and second stacked structures, first and second semiconductor pillars, first and second memory units, and a semiconductor connection portion. The stacked structures include electrode films and first inter-electrode insulating films alternately stacked in a first direction. The second stacked structure is aligned with the first stacked structure in a second direction perpendicular to the first. The first and second semiconductor pillars pierce the first and second stacked structures, respectively. The first and second memory units are provided between the electrode films and the semiconductor pillar, respectively. The semiconductor connection portion connects the first and second semiconductor pillars and includes: an end connection portion; and a first protrusion having a side face continuous with a side face of the first semiconductor pillar. The semiconductor connection portion does not include a portion smaller than a diameter of the first semiconductor pillar.
US08294194B2
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes memory transistors, an interlayer insulating film, a peripheral transistor and a sidewall. The memory transistors are formed on a semiconductor substrate. Each of the memory transistors includes a first stack gate which includes a floating gate electrode, a second gate insulating film, and a control gate electrode. The interlayer insulating film is formed between the first stack gates. The interlayer insulating film includes a first air gap. The peripheral transistor is formed on the substrate. The peripheral transistor includes a second stack gate which includes a first gate electrode, a third gate insulating film, and a second gate electrode. The sidewall is formed on a side surface of the second stack gate and includes a second air gap. An upper end of the second air gap is located at a position lower than the third gate insulating film.
US08294185B2
A solid-state imaging device includes: a photoelectric conversion portion that receives an incident light from a back surface side of a silicon layer to perform photoelectric conversion on the incident light; and a pixel transistor portion that outputs signal charges generated in the photoelectric conversion portion towards a front surface side of the silicon layer, wherein a gettering layer having internal stress is provided on the front surface side of the silicon layer at a position to overlap the photoelectric conversion portion on a plan view layout thereof.
US08294178B2
There is provided a light emitting device using a compound semiconductor, which can improve electrical characteristics and internal quantum efficiency by maximizing the recombination rate of electrons and holes in an active layer. The light emitting device using a compound semiconductor includes a substrate; a compound semiconductor layer formed on the substrate, the compound semiconductor layer comprising an active layer; and a current spreading layer formed on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the active layer, the current spreading layer allowing electrons or holes to be uniformly spread into the active layer.
US08294175B2
A light-emitting device includes: a semiconductor layer including a first conductive contact layer, a first conductive cladding layer, an active layer, a second conductive cladding layer, a second conductive contact layer and a resin block layer in this order; a first electrode in contact with the first conductive contact layer; and a second electrode in contact with the second conductive contact layer. The second conductive contact layer includes a first opening at least in a region facing the first electrode. Moreover, the resin block layer includes a plurality of second openings communicated with the first opening, and the first opening has an air gap.
US08294167B2
The present invention relates to a light emitting diode with high electrostatic discharge and a fabrication method thereof, and more specifically to a light emitting diode comprising a first electrode layer provided over a upper surface of a first semiconductor layer and a upper surface of a second semiconductor layer; a transparent electrode layer formed on the upper surface of the second semiconductor layer, spaced from the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer provided on a upper surface of the transparent electrode layer. With the present invention, there is provided a light emitting diode element with resistance against electrostatic discharge and with high reliability being strong against electrical impact, by selecting a structure arranging a form of an electrode differently from a conventional electrode.
US08294153B2
A thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) pixel unit and a method for manufacturing the same. The pixel unit comprises a gate line and a gate electrode formed on a substrate and a first gate insulating layer, an active layer, and a doped layer that are sequentially formed on the gate line and the gate electrode. An intercepting trench is formed on the gate line to cut off the doped layer and the active layer on the gate line. A second insulating layer covers the intercepting trench and the substrate where the gate line and the gate electrode are not formed. A pixel electrode is formed on the second insulating layer and a part of the pixel electrode overlaps one of a source and drain electrodes.
US08294152B2
An electronic circuit formed on an insulating substrate and having thin-film transistors (TFTs) comprising semiconductor layers. The thickness of the semiconductor layer is less than 1500 Å, e.g., between 100 and 750 Å. A first layer consisting mainly of titanium and nitrogen is formed on the semiconductor layer. A second layer consisting of aluminum is formed on top of the first layer. The first and second layers are patterned into conductive interconnects. The bottom surface of the second layer is substantially totally in intimate contact with the first layer. The interconnects have good contacts with the semiconductor layer.
US08294151B2
A plurality of gate lines having gate electrodes are formed on a substrate and a semiconductor layer is formed on a gate insulating layer covering the gate lines. A plurality of data lines intersecting the gate lines are formed on the gate insulating layer and a plurality of drain electrodes are formed extending parallel with and adjacent to the data lines. Furthermore, a plurality of storage capacitor conductors are formed to be connected to the drain electrodes and to overlap an adjacent gate line. A passivation layer made of an organic material is formed on the above structure and has a contact hole. Furthermore, a plurality of pixel electrodes are formed to be electrically connected to the drain electrodes through the contact hole.
US08294147B2
An object is to manufacture and provide a highly reliable semiconductor device including a thin film transistor with stable electric characteristics. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including a thin film transistor in which a semiconductor layer including a channel formation region serves as an oxide semiconductor film, heat treatment for reducing impurities such as moisture (heat treatment for dehydration or dehydrogenation) is performed after an oxide insulating film serving as a protective film is formed in contact with an oxide semiconductor layer. Then, the impurities such as moisture, which exist not only in a source electrode layer, in a drain electrode layer, in a gate insulating layer, and in the oxide semiconductor layer but also at interfaces between the oxide semiconductor film and upper and lower films which are in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer, are reduced.
US08294138B2
A method for determining whether a quantum system comprising a superconducting qubit is occupying a first basis state or a second basis state once a measurement is performed is provided. The method, comprising: applying a signal having a frequency through a transmission line coupled to the superconducting qubit characterized by two distinct, separate, and stable states of differing resonance frequencies each corresponding to the occupation of the first or second basis state prior to measurement; and measuring at least one of an output power or phase at an output port of the transmission line, wherein the measured output power or phase is indicative of whether the superconducting qubit is occupying the first basis state or the second basis state.
US08294137B2
A field-effect transistor is provided and includes source, gate and drain regions, where the gate region controls charge carrier location in the transport channel, the transport channel includes a asymmetric coupled quantum well layer, the asymmetric quantum well layer includes at least two quantum wells separated by a barrier layer having a greater energy gap than the wells, the transport channel is connected to the source region at one end, and the drain regions at the other, the drain regions include at least two contacts electrically isolated from each other, the contacts are connected to at least one quantum well. The drain may include two regions that are configured to form the asymmetric coupled well transport channel. In an embodiment, two sources and two drains are also envisioned.
US08294134B2
A phase change memory device includes a switching device and a storage node connected to the switching device. The storage node includes a bottom stack, a phase change layer disposed on the bottom stack and a top stack disposed on the phase change layer. The phase change layer includes a unit for increasing a path of current flowing through the phase change layer and reducing a volume of a phase change memory region. The area of a surface of the unit disposed opposite to the bottom stack is greater than or equal to the area of a surface of the bottom stack in contact with the phase change layer.
US08294133B2
An electronic device 1 includes an electrical conductivity changeable body 2 whose electrical conductivity changes according to an electric field and an electric field applying device 3 that applies an electric field to the electrical conductivity changeable body 2. The electrical conductivity changeable body 2 contains RFe2O4, and its electrical conductivity changes due to a state of internal electrons being changed according to an electric field 4 applied from the outside by the electric field applying device 3. Thereby, an electronic device capable of changing its electrical conductivity in accordance with application of a small electric field is realized.
US08294120B1
The process of the present application differs substantially from the prior art, as it facilitates the deliberate extraction of electrons from atoms and molecules during the production of positive ions, as compared with occasionally and accidentally knocking them away. It is an energy efficient process for the extraction and capture of electrons, production of positive ions and negative ions, the construction of molecules and the selective decomposition of molecules. These results are accomplished by the forcible extraction of electrons from the object molecules and atoms. The present process is superior to any other intended for the production of positive ions and the composition and the decomposition of molecules, because it not only simplifies the process, but it also speeds the process, allowing a continuous stream or beam of particles to be so converted to positive ions. Additionally, the present process demonstrates its superiority to any other because it is extremely efficient, in that, once the system is fully charged, it requires only a small maintenance energy to sustain operation. Furthermore, by the reversal of electric polarity, the process allows the production of a continuous stream or beam of negative ions.
US08294102B2
This relates to a chemical biological threat detection system for enhancing the, discrimination in chemical biological threat detection in atmospheric air, low level chemical biological threat detection in air, as well as tactical determination of threat chemical biological agents' concentrations in a specific atmospheric range, at various time intervals. This uses the concept of quantitative monitoring the atmospheric air for chemical biological threats, as well as measuring the quantitative correlations/ratios in differential changes in the air, for the active/passive chemical biological Infrared (IR) EM radiation at an 8-12 μM wavelength, absorption/emission/scattering, using Electro-Optics. This chemical biological solution will use the reference chemical biological IR EM radiation (absorption, emission, scattering) signatures for comparison.
US08294097B2
The present invention provides a scanning charged particle beam device including a sample chamber (8) and a detector. The detector has: a function of detecting light at least ranging from the vacuum ultraviolet region to the visible light region, of light (17) having image information which is obtained by a light emission phenomenon of gas scintillation when the sample chamber is controlled to a low vacuum (1 Pa to 3,000 Pa); and a function of detecting ion currents (11, 13) having image information which are obtained by cascade amplification of electrons and gas molecules. Accordingly, it becomes possible to realize a device which can deal with observation of various samples. Further, an optimal configuration of the detection unit is devised, to thereby make it possible to add value to an obtained image and provide users in wide-ranging fields with the observation image. In addition, the detector is made usable in combination with a detector for high vacuum, to thereby make it possible to provide wide-ranging users with the image, irrespective of the vacuum mode.
US08294094B1
An apparatus and method are introduced in this invention to reduce the edge effect of a substrate that causes image variation or distortion due to applied substrate bias. An edge plate with an edge effect eliminator are provided such that substrate is inspected by a charged particle beam can capture images without distortion at substrate edge.
US08294090B1
Disclosed is a MALDI-TOF MS plate with which mass spectrometry may be performed with high reproducibility, and mass spectrum may easily be obtained even when the sample is a macromolecular substance such as a protein or nucleic acid, as well as mass spectrometry by MALDI-TOF MS using the plate. The MALDI-TOF MS plate has nanodot regions having a surface formed of a material which easily adsorbs nucleic acids and/or proteins, to which regions a test sample is attached. The mass spectrometry of a nucleic acid or protein is carried out by performing MALDI-TOF MS using this plate and using the nucleic acid or protein as a test sample.
US08294088B2
A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a Gas Electron Multiplier ion detector. The ion detector comprises three gas electron multiplier stages GEM1, GEM2, GEM3 wherein a counter electrode (12) is arranged adjacent the first electron multiplier stage GEM1.
US08294074B2
A solid state lighting system controls overall light output level in a step-wise manner by discretely controlling the ON/OFF state of its light emitters. Solid state emitters that are ON at a given time are set and kept at a level intended to produce a desired output characteristic, e.g. at a level to produce a described color of light. The system utilizes optical processing of the generated light, for example by diffuse reflection in an optical integrating cavity, sufficient to convert the point source output(s) from the emitting elements into a uniform virtual source output. The virtual source output appears uniform regardless of how many emitters are ON or OFF, and only the perceptible intensity of the light output changes with the number of emitters that the system has ON.
US08294066B2
A heated element includes a thermally and electrically conductive polymer in a shaped or spaced arrangement. The spaced arrangement has at least one string of material with ends that are configured to be electrically connected to a power source. A first end is connected to a positive terminal of the power source while the other end is connected to a negative terminal of the power source. A hand grip includes the heating element disposed on an inner layer, and may include an outer layer. The spaced arrangement may be disposed between the inner and outer layer for indirect heating applications. Alternatively, portions of the spaced arrangement may protrude from either the inner layer or the outer layer for direct heating applications. The heated element may be used with a number of devices, including but not limited to, golf club grips, hand grips, heating pads, blankets, or other applications.
US08294064B1
An electrode assembly and welding system and method. An electrode assembly preferably includes an electrode mounting block, a weld electrode disposed in said mounting block with a first end extending therefrom for contact with a work piece or a projection weld nut, an insulating bushing separating the weld electrode from direct contact with the mounting block, and a contacting electrode floatingly installed into a receiving cavity located in a second end of the weld electrode, the contacting electrode provided for contact by a gun arm electrode of a weld gun. A system and method of the present invention makes use of cooperating electrode assemblies to weld projection weld nuts to a fixtured work piece. Welding current is transferred from the electrodes of a weld gun to the projection weld nut(s) and work piece via the contacting electrodes and weld electrodes of associated electrode assemblies.
US08294058B2
The invention relates to a device for electrical resistance heating (1), said device being used to heat a metallic mass (3), such as horse shoes and the like, at a sufficiently high temperature for forging, and over a sufficiently short period of time to be able to meet the requirements of the job. As a substitute for gas, the inventive device offers the user a significant economical advantage, a higher level of safety, and improved working conditions.
US08294055B2
Disclosed are an electronic device case provided with a touch sensor unit having an improved adherence structure and a method for manufacturing the same. The electronic device case includes a cover, and a touch sensor unit arranged on a front surface of the cover.
US08294052B2
An electrical appliance housing including a hard plastic housing body defining a switch-actuating aperture. The aperture is sealed with a soft plastic membrane. An actuating button is fastened to a hard plastic base that is bonded to the membrane.
US08294045B2
A balance (100) has a balance housing (200), a balance pan (300), a weighing compartment (310) that contains the balance pan, a draft shield (400) with a fixed rear wall (210), the draft shield enclosing the weighing compartment, a system of balance electronics (500), a weighing cell (600) arranged below the weighing pan, and a weighing cell compartment (270) that encases the weighing cell. The weighing cell compartment is atmospherically connected by way of a hollow space (240) to the upper third of the weighing compartment. The balance electronics are arranged at the rear wall outside of the weighing compartment.
US08294037B2
A method for arranging a component on a circuit board, a circuit board, and a mobile device comprising a circuit board are described.
US08294030B2
A cable bus system is provided. The system may include a first cable bus support block mounted to a bus housing. The first block has a body with a front face, back face, and top face. The body of the first block defines a first cable receiving feature that extends from the front face to the back face of the body. First marking indicia is present on the front face of the first block. A second cable bus support block is adjacent the first block. The second block has a body with a front face, back face, and bottom face. The body of the second block defines a second cable receiving feature that extends from the front face to the back face of the body of the second block. Second marking indicia is present on the front face of the second block.
US08294014B2
Disclosed is an apparatus for securing a media or audio player to a support and the related methods of use.
US08294012B1
Method and apparatus for an elevation tray that quickly and easily adjusts the nut of a stringed musical instrument by containing, elevating, and lowering a traditionally fixed nut. The elevation tray attaches and detaches in the same manner, location and position as the traditional stationary nut blank between the headstock and fingerboard of the instrument. The elevation tray comprises a first and second side along with an interconnecting channel which contains a lift plate which contacts and adjusts the nut. A threaded screw passes through a cap and a bushing disposed in each side of the elevation tray to a mating threaded hole on each end of the lift plate so that the lift plate and the nut are moved up or down in response to the screw being turned clockwise or counterclockwise.
US08294009B2
A surface 60 of a butt 50 has a flat portion 61 which is situated forward and has a small inclination angle and a slanting pressure receiving portion 62 which is situated backward and has a large inclination angle as areas pushed up by a jack 40. Between the flat portion 61 and the slanting pressure receiving portion 62, an escapement portion 63 having an obtuse angle is formed. The escapement portion 63 is provided to correspond to a position of the jack 40 placed immediately after the start of swinging of the jack 40. The inclination angle of the slanting pressure receiving portion 62 is determined such that in a stage where a key starts returning from a slow full stroke key-depression, a position at which the butt 50 is in contact with the jack 40 is maintained with the butt 50 swinging backward.
