US08319707B2
An organic light emitting display capable of displaying an image with uniform luminance regardless of deterioration of an organic light emitting diode and threshold voltage and/or mobility of a drive transistor is disclosed. The organic light emitting display senses deterioration of the organic light emitting diode and threshold voltage and/or mobility of a drive transistor and modifies the data supplied to the pixel according to the sensed parameters.
US08319704B2
A plasma display device, which gradually increases the current to the panel capacitors is disclosed. The display uses an inductor to reduce the current spike which would otherwise occur and create large electromagnetic interference.
US08319702B2
A 2D and 3D display device includes a display panel and a barrier panel. The barrier panel includes a first base, a first electrode layer, a first patterned electrode, a second base, a second electrode layer, a second patterned electrode and an electro-enabled material layer. The first electrode layer substantially completely covers the first base. The first patterned electrode is disposed on the first electrode layer and electrically insulated from the first electrode layer. The second base is disposed opposite to the first base. The second electrode layer substantially completely covers the second base. The second patterned electrode is disposed on the second electrode layer and electrically insulated from the second electrode layer, and an extending direction of the second patterned electrode substantially crosses over an extending direction of the first patterned electrode. The electro-enabled material layer is disposed between the first base and the second base.
US08319694B2
The present disclosure relates to compact, dual-mode ultra high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) reader antenna systems and methods capable of supporting both long range and short range applications. The present invention includes a dual-mode antenna design, a dual-mode RFID reader utilizing the dual-mode antenna design, and an associated usage method. The dual-mode antenna design may include a patch operating mode for long range applications and a slot operating mode for short range applications. Additionally, the dual-mode antenna design may include mechanisms to improve the patch operating mode bandwidth, circular polarization in the patch operating mode, and dual polarization in the slot operation mode.
US08319691B2
A multi-band antenna includes a ground section, a feed-in section, a first conductor arm, and a second conductor arm. The feed-in section has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a feed-in point for feeding in radio frequency signals. The first end of the feed-in section is connected electrically to the ground section. The first conductor arm has a connecting section that extends from the second end of the feed-in section, and an extending section that extends from the connecting section, that is distal from the ground section, and that has a first end portion. The second conductor arm extends from the second end of the feed-in section, and has a second end portion that is adjacent to the first end portion of the extending section.
US08319686B2
Provided are an apparatus and method for controlling a radiation direction. The apparatus includes parasitic elements disposed in proximity to the antenna, wherein each of the parasitic elements comprises an antenna; a first portion that is inclined with respect to a prepared ground surface at a first angle and a second portion that is inclined with respect to the first portion at a second angle; a lumped element having a variable reactance, which is disposed on each of the first and second portions; and a determination unit controlling the reactance of the lumped element so as to determine the radiation direction of the antenna. By using the apparatus and the method, the antenna has various radiation directions.
US08319677B2
A high-precision A/D conversion is realized while the number of external terminals used for an A/D converter is reduced. At the time of sampling, first to fifth switches are turned on and a sixth switch is turned off. Since a first resistor is set to a resistance value optimum for sampling, an impedance in the direction from a node A to the left side and an impedance in the direction from a node B to the left side almost match, and a large noise-cancelling effect is obtained. At the time of successive approximation, the first, second, third, and fifth switches are turned off and the fourth and sixth switches are turned on. Since a second resistor is set to a resistance value optimum for the successive approximation, the impedance in the direction from the node A to the left side and the impedance in the direction from the node B to the left side almost match, and a large noise-cancelling effect is obtained also at the time of successive approximation.
US08319675B2
An SAR ADC includes a digital-to-analog converter, a first comparator that compares an input analog signal with a reference analog signal, a second comparator that compares an input analog signal with a reference analog signal, a selection circuit that selects one of comparison results of the first comparator and the second comparator, and a control circuit that changes the multibit digital signal sequentially based on the selected comparison result in a plurality of steps so that the reference analog signal becomes closer to the input analog signal, and the control circuit controls the selection circuit to select the comparison result of the first comparator up to an intermediate step on the way of the plurality of steps and to select the comparison result of the second comparator after the intermediate step, and changes the bit value of the multibit digital signal according to the non-binary algorithm.
US08319670B2
The invention provides an input device of an electric apparatus and a method of manufacturing an input device, wherein the input device comprises: a key member for receiving an input from a user, the key member comprising a plurality of circumferentially arranged touch-sensitive sensor segments and having at least one degree of freedom with respect to the body of the electric apparatus; and a feedback unit coupled to the key member and configured to generate feedback to the key member in the direction of the at least one degree of freedom as a response to the input.
US08319667B2
A system and method of conveying missed approach procedures to a pilot are provided. The system and method include rendering a graphic representation of at least one leg of the missed approach procedure on a display. A determination is made as to whether the aircraft is at least substantially flying the at least one leg of the missed approach procedure. At least one visual characteristic of the rendered graphic is selectively varied based on the determination of whether the aircraft is at least substantially flying the at least one leg of the missed approach procedure.
US08319666B2
A system and method of acquiring information from an image of a vehicle in real time wherein at least one imaging device with advanced light metering capabilities is placed aboard a vehicle, a computer processor means is provided to control the imaging device and the advanced light metering capabilities, the advanced light metering capabilities are used to capture an image of at least a portion of the vehicle, and image recognition algorithms are used to identify the current state or position of the corresponding portion of the vehicle.
US08319659B2
A sensor system having a sensor module and an induction unit is provided, the sensor module having a first antenna, and the induction unit having a second and a third antenna, an induction transmission of signals being provided between the first and the second antenna, and the signals being sent and/or received electromagnetically by the third antenna.
US08319657B2
The invention relates to a system and method for wireless communication in a producing well system associated with oil and gas production, comprising at least one well bore. The system comprises at least two communication units, the communication units each comprising a transmitter and/or receiver for sending and/or receiving data, at least one, control unit for controlling the communication between the communication units.
US08319653B2
A meter for vehicle capable of improving design and visibility in an after-meter of single face type is provided. The meter for vehicle includes a transmitting ring-shaped member 4 placed to surround an analog display portion 1 between a case body 2 and a cover member 3, a first light source 5 emitting first illumination light L1, and a second light source 6 emitting second illumination light L2. The meter for vehicle also includes a light-guide member 7 placed between the display plate 12 and the first light source 5 and having an entrance portion 72 into which the first illumination light L1 enters, a first exit portion 73 from which the first illumination light L1 exits toward the pointer 11, a first reflecting portion 74 which reflects the first illumination light L1 in a direction in parallel with the display plate 12, a second reflecting portion 75 which reflects the first illumination light L1, reflected by the first reflecting portion 74, in a direction perpendicular to the display plate 12, and a second exit portion 76 from which the first illumination light L1 reflected by the second reflecting portion 75 exits toward the ring-shaped member 4.
US08319650B2
An apparatus for sensing leakage current of a battery includes a current sensing resistance installed on a current detection path of positive and negative terminals of a battery; a DC (Direct Current) voltage applying unit for inducing a potential difference with an opposite polarity to the current detection path through the current sensing resistance; and a leakage current determining unit for sensing a magnitude of current flowing through the current sensing resistance according to the induced potential difference on the current detection path, and determining based on the sensed magnitude of current whether leakage current occurs.
US08319647B2
An electric seal includes an antenna device engaged in a lock member and having a contact located in the lock member, a lock shaft engageable into the lock member and having a circuit board engaged in the bore of the lock shaft and having an RFID chip coupled to an electric circuit, the electric circuit includes a contact for electrically engaging with the contact of the antenna member when the lock shaft is engaged into the compartment of the lock member for identifying the RFID-based electric seal, the RFID chip do not generate and emit the signal to identify the electric seal when the lock shaft is disengaged from the lock member or when the circuit board is disengaged from the antenna member.
US08319639B2
A cardholder in a book form, comprising a plurality of units each having two pockets, wherein each pocket is sized to hold a card, comprises an alarm circuit in its cover or in a special compartment. Conductive strips/traces on both sides of the walls of said pockets are configured such that if the cardholder is closed while at least one of the pockets is empty, said traces creates a closed electric path between terminals of said alarm circuit and the alarm is activated. However, if the book shaped cardholder is open such that an empty pocket is exposed—the alarm is deactivated.
US08319633B2
A location detection system for a facility includes a patient handling device with a communication module with a unique ID, a locator fixed relative to the handling device for transmitting a unique location identifier corresponding to the location of the handling device, and a receiver mounted to the patient device for receiving the unique location identifier. A processing station remote from the handling device and the locator receives the unique location identifier and the unique ID and further correlates the unique ID with a patient supported by the handling device wherein the processing station can track the handling device and the patient supported thereby such that the location of the patient and handling device can be determined and monitored remotely from the handling device.
US08319631B2
A modular portable patient communicator (PPC) provides for communications with a patient implantable medical device (PIMD) and connectivity with a central authority (CA) via an unsecured network. Medical firmware and a radio facilitate wireless interrogation of the PIMD and acquisition of PIMD data. A universal communications port facilitates mechanical and signal connectivity with one or a multiplicity of disparate detachable modules, some of which provide the PPC with an external communications facility and have disparate communication protocols. The PPC is devoid of an external communications facility other than the radio and universal communications port. Life critical network software is executed in cooperation with an attached module to cause the PPC to transmit a request to a network access facility for a connection to the unsecured network, authenticate the PPC to the CA, and facilitate secured communication between the PPC and CA upon successful PPC authentication.
US08319630B1
An air-cushioned bag for safely and securely transporting objects (9) is comprised of a housing (1) to store objects (9), an electric pump (3), a pressure sensor (6) and an electrical power source (5). The housing walls are filled with air to different pre-determined pressure values depending on the types of objects (9) to provide safe transportation. The bag also has an electronic controller (12), a unique electronic ID, an electronic lock (10), a remote control (14), an explosive sensor (19) and a GPS device (16). The unique electronic ID and the explosive sensor (19) facilitate secure transportation of the bag. The bag can be remotely tracked during transportation with the remote control (14) or a computer equipped with a GPS tracking system.
US08319629B2
An alarm system includes a number of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, an RFID reader, a warning unit, and a control module. The RFID reader receives radio-frequency signals from some of the number of the RFID tags via an antenna when the some of the number of the RFID tags are in a determined area around the RFID reader. The control module activates the warning unit when a radio-frequency signal from at least one of the number of RFID tags is not received by the RFID reader.
US08319614B2
A target parking position serving as a parking target of a vehicle is set, and a parking start position from which the vehicle can start to reach the target parking position while maintaining a predetermined steering angle is set. Then, a vehicle mark V indicating a current position, a target parking frame F1 indicating the target parking position, and a parking start frame F2 indicating the parking start position are drawn on a bird's eye image of a periphery of the vehicle, and a display device 5 is allowed to display an image in which the vehicle mark V, the target parking frame F1 and the parking start frame F2 are drawn on the bird's eye image. At this time, the parking start frame F2 is drawn on the bird's eye image so that a drawing mode thereof can be changed in response to a current steering angle of the vehicle.
US08319612B2
A transponder detector is provided with capabilities for detecting the presence and type of a transponder in its read range while operating at low power. The transponder detector includes an antenna assembly and a detection signal generator circuit coupled to the antenna assembly. The detection signal generator circuit is capable of generating a progression of detection signals on the antenna assembly across a range of frequencies. The transponder detector further includes a response signal receiver circuit coupled to the antenna assembly to receive a progression of response signals from the antenna assembly resulting from the progression of detection signals. A controller is coupled to the response signal receiver circuit which determines the presence and type of the transponder based on an evaluation of a transponder detection parameter in the progression of response signals.
US08319608B2
An electronic control device transmits a function control signal within a predetermined area. Other electronic devices within the predetermined area receive the function control signal. The function control signal initiates a control program in an electronic device in the predetermined area that adjusts one or more user setting conditions of the electronic device, such as audio volume level, display brightness level, etc. The original user setting conditions are returned to their prior values when the device exits the predetermined area or otherwise stops receiving the function control signal.
US08319603B1
A control device for a mobile storage system includes a data entry device, such as a numeric keypad. The user enters an access code on the keypad, and the access code is compared against a data table including a list of security levels associated with access codes. If the access code entered is included in the data table, the user is permitted to control the mobile storage system according to the access rights granted by the security level associated with the access code. Each of the access codes and attempted commands entered in the numeric keypad are recorded in an activity log. The activity log is downloadable to a computer for later review.
US08319599B2
An electrical appliance (100) comprises a digital control system (SC), configured for enabling the performance of a plurality of pre-determined basic functions, and an auxiliary device (200) comprises means (PM, 230-231) for acquiring and/or processing auxiliary information. The electrical appliance (100) and the auxiliary device (200) moreover comprise respective communication means (270), for setting up between them a bi-directional communication of data. The control system (SC) of the electrical appliance (100) is provided for enabling execution of additional functions with respect to the basic functions and for sending to the auxiliary device (200), via the communication means (270), requests for auxiliary information, necessary for the performance of said additional functions. The auxiliary device (200) is pre-arranged for communicating to the control system (SC) of the electrical appliance (100), via the communication means (270), the auxiliary piece or pieces of information requested, as processed and/or acquired by the device itself.
US08319597B2
An embodiment of a resistor formed by at least one first portion and one second portion, electrically connected to one another and with different crystalline phases. The first portion has a positive temperature coefficient, and the second portion has a negative temperature coefficient. The first portion has a first resistivity, and the second portion has a second resistivity, and the portions are connected so that the resistor has an overall temperature coefficient that is approximately zero.
US08319594B2
A ceramic electronic component includes a ceramic body, a first external electrode, and a second external electrode. The first and second external electrodes are disposed on a principal surface, which is directed to the mounting surface side, of the ceramic body so as to face each other with a predetermined gap region therebetween. The external electrodes each include a base layer and a Cu plating layer which covers the base layer. In each of the first and second external electrodes, an expression 0.1≦t/d≦0.5 is satisfied, where t is a thickness of the Cu plating layer at an end of the base layer on a gap region side, and d is a distance from the end of the base layer on the gap region side to an end of the Cu plating layer on the gap region side.
US08319588B2
A hollow cylindrical thermal shield for a tubular cryogenically cooled superconducting magnet, has a first axis, an inner cylindrical tube having an axis aligned with the first axis, an outer cylindrical tube of greater diameter than the diameter of the inner cylindrical tube, having an axis aligned with the first axis, and annular end pieces, joining the inner cylindrical tube and the outer cylindrical tube to form an enclosure. The hollow cylindrical thermal shield further has a cylindrical stiffener, extending axially at least part of the axial length of the inner cylindrical tube, the stiffener being joined at intervals to the inner cylindrical tube, thereby to improve the mechanical rigidity of the inner cylindrical tube.
US08319586B2
An integrated circuit comprising: a substrate; a first transmission line arranged on the substrate, the first transmission line having a first termination; a die having a first surface on the substrate and an opposed second surface, the die being spaced from the first termination; a second transmission line arranged on the second surface of the die, the second transmission line having a second termination; and a bond wire connected between the first termination and the second termination configured to have a length half the wavelength of the signal central frequency.
US08319584B2
A contour mode micromechanical piezoelectric resonator. The resonator has a bottom electrode; a top electrode; and a piezoelectric layer disposed between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. The piezoelectric resonator has a planar surface with a cantilevered periphery, dimensioned to undergo in-plane lateral displacement at the periphery. The resonator also includes means for applying an alternating electric field across the thickness of the piezoelectric resonator. The electric field is configured to cause the resonator to have a contour mode in-plane lateral displacement that is substantially in the plane of the planar surface of the resonator, wherein the fundamental frequency for the displacement of the piezoelectric resonator is set in part lithographically by the planar dimension of the bottom electrode, the top electrode or the piezoelectric layer.
US08319580B2
An attenuator includes a first 3 dB bridge, a second 3 dB bridge and an amplifying tube group, where the amplifying tube group includes a first amplifying tube and a second amplifying tube, a drain of the first amplifying tube is connected to a first output port of the first 3 dB bridge, a source of the first amplifying tube is connected to a first input port of the second 3 dB bridge, a drain of the second amplifying tube is connected to a second output port of the first 3 dB bridge, and a source of the second amplifying tube is connected to a second input port of the second 3 dB bridge; where gates of the first amplifying tube and the second amplifying tube are respectively connected to the same voltage source or different voltage sources having the same voltage.
US08319573B2
A signal transmission arrangement includes input terminals for receiving an input signal and output terminals for providing an output signal. A first transformer has a primary winding and a secondary winding, the primary winding being coupled to the input terminals. A second transformer has a primary winding and a secondary winding, the primary winding being coupled to the secondary winding of the first transformer, and the secondary winding being coupled to the output terminals.
US08319567B1
An oscillator synchronization system employs two oscillators, each of which includes an integrator which provides a ramping signal at its output, a comparator which receives the ramping signal and a reference signal at respective inputs and toggles an output when the ramping voltage crosses the reference signal, and a one-shot circuit that generates the integrator's reset signal when triggered. The system is preferably arranged such that the oscillators can be operated independently, in which case each oscillator's one-shot is triggered by its own comparator output, or synchronously, in which case each oscillator's one-shot is triggered by the other oscillator's comparator output—with the ramp signal of each oscillator operating to reset the integrator of the other oscillator. The oscillators are typically out-of-phase when synchronized, with the phase difference varying with the magnitude of the reference signals applied to the comparators.
US08319565B2
To provide a resonator that includes a resonant tunneling diode. A resistor layer provided in series with the resonant tunneling diode, a dielectric provided in contact with the resonant tunneling diode, and first and second conductors that are placed so that the resonant tunneling diode and the dielectric are sandwiched therebetween are provided. Further, a resonator area where the dielectric is sandwiched between the first and second conductors, and a resistor area where the resonant tunneling diode and the resistor layer are sandwiched between the first and second conductors are provided in parallel with each other.
US08319562B2
An apparatus including cascaded amplification stages adapted to be biased by a common DC current to generate an amplified output signal from an input signal. A first amplification stage includes a routing network to substantially double an input voltage signal, and a first transconductance gain stage to generate a first current signal from the input voltage signal. A second amplification stage includes a resonator to convert the first current signal into a second voltage signal, and a second transconductance gain stage to generate a second current signal from the first current signal. A third amplification stage includes a current gain stage to generate a third current signal from the second current signal, and a load through which the third current signal flows to generate the output signal.
US08319561B2
Embodiments of amplifiers with depletion and enhancement mode thin film transistors are disclosed herein. Other examples, devices, and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US08319556B2
An amplifier having an input transmission network with a plurality of input transformers having serially coupled primary windings. Each one of the input transformers has a secondary winding magnetically coupled to a corresponding one of the primary windings. The amplifier includes an output transmission network having a plurality of output transformers having serially coupled secondary windings. Each one of the output transformers has a secondary winding magnetically coupled to a corresponding one of the primary windings. The amplifier includes a plurality of amplifier sections, each one the sections having an input connected to a corresponding one of the secondary windings of the input transformers and an output connected to a corresponding one of the primary windings of the output transformers. The input and output transmission networks are arranged to combine signals passing from an input to the input transmission network through the plurality of amplifier sections combine in-phase at an output of the output transmission section.
US08319550B2
A programmable-gain amplifier has a first input node coupled to receive a first input signal and a control input coupled to receive a gain select signal. The programmable-gain amplifier includes a differential amplifier having a first input and a first output and a plurality of capacitors. A first terminal of each of the plurality of capacitors is coupled to the first input of the differential amplifier, and a second terminal of each of the plurality of capacitors is coupled to the first input node during a sampling phase of the programmable-gain amplifier and selectively coupled to the first output of the differential amplifier, based on the gain select signal, during a gain phase of the programmable-gain amplifier.
US08319539B2
An in-rush or out-rush current limiting circuit employs a low number of components to effect in-rush current limiting and may be employed in dongles or on-chip (in the case of serving as an out-rush current limiting circuit). The in-rush current limiting circuit may be employed, for example, in USB dongles, Display Port (DP) dongles, or any other suitable connector as desired. Alternatively, the circuit may be integrated onto a circuit board or within an integrated circuit as desired. Among other advantages, a lower cost, low complexity solution may be provided. In addition, bulk capacitance can be increased such as by employing a trickle resistor or other suitable limiting structure.
US08319529B2
A resonant gate drive circuits for a voltage controlled transistor according to the embodiments are characterized by connecting a resonant inductor and a resistor to a gate of the voltage controlled transistor or a gate of the normally-on voltage controlled transistor or a voltage control terminal of a pseudo normally-off element, in series, and providing the drive circuit with two complementary switching elements connected in series.
US08319513B2
An inspecting apparatus for a solar cell and an inspecting method are provided. The inspecting apparatus for the solar cell includes a head unit having a plurality of probe units, a rotation unit rotating the head unit according to an interval of cells of the solar cell, a controller controlling a rotation angle of the head unit by controlling the rotation unit, and a wire unit connected to the head unit to be electrically connected to the probe units.
US08319512B2
A flexible substrate includes a substrate body; a plurality of lines that are arranged on the substrate body; a plurality of connection terminals that are arranged on an end portion of the substrate body and electrically connected to the respective lines; an integrated circuit that is arranged on the substrate body and electrically connected to at least one of the lines; and an inspection electrode that is arranged on the substrate body and electrically connected to the integrated circuit and capable of outputting a signal processed in the integrated circuit.
US08319507B2
A system and method for sensing a load current that flows from an amplifier into a load of the amplifier involves obtaining a voltage drop across internal impedance of the amplifier and computing the load current using the internal impedance and the voltage drop across the internal impedance.
US08319506B2
A portable imaging detector and a method for operating the portable imaging detector are provided. The portable imaging detector includes a docking connector having a plurality of docking connector contacts. The method includes measuring a voltage at a first docking connector contact, and determining whether the portable detector is (i) operating in a digital cassette mode or is (ii) installed in either a cassette holder or a charging bin using the measured voltage. A detector state monitoring system is also discussed.
US08319501B2
A circuit board including a plurality of components; a plurality of light sources aligned along at least one axis; and a controller configured to activate the light sources to identify at least one of the components. The components on the circuit board can be identified by the light sources in response to a variety of conditions.
US08319500B2
A proximity sensor includes a relatively simple health monitoring circuit. The proximity sensor includes a variable gain oscillator, a feedback circuit, and a proximity determination circuit. The variable gain oscillator has a gain that varies with the proximity of a target to a sensor coil, generates an oscillating electrical signal having a substantially constant amplitude magnitude, and generates an energy signal representative of the electrical energy needed to sustain oscillations. The feedback circuit supplies feedback to the oscillator, and the proximity determination circuit, based on the energy signal, supplies a proximity signal representative of target proximity to the sensor coil. The health monitor circuit also receives the oscillating electrical signal and supplies a health status signal representative of proximity sensor health.
US08319498B2
A microresistivity logging tool includes a dual function electrode deployed between a guard electrode and a return electrode. A drive circuit enables the electrical potential of the dual function electrode to be independently controlled so as to control a depth of investigation of a microresistivity measurement. The depth of investigation tends to increase with increasing electrical potential of the dual function electrode.
US08319497B2
A marine sensor streamer includes a jacket covering an exterior of the streamer. At least one strength member extends the length of the jacket. At least one stiffener element extends inside the length of the jacket. The at least one stiffener element includes a gas filling the interior of a flexible, compressible tube and filler elements disposed in the gas. The filler elements have exterior shape and surface roughness such that upon compression of the gas, the filler elements are urged into contact with each other, causing the streamer to become substantially rigid.
US08319495B1
Optimizing RF coil currents' magnitude/phase relationship, temporal modulation and spatial distribution is crucial to MR imaging performance. One key aspect for the optimization is the knowledge of B1 spatial distribution and RF power deposition associated with a coil current pattern or a source configuration, and the use of the knowledge in the optimization. Another key aspect for the optimization is a hardware infrastructure that facilitates the optimization, with, specifically, a coil structure that supports flexible current path control. The present invention relates to calibration methods and multi-channel parallel RF transmit/receive coil assemblies that improve the performance of MR imaging by addressing both aspects.
US08319482B2
A power supply includes a first switch and a second switch coupled in series between an input voltage terminal to which an input voltage is applied and a reference voltage terminal to which a reference voltage lower than the input voltage is applied, an inductor disposed between a junction coupling the first and second switches and an output terminal from which an output voltage is output, and a controller controlling the first and second switches to be alternately switched at a given switching cycle depending on an error of the output voltage with respect to a target voltage, wherein the controller changes the switching cycle from a first cycle to a second cycle longer than the first cycle, depending on a voltage at the junction when the second switch is in a turned-on state.
US08319479B2
A smart battery device includes an adapter, a switch electrically connected to the adapter, a battery pack electrically connected the switch, a sense resistor electrically connected to the battery pack and the adapter, an analog preprocessing circuit electrically connected to the battery pack and the sense resistor for digitizing analog signals measured at the battery pack and the sense resistor to form digital signals, and an adaptive control circuit electrically connected to the analog preprocessing circuit for receiving the digital signals, and electrically connected to the switch for selectively turning the switch on or off according to the digital signals.
US08319475B2
A control module is included in a battery charger that is adapted to charge a plurality of battery packs of different types or a power tool that is adapted to be powered by at least one of the battery packs. The control module includes a remote sensing module that communicates remotely with one of the battery packs. The control module also includes a battery pack connection module that determines that the one of the battery packs is in electrical communication with at least one of the battery charger and the power tool. The control module also includes a battery pack identification (ID) module that determines a first type of the battery pack based on remote sensing module signals. The control module also includes a charge control module that determines at least one of a charge setting and a discharge setting for the battery pack based on the first type.
US08319473B2
Disclosed herein is a wireless energy transmission structure, which includes a printed circuit board, a disk section, and a wire section. The printed circuit board is formed in a ring type, the disk section is constituted by a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate formed on portions of the printed circuit board corresponding to each other to be spaced by a predetermined gap and a dielectric material inserted between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate, and the wire section is constituted by a plurality of meta cells having a meta material structure, which are repetitively formed to surround the exterior and interior of the printed circuit board and a transmission line connected to each of the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate and surround the plurality of meta cells.
US08319472B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for performing a jump-start without the use of external equipment. The apparatus comprises a first battery electrically coupled to a starter motor for an engine, the first battery providing power to start the engine; a second battery; a power converter electrically coupled to the first battery and electrically coupled to the second battery; and a controller communicatively coupled to the power converter. The controller may be configured to determine a low battery condition of the first battery such that the first battery has insufficient power to start the engine, and when the low battery condition occurs, to direct the power converter to supply power from the second battery to the first battery to thereby allow the engine to be started.
US08319462B2
Provided are an output filter and a power conversion apparatus having such an output filter. The output filter is configured by a neutral point detector with a reduced size and having no common mode inductance occurring by making inductances in coils of respective phases equal.
US08319453B2
An electronic operating device for operating at least one discharge lamp may include an output network having at least one input connection and at least one output connection, wherein the at least one input connection of the output network is coupled to one of a plurality of voltage rails, and wherein the at least one output connection of the output network is coupled to one of a plurality of poles of a supply voltage.
US08319442B2
The present invention discloses an LED array control circuit with voltage adjustment function and a driver circuit and a method for the same. The LED array includes multiple LED strings each of which has multiple LED devices connected in series. The LED array control circuit includes: a power supply circuit for providing a supply voltage to the LED array; and an LED driver circuit for controlling current through each LED string, the LED driver circuit including: multiple current sources corresponding to the multiple LED strings respectively, each current source having a first end which is coupled to a corresponding LED string, and a second end; and a voltage adjustment circuit for adjusting a voltage of the second end of a corresponding current source according to a signal indicating a voltage drop across the corresponding LED string.
US08319441B2
A road lamp dimming control device comprises a signal processor, a power supplier, a driver and a light emitting module. The single processor is used for receiving an inputted electric current and a control signal. The control signal is decoded into a dimming control signal that then is transmitted to the power supplier. The power supplier converts the inputted electric current into constant current based upon the dimming control signal. The driver receives the constant current to drive the light emitting module to allow the light emitting module having different brightness based upon the control signal, thereby performing multi-stage variation.
US08319438B2
A circuit that can detect computer states. When the computer in a S3 state, a S3 state pin of the computer is at low level, and a S4 state pin of the computer is at high level. A first light emitting diode is turned on and emits light, indicating that the computer is in the S3 state. The circuit also detects an S4 state, a network state, a hard disk state, a network awakening state, a network booting state, a low power state, and a management engine state of the computer according to seven other light emitting diodes.
US08319436B2
Systems, methods, and Apparatus for controlling the spatial distribution of a plasma in a processing chamber are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a primary inductor disposed to excite the plasma when power is actively applied to the primary inductor; at least one secondary inductor located in proximity to the primary inductor such that substantially all current that passes through the secondary inductor results from mutual inductance through the plasma with the primary inductor. In addition, at least one terminating element is coupled to the at least one secondary inductor, the at least one terminating element affecting the current through the at least one secondary inductor so as to affect the spatial distribution of the plasma.
US08319435B1
The invention, in its various aspects and embodiments, comprises a method and apparatus for an optical filament launch. In one aspect, the present invention generates a plurality of plasma filaments defining a radio frequency propagation path. In a second aspect, the present invention generates a pulsed plasma filament RF transmission line.
US08319434B2
The invention concerns an OLED device with a cathode 1, an anode 2 and an active stack 3, wherein the anode 1 is segmented into a plurality of anode segments 8 each defining an OLED segment 4. Further, a capacitance measuring unit 12 is provided which is arranged for measuring a plurality of capacitance coefficients between two anode segments 8 and/or between an anode segment 8 and surrounding earth, respectively. This way, an OLED device for illumination purposes with a reliable proximity sensing function is achieved.
US08319428B2
An object of this invention is to provide a sealing film for an organic EL element having excellent moisture resistance, due to the absence of pinholes. A sealing film of this invention is a sealing film for an organic EL element having a layered structure of at least three layers with a silicon nitride film and a silicon oxynitride film layered in alternation, and is characterized in that odd-numbered layers from the side of the organic EL element are silicon nitride films having a film thickness (T1) of 200 nm or greater, and even-numbered layers from the side of the organic EL element are silicon oxynitride films having a film thickness (T2) of 20 nm or greater and 50 nm or less.
US08319424B2
A light-emitting device having the quality of an image high in homogeneity is provided. A printed wiring board (second substrate) (107) is provided facing a substrate (first substrate) (101) that has a luminous element (102) formed thereon. A PWB side wiring (second group of wirings) (110) on the printed wiring board (107) is electrically connected to element side wirings (first group of wirings) (103, 104) by anisotropic conductive films (105a, 105b). At this point, because a low resistant copper foil is used to form the PWB side wiring (110), a voltage drop of the element side wirings (103, 104) and a delay of a signal can be reduced. Accordingly, the homogeneity of the quality of an image is improved, and the operating speed of a driver circuit portion is enhanced.
US08319422B2
An electroluminescent element which can easily control the balance of color in white emission (white balance) is provided according to the present invention. The electroluminescent element comprises a first light-emitting layer containing one kind or two or more kinds of light-emitting materials, and a second light-emitting layer containing two kinds of light-emitting materials (a host material and a phosphorescent material) in which the phosphorescent material is doped at a concentration of from 10 to 40 wt %, preferably, from 12.5 to 20 wt %. Consequently, blue emission can be obtained from the first light-emitting layer and green and red (or orange) emission can be obtained from the second light-emitting layer. An electroluminescent element having such device configuration can easily control white balance since emission peak intensity changes at the same rate in case of increasing a current density.
US08319417B2
This invention is related to efficient anorganic phosphors, which are based on an oxysulfide host lattice of the general formula ABOS:M. Furthermore, this invention is related to the use of these phosphors in various technical applications such as fluorescent lamps, colored light or white light emitting LEDs, scanning beam displays working with UV or purple laser as exciting source and other devices in order to convert especially UV or NUV radiation or short-wave visible light into an useful longer-wave visible radiation. This invention is also related to light sources and/or display applications that contain the inventive phosphor. An inventive phosphor shows the general formula ABOS:M, where A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ca, Mg, Sr, and Ba; B is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zn and Mg; M is at least one first element selected from the group consisting of Mn2+, Cu2+, and Eu2+, Pb2+, Sb3+, Sn2+, Bi3+, Ce3+, Tb3+, and Pr3+; and additionally at least one second element selected from the group consisting of Mn2+, Cu2+, Cu+, Ag+, Pb2+, Sb3+, Sn2+, Bi3+, Eu2+, Ce3+, Tb3+, Pr3+ and La3+ as well as Li+, Na+, K+, and Rb+, wherein at least one of the second elements is different from every one of the first elements.
US08319416B2
A display device includes: plural sub-pixels included in a main pixel, emitting light of different colors respectively; at least three apertures arranged so as to be aligned along one direction in the sub-pixel; and an aperture defining portion defining aperture lengths so that an aperture length of an aperture other than apertures at both edge portions along the one direction is longer than an aperture length of apertures at both edge portions along the one direction in the at least three apertures.
US08319413B2
A color field emission display includes a sealed container and a color element enclosed in the sealed container. The color element includes a cathode, an anode, a phosphor layer and a carbon nanotube string. The anode is located spaced from the cathode. The phosphor layer is formed on an end surface of the anode. The carbon nanotube string has a first end electrically connected to the cathode and an opposite second end functioning as an emission portion. The second end includes a plurality of tapered carbon nanotube bundles.
US08319411B2
A lamp (10) has a light source (12) with a distal portion (14) and a proximal portion (16), the proximal portion (16) comprising a press seal (17) having a given cross-section. A lamp envelope (18) receives the light source (12), the envelope (18) being arrayed about a longitudinal axis (20) and having a base (22) generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (20). A clip-receiving aperture (24) is formed in the base (22), and at least one clip locator surface (26, 52, 54) is formed in the base (22) adjacent the clip-receiving aperture (24). A clip (28) is positioned in the clip-receiving aperture (24), the clip having a passage (29) shaped and formed to receive the press seal (17) of the light source (12) therein. The clip (28) has at least one first retainer (32) and at least one second retainer (33), the at least one first retainer (32) being shaped and formed to engage the at least one clip locator surface (26, 52, 54), whereby the clip (28) is located within the clip-receiving aperture (24). The at least one second retainer (33) is shaped and formed to secure the clip (28) to the base (22), and at least one third retainer (34) is shaped and formed to secure the press seal (17) of the light source (12) within the clip (28).
US08319409B2
A spark plug (1) including a center electrode (5), an insulator (2), a metal shell (3), and a ground electrode (27). Spark discharge is provided substantially along a direction of an axis (CL1) in a spark discharge gap (33). The ground electrode includes a narrowed width portion (42) having a substantially uniform width smaller than an outer diameter of a tip end surface (5F) of the center electrode, and a widened width portion (41) having a width larger than the width of the narrowed width portion. When viewed from a tip end side, a base end of the narrowed width portion is offset from the tip end surface of the center electrode toward the root side of the ground electrode. The base end of the narrowed width portion is offset from a center of the spark discharge gap toward the tip end side of the spark plug.
US08319406B2
The invention relates to a light device comprising a light source (2), a ventilation unit (3) and a sealed transparent casing (4) sealing the inside (5) of the casing from the outside of the casing (4). The light source (2) and the ventilation unit (3) are located within the casing (4) and the ventilation unit (3) is adapted for generating a gas flow (6, 7) for transporting heat generated by the light source (2) to an inner surface (8) of the casing (4).
US08319403B2
Electroactive polymer transducers for sensory feedback applications are disclosed.
US08319399B2
A technology is disclosed for actualizing an ultrasound probe that can obtain a high-resolution diagnostic image and is highly reliable. In the technology, a piezoelectric element has a predetermined thickness, a ground electrode is formed on one surface in a thickness direction, and a signal electrode is formed on the other surface. When an acoustic matching layer is laminated on a ground electrode formation surface of the piezoelectric element, the acoustic matching layer is configured by a composite material made of a plurality of materials including at least a conductive member. The conductive member has portions penetrating in a layer thickness direction at a plurality of sections on the one electrode formation surface of the piezoelectric element.
US08319395B2
A power supply device includes: an oscillator configured to output a clock signal; a pulse output unit configured to output a pulse by dividing the frequency of the clock signal; a switching element driven by the pulse; a piezoelectric transformer configured to intermittently receive a voltage from the switching element and to output a high alternating current voltage; a rectifier configured to convert the high alternating current voltage to a high direct current voltage; an output voltage conversion unit configured to convert the high direct current voltage to a low direct current voltage; a target setter configured to output a target value; and a comparison unit configured to compare the low direct current voltage with the target value and to output a comparison result. A frequency division ratio of the pulse is controlled according to the comparison result, and thereby is changed so as to obtain the target value.
US08319394B2
Provided are an acoustic wave device and a method for manufacturing the same, the acoustic wave device being effectively prevented from expanding and contracting due to temperature change and having a small frequency shift. The acoustic wave device of the present invention has a piezoelectric substrate (1) having an IDT (2) formed on one principal surface of the piezoelectric substrate (1), and a thermal spray film (3) formed on an opposite principal surface (1b) of the piezoelectric substrate (1), the thermal spray film being of a material having a smaller linear thermal expansion coefficient than the piezoelectric substrate (1) and having grain boundaries and pores (4), at least a part of which is filled with a filling material (5).
US08319389B2
An electric machine and stator assembly includes a segmented stator having stator portions. Each stator portion includes stator laminations, end plates arranged axially on opposing sides of the stator portion, and structural plates arranged interior to the end plates. Each of the support plates has a portion with notch-like structures that is embedded within the stator laminations. Stabilizing couple the end plates and the structural plates together. Connectors are provided to connect the stator portions together.
US08319383B2
A brush assembly applied to a motor includes a body portion attachable to a lower case, and an external connection substrate formed by a flexible substrate. A pair of brush pieces protrude from a front end of the body portion so as to be in contact with brush slide portions of commutator segments. The external connection substrate has a pair of terminals exposed from a housing and capable of being connected to spring terminals of an apparatus by crimping. The terminals are provided at a rear end of the external connection substrate, and protrude from the housing in the radial direction. First connecting portions electrically connected to the brush pieces are provided at a rear end of the body portion, and a pair of right and left second connecting portions are provided at a front end of the external connection substrate.
US08319382B2
An electric motor includes a stator having a stator coil, a rotor, a motor housing having a through hole, a fixing portion extending from the stator within the motor housing towards the through hole, a load receiving member inserted into the through hole and having a through bore, a conductive member connected to an electric power supply wire member and arranged at a first end portion of the load receiving member, a first terminal connected to the stator coil and provided between a second end portion of the load receiving member and the fixing portion, and a screw bolt fixing the conductive member, the load receiving member and the first terminal on the fixing portion, so that the load receiving member is press-fixedly sandwiched by the conductive member and the first terminal so that an electric power flows therebetween via the load receiving member.
US08319376B2
A driving circuit drives a switching element such that an ON-period of the switching element is shorter when a power receiving device is detected not to be placed than when the power receiving device is placed.
US08319374B2
A method of controlling electrical power systems coupled to an electrical connection point includes obtaining carrier signals and fundamental waveforms from electrical power systems coupled to at least two renewable energy sources, generating pulse width modulation (PWM) signals using the carrier signals and the fundamental waveforms while interleaving carrier signals, fundamental waveforms, or a combination of carrier signals and fundamental waveforms of the electrical power systems, and driving grid side converters of the electrical power systems with the PWM signals.
US08319373B2
A power supply system comprises an electrical power generating device producing DC electrical power in the form of a DC electrical current, a DC current conductor receiving the DC electrical current from the electrical power generating device and carrying the DC electrical current to a socket, and an AC power system transmitting AC electrical current to the socket so that the socket can be accessed by a plug inserted therein to receive the DC current or the AC current from it. The socket has four recesses in it, and each recess has a respective contact therein. Each recess is configured to receive a respective prong and make a respective electrical contact with the plug therein. A first of the contacts transmits the DC current, a second and third of the contacts transmit complementary poles of the AC electrical current, and a fourth contact connects with a grounded connection. A DC-powered electrical device has a plug with a plug body and three prongs supported on and extending from the plug body. The prongs include two AC connection prongs and a ground connection prong corresponding to prongs of a standard three-prong plug. The plug further has a fourth prong supported on the plug body into the socket to contact the DC current recess. The fourth prong is removable from the plug body, or is movably supported on the plug body so that the fourth prong may be removed or moved so that the plug can be plugged into a standard three-recess AC socket.
US08319372B2
An electrical distribution system for selectively connecting an electrical power source to load devices comprises a plurality of panels. Each panel comprises a plurality of load control devices each for connection in a branch circuit to a load device, and an input/output (I/O) controller operatively connected to each of the load control devices for controlling operation of the load control devices. The I/O controller includes a communication port. A programmed system controller is provided for commanding operation of the I/O controllers and includes a communication port. A bus operatively connects the I/O controller communication ports to the system controller communication port. The programmed system controller implements a communication program using a protocol establishing communications on the bus, the protocol including a layer stack translating between logical messages and physical messages for communication on the bus, wherein each layer generates its own thread and communicates to other layers via objects passed in queues to adjacent layers.
US08319357B2
A portable power driven system has a manually movable frame. In one example, an internal combustion engine and a generator device that generates AC power are supported on the frame. The internal combustion engine drives the generator device. An electrically powered starting device is coupled to the internal combustion engine. A control panel is coupled to the frame and includes at least one AC outlet and a battery receptacle that is electrically coupled to the starting device. The battery receptacle is materially the same as a foot of a cordless power tool that receives a battery pack. According to one aspect, the battery pack for the cordless power tool may be permanently mounted in the battery receptacle and provides electrical power to the starting device. The battery receptacle may be contained in an enclosure. The enclosure may provide biasing members urging the battery pack into the battery receptacle.
US08319348B2
Provided are a metal interconnect of a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the metal interconnect. The metal interconnect includes a metal line having a first end and a second end disposed on an opposite side to the first end, a via electrically connected to the metal line, and a non-active segment extending from the first end and including a void. Tensile stress is decreased to prevent a void from occurring under the via. Accordingly, line breakage due to electromigration is substantially prevented, thus improving electrical characteristics of the device.
US08319346B2
Disclosed is a semiconductor structure including a semiconductor substrate including an electronic circuit which is provided in a predetermined region of the semiconductor substrate; a wall which is formed to encircle the predetermined region of the semiconductor substrate; a wiring provided in a region of the semiconductor substrate outside of the predetermined region of the semiconductor substrate; an external connection electrode provided on the wiring; a sealing resin which seals the wiring, the sealing resin being filled in the region of the semiconductor substrate outside of the wall; and a transparent resin to seal the predetermined region of the semiconductor substrate, the transparent resin being filled inside of the wall.
US08319344B2
A device with contact elements. One embodiment provides an electrical device including a structure defining a main face. The structure includes an array of cavities and an array of overhang regions, each overhang region defining an opening to one of the cavities. The electrical device further includes an array of contact elements, each contact element only partially filling one of the cavities and protruding from the structure over the main face.
US08319338B1
The present invention comprises a semiconductor package comprising a bottom semiconductor package substrate which is populated with one or more electronic components. The electronic component(s) of the bottom substrate are covered or encapsulated with a suitable mold compound which hardens into a package body of the semiconductor package. The package body is provided with one or more vias through the completion of laser drilling process, such via(s) providing access to one or more corresponding conductive contacts of the bottom substrate. These vias are either lined or partially filled with a conductive metal material. Subsequently, a top semiconductor package substrate (which may optionally be populated with one or more electronic components) is mounted to the package body and electrically connected to the conductive metal within the via(s) of the package body.
US08319331B2
Disclosed is a semiconductor device having improved heat dissipation efficiency. The semiconductor device includes a silicon interposer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A plurality of semiconductor chips are provided on the first surface side of the silicon interposer. The silicon interposer has a plurality of via holes extending from the first surface to the second surface. An N type semiconductor and a P type semiconductor constituting a Peltier element are provided in each two of the via holes.
US08319330B2
A semiconductor device having an improved whisker resistance in an exterior plating film is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a tab with a semiconductor chip fixed thereto, plural inner leads, plural outer leads formed integrally with the inner leads, a plurality of wires for coupling electrode pads of the semiconductor chip and the inner leads with each other, and a sealing body for sealing the semiconductor chip. The outer leads project from the sealing body and an exterior plating film, which is a lead-free plating film, is formed on a surface of each of the outer leads. In the exterior plating film, the number of grains not larger than 1 μm in diameter and present on an interface side in the thickness direction of the exterior plating film is larger than the number of grains not larger than 1 μm and present on a surface side of the exterior plating film, whereby the difference in linear expansion coefficient between the exterior plating film and the outer lead is made small, thus making it possible to suppress the growth of whisker.
US08319327B2
A semiconductor package includes at least two semiconductor chips stacked to have step surfaces and possessing bonding pads disposed over the step surfaces. Conductive patterns are disposed over the step surfaces and electrically connect the bonding pads of the semiconductor chips with one another. An insulation member is formed over side and upper surfaces of the stacked semiconductor chips excluding the step surfaces and the conductive patterns.
US08319324B2
Provided are a high I/O semiconductor chip package in which a processor and a memory device are connected to each other via through electrodes and a method of manufacturing the high I/O semiconductor chip package. The high I/O semiconductor chip package includes: a substrate comprising a plurality of first circuit patterns on a first surface and a plurality of second circuit patterns on a second surface; a first semiconductor chip comprising a plurality of memory devices arranged on the substrate, each memory device being arranged in a matrix in chip regions partitioned by a scribe region; a second semiconductor chip stacked on the first semiconductor chip; and a plurality of through electrodes arranged along peripheral portions of the memory devices and connecting the first and second semiconductor chips to the second circuit patterns of the substrate.
US08319311B2
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes providing a semiconductor substrate including a top surface; forming an opening extending from the top surface into the semiconductor substrate; and performing a first deposition step to fill a first dielectric material into the opening. The first dielectric material is then recessed. A second deposition step is performed to fill a remaining portion of the opening with a second dielectric material. The second dielectric material is denser than the first dielectric material. The second dielectric material is recessed until a top surface of the second dielectric material is lower than the top surface of the semiconductor substrate.
US08319302B2
The wafer arrangement (100) provided comprises a first wafer (101), which comprises an integrated circuit and a recess (105). The wafer arrangement further comprises a portion of a second wafer (103), which comprises a carrier portion and a protrusion (107), the protrusion comprising an active component or actively controlled component (109) such as a MEMS component, wherein the portion of the second wafer (103) is coupled to the first wafer (101) such that the protrusion (107) is received in the recess (105). The invention provides a mechanism for accurately aligning an active component (109) on the second wafer (103) with components on the first wafer (101), such as photonic, electronic or optical components.
US08319293B2
It is an object to allow an inverter to be made up using a single island-shaped semiconductor, so as to provide a semiconductor device comprising a highly-integrated SGT-based CMOS inverter circuit. The object is achieved by a semiconductor device which comprises an island-shaped semiconductor layer, a first gate dielectric film surrounding a periphery of the island-shaped semiconductor layer, a gate electrode surrounding a periphery of the first gate dielectric film, a second gate dielectric film surrounding a periphery of the gate electrode, a tubular semiconductor layer surrounding a periphery of the second gate dielectric film, a first first-conductive-type high-concentration semiconductor layer disposed on top of the island-shaped semiconductor layer, a second first-conductive-type high-concentration semiconductor layer disposed underneath the island-shaped semiconductor layer, a first second-conductive-type high-concentration semiconductor layer disposed on top of the tubular semiconductor layer, and a second second-conductive-type high-concentration semiconductor layer disposed underneath the tubular semiconductor layer.
US08319283B2
A semiconductor device includes a source region within a semiconductor substrate, a drain region within the semiconductor substrate, a control gate over the semiconductor substrate and between the source region and the drain region, a first gate between the control gate and the drain region, and a first doped region within the semiconductor region and between the control gate and the first gate. The method of forming the semiconductor device may include depositing an electrode material over the semiconductor substrate, patterning the electrode material to form a control gate and a first gate, implanting a first doped region within the semiconductor substrate between the control gate and the first gate while using the control gate and the first gate as a mask, and implanting a source region within the semiconductor substrate.
US08319281B2
A semiconductor device capable of inhibiting a fabricating process from complication while inhibiting the dielectric strength voltage of a insulating film from reduction is obtained. This semiconductor device includes a groove portion, an insulating film formed on a surface of the groove portion, a gate electrode and a source impurity region, wherein upper ends of the gate electrode, which are portions in contact with the insulating film, are each located at a position identical with or deeper than the range of an impurity introduced from a surface of a semiconductor substrate with respect to the insulating film in order to form the source impurity region and above a lower surface of the source impurity region.
US08319279B2
A semiconductor device includes a transistor with a substrate on which source and drain regions, both of a first conductivity type, and a channel region of a second conductivity type between the source and drain are formed, and a gate electrode formed in the channel region to bury a trench formed so the depth thereof changes intermittently in the width direction of the gate. In the channel region, each on a surface of the substrate and in a bottom portion of the trench, there are formed a second high-concentration region and a first high-concentration region, and the dopant concentration of the second conductivity type is higher than the dopant concentration of the second conductivity type in portions sideward from the trench. The dopant concentration of the second conductivity type in the first high-concentration region is higher than the dopant concentration of the second conductivity type in the second high-concentration region.
US08319273B2
Devices and methods for forming self-aligned charge storage regions are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises forming a layer of a nitride film stacked between two oxide films on a semiconductor substrate, and forming a gate electrode on the layer of the nitride film stacked between the two oxide films. In addition, the method comprises removing side portions of the nitride film such that a central portion of the nitride film below a center portion of the gate electrode remains, oxidizing the central portion of the nitride film, and forming charge storage layers in the side portions of the nitride film, where the charge storage layers are separated by the central portion of the nitride film.
US08319272B2
The invention includes optoelectronic devices containing one or more layers of semiconductor-enriched insulator (with exemplary semiconductor-enriched insulator being silicon-enriched silicon oxide and silicon-enriched silicon nitride), and includes solar cells containing one or more layers of semiconductor-enriched insulator. The invention also includes methods of forming optoelectronic devices and solar cells.
US08319270B2
A non-volatile memory of a semiconductor device has a tunnel insulation film provided on the active area; a floating gate electrode provided on the tunnel insulation film; a control gate electrode provided over the floating gate electrode; and an inter-electrode insulation film provided between the floating gate electrode and the control gate electrode, wherein, in a section of the non-volatile memory cell in a channel width direction, a dimension of a top face of the active area in the channel width direction is equal to or less than a dimension of a top face of the tunnel insulation film in the channel width direction, and the dimension of the top face of the tunnel insulation film in the channel width direction is less than a dimension of a bottom face of the floating gate electrode in the channel width direction.
US08319255B2
In an ultra high voltage lateral DMOS-type device (UHV LDMOS device), a central pad that defines the drain region is surrounded by a racetrack-shaped source region with striations of alternating n-type and p-type material radiating outwardly from the pad to the source to provide for an adjustable snapback voltage.
US08319245B2
A light emitting diode (LED) module includes a lead frame having a number (N) of conducting arms spaced apart from each other, where N≧3, and at least one LED die mounted on one of any two neighbor conducting arms. Any two neighbor conducting arms are electrically coupled each other.
US08319242B2
A light-emitting semiconductor device includes a lead frame having lead electrodes, a reflector arranged with the lead frame, and a light-emitting semiconductor chip accommodated in the reflector and having electrodes connected to the lead electrodes by a flip-chip bonding method, wherein: a gap between the lead frame and the light-emitting semiconductor chip is filled with a cured underfill material, and a cured silicon oxide film of 0.05 to 10 μm thickness is formed covering surfaces of the light-emitting semiconductor chip and reflector.
US08319240B2
To provide a light-emitting device mounting a light-emitting element having a metal film on the rear side surface, which is excellent in light extraction efficiency since it has high heat dissipating properties and high light reflection efficiency, and which can suppress the reduction of light extraction efficiency due to the deterioration with time.A light-emitting device which comprises: a substrate made of an inorganic insulating material, a metal conductor layer formed on the mounting portion of the substrate, a conductive protective layer formed on the above metal conductor layer, a light-emitting element having a metal film on the rear side surface, and mounted on the mounting portion of the above substrate so that the metal film faces the conductive protective layer and is located inside the edge of the conductive protective layer, an electroconductive bonding material to bond the light-emitting element with the conductive protective layer, a reflection film formed on the mounting surface of the above substrate in such a shape as to exclude the conductive protective layer and the vicinity around it, and an insulating protective layer formed on the mounting surface of the substrate so as to cover the entirety of the above reflection film including its edge.
US08319238B2
A light emitting device having a high degree of light extraction efficiency includes a substrate, and a light emitting structure disposed on one surface of the substrate, the substrate having an internal reformed region where the index of refraction differs from the remainder the substrate. The ratio of the depth of the reformed region (distance between the other surface of the substrate and the reformed region) to the thickness of the substrate is in a range of between 1/8 and 9/11.
US08319233B2
Disclosed is a light emitting device including a substrate, a light emitting structure arranged on the substrate, the light emitting structure including a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer and an active layer arranged between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, a first electrode electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer, and a second electrode electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer, wherein the light emitting structure has a top surface including a first side and a second side which face each other, and a third side and a fourth side which face each other.
US08319226B2
The present invention provides a thin film transistor realizing improved reliability by suppressing deterioration in electric characteristics. The thin film transistor includes an oxide semiconductor film forming a channel; a gate electrode disposed on one side of the oxide semiconductor film via a gate insulating film; and a pair of electrodes formed as a source electrode and a drain electrode in contact with the oxide semiconductor film and obtained by stacking at least first and second metal layers in order from the side of the oxide semiconductor film The first metal layer is made of a metal having ionization energy equal to or higher than molybdenum (Mo), a metal having oxygen barrier property, or a nitride or a silicon nitride of the metal having oxygen barrier property.
US08319223B2
Thin film transistor array panel using organic semiconductor and a method for manufacturing the same
The present invention disclosed an organic thin film transistor, an organic thin film transistor array substrate and an organic thin film transistor display. The present invention disclosed organic materials which is proper for the application to a large screen display. The presentation also disclosed structures and a method for manufacturing such an organic thin film transistor, the organic thin film transistor array substrate and the organic thin film transistor display.
US08319217B2
A thin film transistor including: a substrate; a gate electrode formed on the substrate; a gate insulating layer formed on the gate electrode and exposed portions of the substrate; an oxide semiconductor layer formed on the gate insulating layer to correspond to the gate electrode, and comprising an HfInZnO-based oxide semiconductor, wherein the oxide semiconductor layer has a Zn concentration gradient; and source and drain regions respectively formed on both sides of the oxide semiconductor layer and the gate insulating layer.
US08319208B2
The invention generally encompasses methods of forming thin films molecular based devices, and devices formed therefrom. Some embodiments relate to molecular memory cells, molecular memory arrays, electronic devices including molecular memory, and processing systems and methods for producing molecular memories. More particularly, the present invention encompasses methods and molecular based devices comprising a wetting layer and redox-active molecules.
US08319206B2
A thin film transistor has a semiconducting layer comprising a semiconductor and surface-modified carbon nanotubes. The semiconducting layer has improved charge carrier mobility.
US08319202B2
A computer-implemented method for performing color registration on template media having template markings thereon. The method comprising sensing the template media using a linear array sensor to obtain first image data; printing a test pattern on the template media; sensing the template media along with the test pattern printed thereon to obtain second image data; transforming the first image data and the second image data into an absorbance space to obtain a first absorbance and a second absorbance, respectively; calculating a difference between the first and the second absorbances to obtain an output absorbance; transforming the output absorbance into a reflectivity space to obtain an output data; determining a process direction misregistration and a cross-process direction misregistration from the output data; and adjusting a cross-process position and a process position of print heads based on the process and cross-process direction misregistration to provide accurate color registration on subsequent template media.
US08319196B2
A technique for low-temperature ion implantation is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as an apparatus for low-temperature ion implantation. The apparatus may comprise a pre-chill station located in proximity to an end station in an ion implanter; a cooling mechanism within the pre-chill station configured to cool a wafer from ambient temperature to a predetermined range less than ambient temperature; a loading assembly coupled to the pre-chill station and the end station; and a controller in communication with the loading assembly and the cooling mechanism to coordinate loading a wafer into the pre-chill station, cooling the wafer down to the predetermined temperature range before any ion implantation into the wafer, and loading the cooled wafer into the end station where the cooled wafer undergoes an ion implantation process.
US08319183B2
Methods of characterizing and measuring particulate accumulation in a family of particulate filters (10) are disclosed. The disclosure can be applied to diesel, gasoline and natural gas fueled engines, fluid streams bearing dust, and chemical and biological substances such as may be found in laboratory fluids, for example, air. In one embodiment, the disclosure is directed to measuring diesel particulate accumulation in a family of diesel particulate filters. The methods include measuring calibration complex terahertz transmission spectra (PC(f)) of at least a portion (17) of at least one particulate or diesel particulate filter in the family for different known particulate or diesel particulate amounts (ADP). The method also involves performing a partial least squares (PLS) analysis on the calibration complex terahertz transmission spectra to establish a calibration relationship between the complex terahertz transmission spectra and the particulate or diesel particulate amounts. The complex transmission spectrum of a subject particulate filter or diesel particulate filter having an unknown amount of particulate or diesel particulate accumulation is then determined and compared to the linear calibration relationship to establish a measured amount of particulates or diesel particulates. The methods include using a terahertz (THz) system (100) to obtain the complex terahertz transmission spectra for the calibration and subject particulate or diesel particulate filters.
US08319178B2
A mass-spectrometry apparatus includes a substrate for mass spectrometry used in surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, a light irradiation means that irradiates sample S in contact with a surface of the substrate with measurement light L1 to desorb analyte R in sample S from the surface, a metal probe that generates near-field light at the leading end thereof by irradiation with measurement light L1, a detector that detects desorbed analyte Ri, and an analysis means that performs mass spectrometry on analyte R based on a detection result by the detector. The leading end of the metal probe is arranged in such a manner that the near-field light generated by irradiation with measurement light L1 is in contact with a measurement light irradiation portion of sample S. The metal probe is arranged, with respect to the measurement light irradiation portion, at a position different from the direction of the detector.