US08294006B1
A novel maize variety designated PHWDV and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHWDV with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHWDV through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHWDV or a locus conversion of PHWDV with another maize variety.
US08293999B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024231. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024231. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024231 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024231 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08293998B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024338. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024338. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024338 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024338 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08293997B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024318. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024318. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024318 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024318 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08293990B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB00G10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB00G10, cells from soybean variety XB00G10, plants of soybean XB00G10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB00G10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB00G10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB00G10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB00G10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB00G10 are further provided.
US08293987B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP56002 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP56002, cells from soybean variety XBP56002, plants of soybean XBP56002, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP56002. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP56002 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP56002, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP56002. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP56002 are further provided.
US08293985B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB56X10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB56X10, cells from soybean variety XB56X10, plants of soybean XB56X10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB56X10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB56X10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB56X10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB56X10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB56X10 are further provided.
US08293984B1
The present invention is in the field of soybean cultivar 06JR212793 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean cultivar 06JR212793 and its progeny, and methods of making 06JR212793.
US08293975B2
Methods are provided in which a promoter hairpin construct is introduced into a cell to suppress expression of a gene of interest; a change in phenotype of the cell, or of an organism regenerated from the cell, is detected; and the change in phenotype identifies the function of a product of the gene of interest. Also provided are methods for restoring the original phenotype.
US08293973B2
The present disclosure concerns methods and compositions relating to UXS polypeptides and/or nucleic acids encoding UXS polypeptides. In certain claims, the methods and compositions are of use to improve digestibility and/or ease of grain processing. Such improvements relate to a modulation in arabinoxylan and/or hemicellulose content in transgenic plants. Such plants can, for example, comprise one or more nucleic acid sequences that inhibit expression of one or more UDP-Xylose Synthase (UXS) genes.
US08293967B2
A disposable absorbent article suitable for receiving and containing bodily exudates, the article comprising a front region, a back region and a crotch region disposed between said front and back region, each region having two opposing longitudinal edges, and wherein said article further comprises a window on any one of said regions for viewing a sensor suitable for measuring a condition selected from the group consisting of temperature, dehydration, rash, pH, analyte levels, humidity, and combinations thereof and wherein the sensor is placed adjacent to and facing said window placed adjacent to and facing said window.
US08293960B2
Processes are provided for the production of butadiene from C4 containing feed stocks that contain isobutene and/or isobutane in addition to n-butene(s) and/or n-butane. The processes of the present invention generally comprise feeding the feed stock to a combination butenes isomerization reaction and distillation tower for conversion of 1-butene to 2-butenes and separation from isobutene and isobutane, followed by an oxydehydrogenation unit to convert n-butenes to butadiene. The processes may also include additional isomerization and/or dehydrogenation steps for the tower overhead and bottoms streams to create additional isobutene and/or n-butenes for valued uses, which may include additional production of butadiene. The feed to the system may comprise any mixture or separate feeding of C4 olefins and C4 paraffins, at least one of which contains isobutene and/or isobutane.
US08293947B2
The present invention concerns a method for the preparation of therapeutically valuable triphenylbutene derivatives, especially ospemifene or fispemifene.
US08293945B2
Processes for preparing an amine, which processes comprise: reacting a reactant selected from the group consisting of primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and mixtures thereof, with hydrogen and a nitrogen compound selected from the group consisting of ammonia, primary amines, secondary amines and mixtures thereof, in the presence of a zirconium dioxide-and nickel-containing catalyst; wherein the catalyst comprises a catalytically active composition which comprises, before reduction with hydrogen, oxygen compounds of zirconium, nickel, and iron, and 0.2 to 5.5% by weight of at least one oxygen compound of tin, lead, bismuth, molybdenum, antimony or phosphorus, calculated as SnO, PbO, Bi2O3, MoO3, Sb2O3 and H3PO4 respectively; and wherein the catalytically active composition of the catalyst does not comprise any copper.
US08293937B2
The invention relates to a new industrial process for producing low-monomer-content organic polyisocyanates by oligomerization of organic diisocyanates in a two-phase system.
US08293934B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing isocyanates, which are industrially useful compounds, without using phosgene, and to provide a process for chemically recycling waste polycarbonate resin. The present invention discloses a process enabling isocyanate compounds to be produced without using phosgene as a raw material by subjecting a carbamic acid ester compound obtained by a reaction between an aromatic polycarbonate resin and an amine compound to a thermal decomposition reaction, while at the same time disclosing a process enabling chemical recycling of aromatic polycarbonate resin by recovering a divalent aromatic hydroxy compound forming aromatic polycarbonates.
US08293930B1
A process is provided for the semi-synthesis of taxane intermediates useful in the preparation of paclitaxel and docetaxel, in particular, the semi-synthesis of protected taxane intermediate in a one pot reaction of protecting the C-7 and C-10 positions and attaching a side chain at the C-13 position and subsequently deprotecting the group to form paclitaxel or docetaxel, and taxane intermediates.
US08293927B2
The present invention relates to methods for the synthesis of morphine, intermediates, salts and derivatives thereof. In preferred embodiments, the invention relates to methods for improving the efficiency and overall yield of said morphine, morphine related derivatives and intermediates thereof. In further embodiments, the invention relates to methods for improving the efficiency and overall yield of galanthamine and intermediates thereof.
US08293921B2
An object is to provide a novel triazole derivative having a bipolar property. Another object is to provide a light-emitting element, a light-emitting device, and an electronic device each having high emission efficiency. A triazole derivative represented by a general formula (G1), a light-emitting element, a light-emitting device, and an electronic device each formed using the triazole derivative represented by the general formula (G1) are provided. By use of the triazole derivative represented by the general formula (G1) for the light-emitting element, the light-emitting device, and the electronic device, the light-emitting element, the light-emitting device, and the electronic device each having high emission efficiency can be provided.
US08293914B2
The present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) which are M1 receptor positive allosteric modulators and that are useful in the treatment of diseases in which the M1 receptor is involved, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, pain or sleep disorders. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and to the use of the compounds and compositions in the treatment of diseases mediated by the M1 receptor.
US08293893B2
The present invention provides a method by which a 6-hydroxyethyl penam compound represented by General Formula (2) below can be produced with a high selectivity: wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a protective group for carboxylic acid and X2 represents a halogen atom; the method including the steps of reacting a Grignard reagent with a halogeno penam compound represented by General Formula (1) below: wherein R and X2 are the same as above, and X1 represents a halogen atom; reacting the generated compound with an amine compound; and further reacting the generated compound with acetaldehyde.
US08293892B2
The present invention relates to substituted tetrahydropyrazolo-pyrido-azepine compounds and methods of synthesizing these compounds. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing substituted tetrahydropyrazolo-pyrido-azepine compounds and methods of treating cell proliferative disorders, such as cancer, by administering these compounds and pharmaceutical compositions to subjects in need thereof.
US08293886B2
The invention relates to the identification of genes involved in resistance of cancer cells to therapy, to short nucleic acid molecules which inhibit the expression of these genes by RNA interference and to their use as adjuvant in cancer therapy, to sensitize cancer cells to conventional anticancer agents; the short nucleic acid molecules are double-stranded short interfering nucleic acid molecules including a sense and an antisense region, wherein the sense region includes a nucleotide sequence that is selected from the group consisting of: the sequences SEQ ID NO: 15, 11, 13, 14, 30, 31, 38, 46, 64 and 70 and the sequences having at least 70% identity, preferably at least 80% identity, more preferably at least 90% identity with the sequences, and the antisense region includes a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to the sense region.
US08293882B2
Isolated anti-tissue factor antibodies, immunoglobulins, cleavage products and other specified portions and variants thereof having enhanced ADCC activity, as well as anti-tissue factor antibody compositions, encoding or complementary nucleic acids, vectors, host cells, compositions, formulations, devices, transgenic animals, transgenic plants, and methods of making and using thereof. The antibodies of the invention bind human tissue factor and demonstrate enhanced ADCC activity. Accordingly, the antibodies can be used in a variety of methods for diagnosing, treating, and/or preventing diseases involving tissue factor, where enhanced ADCC activity is desirable such as cancer.
US08293879B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases. In particular, the present invention provides improved methods and compositions for the diagnosis and management of Graves' disease. The methods of the present invention not only avoids the need for radioactivity and are much simpler, economical, and rapid than methods traditionally used for the diagnosis of Graves' disease, but also improve upon the sensitivity and detection abilities of previous luciferase-based autoantibody detection assays.
US08293874B2
A Factor X (hereinafter referred to as “FX”) with a high activity is provided. The present invention relates to a method for efficiently preparing a recombinant, two-chain FX which comprises intervening glycosylation at such an amino acid sequence that is essential for glycosylation in FX to thereby allow for expression of a recombinant FX with no glycosylation, and the recombinant FX with no glycosylation obtained by said method.
US08293860B2
Disclosed is a non-thermofusible phenol resin powder having an average particle diameter of not more than 20 μm and a single particle ratio of not less than 0.7. This non-thermofusible phenol resin powder preferably has a chlorine content of not more than 500 ppm. This non-thermofusible phenol resin powder is useful as an organic filler for sealing materials for semiconductors and adhesives for semiconductors. The non-thermofusible phenol resin powder is also useful as a precursor of functional carbon materials such as a molecular sieve carbon and a carbon electrode material.
US08293854B2
In a method of synthesizing a silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieve having 90%+CHA framework type character, a reaction mixture is prepared comprising first combining a reactive source of aluminum with a reactive source of phosphorus to form a primary mixture that is aged. A reactive source of silicon and a template for directing the formation of the molecular sieve can then be added to form a synthesis mixture. Crystallization is then induced in the synthesis mixture. Advantageously, (i) the source of silicon comprises an organosilicate, (ii) the source of phosphorus optionally comprises an organophosphate, and (iii) the crystallized silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieve has a crystal size distribution such that its average crystal size is not greater than 5 μm. The molecular sieve can then preferably be used in a hydrocarbon (oxygenates-to-olefins) conversion process.
US08293849B2
A silicone composition for sealing a light emitting element includes: (A) a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane having a three-dimensional network structure represented by an average unit formula: (SiO4/2)a(ViR2SiO1/2)b(R3SiO1/2)c (where Vi represents a vinyl group, R's are identical or different substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon groups other than alkenyl groups, and a, b, and c are positive numbers satisfying that a/(a+b+c) is 0.2 to 0.6 and b/(a+b+c) is 0.001 to 0.2); (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane which has at least two hydrogen atoms, each hydrogen atom being bonded to a silicon atom per molecule, the organohydrogenpolysiloxane being contained in such an amount that an amount of a hydrogen atom bonded to a silicon atom is 0.3 to 3.0 mol per 1 mol of a vinyl group bonded to a silicon atom in the component (A); and (C) a hydrosilylation catalyst (catalytic amount), wherein a coefficient of linear expansion of the composition after curing is 10×10−6 to 290×10−6/° C. It is possible to obtain a cured product whose residual stress with a support substrate is reduced and which has long-term satisfactory and stable adhesiveness.
US08293837B2
The present invention provides a pigment dispersion, including: (a) a pigment; and (b) a polymer compound as a dispersant for the pigment (a), wherein the polymer compound includes a urethane bond in a main chain, includes a pendant moiety containing a skeleton which is the same as a partial skeleton of the pigment (a), and further includes, at a side chain, at least one polymer chain selected from the group consisting of a polyester chain, a poly(meth)acrylate chain, and a polyalkylene oxide chain, and wherein the molecular weight of the skeleton which is the same as a partial skeleton of the pigment (a) is from 20 to 70% of the molecular weight of the pigment (a).
US08293835B2
A silicone composition comprising an organopolysiloxane containing at least two silicon-bonded alkenyl and/or hydroxyl groups in the molecule and a filler having a BET surface area of at least 10 m2/g is prepared by kneading the components in a batchwise high-shear mixer. The mixer includes a rotatable mixing pan (1), a high-speed rotation agitator (3) disposed eccentrically in the pan, and a stationary scraper (4) disposed in the pan for creating a vertical counterflow.
US08293833B2
The present invention provides a rubber composition capable of reducing rolling resistance, and improving abrasion resistance, wet skid performance, and steering stability. A tire having a tread and/or a sidewall using the rubber composition is also provided. The rubber composition of the present invention comprises not less than 10 parts by weight of the silica (1) having an average primary particle diameter of not less than 22 nm and not less than 5 parts by weight of the silica (2) having an average primary particle diameter smaller than 22 nm based on 100 parts by weight of a rubber component, wherein the total amount of the silica (1) and the silica (2) is 15 to 150 parts by weight. The tire of the present invention is prepared by using the rubber composition.
US08293831B2
Disclosed is a thermoplastic composition including at least one semi-aromatic polyamide having a glass transition equal to or greater than 100° C. and a melting point of equal to or greater than 280° C.; a thermally conducting filler having a thermal conductivity of at least 5 W/mK, for instance CaF2 powder; and at least one hyperbranched polyesteramide having terminal hydroxy groups; and molded articles made therefrom.
US08293830B2
This invention relates to composites for use in high temperature elastic composite applications. Most particularly, this invention relates to elastic composites formed with a silanol-silanol condensation reaction mixture of silsesquioxane silicone resins thermally stabilized by boron nitride, silica and boron oxide additives as their matrix. The polymer matrix composite comprise a matrix of cured high, intermediate and optionally low molecular weight silicone resins including boron nitride and silica additives and reinforcing material.
US08293828B2
The present invention relates to using an adhesive and process for heating, curing, joining, attaching and detaching a part article from a body substrate structure. Described are polymeric adhesive compositions and methods of curing using a radiation apparatus for rapid adhesive bonding and attaching a fastener part to a structure surface. The adhesive composition contains additives that directly or indirectly absorb projected radiation from a radiation apparatus to rapidly and uniformly melt the adhesive and bond the surface of the part material onto the surface of the substrate material. A process is also described to reverse the adhesive bonding and detach the fastener part from the substrate.
US08293825B2
The present invention relates to the use of a polymer dispersion (PD) comprising at least one polymer (P), obtainable by free-radical emulsion polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer (M1) and at least one monomer (M2) different therefrom and selected from esters of phosphonic acid or of phosphoric acid with unalkoxylated or alkoxylated hydroxyalkyl(meth)acrylates, and at least one emulsifier (E) selected from phosphoric esters with unalkoxylated or alkoxylated C8-C30 alkanols, and their salts, in coating materials to improve the scrub resistance of the coatings produced therefrom and/or to improve the burnish resistance of the coatings produced therefrom and/or to improve the stain resistance of the coatings produced therefrom and/or to improve the pigment distribution in the coatings produced therefrom and/or to reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds by the coatings produced therefrom, to polymer dispersions used in accordance with the invention, and to coating materials comprising the polymer dispersions of the invention.
US08293824B2
Provided are a polylactic acid resin composition which has a superior weatherability while inhibiting crystallization, and a resin molded article using this polylactic acid resin composition.The polylactic acid resin composition according to the present invention is a polylactic acid resin composition in which a hindered amine compound having a partial structure represented by the following General Formula (1): (wherein, R1, R2, R3 and R4 each independently represents a C1 to C4 alkyl group; and R represents a C1 to C18 alkyl group, C1 to C18 acyl group or C5 to C8 cycloalkyl group, which is optionally substituted with a hydroxyl group) is blended at an amount of 0.005 to 30 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of polylactic acid resin. The resin molded article according to the present invention is obtained by molding this polylactic acid resin composition.
US08293818B2
The present application is generally directed to activated carbon materials and methods for making the same. The disclosed methods comprise rapidly freezing synthetically prepared polymer gel particles. The methods further comprise drying, pyrolyzing, and activating steps to obtain an activated carbon material of high porosity. The disclosed methods represent viable manufacturing processes for the preparation of activated carbon materials.