US08319167B2
A solid state imaging device includes: a sensor unit that has a semiconductor substrate in which pixels including photoelectric conversion parts are disposed in an array on a light receiving surface; a lens module which has a plurality of optical members including a lens and which is disposed such that light including information on an image to be imaged is incident on the light receiving surface of the sensor unit; and a phase shift mask in which regions for dividing all light beams into a plurality of groups are set and which makes a different phase shift occur in each of the regions for the light.
US08319166B2
A solid-state image pick-up device and a method of reading out a pixel signal thereof are provided, and the solid-state image pick-up device provides a large dynamic range without an increase in the area of a pixel. Plural pixels are arranged therein. Each pixel includes a first potential well PW1 for storing charges generated by light; a charge-distributing-potential barrier CDB adjacent to the first potential well PW1; a second potential well PW2 opposite to the first potential well PW1 with respect to the charge-distributing-potential barrier, the second potential well PW2 storing charges generated by light of an identical intensity, the charges stored in the second potential well PW2 being less than the charges stored in the first potential well PW1; first and second transfer gate electrodes 31 and 32 for transferring the charges stored in the first and second potential wells PW1 and PW2, respectively; and first and second floating-diffusion regions 26 and 27 for separately storing the charges transferred by the first and second transfer gate electrodes 31 and 32, respectively.
US08319159B2
A panel for electric heating, with an outer hermetic aluminum shell, an inner shell with a rectangular base and a cover, inside which is an ohmic resistance in the shape of a planar serpentine, formed of a series of U-bends and having two pseudo-circular endings that extend to the inside of a hermetic contact module integrated with the outer shell, wherein the serpentine is made of a rigid bar having a rectangular section, wherein the base of the inner shell incorporates a thick layer of oxide that favors infrared irradiation, and wherein an internal thermal insulator hinders the flow of heat towards the cover.
US08319157B2
Fluid temperature control and sensor calibration is disclosed. In an embodiment, a fluid temperature control unit includes a heater configured to heat a first fluid in a first fluid path, a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the first fluid in the first fluid path, a second temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of a second fluid in a second fluid path, and a controller configured to control the heater on the basis of the temperature sensed by the first sensor and the temperature sensed by the second sensor.
US08319153B2
A glow plug assembly (110) has a metallic heater probe (118) supported within a metal shell (112). A transition zone (144) at the base of the shell (112) includes a membrane (146) and a tube portion (148). A first open end (130) of the heater probe (118) is formed with a reduced diameter pilot section (150) that mates with the tube portion (148) to establish a joint area between the components. The membrane (146) may be made elastically deflectable so as to accommodate integration of a pressure sensor (156) in the glow plug assembly (110).
US08319146B2
A system for producing at least one trench to improve film cooling in a sample is provided. The system includes at least one laser source outputting at least one pulsed laser beam. The pulsed laser beam includes a pulse duration including a range less than about 50 μs, an energy per pulse having a range less than about 0.1 Joule, and a repetition rate with a range greater than about 1000 Hz. The system also includes a control subsystem coupled to the laser source, the control subsystem configured to synchronize a position of the sample with the pulse duration and energy level in order to selectively remove at least one of a thermal barrier coating, a bondcoat and a substrate metal in the sample to form the at least one trench.
US08319142B2
A component for use in a plasma arc torch is provided that includes an orifice that defines a continuously changing cross-sectional size along the length of a surface of the orifice from an inlet portion to an outlet portion. The surface extends along the component and directs a flow of shield gas at a predetermined angle to result in a specific pierce or cut location on a workpiece. In one form, the component is a shield cap. The continuously changing surface may be convergent, divergent, or a combination of convergent and divergent according to the principles of the present disclosure. Additionally, the shield cap may comprise a single, unitary piece or alternately a plurality of pieces or components.
US08319141B2
The present invention is a cooling block that forms an electrode for generating a plasma for use in a plasma process, and includes a channel for a cooling liquid, the cooling block comprising: a first base material and a second base material respectively made of aluminum, at least one of the first and second base materials having a recess for forming a channel for a cooling liquid; and a diffusion bonding layer, in which zinc is diffused in aluminum, and an anti-corrosion layer of a zinc oxide film, the layers being formed by interposing zinc between the first and second base materials, and by bonding the first and second base materials with zinc interposed therebetween in a heating atmosphere containing oxygen.
US08319138B2
An apparatus for improved narrow-gap welding is provided. The apparatus includes an inert gas tube within which a contact tube is arranged, the contact tube includes a wire feed for a melting wire. The end of the inert gas tube is ceramic. In another embodiment, the inert gas tube of the apparatus includes a plurality of materials with a high thermal conductivity. A first metallic material at the end of the inert gas tube has a higher thermal conductivity than a second material at a start of the inert gas tube. The first metallic material is molybdenum, tungsten, an alloy of molybdenum or tungsten, or copper or a copper alloy.
US08319118B2
An optical transceiver that reduces the EMI noise leaked therefrom is reduced is disclosed. The optical transceiver of the invention provides a metal housing, an optical subassembly, and an electronic circuit. The metal housing includes a first space that installs the electronic circuit and a second space that installs the optical subassembly. The first space and the second space are electrically shielded to each other, in addition that both spaces are shielded from the external. In the optical transceiver of the invention, even the second space provides the optical path to the optical connector, which becomes a definite leak path for the EMI noise, the leakage from the first space to the external through the optical path is prevented.
US08319115B2
A wiring board includes a plurality of circular semiconductor element connection pads deposited in a lattice form onto a mounting portion of an insulation substrate, their upper surfaces being connected to electrodes of a semiconductor element. A solder resist layer is deposited onto the insulation substrate, which covers the side surfaces of these pads and exposes the upper surfaces of these pads. The solder resist layer has a concave part whose bottom surface corresponds to at least all the upper surfaces of these pads.
US08319113B2
A printed circuit board (‘PCB’) with reduced dielectric loss, including conductive traces disposed upon layers of dielectric material, the layers of dielectric material including core layers and prepreg layers, one or more of the layers of dielectric material including pockets of air that reduce an overall relative dielectric constant of the PCB.
US08319102B2
The present invention relates to a Insulation layer for cables, a composition and a process thereof, showing improved stress whitening resistance by maintaining good mechanical and electrical properties and being environmental friendly.
US08319097B2
The invention teaches novel structure and methods for producing electrical current collectors and electrical interconnection structure. Such articles find particular use in facile production of modular arrays of photovoltaic cells. The current collector and interconnecting structures may be initially produced separately from the photovoltaic cells thereby allowing the use of unique materials and manufacture. Subsequent combination of the structures with photovoltaic cells allows facile and efficient completion of modular arrays. Methods for combining the collector and interconnection structures with cells and final interconnecting into modular arrays are taught.
US08319095B2
A low-index silica coating may be made by forming silica sol comprising a silane and/or a colloidal silica. The silica precursor may be deposited on a substrate (e.g., glass substrate) to form a coating layer. The coating layer may then be cured and/or fired using temperature(s) of from about 550 to 700° C. A capping layer composition comprising an antifog composition including a siloxane and/or hydrofluororether may be formed, deposited on the coating layer, then cured and/or fired to form a capping layer The capping layer improves the durability of the coating. The low-index silica based coating may be used as an antireflective (AR) film on a front glass substrate of a photovoltaic device (e.g., solar cell) or any other suitable application in certain example instances.
US08319090B2
An organic photoelectric conversion material for use in an organic thin-film photoelectric conversion device, containing a compound represented by formula 1; and an organic thin-film photoelectric conversion device having a photoelectric conversion layer which containing the organic photoelectric conversion material: wherein D represents an electron-donating aromatic substituent whose bonding site atom is a sp2 carbon atom; and a plurality of D may be the same or different from each other.
US08319079B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH039233. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH039233, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH039233 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH039233.
US08319078B1
A novel maize variety designated X08A237 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08A237 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08A237 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08A237, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08A237. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08A237.
US08319074B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV032267. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV032267, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV032267 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV032267 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV032267.
US08319060B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV408816. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV408816, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV408816 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV408816 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV408816.
US08319058B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH068637. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH068637, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH068637 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH068637.
US08319057B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH918331. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH918331, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH918331 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH918331.
US08319055B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH867615. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH867615, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH867615 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH867615.
US08319051B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH846537. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH846537, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH846537 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH846537.
US08319049B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH714201. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH714201, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH714201 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH714201.
US08319043B2
A cotton cultivar, designated PHY 800 Pima, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of cotton cultivar PHY 800 Pima, to the plants and plant parts of cotton cultivar PHY 800 Pima and to methods for producing a cotton plant produced by crossing the cultivar PHY 800 Pima with itself or another cotton variety. The invention further relates to hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar PHY 800 Pima with another cotton cultivar.
US08319038B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024319. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024319. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024319 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024319 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08319033B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016136. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016136. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016136 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016136 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08319030B2
A soybean cultivar designated 3317361 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 3317361, to the plants of soybean 3317361, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 3317361, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 3317361 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 3317361, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 3317361, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 3317361 with another soybean cultivar.
US08319026B2
A soybean cultivar designated S080191 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S080191, to the plants of soybean S080191, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S080191, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S080191 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S080191, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S080191, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S080191 with another soybean cultivar.
US08319025B2
A soybean cultivar designated S070139 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S070139, to the plants of soybean S070139, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S070139, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S070139 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S070139, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S070139, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S070139 with another soybean cultivar.
US08319023B2
A soybean cultivar designated S080201 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S080201, to the plants of soybean S080201, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S080201, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S080201 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S080201, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S080201, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S080201 with another soybean cultivar.
US08319020B2
The invention relates to a Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz spring-type seed designated as ‘SO-40’ derived from a cross between camelina accessions with high yield and oil quality attributes following conventional breeding methodologies.
US08319017B1
A novel maize variety designated X03A195 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X03A195 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03A195 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03A195, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03A195. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03A195.
US08319015B1
A novel maize variety designated X8M113 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X8M113 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8M113 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8M113, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8M113. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8M113.
US08318996B2
Systems and methods for treating hydrogen recycle gas in a process for converting biorenewable feedstock into green diesel fuel are provided. Sponge oil is provided. Hydrogen recycle gas produced during the process is contacted with the sponge oil. The sponge oil and hydrogen recycle gas are contacted in a contact drum and propane and other light hydrocarbons from the hydrogen recycle gas are absorbed into the sponge oil producing purified recycle gas and propane-rich sponge oil. The purified recycle gas is recycled into the process and the propane-rich sponge oil is fractionated to recover propane. The sponge oil may be sour sponge oil to also sulfide a deoxygenation catalyst used in the process.
US08318993B2
A fluid blend suitable for use as a lube basestock comprises two major components: (A) a copolymer made from ethylene with one or more alpha olefins, the copolymer (i) containing not more than 50 wt % ethylene; (ii) having a number average molecular weight of from 400 to 10,000; and (iii) a molecular weight distribution <3; and (B) a polyalphaolefin fluid or a hydroprocessed oil having a VI greater than 80.
US08318991B2
An unsaturated hydrogen-containing fluoroolefin compound is obtained by bringing an unsaturated fluorine-containing halogen compound into contact with 0.1 to 3 molar equivalents of hydrogen relative to the unsaturated fluorine-containing halogen compound in a vapor phase in the presence of a supported palladium catalyst in which an amount of supported palladium is 0.1% by weight to 2.5% by weight.
US08318989B2
A process is provided for making a reaction product comprising 1-butanol by contacting a reactant comprising ethanol containing a significant amount of water with a decomposed hydrotalcite catalyst. The catalyst may be 1) hydrotalcites which have been thermally decomposed, either partially or fully, to form catalytically active species; 2) combinations of hydrotalcites (optionally containing transition metals) and metal carbonates; and 3) hydrotalcites (optionally containing transition metals) surface-impregnated with a transition metal nitrate, where catalysts 2) and 3) have also been thermally decomposed, either partially or fully, to form catalytically active species. The catalyst, at a selected reaction time, has greater activity when the ethanol contains water as compared to when the ethanol is anhydrous.
US08318983B2
A protected organoboronic acid includes a boron having an sp3 hybridization, a conformationally rigid protecting group bonded to the boron, and an organic group bonded to the boron through a boron-carbon bond. A method of performing a chemical reaction includes contacting a protected organoboronic acid with a reagent, the protected organoboronic acid including a boron having an sp3 hybridization, a conformationally rigid protecting group bonded to the boron, and an organic group bonded to the boron through a boron-carbon bond. The organic group is chemically transformed, and the boron is not chemically transformed.
US08318972B2
Provided are various methods, systems and reactors for producing peroxycarboxylic acid compositions, such as non-equilibrium compositions of peracetic acid, for example. The methods and systems relate to electrolytic generation of hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions in a reactor, wherein the generated materials are reacted with an acetyl donor to form peracetic acid. In an embodiment, a source of alkali metal ions is provided to an anode chamber such that the ratio of concentrations of the alkali metal ions to protons in the anode chamber of a reactor is greater than 1.
US08318969B2
This invention provides alignment materials for liquid crystal display device of vertical alignment mode and methods for the preparation of the same, and more particularly, it provides diaminobenzene derivatives represented by the following formula 1: wherein n is an integer of 1 to 5 and R is an alkyl or alkoxy group of 3 to 5 carbon atoms, which align liquid crystal in uniform and vertical way, have not only excellent mechanical properties such as heat resistance and surface strength but also high pretilt angles of liquid crystal and in particular, can make response rate of liquid crystal fast, methods for the preparation of the same and liquid crystal alignment films using the same.
US08318961B2
The invention relates to new substances which are derived from cholesterol, cholesterol sulphate and cholesterol esters of a natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic origin in that they represent oligomers with a specific type of cross-linkage of the starting substances based on cholesterol.
US08318958B2
Disclosed is a method for epoxidizing olefins, which enables an epoxy compound containing no halogen atom with high yield. Specifically disclosed is an oxidizing agent composition for epoxidation of olefins, which is characterized by containing peroxide which exhibits basicity when dissolved in water and an acid anhydride.
US08318950B2
The present invention relates to N-acyl derivatives of amino acids and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein n is 2 or 3; and R1 represents or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to novel processes for preparing the same, to use thereof as anti-allergic, anti-anaphylactic, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic agents as well as to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the indicated compounds in an efficient amount and to a method for treating allergic and inflammatory diseases and lipid metabolism disorders: bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, pollinoses, seasonal and year-round rhinitis, allergic pneumonitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, allergic (including anaphylactic) reactions to insect stings and medicaments, cold allergy, allergic conjunctivitis, atherosclerosis, obesity, ischemic heart and cerebral disease, myocardial infarction and stroke.
US08318943B1
A crystal of dexlansoprazole and sorbitol. The crystal is a co-crystal or a salt thereof of dexlansoprazole and sorbitol. There is also a method for making the co-crystal or salt thereof.
US08318941B2
Novel compounds are provided which are 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitors. 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitors are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases requiring 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I inhibitor therapy. These novel compounds have the structure formula (I) enantiomers, diastereomers, solvates, salts, tautomers or prodrugs thereof wherein, A, W, X, Y and R1 are defined herein.
US08318940B2
Compounds of Formula (I), wherein substituents R1, R2 and R5 are as defined, and Ar represents substituted phenyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, thiazolyl, furanyl, imidazolyl and thiophenyl substituted by a hydroxyalkyl substituent and an optional other substituent; compositions containing them, their use in therapy, including their use as antibacterials, for example in the treatment of tuberculosis, and methods for the preparation of such compounds, are provided.
US08318939B2
Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, kits and methods are provided for use with kinases that comprise a compound selected from the group consisting of: wherein the variables are as defined herein.
US08318918B2
The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule, comprising a nucleotide sequence, which encodes a polypeptide with chalcone 3-hydroxylase activity, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO. 1 or has at least a 60% identity with SEQ ID NO. 1 or is able to hybridize with a molecule comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1, wherein the nucleotide sequence encodes a polypeptide, which comprises the motif FASRPLSX1X2G(X3)m(GSAGGD)n (SEQ ID NO. 3), wherein X1 is threonine or serine, X2 is alanine or glycine, X3 is any amino acid, m is an integer between 50 and 200, and n is 0 or 1.
US08318914B2
The present invention relates to polynucleotides from Pythium irregulare, Rhizopus oryzae and Euglena gracilis which code for elongases and which can be employed for the recombinant production of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The invention furthermore relates to vectors, host cells and transgenic nonhuman organisms which comprise the polynucleotides according to the invention, and to the polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides. The invention furthermore relates to antibodies against the polypeptides according to the invention. Finally, the invention also relates to production processes for the polyunsaturated fatty acids and for oil, lipid and fatty acid compositions and to their use as drugs, cosmetics, foodstuffs, feedstuffs, preferably fish food, or food supplements.
US08318912B2
Disclosed herein are materials and methods related to vaccines. Materials and methods for delivery of immunogens to the reticuloendothelial system via non-circulating lymphoid cells are provided.
US08318900B2
Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a toxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated toxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:50-96, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1-47, as well as variants and fragments thereof.
US08318899B2
The invention relates to fusion constructs, methods of using fusion constructs and methods of treating undesirable or aberrant cell proliferation or hyperproliferative disorders, such as tumors, cancers, neoplasia and malignancies.
US08318898B2
The present invention describes materials and methods related to synthetic peptides which block the secretion of neurotransmitters and induce muscle relaxation, and use of said peptides as inhibitors of neurotransmitter secretion and muscle contraction, and as inducers of muscle relaxation.
US08318895B1
A process is described for recycling superabsorbent polymer fines into a process that includes treating the superabsorbent polymer fines with caustic and a polymerization step for making the superabsorbent polymer gel. The process requires treating the superabsorbent polymer fines with a caustic, followed by mixture with polymerizable monomer solution, and polymerizing the mixture of the superabsorbent polymer fines and monomer to form the aqueous fluid absorbent polymer. In the process, the fines are incorporated into the new polymer gel and become indistinguishable there from. The gel may then be comminuted into a particulate dried and then separated into a portion having a desired minimum particle size in a fines portion having less than the desired size. The particulate may then be coated with a surface crosslinking agent and surface additives and heated for surface conversion.
US08318894B2
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods comprising charged polymers. The compositions can be used in a variety of applications, for example, in photovoltaic cells, field-effect transistors, and light emitting diodes. In some embodiments, the backbone of a charged polymer comprises at least one quaternary nitrogen and/or is conjugated.
US08318888B1
Two-photon absorbing (2PA), cross-linked polyurethanes were prepared from bis(isocyanato) monomers, tris(isocyanato) monomers or a mixture of bis(isocyanato) and tris(isocyanato) monomers, in conjunction with a novel polyol molecules with donor-acceptor octupolar geometry, whose generic structure is comprised of an electron-accepting 1,3,5-triazine hub with three spokes constituted by electron-donating triarylalkylamine end-groups, which are polyfunctionalized with thermally reactive alcohol functions. The resulting neat glassy or rubbery solids are applicable in a wide range of linear & nonlinear optical applications.
US08318884B2
The invention relates to a novel process for producing coloured polypropylene compositions having a high content of β-modification, wherein polypropylene is melt blended with at least one inorganic pigment and at least one β-nucleating agent, wherein a1) polypropylene is melt blended with at least one inorganic pigment or with a first concentrate comprising the at least one inorganic pigment to obtain a coloured polypropylene and a2) the coloured polypropylene is melt blended with at least one β-nucleating agent or with a second concentrate comprising the at least one β-nucleating agent to obtain the coloured β-nucleated polypropylene composition or b1) polypropylene is melt blended with at least one β-nucleating agent or with a second concentrate comprising the at least one β-nucleating agent to obtain a β-nucleated polypropylene and b2) the β-nucleated polypropylene is melt blended with at least one inorganic pigment or with a first concentrate comprising the at least one inorganic pigment to obtain the coloured β-nucleated polypropylene composition or c) a third concentrate is produced by melt blending a first concentrate comprising the at least one inorganic pigment and a second concentrate comprising the at least one β-nucleating agent and the polypropylene is melt blended with the third concentrate to produce the coloured β-nucleated polypropylene composition or d) a first concentrate comprising the at least one inorganic pigment and a second concentrate comprising the at least one β-nucleating agent are melt blended with the polypropylene to obtain the coloured β-nucleated polypropylene composition.
US08318882B2
The invention relates to anionically modified copolymers that can be obtained by the polymerization of the monomers (A), (B) and (C), obtaining non-ionic polymers containing reactive terminal OH groups, and by subsequent conversion of the terminal OH groups to form anionic end groups, (A) being a monomer of formula (I) wherein A is C2-C4 alkylene and B is a C2-C4alkylene different from A, k corresponds to the number 0 or 1, m is a number between 0 and 500, preferably between 0 and 50, n is a number between 0 and 500, preferably between 0 and 50, the sum of m+n being equal to between 1 and 1000; (B) contains an ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing an aromatic group; and (C) is an ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing an alkyl radical.
US08318875B2
This invention relates to processes for producing an isotactic propylene homopolymer having more than 15 and less than 100 regio defects (sum of 2,1-erythro and 2,1-threo insertions and 3,1-isomerizations) per 10,000 propylene units; a weight-averaged molecular weight of 35000 g/mol or more; a peak melting temperature of greater than 149° C.; an mmmm pentad fraction of 0.85 or more; a heat of fusion of 80 J/g or more; and a peak melting temperature minus peak crystallization temperature (Tmp−Tcp) of less than or equal to (0.907 times Tmp) minus 99.64 (Tmp−Tcp<(0.907×Tmp)−99.64), as measured in ° C. on the homopolymer having 0 wt % nucleating agent.
US08318872B2
A method of performing a polymerization reaction in a gas phase polymerization reactor to produce a bimodal polymer while controlling activity of a bimodal polymerization catalyst composition in the reactor by controlling concentration of at least one induced condensing agent (‘ICA’) in the reactor is provided. In some embodiments, the ICA is isopentane (or another hydrocarbon compound) and the bimodal catalyst composition includes a Group 15 and metal containing catalyst compound (or other HMW catalyst for catalyzing polymerization of a high molecular weight fraction of the product), and a metallocene catalyst compound (or other LMW catalyst for catalyzing polymerization of a low molecular weight fraction of the product).
US08318868B2
Thermoplastic polyurethane (i) comprising from 20% by weight to 70% by weight of isocyanate dissolved in the thermoplastic polyurethane, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polyurethane (i) comprising the isocyanates.
US08318866B2
Molding materials and the moldings produced therefrom, containing a) polyoxymethylene in which at least 50% of the terminal groups are hydroxyl groups, which has a melt volume rate MVR of less than 20 cm3/10 minutes, measured according to ISO 1133 at 190° C. and 2.16 kg, and whose proportion of low molecular weight constituents having low molecular weights below 10 000 dalton is less than 15% by weight, based on the total mass of the polyoxymethylene, and b) a thermoplastic elastomer, are described.The moldings produced from these molding materials are distinguished by a very high notch impact strength.
US08318865B2
The present invention is a method of manufacturing an eye lens material having a process in which a phosphorylcholine group-containing chemical compound represented by the following formula (1) is reacted and covalently bonded to the surface of an eye lens material having hydroxyl groups wherein the chemical compound represented by the following formula (2) is reacted and covalently bonded through ester-bonding to the eye lens material in an organic solvent.The object of the present invention is to provide an eye lens material that prevents protein adsorption and a method of manufacturing thereof.
US08318862B2
The invention is related to films formed from a composition, comprising a blend, wherein said blend comprises a high molecular weight ethylene-based interpolymer and a low molecular weight ethylene-based interpolymer, and the high molecular weight ethylene-based interpolymer is a heterogeneously branched linear or a homogeneously branched linear ethylene-based interpolymer, and has a density from 0.922 g/cc to 0.929 g/cc, and a high load melt index (I21) from 0.2 g/10 min to 1.0 g/10 min, and the low molecular weight ethylene-based interpolymer is heterogeneously branched linear or a homogeneously branched linear ethylene-based interpolymer, and has a density from 0.940 g/cc to 0.955 g/cc, and a melt index (I2) from 6 g/10 min to 50 g/10 min. The blend has a single peak in an ATREF profile eluting above 30° C., and has a coefficient of viscosity average molecular weight (CMv) less than −0.0032 in the log(calculated Mv) versus elution temperature, said CMv calculated in the range of elution temperatures from 70° C. to 90° C. The Mv is the viscosity average molecular weight.
US08318857B2
The present invention relates to filled, impact-modified polycarbonate compositions containing A) aromatic polycarbonate and/or aromatic polyester carbonate, B) a first graft polymer of B.1 from 0.1 to 30 wt. % of at least one vinyl monomer on B.2 from 99.9 to 70 wt. % of one or more graft bases having glass transition temperatures <10° C., the graft base consisting of at least 50 wt. % of a silicone rubber, C) a second graft polymer, which is different from component B, of C.1 from 5 to 95 wt. % of at least one vinyl monomer on C.2 from 95 to 5 wt. % of one or more graft bases having glass transition temperatures <10° C., the graft base consisting of at least 50 wt. % of an EPDM rubber, D) rubber-free vinyl (co)polymer and/or polyalkylene terephthalate, and E) polymer additives, wherein components B and C are present in a ratio (B:C) in the range from 20:80 to 80:20 and wherein the composition contains from 10 to 92 parts by weight of component A, from 8 to 90 parts by weight of the sum of components B and C, from 0 to 35 parts by weight of component D, and from 0 to 30 parts by weight of component E, which have good stability to ageing and which are distinguished by high low-temperature strength and by low gloss, to a process for their production and to their use in the production of molded bodies.
US08318853B2
A thermally-responsive dispersant for an aqueous dispersion of positively- or negatively-charged or chargeable solid or liquid particulates, comprises a compound having an anchoring moiety linked to a thermally-responsive polymeric stabilizing moiety, other than a polyalkylene oxide, the polymeric moiety having a lower affinity for the surface than the anchoring group below the thermal transition temperature, the particulates being positively-charged or chargeable when the anchoring moiety contains an acid and/or hydroxy group and has a net acidity or neutrality and the particulates being negatively-charged or chargeable when the anchoring moiety has a basic group and has a net basicity, wherein the dispersion exhibits a change in sign from negative to positive and an increase in magnitude of a rheological property (viscosity at low shear and/or complex modulus at low amplitude oscillatory shear), on increasing the temperature from below to above the thermal transition temperature.
US08318849B2
A high solids, non-aqueous dispersion, clearcoat composition is disclosed, comprising a functional polymer selected from the group consisting of a) carbamate-functional polymers and b) hydroxyl-functional polymers; c) a curing agent selected from the group consisting of aminoplast resins and blocked polyisocyanates; and d) a weak non-polar solvent, wherein the coating is high solids, substantially clear and transparent, and further comprises a dispersed phase and a continuous phase.
US08318845B2
The invention provides a golf ball having a core and a cover of at least one layer that is formed over the core and is made of a resin composition. The ball has a weight change ratio, in a 72-hour accelerated moisture absorption test conducted at a temperature of 40° C. and a relative humidity of 90%, of less than 0.287%. By using in the golf ball a polyurethane having a good resistance to water vapor transmission, the weight change ratio and decrease in initial velocity with use over an extended period of time are held to a minimum, enabling the ball quality to be maintained.
US08318844B2
The present invention provides an oil-dispersible composite of metallic nanoparticles and a method for synthesizing the same. The composite primarily includes metallic nanoparticles and an oily polymeric polymer such as polyurethane (PU). The oily polymeric polymer serves as a carrier of the metallic nanoparticles by chelating therewith so that the metallic nanoparticles are dispersed uniformly. In the method of the present invention, the metallic ions are first chelated by the oily polymeric polymer and then reduced into nanoparticles. The composite of the present invention is about 5 to 100 nm in particle size.
US08318837B2
A method of controlling a moisture resistance of polyglycolic acid resin, by controlling a total carboxyl group-source concentration including a contribution of residual glycolide. As a result, a moisture resistance governing the change of strength with time of the polyglycolic acid resin is controlled at a good accuracy.
US08318836B2
Curing agents for air-drying alkyd-based resins, coatings, such as paint, varnish or wood stain, inks and linoleum floor coverings, based on an iron/manganese complex containing tetradentat, pentadentate or hexadentate nitrogen donor ligands are disclosed.
US08318835B2
The present invention refers to an adequate composite material to be prepared by an injection process and to an injection process of a composite material. In accordance with the process of the present invention, the composite material is prepared by carrying out the steps of (i) making the length of the natural fibers uniform; (ii) treating the surface of the natural fibers and of the lignocellulosic residues, if present; (iii) premixing the components of the composite; (iv) extruding and granulating the composite material; and (v) injection molding the material of the composite for the conformation of the parts.
US08318833B2
The present invention is drawn to pigment suspensions, methods of forming pigment suspensions, and ink sets. The pigment suspension can comprise an aqueous liquid vehicle and a polymer-encapsulated pigment suspended in the liquid vehicle. The polymer-encapsulated pigment can include a pigment core, a passivation layer formed from a passivation component including an amphiphilic polymer and deposited on a surface of the pigment core, and a polymer-encapsulation layer attached to or deposited on the passivation layer.