US08293815B2
A process for the production of a translucent, IR-reflective plastic element, consisting entirely or at least in part of an impact-resistant, thermoplastic plastic, containing IR-reflective particles made of a lamellar-shaped carrier pigments coated with a metal oxide and the plastic element made therefrom.
US08293812B2
The invention provides a polymer composite comprising a thermoplastic host polymer having solid particulate material dispersed therethrough, the host polymer having at least one phase nanodomain, wherein the solid particulate material comprises particles having height, length and width dimensions of which at least one is substantially less than one or both of the other dimensions, and wherein the composite exhibits an increase in modulus of no more than 15% and a higher tensile strength, relative to said host polymer.
US08293810B2
A resin composition suited for rapid prototyping is provided comprising (I) an actinic energy radiation-curable silicone composition, (II) an actinic energy radiation-sensitive polymerization initiator, and (III) an actinic energy radiation absorber. The resin composition experiences little viscosity buildup and maintains fluidity during long-term storage at elevated temperature, and is effective in rapid prototyping or shaping by stereolithography using any actinic energy radiation.
US08293809B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel cationic photopolymerization initiator that efficiently absorbs light and generates protons. As a means of achieving the object above, a preferred cationic photopolymerization initiator of the present invention includes an initiator comprising a bismuthonium salt represented by the following general formula (II): Wherein R11, R12, and R13 may be the same or different and are each an optionally substituted monocyclic aryl group or an optionally substituted monocyclic heteroaryl group, R14 is an optionally substituted fused polycyclic aromatic group or an optionally substituted fused polycyclic heterocyclic group, and X− is an anion associated with a cation.
US08293801B2
A skin lightening method for lightening the natural skin tone of a user, or for treating disorders of hyperpigmentation, includes delivering an effective amount of methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) to an individual in need of skin lightening, until an noticeable lightening of skin tone is observed. Delivery may be accomplished by topical application, oral ingestion, or a combination of the foregoing. The skin lightening effect may be enhanced by application of an exfoliate during the treatment period. A transdermal patch may be used to deliver MSM to specific skin areas. A lightening of skin tone equivalent to one or two Fitzpatrick skin type classes may be achieved in about three to six months. After cessation of treatment, skin returns to its natural, genetically-determined tone.
US08293799B2
The osmotic devices of the present invention include a single core comprising a salt of a drug and an osmotic salt, wherein the drug salt and the osmotic salt have a common ion. The release rate of the active drug is reduced, and the release profile of the active drug is modified, from a first order release profile to a zero order, pseudo-zero order, or sigmoidal release profile, by increasing the amount of the sodium chloride in the core of the device. In one embodiment the sodium chloride is used to modify a controlled release profile to a delayed and controlled release profile.
US08293794B2
The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of CNS-related conditions. One of the CNS-related conditions treated by the methods and compositions of the invention is Alzheimer's disease.
US08293789B2
A method of solubilizing an analog active agent of the prostaglandin F2α, such as latanoprost, is described and a method of preparing an ophthalmic solution of the solubilized latanoprost for the treatment of distinct ocular ailments. This invention also refers to an ophthalmic aqueous solution resulting from the aforementioned method, which is characterized by its chemical stability at room temperature, its safety, and innocuousness and efficiency in the treatment of the patient. The new ophthalmic aqueous solution is distinguished because its pharmaceutical value is found in the handling of a vehicle of easy access that not only permits the solubility of latanoprost, but also promotes its chemical stability and a greater tolerance of the patient with its ophthalmic application for the treatment of the patient's ailment.
US08293782B2
A compound represented by Formula (1) below, where n is 2 or 3; a is an integer of 1 to 4 and b is an integer of 3 and 5 to 10, or a is 5 and b is an integer of 1 to 10; R1 to R8 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a sulfonate that is any one of sodium sulfonate, potassium sulfonate, ammonium sulfonate, triethylammonium sulfonate, pyridinium sulfonate, lysine sulfonate, and arginine sulfonate; and R9 to R12 each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C3 alkyl group.
US08293775B2
The present invention relates to benzoxazolone derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals, in the treatment of movement disorders, in particular in Parkinson's disease.
US08293772B2
The invention relates to novel compounds according to formula Ia and Ib, said compounds being useful, e.g. in the treatment of inflammatory, ophthalmic diseases, or cancer.
US08293764B2
Contemplated compounds disrupt interaction between BRCA2 and RAD51, likely by binding to RAD51. Based on the crucial role of the BRCA2-RAD51 complex formation in DNA repair and the role of RAD51 in the control of entry into S-phase from G1, numerous compositions and methods are presented. Among other advantageous uses, contemplated compounds may be employed as protective agents for non-neoplastic cells in chemotherapy before exposure of the cells to a chemotherapeutic drug, and/or as DNA-damage sensitizer for neoplastic cells.
US08293754B2
This invention provides thienopyrimidine derivatives of the formula, wherein R1 stands for hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or the like; R2 stands for a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or amino group or the like, R3 stands for an alkyl, alkenyl or alkylthio group or the like or a group Y—X—; or R2 and R3 may together form tetramethylene group; X standing for a direct bond or linking group such as CH2, CH(OH), S, O, NH; Y standing for a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic carbocycylic, aromatic heterocylic, cycloalkyl or saturated heterocyclic group or the like; Z stands for S or O, and n is 0 or an integer of 1 to 4, or salts thereof, which exhibit an inhibitory effect on PDE9, and are therefore useful for prevention or treatment of overactive bladder syndrome, pollakiuria, urinary incontinence, dysuria associated with prostatic hyperplasia, urolithiasis, Alzheimer's disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, myocardial infarction, thrombosis, diabetes and the like.
US08293752B2
The present invention provides compounds useful as inhibitors of Raf protein kinase. The present invention also provides compositions thereof, and methods of treating Raf-mediated diseases.
US08293749B2
Methods of treating or preventing a vertigo, nausea, or vomiting condition comprising injecting a subject with a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation consisting essentially of an effective amount of meclizine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a chemically modified cyclodextrin, and an aqueous carrier medium having a pH between about 2 and about 7 are disclosed. An injectable pharmaceutical formulation for treating or preventing a vertigo, nausea, or vomiting condition consisting essentially of an effective amount of meclizine, a chemically modified cyclodextrin, and an aqueous carrier medium having a pH between about 2 and about 7 is also disclosed.
US08293748B2
There are provided inter alia compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, Ar, L, X, R3 and Q are as defined in the specification for use in therapy, especially in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
US08293745B2
The present invention relates to the use of imatinib for treating viral liver diseases and in particular for viral hepatitis. The invention provides the use of imatinib for inhibiting replication, transmission or both of hepatitis viruses. The invention further relates to the use of imatinib for inhibiting replication, transmission or both of other viruses including herpes virus, poxvirus, influenza virus, para influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, yellow fever virus, west nile virus, and encephalitis virus.
US08293744B2
The present invention is directed to heterocyclic fused cinnoline compounds of formula (I) which are M1 receptor positive allosteric modulators and that are useful in the treatment of diseases in which the M1 receptor is involved, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, pain or sleep disorders. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and to the use of the compounds and compositions in the treatment of diseases mediated by the M1 receptor.
US08293741B2
Biocompatible intraocular implants include an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a polymer associated with the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist to facilitate release of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist into an eye for an extended period of time. The alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants can be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions, such as an ocular vasculopathy or glaucoma, among others or to improve vision in a normal eye.
US08293739B2
The invention relates to compositions comprising 2-(5-(4-(2-morpholinoethoxy)phenyl)pyridin-2-yl)-N-benzylacetamide and its mesylate and dihydrochloride salts. More specifically, the invention provides an efficient process for the synthesis of 2-(5-(4-(2-morpholinoethoxy) phenyl)pyridin-2-yl)-N-benzylacetamide and its mesylate and dihydrochloride salts and methods for modulating one or more components of a kinase cascade using the compositions of the invention.
US08293737B2
The present invention relates to chemical compounds of general formula (I) which may possess useful therapeutic activity in a range of central nervous system disorders, and in particular, anxiety disorders.
US08293736B2
The invention provides compounds having the general formula: and stereoisomers, tautomers, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and n are defined herein, compositions including the compounds and method of using the compounds to treat a disease or disorder mediated by the p110 delta isoform of PI3 kinase selected from immune disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disease, viral infection, inflammation, metabolism/endocrine function disorders and neurological disorders.
US08293733B2
Selective insect neonicotinoids is a class of pesticide active ingredients that share some characteristics in their chemical structures and bind to the nAChR acetylcholine receptors. Formulation of such compounds in oil suspension or oil dispersion is challenging due to their electrostatic interactions of the heteroatoms in oily media, that lead to irreversible flocculation or diminished homogeneicity and bleeding of such oil dispersions. Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxam, Thiachloprid, Nitenpyram, Acetamiprid, Clothianidin and Dinetofuran and derivatives thereof with nAChR binding ability are successfully formulated in oil suspension with the use of certain copolymeric anionic fatty-acid based dispersants, sorbitan derivatives, ionic surfactants, other non-ionic surfactants and inorganic polyvalent cationic salt dispersed in the oil. The formulations this way produced show excellent storage stability properties regarding physiochemical parameters, including stability of the neonicotinoid active ingredient, reduced bleeding, and complete redispersibility. Further, they show excellent biological efficacy due to the reduced and homogeneous particle size below 2 μm when diluted—emulsified—in water.
US08293730B2
The present invention is concerned with a method of treating Alzheimer's disease by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a substituted imidazo[1,5-a][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-d][1,4]benzodiazepine of formula I wherein R1, R2, and R3 are as defined herein, and their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts. The invention also provides novel compounds of formula I-A and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.
US08293728B2
In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating and/or preventing cardiovascular-related disease and, in particular, a method of blood lipid therapy comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising eicosapentaenoic acid or a derivative thereof.
US08293720B2
The present invention provides substituted 4-{3-[6-amino-9-(3,4-dihydroxy-tetrahydro-furan-2-yl)-9H-purin-2-yl]-prop-2-ynyl}-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid esters and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same that are selective agonists of A2A adenosine receptors (ARs). These compounds and compositions are useful as pharmaceutical agents.
US08293719B2
The features of the present invention relate to compounds, compositions and methods useful for modulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), such as by the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi). The compounds and compositions include iRNA agents that can be unmodified or chemically-modified.
US08293718B2
The present disclosure relates to methods of treating heat shock factor 1 (HSF1)-related diseases such as cancer and viral diseases, using a therapeutically effective amount of a RNAi agent to HSF.
US08293717B2
The subject invention concerns a method of inhibiting an RNA virus infection within a patient by increasing the amount of 2-5 oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5 AS) activity within the patient. Preferably, the preventative and therapeutic methods of the present invention involve administering a nucleotide encoding 2-5 AS, or at least one catalytically active fragment thereof, such as the p40, p69, p100 subunits, to a patient in need thereof. The present inventors have determined that overexpression of 2-5AS causes a reduction in epithelial cell damage, reduction in infiltration of mononuclear cells in the peribronchiolar and perivascular regions, and reduction in thickening of the septa in the lungs. Levels of chemokines, such as MIP1-α, are also reduced upon overexpression of 2-5AS. The subject invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions containing a nucleotide sequence encoding 2-5 AS and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as vectors for delivery of the 2-5 AS nucleotide sequence.
US08293714B2
The present invention provides VEGF binding peptides. In addition, the invention provides VEGF peptides conjugated to antibodies alone and in conjunction with other anti-angiogenic molecules. Various uses of the peptides and compounds are provided, including methods to treat disorders associated with abnormal angiogenesis.
US08293713B2
The present invention relates to methods of treating dry eye using β-turn peptidomimetic cyclic compounds or derivatives thereof. The β-turn peptidomimetic cyclic compounds can be used alone, in combination and/or in conjunction with one or more other compounds, molecules or drugs that treat dry eye.
US08293692B2
The present invention provides a lubricating oil composition comprising at least one type of base oil selected from mineral oils and synthetic oils, and a succinate ester and a sarcosinic acid as rust prevention agents. The succinate ester content is preferably set at 0.01 to 0.1 wt. %, and the sarcosinic acid content is preferably set at 0.001 to 0.01 wt. %. Further, they are preferably set such that the resulting weight ratio of the succinate ester content and sarcosinic acid content is 1:0.01 to 0.7. The lubricating oil composition according to the present invention shows excellent rust prevention properties and a satisfactorily long oxidation lifetime. Further it allows to attain a high level of anti-sludge performance and extreme pressure performance and lubrication performance, even when it is used for example in turbine bearings in combined cycle generators having multiplier gears operated under severe high temperature and high pressure conditions.
US08293689B2
The invention provides a lubricating composition containing an oil of lubricating viscosity and polymer with pendant groups. The invention further provides for a method of controlling viscosity index by supplying to an oil of lubricating viscosity the polymer with pendant groups.
US08293688B2
The present invention is directed to an enhanced oil recovery composition comprising (a) a surfactant comprising an alkylated hydroxyaromatic sulfonate having the general formula: wherein R1 is an alkyl group containing from about 8 to 40 carbon atoms and having from about 20% to about 50% methyl branching, and M is a mono-valent cation; (b) a solvent; (c) a passivator; and (d) a polymer.
US08293686B2
A water-based polymer drilling fluid, containing effective quantities of surfactants having HLB numbers equal to or greater than approximately 7, emulsifies oil and bitumen contained in oil sand cuttings, resulting in the oil and bitumen being dispersed into the mud as an emulsion. This eliminates or significantly reduces the ability of the oil, bitumen, and cuttings to clog the well or stick to drill string components when drilling a well through oil-bearing sands, particularly sands containing highly viscous oil or bitumen. The emulsification process separates the sand particles from the oil and bitumen, such that the sand particles can be removed when the mud is run through a conventional shale shaker or other suitable apparatus.
US08293678B2
A metal fiber based on one or several elements from the group of platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, and iridium with 0 to 30% by weight of one or several additional alloy elements from the group of nickel, cobalt, gold, rhenium, molybdenum, and tungsten, contains 1 to 500 ppm by weight of boron or phosphorus. A non-woven material or netting, in particular for the production of nitrogen oxide or for the production of hydrocyanic acid, is made of such fibers. For the production of fibers based on noble metals having up to 30% by weight of additional alloy metals by drawing the fibers from a melt, the melting point of the metal is reduced by at least 400 ° C., before drawing of the fibers, by additionally alloying with boron or phosphorus, and the boron or the phosphorus is removed again from the fibers.
US08293672B2
A solid catalyst component for olefin polymerization in which the molar ratio of residual alkoxy groups to supported titanium is 0.60 or less is obtained by reacting the following compound (a1) with the following compound (b1) at a hydroxyl group/magnesium molar ratio of 1.0 or more, reacting the reaction mixture with the following compound (c1) at a halogen/magnesium molar ratio of 0.20 or more, reacting the resultant reaction mixture with the following compounds (d1) and (e) at a temperature of 120° C. or higher but 150° C. or lower, washing the reaction mixture with an inert solvent, reacting the reaction mixture with the following compound (e) again at the above temperature and washing the reaction mixture with an inert solvent, whereby there can be provided the solid catalyst component for olefin polymerization and a catalyst for olefin polymerization which have high polymerization activity and give an olefin polymer having a less residual Cl content and being excellent in stereoregularity and powder form and a process for producing an olefin polymer, (a1) an oxide of at least one element that is selected from Group II to Group IV elements and which supports an alcohol-free halogen-containing magnesium compound, (b1) an alcohol, (c1) a halogen-containing silicon compound, (d1) an electron-donating compound, and (e) a halogen-containing titanium compound.
US08293671B2
Provided is a method for suppressing corrosion of a carbon material, which acts as a carrier in a catalyst layer of PEFC. The present invention relates to an electrode catalyst produced by subjecting a carbon material having a noble metal catalyst supported thereon to heat treatment under inert gas atmosphere.
US08293662B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes steps of: generating positively or negatively charged fine bubbles having substantially zero buoyancy in a coating solution as an insulating film forming material; coating the coating solution including the bubbles on a substrate to form a coating film; and baking the coating film by heating the substrate before the bubbles are removed to obtain a porous low dielectric constant insulating film.
US08293657B2
Systems and methods for processing sacrificial layers in MEMS device fabrication are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: applying a patterned layer of Aerogel material onto a substrate to form an Aerogel sacrificial layer; applying at least one non-sacrificial silicon layer over the Aerogel sacrificial layer, wherein the non-sacrificial silicon layer is coupled to the substrate through one or more gaps provided in the patterned layer of Aerogel material; and removing the Aerogel sacrificial layer by exposing the Aerogel sacrificial layer to a removal liquid.
US08293650B2
A phase change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of phase change cell regions; a lower electrode formed in each of the phase change cell regions on the semiconductor substrate; an insulation layer formed on the semiconductor substrate to cover the lower electrode and defined with a contact hole which exposes the lower electrode; a heater formed in the contact hole; a conductive pattern formed on the insulation layer to be spaced apart from the heater; a phase change layer formed on the heater, the conductive pattern, and portions of the insulation layer between the heater and the conductive pattern; and an upper electrode formed on the phase change layer. This phase change memory device allows the phase change layer to be stably formed and prevents the phase change layer from lifting.
US08293639B2
A method for controlling an ADI-AEI CD difference ratio of openings having different sizes is described. The openings are formed through a silicon-containing material layer, an etching resistive layer and a target material layer in turn. Before the opening etching steps, at least one of the opening patterns in the photoresist mask is altered in size through photoresist trimming or deposition of a substantially conformal polymer layer. A first etching step forming thicker polymer on the sidewall of the wider opening pattern is performed to form a patterned Si-containing material layer. A second etching step is performed to remove exposed portions of the etching resistive layer and the target material layer. At least one parameter among the parameters of the photoresist trimming or polymer layer deposition step and the etching parameters of the first etching step is controlled to obtain a predetermined ADI-AEI CD difference ratio.
US08293629B2
Embodiments of a process for forming a photodetector region in a CMOS pixel by dopant implantation, the process comprising masking a photodetector area of a surface of a substrate for formation of the photodetector region, positioning the substrate at a plurality of twist angles, and at each of the plurality of twist angles, directing dopants at the photodetector area at a selected tilt angle. Embodiments of a CMOS pixel comprising a photodetector region formed in a substrate, the photodetector region comprising overlapping first and second dopant implants, wherein the overlap region has a different dopant concentration than the non-overlapping parts of the first and second implants, a floating diffusion formed in the substrate, and a transfer gate formed on the substrate between the photodetector and the transfer gate. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US08293628B2
Processes for forming quantum well structures which are characterized by controllable nitride content are provided, as well as superlattice structures, optical devices and optical communication systems based thereon.
US08293627B2
The described system relates to a method for forming a layer of a mono-crystalline semiconductor material on a substrate, comprising providing a substrate, growing epitaxially a template comprising at least one monolayer of a semiconductor material on the substrate, thereafter depositing an amorphous layer of the semiconductor material on the template; performing a thermal treatment or a laser anneal, thereby converting substantially all of the amorphous layer of the semiconductor material into a mono-crystalline layer of the semiconductor material. According to an embodiment, the semiconductor material is Ge and the substrate is a Si substrate. The template is preferably a few monolayers thick.
US08293625B2
A hard mask material is removed from an SOI substrate without using a chemical mechanical polish (CMP) process. A blocking material is deposited on a hard mask material after a deep trench reactive ion etch (RIE) process. The blocking material on top of the hard mask material is removed. A selective wet etching process is used to remove the hard mask material. Trench recess depth is effectively controlled.
US08293624B2
A method and apparatus for an electronic substrate having a plurality of semiconductor devices is described. A thin film of nanowires is formed on a substrate. The thin film of nanowires is formed to have a sufficient density of nanowires to achieve an operational current level. A plurality of semiconductor regions are defined in the thin film of nanowires. Contacts are formed at the semiconductor device regions to thereby provide electrical connectivity to the plurality of semiconductor devices. Furthermore, various materials for fabricating nanowires, thin films including p-doped nanowires and n-doped nanowires, nanowire heterostructures, light emitting nanowire heterostructures, flow masks for positioning nanowires on substrates, nanowire spraying techniques for depositing nanowires, techniques for reducing or eliminating phonon scattering of electrons in nanowires, and techniques for reducing surface states in nanowires are described.
US08293615B2
FDSOI devices and methods for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a method for fabricating a device includes the following steps. A wafer is provided having a substrate, a BOX and a SOI layer. A hardmask layer is deposited over the SOI layer. A photoresist layer is deposited over the hardmask layer and patterned into groups of segments. A tilted implant is performed to damage all but those portions of the hardmask layer covered or shadowed by the segments. Portions of the hardmask layer damaged by the implant are removed. A first etch is performed through the hardmask layer to form a deep trench in the SOI layer, the BOX and at least a portion of the substrate. The hardmask layer is patterned using the patterned photoresist layer. A second etch is performed through the hardmask layer to form shallow trenches in the SOI layer.
US08293604B2
Vertical channel semiconductor devices include a semiconductor substrate with a pillar having an upper surface. An insulated gate electrode is around a periphery of the pillar. The insulated gate electrode has an upper surface at a vertical level lower than the upper surface of the pillar to vertically space apart the insulated gate electrode from the upper surface of the pillar. A first source/drain region is in the substrate adjacent the pillar. A second source/drain region is disposed in an upper region of the pillar including the upper surface of the pillar. A contact pad contacts the entire upper surface of the pillar to electrically connect to the second source/drain region.
US08293603B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device using a recess channel array is disclosed. A substrate is provided having a first region and a second region, including a first transistor in the first region including a first gate electrode partially filling a trench, and source and drain regions that are formed at both sides of the trench, and covered by a first insulating layer. A first conductive layer is formed on the substrate. A contact hole through which the drain region is exposed is formed by patterning the first conductive layer and the first insulating layer. A contact plug is formed that fills the contact hole. A bit line is formed that is electrically connected to the drain region through the contact plug, and simultaneously a second gate electrode is formed in the second region by patterning the first conductive layer.
US08293602B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for manufacturing grounded gate cross-hair cells and standard cross-hair cells of fin field-effect transistors (finFETs). In one embodiment, a process may include forming gate trenches and gates on and parallel to row trenches in a substrate, wherein the gate trenches and gates are pitch-doubled such that four gate trenches are formed for every two row trenches. In another embodiment, a process may include forming gate trenches, gates, and grounded gates in a substrate, wherein the gate trenches and gates are formed such that three gate trenches are formed for every two row trenches.
US08293601B2
A non-volatile semiconductor storage device has a plurality of memory strings with a plurality of electrically rewritable memory cells connected in series. Each of the memory strings includes: a memory columnar semiconductor extending in a direction perpendicular to a substrate; a tunnel insulation layer contacting the memory columnar semiconductor; a charge accumulation layer contacting the tunnel insulation layer and accumulating charges; a block insulation layer contacting the charge accumulation layer; and a plurality of memory conductive layers contacting the block insulation layer. The lower portion of the charge accumulation layer is covered by the tunnel insulation layer and the block insulation layer.
US08293595B2
In an active matrix display device, electric characteristics of thin film transistors included in a circuit are important, and performance of the display device depends on the electric characteristics. Thus, by using an oxide semiconductor film including In, Ga, and Zn for an inverted staggered thin film transistor, variation in electric characteristics of the thin film transistor can be reduced. Three layers of a gate insulating film, an oxide semiconductor layer and a channel protective layer are successively formed by a sputtering method without being exposed to air. Further, in the oxide semiconductor layer, the thickness of a region overlapping with the channel protective film is larger than that of a region in contact with a conductive film.
US08293573B2
A microarray package includes a leadframe having an array of contact posts, a die carried by the lead frame, and a plurality of bonding wires that electrically connect the die to the lead frame. An encapsulant is included that encapsulates the die, the bonding wire and the leadframe while leaving the distal ends of the contact posts exposed and substantially co-planar with a bottom surface of the microarray package. A plurality of pedestal members is plated to the distal end of a respective contact pad. A distal surface of each pedestal member protrudes outwardly beyond the bottom surface of the microarray package in the range of about 15 μm to about 35 μm.
US08293571B2
A programmable metallization cell (PMC) that includes an active electrode; a nanoporous layer disposed on the active electrode, the nanoporous layer comprising a plurality of nanopores and a dielectric material; and an inert electrode disposed on the nanoporous layer. Other embodiments include forming the active electrode from silver iodide, copper iodide, silver sulfide, copper sulfide, silver selenide, or copper selenide and applying a positive bias to the active electrode that causes silver or copper to migrate into the nanopores. Methods of formation are also disclosed.
US08293569B2
An organic thin film transistor (“TFT”) array panel includes a substrate, a gate line extending in a first direction, a data line extending in a second direction, intersecting with and insulated from the gate line, a source electrode connected to the data line, a drain electrode facing the source electrode, a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode, and an organic semiconductor connected to the source electrode and the drain electrode, the organic semiconductor made of an organic material with photosensitivity.
US08293563B2
Disclosed herein is a method for making a semiconductor device including the steps of: forming a light-receiving portion for carrying out photoelectric conversion in a semiconductor substrate; forming an insulating film to cover a light-receiving side of the semiconductor substrate; forming a metallic light-shielding film to partly cover the insulating film in correspondence to the light-receiving portion; and heating the metallic light-shielding film by irradiation of the metallic light-shielding film with a microwave to permit selective annealing of a laminated portion with the metallic light-shielding film in the insulating film.
US08293560B2
A method of manufacturing a photoelectric conversion device, comprises forming a first insulating film on a semiconductor substrate, forming a gate electrode by forming an electrically conductive layer on the first insulating film and patterning the electrically conductive layer, etching an exposed surface of the first insulating film, forming a charge accumulation region of a photoelectric converter by implanting impurity ions of a first conductivity type into the semiconductor substrate through a thinned portion of the first insulating film formed by the etching, removing the thinned portion, forming a second insulating film covering the semiconductor substrate and the gate electrode, and forming a surface region of the photoelectric converter by implanting impurity ions of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type into the semiconductor substrate through the second insulating film.
US08293559B2
In a method of manufacturing a photoelectric conversion device having a pixel region and a peripheral circuit region, a semiconductor compound layer is formed by causing a surface of a diffusion layer or gate electrode of a MOS transistor in the peripheral circuit region to react with a high melting point metal, then an insulating layer is formed in the pixel region and the peripheral circuit region after the step of forming a semiconductor compound layer. A contact hole is formed in the insulating layer to expose a diffusion layer in the pixel region, and a contact hole is formed in the insulating layer to expose the semiconductor compound layer formed in the peripheral circuit region. These holes are formed at different timings. Prior to forming the hole which is formed later, a contact plug is formed in the contact hole which is formed earlier.
US08293550B2
A semiconductor device includes a first light emitting chip, the first light emitting chip having a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and a first active layer disposed therebetween, a second light emitting chip disposed on the first light emitting chip, the second light emitting chip having a third semiconductor layer, a fourth semiconductor layer, and a second active layer disposed therebetween, and a conductive layer disposed between the first semiconductor layer and the fourth semiconductor layer, the first semiconductor layer and the fourth semiconductor layer having different conductivity types.
US08293548B2
An LED light module (100) for street lamp includes a frame (1), electrodes (5) and a heat sink (4) mounted in the frame, an LED chip (2) attached on a top of the heat sink; and a silicon lens (3) formed on the frame and closely sealing the LED chip therein. The LED light module is an integral structure with the silicon lens being formed thereon through an in-mold process. The silicon lens lengthwise includes two convergent parts (31, 33) at either end and a depressed part (32) at middle thereof for consecutively bridging the two convergent parts. Thus the exit light beam from the LED light module is elongated without light loss. A one-body molding process for manufacturing the LED light module is disclosed as well, which is in high-efficiency, and adapted for a mass production.
US08293545B2
Test structures including test trenches are used to define critical dimension of trenches in a via level of an integrated circuit to produce substantially the same depth. The trenches are formed at the periphery of the IC to serve as guard rings.
US08293544B2
A method (and semiconductor device) of fabricating a semiconductor device utilizes a thermal proximity correction (TPC) technique to reduce the impact of thermal variations during anneal. Prior to actual fabrication, a location of interest (e.g., a transistor) within an integrated circuit design is determined and an effective thermal area around the location is defined. Thermal properties of structures intended to be fabricated within this area are used to calculate an estimated temperature that would be achieved at the location of interest from a given anneal process. If the estimated temperature is below or above a predetermined target temperature (or range), TPC is performed. Various TPC techniques may be performed, such as the addition of dummy cells and/or changing dimensions of the structure to be fabricated at the location of interest (resulting in an modified thermally corrected design, to suppress local variations in device performance caused by thermal variations during anneal.
US08293539B2
An analysis system for detecting at least one analyte in a sample is proposed, in particular for detecting glucose in a bodily fluid. The analysis system is designed to detect the analyte using at least one test element. The test element has at least one analysis zone for detecting the analyte. The test element includes at least one coding with at least one test element specific item of information and/or at least one position specific item of information. The analysis system includes a detector and furthermore at least one transfer device which is designed to afford the detector the possibility of acquiring the analysis zone in at least a first position and to afford the detector the possibility of acquiring the coding in at least a second position which differs from the first position.
US08293532B2
A handheld tool is disclosed which may be used to transfer a plurality of plant tissue explants from a first container to a second container. The handheld tool may include a disposable tip member which couples the plurality of plant tissue explants through use of negative pressure. An automated system which transfers a plurality of plant tissue explants from a first container to a second container is also disclosed. The automated system may include a first presentment system which moves the first container to a region, a second presentment system which moves the second container to the region, and a robot system that transfers the plurality of plant tissue explants from the first container to the second container.
US08293526B2
Animal cell colonies are picked up automatically by an apparatus having a picking head with a plurality of hollow pins and an integrated imager for capturing an image of adherent or non-adherent animal cell colonies held in liquid or semi-solid medium. Image processing identifies the locations of the animal cell colonies to be picked. Picking an animal cell colony is performed by aligning each of the hollow pins in turn with a target animal cell colony location, introducing the hollow pin into the medium, and aspirating the animal cell colony into the hollow pin. In the case of an adherent colony, the distal end of the pin is forced into oscillation to detach the animal cell colony prior to aspiration. The animal cell colony is dispensed into a well plate by increasing pressure in the fluid conduit.
US08293522B2
The present invention pertains to a device for binding a target entity onto a bait entity that is immobilized on said device, comprising: a) a lipid layer having a negative net charge in an aqueous solution at a neutral pH; b) a two-dimensional matrix of anchoring complexes that are bound to said lipid layer, wherein each of said anchoring complexes comprises: (i) a fusion complex comprising an Annexin protein fused to a partner molecule; and (ii) a bait entity. It also concerns various uses of said device, including for detection and pharmaceutical purposes.
US08293519B2
This invention relates generally to the field of microarray chips and uses thereof. In particular, the invention provides a microarray reaction device that can be used in assaying the interaction between various moieties, e.g., nucleic acids, immunoreactions involving proteins, interactions between a protein and a nucleic acid, a ligand-receptor interaction, and small molecule and protein or nucleic acid interactions, etc. Articles of manufacture and kits comprising the microarray reaction device and assaying methods using the microarray reaction device are also provided.
US08293516B2
A recombinant microorganism is provided that has increased productivity of a protein or polypeptide of interest. A method for producing a protein of interest using the microorganism is also provided. The microorganism is prepared by inserting, in its genome, a transcription initiation regulatory region or both a transcription initiation regulatory region and a ribosome-binding site, upstream of a Bacillus subtilis prsA gene and by deleting or inactivating one or more of the abrB gene, dltA gene, dltB gene, dltC gene, dltD gene, dltE gene, or a gene (genes) corresponding thereto.