US08318828B2
1,3- or 1,4-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane-initiated polyols and rigid polyurethane foam made therefrom
Polyether polyols are initiated with 1,3- or 1,4-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexanes. The polyols are useful in making rigid polyurethane foams, especially foams for pour-in-place applications, where they give a good combination of low k-factor and short demold times.
US08318822B2
It is an object of the invention to provide a vibration damping and sound absorbing material containing a plant-derived polyol which material largely contributes a decrease of environmental load and has excellent vibration damping and sound absorbing properties, and it is another object of the invention to provide a production process of the material. Specifically, disclosed is a vibration damping and sound absorbing material which is suitably used for cars. A vibration damping and sound absorbing material comprises a polyurethane foam which comprises, as raw materials, a polyol and/or a polymer-dispersed polyol in which polymer fine particles obtainable by polymerizing an unsaturated bond-containing compound are dispersed in a polyol, and water, a catalyst and a polyisocyanate, wherein the polyol comprises (A) a plant-derived polyol produced using a raw material obtainable by a plant.
US08318820B2
A method of synthesizing of a biocompatible and biodegradable polyurethane foam includes the steps of: mixing at least one biocompatible polyol, water, at least one stabilizer, and at least one cell opener, to form a resin mix; contacting the resin mix with at least one polyisocyanate to form a reactive liquid mixture; and reacting the reactive liquid mixture form a polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam is preferably biodegradable within a living organism to biocompatible degradation products. At least one biologically active molecule having at least one active hydrogen can be added to form the resin mix.
US08318816B2
Compositions and methods for transport or release of therapeutic and diagnostic agents or metabolites or other analytes from cells, compartments within cells, or through cell layers or barriers are described. The compositions include a membrane barrier transport enhancing agent and are usually administered in combination with an enhancer and/or exposure to stimuli to effect disruption or altered permeability, transport or release. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions include compounds which disrupt endosomal membranes in response to the low pH in the endosomes but which are relatively inactive toward cell membranes (at physiologic pH, but can become active toward cell membranes if the environment is acidified below ca. pH 6.8), coupled directly or indirectly to a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. Other disruptive agents can also be used, responsive to stimuli and/or enhancers other than pH, such as light, electrical stimuli, electromagnetic stimuli, ultrasound, temperature, or combinations thereof. The compounds can be coupled by ionic, covalent or H bonds to an agent to be delivered or to a ligand which forms a complex with the agent to be delivered. Agents to be delivered can be therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents. Treatments which enhance delivery such as ultrasound, iontopheresis, and/or electrophereis can also be used with the disrupting agents.
US08318813B2
The invention provides methods of treating binge eating disorders, obesity resulting from binge eating behavior, and depression. The invention includes methods of treating certain co-morbidities in ADHD and ADD patients; for example the invention includes methods of treating generalized anxiety disorder, obsessional and ruminative thought disorders, and obsessive/compulsive behavior in ADHD and ADD patients. The invention also includes combination methods of treatment in which an amphetamine prodrug, methylphenidate prodrug, or methylphenidate analog is administered with one or more other active agents. Packaged pharmaceutical compositions containing an amphetamine or methylphenidate prodrug, instructions for using the prodrug to treat certain disorders, and optionally one or more other active agents are provided by the invention.
US08318810B2
A composition comprising a novel Ca2+-activated, [ATP]i-sensitive nonspecific cation (NCCa-ATP) channel is described. The channel is found in mammalian neural cells and exhibits a different sensitivity to block by various adenine nucleotides, and is activated by submicromolar [Ca]i. The NCCa-ATP channel is activated under conditions of ATP depletion, which causes severe cell depolarization, followed by cell swelling. The NCCa-ATP channel is regulated by a sulfonylurea receptor and is inhibited by sulfonylurea compounds glibenclamide and tolbutamide. Methods employing compositions comprising the NCCa-ATP channel to screen for compounds that block the channel and the use of such antagonists as therapeutics in preventing brain swelling and damage are described. In addition, methods employing compositions comprising the Kir2.3 channel to screen for compounds that open the channel and the use of such antagonists as therapeutics in preventing brain swelling and damage are described.
US08318799B2
The present invention provides a therapeutic agent for substance dependence, which prevents relapse/recurrence of compulsive substance-taking behavior based on craving for addictive substances such as stimulant substances, opioids, barbiturate type anesthetics, hallucinogens, cocaine, hemp, cannabis, alcohol, or volatile organic solvents. (−)-1-(Benzofuran-2-yl)-2-propylaminopentane or a pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof is useful as a therapeutic agent for substance dependence, which prevents relapse/recurrence of compulsive substance-taking behavior associated with craving for addictive substances.
US08318790B2
The present invention relates to substituted triazole compounds and compositions comprising substituted triazole compounds. The invention further relates to methods of inhibiting the activity of Hsp90 in a subject in need thereof and methods for preventing or treating hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancer, in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a substituted triazole compound of the invention, or a composition comprising such a compound.
US08318789B2
The present invention relates to co-crystals of propiconazole and a co-crystal forming compound.
US08318787B2
A prodrug that has a prodrug moiety that degrades into a compound having the general Formula I with R3 being an alcoholic moiety can be useful in therapies for neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancer. Accordingly, the prodrug compounds can have a structure of Formula I, analogs thereof, derivatives thereof, or salts thereof, wherein: A and B are sulfur or oxygen; R1 and R2, in para, meta, or ortho position, are independently halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyl, where R1 and R2 independently are straight chain, branched, substituted or unsubstituted; and R3 is a prodrug moiety. As examples, the prodrug can have a structure of any of Formulas I-V, which as shown in the specification.
US08318778B2
This application relates to novel urea glucokinase activators and use of the compounds of the invention for preparation of a medicament for the treatment of various diseases, e.g. for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Further encompassed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to the invention and a process for preparing such.
US08318777B2
The invention discloses a compound of general formula (I) and a process for preparing this compound. The invention discloses a fungicidal composition comprising a compound of general formula (I) and a method for treating plants by applying a compound of general formula (I) or a composition comprising it.
US08318774B2
3-((Thiazol-2-yl)amino)propylproiolamide compounds of the formula I: wherein the variables are as defined herein, are useful to prevent or treat a disease or disorder involving mGluR5 receptor regulation. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and methods of making the compounds.
US08318773B2
Provided herein are isoindoline compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of such compounds, and methods of their use for treating, preventing, or managing various diseases.
US08318768B2
The invention relates to novel compounds having the general formula (I), and which compounds are useful to manufacture a medicament to treat a disorder or disease characterized by bronchoconstriction, e.g. COPD and asthma, and vasoconstriction, e.g. hypertension.
US08318759B2
The present invention relates to a compounds of formula I wherein A, Ar, R, R2, R3, R4, p, and o are as defined in the specification and claims or to a pharmaceutically active salt thereof. The present compounds are high potential NK-3 receptor antagonists for the treatment of depression, pain, psychosis, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
US08318755B2
The present invention is directed to compounds of formula I-V and tautomers thereof or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, and prodrugs thereof which are inhibitors of syk kinase. The present invention is also directed to intermediates used in making such compounds, the preparation of such a compound, pharmaceutical compositions containing such a compound, methods of inhibition syk kinase activity, methods of inhibition the platelet aggregation, and methods to prevent or treat a number of conditions mediated at least in part by syk kinase activity, such as undesired thrombosis and Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
US08318747B2
Provided herein are 2,5-disubstituted arylsulfonamide CCR3 antagonists of Formula I or II, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof: wherein X, Y, Z, and R1-R5 are as defined herein. Also provided herein are methods of their use for treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a CCR3-mediated disorder, disease, or condition.
US08318745B2
Crystal forms of (6R)-L-erythro-tetrahydrobiopterin dihydrochloride, hydrates and solvates and processes for their preparation are provided. These crystal forms are either intermediates for the preparation of stable polymorphic form B or are suitable for solid formulations.
US08318729B2
A compound represented by formula (I), wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, etc., R2 and R3 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, optionally oxidized C1-4 alkyl group or optionally protected hydroxyl group, or R2 and R3 taken together represent optionally oxidized C2-5 alkylene group, R4 represents an optionally oxidized C1-6 alkyl group, etc., R5 represents an optionally oxidized C1-6 alkyl group, etc., R6 represents an optionally oxidized C1-6 alkyl group, etc., m represents 0 or an integer from 1 to 3, n represents 0 or an integer from 1 to 4, and i represents 0 or an integer from 1 to 7.
US08318727B2
Compounds of the following formula are provided for use with kinases: wherein the variables are as defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising such compounds; methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds; and methods of using said compounds.
US08318724B2
A method of potentiating the activity of a therapeutic drug, like a chemotherapeutic drug or an antibiotic, in a cell or tissue, by inhibiting the efflux capability of a multidrug transporter are disclosed. The method is useful in the treatment of a cancer by sensitizing tumor cells to a chemotherapeutic agent. Compounds capable of inhibiting an efflux capability of a multidrug transporter also are disclosed.
US08318721B2
A method and composition are provided for the treatment of an anorectal disorder and for controlling the pain associated therewith. The method comprises administering to a subject in need of such treatment therapeutically effective amounts of a calcium channel blocker either alone or together with a nitric oxide donor. Amlodipine, anipamil, barnidipine, benidipine, bepridil, darodipine, diltiazem, efonidipine, felodipine, isradipine, lacidipine, lercanidipine, lidoflazine, manidipine, mepirodipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, niludipine, nilvadipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine, nitrendipine, perhexiline, tiapamil, verapamil and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are suitable calcium channel blockers.
US08318720B2
In part, the present invention is directed to antibacterial compounds.
US08318715B2
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.
US08318713B2
A method for treating gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, or colorectal cancer in a patient is described, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising 7-(2,5-dihydro-4-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-yl-2,5-dioxo-IH-pyrrol-3-yl)-9-fluoro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-(1-piperidinyl-carbonyl)-pyrrolo[3,2,1-jk][1,4]benzodiazepine, useful for the method and a process for preparing said compositions.
US08318712B2
This invention is directed generally to a liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one thyroid hormone (particularly a composition further comprising at least one cyclodextrin compound), a process for making such a composition, and a method of using such a composition to treat a condition associated with impaired thyroid hormone function.
US08318704B2
The invention relates generally to methods of influencing central nervous system cells to produce progeny useful in the treatment of CNS disorders. More specifically, the invention includes methods of exposing a patient suffering from such a disorder to a reagent that modulates the proliferation, migration, differentiation and survival of central nervous system cells via S1P or LPA signaling. These methods are useful for reducing at least one symptom of the disorder.
US08318701B2
The invention is related to phosphorus substituted anti-viral inhibitory compounds, compositions containing such compounds, and therapeutic methods that include the administration of such compounds, as well as to processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US08318696B2
The present invention relates to novel synthetic polysaccharides with antithrombotic activity exhibiting at least one covalent bond with biotin or a biotin derivative and to a process employing avidin or streptavidin which makes it possible to neutralize these polysaccharides.
US08318695B2
The present invention generally relates to novel biocompatible crosslinked polysaccharide gel compositions, methods of their manufacture and use, and the novel crosslinkers used to make them. In one aspect of the invention, a novel polyethylene glycol crosslinking agent is described for crosslinking hyaluronic acid. In another aspect of the invention, novel crosslinking agents comprising more than two functional groups are described. These multifunctional crosslinking agents can be used on their own to crosslink hyaluronic acid, or they may be combined with bifunctional crosslinking agents in varying ratios to make hyaluronic acid of tunable mechanical strength and hardness. The present invention also discloses novel hyaluronic acid compositions that have been coated with polyethylene glycol and methods of their use.
US08318692B2
Provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject by inhibiting expression of PAX2. An example of a cancer treated by the present method is prostate cancer. In the cancer treatment methods disclosed, the method of inhibiting expression of PAX2 can be by administration of a nucleic acid encoding an siRNA for PAX2. A method of treating cancer in a subject by administering DEFB1 is also provided. Similarly, provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject by increasing expression of DEFB1 in the subject.
US08318691B2
Disclosed are methods for treating cancer by administering an effective amount of a modified Herpes simplex virus.
US08318688B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for altering (e.g., enhancing) RNAi. In particular, the present invention provides systems and methods for identifying regulators of RNAi. For example, the present invention provides RNAi regulators (e.g., HPS1 and HPS4) and methods of altering (e.g., inhibiting) these regulators in order to alter (e.g., enhance) RNAi. The present invention also provides methods of identifying inhibitors (e.g., small molecule, nucleic acid (e.g., siRNA), and antibody) of RNAi regulators and methods of using the same (e.g., to enhance RNAi). Compositions and methods of the present invention find use in research (e.g., functional genomics), therapeutic (e.g., drug discovery and delivery) and clinical applications.
US08318687B2
Disclosed is an adeno-associated virus vector capable of expressing a peptide fragment containing a humoral immunity induction site of the β-amyloid peptide, comprising DNA encoding the peptide fragment in an operative form.
US08318685B2
Compounds having antibacterial activity are disclosed. The compounds have the following structure (I): including stereoisomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein Q1 and Q2 are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, are also disclosed.
US08318682B2
Provided are pyrrolo[1,2-f][1,2,4]triazinyl, imidazo[1,5-f][1,2,4]triazinyl, imidazo[1,2-f][1,2,4]triazinyl, and [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-f][1,2,4]triazinyl nucleosides, nucleoside phosphates and prodrugs thereof, wherein the 1′ position of the nucleoside sugar is substituted with a cyano group. The compounds, compositions, and methods provided are useful for the treatment of Flaviviridae virus infections, particularly hepatitis C infections.
US08318681B2
A method of using proteins of the SIRT family or of polypeptide or peptide fragments of SIRT proteins as an active ingredient for slimming, alone or in combination with at least one other active agent, in a cosmetic composition or for the preparation of a pharmaceutical and/or dermatological composition is described. Said peptides are intended, in particular, for treatment of cellulite and/or used to decrease, eliminate or prevent excess fat beneath the skin.”
US08318677B2
The present invention relates to immunotherapeutic peptides and their use in immunotherapy, in particular the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention discloses tumor-associated T-helper cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions which stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. In particular, the composition of the peptides of the present invention can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses against gliomas.
US08318676B2
The invention relates to the use of creatine, creatinine and/or derivatives thereof and/or their salts in an agent for hardening, strengthening, restructuring or increasing the shine, volume or combability of keratin fibers, particularly of human hair.
US08318675B2
The invention relates to a crustacean androgenic gland hormone. More specifically, described are an androgenic gland hormone and associated peptides derived from Penaeus monodon, and their use to influence the sex ratio in prawn and shrimp cultures, and to set up monosex cultures. It is also related to the use of the hormone and associated peptides, associated gene or fragments thereof in sex determination.
US08318663B2
Provided herein are methods and compositions for treating metabolic diseases and conditions associated with metabolic diseases.
US08318662B2
Provided are an isolated protein derived from an N-terminal of HveA/HVEM and having activity of increasing the cell infectivity of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and use thereof.
US08318647B2
A poly(neopentylpolyol) ester composition is produced by reacting a neopentylpolyol having the formula: wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of CH3, C2H5 and CH2OH and n is a number from 1 to 4, with at least one monocarboxylic acid having 2 to 15 carbon atoms in the presence of an acid catalyst and at an initial mole ratio of carboxyl groups to hydroxyl groups of greater than 0.5:1 to 0.95:1 to form a partially esterified poly(neopentylpolyol) composition. Then the partially esterified poly(neopentylpolyol) composition is reacted with additional monocarboxylic acid having 2 to 15 carbon atoms to form a final poly(neopentylpolyol) ester composition.
US08318640B2
A selective targeting method is disclosed comprising contacting a library of ligands, particularly a peptide library, with an anti-target to allow the ligands to bind to the anti-target; separating the non-binding ligands from the anti-target bound ligands, contacting the non-binding anti-target ligands with a target allowing the unbound ligands to bind with the target to form a target-bound ligand complex; separating the target-bound ligand complex from ligands which do not bind to the target, and identifying the target-bound ligands on the target-bound ligand complex wherein the target-bound ligands have a KD in the range of about 10−7 to 10−10 M. Additionally claimed are the ligands identified according to the method.
US08318630B2
The present invention provides a catalyst which can sufficiently remove nitrogen oxides in an exhaust gas. The catalyst for removing nitrogen oxides to achieve an object of the present invention includes a monolithic support which is coated with a lower layer containing a catalytic component A comprising cerium oxide and an upper layer containing a catalytic component B comprising at least one kind of metal selected from a group consisting of copper, manganese, iron, cobalt and nickel or a compound thereof, and zeolite.
US08318628B2
The invention relates to a catalyst for hydroconversion of hydrocarbons, comprising a support made from at least one refractory oxide, at least one group VIII metal and at least one group VIB metal, characterized in further comprising at least one organic compound with at least two thiol functions separated by at least one oxygenated group of formula (I): HS—CxHyOz—SH (I), where x=1 to 20, preferably 2 to 9 and for example x=6, y=2 to 60, preferably 4 to 12 and z=1 to 10, preferably 1 to 6. The invention further relates to a method for preparation, a method for activation of said catalyst and use of the catalyst for the hydrotreatment and/or hydrocracking of hydrocarbons.
US08318626B2
The present invention relates to solid catalyst components comprising titanium, magnesium, halogen and an internal electron donor compound containing at least one 1,8-naphthyl diester compound. The 1,8-naphthyl diester compounds include naphthalene-1,8-diyl dicycloalkanecarboxylate derivatives, dicycloalkenecarboxylate derivatives, 8-(cycloalkanecarbonyloxy)naphthalene-1-yl benzoate derivatives, and 8-(cycloalkenecarbonyloxy)naphthalene-1-yl benzoate derivatives. The present invention further relates to catalyst systems containing the catalyst solid components, organoaluminum compounds, and organosilicon compounds. The present invention also relates to methods of making the solid catalyst components and the catalyst systems, and methods of polymerizing or copolymerizing alpha-olefins using the catalyst systems.
US08318624B2
A dielectric ceramic containing a BaTiO3 based material as its main constituent, and, as accessory constituents, a rare-earth element R(R is at least one selected from Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, and Y), M (M is at least one selected from Mg, Mn, Ni, Co, Cu, Al, Mo, W, and V), SiO2, and CaO. Among crystal grains included in this dielectric ceramic, the ratio of the number of crystal grains 11 in which Si is present in solid solution is 5% or more.
US08318622B2
A SiAlON armor ceramic made from a starting powder mixture including silicon nitride powder. The armor ceramic includes a ceramic body that has between about 64 weight percent and about 90 weight percent alpha SiAlON phase that contains an alpha SiAlON-bound rare earth element. The ceramic body also has between about 5 weight percent and about 35 weight percent of a beta SiAlON phase of the formula Si6−zAlzOzN8−z wherein the value of “z” ranges between about 0.10 and about 0.35. The alpha SiAlON-bound rare earth element in the alpha SiAlON phase is present as a result of the starting powder mixture that contains between about 1 weight percent and about 7 weight percent of an oxide of the alpha SiAlON-bound rare earth element. The ceramic body has a fracture toughness (KIC) greater than about 6.00 MPa·m1/2 and a Vickers hardness (HVN) equal to greater than about 19.3 GPa.
US08318619B2
The invention mainly relates to a transparent, essentially colorless/?β-quartz glass-ceramic material, the composition of which is free of As2O3 and of Sb2O3 and contains a specific combination of three nucleating agents: TiO2, ZrO2 and SnO2; TiO2 being present in low quantity.
US08318618B2
A mat having a highly uniform porosity distribution is produced by consolidating 15 or more layers of melt blown webs (or the like) having different orientations. Control over the porosity is provided by using webs that exhibit a narrow, unimodal distribution of fiber diameters over the bulk of its distribution, such as in the top 80%. A compliance of the mats can be chosen by selecting a number and orientation of the webs. It is thus possible to produce mats that are good candidates for vascular grafts, for example. The uniformity of the porosity within the range of 6 μm to 30 μm permits seeding of the vascular graft with endothelial and smooth muscle cells. The mats have the demonstrated ability to retain, and support growth of, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells.
US08318616B2
The compositions, articles and methods described herein remain intact for sealing between and around structures that contact salt water. The compositions include: (i) a partially cross-linked polyacrylamide/partially neutralized polyacrylic acid copolymer; (ii) a smectite clay; (iii) an elastomer, e.g., butyl rubber; (iv) a polyolefin polymer or copolymer; and (v) a cationic flocculant, the compositions have exceptional and unexpected free swell and cohesiveness when in contact with high conductivity water or multivalent ion-containing-contaminated water. The articles of manufacture described herein all include a combination of (i) a partially cross-linked acrylamide/acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer; (ii) a smectite clay; (iii) an elastomer, e.g., butyl rubber; (iv) polyisobutene or polyisopropene; and (v) a cationic flocculent, and are used for waterproofing against high conductivity salt-containing water preferably when used in putty-like or paste-like consistency to fill areas between and around structures, e.g., to surround a pipe inserted in a concrete wall, or to seal between two concrete sections.
US08318614B2
A Plasma processing apparatus (100) introduces microwaves into a chamber (1) by a plane antenna (31) which has a plurality of holes. A material gas, which contains a nitrogen-containing compound and a silicon-containing compound, is introduced into the chamber (1) by using the plasma processing apparatus, and plasma is generated by the microwaves. Then, a silicon nitride film is deposited by the plasma on a surface of an object to be processed. The trap density of the silicon nitride film is controlled by adjusting the conditions of the plasma CVD process.
US08318613B2
The present invention relates to compositions, which are useful for the generation of patterned or structured SiO2-layers or of SiO2-lines during the manufacturing process of semiconductor devices, and which are suitable for the application in inkjet operations. The present invention also relates to a modified process of manufacturing semiconductor devices taking advantage of these new compositions.
US08318598B2
A contact element may be formed on the basis of a hard mask, which may be patterned on the basis of a first resist mask and on the basis of a second resist mask, to define an appropriate intersection area which may represent the final design dimensions of the contact element. Consequently, each of the resist masks may be formed on the basis of a photolithography process with less restrictive constraints, since at least one of the lateral dimensions may be selected as a non-critical dimension in each of the two resist masks.
US08318592B2
A method of forming gate patterns of a nonvolatile memory device comprises forming stack patterns each having an insulating layer and a conductive layer stacked over a semiconductor substrate, and forming an anti-oxidation layer on sidewalls of the insulating layer by selectively nitrifying the insulating layer.
US08318590B2
A method and apparatus for the deposition of thin films is described. In embodiments, systems and methods for epitaxial thin film formation are provided, including systems and methods for forming binary compound epitaxial thin films. Methods and systems of embodiments of the invention may be used to form direct bandgap semiconducting binary compound epitaxial thin films, such as, for example, GaN, InN and AlN, and the mixed alloys of these compounds, e.g., (In, Ga)N, (Al, Ga)N, (In, Ga, Al)N. Methods and apparatuses include a multistage deposition process and system which enables rapid repetition of sub-monolayer deposition of thin films.
US08318587B2
It is an object to provide a method for manufacturing an SOI substrate in which reduction in yield can be suppressed while impurity diffusion into a semiconductor film is suppressed. A semiconductor substrate provided with an oxide film is formed by thermally oxidizing the surface of the semiconductor substrate. Plasma is generated under an atmosphere of a gas containing nitrogen atoms and plasma nitridation is performed on part of the oxide film, so that a semiconductor substrate in which an insulating film containing nitrogen atoms is formed over the oxide film is obtained. After bonding the insulating film containing nitrogen atoms and a glass substrate to each other, the semiconductor substrate is split, whereby an SOI substrate in which the insulating film containing nitrogen atoms, the oxide film, a thin semiconductor film are stacked in this order is formed.
US08318582B2
A method of forming a trench isolation, comprising the steps of: applying a silicone resin composition comprising a silicone resin which is represented by the following rational formula (1) and is solid at 120° C.: (H2SiO)n(HSiO1.5)m(SiO2)k (1) (wherein n, m and k are each a number, with the proviso that when n+m+k=1, n is 0 to 0.8, m is 0 to 1.0, and k is 0 to 0.2) and an organic solvent to a substrate having trenches in such a manner that the trenches of the substrate are filled with the silicone resin composition so as to form a coating film; and carrying out the step of bringing the coating film into contact with at least one selected from the group consisting of water, an alcohol and hydrogen peroxide and the step of subjecting the coating film to at least one treatment selected from the group consisting of a heat treatment and an optical treatment.
US08318580B2
An electrical component includes a semiconductor layer having a first conductivity type and a interconnect layer disposed adjacent to a frontside of the semiconductor layer. At least one bond pad is disposed in the interconnect layer and formed adjacent to the frontside of the semiconductor layer. An opening formed from the backside of the semiconductor layer and through the semiconductor layer exposes at least a portion of the bond pad. A first region having a second conductivity type extends from the backside of the semiconductor layer to the frontside of the semiconductor layer and surrounds the opening. The first region can abut a perimeter of the opening or alternatively, a second region having the first conductivity type can be disposed between the first region and a perimeter of the opening.
US08318578B2
A method of forming a capacitor includes providing material having an opening therein over a node location on a substrate. A shield is provided within and across the opening, with a void being received within the opening above the shield and a void being received within the opening below the shield. The shield comprises a nitride. Etching is conducted within the opening through the nitride-comprising shield. After the etching, a first capacitor electrode is formed within the opening in electrical connection with the node location. A capacitor dielectric and a second capacitor electrode are formed operatively adjacent the first capacitor electrode. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
US08318574B2
In one exemplary embodiment, a semiconductor structure including: a SOI substrate having of a top silicon layer overlying an insulation layer, the insulation layer overlies a bottom silicon layer; a capacitor disposed at least partially in the insulation layer; a device disposed at least partially on the top silicon layer, where the device is coupled to a doped portion of the top silicon layer; a backside strap of first epitaxially-deposited material, at least a first portion of the backside strap underlies the doped portion of the top silicon layer, the backside strap is coupled to the doped portion of the top silicon layer at a first end of the backside strap and to the capacitor at a second end of the backside strap; and second epitaxially-deposited material that at least partially overlies the doped portion of the top silicon layer, the second epitaxially-deposited material further at least partially overlies the first portion.
US08318563B2
Growth of group III nitride-based structures and integration with conventional CMOS processing tools
A method includes forming a non-continuous epitaxial layer over a semiconductor substrate. The substrate includes multiple mesas separated by trenches. The epitaxial layer includes crystalline Group III nitride portions over at least the mesas of the substrate. The method also includes depositing a dielectric material in the trenches. The method could also include forming spacers on sidewalls of the mesas and trenches or forming a mask over the substrate that is open at tops of the mesas. The epitaxial layer could also include Group III nitride portions at bottoms of the trenches. The method could further include forming gate structures, source and drain contacts, conductive interconnects, and conductive plugs over at least one crystalline Group III nitride portion, where at least some interconnects and plugs are at least partially over the trenches. The gate structures, source and drain contacts, interconnects, and plugs could be formed using standard silicon processing tools.
US08318554B2
In forming a thin film transistor, to form a film superior in quality to a film formed by a conventional CVD method and to form a film equal or superior in quality to a film formed by a thermal oxidation method at a temperature which does not affect a substrate. Plasma oxidation or plasma nitridation with a low electron temperature and a high electron density is performed to at least one of a glass substrate, a semiconductor film containing amorphous silicon formed into a predetermined pattern, a gate electrode and a wire pulled from the gate electrode, an insulating film to be a gate insulating film, and a protective film with a temperature of the glass substrate set at a temperature 100° C. or more lower than a strain point of the glass substrate.
US08318549B2
An integrated circuit is attached to a package substrate. The integrated circuit is electrically connected to the package substrate using a plurality of bond wires connected between a plurality of bond posts and a plurality of bond pads. A first plurality of the bond pads are along a first side of the integrated circuit and coupled to a first plurality of the bond posts with a first plurality of the bond wires. A second plurality of the bond pads are along a second side of the integrated circuit and coupled to a second plurality of the bond posts with a second plurality of the bond wires. Mold compound is injected through a plurality of openings in the package substrate. A first opening is between the first plurality of bond posts and the first side. A second opening is between the second plurality of bond posts and the second side.
US08318543B2
A chip is bonded onto a flat face of a first support through a first bonding layer with a terminal surface of the chip turned toward the flat face of the first support. A second support is bonded onto the chip through a second bonding layer. The first support is peeled from the chip to expose the terminal surface of the chip. An insulating layer from which the terminal surface of the chip is exposed is formed on the second support.
US08318542B2
A contact spring applicator is provided which includes an applicator substrate, a removable encapsulating layer and a plurality of contact springs embedded in the removable encapsulating layer. The contact springs are positioned such that a bond pad on each contact spring is adjacent to an upper surface of the removable encapsulating layer. The contact spring applicator may also include an applicator substrate, a release layer, a plurality of unreleased contact springs on the release layer and a bond pad at an anchor end of each contact spring. The contact spring applicators apply contact springs to an integrated circuit chip, die or package or to a probe card by aligning the bond pads with bond pad landings on the receiving device. The bond pads are adhered to the bond pad landings. The encapsulating or release layer is then removed to separate the contact springs from the contact spring applicator substrate.