US08293510B2
The present invention is directed to a hydrogel network comprised of a physically cross-linked polymer and a chemically cross-linked polymer or physically entangled copolymer containing living cells, such as chondrocytes, encapsulated therein. In a preferred aspect, the physically cross-linked polymer is selected from the group consisting of thermally gelling polysaccharides and proteins, such as agarose or gelatin, and the chemically cross-linked or physically entangled polymer is synthesized from a water-soluble vinyl monomer, either as a homopolymer or copolymer, such as polyethylene glycol diacrylate (“PEG-DA”) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (“HEMA”).
US08293499B2
The present invention provides host cells that have been genetically manipulated to have an enhanced capacity to produce proteins of interest. In particular, the invention relates to modified Bacillus sp. Host cells that have at least one inactivated phr gene. The enhanced production of proteins of interest by the modified Bacillus sp. Host cells is further increased in modified Bacillus sp. Host cells that overexpress YmaH. Methods for producing proteins of interest in the modified host cells are also provided.
US08293493B2
A method for measuring a generation of thrombin in a sample of whole blood as a function of time includes adding to a sample of whole blood a fluorogenic substrate and a thrombin activator to form an activated sample. A conversion product is permitted to form in the activated sample. Fluorescence is measured as a function of time from a fluorescent group that is released during the formation of the conversion product with the use of a fluorescence detector. The fluorescence detector operates in an extended range mode and has an increased sensitivity. Thrombin generation as a function of time can then be calculated from the measured fluorescence as a function of time.
US08293487B1
The present invention provides an improved, simple and quantifiable process of immunodetection with improved specificity, allowing for its large-scale applications in clinical, pharmaceutical and biomedical studies and diagnostics applications. Compared with traditional immunodetection methods, this invention eliminates gel separation and transfer steps, and the results can be directly quantified with improved specificity. This invention adds one elution step in a typical immunodetection process, where bound immunocomplex is exposed to elution solution containing excessive amount of antigen or part of antigen in single or multiple copies within one molecule, to liberate bound antibody labeled with reporter enzyme into solution for direct quantification. This invention can be particularly useful to improve both the efficiency and accuracy of Western blot, Dot blot, ELISA and protein microarray analysis in multiwell plate format. It also allows for the automation of protein analysis for clinical, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications and their diagnostics applications.
US08293480B2
The invention relates to transgenic non-human animals capable of producing heterologous antibodies and methods for producing human sequence antibodies which bind to human antigens with substantial affinity.
US08293477B2
This invention demonstrates that KRC molecules have multiple important functions as modulating agents in regulating a wide variety of cellular processes including bone formation and mineralization. TGF-β signaling in osteoblasts promotes the formation of a multimeric complex between KRC, Runx2, Smad3, and the E3 ubiquitin ligase, WWP1 which inhibits Runx2 function due to the ability of WWP1 to promote Runx2 polyubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation. Furthermore, KRC and WWP1 form a complex with RSK2 which promotes RSK2 phosphorylation and inhibits RSK2 function due to the ability of WWP 1 to promote RSK2 ubiquitination. Methods for identifying modulators of KRC activity are provided. Methods for modulating an immune response, bone formation and mineralization, and KRC-associated disorders using agents that modulate KRC expression and/or activity are also provided.
US08293474B2
This invention provides combinations of novel oligonucleotides and their use in detecting a deletion(s) in the Pre-S region of HBV. Such a deletion(s) is associated with an increased risk of developing cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.
US08293462B2
This invention provides a solution for preserving mammalian early embryos or ES cells by vitrification, which comprises, as a base material, a phosphate buffer that exclusively contains 10% to 15% (v/v) propylene glycol as polyhydric alcohol or a phosphate buffer that exclusively contains 10% to 15% (v/v) propylene glycol and 25% to 35% (v/v) ethylene glycol as polyhydric alcohols and further contains 15% to 25% (v/v) Percoll® and 0.2 M to 0.5 M sucrose. This invention also provides a method for preserving mammalian early embryos or ES cells by vitrification using such solution.
US08293456B2
A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes applying illumination light to a photomask, and projecting diffracted light components from the photomask via a projection optical system to form a photoresist pattern on a substrate. The photomask includes a plurality of opening patterns which are arranged on each of a plurality of parallel lines at regular second intervals in a second direction and which have regular first intervals in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction. The plurality of opening patterns arranged on the adjacent ones of the plurality of parallel lines are displaced from each other half the second interval in the second direction. Moreover, the dimensions of the plurality of opening patterns and the complex amplitude transmittance of nontransparent region in the photomask are set so that three of the diffracted light components passing through the pupil of the projection optical system have equal amplitude.
US08293450B2
Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include, coating layers image recording media, and methods for forming an image.
US08293448B2
Provided is a resin composition for stereolithography that absorbs little water and moisture over time in uncured state, maintains a low moisture absorption rate even under high humidity, and has high curing sensitivity, from which a stereolithography product excellent in the properties, such as dimensional accuracy, mechanical properties, and dimensional stability can be smoothly produced for reduced light irradiation time. The resin composition for stereolithography comprising an oxetane compound expressed by the general formula (I) below: wherein R1 denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and R2 denotes an alkylene group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms that may contain an ether bond, in the proportion of from 3 to 60 mass % based on the total mass of the resin composition for stereolithography.
US08293446B2
A resin-coated carrier is provided. A resin-coated carrier includes a carrier core and a resin coating layer formed on a surface of the carrier core. The carrier core is composed of a porous material having surface fine pores formed on a surface thereof, and has an apparent density of 1.6 to 2.0 g/cm3. The resin coating layer contains cross-linked fine resin particles. Additionally, the resin-coated carrier is configured such that a volume average particle size of the cross-linked fine resin particles contained in the resin coating layer and an area average diameter of the surface fine pores satisfy a predetermined relational expression.
US08293432B2
There is provided a pellicle which has a ventilation hole made through at least one frame bar for adjusting the pressure inside the frame to the atmospheric pressure, and a filter to cover up the external opening of the ventilation hole for preventing entrance of a foreign substance, and at least one of two openings of the ventilation hole is chamfered to a degree selected from a group consisting of “C0.5 to C1.0” and “R0.5 to R1.0”.
US08293426B2
Solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack assembly designs are consistently investigated to develop an assembly that provides optimal performance, and durability, within desired cost parameters. A new design includes a repeat unit having a SOFC cassette and being characterized by a three-component construct. The three components include an oxidation-resistant, metal window frame hermetically joined to an electrolyte layer of a multi-layer, anode-supported ceramic cell and a pre-cassette including a separator plate having a plurality of vias that provide electrical contact between an anode-side collector within the pre-cassette and a cathode-side current collector of an adjacent cell. The third component is a cathode-side seal, which includes a standoff that supports a cathode channel spacing between each of the cassettes in a stack. Cassettes are formed by joining the pre-cassette and the window frame.
US08293423B2
The invention relates to a fuel cell stack composed of at least one fuel cell (1) and at least two separator structures (2, 2′). Said separator structures (2, 2′) are open on at least one side towards the exterior in order to allow passive exchange of air. Also, said separator structures comprise a channel system (53, 53′) for guiding fuel. The fuel cell can be embodied as a bi-fuel cell (1) composed of two electric cells. The anodes or cathodes of the two electric cells are arranged opposite each other.
US08293421B2
The aim of the invention is to improve the accuracy of estimating residual water content in a fuel cell system adopting an intermittent operation mode and to accurately suppress cell voltage reduction due to water accumulation caused by the intermittent operation. The fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell having a cell laminate; an estimating unit for estimating a residual water content distribution in a reactant gas flow channel and a moisture content distribution in an electrolyte membrane in a cell plane of each single cell while taking into consideration water transfer that occurs between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode via the electrolyte membrane; and an operation control unit which changes the content of an intermittent operation when a residual water content in the reactant gas flow channel estimated by the estimating unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.
US08293417B2
A fuel cell device including an elongate ceramic substrate having an exterior surface defining an interior ceramic support structure having non-active end regions and an active zone therebetween that includes electrodes in opposing relation with an electrolyte therebetween for undergoing a fuel cell reaction when supplied with heat, fuel and oxidizer. The electrolyte is a ceramic co-fired with the interior ceramic support structure. The end regions lack opposing electrodes and extend away from the active zone to dissipate heat. Gas inlets are positioned in the end regions with respective outlets in either the active zone or opposite end region, and elongate passages are coupled therebetween at least partially extending in opposing relation through the active zone. The electrodes are positioned adjacent the gas passages in the active zone and are electrically connected to exterior contact surfaces on the exterior surface of the end regions for external connection to voltage nodes.
US08293415B2
The invention provides tubular solid oxide fuel cell devices and a fuel cell system incorporating a plurality of the fuel devices, each device including an elongate tube having a reaction zone for heating to an operating reaction temperature, and at least one cold zone that remains at a low temperature below the operating reaction temperature when the reaction zone is heated. An electrolyte is disposed between anodes and cathodes in the reaction zone, and the anode and cathode each have an electrical pathway extending to an exterior surface in a cold zone for electrical connection at low temperature. In one embodiment, the tubular device is a spiral rolled structure, and in another embodiment, the tubular device is a concentrically arranged device. The system further includes the devices positioned with their reaction zones in a hot zone chamber and their cold zones extending outside the hot zone chamber. A heat source is coupled to the hot zone chamber to heat the reaction zones to the operating reaction temperature, and fuel and air supplies are coupled to the tubes in the cold zones.
US08293401B2
A battery cover assembly for a portable electronic device, the battery cover assembly includes a housing, a removable battery cover and a locking mechanism. The housing has a latching portion. The locking mechanism latches the battery cover to the housing, and includes an operating member, a slidable member and an elastic member. The operating member engages in the latching portion of the housing, and the operating member includes a resisting block. The slidable member releasably engages with the battery cover, and the slidable member has a support block engaging with the resisting block. The elastic member is between the slidable member and the latching portion and provides an elastic force to the slidable member and the operating member.
US08293399B2
A cell connector adapted for electrically connecting at least one cell includes a plate-shaped connecting member made of metal material with high conductivity, and at least one welding member mounted on the connecting member for being welded with the cell. The welding member is made of weldable metal solder. The connecting member has a lower resistivity than the welding member. Therefore, the cell connector of the present invention not only is easily welded, but also can reduce the energy loss thereon, and moreover, the cost is also advantageously reduced.
US08293387B2
A magnetic recording medium has recording regions including patterns of a magnetic material corresponding to servo signals and recording tracks, non-recording regions including an oxide of the magnetic material formed between the recording regions, and surface oxide films including an oxide of the magnetic material formed on surfaces of the recording regions.
US08293382B2
The luminous element includes a luminescence lamination, a second transparent oxidative conducting layer and a composite conducting layer. The composite conducting layer includes first transparent oxidative conducting layer and a metal layer. The second transparent oxidative conducting layer is positioned between the metal layer and luminescence lamination the second transparent oxidative conducting layer forms good ohmic contact with the luminous element and with metal layer. Thus, the metal layer will not be influenced by interfusion so as to maintain good light transmissivity and raise luminous efficiency of luminous element.
US08293381B2
An anthracene derivative and an organic electroluminescent device using the same are provided. More specifically, provided are an anthracene derivative represented by Formula 1: wherein each R1 is aryl; and each R2 is independently C6-C20 aryl or C3-C19 heteroaryl, which are unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of C1-C10 alkyl, C1-C10 alkoxy, cyano, C1-C10 alkylamino, C1-C10 alkylsilyl, halogen, C6-C10 aryl, C6-C10 aryloxy, C6-C10 arylamino, C6-C10 arylsilyl, C3-C19 heteroaryl and hydrogen; and an organic electroluminescent device using the same. The present invention can provide an organic electroluminescent device having excellent power and luminance efficiencies in conjunction with a long service life.
US08293380B2
A polymer compound containing a structure of the following formula (B): —Ar— (A) (wherein, Ar represents an arylene group, divalent heterocyclic group, divalent aromatic amine group or divalent group having a metal complex structure.) (wherein, A ring and B ring represent each independently an aromatic ring optionally having a substituent. X1 represents —C(═O)—, —S(═O)—, —S(═O)2—, —P(═O)(R1)—, —C(R1)(R2)—, —C(R2)(R2)—, —B(R1)—, —N(R1)— or —Si(R1)(R1)—. R* represents a hydrogen atom or monovalent or divalent group, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or monovalent group, and R2 represents a monovalent group having a hetero atom. When R1 and R2 are present each in plural number, they may be the same or different).
US08293378B2
A protective coating for a metal substrate is provided that is light, durable, galvanically protective, and easily applied at the site of manufacture. The coating has at least two layers, one of which is a galvanizing layer and one of which is a micro-composite of a galvanic metal and a non-conducting material, such as polymer. Such coatings are useful for example to protect pipes or other metal surfaces in corrosive environments. Methods of producing the coating are provided, including methods that use advanced spraying techniques to provide very thin but consistent layers. Using the advanced spraying methods the composite layer can be created by co-spraying the galvanic metal and the nonconductive material onto the surface of the galvanic coating. Optionally, an outer coat of insulating material can be applied to provide further protection to the surface.
US08293375B2
At heat sealable multilayer film includes a cohesive failure heat seal layer (1) that includes a resin composition including 75 to 85 wt % of a propylene polymer (A) and 15 to 25 wt % of an ethylene polymer (B) (based on the total of (A) and (B) of 100 wt %), and a support layer (2) including a propylene block copolymer (C). The heat sealable multilayer film can package oil-rich contents to be retort sterilized without separation (delamination) of a cohesive failure heat seal layer due to penetration of oil from the contents and have appropriate heat seal strength and excellent easy openability, and can be opened with stable peel conditions.
US08293369B2
An intermediate transfer media, such as a belt, that includes a fluoropolyimide polymer.
US08293366B2
Provided is a cosmetic including silicone microparticles, in which the silicone microparticles include 100 parts by mass of silicone elastomer spherical microparticles having a volume average particle diameter within a range from 0.1 to 100 μm, and 0.5 to 25 parts by mass of a polyorganosilsesquioxane that coats the surface of the silicone elastomer spherical microparticles, and the silicone elastomer is capable of absorbing not less than 200 parts by mass of a polymethylsiloxane having a viscosity at 25° C. of not more than 10 mm2/s per 100 parts by mass of the silicone elastomer. Even if containing a silicone oil, the cosmetic exhibits favorable feelings upon use, with no spreading difficulties, stickiness, greasiness, or oily film feeling or the like.
US08293358B2
When a ceramic substrate is manufactured through a constraint firing step that uses a constraining layer, the constraining layer is removed without causing significant damage to a sintered base layer or an electrode formed on the surface of the sintered base layer, and the electrode can be reliably exposed. A green stacked body having a base layer and a constraining layer disposed so as to be in contact with at least one principal surface of the base layer is formed. A fired stacked body having a sintered base layer and a green constraining layer is then obtained by firing the green stacked body to sinter the base layer. Subsequently, the constraining layer is removed from the sintered base layer by vibrating media that are disposed so as to be in contact with the constraining layer.
US08293354B2
Radiation-curable silsesquioxane resin materials are employed for micro- and nanolithography. The resin materials can include a radiation-curable silsesquioxane resin and a photo-initiator having low viscosity. The low viscosity of the liquid system allows imprinting with low pressure and low temperature; e.g. room temperature. The resist's dry etching resistance is increased and the cured film is more easily separated from the mask. Due to its high modulus after cure, the material allows the fabrication of micro- and nano-features having high aspect ratios while providing a high throughput. Various pattern sizes, for example, ranging from tens of microns to as small as a few nanometers, may be achieved with the UV-curable material system.