US08318541B2
A semiconductor device has a plurality of semiconductor die or components mounted over a carrier. A leadframe is mounted over the carrier between the semiconductor die. The leadframe has a plate and bodies extending from the plate. The bodies of the leadframe are disposed around a perimeter of the semiconductor die. An encapsulant is deposited over the carrier, leadframe, and semiconductor die. A plurality of conductive vias is formed through the encapsulant and electrically connected to the bodies of the leadframe and contact pads on the semiconductor die. An interconnect structure is formed over the encapsulant and electrically connected to the conductive vias. A first channel is formed through the interconnect structure, encapsulant, leadframe, and partially through the carrier. The carrier is removed to singulate the semiconductor die. A second channel is formed through the plate of the leadframe to physically separate the bodies of the leadframe.
US08318534B2
Non-volatile resistive-switching memories formed using anodization are described. A method for forming a resistive-switching memory element using anodization includes forming a metal containing layer, anodizing the metal containing layer at least partially to form a resistive switching metal oxide, and forming a first electrode over the resistive switching metal oxide. In some examples, an unanodized portion of the metal containing layer may be a second electrode of the memory element.
US08318528B2
Implementations and techniques for solar arrays of transparent nanoantennas are generally disclosed.
US08318526B2
A manufacturing method for manufacturing a light-sensing structure is provided. The manufacturing method includes the steps as follows. (a) A circuit layer is formed on an upper surface of a first substrate, wherein the first substrate includes at least one light-sensing device and the circuit layer includes at least one device structure and at least one release feature that is made of metal and is formed on part of the light-sensing device and the device structure. (b) A first light-filtering layer is formed on part of the circuit layer. (c) The release feature is removed by a wet-etching process.
US08318512B2
The present invention generally provides an apparatus and a method for automatically calibrating the placement of fragile substrates into a substrate carrier. Embodiments of the present invention also provide an apparatus and a method for inspecting the fragile substrates prior to processing to prevent damaged substrates from being further processed or broken in subsequent transferring steps. Embodiments of the invention also generally provide an apparatus and a method for determining the alignment and orientation substrates that are to be delivered into or removed from a substrate carrier. Embodiments of the invention further provide an apparatus and method for accurately positioning the substrate carrier for substrate loading. The substrate carriers are generally used to support a batch of substrates that are to be processed in a batch processing chamber.
US08318508B2
Better patterning methods, including for better methods for forming biomolecular arrays, including a method comprising: providing a tip and a substrate surface, disposing a patterning composition at the end of the tip, depositing at least some of the patterning composition from the tip to the substrate surface to form a deposit disposed on the substrate surface, wherein the patterning composition comprises at least one lipid, optionally at least one solvent, and at least one patterning species different from the lipid and the optional solvent. The lipid can be a phospholipid such as DOPC. The patterning species can be an oligonucleotide or a protein. Microarrays and nanoarrays can be prepared including nanoscale resolution of deposits. The lipid can activate patterning or increase the rate of patterning. Simplified tip preparation can be achieved. Nanoscopic, SPM, and AFM tips can be used.
US08318507B2
A method for the separation of particles of different densities using a step-wise gradient density extraction method as described herein where a sample is suspended in a liquid volume of an extracting medium of specific density and the particles that have a density less than or equal to that of the extracting medium of specific density can be recovered from a horizonatally rotatable hollow disk or a removable receptacle within a horizontally rotatable hollow disk designed for such purposes while the particles that have a density greater than the extracting medium of specific density form a deposit which can be cycled through the extraction process in an iterative fashion by varying the density of the extracting medium allowing the recovery of discrete particles of differing densities from a test sample.
US08318499B2
A system for managing the inventory of reagents for a laboratory automation system. The system for managing the inventory of reagents comprises a controller, software for the controller, and a refrigerator capable of refrigerating reagents, detecting the presence or absence of reagents in the refrigerator, and detecting the location of reagents in the refrigerator. The system for managing the inventory of reagents is connected to a laboratory automation system. The laboratory automation system comprises at least one clinical analyzer. A typical system for managing inventories of reagents includes an operator interface for the loading of boxes of reagents and other supplies, radio frequency identification system for identification of inventory and tracking, robotic mechanisms for loading containers onto the track system and removing containers from the track system, de-capping equipment, refrigeration equipment, and information technology connections to laboratory analyzers and vendors.
US08318496B2
The present invention provides method of optimizing the efficacy and potency of antisense drugs. In certain embodiments, the invention provides assays useful for determining favorable oligonucleotide characteristics and excipeints for improved cellular uptake.
US08318495B1
Genetically engineered hematopoietic progenitor cells that carry within them genes of interest, particularly for the expression of physiologically or pharmacologically active proteins. The hematopoietic progenitor cells are transduced in the presence of human mesenchymal stem cells which enhance transduction efficiency.
US08318491B2
The present invention relates to an agent for differentiating hematopoietic stem cells into natural killer cells and a method for the differentiation, more precisely an agent for differentiating hematopoietic stem cells into natural killer cells comprising YC-I [3-(5′-hydroxymethyl-2′-furyl)-1-benzylindazole] or IL-21 (Interleukin-21) as an active ingredient and a method for differentiating hematopoietic stem cells into natural killer cells using the same. The YC-I and IL-21 regulate the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into natural killer cells and increase the killing activity of NK cells. Therefore, the agent for NK cell differentiation of the present invention can be effectively used for cell therapy for the treatment of cancer by regulating the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into natural killer cells having tumor cell killing activity.
US08318487B2
The invention provides methods for maintaining cell lines from primary cells, i.e. non-transformed cells, using expression of the signal transducer of activation and transcription (STAT). The methods are particularly suitable for the maintenance of B-cells.
US08318484B2
The invention is directed to isolated renal cells, including tubular and erythropoietin (EPO)-producing kidney cell populations, and methods of isolating and culturing the same, as well as methods of treating a subject in need with the cell populations.
US08318471B2
The invention relates to nitrilases and to nucleic acids encoding the nitrilases. In addition methods of designing new nitrilases and method of use thereof are also provided. The nitrilases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.
US08318470B2
The present invention relates to novel JP170 like subtilases from wild-type bacteria, hybrids thereof and to methods of construction and production of these proteases. Further, the present invention relates to use of the claimed subtilases in detergents, such as a laundry or an automatic dishwashing detergent.
US08318457B2
The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleic acid sequence coding for the α- and the β-chain of the human follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), respectively, which has been modified with respect to the codon usage in CHO cells. The present invention further relates to a recombinant nucleic acid molecule comprising such nucleic acid sequences and host cells containing such recombinant nucleic acid molecules, as well as their use in the production of recombinant human FSH. Finally, the present invention also relates to a method for producing host cells expressing human follicle stimulating hormone by transfecting cells in suspension culture under serum-free conditions with the recombinant nucleic acid molecule of the present invention.
US08318454B2
The object is to provide a transformant which can produce a heterologous protein having a structurally controlled O-linked sugar chain having an O-Man-Gal disaccharide structure, a method for producing the transformant by using Schizosaccharomyces pombe as the host, and provide a host for producing the transformant and a method for producing an O-glycosylated heterologous protein.An Schizosaccharomyces pombe host having no omh1 gene or an inactivated omh1 gene in its chromosomes for producing an O-glycosylated heterologous protein having an O-linked sugar chain having an O-Man-Gal disaccharide structure by expression of the heterologous protein by a genetic engineering technique and subsequent glycosylation of the expressed heterologous protein. A transformant from the host, a method for producing the transformant and a method for producing an O-glycosylated heterologous protein by using the transformant.
US08318452B2
The present invention relates to a solid culture medium for the detection and/or discrimination, among glycopeptide-resistant enterococci, of the groups of species E. faecalis and/or E. faecium belonging to the groups of resistance to the VanA/VanB glycopeptides, and E. gallinarum/E. casseliflavus belonging to the group of resistance to the VanC glycopeptides, wherein said medium comprises, in a culture medium selective for enterococci, at least one chromogenic substrate for α-glucosidase and at least one activator of a colored reaction, chosen from methyl-α-glucoside and glucosyl-α-glucoside, or polymers thereof.
US08318441B2
The present invention provides methods of detecting cancer using biomarkers.
US08318438B2
We describe examples using aptamers for capturing and reporting the presence of a target, such as a pathogen. Examples described here include a set of aptamers that are specific to F. tularensisis. Other examples described here include an Aptamer-Linked Immobilized Sorbent Assay (ALISA) and dot blot assay. An example of a method provided here comprises: providing a set of DNA sequences that exhibit high binding affinity to target antigen, placing the DNA sequences in a sandwich aptamer-linked immobilized sorbent assay (ALISA), contacting the DNA sequences with a sample, and detecting whether the target is present in the sample. Some alternative implementations may include dot blots and different reporters. Quantum dot sandwich assays and quantum dot de-quenching reporters can be used.
US08318434B2
The invention discloses methods for introducing a sample specific DNA tag into a plurality of DNA fragments from a plurality of samples. For each of the samples, the method involves (1) amplifying DNA fragments in a first multiplex or multiplex-like PCR reaction using amplicon specific forward and reverse primers. Each forward amplicon specific primer including a first adaptor sequence and each reverse amplicon specific primer including a second adaptor. The first adaptor sequence is identical in all forward primers for each of the samples. The second adaptor sequence is identical in all reverse primers for each of the samples, and (2) further amplifying the amplified nucleic acids obtained using one set of forward and reverse sample specific primers which are directed against the first and second adaptor sequences. One or both of the sample specific primers includes a DNA sequence which differs for each of the samples.
US08318420B2
Methods of increasing specific binding, decreasing non-specific binding, and reducing false-positive interaction in solid phase assays for influenza are disclosed. In the methods, the solid phase apparatus (lateral flow solid phase apparatus or capillary flow solid phase apparatus) is subjected to elevated heat subsequent to application of a test sample to the solid phase apparatus.
US08318409B2
A system for fabricating a radiation-cured structure is provided. The system includes a radiation-sensitive material configured to at least one of initiate, polymerize, crosslink and dissociate with exposure to radiation. At least one radiation source is configured to project a radiation beam toward the radiation-sensitive material. A smart glass device is disposed between the radiation-sensitive material and the at least one radiation source. The smart glass device includes at least one switchable layer selectively operable from an active state to an inactive state. The smart glass device is configured to expose the radiation-sensitive material to a desired exposure pattern when in one of the active state and the inactive state. A method for fabricating the radiation-cured structure is also provided.
US08318398B2
Environmentally friendly toner particles are provided which may include a bio-based amorphous polyester resin, optionally in combination with another amorphous resin and/or a crystalline resin. Methods for providing these toners are also provided.
US08318396B2
An organic photoreceptor is disclosed, comprising, on an electrically conductive support, a photosensitive layer and a protective layer containing metal oxide particles produced by a plasma method, and the protective layer being formed by curing a composition containing the metal oxide particles and a curable compound. There is also disclosed a preparation method of the organic photoreceptor.
US08318394B2
A photoconductor that includes a supporting substrate, an optional ground plane layer, an optional hole blocking layer, an optional adhesive layer, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer, and where the charge transport layer or layers contains a sulfonamide.
US08318393B2
According to the embodiment, an optical image intensity distribution to be formed in a resist arranged on a lower layer side of a diffraction pattern is calculated by performing a whole image exposure from an upper surface side of the diffraction pattern formed on a substrate. The optical image intensity distribution is calculated by using a multimode waveguide analysis model or a fractional Fourier transform with respect to the diffraction pattern.
US08318381B2
A wireless communication device (200) and method (300) adapted to prolong the useful life of an energy storage device is disclosed. In its simplest form, it can include: detecting (310) a first threshold of an energy conversion module comprising at least one of a temperature threshold, oxygen threshold, voltage, a current threshold, a power threshold and moisture threshold; sensing (320) a temperature in proximity to a thermal module comprising at least one of a fuel tank, an electronic computing module, and a housing; and generating (330) an air stream based on the detected first threshold (310) and the sensed temperature (320). The device (200) and method (300) can automatically and dynamically manage, for example, temperature, oxygen and/or moisture of an energy storage module, to maintain the energy storage module within desired specifications and tolerances. This can help to prolong the useful life of the energy storage module and its components and help to maintain a maximum recharging capacity.
US08318366B2
A hydrogen generator and a fuel cell using the same includes: a first container containing an aqueous solution of alkaline metal carbonate or bicarbonate; a second container containing a metal hydride; and a supply unit disposed between the first container and the second container. The hydrogen generator has a high hydrogen generating rate, can provide a fuel cell with a high energy density, and the amount of hydrogen generated thereby is easy to control.
US08318359B2
Electrode for lithium secondary battery, lithium secondary battery and method for producing the same
An electrode for a lithium secondary battery including a sheet-like current collector and an active material layer carried on the current collector. The active material layer is capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium, and the active material layer includes a plurality of columnar particles having at least one bend. An angle θ1 formed by a growth direction of the columnar particles from a bottom to a first bend of the columnar particles, and a direction normal to the current collector is preferably 10° or more and less than 90°. When θn+1 is an angle formed by a growth direction of the columnar particles from an n-th bend counted from a bottom of the columnar particles to an (n+1)-th bend, and the direction normal to the current collector, and n is an integer of 1 or more, θn+1 is preferably 0° or more and less than 90°.
US08318358B2
Lithium metal powder based inks are provided. The inks are provided in formulations suitable for printing using a variety of printing techniques, including screen printing, offset litho printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, pad printing and inkjet printing. The inks include lithium metal powder, a polymer binder and optionally electrically conductive materials and/or lithium salts in a solvent. The inks are well suited for use in printing electrodes for use in lithium metal batteries. Batteries made from lithium powder based anodes and electronic applications such as RFID labels, Smart Cards and wearable medical devices are also provided.
US08318356B2
An activated carbon material derived, for example, by carbonizing and activating a non-lignocellulosic carbon precursor has a structural order ratio less than or equal to 0.08, and a nitrogen content greater than 0.2 wt. %. The activated carbon material can also have a volumetric capacitance greater than or equal to 70 F/cm3, an area-specific resistance less than or equal to 0.1 ohm-cm2 and/or a specific surface area greater than 300 m2/g, and is suitable to form improved carbon-based electrodes for use in high energy density devices.
US08318352B2
A secondary electrochemical cell is described having (a) a first electrode comprising an active material of the formula LiaCoeFefM1gM2hM3iXY4, (b) a second electrode which is a counter-electrode to said first electrode; and (c) an electrolyte comprising an electrolyte salt, a cyclic ester and a carbonate selected from the group consisting of alkyl carbonates, alkylene carbonates, and mixtures thereof.
US08318351B2
A nonaqueous electrolyte battery, containing a case and provided in the case, a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode comprises a lithium-titanium composite oxide, wherein a crystallite diameter of the lithium-titanium composite oxide is not larger than 6.9×102 Å. The lithium-titanium composite oxide comprises: rutile TiO2; anatase TiO2; Li2TiO3; and a lithium titanate having a spinel structure. A main peak intensity relative to lithium titanate set at 100, as determined by X-ray diffractometry, of each of lithium titanate having a spinel structure, the rutile TiO2, the anatase TiO2 and Li2TiO3 is not larger than 7.
US08318350B2
An alkaline electrochemical cell is provided which efficiently utilizes active materials within the cell to achieve enhanced cost efficiency. The electrochemical cell includes a container defining a sealed volume and an anode and cathode disposed in the sealed volume of the container. The cathode includes manganese dioxide and the anode includes zinc. A ratio of zinc weight to anode volume is less than 1.8. An alkaline electrolyte is disposed in the container in contact with the anode and cathode, and water is disposed within the container. A weight ratio of water to manganese dioxide is greater than 0.28, and a weight ratio of water to zinc is greater than 0.65.
US08318343B2
A positive electrode having a positive-electrode active material and used for a nonaqueous electrolyte cell is provided. The positive electrode includes a coating, wherein the coating contains at least one first compound for which a binding-energy peak in a phosphorus 2p spectrum obtained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is in the range of 132 to 135 eV.
US08318335B2
An electronic device includes a main body, at least one electrical conducting member, and a first battery. The main body defines a battery holding portion to receive the first battery. The first battery defines an electrical conducting groove. The at least one electrical conducting member is disposed on the battery holding portion, and can be received in the corresponding electrical conducting groove of the first battery. When the first battery is replaced by a second battery the same as the first battery, the at least one electrical conducting member is electrically received in the electrical conducting grooves of the first battery and the second battery at the same time before the first battery is detached from the battery holding portion.
US08318329B2
The radiation-selective absorber coating (20) has two barrier layers (24a, 24b), an IR-reflecting layer (21) arranged thereon, an absorption layer (22) arranged above the IR-reflecting (21) and an antireflection layer (23) over the absorption layer (22). The absorber tube (13) is a steel tube (1) with the radiation-selective absorber coating (20) applied to the outside thereof. In the process of coating the absorber tube (13) a first oxide barrier layer (24a) is applied to a steel tube by thermal oxidation; a second barrier layer (24b) is then applied by physical gas phase deposition of silicon with supply of oxygen; the IR-reflecting layer (21) is then applied by gas phase deposition of gold, silver, platinum or copper; the absorption layer (22) is then applied by deposition of aluminum and molybdenum; and a final antireflection layer (23) is applied by deposition of silicon with supply of oxygen.
US08318327B2
Components of semiconductor processing apparatus are formed at least partially of erosion, corrosion and/or corrosion-erosion resistant ceramic materials. Exemplary ceramic materials can include at least one oxide, nitride, boride, carbide and/or fluoride of hafnium, strontium, lanthanum oxide and/or dysprosium. The ceramic materials can be applied as coatings over substrates to form composite components, or formed into monolithic bodies. The coatings ca protect substrates from physical and/or chemical attack. The ceramic materials can be used to form plasma exposed components of semiconductor processing apparatus to provide extended service lives.
US08318326B2
A fused polycyclic compounds is represented by the general formula (I): wherein X1 to X18 each represent, independently of one another, a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, a substituted amino group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group.
US08318320B2
An adhesiveless copper clad laminate, which does not have defects on a copper film part due to a pin hole generated at the time of forming a base metal layer on an insulating film by dry plating process, has excellent adhesion between the insulating film and the base metal layer and corrosion resistance, and has a copper film layer having high insulation reliability The adhesiveless copper clad laminate is provided by forming a base metal layer directly at least on one plane of an insulating film without having an adhesive in between, and then by forming a copper film layer on the base metal layer, the base metal layer having a film thickness of 3 to 50 nm is formed by dry plating method and mainly contains a chrome-molybdenum-nickel alloy wherein the chrome ratio is 4 to 22 weight %, the molybdenum ratio is 5 to 40 weight %, and the balance is nickel.
US08318315B2
The present invention relates to a flexible metal-clad laminate for a printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the same. The flexible metal-clad laminate includes: a first polyimide layer that is disposed on one surface of the metal-clad and has thermal expansion coefficient of 20 ppm/K or less; and a second polyimide layer that is disposed on one surface of the first polyimide layer and has thermal expansion coefficient of 20 ppm/K or more, wherein a difference between the thermal expansion coefficients of the first and second polyimide layers is within 5 ppm/K and a glass transition temperature Tg of resin of the first polyimide layer is 300° C.
US08318314B2
A barrier film for a flexible copper substrate comprising a Co—Cr alloy film containing 5 to 30 wt % of Cr and a balance of unavoidable impurities and Co is provided. The barrier film has a thickness of 3 to 150 nm and a film thickness uniformity of 10% or less at 1σ. A sputtering target for forming a barrier film comprising a Co—Cr alloy containing 5 to 30 wt % of Cr and a balance of unavoidable impurities and Co is also provided. The relative magnetic permeability in the in-plane direction of the sputtered face of the target is 100 or less. The barrier film for a flexible copper substrate and the sputtering target for forming such barrier film have a film thickness that is thin enough to prevent film peeling and inhibiting the diffusion of copper to a resin film such as polyimide, is capable of obtaining a sufficient barrier effect even in a minute wiring pitch and has barrier characteristics that will not change even when the temperature rises due to heat treatment or the like.
US08318308B2
This invention provides an aligned single-layer carbon nanotube bulk structure, which comprises an assembly of a plurality of aligned single-layer carbon nanotube and has a height of not less than 10 μm, and an aligned single-layer carbon nanotube bulk structure which comprises an assembly of a plurality of aligned single-layer carbon nanotubes and has been patterned in a predetermined form. This structure is produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of carbon nanotubes in the presence of a metal catalyst in a reaction atmosphere with an oxidizing agent, preferably water, added thereto. An aligned single-layer carbon nanotube bulk structure, which has realized high purify and significantly large scaled length or height, its production process and apparatus, and its applied products are provided.
US08318307B2
A method of improving the material properties of a composite by electrodepositing various polymers, organic compounds or inorganic compounds onto each individual carbon (graphite) fiber strand, whether individual fiber or as a fabric to form an homogeneous chemically-bonded composite as opposed to the formation of a heterogeneous, non-chemically bonded composite. Thus, electrodeposition forms a unique discrete interface at the molecular layer (nanolayer) between the reinforcement (fiber) and the matrix (resin) over as opposed to any previous resin infusion process.
US08318303B2
The present invention provides an adhesive made from a reaction product of: (a) a polymerizable monomer derived at least in part from non-petroleum resources; (b) an initiator; (c) a polymeric stabilizer, wherein the reaction occurs in water to yield a microsphere adhesive. The microsphere adhesive can be formulated into a pressure sensitive adhesive composition that can be applied to various substrates such as paper and polymeric film to produce repositionable adhesive coated articles such as tapes, notes, flags, easels and the like.
US08318300B2
A barrier structure includes a composite film. The composite film includes a polymer matrix and a plurality of dispersed high aspect ratio glass particles within the polymer matrix.
US08318294B2
An optical film that even in the event of aging (storage) of optical film formed into thin film and large width in the form of lengthy roll, is free from the danger of sticking failure and protrusion failure attributed to uplift of the film due to local film friction; a process for producing such an optical film; and a polarization plate utilizing the optical film. The optical film is one of large width containing a plasticizer, produced by a solution casting process, wherein the value (X) calculated by formula (1) from the value (A) measured by TOF-SIMS with respect to the plasticizer lying in the surface-side central area of the optical film and the value (B) measured by TOF-SIMS with respect to the amount of plasticizer lying in the backside central area of the optical film is different from the value (X′) calculated by formula (2) from the value (A′) measured by TOF-SIMS with respect to the amount of plasticizer lying in the surface-side two lateral edge portions of the optical film and the value (B′) measured by TOF-SIMS with respect to the amount of plasticizer lying in the backside two lateral edge portions of the optical film, and wherein the value (X) is smaller than the value (X′).
US08318286B2
Embodiments of the invention pertain to a catalyst, which may be used in a catalytic converter for treating a gas stream containing pollutants. In an embodiment, the catalyst comprises a substrate having a plurality of axially enclosed channels defined by the porous wall elements extending between an inlet end and an outlet end. Washcoat particles are disposed substantially within the pores of the walls, and the surfaces of the wall elements have a porous, rough texture after coating with the washcoat and substantially no fillets formed on the channels.
US08318281B2
An absorbent laminated paper article is a rectangular sheet having first parallel edges in a first direction, second parallel edges in a second perpendicular direction and an article area delimited by the edges. The article includes at least two plies adhesively bonded in a bonding pattern between the plies. The bonding pattern includes bonding elements arranged along a first set of bonding lines extending from one of the first parallel edges to the other of first parallel edges in a first direction at a first angle to the first direction and along a second set of bonding lines extending from the one of first parallel edges to the other of first parallel edges in a second direction at a second angle to the first direction, the first set of bonding lines intersecting with the second set and forming an intermeshing network of bonding lines.
US08318276B2
The invention relates to a substrate comprising a layer of crystalline triazine with a protective compound having a retention of oxygen barrier at 85% RH of about 50% or better. The protective compound preferably contains an azine-formaldehyde or phenol-formaldehyde resin, preferably with an hydroxy-functional polymer, and is cured.
US08318274B2
The invention relates to a food casing from a two-dimensional fiber structure, which is coated on one or both sides with acrylic resin. The acrylic resin is combined with at least one other natural and/or synthetic polymer. The acrylic resin in the coating may be admixed with the other polymer. The latter can also form a layer of it's own. On the inside of the casing (i.e. on the side facing the food), this coating prevents gelling out, while at the outside it has a mainly permeability-increasing effect. The casing is particularly used as artificial sausage casing, especially for cooked-smoked sausages.
US08318273B2
A glassware structure with metal cladding for decorative effect having a main body and a metal cladding incorporated onto the surface of the main body by means of vacuum vapor deposition. The main body has an assembly portion and an acting portion. The metal cladding is distributed at least within the range of the acting portion. The tensile strength of the main body ranges between 120 and 200MPa (N/mm2), the thickness of the metal cladding between 0.1 and 1.0μm, and the coverage ratio between 95% and 100%. The metal cladding material is selected from zirconium nitride, nickel nitride, molybdenum nitride, titanium nitride, chromium nitride and silicon nitride. As the metal cladding and the main body can be securely fixed, the present invention can be used instead of metal castings and tubes. The glassware produces light transmittance effect, improving shape design flexibility, novelty and value of the glassware.
US08318264B2
Process for surface functionalization of a glass reinforcement, characterized in that the said reinforcements are chemically modified by means of surface treatment by the action of a homogeneous plasma at atmospheric or sub-atmospheric pressure in a controlled, oxidizing or nitriding gas atmosphere, and in that the said surface portion is contacted with an aqueous impregnating solution of an organic or inorganic matrix, or directly with the matrix.
US08318256B2
A metallic material is provided that is superior to an iron-based metallic material in all of adhesion, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance, and a method of manufacturing the metallic material is also provided. A metallic material is provided that includes an iron-based metallic material and an oxide layer formed on the surface of the iron-based metallic material. The oxide layer includes Fe and at least one kind of metal (A) selected from a group consisting of Zr, Ti, and Hf. There is also provided a method of manufacturing the metallic material.
US08318255B2
Metallic substrates have a surface for receiving application of an adhesive that includes a precipitated coating of metallic nanoparticulates. A first portion of the nanoparticulates is adhered to the surface and a second portion is in contact with the first portion. Also provided are adhered constructs. These constructs include a first substrate with a first surface that has a metallic precipitated coating of nanoparticulates. A first portion of the nanoparticulates is adhered to the surface and a second portion contacts the first portion. The constructs include a second substrate that has a second surface; and an adhesive is applied between the first surface and the second surface.
US08318253B2
A method of making an imprint lithography template includes applying a curable material to a patterned surface of a master imprint template, allowing the curable material to cure and thereby forming a second imprint template having a patterned surface which is the inverse of the patterned surface of the master imprint template; removing the second imprint template from the master imprint template; applying inorganic sol-gel to a substrate; imprinting the inorganic sol-gel with the second imprint template; allowing the inorganic sol-gel to cure; and removing the second imprint template from the cured inorganic sol-gel, such that the inorganic sol-gel forms a third imprint template having a patterned surface which corresponds with the patterned surface of the master imprint template.
US08318251B2
A method and composition are provided for coating honeycomb seals and, more specifically, to a method and slurry for applying an aluminide coating onto honeycomb seals. The method includes preparing a slurry of a powder containing a metallic aluminum alloy having a melting temperature higher than aluminum, an activator capable of forming a reactive halide vapor with the metallic aluminum, and a binder containing an organic polymer. The slurry is applied to surfaces of the honeycomb seal, which is then heated to remove or burn off the binder, vaporize and react the activator with the metallic aluminum to form the halide vapor, react the halide vapor at the substrate surfaces to deposit aluminum on the surfaces of the seal, and diffuse the deposited aluminum into the surfaces to form a diffusion aluminide coating.
US08318236B2
A stent is coated by ejecting droplets of a coating substance from a reservoir containing a coating substance. A reservoir housing can have a plurality of reservoir compartments. A transducer is used to eject the coating substance from the reservoir. Energy from the transducer is focused at a meniscus or an interface between the coating substance and another coating substance in the reservoir.
US08318232B2
Sweeteners on the basis of a simultaneously transglucosylated sweet glycoside mixture of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni are prepared. The transglucosylation was developed in the presence of starch under the action of cyclodextrin glucanotransferase. The remaining maltodextrins are transformed to the fructose-terminated oligosaccharides by the addition of sucrose. The sweeteners are purified to not less than 98% content of sweet glycosides and derivatives. The preparations are almost non-caloric, non-cariogenic, non-bitter, non-lingering sweeteners, which may be advantageously applied in foods, beverages, cosmetics and milk products.
US08318223B2
Provided is a method whereby a dairy product having a rich and creamy texture can be obtained by reducing or removing a reaction inhibitor of a protein deamidating enzyme contained in a raw material milk having low heat history to thereby more efficiently and more effectively treat the raw material milk having low heat history with a protein deamidating enzyme. A raw material milk having low heat history is treated with a protein deamidating enzyme after or simultaneously with a treatment, such as an addition of a calcium chelating agent, for reducing a protein deamidating enzyme inhibitor.