US08293332B2
A rust-proof coating, which does not contain a hazardous metal such as chromium and is able to form a thin coating in which crack generation is inhibited even after a baking treatment at a high temperature, including based on the whole composition, 5 to 40% by weight of an organic silicon compound, 0.05 to 5.0% by weight of an organic titanium compound, 20 to 60% by weight of one or more metal powders selected from the group of zinc powder, zinc alloy powder, and aluminum powder, and 10 to 60% by weight of an organic solvent. A coating having excellent anticorrosive properties can be formed by coating the above-mentioned paint composition followed by heating at a temperature of from 200 to 400 degrees C.
US08293317B2
A food product and method are provided. The food product is a crisp expanded proteinacious food product characterized by an absence of objectionable protein fiber formation. The product is puffed to provide a low density while providing a good eating texture. The product may be coated to provide additional flavors and/or nutrients.
US08293311B2
A method of forming a butter product comprises forming a primary oil-in-water emulsion by dispersing liquefied stearine butterfat in a butter serum, the liquefied stearine butterfat forming stearine globules within the butter serum. The primary oil-in-water emulsion is dispersed into an olein butterfat component forming an oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion, and the oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion being cooled to form the butter product which is spreadable at a temperature of less than about 45° F.
US08293310B2
A method of forming a fat product, the method entailing heating a first material to a first temperature to form a first intermediate, the first material comprising fat and the first temperature adequate to remove any memory of crystallization from the fat; rapidly cooling the first intermediate to a second temperature to form a second intermediate, the second temperature adequate to provide nascent seed crystals in the second intermediate; and quiescently cooling the second intermediate to form the fat product, the quiescent cooling adequate to support growth of macro-crystals about the nascent seed crystals.
US08293290B2
Annatto extract composition (AEC), including cis and trans geranyl geraniols (GG) and tocopherol-free C-5 unsubstituted tocotrienols (T3), increases the de novo synthesis of intermediate isoprenoid and distal protein products, including endogenous coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), dolichols (DL) and all subsequent GG-prenylated and DL-glycosylated proteins, including GG-porphyrinated hemes. This intermediate and distal product replenishment by AEC reverses maladies of myotoxicity (of both drug and non-drug origins), including maladies that affect the muscle, kidney, eye, GI tract and skin, nerve, blood, and CoQ10-related syndromes of energetics and LDL protection. AEC anabolically increases the endogenous de novo CoQ10 synthesis via GG elongation/prenylation of side-chain and conversely CoQ10 catabolically increases the endogenous de novo GG synthesis via beta-oxidation of CoQ10. Also, such AEC decreases de novo synthesis and increases disposal of triglycerides (TG) in humans via PPAR activation and SREBP deactivation. Such drop in TG by AEC reverses maladies of insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MS), prediabetes, diabetes and diabetes-related cardiovascular diseases (CVD). GG activates PPAR and down regulates SREBP transcription factors. This AEC, containing GG, inhibits cancer growth whether or not GG involvement in protein prenylation is required.
US08293281B2
The present invention discloses a composition that contains (1) an effective amount of an analgesically and/or anti-inflammatory active fraction separated from a mixture of plasma and/or serum, and (2) at least one metal, metal ion or metal salt, in which the mixture has been denatured. Also disclosed are methods of producing the composition for treating a subject afflicted with inflammation and/or pain.
US08293275B2
This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials, such as viruses, bacteria, cells, or liposomes, in freeze dried particles suitable for pulmonary administration. Methods provide spray freeze drying of formulations to form stable freeze dried particles.
US08293273B2
Controlled release and taste masking compositions containing one or more active principles inglobated in a three-component matrix structure, i.e. a structure formed by successive amphiphilic, lipophilic or inert matrices and finally inglobated or dispersed in hydrophilic matrices. The use of a plurality of systems for the control of the dissolution of the active ingredient modulates the dissolution rate of the active ingredient in aqueous and/or biological fluids, thereby controlling the release kinetics in the gastrointestinal tract.
US08293262B2
Described herein are medical devices which are configured for implantation or insertion into a subject, preferably a mammalian subject. The medical devices contain one or more multilayer regions, which contain: (a) one or more (typically a plurality of) charged nanoparticle layers and (b) one or more (typically a plurality of) charged polyelectroyte layers. Such multilayers have a number of desirable attributes, including high strength, non-compliance, and flexibility. Also described herein are methods of making such devices.
US08293258B2
The invention is an organic pesticide made from components of hop extract by preparing stable aqueous emulsions of hop acids and other hop extract components. The hop acids and other hop extract components are suspended as stable, colloidal preparations in water, which can be sprayed on plants for pest control.
US08293253B2
The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions that provide sustained-release of a pharmaceutically active compound and to methods of treating or preventing a condition in an animal by administering the pharmaceutical compositions to the animal by injection. When the pharmaceutical compositions are administered to an animal by injection, they form a drug depot that releases the pharmaceutically active compound over time. The pharmaceutical compositions can also be administered orally.
US08293238B2
The application describes compositions and methods for regulating body weight, in particular, for treating obesity and obesity-associate disorders. The application also provides methods of screening compounds that modulate activity of GDF3. These compositions and methods are also useful in treating diseases associated with abnormal activity of GDF3.
US08293224B2
Uracil auxotroph mutants of apicomplexans are provided which lack a functional carbamoyl phosphate synthase II (CPSII) enzyme. Also provided are T. gondii autoxtroph mutants which express exogenous antigens, and methods of protecting an animal against a T. gondii and non-T. gondii disease.
US08293214B2
New targeting or therapeutic compounds which can be incorporated into a composition of gas-filled microvesicles. The invention further relates to gas-filled microvesicles for diagnostic and/or therapeutic use comprising said compounds and to their method of use. The new compounds are compounds of formula M-S-T, wherein: M represents a component capable of associating with an envelope of a gas-filled microvesicle; T represents a component comprising a targeting ligand or a therapeutic agent; and S represents a component comprising at least two bissulfone groups.
US08293212B2
The present invention provides methods which use induction phenomenon of production of interleukin 18 (IL-18) from keratinocyte (KC), and their usages. The methods are preferably applicable for understanding of pathogenic mechanisms of atopic dermatitis (AD) and AD-like symptoms, and for development of therapeutic drugs for AD and AD-like symptoms. For example, by applying, on skin of mice or the like, protein A (SpA) derived from Staphylococcus aureus, or transplanting, on mice, a skin graft which has developed an inflammatory skin disease like AD, it is possible to reproduce elevation of IgE to high level in serum, which elevation is generated in an AD-like lesion. As a result, it is possible, for example, to screen for an inhibitor which inhibits induction of production of IL-18 from KC.
US08293206B2
The present disclosure provides methods for treating cancer in a patient in need of such treatment, the method includes prequalifying a patient's therapeutic treatment by performing a molecular imaging procedure to the patient using a labeled biomarker specific for a cancer target at the tumor site; and administering a therapeutic effective amount of a compound comprising a targeting agent linked to a chemotherapeutic or a targeting agent linked to an antibody. Embodiments of the present invention also include compounds and compositions for using such methods.
US08293195B2
Systems and methods for contacting a liquid, gas, and/or a multi-phase mixture with particulate solids. The system can include a body having a first head and a second head disposed thereon. Two or more discrete fixed beds can be disposed across a cross-section of the body. One or more unobstructed fluid flow paths can bypass each fixed bed, and one or more baffles can be disposed between the fixed beds.
US08293191B2
The invention provides a method in which an annular or spiral droplet holder formed of wire is used to hold a droplet in a state of being hung therefrom or being contained therein. A means for moving the droplet holder is added to the droplet holder to enable droplet transfer. To merge two droplets, they are brought into contact. To drip the droplet held by a droplet holder formed of wire, the droplet holder is deformed using an external force. A light path which passes through a droplet is set to enable optical measurement. The present invention enables inexpensive, simple droplet transfer. An inexpensive, simple configuration for handling droplets in the fields of chemical analysis, biochemical analysis, and automatic blood analysis can be realized according to the present invention.
US08293184B2
A falling film plasma reactor (FFPR) provides a number of benefits for the treatment of process gases. The falling film plasma reactor uses high voltage alternating current or pulsed direct current which is applied to radially separated electrodes to thereby create a dielectric breakdown of the process gas that is flowing within the large radial gap between the two electrodes. Typical plasma reactors often utilize fixed dielectric construction which can result in potential failure of the device by arcing between the electrodes as portions of the dielectric fail. Such failures are prevented by using a dielectric liquid that constantly flows over the electrodes, or over a fixed dielectric barrier over the electrodes.
US08293180B2
An apparatus for distinguishing a liquid reducing agent which judges empty with a higher precision than heretofore is provided. The apparatus for distinguishing a liquid reducing agent is provided with a concentration sensor and a liquid-level sensor in storage tank of liquid reducing agent, and is characterized in that empty is judged by utilizing the liquid-level based on the liquid-level sensor in addition to the concentration based on the concentration sensor (step 3 and step 5). Even if a bubble is adhering to the concentration sensor and an erroneous signal indicative of empty is output although the residual quantity of liquid reducing agent is sufficient, the liquid-level sensor does not output a signal indicative of empty. Consequently, erroneous judgment is prevented and accurate judgment can be made as compared to heretofore.
US08293179B2
A gas detection apparatus A comprises a signal processing circuit 20, a Wheatstone bridge circuit 21, integrating circuits 22 and 23, a differential amplification circuit 24, a direct current power supply circuit 25, a heater voltage application circuit 26. The Wheatstone bridge circuit 21 is configured of parallel combination of series circuits: one composed of a catalytic combustion type gas sensor 1 and a load resistor R1, and the other composed of a resistor R2, a variable resistor VR1 and a resistor R3. The heater voltage application circuit 26 is configured to generate a pulsed heater voltage by switching a direct current voltage of the direct current power supply circuit 25 through a transistor TR1 for applying the pulsed heater voltage to the Wheatstone bridge circuit 21. The integrating circuit 22 integrates a voltage at a connection point between the gas sensor 1 and the load resistor R1. The integrating circuit 23 integrates a voltage at a connection point between the variable resistor VR1 and the resistor R3. The differential amplification circuit 24 is configured to amplify a differential voltage between the output voltages of the integrating circuits 22 and 23. The signal processing circuit 20 is configured to determine a concentration of a flammable gas from an output voltage of the differential amplification circuit 24.
US08293177B2
Methods and systems for label-free multiple analyte sensing, biosensing and diagnostic assay chips consisting of an array of photonic crystal microcavities along a single photonic crystal waveguide are disclosed. The invention comprises an on-chip integrated microarray device that enables detection and identification of multiple species to be performed simultaneously using optical techniques leading to a high throughput device for chemical sensing, biosensing and medical diagnostics. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08293173B2
Improved electron beam sterilization apparatus and shielding techniques for use in are provided. A controller modulates an electron beam when sterilizing an interior to an object to ensure that adequate dose is received. Sterilization carousels are configured with input/discharge feeds to reduce the possibility of humans being exposed to dangerous levels of radiation. The system reduces the amount of shielding required to thereby lower cost of installation.
US08293171B2
The present invention provides with a method of purifying air with significant content of ethylene gas. Bacteria, pathogens, molds, fungus and ethylene gas are removed by using ozone and air filtration technology. This process is useful for storages and production facilities where ethylene might be harmful for perishable products.
US08293166B2
A method for manufacturing lamp shell to improve structural strength and light penetration includes steps of: providing a plastic material, injecting the plastic material into a injection molding equipment to form a preform containing a first space with an opening and a connecting section at one end and a closed another end to form a light penetrating section, and placing the preform in a blow molding equipment and blowing the plastic material by injecting gas to inflate the preform through gas pressure to form a second space at a greater size than the first space to become a lamp shell. The lamp shell thus formed has a greater structural strength to meet safety requirements, and also provides improved light penetration, and can reduce material consumption of the lamp shell to save production cost.
US08293158B2
According to the invention blends of wood particles and plant particles and plastic are generated in an extruder thereby that the plastic is converted separately into a liquid melt before the joining takes place.
US08293156B2
The invention relates to device (30) and the procedure to grip, steer and pull outgoing profile (12) for continuous industrial production of profiles with rotating dies (10), which resolves the problems caused by adhesion, friction difference and unequal material flows mainly at start up. The device and procedure solves most problems that usually cause problems in the context of the billet changes which together with the start up is causing more than 90-95% of the problems in the manufacturing of profiles with rotating bodies.
US08293149B2
Disclosed are a photosensitive resin composition for a color filter and a color filter using the same. The photosensitive resin composition for a color filter may include (A) a copolymer including a structural unit represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, wherein the substituents of Chemical Formula 1 are the same as defined in the specification; (B) an acrylic-based photopolymerizable monomer; (C) a photopolymerization initiator; (D) a pigment; and (E) a solvent.
US08293144B2
A composition containing fine silver particles which have a uniform particle size, can form a fine drawing pattern, and have a small environmental impact, a method for producing that composition, a method for producing fine silver particles, and a paste having fine silver particles are provided. The fine silver particles are produced by carrying out a fluid preparation step of preparing a reduction fluid, a silver reaction step, and a filtration/washing step. The reaction step is carried out by adding an aqueous silver nitrate fluid to a reduction fluid whose temperature has been increased to a range between 40 and 800° C. The aqueous silver nitrate fluid is added at a stretch. The composition containing fine silver particles is produced by dispersing the composition containing the fine silver particles in a polar fluid.
US08293143B2
A method to prepare a thin ceramic or metallic solid-state composition comprising three phases: a material (A), a material (B), and pores, wherein the porous matrix of material (A) has a porosity gradient in the range of about 0% to about 80%, and wherein the pores are partially or completely filled with material (B). Various compositions and methods of use for the prepared composition are also disclosed.
US08293141B2
An electronic device including electronic circuit structures formed with an electrically conductive adhesive (ECA) with low and stable contact resistance including at least one melt-processable reactive resin, at least one reactive diluent, at least one rheological additive, at least one curing agent, at least one organic acid catalyst, and copper particles. The ECA is useful for filling vias, and bonding together components of electronic circuit structures.
US08293134B2
An optically anisotropic material having a good durability against light is provided. Further, an optical element having a good durability against light and an optical information writing/reading device employing such an element are provided.The optically anisotropic material is obtainable by polymerizing a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing at least 5 mol % of at least one type of polymerizable compound represented by a general formula CH2═CR1—COO—K-Cy-Cy-L-OCO—CR2═CH2. A phase difference plate 4 produced by employing the optically anisotropic material has a good durability against light, and accordingly, the phase difference plate 4 can realize an optical heat device suitable for large capacity writing/reading by employing a blue laser as a light source 1.
US08293127B1
A plasma etching method includes placing a printed circuit board into a processing chamber of a plasma etching machine; operating the plasma etching machine with a low concentration of tetrafluoromethane in the processing chamber if the plasma etching machine is operated at a high power level; and operating the plasma etching machine with a high concentration of tetrafluoromethane in the processing chamber if the plasma etching machine is operated at a low power level.
US08293124B2
A method of multi-stage substrate etching is provided. The method comprises the steps of: forming a first mask pattern on one surface of a first substrate; forming a hole by etching the first substrate using the first mask pattern as an etching mask; forming a second mask pattern on one surface of a second substrate; forming a hole by etching the second substrate to a predetermined depth using the second mask pattern as an etching mask; bonding the first and second substrates together such that an etched surface of the first substrate faces an etched surface of the second substrate; forming a third mask pattern on the second substrate; and forming a hole passing through the second substrate by etching the second substrate using the third mask pattern as an etching mask, whereby it is prevented the occurrence of a radius of curvature in the bottom surface and the overhang structure occurring on a step surface, so that etching quality is improved, a precise bonding between the substrates is obtained using the alignment key positioned on each substrate, and a multi-layer process is carried out.
US08293107B1
New fluid separation devices and absorption materials are disclosed. Hollow fibers with an axial capillary slit act as very high efficiency absorption materials, as well as high-surface-area fluid separation devices. The hollow fibers with an axial capillary slit are constructed to preferentially absorb or repel different fluids and arranged to maximize that action over a plurality of fibers to separate different fluids. These separation devices can also function as injection devices and very effective micro-reactors.