US08318216B2
A novel herbal formulation for the prevention and management of various CHD risk factors including vascular inflammatory process responsible for cardiovascular events comprising a hydro-alcoholic extraction of Commiphora mukul, Terminalia arjuna, Inula recemosa and Hippophae rhamonoides with or without known additives.
US08318207B2
In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for intracellular delivery of small molecules is provided. The method includes encapsulation of small molecules in a thermally responsive nanocapsule by decreasing the temperature of the nanocapsule to increase the permeability of the nanocapsule and allowing the small molecules to be suck into or diffuse into the nanocapsule. The nanocapsule is delivered into a cell by increasing the temperature of the nanocapsule. The small molecules are released from the nanocapsule into the cell in a controllable manner by cooling and heating treatments.
US08318200B1
The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of liposome nanoparticles for lodging in a target tissue cell in situ of an animal subject, the nanoparticles comprising at least one thermal triggered phase-transition compound as a targeting drug delivery system for physical cancer therapy.
US08318199B2
Disclosed herein is a composite of a nanoscale particle size. The composite is able to specifically deliver therapeutic agents such as therapeutic nucleic acids or drugs to the liver and selectively release them into hepatic cells to manifest potent therapeutic effects of the therapeutic agents. The composite may be comprised of an apolipoprotein A-1 and a liposome-forming material. A composition containing the composite and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is disclosed.
US08318197B2
The invention is directed to a novel wound healing device. In particular, the invention is directed to a novel wound healing device comprising a suture or knitted mesh that has adsorbed onto it novel cellular factor-containing compositions (referred to herein as CFC), including Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution (referred to herein as ACCS) or Physiologic Cytokine Solutions (herein referred to as PCS), as well as methods of making and uses thereof.
US08318192B2
Implantable biomaterials, particularly hydrogel substrates with porous surfaces, and methods for enhancing the compatibility of biomaterials with living tissue, and for causing physical attachment between biomaterials and living tissues are provided. Also provided are implants suitable for load-bearing surfaces in hard tissue repair, replacement, or augmentation, and to methods of their use. One embodiment of the invention relates to an implantable spinal disc prosthesis.
US08318190B2
A system and compositions including zotarolimus and paclitaxel are disclosed, as well as methods of delivery, wherein the drugs have effects that complement each other. Medical devices are disclosed which include supporting structures that include at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient, which carrier or excipient can include one or more therapeutic agents or substances, with the carrier including at least one coating on the surface thereof, and the coating associated with the therapeutic substances, such as, for example, drugs. Supporting structures for the medical devices that are suitable for use in this invention include, but are not limited to, coronary stents, peripheral stents, catheters, arterio-venous grafts, by-pass grafts, and drug delivery balloons used in the vasculature. These compositions and systems can be used in combination with other drugs, including anti-proliferative agents, anti-platelet agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-thrombotic agents, cytotoxic drugs, agents that inhibit cytokine or chemokine binding, cell de-differentiation inhibitors, anti-lipaedemic agents, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, cytostatic drugs, or combinations of these and other drugs.
US08318187B2
A cosmetic composition comprising (A) a first structured and adhesive film-forming fatty phase comprising (i) one or more lipidic components that are mutually compatible with one another when liquefied; (ii) at least one adhesive film-forming agent; and (iii) at least one lipophilic structuring agent in an amount effective to retain a second fatty phase entrapped in said cosmetic composition prior to application on mammalian keratinous tissue; and (B) a second fatty phase comprising at least one non-volatile lipidic component wherein said second fatty phase (B) is incompatible with said first structured and adhesive film-forming fatty phase (A) and said second fatty phase (B) is entrapped in said composition where upon application of said composition to mammalian keratinous tissue, said second fatty phase (B) readily separates from said composition to form a barrier layer over said first structured and adhesive film-forming fatty phase (A) and wherein said composition is substantially free of surfactants such that separation of said second fatty phase (B) from said composition is not prevented following application of said composition.
US08318184B2
The present invention provides novel mGlu2 agonists useful in the treatment of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder.
US08318181B2
The embodiment described herein are related nanoemulsions comprising botulinum toxins. In one embodiment, the nanoemulsions are prepared by high pressure microfluidization and comprise a particle size distribution exclusively between 10 and 300 nm. The nanoemulsions contemplated by the present invention are useful for the cosmetic and medical treatment of muscular contracture states. For example, botulinum toxin may relax facial muscles such that skin wrinkles become smoother and less noticeable. Further, the present invention contemplates a cosmetic formulation that may be self-administered, for example, in the privacy of one's home and without medical supervision.
US08318180B2
Protective vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms comprising cell wall-associated immunogens
Vaccine formulations effective against Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are disclosed, as well as methods of using the vaccine formulations in the treatment, prevention and prophylaxis of Staphylococcus aureus infections in a subject.
US08318163B2
The invention provides crystal structures of neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) and neuropilin 2 (Nrp2) fragments alone and in complex with anti-neuropilin antibodies, and method for their use. The invention further provides anti-Nrp antibodies and methods for their therapeutic applications.
US08318162B2
The present disclosure relates to anti-high molecular weight melanoma associated antigen (HMW-MAA) antibodies which bind to human HMW-MAA. Such antibodies may be used to treat diseases or disorders characterized by expression of HMW-MAA including cancer, for example, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, ALL or AML.
US08318154B2
Provided are combinations, compositions and kits containing an fast-acting insulin composition and a hyaluronan degrading enzyme composition formulated for parenteral administration. Such products can be used in methods of treating insulin-treatable diseases or conditions. Also provided are methods for administration of a fast-acting insulin and a hyaluronan degrading enzyme.
US08318148B2
The invention provides strains of bacteria, especially enterotoxigenic E. coli, attenuated by mutations in the genes encoding enterotoxins (LT, ST, EAST1) and optionally further attenuated by deletion of additional chromosomal genes. In addition the invention provides strains of attenuated bacteria expressing immunogenic but non-toxic variants of one or more of these enterotoxins. These bacteria are useful as a vaccine against diarrhoeal disease.
US08318146B1
A pheromonal compound produced by Caenorhabditis elegans has been identified as 5R-(3′-O-[β-D-glucosyl]-tetrahydro-3′R,5′R-dihydroxy-6′S-methyl-2H-pyran-2′R-yloxy)-2-hexanone. The novel compound, in combination with other ascarosides, elicit a synergistic signaling response from various adult male Caenorhabditis spp.
US08318145B2
Provided herein are water-soluble prodrugs. The prodrugs of the invention comprise a water-soluble polymer having three or more arms, at least three of which are covalently attached to an active agent, e.g., a small molecule. The conjugates of the invention provide an optimal balance of polymer size and structure for achieving improved drug loading, since the conjugates of the invention possess three or more active agents releasably attached to a multi-armed water soluble polymer. The prodrugs of the invention are therapeutically effective, and exhibit improved properties in-vivo when compared to unmodified parent drug.
US08318138B2
The present invention provides kits and methods for treating hair on the scalp comprising non-toxic compositions providing beneficial effects on hair without employing high temperatures, free radical initiators or rinsing hair after applying the compositions.
US08318131B2
Chemical processes and reactors for efficiently producing hydrogen fuels and structural materials and associated systems and methods. A representative process includes dissociating a hydrogen donor into dissociation products by adding energy to the hydrogen donor, wherein the energy includes waste heat generated by a process other than dissociating the hydrogen donor. The process can further include providing, from the dissociation products, a structural building block and/or a hydrogen-based fuel, with the structural building block based on carbon, nitrogen, boron, silicon, sulfur, and/or a transition metal.
US08318127B1
Exemplary embodiments provide materials and methods of forming a metal oxide composite and a porous metal oxide, which can be used for applications including catalysis, sensors, energy storage, solar cells, heavy metal removal and separations, etc. In one embodiment, a one-step solvothermal process can be used to form the metal oxide phase with high crystallinity and high surface area.
US08318126B2
The present invention includes a method of producing a crystalline metal oxide nanostructure. The method comprises providing a metal salt solution and providing a basic solution; placing a porous membrane between the metal salt solution and the basic solution, wherein metal cations of the metal salt solution and hydroxide ions of the basic solution react, thereby producing a crystalline metal oxide nanostructure.
US08318116B2
An improved process for deacidizing a gaseous mixture using phase enhanced gas-liquid absorption is described. The process utilizes a multiphasic absorbent that absorbs an acid gas at increased rate and leads to reduced overall energy costs for the deacidizing operation.
US08318112B2
The invention relates to a system and process for producing liquid hydrocarbons from a calcium carbonate feed-stock involving (i) liberation of a carbon dioxide gas from the heated calcium carbonate feedstock; (ii) filtering impurities from the extracted carbon dioxide of step (i); (iii) reacting the extracted carbon dioxide obtained in step (i) with a dihydrogen gas to form a methanol feedstock; (iv) isolating the cooled methanol feedstock formed in step (iii); (v) catalytically converting at least part of the methanol feedstock obtained in step (iii) at elevated temperature and pressure into aliphatic and aromatic liquid hydrocarbons; and (vi) isolating the decompressed liquid hydrocarbon product obtained in step (v).
US08318092B2
An oxygenator combines, in a single structure, a heat exchanger, a gas exchanger and an arterial filter. Such an oxygenator permits fewer fluid connections and thus may simplify an extracorporeal blood circuit, including a heart-lung machine and a blood reservoir, in which it is used. In some cases, the oxygenator may be configured to include multiple purge ports for purging bubbles both before and after filtering the blood.
US08318085B2
Methods of inhibiting the corrosion of a metal surface contacted by an aqueous acid solution. The methods combine a corrosion inhibiting composition with the aqueous acid solution, wherein the corrosion inhibiting composition comprises a reaction product of an alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone with a primary or secondary amine. The metal surface is then contacted with the aqueous acid solution comprising the corrosion inhibiting composition, thereby inhibiting corrosion thereon.
US08318081B2
A direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material using a molten bath based direct melting process is disclosed. The plant includes a plurality of gas injection lances to inject the oxygen-containing gas into the vessel that extend downwardly through openings in a side wall of a direct smelting vessel.
US08318078B2
A balloon catheter stent deployment system is disclosed wherein a balloon catheter is provided and a tubular stent is crimped onto a distal portion of the balloon with a distal end of the stent in close proximity to a point where the distal end of the balloon is attached to the inner tube of the catheter. A proximal section of the balloon extending from a proximal end of the stent to a point where the proximal end of the balloon is attached to the outer shaft of the catheter remains uncovered by the stent and, has a larger uninflated outer diameter than the crimped stent. Thus, in some embodiments, the proximal section of the balloon provides a protective cone for the proximal end of the stent to help resist frictional forces from disengaging the stent from the balloon in the event the balloon catheter and stent are withdrawn back into a guide catheter during a procedure. A stepped enclosure is also disclosed which is used in a disclosed fabrication method to allow the proximal section of the balloon to be inflated after the stent is crimped onto the distal section of the balloon.
US08318075B2
An apparatus comprises a molding unit having a punch and a mold cavity movable along a path between an open position in which said punch and said mold cavity are distanced apart from each other to receive a dose of plastics therebetween, and a closed position in which said punch and said mold cavity interact to form an item by pressing said dose, said punch being kept not above said cavity along said path.
US08318073B2
A mechanical activation system has a first activation member, a second activation member, an activation zone, and a non-slip zone. The first activation member has a first plurality of teeth, and the second activation member has a second plurality of teeth. The first plurality of teeth is capable of intermeshing with the second plurality of teeth. The activation zone includes a first portion of the first plurality of teeth and a first portion of the second plurality of teeth. The first portion of the first plurality of teeth and the first portion of the second plurality of teeth include teeth having continuous tips. The first non-slip zone includes a second portion of the first plurality of teeth or a second portion of the second plurality of teeth. The second portion includes a tooth having a discontinuous tip.
US08318070B2
The invention provides biodegradable implants sized for implantation in an ocular region and methods for treating medical conditions of the eye. The implants are formed from a mixture of hydrophilic end and hydrophobic end PLGA, and deliver active agents into an ocular region without a high burst release.
US08318063B2
A method of forming a composite article by injecting at least two composite materials comprising metal carbides into a mold to form a green compact is disclosed. The composite materials may be metal powders comprising a binder metal, a hard particle. The composite material may further comprise a plastic binder. The two different composite materials are injected into the mold to form the green compact. Additionally, the composite materials may be injected through a die before entering the mold. In a specific embodiment, the die forms at least one internal channel within the green compact.
US08318062B2
An industrial absorbent and methods of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the industrial absorbent includes a first scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; a second scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; and a middle layer positioned between the first and second scrims. The middle layer includes a dry-laid web of fire-retardant treated cellulose and opened, individuated staple bicomponent fiber. At least some of the bicomponent fiber in the middle layer is thermally bonded to at least some of the cellulose in the middle layer, and the first and second scrims are thermally bonded to the middle layer.
US08318061B2
In a mold temperature control circuit of an injection molding device, such a molding cycle is repeated that, prior to injection of a resin, a heating-use medium is returned to molds and heated to a temperature suitable for resin injection, after injection of the resin, the heating-use medium is switched to a cooling-use medium, thereby the cooling-use medium is returned to the molds and cooling is conducted to give a temperature equal to or lower than a temperature at which the resin is solidified. In the mold temperature control circuit of the injection molding device, a junction piping is able to commonly use the respective supply pipings of the heating-use medium, the cooling-use medium and the scavenging compressed air to the molds and the respective discharge pipings thereof, and there is provided mold bypass piping coupling the supply-side junction piping of the heating medium with the discharge-side junction piping, a mold bypass on-off valve, a passed heating medium sensor, a mold-temperature adjusting control device which stores a mold temperature determination program and a passed heating medium determination program.
US08318060B2
A system for microencapsulation of an amine in a polymer shell in an aqueous environment.
US08318053B2
Disclosed is a photosensitive resin composition including (A) a photopolymerizable monomer including a compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, wherein the substituents of Chemical Formula 1 are the same as defined in the specification, (B) a binder resin, (C) a photopolymerization initiator, (D) a pigment and (E) a solvent, and a color filter using the same.
US08318049B2
An electron emission source includes nano-sized acicular materials and a cracked portion formed in at least one portion of the electron emission source. The acicular materials are exposed between inner walls of the cracked portion. A method for preparing the electron emission source, a field emission device including the electron emission source, and a composition for forming the electron emission source are also provided in the present invention.
US08318044B2
A light emitting device is disclosed. The light emitting device may include a light emitting diode (LED) for emitting light and phosphor adjacent to the LED. The phosphor may be excitable by light emitted by the LED and may include a first compound having a host lattice comprising first ions and oxygen. In one embodiment, the host lattice may include silicon, the copper ions may be divalent copper ions and first compound may have an Olivin crystal structure, a β-K2SO4 crystal structure, a trigonal Glaserite (K3Na(SO4)2) or monoclinic Merwinite crystal structure, a tetragonal Ackermanite crystal structure, a tetragonal crystal structure or an orthorhombic crystal structure. In another embodiment, the copper ions do not act as luminescent ions upon excitation with the light emitted by the LED.
US08318040B2
The refrigerating machine oil of the invention is characterized by comprising an ester of a polyhydric alcohol and fatty acids with a content of a C10-C13 branched fatty acid of 50% by mole or greater. The working fluid composition for a refrigerating machine of the invention is characterized in that the working fluid composition comprises an ester of a polyhydric alcohol and fatty acids with a content of a C10-C13 branched fatty acid of 50% by mole or greater, and a refrigerant.
US08318022B2
A wafer-shaped hollow fiber module adapted for in-line use in a piping system. The piping system may include two standard bolted flange connections, and at least one wafer-shaped hollow fiber module sealed between the two standard bolted flange connections. The wafer shaped hollow fiber module includes: a cylindrical housing having an open end and a closed end having a first sealing surface and an inlet port; at least one side port through the cylindrical housing; an end cap united to the open end having a second sealing surface and an outlet port.
US08318021B2
A water or liquid substance filtration device is disclosed which removes microorganisms and organic contamination and sterilizes the containers and water lines after the unit. The unit is portable, or can be mounted stationary. The unit has a five-stage filtration and sterilization system controlled by an independent onboard computer system that can link to a central computer system to keep track of all independent units. The unit will physically filter out of the water contaminants that can be reused, destroyed, or flushed down a safe drain. It can also be modified to filter for a certain size of particulate, making recovery of certain substances possible. The unit has a self-diagnostic system that can determine if the unit is operating properly and can shut down a part thereof if one of the capillary units fails. The system is hydrophilic, can run at low pressures and can be designed from low to extremely high volumes. The unit uses ozone to disinfect containers and water lines.
US08318019B2
A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.
US08318017B2
A membrane distillation bioreactor (100) is provided for treating contaminated inflow such as wastewater. A contaminated inflow may be treated by biodegrading a contaminant in the inflow with a biological agent in the bioreactor to produce a lower contaminant inflow, which may be distilled, by membrane distillation, through a distillation membrane (108) in fluid communication with the bioreactor, to produce an outflow. The inflow may be wastewater. The outflow may be purified water. In one embodiment, the membrane may be located in the reaction chamber of the bioreactor vessel (102) and may be submerged in the mixed liquor. In a different embodiment suitable for wastewater treatment, the membrane may be located external to the bioreactor. The bioreactor may be aerobic or anaerobic.
US08318010B2
A chromatography column and method for use in a liquid chromatography process includes a telescoping chromatography and piston tubes, with the piston tube having a porous layer partially obstructing flow therethrough. A chromatography clamp is selectively movable between open and closed positions, and configured to extend substantially 360 degrees about the periphery of the chromatography tube when closed. The chromatography clamp is configured to releasably maintain the chromatography tube and piston tube in fluid communication with one another. In particular embodiments, the chromatography clamp includes a ledge extending at an oblique angle relative to the transverse direction, which is configured to cam the clamp towards the closed position upon application of greater than atmospheric pressure within the chromatography column.
US08317993B2
A plating apparatus has a steam treatment chamber configured to perform a steam treatment using steam on a surface of a substrate, and a plating chamber configured to plate the surface of the substrate subjected to the steam treatment. The plating apparatus also has an acid treatment chamber configured to bring the surface of the substrate subjected to the steam treatment into contact with an acid liquid. The plating apparatus includes a frame housing the steam treatment chamber, the acid treatment chamber, and the plating chamber.
US08317985B2
An electrolyte electrolyzer adapted to create hydrogen and oxygen from electrolyte fluid at or near atmospheric pressure. The electrolyzer is comprised in a preferred form of a plurality of cells which collectively create oxygen and hydrogen chambers separated by an ion permeable membrane. The electrolyzer is further defined by a passive electrode that is electrically interposed between a charged anode and cathode. The chambers defined by the cells are in communication with oxygen and hydrogen supply lines to transfer the hydrogen gas from the unit.
US08317979B2
A papermaking pickup fabric having two ends seamed together with a pintle. The fabric including a first plurality of monofilament yarns directed in a machine direction, a second plurality of monofilament yarns directed in a cross machine direction, and a plurality of multifilament filler yarns. The first plurality of monofilament yarns and the second plurality of monofilament yarns being woven together to form a weave pattern. The plurality of multifilament filler yarns are captivated in the weave pattern. The first plurality of monofilament yarns forming seam loops on each of the ends in a seam loop area, said multifilament filler yarns not extending into said seem loop area.
US08317975B2
An omnibus process of pulping and bleaching lignocellulosic materials in which a charge of a lignocellulosic material is biopulped and/or water extracted prior to pulping and bleaching. The lignocellulosic material may be mechanically pulped and bleached in the presence of an enzyme that breaks lignin-carbohydrate complexes. The aqueous extract in embodiments including a water extract step is separated into acetic acid and hemicellulose sugar aqueous solutions.
US08317969B2
A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber; a lower center electrode mounting thereon a target substrate; a lower peripheral electrode; an upper electrode disposed above the lower center electrode; a gas supplying unit supplying a processing gas into the processing chamber; a first RF power supply outputting a first RF power for generating a plasma of the processing gas; a second RF power supply for outputting a second RF power for introducing ions into the substrate; and a central feed conductor connected to a rear surface of the lower center electrode. The apparatus further includes a circumferential feed conductor connected to a rear surface of the lower peripheral electrode to bypass and supply some of the first RF power to the lower peripheral electrode; and a movable feed conductor electrically connecting the central feed conductor and the circumferential feed conductor for the first RF power by capacitance coupling.
US08317964B2
A method of manufacturing a vehicle. A set of vehicle body structure components is assembled with interlocking mating features.
US08317960B2
A process for improving the reflectivity of reflective surfaces made of a composite.The process includes laminating a layer of metalized plastic on at least one layer of composite, bonding the metalized plastic to a substrate in a preimprgenated state; cutting strips or patterns of an assembly of the layer of composite and the layer of metalized plastic; laminating strips or patterns of the assembly as a first layer on a molding jig; adding additional composite layers to the first layer; preparing a vacuum and curing bag; introducing the assembly in an autoclave; performing a curing cycle, bonding the layer of metalized plastic to the rest of the substrate by polymerization of a resin in the composite.
US08317956B2
The present invention relates to a method for adhering detectable warning devices, pavement markings and preformed traffic control devices (turn arrows, stop bars) that are hydrocarbon or alkyd thermoplastic in nature to an uncured or “green” concrete substrate providing permanent adhesion for detectable warning devices, pedestrian and traffic control markings.
US08317953B2
A new process for forming MICs as well as three exemplary categories of MIC formulations is disclosed. MICs disclosed herein include a first exemplary category for which combustion can be initiated and sustained by either a heat (flame) source or electrical power, a second exemplary category of formulations that can be ignited and that sustain combustion at low pressures only with electrical power and a third exemplary category of formulations that can be ignited and extinguished at low pressures only with electrical power. The new process of MIC formulation provides energetic liquid oxidizers in place of traditional solvents, thus eliminating the need for solvent extraction. The energetic liquid oxidizer serves as a medium in which to suspend and grow the 3D nanostructure formed by the cross linked polymer (PVA). As a consequence, the 3D nanostructure entraps the liquid oxidizer, preventing it from evaporating and thereby eliminating the need for solvent extraction, preserves the 3D nanostructure shape. Further, the liquid oxidizer matrix produces provides a mechanism through which ignition and combustion may be controlled. The material combustion rate may be adjusted/throttled through adjustments in the amount electrical power supply and may even be extinguished by complete removal of the electrical power supply. Repeated on/off ignition/extinguishment is possible through repeated application and removal of electrical current.
US08317946B2
A seamless steel pipe of a low-alloy steel consisting, by mass %, of C: 0.10 to 0.20%, Si: 0.05 to 1.0%, Mn: 0.05 to 1.2%, Ni: 0.02 to 1.5%, Cr: 0.50 to 1.50%, Mo: 0.50 to 1.50%, Nb: 0.002 to 0.10%, Al: 0.005 to 0.10%, and either or both of Ti: 0.003 to 0.050% and V: 0.01 to 0.20%, the balance being Fe and impurities, the impurities containing 0.025% or less of P, 0.005% or less of S, 0.007% or less of N, and less than 0.0003% of B, wherein the tensile strength is 950 MPa or more and the yield strength is 850 MPa or more, and the Charpy absorbed energy at −40° C. is 60 J or more. This seamless steel pipe may further contain one or more of Cu: 0.02 to 1.0%, Ca: 0.0005 to 0.0050%, and Mg: 0.0005 to 0.0050%. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the above-described seamless steel pipe.
US08317945B2
Disclosed is a steel plate having a specific chemical component composition. The steel plate has an F value defined by the following expression (1) and satisfying the following condition: 3.20≦(F value)≦4.50, has a tempered bainite microstructure having an average equivalent area diameter of grains surrounded by high-angle boundaries with a difference in orientation between two grains of 15° or more of 4 μm or less, and has a tensile strength of 585 MPa or more: F value=9.4×[Mo]+8.1×[V]+4.7×[Cr] (1) wherein [Mo], [V] and [Cr] represent contents (percent by mass) of Mo, V, and Cr, respectively. The steel plate having this configuration surely has satisfactory drop weight properties and high base metal toughness only by controlling the contents of necessary alloy elements.
US08317913B2
The present invention provides an inkjet ink containing at least a colorant, water, a water insoluble resin, a fluorine surfactant, and a polyether-modified silicone oil, wherein the polyether-modified silicone oil has a hydrophobic value of 0.40 to 1.5, and the hydrophobic value is expressed by Equation 1: Hydrophobic value=A/B Equation 1 where “A” represents an integration value of a peak area from 0 ppm to 0.3 ppm in a 1H-NMR spectrum of the polyether-modified silicone oil using tetramethylsilane as a reference substance; and “B” represents an integration value of a peak area from 3.5 ppm to 4.0 ppm in the 1H-NMR spectrum.
US08317910B2
A platinum plating solution for immersion plating a continuous film of platinum on a metal structure. The immersion platinum plating solution is free of a reducing agent. The plating process does not require electricity (e.g., electrical current) and does not require electrodes (e.g., anode and/or cathode). The solution includes a platinum source and a complexing agent including Oxalic Acid. The solution enables immersion plating of platinum onto a metal surface, a metal substrate, or a structure of which at least a portion is a metal. The resulting platinum plating comprises a continuous thin film layer of platinum having a thickness not exceeding 300 Å. The solution can be used for plating articles including but not limited to jewelry, medical devices, electronic structures, microelectronics structures, MEMS structures, nano-sized or smaller structures, structures used for chemical and/or catalytic reactions (e.g., catalytic converters), and irregularly shaped metal surfaces.
US08317908B2
An air purifier has an air blower and a rotating brush, the brush having long flexible bristles made of a material that is capable of developing negative triboelectric charge. During a portion of the rotation cycle, the bristles move across a surface that can accumulate a positive charge. This causes the bristle to charge negatively. Air impurities are attracted to the negatively charged bristles and are discharged into a collecting bin.
US08317891B1
A method is described for rendering char from a biomass fractionator apparatus (BMF char) suitable for addition to soil in high concentrations, the method relying on multiple processes comprising removing detrimental hydrocarbons from BMF char, removing adsorbed gases from BMF char, introducing microorganisms to the BMF char, and adjusting soil pH.
US08317889B2
Disclosed is an installation structure for a dustproof net to be arranged in a machine, which has an engine, a cooling fan for producing cooling air to cool the engine, plural heat exchangers arranged on an upstream side of the cooling fan, and a compartment with the engine, cooling fan and plural heat exchangers accommodated therein, such that the dustproof net is arranged at a position on a side upstream of the heat exchanger located most upstream among the plural heat exchanger relative to a flow of air drawn in by the cooling fan and in isolation from the most upstream heat exchanger to remove dust contained in the air drawn in by the cooling fan. The dustproof net is provided with a support structure for supporting the dustproof net on members that form the compartment.
US08317886B2
An apparatus and method for starved air gasification of solid organic materials, including biomass and other wastes, to convert the chemical energy stored in such materials to thermal energy or gaseous products that may be used in biochemical and/or chemical synthesis. Specifically, the system utilizes a gasifier having a “moving bed of ash” hearth wherein the feedstock is partially oxidized at a low temperature (less than 1500 degrees F.) in a square or rectangular chamber having a vaulted, tapered or flat roof.
US08317881B2
The present invention relates to a composition and a method of levelling hair color especially lighter colored hair or including lightened streaks or bleached streaks or bleached as a whole and after certain period of time contrast—difference in color—between the re-growth and formerly lightened parts is clearly visible. The first objective of the present invention is an aqueous composition for levelling hair color comprising at least one fatty acid salt, preferably an in-situ formed ammonium salt, and one or more amphoteric surfactants at a total concentration between 5 and 30% by weight, calculated to total of the composition, and has a pH between 5 and 12. Further the use of the composition for levelling hair color and the method of levelling hair color are disclosed.
US08317880B2
The present invention relates to a composition and a method of levelling hair color, especially lighter colored hair or including lightened streaks or bleached streaks or bleached as a whole and after certain period of time contrast—difference in color—between the re-growth and formerly lightened parts is clearly visible. The first objective of the present invention is an aqueous composition for levelling hair color comprising at least one fatty acid salt, preferably an in-situ formed ammonium salt, and one or more anionic surfactants at a total concentration between 5 and 30% by weight, calculated to total of the composition, and has a pH between 5 and 12. Furthermore, use of the composition for levelling hair color and a method of levelling hair color are disclosed.
US08317878B2
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium for providing a unique identifier for a computer system and a message from a service external to the computer system, such as a laptop return service, for display when the computer system is powered on. The computer system is configured to restrict functionality until the service authorizes restoration of full functionality of the computer system. The message includes contact information for the laptop return service and, when the service is contacted, the service sends an instruction to return the computer system to full functionality. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08317874B2
The invention relates to an orthopaedic aid, in particular to a prosthesis (58) or orthosis comprising an orthopaedic fluid damper (10) with a displacement chamber (14) formed in a housing (12), with a piston (16) mounted in the displacement chamber (14), with a fluid reservoir for a fluid (20), with a return flow conduit (22) connecting the displacement chamber (14) to the fluid reservoir, with a valve (24) that can adopt an open position and a closed position, in which it at least partially closes the return flow conduit (22), and with a joint (72) that has a first branch (60) and a second branch (66), wherein the first branch (60) is connected to the housing (12) and the second branch (66) is connected to the piston (16). A device (84) is also provided for detecting a joint force (FB) acting on the joint, which device (84) is designed to bring the valve (24) to the closed position when the joint force (FB) exceeds a predefined threshold value. The invention also relates to a method for control of the aid and a fluid damper (10) fitted therein.