US08293102B2
An apparatus and method for the treatment of stimulation fluid that involves passing a mixture of the stimulation fluid and reagents through a sectioned tank, each section having the means to agitate the mixture contained therein. Treated fluid is removed from a final settling section for reuse in oil and gas production operations.
US08293100B2
Apparatus and methods related to centrifugal liquid chromatography are described. An angular velocity can be simultaneously imparted to a large number of chromatographic enclosures. Via centrifugal forces, a mobile phase fluid including a sample can be driven through a stationary phase within the chromatographic enclosure to perform a chromatographic separation process on components of the sample. The use of centrifugation as a driving force can allow significantly smaller stationary phase particles to be employed as compared to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Further, for an equivalent chromatographic separation process, the use of centrifugation can provide much greater separation efficiencies than HPLC.
US08293095B2
Provided is a microfluidic device for electrically regulating the pH of a fluid comprising: a first chamber comprising a first electrode; a second chamber comprising a second electrode; a third chamber comprising a third electrode, a metal ion exchange membrane between the first and second chambers; and a hydrogen ion exchange membrane between the first or second chamber and the third chamber.
US08293086B2
A method is provided for classifying nanoobjects having different electrical properties, such as conductivities and permittivities. The method includes: suspending nanoobjects having different electrical properties in a liquid medium; passing the liquid medium through a microchamber; and filtering nanoobjects having a first type of electrical property from the liquid medium by applying an electric field to the liquid medium in the microchamber.
US08293082B2
Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.
US08293076B2
Methods for producing trichlorosilane, including: reacting a tetrachlorosilane containing substance with hydrogen at a temperature of 400° C. to 1,200° C. to obtain a mixture including silane, monochlorosilane, dichlorosilane, and trichlorosilane; removing impurities which are electrically active in a semiconductor crystal from the mixture; separating the trichlorosilane from the silane, monochlorosilane and dichlorosilane to obtain purified trichlorosilane; and circulating the silane, monochlorosilane and dichlorosilane obtained from the separating step into the reacting step.
US08293071B2
Provided is a spin head for supporting and rotating a substrate. The spin head includes a body, chuck pins disposed at the body and movable between supporting positions and rest positions, and a chuck pin moving unit configured to move the chuck pins straight. The chuck pins supports a substrate at the supporting positions and provides a substrate loading/unloading space at the rest position. The chuck pin moving unit includes movable rods fixed to the chuck pins, a rotatable cam including protrusions on an outer surface thereof so as to move the chuck pins from the supporting positions to the rest positions, and chuck pin return units respectively applying forces to the movable rods so as to move the chuck pins individually from the rest positions to the supporting positions. The chuck pin moving unit further includes contact maintaining members.
US08293055B2
A manufacturing method of a vehicular interior part in which a cover member is attached to a base material, comprising the steps of forming a skin material, comprising a plurality of skin pieces sewn together, in accordance with a surface shape of said base material; and forming said cover member by attaching a soft material to a backside of said skin material after forming said skin material in accordance with said surface shape of said base material; and attaching said cover member to said base material.
US08293049B2
The present invention relates to a tire puncture sealant and a pneumatic tire containing such puncture sealant as a built-in puncture sealant. The sealant composition contains silica reinforcement and butyl rubber depolymerized in the presence of a balanced and cooperative combination of organoperoxides comprised of a minor amount of 4,4-di(tertiary butylperoxy) valerate depolymerization initiator and a major amount of dicumyl peroxide depolymerization propagator, the combination of which has been observed to have a synergistic effect.
US08293043B2
A die bonding apparatus and method is provided to automatically adjust a level of a die bonder to compensate for any physical changes occurring in the die bonder during bonding. A bond arm support is drivable to a bonding level to position a die onto a bonding surface, and a bond arm is slidably mounted to the bond arm support for holding and bonding the die. The bond arm is configured to be urged by the bonding surface to move relative to the bond arm support upon contact of the die onto the bonding surface. A measuring device is provided for determining a distance moved by the bond arm relative to the bond arm support during bonding, and a controller is responsive to the distance determined by the measuring device to change the bonding level to which the bond arm support is driven.
US08293039B2
A method of manufacturing a sheet of a copper-based alloy containing controlled amounts of Ni, Sn, P, optionally Zn and Fe, Co, Mg, Ti, Cr, Zr, and Al with the remainder being Cu and unavoidable impurities, comprising the steps of cold rolling followed by annealing at least one time of an ingot of the copper-based alloy, thereafter performing intermediate cold rolling, which is a cold rolling process before final cold rolling process, performing annealing with controlled temperature and time to obtain sheet with a grain size of 20 μm or less, performing final cold rolling at a percent reduction Z to meet the following Formula 0.8×(100−10X−Y)
US08293029B2
Chromium-free conversion coating treatment solutions and processes for depositing a colored layer on zinc or galvanized steel, aluminum, magnesium or their alloys, are provided comprising: hexafluorotitanate and/or hexafluorozirconate ions; molybdate and/or tungstate ions; one or more chelating complex formers; and a copolymer of alkylene phosphonic or alkylene phosphinic acid and one or more unsaturated carboxylic acids.
US08293020B2
A megasonic cleaning method and a megasonic cleaning apparatus are provided. Microcavitation bubbles may be formed by applying an electromotive force to a cleaning solution using a megasonic energy in a separate room from an object to be cleaned. The microcavitation bubbles having a stable oscillation among the formed microcavitation bubbles may be moved to the object to be cleaned. A surface of the object to be cleaned may be cleaned using the microcavitation bubbles having the stable oscillation. Particles attached onto the surface of the object to be cleaned may be effectively removed while preventing pattern damage.
US08293016B2
An apparatus for removing volatile residues from a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for removing halogen-containing residues from a substrate includes a chamber suitable for operating maintaining a vacuum therein and a heat module positioned to heat a substrate disposed in the chamber. The apparatus for removing halogen-containing residues from a substrate also includes at least one of A) a temperature controlled pedestal having a projection extending radially therefrom suitable for supporting the temperature control pedestal on a ledge of the chamber body, the projection thermally isolating the base from the chamber body; B) a pair of substrate holders that include two support flanges extending radially inward from an inner edge of an arc-shaped body, each support flange having a substrate support step that includes a sloped landing; or C) a domed window.
US08293011B2
A method for growing a Group III nitride semiconductor crystal is provided with the following steps: First, a chamber including a heat-shielding portion for shielding heat radiation from a material 13 therein is prepared. Then, material 13 is arranged on one side of heat-shielding portion in chamber. Then, by heating material to be sublimated, a material gas is deposited on the other side of heat-shielding portion in chamber so that a Group III nitride semiconductor crystal is grown.
US08293008B2
The present invention relates to a large-sized and high-quality bismuth-zinc-borate (Bi.sub.2 ZnB.sub.2 O.sub.7) single crystal, preparation methods and applications thereof. The crystal has cross-sectional dimensions greater than one centimeter, a nonlinear optical effect of about 3-4 times that of KH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 (KDP), and an optical transmission wavelength range of 330-3300 nm. The crystal can be grown from a compound melt by a Czochralski method, a Kyropoulos method or a Bridgman method with the raw material being the synthetic compound Bi.sub.2 ZnB.sub.2 O.sub.7. Alternatively, the crystal may be grown from a high-temperature solution method by using Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 as a flux. The crystal may be applied in nonlinear optical devices such as frequency doubling generators, frequency upconverters or downconverters, and optical parametric oscillators.
US08293003B1
A cement product incorporating nanocrystalline cellulose and cellulose fiber throughout the product and a method of making the product.
US08292991B2
A filter for a gas mask has a concave outlet wall and a convex inlet wall with a particulate filter bed that has a uniform depth and conforms substantially to the shape of the inlet and outlet wall. The side wall can have an elliptical, circular or convex shape to conform to the curvature of the wearer's face, or a planar shape. The filter an be a double particulate filter element and a double adsorption filter element configured for axial airflow therethrough with a bifurcated flow pattern. The adsorption filter element comprises a granulated charcoal, a composite material having carbon particles combined with binder particles, or an immobilized bed of charcoal granules and EVA-coated fibers.
US08292990B2
A High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system including a pressure reducer assembly for reducing pressurized streams to ambient pressure. The pressure reducer assembly includes first and second flow restrictors, each coupled to a common chamber that acts as a surge suppressor that mitigates pressure spikes in the discharge lines. The flow restrictors may comprise tubes having a high length-to-diameter ratio. The pressure losses through the flow restrictors, in combination with transition losses as the flow stream enters and exits the chamber, are sufficient to reduce a discharge stream from a specified inlet pressure to substantially ambient pressure, thus eliminating the need for pressurized waste containers.
US08292982B2
A filter, in particular for a rotary separator, is produced using an energy beam melting process, for example an electron beam, starting from powder made from the same material as a porous filtering portion to be formed, for example from a titanium alloy; on the basis of a three-dimensional model comprising a cell structure defining the porous filtering portion, subsequent layers of powder are applied and locally melted, so as to form successive sections of the porous filtering portion; at the end of the forming process, the residual powder is evacuated from the pores.
US08292979B2
A surface cleaning apparatus can include a dirt inlet, a handle, and a cyclone bin having a longitudinal axis and a sidewall extending between an openable top and an openable bottom. The surface cleaning apparatus can also include a cyclone chamber located in the cyclone bin. The cyclone chamber can have an upper wall, a fluid inlet downstream from the dirt air inlet and a fluid outlet, and the fluid outlet can be removably mounted in the upper wall. The surface cleaning apparatus can also include a dirt collection located in the cyclone bin and a fluid flow motor.
US08292978B2
A radial air intake device for an engine or a power unit that includes a ring-shaped filter for covering the radial air intake. The ring-shaped filter includes a first fixed part and a second mobile part which is movable with respect to the first fixed part through actuator elements, from a filtering position in which the whole radial air intake is covered by the ring-shaped filter, to a bypass position in which the second mobile part uncovers at least partly the radial air intake.
US08292974B2
A method includes modifying a surface of an electrode active material including providing a solution or a suspension of a surface modification agent; providing the electrode active material; preparing a slurry of the solution or suspension of the surface modification agent, the electrode active material, a polymeric binder, and a conductive filler; casting the slurry in a metallic current collector; and drying the cast slurry.
US08292971B2
The present invention relates to a method of treating fabric conditioner for washable silk products, which can provide smoothness to silk products since fabric conditioners of different kinds are mixed and treated together and decrease whiteness or prevent yellowing.
US08292969B2
A system and method for electronic device protection. A method includes activating the electronic device; transferring control to a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) component after activation; transferring control to a non-viewable component from the BIOS component; verifying that an application component operated correctly during a previous device activation; and continuing with activation of the electronic device if the application component operated correctly during the previous device activation.
US08292964B2
An artificial knee joint that includes a femoral component with a specially shaped bearing surface and a tibial component, whose surface interacts with the femoral surfaces. The interaction provides for the motion and stability characteristics of the anatomic knee. The interaction between the femoral and tibial surfaces is such that as the knee is flexed to maximum, the femoral component moves posteriorly on the tibial surface, more so on the lateral side than on the medial side. This is accomplished by the interaction of a projecting tibial post inside a cupola in the center of the femoral component, and by the saggital radius on the medial side being smaller than that on the lateral side. The prevention of anterior sliding of the femur on the tibia in early flexion is accomplished by the interaction between a distal-anterior recess on the medial side of the femur and an apposing raised pad on the tibial surface. Rotational laxity at all angles is allowed by the presence of only one recess pad and by non-conforming femoral-tibial surfaces on the lateral side.
US08292961B2
A device and method for biologic vertebral reconstruction utilizes a biologically active jacket inserted into a cavity formed in a vertebra to be reconstructed. An artificial bone material is inserted into the biologically active jacket and allowed to set. The structure and method described herein provide for effective biologic vertebral reconstruction. The use of a biological material and artificial bone enables the host bone to replace the artificial bone over a period of time. Additionally, the structure of the biologically active jacket minimizes any impact into the spinal canal and the paravertebral spaces. Moreover, because of its biomechanical characteristics, which approximate the host bone, there is relative protection of the neighboring vertebral against fracture. Still further, the materials of the biologically active jacket may be impregnated with various substances to achieve various advantageous tasks.
US08292953B2
An intraocular lens for providing a subject with vision at various distances includes an optic having a first surface with a first shape, an opposing second surface with a second shape, a multifocal refractive profile, and one or more diffractive portions. The optic may include at least one multifocal diffractive profile. In some embodiments, multifocal diffractive and the multifocal refractive profiles are disposed on different, distinct, or non-overlapping portions or apertures of the optic. Alternatively, portions of the multifocal diffractive profiles and the multifocal refractive profiles may overlap within a common aperture or zone of the optic.
US08292947B2
In order to create a stent, which despite being simple to guide in the relevant body conduit allows flexible adaptability to the body conduit in a simple manner while avoiding undesirably high expansion forces on the wall of the body conduit, in accordance with the invention a catheter is provided, with an essentially tubular filling area surrounding the part of the catheter which can be introduced into the body conduit, which can be filled with a plastic mass which forms the stent by a process of hardening; there is provision for positioning the filling area at the position intended for the stent in the body conduit, for hardening the plastic mass in the filling area, for creating the stent and for removing the catheter from the body conduit with the stent remaining in the body conduit.
US08292946B2
An implant adapted to be retained in a body lumen includes a barb for engaging the lumen wall. The barb includes a yieldable element adapted to yield in response to a force, above a predetermined limit, tending to cause migration of the implant. The barb may comprise a shape memory material adapted to change shape when the material undergoes a stress induced phase change and thereby to disengage from the lumen wall.
US08292945B2
A stent comprising a serpentine portion extending about the circumference of the stent, the serpentine portion having a first end and a second end, the serpentine portion having a plurality of turns at the first end and a plurality of turns at the second end and struts extending therebetween, at least one of the turns at the first end, at least one of the turns at the second end, at least one of the struts therebetween, or some combination thereof having a plurality of shaped recesses thereon.
US08292941B2
A delivery device for a bifurcated stent-graft includes a first catheter portion with a first tip and a second catheter portion with a second tip. The first and second tips each include a generally curved and tapered outer surface and complementary surfaces that face each other. The first and second tips together form a generally continuous substantially smooth shaped outer surface, for example a bullet-shaped combined tip. An outer sleeve is disposed around the first catheter portion and the second catheter portion such that at least a portion of the first tip and a portion of the second tip extend distally beyond a distal end of the outer sleeve. An inner sleeve maintains the stent-graft in a compressed configuration during delivery to the target site. The delivery device is tracked over two guidewires to the target location with the tips acting as a unit. The outer sleeve is retracted to release the first catheter portion from the second catheter portion, and the tips are tracked over a respective one of the guidewires into its respective branch vessel. The inner sleeve is retracted to deploy the stent-graft from its compressed configuration to its expanded configuration.
US08292930B2
The present application is directed to tethering systems that provide a corrective force to one or more vertebral members. The tethering systems may include an elongated member with first and second sections. The sections are displaceable relative to each other to increase a length of the elongated member. The first section may be attached to a first vertebral member, and a second section may be attached to a second vertebral member. At least one tether may be attached to the elongated member. The tether may include a length to be attached to the first and second sections, and to a third vertebral member that is positioned between and laterally offset from the first and second vertebral members. The length of the elongated member may increase thus causing the tether to apply a corrective force to the third vertebral member.
US08292928B2
The invention provides an implantable spinal distraction/fusion rod with varied thread pitch and diameters along different portions of its length that it is capable of distracting two or more vertebral bodies relative to each other and/or facilitating the procedure of fusing the vertebral bodies together from within the spine. The present invention also provides for methods of using the rod to distract and/or fuse two or more vertebral bodies from within the spine.