US08317861B2
A voice prosthesis comprising a tubular body portion, a valve and a valve seat disposed within the body portion. The valve seat is further comprised of a medical grade elastomer containing a dispersion of an antimicrobial agent. This valve seat extends the life of the prosthesis by retarding the growth of microorganisms. The body portion of the prosthesis may also contain an antimicrobial agent at a concentration that is non-toxic to the tissue it contacts.
US08317854B1
A vascular graft comprises a perforate tubular compressible frame having a fabric liner disposed over at least a portion of the frames lumen. The graft may be used in combination with a base structure to form a bifurcated graft in situ. The base structure compresses a compressible frame having a fabric liner which defines a pair of divergent legs. The base structure is positioned within the aorta so that one leg enters each iliac. The tubular grafts can then be introduced into each leg to form the bifurcated structure. A graft delivery catheter includes a controllably flared sheath which facilitates recapture of a partially deployed graft.
US08317849B2
An underbody convective warming blanket that may be used by a pediatric or neonate patient includes a head portion configured with multiple substantially U-shaped channels each having a plurality of adjacent rows of apertures that circumscribe the head of the patient positioned on the blanket. The adjacent rows of apertures are configured on the upper layer of the blanket so as to be positioned at an orientation or angle relative to the base plane of the blanket or the head of the patient such that those apertures would substantially face the head of the patient when the blanket is inflated, so that the heated air output from the apertures is directed substantially towards the head of the patient to thereby effect an invisible dome of heated air that envelopes the head of the patient.
US08317838B2
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for aligning and implanting orthopedic fixation or stabilization implants within the body. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two bone anchors, at least one of which is provided with an angularly adjustable connector. In one aspect, the system also includes at least one linkage rod, for linking two or more bone anchors through their respective adjustable connectors. The bone anchors and the linkage rod may be locked into place to form a spinal fusion or fixation prosthesis. An alignment tool is provided, for guiding a guidewire through one or more connectors.
US08317836B2
A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
US08317834B2
Surgical constructs pre-assembled for insertion as a unit into a patient. The pre-assembled construct may include an elongated member with opposing first and second ends. The construct may also include a connector with a body, a first receptacle that extends through the body and receives the elongated member, a threaded aperture that extends from an exterior of the body into the first receptacle, a fastener threaded into the threaded aperture, and a second receptacle that receives a structural member in the patient. The first receptacle may be larger than the elongated member for the connector to be movable along the elongated member. The construct may also include retaining members permanently attached to each of the first and second ends of the elongated member. The retaining members may include a central opening with an inner radial surface that contacts the elongated member and an outer radial surface that extends outward beyond the elongated member. The retaining members may be larger than the first receptacle to prevent the connector from detaching from the elongated member.
US08317833B2
Elongated stabilization member and bone anchor useful in bone and especially spinal repair processes
The elongated stabilization member comprises a composite rod (R) having a uniform cross-section essentially throughout its length. The rod (R) has at least first and second segments (A, B, C) each of which has a different modulus of elasticity. Preferably the rod (R) is comprised of plastic with carbon fibers disposed therein and said first and second segments (A, B, C) have different orientation densities of fibers or lengths to provide said different moduli of elasticity.
US08317819B2
A collapsible medical device for use, e.g., as a vascular filter. The device includes a mandrel having a distal end and a stop spaced proximally of the distal end. A proximal length of the mandrel extends proximally of the stop and a distal length of the mandrel extends distally of the stop. A functional element (e.g., a vascular filter) has a radially expandable body and includes a proximal slider and a distal slider. The proximal and distal sliders are slidable along the mandrel independently of one another such that the distance between the proximal slider and distal slider can be varied to effect different configurations of the functional element. In one method of using such a device, the functional element is urged distally to a treatment site by urging the mandrel distally. This causes the stop to exert a distal biasing force on the distal slider, which acts against a restorative force of the functional element to axially elongate the functional element and reduce friction between the functional element and a wall of the vessel.
US08317818B2
A removable blood clot filter includes anchor members with a sharp edge configured so that when the filter is removed the sharp edge aids in passing the anchor members through endothelial tissue. The filter may also include a sharp edge on locator members configured to aid pulling the locator members away from the endothelial tissue.
US08317810B2
A tissue puncture assembly includes an elongate tubular member having a lumen, a distal portion having a side wall, a side port opening extending through the side wall and, and a guiding surface having a distal end that extends adjacent to a distal edge of the side port opening. The tissue puncture assembly further includes a flexible puncture member insertable through the lumen of the elongate tubular member. The flexible puncture member deflects upon contacting the guiding surface to exit the elongate tubular member through the side port in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal direction of the elongate tubular member. The tissue puncture member is capable of puncturing tissue at an oblique angle. The tissue puncture member may further adopt a pre-formed shape at its distal end to prevent inadvertent puncture of tissue and to maintain access to the puncture site. The transseptal puncture assembly may include various sensors to identify tissue structures and precisely locate the desired puncture site.
US08317809B2
Surgical instrumentation and methods for performing a bypass procedure in a digestive system incorporate laparoscopic techniques to minimize surgical trauma to the patient. The instrumentation includes an outer guide member dimensioned for insertion and passage through an esophagus of a patient and defining an opening therein extending at least along a portion of the length of the outer guide member, an elongate anvil delivery member at least partially disposed within the opening of the outer guide member and being adapted for longitudinal movement within the outer guide member between an initial position and an actuated position and an anvil operatively engageable with the delivery member. The anvil includes an anvil rod defining a longitudinal axis and an anvil head connected to the anvil rod. The anvil head is at least partially disposed within the opening of the outer guide member when in the initial position of the delivery member and is fully exposed from the distal end of the outer guide member upon movement of the delivery member to the actuated position.
US08317798B2
A minimally invasive spacer for positioning between vertebral members. The spacer is adjustable between a first orientation having a reduced size to facilitate insertion between the vertebral members. A second orientation has an enlarged size for contacting the vertebral members. The spacer includes linkages that are attached to a pair of plates. A pull arm is operatively connected to the linkages for adjusting the spacer from the first orientation to the second orientation. A indicator gauge indicates the height of the spacer.
US08317784B2
A magnetic switching device includes an electromagnetic component adapted to be arranged proximate to an exterior surface of an object having a magnetically-switchable device therein and a control circuit electrically connected to the electromagnetic component. The electromagnetic component is constructed to generate a magnetic field of sufficient strength and orientation to engage a switch in the magnetically-switchable device. The invention further includes an electrocautery system, including an electrocautery device, a control circuit electrically connected to the electrocautery device, and an electromagnetic component electrically connected to the control circuit. The electromagnetic component is adapted to be arranged proximate to an exterior surface of an object having a magnetically-switchable device therein. Operation of the electrocautery device causes the electromagnetic component to generate a magnetic field of sufficient strength to engage a switch in the magnetically-switchable device.
US08317783B2
An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance.
US08317781B2
Switching power supplies made in accordance with the disclosed technology drive flash lamps of dermatologic treatment devices to emit a sequence of relatively small light pulses that are aligned with particular locations within the waveform of the AC line source. Such power supplies not only enable sufficient light energy in aggregate to therapeutically heat target chromophores in a skin region without causing undesired damage to surrounding tissue, but also provide the added benefit that the corresponding electrical energy need not be substantially drawn from any charged capacitor. The disclosed power supply further compensates for performance degradation of the flash lamps during their usable life, by modifying its operation based on predetermined values that are indicative of flash lamp aging/efficiency characteristics. The flash lamps and their associated stored values are preferably incorporated into a replaceable cartridge that facilitates user maintenance of the dermatologic treatment device.
US08317779B2
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, use non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:YAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a nonuniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the target tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production).
US08317777B2
A steerable multi-linked device. The device includes a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. The first mechanism defines a first plurality of grooves. The second mechanism defines a second plurality of grooves. The first and second pluralities of grooves cooperate to define at least two working ports along a length of the device. At least one of the first and second mechanisms are steerable.
US08317771B2
Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include safe access needle injection instruments incorporating electrosurgical capability, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided.
US08317761B2
A surgical fastening system for implantable devices is disclosed. The implantable device may contain a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, may have a housing fitted over or around fit which contains a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, or may be a part of a two-part system into which it fits. Accordingly, the present invention also encompasses a deployment system or tool that optionally positions the implantable device, and which causes the fasteners to move into post-deployment position. The fasteners may be staples, metal loops, coils, springs or hooks formed of biocompatible materials, including shape memory alloys such as NiTi.
US08317757B2
A dose setting mechanism for a drug delivery device is disclosed. The mechanism comprises an outer housing and an inner housing having an external groove and a helical spline. The inner housing helical spline guides a driver to dispense a set dose. A dial sleeve is disposed between the outer and inner housing and is rotatably engaged with the inner housing. When a dose is set, the dial sleeve is rotated and translates away from both the outer housing and the inner housing.
US08317748B2
A method of increasing blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes providing an expandable member substantially made of a mesh having a plurality of interstices. The expandable member is inserted into the blood vessel, positioned within the blood vessel with the proximal member end upstream of the distal member end and the member body located radially adjacent at least a portion of an obstruction, and expanded to bring at least a portion of the member body into contact with the obstruction. An outward radial force is exerted on the obstruction to dislodge at least one fragment from the obstruction and to enhance blood flow through the blood vessel past the obstruction. The at least one fragment is passed through at least one interstice of the member body in the radial direction, and is selectively retained within the expandable member.
US08317741B2
A body portion of the apparatus comprises an interior cavity and a plurality of fluid lumens extending from the cavity to a periphery of the body portion. The apparatus further comprises a first fluid port in fluid communication with a first one of the fluid lumens. The first fluid port is configured to receive a syringe for injecting a liquid diluent and withdrawing a reconstituted liquid medicament. The apparatus further comprises a second fluid port in fluid communication with a second one of the fluid lumens. The second fluid port is configured to receive a medicament vial. The apparatus further comprises a third fluid port at an end of a third one of the fluid lumens for expelling the reconstituted liquid medicament. The apparatus further comprises a stopcock received within the body portion interior cavity and configured to regulate fluid communication between the fluid lumens. The stopcock has a first position in which fluid communication between the fluid lumens is blocked, a second position in which fluid communication is open between the first and second fluid lumens and a third position in which fluid communication is open between the first and third fluid lumens.
US08317734B1
A device for providing vestibular and somatosensory stimulation through bone conduction of sound waves to skeletal bones is provided in the form of a pad that is applied to or wrapped around the individual in treatment, which is comfortable in use and may contain particulate filler material capable of providing bone conduction stimulation adjacent to the location of a bone conduction transducer and expand the sound conduction site over a larger area.
US08317733B2
An electromagnetic massage head which may be used as part of a human massager preferably includes a strong electromagnetic rotating head fixed together with an electromagnetic screw. The electromagnetic screw is configured to rotate in an axial direction. The operation of the strong electromagnetic head can achieve the effect of knead, massage, knock and shake etc. when used to provide massage treatment.
US08317728B2
The present invention relates to a swab for collecting biological specimens of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fiber with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fiber covers said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.
US08317718B2
Methods for assessing an overall digestive health of a patient are provided, which include administering a breath test that uses a label incorporated into proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids and further incorporating the labeled material into a meal which, when cooked, facilitates the binding of the label material to the solid phase matrix of the meal. Methods for assessing digestive functions of a patient are also provided, which includes concurrently administering a breath test and a scintigraphy test that measure gastric emptying in a stomach.
US08317716B2
Disclosed herein is a system for diagnosing a deficient pulse and an forceful pulse. The system includes a pulse diagnotic device, a deficient pulse and forceful pulse determining device, and an output device. The pulse diagnotic device measures pulse condition information at an examinee's Cun (˜\f˜) Gu (H), and Chi (,R) pulse-taking locations on his or her wrist using one or more pulse-taking sensors. The deficient pulse and forceful pulse determining device is operably connected to the pulse diagnotic device, analyzes the pulse pressure information measured by the pulse diagnotic device, calculates a quantified deficiency/forceful coefficient, and determines whether a pulse of interest is a deficient pulse or an forceful pulse. The output device is connected to the determining device and displays results of the determination.
US08317711B2
A dynamic ultrasound image catheter includes a catheter body with an acoustic window on the distal end, an ultrasound phased array transducer assembly configured to rotate within the acoustic window through an angle of rotation, an acoustic coupling fluid filling a gap between the transducer array and the acoustic window, and a drive motor at the proximal end of the catheter body that is configured to rotate the transducer array. The drive motor may transmit a rotational force to the ultrasound phased array transducer by a drive wire or by tension wires coupled to drive spools. A system processor coupled to the drive motor controls rotation of the transducer array and estimates the angular orientation of the transducer array. By taking ultrasound images at increments through the angle of rotation, the dynamic ultrasound image catheter can obtain images spanning a volume which can be processed to generate three-dimensional composite images.
US08317704B2
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces an image with an extended focal range and reduced speckle by transmitting a plurality of beams spaced along an array for multiline reception. The receive multilines of a plurality of transmit beams are spatially aligned with phase adjustment between the respective receive multilines to effect signal alignment, detected and combined. The combined multilines produce the effect of an extended transmit focus so that an image produced using the combined multilines exhibits an extended focal range. Speckle is reduced by nonlinearly combining received multilines produced by different transmit apertures.
US08317703B2
A method of adjusting an ablation field radiating into tissue includes the initial step of providing a handheld device including a phased antenna array and an ultrasound transducer array. The method includes the steps of positioning a tissue-contact surface of the handheld device adjacent to tissue, activating the phased antenna array to deliver energy through the tissue-contact surface to generate an ablation field in targeted tissue, activating the ultrasound transducer array to acquire ultrasound image data representative of the targeted tissue during energy delivery into the targeted tissue by the phased antenna array, and selectively steering the focal point of energy delivery in tissue to adjust the ablation field radiating into tissue.
US08317702B2
A modular, flexible architecture for offering full-field breast ultrasound (FFBU) functionality and general-purpose ultrasound functionality in a single system is described. A conventional, general-purpose ultrasound system (202) is modified with an FFBU toolkit to create a dual-capability ultrasound system (200), the dual-capability ultrasound system (200) being able to accommodate both general-purpose ultrasound functionality and FFBU functionality, using a single ultrasound engine (112). Among other advantages, real-world clinical environments may enjoy cost savings for initial system procurement, space savings on clinic floors, easier and less expensive system upgrades, and the ability to use a single system and user interface for both FFBU screening and for follow-up diagnosis, biopsy, etc. Among other advantages from an ultrasound manufacturer's perspective are the ability to quickly and/or more easily come to market with an FFBU-related offering by modifying their existing general-purpose ultrasound systems (202) with FFBU toolkits to quickly create dual-capability ultrasound systems (200).
US08317699B2
A blood glucose and lifestyle tracking apparatus is disclosed. The blood glucose and lifestyle tracking apparatus provides a method for recording both blood glucose values for fasting, postprandial, and preprandial time periods and lifestyle factors.
US08317694B2
The invention relates to a tool for parietally anchoring a living being's organ (70) comprising means (12, 16, 24) for anchoring said organ, means (36) for fastening at least one pulling element (37) to said anchoring means, wherein said pulling element is fixable to the abdominal wall of said living being in such a way that it makes it possible to lift and keep in suspended position the organ anchored by anchoring means (12, 16, 24) in order to display an anatomical structure during a surgical intervention, in particular in laparoscopy or coeloscopy. The inventive tool also comprises means (14, 22, 28, 38) for grasping and manipulating said anchoring means by a surgical clip. The size of the tool is selected in such a way that it is enabled to pass through a laparoscopic or coelioscopic trocar. A parietally anchoring device is also disclosed.
US08317693B2
Medical retractors including light guides made of cyclo olefin polymer.
US08317689B1
The present invention relates to a small diameter endoscope in which a handle is removably attached to a probe. The probe includes a fiber optic illumination channel that is concentric about an imaging channel. The handle includes an imaging device that detects light from the imaging channel and a sterile barrier that can be extended over the handle for use. Relay optics couples the small diameter imaging channel to the imaging device in the handle. The probe has a mounting hub that connects the probe to the handle and also serves to optically couple the fiber optic illumination channel to a light source.
US08317683B2
An endoscope having a hollow shaft for inserting an image guide, so that the distal end of the shaft is configured at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and the shaft is closed at the distal end by means of an end piece provided with a pass-through borehole for the image guide. To create an endoscope with an image transmission system of sufficient image size and image quality that can be autoclaved for cleaning purposes, it is proposed with the invention that the image guide should be positioned in the shaft in such a way that the bending radius of the image guide in the area of the bending of the shaft is greater than the bending radius of the shaft in the area of the bending.
US08317671B1
A method of making reinforced paperboard cartons comprises the steps of advancing a web of paperboard along a path and progressively laminating at least one ribbon of reinforcing material to the advancing web of paperboard. The ribbon of reinforcing material, which also may be paperboard, has a width less than the width of the web of paperboard and is applied with adhesive at a selected location across the width of the web. The web and its laminated ribbon are cut into sheets of a predetermined size and the sheets are die-cut and scored with fold lines to form carton blanks. The carton blanks are subsequently formed into cartons for receiving articles, the laminated reinforcing material providing reinforcement in selected portions of the cartons. Multiple ribbons and multiple layers of ribbons may be laminated to the web in respective selected locations to provide reinforcement in more than one portion of the cartons. Reinforced cartons and carton blanks made by the method also are provided.
US08317669B2
When an elastic layer surface having an unapplied area of adhesive agent at its one end is ground, a method of grinding an elastic roller which assures high run-out accuracy and uniform diameter as well as which can carry out surface grinding with good production efficiency is provided.An elastic roller comprises an elastic layer 1 carried on the outer circumference of a shaft 2 via adhesive agent, and an unapplied area of adhesive agent at one end of the elastic layer in the longitudinal direction of the roller. The surface of the elastic layer is ground by a grindstone 10 moving along the longitudinal direction of the roller. The elastic layer has no taper at the both ends, and grinding carried out by the grindstone is started from an opposite end side of the end having the unapplied area of adhesive agent of the roller in the longitudinal direction.
US08317662B2
A grip trainer includes a first chamber designed to engage a stick and a second chamber attached to the first chamber. The second chamber is configured to hold an insert. An insert disposed in the second chamber. The insert has a hardness no greater than 60 on the Shore 00 Durometer scale.
US08317656B2
A method of operating a drivetrain of a vehicle comprising an engine, a clutch and a transmission comprising a claw-shifted main transmission and a synchronized upstream and/or downstream group, such that shifting from a current gear to a target gear is accomplished by actuating one of the synchronized upstream or downstream group and without actuating the engaged clutch and the claw-shifted main transmission. The method includes reducing engine torque and, when the engine torque is less than or equal to a limit value, the synchronized upstream or downstream group is actuated to disengage the currant gear. Then, when the engine torque is approximately zero, the synchronized downstream or upstream group is disengaged and held in neutral, and the speed of the engine is then adjusted to a target speed. The synchronized upstream or downstream group is actuated to engage the target gear and upon engagement the engine torque is increased.
US08317651B2
Mechanisms and methods for clamping force generation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a clamping force generator system includes a permanent magnet bearing coupled to a traction ring and to a torque coupling. The traction ring can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing rotor and the torque coupling can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing stator. In some embodiments, a mechanical load cam, a permanent magnet bearing, and an electromagnetic bearing cooperate to generate a clamping force between the traction rings, the power rollers, and the idler. In other embodiments, a series of permanent magnet bearings and a mechanical bearing configured to produce a clamping force. In one embodiment an electromagnetic bearing is coupled to a control system and produces a specified clamping force that is associated with a torque transmitted in the transmission during operation. In some embodiments, a mechanical load cam produces a clamping force proportional to torque, while a permanent magnet bearing provides a minimum clamping force.
US08317642B2
A device for connecting a generator to a belt drive of an internal combustion engine is provided, which includes a belt pulley (1) that is guided so that it can rotate relative to a hub (2) set on a shaft (3). At least one spring element is arranged between the belt pulley (1) and the hub (2) and connects the belt pulley (1) and the hub (2) to each other elastically for transferring rotational motion and here sets a relative rotation between the belt pulley (1) and the hub (2) corresponding to an effective torsional stiffness. The at least one spring element is placed with a defined movement play (s) with respect to the belt pulley (1) and/or the hub (2), in order to allow relative rotation through the movement play (s) in a first region (I) with a low torsional stiffness, while, in a second region (2), a high torsional stiffness can be generated by the at least one spring element.
US08317640B1
A bat having a handle portion, a transition portion attached to the handle portion, and a barrel portion attached to the transition portion. The area(s) adjacent to the central portion of the barrel have an increased performance with respect to the central portion of the barrel to effectively enlarge the sweet spot, or preferred hitting area. At least one tubular member of the barrel is circumferential aligned and axially spaced from another tubular member.
US08317624B1
Online games embedded in webpages of websites may be created and/or served through a system and/or method. The games may be embedded in websites that are hosted separately from the games. The games may be designed by the website operators and/or other entities associated with the websites, and may include content from the websites to drive engagement with the websites and their content. An interface may be provided to the website operators to facilitate efficient and intuitive configuration of games that use website content. Such games may be served separately from the websites. As such, the games may provide a convenient, efficient, and/or effective mechanism for enhancing engagement of users with the website and/or its content.
US08317620B2
Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods for presenting tournament games. According to one embodiment, a gaming system for presenting tournament games includes a plurality of gaming devices in communication with a tournament server as well as a plurality of tournament displays positioned throughout a gaming establishment. Each gaming device is configured to enable concurrent play of a base game and an on-demand tournament game in which the on-demand tournament game is player initiated. The tournament server manages play of the on-demand tournament game, and the tournament server determines a location of active and eligible players for the on-demand tournament game. The plurality of tournament displays are positioned throughout a gaming establishment, and the tournament displays are also in communication with the tournament server. The tournament server sends tournament information to the tournament displays near the location of active and eligible players of the tournament game.
US08317619B2
A game control method according to the present invention comprises: a downloading step conducted by a server of downloading game software components to be used in a gaming terminal, along with authentication programs for authenticating the game software components to the gaming terminal; an authenticating step conducted by the gaming terminal of executing the authentication programs to authenticate the game software components downloaded from the server, prior to start of a game; and a producing step conducted by the gaming terminal of producing games to be executed in the gaming terminal using the game software components authenticated through the authentication programs.
US08317617B2
Pictorial characters are used to replace one or more words or even one or more full sentences of a message for communication to one or more people. In the context of an electronic communication device, a person (“sending party”) can use pictorial characters to “encode” words or sentences of a message to be sent to another person (“receiving party”). The receiving party, upon receiving the message, decodes the coded message and, if appropriate or desired, replies to the message. The communication devices used by the sending and receiving parties can be provided with various pictorial character-related features. For example, the communication devices may be provided with processing circuitry that conditions the use of a particular pictorial character for sending messages upon prior entry of a valid authorization (unlocking) code for that character. Alternatively or additionally, the processing circuitry of the communication devices may be responsive to received messages for proposing to the receiving party suggested meanings for one or more of the characters.
US08317610B2
A method for testing a new feature of an online gaming application is provided. The method initiates with assigning each of a plurality of users to one of a test group and a control group. Each of the test group users is provided a gaming application including a new game feature enabled, and each of the control group users is provided the gaming application without the new game feature enabled. Gaming activity and social network activity of the test group users is evaluated to generate an evaluation score for the test group users. Gaming activity and social network activity of the control group users is evaluated to generate an evaluation score for the control group users.
US08317602B2
A wagering game that allows a player to adjust a positive expectation game situation to a lower expectation game situation. In return, the player can increase the paytable so that awards the player wins will be paid at a higher rate. Alternatively, the player can increase the paytable in exchange for a less favorable game state.
US08317596B2
Wagering game systems and methods are disclosed in which the occurrence of a triggering event causes a community game to begin. Further, the occurrence of an event may cause a wagering game or wagering game service such as a progressive game to be reconfigured.
US08317587B2
A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager, a display for displaying a primary wagering game, and a controller operative to (i) detect receipt of the primary wager, (ii) cause the display to present the randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of possible outcomes, the plurality of possible outcomes including at least one free spin bonus outcome, (iii) determine if the randomly selected outcome is one of the at least one free spin bonus outcome, (iv) in response to the randomly selected outcome being the at least one free spin bonus outcome, provide a plurality of free spins and display a plurality of free spin enhancements which remain constant for the plurality of free spins, and (v) enhance an outcome of each of the free spins based on a player selection of at least one of the free spin enhancements for a subsequent free spin.
US08317586B2
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to acquire an original player input value associated with a wagering game. One or more simulations may be run in reverse from a randomly selected statistical outcome to determine at least one of a modified starting game parameter value, a modified intermediate-time game parameter value, and a modified player input value. Original starting game parameter values, intermediate-time game parameter values, and/or player input values may be modified to provide the modified starting game parameter values, intermediate-time game parameter values, and player input values, respectively. At least a portion of the simulation running forward based on the modified values may be displayed. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08317584B2
A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game includes a display having a display area showing a poker-themed wagering game. A wager input device receives a base wager to play the poker-themed wagering game. A controller is coupled to the display and the wager input device. The controller is operative to provide a plurality of symbol-bearing objects to form a user-playable hand and award a payoff based on a ranking of the user-playable hand meeting a predetermined criterion. The controller may receive a side wager separate from the base wager from the player to trigger a challenge based on meeting a condition in at least one of a predetermined number of future plays of the wagering game. Additional free challenges may be triggered for the predetermined number of future plays.
US08317577B2
A method for mass-production butchering of a beef chuck roll includes locating an anterior side and a posterior side of the chuck roll, and making a first series of cuts into the chuck roll along lines not intersecting the anterior and posterior sides. The first series of cuts form a first set of separate beef portions with increasing weights from initial to final cuts in the first series. The method also includes making a second series of cuts into the chuck roll along lines not intersecting the anterior and posterior sides to form a second set of separate beef portions.
US08317569B2
A wide chest band extends horizontally outward from each cup of a bra. The connecting end of each of the single chest bands splits into multiple connecting fingers to adjustably connect with mating multiple connecting fingers extending from the connecting end of the other single breast band. Each of the pairs of mating fingers has adjustable connectors so that each of the pairs of mating fingers is adjusted independently to allow the bra to attach firmly and comfortably around a tapered torso of a wearer taking into account the varying girth at different heights on the tapered body.
US08317564B1
A children's building system is comprised of panels that can be connected together to form a structure formed from one or more layers of connected panels. The panel includes a connecting flange along one side edge and a channel member along an opposite side edge. The channel member is sized, configured, and shaped to receive the connecting flange of an adjacent panel, such that panels can be connected together to form a “wall”. In one embodiment, the system includes a connector to vertically connect the panels. The connector defines upper and lower channels or slots and can rest on a lower panel and receive an upper panel, thereby enabling a second level of panels to be formed over the first level of panels. In another embodiment, the panels include a tongue on an upper edge and an downwardly opening slot in the bottom edge, wherein the tongue is sized and shaped to be received in the slot. In both instances, vertical walls of a desired height can be constructed, but the ability to form horizontal “floor” or “ceiling” surfaces is substantially prevented.
US08317556B2
A boat propulsion system includes a power source, a propulsion section, a shift position switching mechanism arranged to switch among a first shift position, a second shift position, and a neutral position, a gear ratio switching mechanism, an actuator, and a control section. When switching is to be performed from the neutral position to the first shift position and the high-speed gear ratio, the control section is arranged to cause the actuator to, maintain the low-speed gear ratio, switch to the first shift position, and then establish the high-speed gear ratio when the current gear ratio of the gear ratio switching mechanism is the low-speed gear ratio, and cause the actuator to establish the low-speed gear ratio before switching to the first shift position, switch to the first shift position, and then establish the high-speed gear ratio when the current gear ratio of the gear ratio switching mechanism is the high-speed gear ratio. This arrangement improves the durability of a power source and a power transmission mechanism in a boat propulsion system including an electronically controlled shift mechanism.
US08317555B2
An amphibious robotic crawler for traversing a body of water having two frame units coupled end-to-end or in tandem by an actuated linkage arm. Each frame unit includes a housing with a drivable continuous track rotatably supported thereon. The frame units are operable with a power supply, a drive mechanism and a control module. Each frame unit further includes a buoyancy control element for suspending the frame unit in the water, and for controlling the depth of the robotic crawler within the water. The control module coordinates the rotation of the continuous tracks, the position of the linkage arm and the buoyancy of the buoyancy control elements to control movement, direction and pose of the robotic crawler through the body of water.