US08292920B2
A surgical needle which is particularly suited for use in limited space applications and a method for its use are disclosed. The surgical needle generally includes an arcuate portion having a first end and a second end. A pointed tip is disposed near the first end. There is a relatively short, straight shank near the second end of the arcuate portion which extends from the arcuate portion at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is defined by the intersection of the arcuate portion and the shank. This predetermined angle is within a range of about 23° to about 29°. In a particularly useful embodiment, the predetermined angle is approximately 26°. Further, an extrapolation of a longitudinal axis of the shank intersects the arcuate portion of the surgical needle.
US08292917B2
Several alternative designs, structures, assemblies, treatment methods and/or methods of manufacturing medical closure devices adapted and/or configured for closing an opening, for example, an incision or a puncture in the tissue of a patient, for example, the dural membrane of a patient. Some embodiments include a medical closure device including an elongated tubular member extending along a longitudinal axis. The tubular member including a distal section and a proximal section, and the distal section is expandable from a first configuration to a second expanded configuration through the application of a compressive force upon the distal section along the longitudinal axis.
US08292906B2
An endoscopic stitching device is provided including a handle assembly supporting a manually operated suture needle loading assembly; a tool assembly operatively supported on and connected to the handle assembly; a suture needle operatively associated with the tool assembly, wherein the tool assembly includes a pair of juxtaposed jaws pivotally associated with one another; and an actuation cable extending between the handle assembly and the tool assembly, wherein axial displacement of the actuation shaft results in opening and closing of the jaws and rotation of the actuation cable results in selective retention of the suture needle in the jaws. A proximal end of the actuation cable is connected to the suture needle loading assembly such that actuation of the suture needle loading assembly imparts rotation to the actuation cable to selectively engage the suture needle in one of the jaws.
US08292903B2
A device for placing one or more sutures and approximating tissue includes an elongate body member and a suture deployment system. The suture deployment system includes a suture carrier with a sharpened end for piercing tissue.
US08292900B2
A vessel bifurcation wire assist device and related methods of advancing guidewires into main and branch vessels of a vessel bifurcation. The wire assist device includes a first guidewire housing member defining a first guidewire lumen sized to advance over a first guidewire, and a second guidewire housing member defining a second guidewire lumen sized to advance over a second guidewire. The second guidewire housing member has a first directional arrangement and a second directional arrangement. The first directional arrangement provides a parallel arrangement of the second guidewire relative to the first guidewire housing member, and the second directional arrangement provides an angled arrangement of the second guidewire relative to the first guidewire housing member.
US08292898B2
Plate shaping tools may be attached to a plate having pre-assembled guides while the plate is located on the bone to effect alteration of the plate shape in an effective and precise manner. The tools are designed such that a drill and K-wires can be inserted through the guides while the tools are coupled to the guides.
US08292891B2
Some introducer tools for bone portals have a handle coupled to a driving member by a force-limiting coupling. A bone portal comprising a bone-penetrating portion and a bone stop may be driven to a desired depth in bone when the force-limiting coupling allows application of force to the bone portal that is sufficient to drive the bone-penetrating portion of the portal into the bone but not sufficient to drive the bone stop significantly into the bone. Bone portals of various types are described herein. Various configurations for stylets suitable for use in introducing bone portals or otherwise penetrating bone and methods for inserting bone portals are also described herein.
US08292888B2
An electro-mechanical surgical device, system and/or method may include a housing, at least two opposing jaw, and at least one electrical contact associated with at least one of the jaws. The electrical contact may include at least one of a bipolar electrical contact and an ultrasonic electrical contact. The electrical contact may be a row of electrodes located on one or all of the jaws. A sensor may also be associated with any tissue located between the jaws to sense and report the temperature of that tissue. A piercable ampulla containing fluid may also be placed on at least one of the jaws so that the fluid is releasable when the jaws are in closed position and the electrode(s) pass through the tissue into the piercable ampulla.
US08292886B2
A bipolar forceps includes a shaft extending from a housing and includes an end effector assembly at its distal end. The end effector assembly has a pair of jaw members movable between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a cutter having a generally circular cross-section. The cutter is configured to cut tissue when the jaw members are in the closed position. One or more electrically conductive tissue sealing plates are disposed on each of the jaw members. The tissue sealing plates are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue held between the jaw members to effect a tissue seal. An actuator is operably coupled to the knife assembly and is configured to selectively reciprocate the cutter relative to the jaw members.
US08292883B2
An electrosurgical apparatus in the present invention has a high frequency power generation section which generates high frequency power to be applied to a living tissue, a voltage detection section which detects the voltage of the high frequency power, a current detection section which detects the current of the high frequency power, an impedance computation section which computes the impedance of the living tissue on the basis of the voltage and the current, and a control section which, when the impedance exceeds a predetermined threshold value, performs control for increasing the frequency of the high frequency power stepwise on the high frequency power generation section.
US08292877B2
Systems and methods of incising a portion of a material include creating a sub-surface separation in a region of the material, and incising a periphery of the region with a pulsed laser beam to produce an edge of the portion. The edge includes a periodically varying shape to secure the portion to the material when the portion is reintegrated. The system includes a laser producing the pulsed laser beam, a scanner operable in response to a control signal, and a controller coupled to the scanner. The controller produces the control signal. In response to the control signal, the scanner creates a sub-surface separation in the region with the pulsed laser beam and incises the periphery of the region with the pulsed laser beam to produce the edge with the periodically varying shape.
US08292870B2
A method for performing a surgical procedure includes the steps of: accessing a surgical site with an access member, the access member having proximal and distal ends, and defining a longitudinal axis, the access member having an elongated element operatively connected thereto; transitioning the access member from a first condition having a first dimension orthogonal to the longitudinal axis to a second condition having a second dimension orthogonal to the longitudinal axis greater than the first dimension by drawing the elongated element in a proximal direction; anchoring the access member within a tissue passage leading to the surgical site when in the second condition thereof; and introducing a surgical object through a longitudinal opening of the access member to perform a surgical task.
US08292868B2
A pant has a garment shell. The garment shell includes a front region, a back region, a contracted crotch region, side seams connecting the front region to the back region, two leg openings, and hanging legs. At least a portion of each of the front region, the back region, the contracted crotch region and the hanging legs include portions of a single flat web. The hanging legs include no elasticization around a full periphery of the leg openings and are adapted to hang loosely about a wearer's thigh.
US08292854B2
A ribbed seal for use in endoscopic surgery is intended to be incorporated into a cannula assembly to limit the escape of insufflation gasses from a body cavity by forming a fluid-tight seal around an instrument inserted through the cannula assembly. The ribbed seal includes a relatively flat, disk shaped elastomeric overmold portion having a central aperture sized slightly smaller than the instrument such that the aperture must expand to accommodate the instrument. Molded together with the elastomeric overmold is an array of slender ribs disposed about the aperture. The ribs are designed to be relatively flexible under lateral loads. This allows the seal to bend easily as the surgical instrument is inserted through the aperture thereby maintaining a low insertion and glide force. On the other hand, the ribs are designed to be relatively rigid when loaded axially. This rigidity provides robust radial support for the instrument inserted through the center of the array of ribs. The seal performs a centering function for the instrument due to its combined elasticity and stiffness. Finally, the seal also allows for an instrument to be removed easily while maintaining the required atmospheric integrity.
US08292844B1
Apparatus and method are disclosed for orally administering to a recipient a medication and a flavor, in a liquid form, for rendering the medication more palatable to the recipient. First and second liquid dispensers are operated manually, independent of one another, either simultaneously or in a selected sequence, and are arranged to advance the medication and the flavor into a conduit for passage through a common outlet to an administering head placed in the recipient's mouth so as to administer the medication and the flavor to the recipient's mouth. The apparatus includes a liquefying device which enables the apparatus to be used for the administration of a medication initially supplied in a non-liquid form.
US08292835B1
Non-invasive apparatus and methods are disclosed for treatment of soft-tissues of a human or animal body, and, more particularly, non-invasive treatment apparatus and methods for destruction of adipose tissues of a patient using focused delivery of ultrasonic energy in a group focal zone.
US08292834B2
Ultrasound stimulation devices and related techniques are disclosed. An ultrasound transducer for generating ultrasound energy is carried by a transducer housing that seals the transducer and may also include a positioning element for positioning the transducer proximate an application area to which generated ultrasound energy is to be applied. The transducer housing may also carry such components as a battery, a wireless receiver, and a controller. The same housing or a separate sensor housing may include an ultrasound sensor that provides feedback to the ultrasound transducer or its controller, illustratively through a wireless transmitter.
US08292824B2
A biopsy device includes a support base for supporting a mass to be examined, a compression plate for compressing and holding the mass to be examined against the support base, and a biopsy needle moving mechanism for moving a biopsy needle in a plane along the compression plate as well as in directions perpendicular to the compression plate. The biopsy needle is movable through an opening defined in the compression plate for insertion into the mass to be examined. The biopsy device also includes a determining section for determining whether or not the biopsy needle has pierced the mass to be examined, and a movement limiter for limiting movement of the biopsy needle within a plane perpendicular to a piercing direction along which the biopsy needle pierces the mass to be examined, if the determining section judges that the biopsy needle has pierced the mass to be examined.
US08292816B2
An image processor includes a signal processing circuit for performing signal processing on three-dimensional echo signals transmitted from an ultrasonic 3D probe, a memory for storing at least one set of plural sets of three-dimensional echo data converted by the signal processing circuit, a large capacity storage unit, a control circuit for controlling input/output signals from an input unit, an image processing circuit for performing image processing such as coordinate conversion based on the three-dimensional echo data stored in the memory, a display circuit for displaying the ultrasonic three-dimensional image processed by the image processing circuit, and a CPU for performing calculation for “volume measurement”. Accordingly, a tissue of interest can be easily and accurately measured.
US08292810B2
Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system replaces some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently including signal estimation methods that particularly address transient signal artifacts. The system is also capable of detecting the severity of the signal artifacts and selectively applying one or more signal estimation algorithm factors responsive to the severity of the signal artifacts, which includes selectively applying distinct sets of parameters to a signal estimation algorithm or selectively applying distinct signal estimation algorithms.
US08292794B2
A method for maintaining access to a biopsy site within a patient, includes forming a passageway from an opening in an exterior site on the patient to a desired location for a biopsy specimen within the patient; removing a tissue specimen from the desired location thereby leaving a biopsy cavity; providing a temporary catheter having an elongate shaft, a flexible proximal shaft section, and a distal shaft section having a cavity filling member thereon; inserting the cavity filling member on the distal shaft section into the biopsy cavity; inflating the cavity filling member after inserting the cavity filling member within the biopsy cavity, but before closing the opening, using the flexible proximal shaft section; placing the flexible proximal shaft section at an intracorporeal location; and closing the opening so as to seal the passageway.
US08292793B2
The present invention relates to a control method of a centrifuge using balancer wherein a balancer containing balls, a liquid, or both balls and a liquid are provided, thereby helping the rotor rotate more stably. More particularly, the centrifuge comprises a motor, a rotational shaft of the motor projected from said motor, a rotor, a main body, and a balancer which contains compensation material in a balancing space formed by a cover that is coupled to said main body, wherein the balancing for the unbalance due to the loaded samples is executed more accurately and stably.
US08292791B2
An electrical conductive roller 1 that includes a shaft member 2 born at both end portions in a lengthwise direction thereof, and one or more elastic layers 3 arranged on a radially outside thereof, where each elastic layer has a glass transition point of not higher than −40° C., and at least one of the elastic layers is constituted with a ultraviolet curing type resin containing an electrically conducting agent and a ultraviolet initiator.
US08292790B2
An exercise device includes at least one arc-shaped wing structure shaped to conform to a curvature of an exterior surface of an exercise ball such that when applied to the exterior surface thereof the at least one arc-shaped wing structure has a lower proximal end and an upper distal radiating end, protrudes away from the exterior surface of the exercise ball to a given distance that increases along a direction from the lower proximal end towards the upper distal radiating end, and is operable to provide an increased resistance against a rolling movement of the exercise ball along a surface when the at least one arc-shaped wing structure comes into rolling contact with the surface. An exercise ball with a plurality of the wing structures is likewise provided, the wing structures being integral or removable.
US08292786B1
A head set is provided. The head set is beneficial for assisting an individual who is significantly impaired in the use of his or her upper extremities. The system enables this individual to move a cursor on a display of a computer or other processing device using lingual musculature. The head set includes a head piece. The head piece supports an articulating arm. The articulating arm supports a mouthpiece at a distal end. The mouthpiece has a plurality of cells embedded therein. The cells are configured to receive pressure applied by the tongue of the user. Movement of the tongue over and against the cells causes the cursor to be moved on the display. A method for moving a cursor on a display using a mouthpiece controlled through lingual movement is also provided. In addition, a method of typing characters on a virtual keyboard using lingual musculature is offered.
US08292781B2
The invention concerns a method of operating a motor vehicle powertrain comprising an infinitely variable transmission and an engine. The transmission comprises a rotary transmission input coupled to the engine, a rotary transmission output coupled to the vehicle wheels, a variator which provides a continuously variable ratio (the “variator ratio”), and gearing for coupling the variator between the engine and the transmission output in such a manner that the ratio of transmission output speed to transmission input speed (the “reciprocal transmission ratio”) is a function of the variator ratio. The available range of variator ratios maps onto both forward and reverse reciprocal transmission ratios, and at a particular variator ratio (the “geared neutral ratio”) the transmission output is stationary despite its being coupled through the transmission to the rotating transmission input. The comprises sustaining engine speed in a range of low reciprocal transmission ratios containing and extending to either side of geared neutral, by applying a drive torque demand to the engine even while the powertrain is operating in overrun.
US08292770B2
An electric machine including a housing, a first rotor and stator carried within the housing and a rotatable shaft carried by the housing and extending from the housing. A first continuously variable transmission can be provided and includes a first rotatable element, a second rotatable element and a mechanism for controlling the ratio of the rotation of the second element to the rotation of the first element. The first element can be connected to the first rotor and the second element can be connected to the rotatable shaft. A second rotor and stator can be carried within the housing and a second continuously variable transmission provided. A hybrid engine having an internal combustion engine and utilizing the electric machine can be provided.
US08292767B2
A powertrain is provided having a multi-speed transmission. The transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
US08292760B2
Systems and methods for controlling a baseball bat swing are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an upper arm portion, a lower arm portion pivotably connected to the upper arm portion, and at least one releaseable attachment device carried by the upper arm portion and positioned to releasably attach to the user's arm. The system can further include an adjustment element operatively coupled to the upper arm portion and the lower arm portion, with the adjustment being manipulatable to control an angle between the upper arm portion and the lower arm portion. The system can be employed to train the user to achieve a consistent baseball bat swing.
US08292752B2
The present device relates to an apparatus and a method for allowing a golfer to properly grip a golf club. A proper grip is one that allows for the most efficient radial deviation (abduction) and ulnar deviation (adduction) as well as flexion and extension of the wrist of the golfer's upper hand, while also minimizing club head and shaft axis rotation during a golf swing. This grip can be achieved through the use of a marking system comprising the golfer's glove and the grip of the golf club. By matching one or more markings on the glove, placed in specific locations on its anterior, with one or more markings located on specific positions on a golf club grip, the proper location of the golfer's upper hand can be found and the proper grip can then be made.
US08292743B1
A method of changing virtual items based on location-based actions is disclosed. It is detected that a player of a computer-implemented game has performed a location-based action. An attribute of a virtual item of the player of the computer-implemented game is changed based on the detecting that the player of the computer-implemented game has performed the location-based action.
US08292741B2
In accordance with the teachings of the present embodiment, a system and method for wireless gaming with location-dependent gaming functions are provided. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus includes a gaming server; a wireless network at least partially covering a property, the wireless network comprising a plurality of signal detection devices; and a gaming communication device operable to transmit and receive gaming information to and from the gaming server via the wireless network. A location of the gaming communication device on the property is used to alter a game play function, such as a bet option, wager, graphic overlay, permission, or to provide location-dependent advertising or embedded advertising. Based upon the location of the gaming communication device on the property, a predetermined functionality of the gaming communication device may be enabled and/or controlled.