US08317554B1
A modular hydraulic thruster system for vessel. At least one thruster is hydraulically connected to a power pack and electrically connected to an instrument panel. The instrument panel has a thrust angle indicator, tube gear clamp status indicator, extension indicator, tilt angle indicator, and tachometer, all pertaining to each thruster. The thruster includes a tube rotating and reciprocating through a housing, which is rotatably attached to a bracket. A swivel union is attached to one end of the tube; a hydraulic motor drives a propeller to an opposite end of the tube. Some instrumentation electrical and hydraulic lines are routed through the swivel union and into the tube; others are further routed out of the tube through a tube aperture and through a flexible spiral conduit to accommodate tube reciprocation within the housing. Means is disclosed to prevent a swivel union stationary section from rotating relative to the housing.
US08317553B2
A terminal fitting (10) is provided with a box-shaped portion (12) in the form of a rectangular tube, a tab (11) projecting forward from the front end of the box-shaped portion (12), and a crimping portion (13) arranged behind and at a distance from the box-shaped portion (12) and to be crimped and connected to a wire (30). An entrance preventing wall (26) extending obliquely backward in a cantilever manner from an upper wall (23) constituting the box-shaped portion (12) is formed in the box-shaped portion (12).
US08317544B2
A mounting structure for a shielding shell (70) is provided for covering a housing (50) to be connected to a motor case. The mounting structure includes a metal plate (30) integrally to the housing (50) and adapted to attach the housing (50) to the motor case by mounting bolts. A first shielding shell (70A) has two overlapping pieces (76) and is adapted to cover the front side of the housing (50). A second shielding shell (70B) includes two fixing pieces (72) and is adapted to cover upper, left and right sides of the housing (50). The overlapping pieces (76) and the fixing pieces (72) are plates extending along the metal plate (30) and fastened together with the metal plate (30) to the motor case by the mounting bolts while being placed one over the other.
US08317541B2
An opening (K) is formed in one side surface of a housing (1) to expose cavities (5) inside. Retaining portions (8) are formed in the cavities (5) to prevent female terminal fittings (7) accommodated from above the opening (K) from coming out backward by engaging the female terminal fittings (7). A cover member (2) includes a cover (15), which is slid along a plane direction of the opening (K) from a rear side of the housing (1). When the opening (K) is closed by the cover (15), thinned portions (36) of the cover (15) slip under locking walls (19) to prevent the cover (15) from coming out upward. Further, a lock arm (28) of the housing (1) is engaged with a locking edge of the cover member (2), whereby the cover member (2) is mounted on the connector housing (1).
US08317539B2
A coaxial interconnect and contact are provided. The coaxial contact is patterned to define a plurality of openings along its longitudinal length. An inner surface of the contact can circumferentially engage an outer surface of a mating contact, wherein such engagement causes at least a portion of the contact to flex radially outwardly. The contact can also flex in the longitudinal or axial direction.
US08317538B2
Disclosed is a terminating connector comprising a terminating connector housing, fastening means that are embodied monolithically with the connector housing and are used for fixing the terminating connector to a socket, and an insulating member which is rotatably mounted in the terminating connector housing and is used for retaining contact elements that can engage with corresponding contact elements in a socket insulating member.
US08317536B2
A grounding clamp carries a through-hole where one end of the hole or opening carries a multi-sided socket, such as a hex-shaped socket or depression. A pair of ball studs extend in part into the through-hole and threadably lock together trapping or sandwiching the clamp therebetween. One of the ball studs is blocked from rotating by the hex-shaped socket. As the other ball stud is rotated onto it, the three components, the clamp and the two ball studs form a composite grounding assembly which is locked together.
US08317535B2
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a battery connector. The battery connector includes a plurality of signal terminals separated from each other by a first distance, a positive terminal separated from the plurality of signal terminals by a second distance greater than the first distance, an insulative positioning pin between the plurality of signal terminals and the positive terminal, protruding farther than the positive terminal, and a negative terminal separated from the plurality of signal terminals by a third distance greater than the first distance and protruding farther than the positive terminal, the plurality of signal terminals being between the positioning pin and the negative terminal.
US08317530B2
In a waterproof connector, an annular packing 33 is mounted on an outer periphery of a tubular fitting portion of a connector housing, and when a fitting portion of a mating connector is fitted to the tubular fitting portion, the annular packing forms a seal between the two fitting portions. An annular ridge 41 is formed on an outer periphery of the packing 33, and the annular ridge 41 is formed into a generally mountain-shape and has a pair of inclined surfaces 41a and 41b inclining respectively in opposite directions along an axis of the tubular fitting portion. An angle α of inclination of the inclined surface 41a disposed close to a front end of the packing disposed at an insertion side of the tubular fitting portion is larger than an angle of inclination of the other inclined surface 41b.
US08317521B2
A computer-implemented method teaches a user to evaluate a gemstone, such as a cut diamond. The method includes providing a computer system connected to an apparatus capable of capturing an image of a gemstone. The computer system is arranged to process a received image of a gemstone to determine one or more optical properties of the gemstone. In one aspect, the method presents on a display of the computer system a series of pre-stored screens comprising a graphical representation how the cut of a gemstone affects its light handling ability, and a user interface screen. The user interface screen allows the user to control the operation of the apparatus to measure the one or more optical properties of a particular gemstone provided to the apparatus, to view an image of the gemstone measured, and to view representations of the measured one or more optical properties.
US08317520B2
A system, method and apparatus measures and classifies innovation skills and technical capability of individuals based on predefined referencable attributes. The classification is used to help individuals improve their innovative abilities and to build innovation teams. The classifications are stored such that they may be further analyzed and used.
US08317517B2
A potty training device for use on toilets has a target releasably attached to a bent rod which is pivotally attached to a clamping means. The clamping means clamps onto a rim of a bowl. When an annular seat is lowered, it depresses a button which pivots the rod from the center of the bowl towards its side. When the annular seat is raised, the button is released and the rod rotates so as to bring the target towards the center of the bowl.
US08317515B2
Shape memory dental retention systems which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured to an anchoring implant bored into the bones within the mouth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory material sleeves or plates or elements extending along the abutment. Each of the sleeves has a length with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.
US08317511B2
A dual fuel heating apparatus can include a safety control system having a shutoff valve, a thermocouple solenoid assembly, a first nozzle, and a second nozzle. The first nozzle can be positioned to direct heat from combustion of a first gas, liquid, or combination thereof towards the thermocouple solenoid assembly when the first gas, liquid, or combination thereof is being combusted. The second nozzle can be positioned to direct heat from combustion of a second gas, liquid, or combination thereof towards the thermocouple solenoid assembly when the second gas, liquid, or combination thereof is being combusted. The thermocouple solenoid assembly can be configured to maintain the shutoff valve in an open position based on heat from combustion directed to the thermocouple solenoid assembly or in a closed position based on an absence of heat from combustion directed to the thermocouple solenoid assembly.
US08317509B2
A two-shot molding system with four independent molding positions at ninety degree intervals allow injection of the first shot, injection of the second shot, cooling, and ejection of the product to occur simultaneously while the mold is closed. Thus, the invention decreases cycle time, increases throughput, and allows for adequate cooling time without delaying injection and ejection.
US08317504B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for producing plastic granulate, having a granulator which breaks up essentially continuously conveyed plastic mass flow into granulate particles, the granulator (17, 40) comprising a cutting unit (21, 22; 32, 33, 34), whose cutting elements engage on the plastic mass flow when breaking up the plastic, and the device (1, 31) comprising at least one oscillation sensor (24, 25; 60, 61), using which oscillations occurring on the device (1, 31), in particular on the granulator (17, 40), may be detected.
US08317501B2
Gas of a predetermined pressure, which is equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure, is filled in a damper chamber of a damper member that includes first and second-side diaphragms. A first-side limiting portion of a first-side cover member and a second-side limiting portion of a second-side cover member are engageable with a first-side concave portion of the first-side diaphragm and a second-side concave portion of the second-side diaphragm, respectively, to limit bulging of the damper member when a pressure of a fluid chamber is equal to or less than the predetermined pressure.
US08317498B2
A pump assembly with valve-seat interface architecture configured to extend the life of pump components and the assembly. A valve of the pump assembly is equipped with a conformable valve insert that is configured with a circumferential component having the capacity to reduce the radial strain of its own deformation upon its striking of a valve seat at the interface within the pump assembly. The circumferential component may include a concave surface about the insert, a rounded abutment at the strike surface of the insert, or a core mechanism within the insert that is of greater energy absorbing character than surrounding material of the insert. Additionally, the valve seat itself may be configured for more even wear over time and equipped with a conformable seat insert to reduce wear on the valve insert.
US08317497B2
A motor-fan unit includes an end plate assembly, a motor assembly supported by the end plate assembly, and a shaft rotated by the motor assembly and extending through the end plate assembly. The fan assembly further includes a discharge shell, a tapered stationary fan which has a concave underside, and a rotating fan secured to the rotatable shaft and disposed between the discharge shell and the stationary fan. The tapered stationary fan includes a fan side which is substantially parallel and aligned with the frusto-conical shape of the fan disc of the rotating fan. A tapered fan shell is supported by the discharge shell and held in place by the stationary fan. A fan shroud secures the stationary fan and the fan shell to the discharge shell to prevent damage to a rotating fan secured to the shaft and positioned between the fan shroud and the stationary fan.
US08317487B2
The respective spaces for forming gas passages on the suction side formed on the front and rear side cylinder blocks are assembled together to configure a gas passage on the suction side, and the respective spaces for providing gas passages on the discharge side are connected with each other to configure a gas passage on the discharge side. A gas port leading to the suction side space is provided on one of both cylinder blocks, and a gas port leading to the discharge side space is arranged on the other. A circumferential width of the space for forming a gas passage communicating with the gas port is made larger than a circumferential width of a space for forming a gas passage not communicating with the gas port in the respective cylinder block. Partition walls are contacted with each other in the axial direction when both cylinder blocks are assembled.
US08317473B1
A showerhead cooling arrangement for a turbine airfoil in which the showerhead includes a row of film cooling holes on the stagnation point of the leading edge, a row of pressure side film cooling holes, and a row of suction side film cooling holes to form the showerhead. A pattern of grooves is formed on the leading edge surface in both a criss cross shape and three longitudinal shapes and in which the showerhead film cooling holes are located in the grooves. A TBC is applied over the leading edge surface and into the grooves. The grooves retain the TBC and prevent spallation, and the grooves hold the film layer together longer so that the cooling effectiveness is increased.
US08317470B2
A combined ceiling fan and light fitting (fan/light) (1) having folding fan blades (12) is provided. The fan light (1) has a blade support (13) arranged to be rotated by an electric motor (6), with blades (12) being secured to the blade support (13), a root end of each blade (12) being pivotable between folded and operative positions about a blade pivot axis-(14) fixed in the blade support (13). In one aspect of the invention, an improved mechanism is provided for synchronizing movement of the blades. This uses a sun gear (16) mounted to the blade support and arranged to mesh with planet gears (17) that rotate about the blade pivot axes (14). In addition improvements are provided to blades (12, 33, 60) and blade mounting arrangements that balance compact folding of the blades (12, 33, 60) and good air moving effectiveness.
US08317449B2
Embodiments of multiple substrate transfer robots and substrate processing systems have been disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a multiple substrate transfer robot is provided and may include an arm capable of extending along a horizontal direction; and a wrist coupled to the arm and having a plurality of blades coupled thereto, each blade configured to horizontally support a substrate thereupon and vertically disposed with respect to each of the other blades. In some embodiments, a substrate processing system is provided and may include a substrate processing chamber having a plurality of susceptors, wherein each susceptor is vertically disposed and capable of holding a semiconductor substrate; and a substrate transfer robot having a plurality of blades for transferring a plurality of substrates to and from the processing chamber, each blade configured to horizontally support a substrate thereupon and vertically disposed with respect to each of the other blades.
US08317444B1
A system for anchoring a cover plate over an interface formed between substantially coplanar substrates includes a sleeve capable of being anchored in a first substrate; a spring located in the sleeve; a bolt located in communication with the spring; and a nut threaded onto the bolt. A head of the bolt is located in the sleeve, and an end of the bolt opposite the head of the bolt extends out of the sleeve to receive the nut. The nut is threaded onto the bolt over the cover plate located on the first substrate such that the cover plate extends over the interface formed between the first and second substrates when they are positioned to be substantially coplanar.
US08317439B2
A cutting tool of the sort used for deep hole drilling has a cutting head mounted on a shank. The cutting head is formed asymmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis and has at least one cutting edge. The cutting head has guiding segments that extend from a forward end to a rear end of the cutting head. Each of the guiding segments has a guiding pad in the periphery thereof. A forward end of the guiding pad lies on a cylindrical envelope defined by the cutting diameter of the cutting tool. A rear engagement portion of the cutting head is engaged with a forward engagement portion of the shank. The cutting head is made from sintered carbide powders and the guiding pads are integrally formed with the cutting head.
US08317437B2
An apparatus for a drilling operation. In one advantageous embodiment, the drilling operation includes a motor, a rotary sensor, and a controller connected to the rotary sensor. The rotary sensor may be capable of generating a signal in response to rotary movement of the drill motor. The controller may be capable of monitoring a speed of the air motor from the signal generated by the rotary sensor and may be capable of identifying a change from a current layer in a stackup to a new layer in the stackup using the signal.
US08317435B2
The invention relates to a cutting insert for clamping into a disc-type or strip-shaped tool body, in particular, for milling crankshafts, whereby the insert is substantially cuboid-shaped and has two front faces, two side faces, serving as cutting faces as well as an upper and a lower side face, whereby a convex face is arranged between the front faces and the upper and lower side faces, so that the upper and lower side faces and the convex face form cutting edges each with a side face. According to invention, the cutting insert has an inwardly-tapered face adjoining the convex face, which allows the cutting edge to protrude and tapered chamfers are provided between the inwardly-tapered faces of the front face on both sides of a planar supporting surface to the outer edge.
US08317434B2
In a tool system for machining, having at least one receptacle for a cutting insert which can be brought at least partly with a bearing surface of convex curvature into contact with a supporting surface of concave curvature on the receptacle, the convexity and concavity of bearing surface and supporting surface, respectively, which face one another, define lines of curvature which are different from one another and of which at least one deviates from the circular form.
US08317428B2
A marine structure comprising a supporting member that comprises a wall at least partially delimiting said supporting member such that an inner side of said wall is arranged to at least partially delimit an inner volume of said supporting member and an outer side of said wall is arranged to face the ambient environment of said supporting member. The marine structure further comprises a drain pipe adapted to guide fluid from said marine structure to a body of water at least partially surrounding said marine structure. At least a portion of said outer side of said wall partially delimits said drain pipe.
US08317426B2
A tamper as a soil-compacting device having a combustion engine, a soil contact element, and a motion conversion device for converting a rotary movement of the combustion engine into an oscillating linear movement of the soil contact element. Furthermore, a clutch device for connecting and interrupting the force flow between the combustion engine and the motion conversion device is provided. In addition to the combustion engine, an electric motor with a rotor and a stator is provided, wherein the operator can switch between the combustion engine and the electric motor. The rotor can be arranged directly on a clutch bell of the clutch device.
US08317424B2
Oral care devices are provided that include a first component and a second component removably engaged with the first component; the first and second components having a respective fluid passageway extending therethrough, the respective passageways capable of fluid communication while the first and second components are engaged; and at least one of the first and second components including a sealing member constructed to allow fluid communication between the first and second passageways when the first and second passageways are engaged and to close the associated passageway when the first and second components are disengaged. Oral care devices are also provided that include a replaceable and refillable cartridge.
US08317415B2
A mounting apparatus comprises a shell, a positioning member, a rotating member, and a connecting member. The positioning member is secured to the shell; the connecting member is adapted to secure a camera module. The rotating member is secured to the connecting member, and extends out off the shell. The positioning member includes a first flange and a second flange, the connecting member is rotatable and secured between the first flange and the second flange, and the connecting member is rotatable between a first position by the rotating member, where the connecting member abuts the first flange, and a second position, where the connecting member abuts the second flange.
US08317411B2
A connector holder fixes an optical connector assembled at a leading end of an optical fiber to an optical module having a light input/output end so that the optical fiber and the light input/output end is optically connected. The connector holder is provided with a holding section for storing at least a part of the optical connector, and a cover section attached to the holding section to be freely opened and closed. The cover section is provided with a cover section main body, and a pressing section which presses the optical connector toward the optical module.
US08317406B2
An optical connector, which is capable of enhancing fittability into a cabinet, or the like on account of compactification and also avoiding problems of an increase of bead loss, a breakage, etc. of an optical fiber, can be provided. In an optical connector 1 that houses a fusion-spliced portion 13, in which a short optical fiber 5 that is fitted previously to an optical connector ferrule 85 and a coated optical fiber 3 are fusion spliced together and holds the fusion-spliced portion 13 therein, one end of a protection sleeve 87 made of the thermal shrinkage material that externally fixes the fusion-spliced portion 13 is coupled to the optical connector ferrule 85. An air escape hole 7ffor escaping an air, which is confined in the protection sleeve 87 when the protection sleeve 87 is thermally shrunk and adhered closely to the optical connector ferrule 85, to the outside is formed in the optical connector ferrule 85.
US08317395B2
The present invention is directed to a recloseable bag, comprising front and rear panels joined together along a joined region at lateral and bottom sides to define an inner pocket, the panels defining a principal opening at a top side thereof for removably receiving contents into the inner pocket; and a resealable closure having first and second lateral ends and disposed on a top side of the panels and configured for releasably joining the panels at the top side to releasably close the principal opening to retain the contents in the inner pocket wherein the front and rear panels define an assistive opening for facilitating opening of the bag for insertion and removal of the contents.
US08317393B2
A digital temperature sensing system and method for converting a test temperature into a digital output signal are disclosed. The system comprises a temperature-to-time circuit for generating a thermally sensitive time signal of which a width varies with the test temperature; an adjustable time reference circuit for generating a time reference signal of which a width changes with the digital set value; a time comparator for generating a time comparison signal according to a width difference between the thermally sensitive time signal and the time reference signal; a logic control circuit for adjusting the digital set value of the adjustable time reference circuit according to the time comparison signal so that the width of the thermally sensitive time signal and the width of time reference signal are close enough or substantially equal.
US08317389B2
A microtiter plate (1), which can be used in a device G, comprises a plurality of receptacles (2) disposed next to one another for a substance or fluid to be stirred and analyzed, wherein stirring rods (3) are provided for stirring. So as to drive these stirring rods, it is provided that the bottoms (4) of the individual receptacles (2) are displaceable and deflectable and that a stirring rod (3) penetrates each of them centrally, the rod being seized by a drive on an outer section (3b) protruding downward beyond the bottom (4) such that it can be set into a back and forth motion or a gyrating or rotary motion and thus continues the desired stirring motion on the inside of the receptacle (2).
US08317380B2
A heat-dissipating apparatus for a vehicle lamp includes: a light source unit comprising at least one LED; a housing which houses the light source unit therein and is formed with an opening in a rear portion thereof; a dust cover coupled to the housing at or near the position of the opening; and a cooling fan coupled to the dust cover for dissipating heat generated by the light source unit.
US08317374B2
A modularly constructed hand held, utility light is described and taught having a sealed electrical module and a separately attached handle module. In one embodiment. module includes two half shells that when assembled and attached to the electric module. Various embodiments of the handle module may comprise an articulation mechanism configured to allow the user to manipulate the direction of the light provided by the utility light by rotating the utility light in at least one direction. The articulation mechanism may comprise one or more of a ball and socket joint, a ratchet mechanism, or any other suitable device configured to allow a user to manipulate the direction of the light provided by the modular utility light. In another embodiment, the handle module may comprise a strap configured to facilitate cord management and/or allow a user to hang the modular utility light above a work area.
US08317371B1
A LED dock light has a support surface, a plurality of light emitting diodes, a heatsink, and a flexible neck member. The light emitting diodes are coupled to a first side of the support surface and the heatsink is coupled to a second side of the support surface. The heatsink has a plurality of heat fins.
US08317366B2
A light distributor includes a panel (202) having a textured surface (206) and a light distribution surface. A number of LEDs (204) are located in proximity to the textured surface. Some of the light (208, 212) impinging on the textured surface (206) is refracted or reflected (214, 216) into the panel (202) from where it can be transmitted through the distribution surface.
US08317357B2
An electronic lighting instrument features separate optical assemblies for flood lighting and spot lighting. The optical assemblies include primary, secondary, and tertiary optical elements. The housing of the instrument features a trilobal cross section and includes dust-and-moisture-sealed push buttons and lenses as part of the housing construction. Self-aligning assemblies to ensure correct electrical and mechanical assembly are provided. The housing also self-aligns with a mating docking station for recharging the instrument batteries in situ. The lighting instrument may be controlled by a microprocessor circuit to provide floodlight and spotlight beams and several operational states thereof depending on the need for illumination or signaling.
US08317353B1
A decorative roof light covering system includes a roof overhang that is attached to and extends downwardly from a roof. The roof overhang has a bottom edge, a first side and a second side. A plurality of decorations is attached to the bottom edge of the roof overhang. A cover includes a bottom wall that has a top side, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A first lateral wall is attached to and extends along the first lateral edge. A second lateral wall is attached to and extends along the second lateral edge. Each of the first and second lateral walls extends upwardly from the top side. A coupling assembly is attached to the roof overhang and releasably couples the cover to the roof overhang. The cover is attached to the roof overhang when the decorations are to be hidden from view.
US08317352B2
Non-invasive injection of light into a transparent substrate, such as a window pane through its face
Apparatus for illuminating a feature on a transparent light transmitting substrate or window: the substrate is capable of trapping light within itself and propagating the light along the substrate with total internal reflection. A light source is connected by an optical arrangement positioned with respect to one of the surfaces of the substrate for directing light into the substrate at an incident angle selected for propagation of light along the substrate. An extraction feature at a location on the surface of the substrate is configured to illuminate internal reflection at the feature, so that the feature becomes illuminated. Arrangements for the shape, orientation and adjustment of the optic, for configurations of the feature, for coupling the optic and also for coupling the feature to the substrate and particularly its surface are disclosed.
US08317348B2
A white light emitting device including: a blue light emitting diode chip having a dominant wavelength of 443 to 455 nm; a red phosphor disposed around the blue light emitting diode chip, the red phosphor excited by the blue light emitting diode chip to emit red light; and a green phosphor disposed around the blue light emitting diode chip, the green phosphor excited by the blue light emitting diode chip to emit green light, wherein the red light emitted from the red phosphor has a color coordinate falling within a space defined by four coordinate points (0.5448, 0.4544), (0.7079, 0.2920), (0.6427, 0.2905) and (0.4794, 0.4633) based on the CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram, and the green light emitted from the green phosphor has a color coordinate falling within a space defined by four coordinate points (0.1270, 0.8037), (0.4117, 0.5861), (0.4197, 0.5316) and (0.2555, 0.5030) based on the CIE 1931 color chromaticity diagram.
US08317344B2
Optical structure and design concepts are provided, using a Y-Zernike polynomial, and by which optical components, optical components and optical structures, can be designed and produced, to image at extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths, at a relatively high NA (e.g. 0.35), with a relatively large field of view (e.g. 26×2 mm). Moreover, an optical structure produced according to the principles of the present invention has a small amount of asymmetry, which enables the components of the optical structure to be manufactured with current manufacturing techniques.
US08317343B2
A mirror assembly may include a middle portion having a first side, a second side, and a perimeter, where the first side comprises a reflective portion. A front portion may be substantially transparent and may be formed by injecting a first thermoplastic material into a mold on the first side of the middle portion. A back portion may be substantially opaque and may be formed by injecting a second thermoplastic material into the mold on the second side of the middle portion. The front portion and the back portion together may substantially encompass the perimeter of the middle portion.
US08317342B2
Optical mirror elements having a diffusive backing, methods for making such optical mirror elements, and devices incorporating such optical mirror elements. The optical mirror element typically includes a first, reflective surface, and a second surface having uneven or granular features, wherein light passing through the first surface is diffusely reflected by the uneven or granular features of the second surface. The optical mirror elements are particularly well suited for use in Herriott Cell arrangements in gas analyzers.
US08317339B2
A discharge lamp lighting device includes: a discharge lamp driving unit that supplies an AC driving current to a discharge lamp to drive the discharge lamp; a current detecting unit that detects the AC driving current supplied to the discharge lamp; and a control unit that controls the discharge lamp driving unit, wherein the control unit controls the discharge lamp driving unit after a predetermined time from the start of lighting driving operation of the discharge lamp on the basis of the behavior of the AC driving current detected by the current detecting unit at the predetermined time from the start of lighting driving operation of the discharge lamp.
US08317330B2
The image display apparatus forms first and second images in mutually different viewing angle areas to display a combined (joined) image. The apparatus includes first and second image-forming elements respectively forming first and second original images, a first optical system reflecting a first light flux from the first image-forming element at least twice to introduce the first light flux to an exit pupil, and a second optical system reflecting a second light flux from the second image-forming element at least twice to introduce the second light flux to the first optical system. The first optical system introduces the first light flux and the second light flux from the second optical system to the exit pupil such that the first and second images respectively corresponding to the first and second original images are formed in the mutually different viewing angle areas in a first cross section.
US08317326B2
An optical tomographic imaging method is provided in which light from a light source is split into a measuring beam and a reference beam, the measuring beam being moved by a scanning optical system and guided to an object to be examined, the reference beam being guided to a reference mirror, and in which a tomogram of the object is generated from a return beam of the measuring beam reflected or scattered by the object and the reference beam reflected by the reference mirror. The method includes acquiring longitudinal sectional information on the object, calculating depth-position information on the object from the longitudinal sectional information, and acquiring a three-dimensional surface image of the object by controlling a reference-path length defined by the reference mirror and a scanning operation of the scanning optical system in accordance with the depth-position information on the object.
US08317323B2
The invention relates to a method of designing a soft contact lens, said lens having a central optic zone and with a peripheral zone around the central optic zone; the method comprising the steps of: (a) defining a back surface of the lens which is a satisfactory fit to the surface of a subject's cornea; (b) defining a front surface of the lens over at least the central optic zone, which surface is selected so as to ameliorate the subject's vision defects; (c) checking that the lens meets a desired range of thickness values at one or more selected parts of the lens and, if not, recalculating the front surface over at least the central optic zone so as to meet said desired thickness value range, wherein the lens is to be made of a substance having a Young's modulus in the range 0.08 to 0.40 MPa, and wherein the junction thickness of the lens is in the range 0.15-0.40 mm.
US08317315B2
A system for maintaining depth of focus in an ink jet printer between a series of print heads and corrugated media includes a vacuum transport in combination with a heating element positioned upstream of the series of print heads in order to help the vacuum transport acquire the corrugated media and seal edges of the corrugated media against a platen.
US08317310B2
An ink-jet head is disclosed. The ink-jet head can include: a chamber for holding ink, an actuator coupled to one side of the chamber to provide pressure to the chamber, a damper portion connected with the other side of the chamber, an accelerator portion extending from a lateral surface of the damper portion, and a nozzle formed at an end of the accelerator portion. Certain embodiments of the invention can be used to increase the speed at which ink is ejected and improve the straightness of the ejection path.
US08317307B2
A rectangular-shaped liquid container has first and second liquid storage chambers, each having an upper face, a bottom face, an upstream opening, and a downstream opening, in fluid communication; a first partition wall defining the bottom face of the first chamber and sloping so as to be lower towards a lowermost part of the first chamber; and a second partition wall defining the upper face of the first chamber and the bottom face of the second chamber and sloping so as to be lower towards a lowermost part of the second chamber. The lowermost parts of the two chambers are adjacent, the upstream and downstream openings of the first chamber are adjacent to the bottom face of the first chamber at its lowermost part, and the upstream and downstream openings of the second chamber are adjacent to the bottom face of the second chamber at its lowermost part.
US08317294B2
A liquid ejection apparatus includes: an ejection head that ejects a liquid from a nozzle; a cap that can seal an opening of the nozzle; an absorber disposed in the cap; a first ejection unit that allows to perform a first ejection operation toward the cap for maintenance of the nozzle; a suction unit that sucks the liquid from the cap; a second ejection unit that allows to perform a second ejection operation for replenishing the cap with a liquid before the suction, and a capping unit that covers the opening of the nozzle by the cap after the second ejection operation is performed.
US08317292B2
A method for monitoring relative position of a carriage and a recording medium in an inkjet printing system having a roller for advancing the recording medium along a recording medium advance direction, the method includes sending light from a light source toward at least a portion of the roller; receiving reflected light in a two-dimensional sensor mounted on the carriage; sending a signal from the two-dimensional sensor to a controller, wherein the signal indicates the pattern of reflected light received by the two-dimensional sensor; comparing the received signal by the controller to a signal stored in memory; and calculating a shift between the received signal and the signal stored in memory.
US08317287B2
An inkjet printing apparatus and an inkjet printing method are realized which can improve a print quality while minimizing the volume of waste ink, running cost and throughput degradations. For this purpose, the scan width is set according to the size and position of the print medium and then, based on that scan width, a location where the preliminary ejections are to be executed and the number of times that the preliminary ejection is to be executed in a single preliminary ejection session are determined.
